Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ4433GLE-5-AEC1-P

Overview

MPQ4433GLE-5-AEC1-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a 36V, 3A synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, fixed 5V output, integrated 90mΩ high-side and 40mΩ low-side MOSFETs, programmable 350kHz–2.5MHz switching frequency, and 10μA quiescent current in sleep mode. It delivers high efficiency across automotive cold-crank (low-dropout) and light-load (AAM) conditions for infotainment power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4433GLE-5-AEC1-P datasheet, MPQ4433GLE-5-AEC1-P pinout, MPQ4433GLE-5-AEC1-P application, or MPQ4433GLE-5-AEC1-P equivalent, key selection criteria include AEC-Q100 compliance, wettable flank QFN-16 package for solder joint inspection, 5V fixed output with ±1.5% FB reference accuracy, valley-current OCP with hiccup protection, and support for external clock synchronization with phase selection.

Technical Context

The MPQ4433GLE-5-AEC1-P employs current-mode control with valley-current detection for fast transient response and stable operation across 3.3V–36V input. Its advanced asynchronous mode (AAM) dynamically scales switching frequency under light load to minimize gate-driving and switching losses, achieving >90% efficiency at 1mA output.

It integrates dual MOSFETs, a precision 0.8V feedback reference (±1.5% over temperature), programmable soft-start via external capacitor, and robust fault protection including thermal shutdown (170°C), over-current (4.7–7.3A HS limit), and reverse-current blocking. The BIAS pin enables external 5–18V supply to reduce internal dissipation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4433GLE-5-AEC1-P is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-16 (3mm × 4mm) package with exposed thermal pad and wettable flank leads for reliable solder-joint inspection.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPQ4433GLE-5-AEC1-P, the MPQ4433GL-5-AEC1 omits wettable flanks but retains identical electrical specs and AEC-Q100 qualification, while the TPS543320RHLR offers higher integration (dual-output capable) but fails automotive qualification and cold-crank operation - making MPQ4433GLE-5-AEC1-P the sole choice for production-grade automotive 5V point-of-load conversion requiring AOI and full-battery-range support.

Availability

MPQ4433GLE-5-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, ADAS camera modules, body control units, and telematics systems requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MPQ4433GLE-5-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 analog and power ICs, with core expertise in DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting solutions.

The MPQ4433 product line is designed specifically for automotive power management, emphasizing AEC-Q100 qualification, low IQ operation, and robust fault protection for safety-critical and always-on vehicle subsystems.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the BIAS pin on MPQ4433GLE-5-AEC1-P?

The BIAS pin accepts an external 5–18V supply to power the internal gate drivers and control circuitry, bypassing the internal VCC regulator. This reduces power dissipation by up to 30%, improves full-load efficiency, and lowers die temperature - especially beneficial in thermally constrained automotive modules.

How does the MPQ4433GLE-5-AEC1-P achieve low quiescent current in sleep mode?

It uses a dedicated low-power sleep mode that disables the oscillator, gate drivers, and most internal circuitry while maintaining bias on critical comparators. This results in 10μA typical IQ at VIN=12V and TJ=25°C, enabling multi-year battery life in always-on telematics and alarm systems without compromising startup readiness.

Can the MPQ4433GLE-5-AEC1-P operate during automotive cold-crank conditions?

Yes. Its wide 3.3V–36V input range and low-dropout mode allow regulation down to VIN = VOUT + 0.3V. When configured for 5V output, it sustains regulation even as battery voltage dips to 5.3V during cranking - verified per ISO 16750-2 Pulse 4 test profiles.

What is the function of the PHASE pin, and how should it be used?

The PHASE pin selects whether the internal switching node aligns in-phase or 180° out-of-phase with the external SYNC clock. Driving PHASE high selects in-phase; driving low selects 180° offset. For single-converter use, tie PHASE to GND to disable functionality and reduce noise coupling.

Does the MPQ4433GLE-5-AEC1-P require an external feedback resistor divider?

No. As a fixed 5V output variant, the FB pin is internally connected to the output voltage reference. The datasheet specifies direct connection of FB to VOUT - eliminating external resistors, reducing BOM count, and improving regulation accuracy by removing divider tolerance and leakage errors.

How is over-current protection implemented, and what happens during a short circuit?

It uses valley-current detection on the low-side MOSFET to trigger over-current protection. During sustained short-circuit, the device enters hiccup mode: it shuts down for ~10ms, attempts restart, and repeats until fault clears - limiting average input current to <100mA and preventing thermal runaway.

What PCB layout considerations are critical for thermal performance?

Thermal performance depends on connecting the exposed thermal pad (pins 4 and 9 PGND) to a large internal copper pour with ≥6 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter) to inner ground planes. The PGND and AGND traces must be separated and joined at a single point near the IC to avoid noise coupling into the feedback path.