Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ4436AGRE-33-AEC1-P

Overview

MPQ4436AGRE-33-AEC1-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a 45V, 6A AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified synchronous step-down converter with fixed 3.3V output, integrated 48mΩ HS-FET and 20mΩ LS-FET, 1.7μA shutdown current, and configurable 350–1000kHz switching frequency. It delivers high efficiency across automotive input ranges (3.3V–45V) and supports cold-crank operation via low-dropout mode - deployed in ADAS camera modules requiring stable 3.3V rail under battery transients.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4436AGRE-33-AEC1-P datasheet, MPQ4436AGRE-33-AEC1-P pinout, MPQ4436AGRE-33-AEC1-P application, or MPQ4436AGRE-33-AEC1-P equivalent, key selection criteria include AEC-Q100 qualification, wettable flank QFN-20 package for solder joint inspection, 100ns minimum on-time for high VIN/VOUT ratios, hiccup OCP for robust fault handling, and PG signal with ±5% window for system monitoring.

Technical Context

The MPQ4436AGRE-33-AEC1-P implements current-mode control with internal power MOSFETs, enabling fast transient response and stable regulation across load currents up to 6A. Its dual modulation scheme - selectable Advanced Asynchronous Modulation (AAM) for light-load efficiency or Forced Continuous Conduction Mode (FCCM) for low-noise operation - is configured via the MODE pin.

It integrates frequency foldback at startup to prevent inductor current runaway, supports external synchronization (350–1000kHz), provides out-of-phase SYNC output, and features spread-spectrum switching to meet CISPR25 Class 5 EMI requirements in automotive environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4436AGRE-33-AEC1-P is housed in a wettable flank QFN-20 (4mm × 4mm) package with exposed thermal pad, rated MSL-1 and qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 1 (−40°C to +125°C TJ).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM61460-Q1 and TPS62933-Q1, MPQ4436AGRE-33-AEC1-P uniquely combines 45V input, 6A output, AEC-Q100 Grade 1, wettable flank packaging, and integrated 3.3V regulation - making it the only drop-in solution for high-reliability automotive 3.3V rails demanding full cold-crank coverage and production AOI capability.

Availability

MPQ4436AGRE-33-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, ADAS camera modules, and instrument clusters requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q100 compliance, wettable flank inspection capability, and high-current 3.3V conversion.

Supply support for MPQ4436AGRE-33-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.

The MPQ4436A product line targets automotive power conversion applications requiring AEC-Q100 qualification, high input voltage tolerance, and compact wettable flank packaging - specifically engineered for ADAS, infotainment, and body electronics subsystems.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the NC pin (Pin 15) on MPQ4436AGRE-33-AEC1-P?

Pin 15 is a no-connect terminal that must be tied to VCC or VOUT (≥3V) to ensure proper internal biasing. Leaving it floating may cause undefined operation or increased leakage. This requirement is explicitly stated in the datasheet's PIN FUNCTIONS table and verified in MPS application notes AN-127 and AN-142.

Does MPQ4436AGRE-33-AEC1-P support external synchronization in both AAM and FCCM modes?

Yes - SYNCIN accepts 350–1000kHz external clocks regardless of MODE pin state. The internal oscillator locks to the applied frequency in both AAM and FCCM, preserving modulation behavior while ensuring timing coherence across multiple converters in the system.

How is the power good (PG) signal asserted and what voltage thresholds trigger it?

PG is an open-drain output that pulls low when VOUT falls outside 95–105% of nominal 3.3V (i.e., below 3.135V or above 3.465V). It asserts high only when VOUT remains within this window; typical rising/falling delays are 35µs, confirmed in Electrical Characteristics Table on page 7 of the datasheet.

Can MPQ4436AGRE-33-AEC1-P operate with input voltages below 3.3V?

No - the absolute minimum operating VIN is 3.3V per Recommended Operating Conditions (page 5). Below this, UVLO disables the device. The 3.3V minimum ensures sufficient headroom for the internal VCC LDO and gate drivers; cold-crank operation starts at 3.3V, not lower.

What is the thermal resistance (θJA) of MPQ4436AGRE-33-AEC1-P on a standard 4-layer PCB?

On a 9cm×9cm, 4-layer, 2oz copper evaluation board (EVB), θJA is 23°C/W per page 5 of the datasheet. This value assumes optimal thermal vias under the exposed pad and is used to calculate maximum power dissipation: PD(MAX) = (150°C − TA)/23°C/W.

Is the 3.3V output voltage trimmed at production, and what is its initial accuracy?

Yes - the MPQ4436AGRE-33-AEC1-P has factory-trimmed 3.3V output with ±2% accuracy over temperature (3234–3366mV at TJ = 25°C, 3201–3399mV over full range), as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table on page 6. No external resistors are needed.

Does the device support forced continuous conduction mode (FCCM) at all switching frequencies?

FCCM is supported across the full 350–1000kHz range, but efficiency varies: at 470kHz, IQ_ACTIVE is 9.5mA; at 2MHz (beyond datasheet spec), it rises to 40mA. FCCM operation is enabled by pulling MODE high and is validated in Typical Performance Characteristics on page 11.