Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-Z

Overview

MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a synchronous step-down white LED driver IC with integrated 90mΩ/60mΩ high- and low-side MOSFETs, delivering up to 1.5A continuous LED current across a 4V–36V input range, operating at 2.2MHz fixed switching frequency, and qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 1 for automotive fog lights and DRLs.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-Z application, or MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-Z equivalent, this device supports PWM dimming (100Hz–2kHz), features fault indication for LED open/short and thermal shutdown, integrates internal soft start and forced CCM mode, and meets CISPR25 Class 5 EMI requirements in automotive lighting designs.

Technical Context

The MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-Z uses peak-current-mode control with a fixed 2.2MHz oscillator and built-in frequency foldback above 21V input, enabling stable regulation across wide VIN and load ranges. Its internal error amplifier compares FB voltage (195mV typ.) against a 0.195V reference to generate VCOMP, which controls HS-FET on-time via valley-current detection for OCP.

It implements forced continuous conduction mode (FCCM) across all loads, eliminating mode transitions and minimizing output ripple. The integrated 4.9V VCC regulator powers internal circuitry from VIN, while the bootstrap circuit (BST–SW) sustains high-side gate drive, and /FAULT provides open-drain fault signaling for LED open, short, or thermal events.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-Z is housed in a wettable flank QFN-13 package (2.5mm × 3mm, 0.5mm pitch), optimized for automated optical inspection (AOI) and thermal performance in space-constrained automotive PCBs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPQ4425AGQ-AEC1-Z, the MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-Z delivers higher output current and wettable flank reliability; versus LM3409QMYX/NOPB, it offers full integration, AEC-Q100 compliance, and superior EMI performance-making it optimal for volume automotive lighting.

Availability

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

Supply support for MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-Z 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 over two decades of leadership in DC/DC conversion, LED drivers, and motor control solutions.

The MPQ4425C product line is designed specifically for automotive exterior and interior LED lighting applications, emphasizing AEC-Q100 qualification, EMI robustness, thermal resilience, and integration to reduce system size and cost.

FAQ

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

The device supports PWM dimming from 100Hz to 2kHz. At 100Hz, it achieves full brightness control without visible flicker in static lighting applications. The internal comparator and fast fault response (<10μs) ensure stable dimming even at the lower end of this range, provided the PWM on-time exceeds 5ms during initial startup.

Does MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-Z require an external bootstrap resistor?

Yes - the datasheet strongly recommends placing a 20Ω resistor between the SW and BST pins. This resistor damps high-frequency ringing on the bootstrap node caused by parasitic inductance, improving gate-drive stability and reducing EMI emissions during HS-FET turn-on transitions.

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

During LED open, the /FAULT pin is actively pulled low within 10μs via its open-drain structure. It remains low until the fault condition clears and the device completes a full restart cycle. No external pull-up is required for basic fault signaling, though a 10kΩ pull-up to 3.3V is typical for MCU interrupt interfacing.

Can MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-Z operate with input voltage below 4V?

No - the absolute minimum operating input voltage is 4V, enforced by an under-voltage lockout (UVLO) with 3.5V rising threshold and 400mV hysteresis. Below this, the device remains disabled and draws only 12μA shutdown current, preventing erratic regulation or latch-up during brown-out conditions.

Is the FB pin internally compensated, or does it require external compensation components?

The error amplifier features an optimized internal compensation network, eliminating the need for external Type-II or Type-III compensation. Only the FB sense resistor is required to set LED current; no external capacitors or resistors are needed on the FB node for stable loop operation across temperature and load.

What thermal derating applies above 125°C ambient temperature?

The device is rated for junction temperatures up to 150°C. With θ_JA = 42°C/W on the EVQ4425C-QB-00A evaluation board, sustained 1.5A operation at 125°C ambient requires ≤1.2W total power dissipation - achievable via proper copper pour, thermal vias, and airflow. Derating curves are provided in Figure 9 of the datasheet.

Does MPQ4425CGQBE-AEC1-Z support analog dimming via the FB pin?

No - analog dimming is not supported. The FB pin is strictly for current-sense feedback with a fixed 195mV reference. Brightness control is implemented exclusively via PWM applied to the EN/DIM pin; varying the FB reference voltage is not permitted and would disrupt regulation accuracy.