Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ4425BGQBE-AEC1-P

Overview

MPQ4425BGQBE-AEC1-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a synchronous step-down white LED driver IC with integrated 85mΩ/50mΩ MOSFETs, delivering up to 1.5A continuous LED current across a 4V–36V input range. It operates at a fixed 400kHz switching frequency, supports PWM dimming (100Hz–2kHz), and features fault indication for LED open/short and thermal shutdown-designed for automotive headlamp and daytime running light (DRL) systems.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4425BGQBE-AEC1-P datasheet, MPQ4425BGQBE-AEC1-P pinout, MPQ4425BGQBE-AEC1-P application, or MPQ4425BGQBE-AEC1-P equivalent, this AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified LED driver provides verified current-mode control, CISPR25 Class 5 EMI compliance, forced CCM operation, 0.2V reference voltage, and valley-current-based over-current protection-key parameters for robust automotive lighting design.

Technical Context

The MPQ4425BGQBE-AEC1-P implements peak-current-mode control with a fixed 400kHz oscillator and internal 0.2V reference, enabling precise LED current regulation via FB feedback. Its dual-MOSFET architecture (85mΩ HS / 50mΩ LS) and forced CCM mode ensure stable operation from no-load to full 1.5A load while minimizing output ripple.

It integrates bootstrap charging with SW/BST capacitor management, valley-current OCP detection, and an open-drain /FAULT pin that asserts low on LED open, short-to-GND, short-to-LED−, or thermal shutdown (170°C trip, 140°C recovery). The EN/DIM pin serves dual function: logic enable and PWM dimming input with 1.45V rising threshold and 25ms shutdown delay on sustained low.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4425BGQBE-AEC1-P is housed in a wettable flank QFN-13 package (2.5mm × 3.0mm, 0.5mm pitch), optimized for automated optical inspection (AOI) and thermal performance in automotive PCBs. Exposed thermal pad must be soldered to PCB ground plane for θ_JA = 42°C/W (MPS EVB).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous step-down LED driver applications.

Compared with MPQ4425BGQBE-AEC1-P, the MPQ4425BGQB-AEC1 sacrifices AOI capability for lower unit cost, while the LT3966 demands external FETs and lacks integrated fault diagnostics-making the MPQ4425BGQBE-AEC1-P optimal for cost-sensitive, high-volume automotive lighting with stringent manufacturing traceability.

Availability

MPQ4425BGQBE-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting, commercial vehicle lamps, and industrial LED signage requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MPQ4425BGQBE-AEC1-P includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Monolithic Power Systems (MPS) is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in high-performance power management ICs, with design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MPQ4425B product line delivers AEC-Q100-qualified LED drivers for automotive exterior lighting, emphasizing integration (dual MOSFETs, bootstrap, OCP), EMI robustness (CISPR25 Class 5), and functional safety support (fault reporting, thermal protection).

FAQ

What is the minimum PWM dimming frequency supported by MPQ4425BGQBE-AEC1-P?

The EN/DIM pin accepts external PWM signals from 100Hz to 2kHz. At 100Hz, the device maintains stable current regulation with ≤3% I_LED ripple; frequencies below 100Hz risk visible flicker and reduced dimming linearity due to soft-start interaction.

Can MPQ4425BGQBE-AEC1-P operate with a 3.3V input supply?

No. The absolute minimum input voltage is 4V per datasheet specifications, and the under-voltage lockout (UVLO) rising threshold is 3.5V. Operation below 4V will cause immediate shutdown and prevent startup-even if V_CC appears nominal.

Is the /FAULT pin actively driven high during normal operation?

No. /FAULT is an open-drain output. During normal operation, it remains high-impedance and requires an external pull-up resistor (typically 10kΩ–100kΩ) to V_CC or VIN to assert logic high; it pulls low only during fault conditions.

What is the purpose of the NC pin (Pin 3) in the QFN-13 package?

Pin 3 is internally unconnected and must remain floating-no trace, solder, or thermal pad connection is permitted. Routing or grounding this pin violates the validated layout and may induce latch-up or parametric shift per MPS reliability testing.

Does MPQ4425BGQBE-AEC1-P support analog dimming via the FB pin?

No. The FB pin is strictly for current-sense feedback referencing the 0.2V internal reference. Analog dimming is not supported; brightness control is implemented exclusively via PWM on the EN/DIM pin or external current-sense resistor scaling.

How does the bootstrap capacitor charging work during light-load CCM operation?

During CCM, the low-side MOSFET conducts each cycle, allowing VIN–V_SW to reach maximum difference and rapidly charge the BST capacitor. A 20Ω resistor between SW and BST is mandatory to damp ringing and limit inrush current into the BST capacitor.

What thermal derating applies above 85°C ambient temperature?

With θ_JA = 42°C/W (MPS EVB), maximum allowable power dissipation drops linearly: at 85°C ambient, P_D(MAX) = (125°C − 85°C) / 42°C/W = 0.95W. Layout improvements (more vias, larger ground pour) can improve real-world θ_JA by 15–20%.