Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ4487AGU-FD2-AEC1-P

Overview

MPQ4487AGU-FD2-AEC1 from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified synchronous buck converter with dual integrated USB Type-C 5V/3A charging ports, operating from 6V–36V input, delivering up to 6A total output (3A per port), featuring 250kHz fundamental switching frequency with ±10% spread spectrum, and integrated fault indication (FLT1/FLT2) and enable control (EN1/EN2) for automotive infotainment and center console power systems.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4487AGU-FD2-AEC1 datasheet, MPQ4487AGU-FD2-AEC1 pinout, MPQ4487AGU-FD2-AEC1 application, or MPQ4487AGU-FD2-AEC1 equivalent, key selection considerations include its QFN-26 (5mm×5mm) package, dual independent USB port control, programmable output voltage (5.10V/5.17V/5.30V), 18mΩ/18mΩ USB MOSFET R_DS(ON), and AEC-Q100 thermal derating behavior at 135°C load-shedding entry.

Technical Context

The MPQ4487AGU-FD2-AEC1 implements a fixed-frequency, peak-current-mode synchronous buck regulator with internal 18mΩ high-side and 15mΩ low-side MOSFETs, supporting forced continuous conduction mode (FCCM) and line-drop compensation up to 120mV at 2.4A. Its USB subsystem integrates CC1/CC2/CC3/CC4 configuration channel logic for automatic Type-C DFP detection and VCONN sourcing from the buck output.

Frequency is set via the FREQ pin: floating or tied to VCC enables ±10% spread spectrum centered at 250kHz (distinct from FD-AEC1's 420kHz), while grounding FREQ locks to fixed 250kHz operation. Fault signaling uses open-drain FLT1/FLT2 outputs with 3ms deglitching for over-current and over-temperature events on each USB port independently.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4487AGU-FD2-AEC1 is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-26 (5mm × 5mm, 0.5mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad (PGND-connected) for PCB-level heat dissipation. Pin numbering follows standard top-view orientation with pin 1 at top-left corner.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-USB automotive power applications.

Compared with MPQ4487AGU-FD2-AEC1, the FD-AEC1 offers higher frequency for smaller magnetics but increased thermal load, while the base AEC1 sacrifices EMI robustness for lowest BOM cost - FD2 provides optimal balance of thermal performance, EMI compliance, and design simplicity for mainstream automotive USB hubs.

Availability

MPQ4487AGU-FD2-AEC1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive center console power systems, infotainment head units, and telematics control units requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q100 qualification, production-grade traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MPQ4487AGU-FD2-AEC1 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 for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets, with over 20 years of expertise in monolithic DC/DC conversion.

The MPQ4487A product line targets automotive USB power delivery, integrating buck regulation, USB Type-C DFP control, and fault management into a single AEC-Q100-qualified IC to simplify in-vehicle charging architecture.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the OUT_SEL pin, and how does it affect USB compliance?

The OUT_SEL pin selects the buck output voltage: low = 5.10V, float = 5.17V, high = 5.30V. The 5.17V default (floating) provides optimal margin for USB BC1.2 and Type-C 5V±5% specification across temperature and load, ensuring reliable handshake with legacy and modern devices without external trimming.

Can MPQ4487AGU-FD2-AEC1 support USB Power Delivery (PD) beyond 5V/3A?

No. The MPQ4487AGU-FD2-AEC1 is a fixed 5V USB Type-C DFP controller only - it does not implement USB PD communication, variable voltage negotiation, or higher-power profiles. It delivers 5V/3A natively and cannot negotiate 9V, 15V, or 20V PD contracts.

How does the frequency spread spectrum function interact with the FREQ pin configuration?

Spread spectrum is active only when FREQ is floating or tied to VCC - this enables the internal ±10% triangle-wave modulation centered at 250kHz. Connecting FREQ to ground disables spread spectrum and locks frequency to fixed 250kHz, while using a resistor sets a different fixed frequency without modulation.

What thermal derating applies above 125°C junction temperature?

The device operates up to +125°C junction temperature per AEC-Q100 Grade 1. Above this, load-shedding begins at 135°C (reducing USB current limit), and thermal shutdown triggers at 165°C. Operation beyond 125°C is not guaranteed and requires system-level thermal modeling per application.

Is external compensation required for the buck converter feedback loop?

No. The MPQ4487AGU-FD2-AEC1 features an internally compensated error amplifier optimized for standard 4.7µH inductors and 270µF output capacitance. External compensation components are unnecessary, reducing design risk and board space versus traditional controllers.

How are the CC1–CC4 pins used in Type-A to Type-C adapter scenarios?

In Type-A adapter mode, CC1/CC2 and CC3/CC4 are internally disabled; USB1/USB2 operate as standard 5V/3A ports without CC negotiation. The IC detects adapter presence via absence of CC pull-down resistors and defaults to Type-A mode with fixed 5V output and no VCONN sourcing.

What is the maximum recommended PCB copper area for thermal relief in QFN-26 package?

For optimal thermal performance, the exposed thermal pad (pins 5/13 PGND) must connect to ≥400mm² of 2oz copper on inner layer 2, with ≥8 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter, 0.6mm pitch) to inner ground planes. This achieves θ_JA ≈ 20°C/W on a 50mm×50mm 4-layer board.