Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ4436AGRE-5-AEC1-Z

Overview

MPQ4436AGRE-5-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a fixed-output, 5V, 6A synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, integrated 48mΩ high-side and 20mΩ low-side MOSFETs, 3.3–45V input range, and 1.7μA shutdown quiescent current-designed for automotive infotainment power rails requiring cold-crank resilience and low EMI in compact layouts.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4436AGRE-5-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ4436AGRE-5-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ4436AGRE-5-AEC1-Z application, or MPQ4436AGRE-5-AEC1-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its wettable-flank QFN-20 package, 470kHz default switching frequency (configurable 350–1000kHz), AAM/FCCM mode selectability, and ±2% output voltage accuracy at 5V under automotive temperature range (−40°C to +150°C).

Technical Context

The MPQ4436AGRE-5-AEC1-Z implements current-mode control with frequency foldback and hiccup-mode over-current protection, enabling stable operation during automotive load transients and start-up. Its low-dropout mode maintains regulation down to VIN = VOUT + 0.5V, critical for 12V battery cold-crank (down to 4.5V).

It supports external synchronization via SYNCIN (350–1000kHz) and provides an out-of-phase SYNCO clock output for multi-phase designs. The device integrates soft-start (6µA constant-current source), power-good monitoring (95–105% window), and thermal shutdown at 170°C with 20°C hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4436AGRE-5-AEC1-Z uses a thermally enhanced QFN-20 (4mm × 4mm) package with exposed thermal pad (EP) and wettable flank leads for solder joint inspection. Pin 1 is marked by dot; top-side marking includes "MP4436" prefix and lot code.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed-output synchronous buck converter applications.

Compared with MPQ4436AGRE-5-AEC1-Z, the MPQ4433 variant trades 2A output capacity for smaller footprint and cost, while the TPS54560Q1 offers flexibility at the expense of integration, EMI performance, and automotive-specific features like cold-crank mode and wettable flanks.

Availability

MPQ4436AGRE-5-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, ADAS camera modules, and digital instrument clusters requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q100 compliance and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MPQ4436AGRE-5-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 converters, motor drivers, and LED drivers.

The MPQ4436A product line targets automotive-grade power conversion, emphasizing AEC-Q100 qualification, low EMI, cold-crank resilience, and functional safety readiness for infotainment, cluster, and ADAS subsystems.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for regulation in low-dropout mode?

The MPQ4436AGRE-5-AEC1-Z enters low-dropout mode when VIN drops below ~5.5V and maintains 5V output regulation down to VIN = VOUT + 0.5V (i.e., 5.5V) with reduced duty cycle. At cold-crank conditions (VIN = 4.5V), it sustains regulation using valley-current limiting and adaptive timing, verified per AEC-Q100 transient test profiles.

Can the MPQ4436AGRE-5-AEC1-Z be synchronized to an external clock while operating in AAM mode?

Yes-SYNCIN accepts 350–1000kHz external clocks regardless of MODE pin state. In AAM mode, synchronization forces fixed-frequency operation during light loads, trading some efficiency for deterministic EMI behavior. The device remains fully functional with PG, soft-start, and thermal protection active.

How is power-good (PG) threshold accuracy affected across temperature?

PG rising/falling thresholds track VOUT with ±1.5% variation from −40°C to +125°C. At TJ = 125°C, the upper falling threshold shifts from 106.5% to 108%, and lower rising threshold shifts from 93.5% to 96.5%, ensuring robust fault detection across automotive temperature extremes.

What is the recommended layout practice for the BST capacitor?

A 0.1μF X7R ceramic capacitor must be placed directly between BST and SW pins with minimal trace length (<2mm) and no vias. This minimizes loop inductance to prevent bootstrap voltage droop during high-side conduction, especially at 1000kHz switching and 6A load.

Does the MPQ4436AGRE-5-AEC1-Z support output capacitor ESR monitoring or compensation?

No-this device uses fixed-gain current-mode control with internal compensation. It is optimized for ceramic output capacitors (typical 47–220μF, ESR <5mΩ). Adding high-ESR capacitors degrades transient response and may cause instability; no external compensation network is supported.

Is the NC pin (Pin 15) required to be connected, and if so, to what potential?

Yes-Pin 15 (NC) must not be left floating. Per datasheet Section 4, it must be connected to VCC or VOUT, provided that node is ≥3V. Connecting to VCC is preferred to ensure stable bias during startup and avoid unintended leakage paths.

What failure modes trigger hiccup over-current protection versus thermal shutdown?

Hiccup OCP activates on sustained over-current (e.g., shorted output) detected via high-side current limit (10–16A) or low-side valley limit (8–12A). Thermal shutdown triggers independently at TJ = 170°C. Both protections coexist: hiccup resets after cooldown; thermal shutdown holds until TJ falls below 150°C.