Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-P

Overview

MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-P from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified, synchronous step-down white LED driver with integrated 90mΩ/60mΩ MOSFETs, delivering up to 1.5A continuous LED current across a 4V–36V input range, operating at 2.2MHz fixed switching frequency, and supporting PWM dimming from 100Hz to 2kHz. It is designed for automotive exterior lighting including fog lights and DRLs.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-P datasheet, MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-P pinout, MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-P application, or MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-P equivalent, key selection considerations include its wettable flank QFN-13 package, CISPR25 Class 5 EMI compliance, fault reporting via open-drain /FAULT pin, and forced continuous conduction mode (FCCM) for stable light-output ripple across load conditions.

Technical Context

The MPQ4425C employs peak-current-mode control with internal 0.195V reference and optimized compensation network, enabling fast transient response and stable regulation without external loop components. Its 2.2MHz switching frequency supports compact magnetics and reduces output voltage ripple in FCCM operation.

It integrates high-side and low-side power MOSFETs with R_DS(ON) of 90mΩ and 60mΩ respectively, and features valley-current-detection over-current protection, thermal shutdown at 150°C with 30°C hysteresis, and fault indication for LED short/open conditions via /FAULT pin.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-P is housed in a wettable flank QFN-13 package (2.5mm × 3mm, 0.5mm pitch), optimized for automated optical inspection (AOI) and robust solder-joint reliability in automotive environments.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPQ4425AGQBE-AEC1-Z, the wettable flank package enables automated solder-joint verification critical for automotive production; versus LM3409QMYX/NOPB, MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-P delivers lower system cost, smaller footprint, and built-in diagnostics-reducing validation effort and time-to-market.

Availability

MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for fog lights, daytime running lights (DRLs), and puddle lights requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and long-term automotive lifecycle support.

Supply support for MPQ4425CGQBE-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 distribution through authorized partners.

The MPQ4425C belongs to MPS's automotive-grade LED driver product line, engineered specifically for exterior lighting systems demanding high efficiency, EMI robustness, functional safety awareness, and AEC-Q100 qualification.

FAQ

What is the minimum PWM dimming frequency supported by MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-P?

The device supports PWM dimming from 100Hz to 2kHz. At 100Hz, it achieves stable dimming without visible flicker in automotive lighting applications. The EN/DIM pin accepts external square-wave signals within this range, with minimum amplitude of 1.8V and duty-cycle-dependent average LED current regulation.

Does MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-P require external compensation components?

No. The MPQ4425C integrates an optimized internal compensation network for its error amplifier and current-mode control loop. This eliminates the need for external RC networks, simplifying design and improving consistency across production units while maintaining stability with standard 2.2µH inductors and ceramic output capacitors.

How does the /FAULT pin behave during LED open-circuit condition?

During LED open, the /FAULT pin is actively pulled low via its open-drain structure within 10μs. This provides immediate system-level notification without software polling. The pin remains low until the fault clears and soft-start completes, ensuring reliable fault latching even during brief transients.

Can MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-P operate below 4V input?

No. The device incorporates an under-voltage lockout (UVLO) with rising threshold at 3.5V (typ.) and hysteresis of 400mV. Operation below 4V is prohibited to prevent unstable regulation and potential damage; it will remain in shutdown until VIN exceeds the UVLO rising threshold.

Is the BST capacitor value critical for reliable operation?

Yes. A 0.1µF ceramic capacitor is required between BST and SW pins to sustain high-side gate drive. Exceeding 0.1µF risks overstress during startup; omitting the recommended 20Ω series resistor increases SW node ringing and may trigger false OCP events due to voltage spikes.

What thermal performance can be expected on a standard 4-layer PCB?

On a JEDEC-standard 4-layer board (2oz copper), θ_JA is 60°C/W. With 1.5A LED current and 12V input, typical power loss is ~0.8W, resulting in ~48°C case rise above ambient. Using the EVQ4425C-QB-00A evaluation board (4-layer, 2oz, 6.4cm × 6.4cm), θ_JA improves to 42°C/W for better thermal headroom.

Does MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-P support analog dimming?

No. The device does not support analog (DC) dimming via FB or other pins. Dimming is exclusively implemented via PWM applied to the EN/DIM pin. Attempting to vary FB voltage results in regulation error and uncontrolled current-only PWM-based brightness control is supported and characterized.