Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z
- Part No.:
- MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z
- Manufacturer:
- Monolithic Power Systems Inc.
- Package:
- 26-PowerVFQFN
- Datasheet:
-
MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK 5.17V 3A 26QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified, 36V input, 3A synchronous step-down converter with integrated USB Type-C 5V@3A DFP port, programmable switching frequency (up to 2.2MHz), and ±10% spread spectrum modulation. It delivers regulated 5.17V output with 25mΩ/20mΩ internal buck MOSFETs and 15mΩ USB switch, supporting BC1.2, Divider, and 1.2V/1.2V charging modes in automotive infotainment power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z application, or MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z equivalent, key selection considerations include its QFN-26 (5mm×5mm) package, EN_USB-controlled USB enable/disable, FLT open-drain fault signaling, OUT_SEL voltage selection, and FREQ pin configuration for spread spectrum vs. fixed-frequency operation.
Technical Context
The MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z integrates a peak-current-mode controlled synchronous buck regulator with a dedicated USB current-limit switch and full Type-C CC logic - including VCONN sourcing, CC1/CC2 detection, and auto-configuration for DFP 5V@3A mode. Its internal 4.6V VCC LDO is biased by the buck output via Schottky diode after startup.
It operates in forced continuous conduction mode (CCM) across all loads, supports line-drop compensation via VDROP pin, implements hiccup-mode overcurrent protection (5ms on / 2s off), and features ±8kV HBM ESD rating on DP/DM/USB pins. Spread spectrum is enabled only when FREQ is floated or tied to VCC (450kHz center).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 6V to 36V - supports wide automotive battery range including cold-crank (6V) and load-dump (36V) transients. |
| Output Current | 3A continuous USB output - sufficient for single-port 5V@3A Type-C charging without external current-sense resistor. |
| Switching Frequency | Up to 2.2MHz (with RFREQ = 9.53kΩ) - enables compact 2.2µH inductor and reduces EMI filter size. |
| Spread Spectrum | ±10% around 450kHz (FREQ floating/VCC) - lowers peak radiated emissions for CISPR 25 Class 5 compliance. |
| Buck RDS(ON) | 25mΩ HS / 20mΩ LS - minimizes conduction loss at 3A, enabling >92% efficiency at 12V→5.17V/2A. |
| USB RDS(ON) | 15mΩ - limits I²R loss to <135mW at 3A, reducing thermal stress in sealed automotive enclosures. |
| Output Voltage Options | 5.1V (OUT_SEL = low), 5.17V (float), 5.3V (high) - matches USB BC1.2 and Type-C VBUS tolerance requirements. |
Pinout & Package
MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-26 (5mm × 5mm, 0.5mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad (PGND-connected) for automotive-grade thermal performance. Pin 1 is marked with dot; top-side marking includes "MP4481" prefix and lot code.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 24 | CC1 / CC2 | USB Type-C configuration channel inputs - detect plug orientation, enable VCONN sourcing, and configure DFP role. |
| 2 | USB | USB power output node - connects directly to Type-C receptacle VBUS; current-limited to 3A with soft-start. |
| 3, 15, 25 | OUT | Buck converter output - supplies regulated 5.1–5.3V to USB switch input; requires ≥100µF bulk capacitance. |
| 4, 14 | IN | Main input supply - accepts 6–36V; must be decoupled with ≥47µF low-ESR ceramic + bulk electrolytic. |
| 5, 13 | PGND | Power ground return - high-current path for buck SW and USB switch; must be solid copper plane with multiple vias. |
| 6 | AGND | Analog reference ground - connect to PGND at single point near IC to avoid noise coupling into feedback loop. |
| 7 | VCC | Internal 4.6V LDO output - powers control circuitry; requires 1µF X7R ceramic capacitor placed adjacent to pin. |
| 8, 9, 26 | SW | Switch node - connects to inductor; high dv/dt node requiring short, wide trace and minimized loop area. |
| 10 | BST | Bootstrap capacitor connection - 220nF X7R capacitor between BST and SW provides gate drive for HS-FET. |
| 11 | OUT_SEL | Output voltage select - logic level sets VOUT to 5.1V (low), 5.17V (float), or 5.3V (high) per USB spec. |
| 12 | FREQ | Frequency programming - float/VCC enables ±10% spread spectrum at 450kHz; resistor-to-GND sets fixed frequency. |
| 18 | VDROP | Line drop compensation control - configures IR-drop compensation slope (270–470mV at 2.4A) to maintain VBUS accuracy. |
| 19, 20 | DM / DP | USB 2.0 data lines - implement BC1.2 DCP handshake (short, divider, 1.2V/1.2V) without external components. |
| 21 | EN | Global enable - internal 8µA pull-up allows floating for auto-start; pulled low disables entire IC including buck and USB. |
| 22 | EN_USB | USB port enable - internal 1MΩ pull-up to VCC; driven low disables USB switch while buck remains active. |
| 23 | FLT | Fault indicator - open-drain output pulled low during overcurrent, overtemperature, or OVP; requires external pull-up. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated USB Type-C DFP controller | Auto-detects cable orientation, sources VCONN, and configures 5V@3A mode without MCU intervention. |
| Programmable line-drop compensation | Adjusts output voltage dynamically (270–470mV correction) to maintain ±5% VBUS accuracy across 2m cable runs. |
| Accurate USB current limit | 3.45A typical limit in Type-C mode (±6%) - ensures compliance with USB PD 3.0 sink current tolerance. |
| Low-RDS(ON) power switches | 25mΩ/20mΩ buck MOSFETs + 15mΩ USB switch - eliminates need for external current-sense resistors and heatsinks. |
| Hiccup-mode USB overcurrent protection | 5ms on / 2s off cycling - limits average fault power to <100mW, preventing thermal runaway during sustained shorts. |
| AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification | -40°C to +125°C TJ operation with 165°C thermal shutdown - validated for under-hood and dashboard mounting. |
Applications
| Automotive Infotainment USB Hub | Telematics Control Unit (TCU) Charging Port |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Single 5V USB port powering rear-seat tablet or smartphone inside vehicle head unit. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary buck regulator + USB power switch - replaces discrete DC/DC + load switch + BC1.2 IC solution. Use Value: Reduces BOM count by 7 components; maintains 5.17V ±1% under 3A load with 12V–36V input variation. |
Use Scenario: Embedded USB port in LTE-based telematics module for firmware update or diagnostics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: USB DFP controller with fault reporting - handles Type-C negotiation and signals faults via FLT pin to host MCU. Use Value: Enables hot-plug detection and safe disconnect handling; FLT pulse width identifies overcurrent vs. overtemperature events. |
| ADAS Camera Power Module | Automotive Rear-View Mirror Display |
|
Use Scenario: Powering USB-powered camera module mounted on rear bumper or side mirror housing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Input-transient-hardened buck + USB switch - withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (60V/100ms) with external TVS. Use Value: Maintains regulated 5.17V output during cold-crank (6V) and load-dump (36V); ±8kV HBM protects DP/DM against ESD in unshielded harnesses. |
Use Scenario: Integrated display with USB-C port for mobile device mirroring in smart rear-view mirror. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-role power manager - buck regulates display backlight rail while USB switch powers connected phone. Use Value: OUT_SEL pin allows dynamic VBUS adjustment (5.1V for legacy devices, 5.3V for high-voltage USB-C accessories). |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar USB charging port applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPQ4228GQ-AEC1-Z | Successor part with 4A USB output, lower 12mΩ USB RDS(ON), and improved spread spectrum algorithm (±12%). | Supports dual USB ports and higher-power accessories (e.g., USB-C video adapters); requires updated PCB layout for QFN-32 package. | Select MPQ4228 for new designs requiring higher current headroom or extended temperature margin beyond 125°C. |
| TPS65987D-65RGER | TI USB-C PD controller with integrated 3.3V/1.8V LDOs, but no buck converter - requires external 5V supply. | Designed for full USB PD 3.0 (20V/5A) negotiation; lacks native BC1.2 support and automotive qualification. | Choose TPS65987D only if USB PD contract negotiation (not just 5V@3A) is required and external 5V rail is available. |
Compared with MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z, MPQ4228GQ-AEC1-Z offers higher USB current capability and tighter VBUS regulation, while TPS65987D-65RGER adds full PD protocol stack at the cost of added system complexity and missing AEC-Q100 validation.
Availability
MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, telematics control units, and ADAS camera modules requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q100 qualification and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for MPQ4481GU-FD-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 manufacturing partners certified to IATF 16949.
The MPQ4481 belongs to MPS's automotive-grade USB power management product line, engineered specifically for single-port 5V charging in harsh-temperature, high-EMI vehicle environments where integration, reliability, and qualification are critical.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the VDROP pin on MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z?
The VDROP pin configures line-drop compensation to counteract voltage loss across PCB traces and cables. When set to VCC, it applies 270–470mV correction at 2.4A load, ensuring USB VBUS remains within ±5% of nominal (e.g., 5.17V ±0.26V) even with 200mΩ total path resistance. This eliminates need for remote sensing or external compensation networks.
Can MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z operate without external frequency-setting resistors?
Yes - leaving FREQ floating or connecting it to VCC enables the default 450kHz switching frequency with ±10% spread spectrum, optimized for EMI reduction. Pulling FREQ to GND selects 235kHz fixed frequency. No external resistor is required for basic operation, though resistor-based programming (e.g., 9.53kΩ for 2.2MHz) is supported for noise-sensitive applications.
How does the FLT pin indicate different fault conditions?
FLT is an open-drain output that pulls low during overcurrent, overtemperature, or output overvoltage. Its pulse width distinguishes faults: a 5ms low pulse indicates USB overcurrent hiccup mode; a sustained low state (>100ms) indicates thermal shutdown or OVP latch. External RC filtering can be used to differentiate these events for MCU interrupt handling.
Is MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z compatible with legacy USB-A devices?
Yes - it natively supports BC1.2 DCP schemes including Shorted (DP/DM short), Divider (2.7V/2.7V), and 1.2V/1.2V modes using internal comparators and DACs on DP/DM pins. No external resistors or microcontroller intervention is needed to charge Apple, Samsung, or other legacy USB-A devices at up to 1.5A.
What is the recommended thermal pad layout for QFN-26 package?
The exposed thermal pad (center underside) must be soldered to a solid PGND copper plane with ≥6 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter, spaced ≤1mm apart) connecting to inner-layer ground planes. Total thermal pad area should match die size (≈3.5mm × 3.5mm); solder mask opening must fully expose pad to ensure void-free reflow and θJA ≤20°C/W on 4-layer boards.
Does MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z support USB suspend mode or dynamic current scaling?
No - it does not implement USB suspend signaling (SE0 detection) or dynamic current renegotiation. USB output remains enabled and regulated at full 3A capability whenever EN_USB is high. Current limiting is fixed per mode (3.45A Type-C, 2.75A Type-A); no software-controlled scaling is available.
Why is MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z marked "NOT RECOMMENDED FOR NEW DESIGNS"?
MPS has designated MPQ4481 as legacy due to introduction of MPQ4228 - which offers higher USB current (4A), lower RDS(ON), improved spread spectrum, and extended junction temperature rating. MPQ4481 remains fully qualified and supported for existing production, but MPQ4228 is preferred for new automotive designs requiring longer lifecycle or enhanced specs.
MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Monolithic Power Systems Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 26-PowerVFQFN
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Not For New Designs
- Function:
- Step-Down
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Buck
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 6V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 36V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 5.17V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 3A
- Frequency - Switching:
- 235kHz ~ 2.2MHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- Yes
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q100
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 26-QFN (5x5)
MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z reliable?
The price and inventory of MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z?
MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z?
For technical support, including MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z?
All MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPQ4481GU-FD-AEC1-Z:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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