Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ4470AGL-AEC1-Z

Overview

MPQ4470AGL-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified, synchronous step-down DC/DC converter delivering up to 5A continuous output current from a 4.5V–36V input. It integrates 40mΩ high-side and 20mΩ low-side MOSFETs, supports 100kHz–1MHz programmable switching frequency, features 1% reference voltage accuracy (807–827mV), and operates in automotive power rails with fast transient response and low dropout mode. Used in automotive infotainment power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4470AGL-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ4470AGL-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ4470AGL-AEC1-Z application, or MPQ4470AGL-AEC1-Z equivalent, key selection considerations include its absence of OVP latch-off (vs. MPQ4470), AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, QFN20 (3mm×4mm) thermal performance (θJA = 48°C/W), and integrated soft-start with 8.5μA charging current.

Technical Context

The MPQ4470AGL-AEC1-Z employs fixed-frequency peak-current-mode PWM control with feed-forward input voltage compensation, enabling stable operation across 4.5V–36V input and 0.8V–0.9×VIN output ranges. Its proprietary dead-time management prevents shoot-through between internal 40mΩ/20mΩ MOSFETs, while skip-mode operation at light loads maintains efficiency without external control logic.

It implements cycle-by-cycle over-current protection with 100μs hiccup timer, non-latching under-voltage lockout (UVLO rising threshold 4.0V ±0.3V), and thermal shutdown at 175°C (45°C hysteresis). The device uses an internal 5V VCC bias rail and bootstrap charging circuitry to sustain high-side gate drive down to 100% duty cycle in low-dropout mode.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4470AGL-AEC1-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced 3mm × 4mm, 20-pin QFN package with exposed thermal pads (pins 8, 19, 21, 22, 23 for IN; pins 9, 10, 17, 18, 24, 25 for SW; pins 11–16 for PGND) to support high-power dissipation in automotive environments.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPQ4470GL-AEC1-Z, this part trades OVP latch for graceful recovery; compared with TPS54560QDGQRQ1, it offers lower component count and smaller footprint but narrower input voltage ceiling.

Availability

MPQ4470AGL-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, ADAS camera modules, industrial telematics, and commercial vehicle control units requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q100 compliance and long-term production support.

Supply support for MPQ4470AGL-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 analog and power ICs, with design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MPQ4470/4470A product line delivers highly integrated, AEC-Q100-qualified DC/DC converters targeting automotive and industrial applications demanding high efficiency, small footprint, and robust thermal performance in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the difference between MPQ4470AGL-AEC1-Z and MPQ4470GL-AEC1-Z?

The MPQ4470AGL-AEC1-Z omits the output over-voltage protection (OVP) latch-off function present in MPQ4470GL-AEC1-Z. When output voltage exceeds 125% of the reference (≈1.02V), MPQ4470GL-AEC1-Z shuts down permanently until power-cycled, whereas MPQ4470AGL-AEC1-Z continues operation. All other specifications-including pinout, thermal performance, and AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification-are identical.

Does MPQ4470AGL-AEC1-Z require external compensation components?

Yes - when using low-ESR ceramic output capacitors, an external ramp compensation network (R4 and C4) must be added to the FB pin to ensure stability in PWM mode. The recommended condition is R1×R2/(R1+R2) < 1/(5×π×fSW×C4). Without it, VFB ripple slope may cause jitter and instability. POSCAP or higher-ESR capacitors may operate without external ramp.

How is the switching frequency set on MPQ4470AGL-AEC1-Z?

Switching frequency is programmed by connecting a resistor (RFREQ) between the FREQ pin and GND. The relationship is fSW(kHz) ≈ 10⁶ / (96×RFREQ(kΩ) + tDELAY(ns)×VIN/VOUT), where tDELAY ≈ 20ns. For example, RFREQ = 63.4kΩ yields ~500kHz at VIN=24V, VOUT=3.3V. Frequency remains stable across input voltage due to feed-forward architecture.

Can MPQ4470AGL-AEC1-Z operate with 100% duty cycle?

Yes - its bootstrap refresh circuitry enables low-dropout operation down to VOUT ≈ VIN − 0.5V. When BST−SW drops below 2.3V, the internal UVLO triggers LS-FET conduction to recharge the bootstrap capacitor. This allows sustained high-duty-cycle regulation without external charge-pump circuitry, unlike many competing buck controllers.

What is the minimum output voltage achievable with MPQ4470AGL-AEC1-Z?

The minimum regulated output voltage is 0.8V, set by the internal 0.807–0.827V feedback reference. The device supports VOUT = 0.8V to 0.9×VIN, making it suitable for core voltages of modern MCUs and sensors. Below 0.8V, regulation is not guaranteed; external resistor divider scaling is not supported - the FB pin expects direct connection to the output divider tap.

Is thermal derating required for continuous 5A operation?

At TA = +85°C with standard 4-layer JEDEC PCB (2oz Cu, 1in² copper area), the junction temperature reaches ~125°C at 5A - within the -40°C to +125°C operating range. For sustained 5A at higher ambient temperatures (>85°C), thermal derating is required; θJA = 48°C/W means each 1W of dissipation raises TJ by 48°C above ambient.

What failure protections are active during startup?

During startup, MPQ4470AGL-AEC1-Z activates soft-start (SS) to limit inrush, UVLO to prevent operation below 4.0V input, and thermal shutdown if die temperature exceeds 175°C. Over-current protection engages immediately upon current limit detection (6–12A), initiating hiccup mode after 100μs. UVP triggers if FB falls below 50% VREF (≈0.4V), disabling output to protect downstream circuitry.