Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ4488BGU-AEC1-Z

Overview

MPQ4488BGU-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified synchronous step-down converter with integrated dual USB charging ports, delivering up to 6A buck output and 3A per USB port. It supports BC1.2, Apple 3A Divider, 1.2V/1.2V, and USB Type-C 5V@3A DFP modes, and operates across 6V–36V input with programmable 250kHz–2.2MHz switching frequency. Used in automotive infotainment head units for centralized USB power delivery.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4488BGU-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ4488BGU-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ4488BGU-AEC1-Z application, or MPQ4488BGU-AEC1-Z equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed USB charging protocol support, and real-world thermal and efficiency behavior under automotive load conditions.

Technical Context

The MPQ4488BGU-AEC1-Z implements a fixed-frequency, peak-current-mode controlled synchronous buck regulator with internal 18mΩ/15mΩ HS/LS MOSFETs and dual independent USB current-limit switches featuring auto-DCP detection logic. Its Type-C control block monitors CC1/CC2/CC3/CC4 pins to negotiate VCONN and VBUS, while maintaining separate DP/DM handshaking paths for each port.

It integrates line-drop compensation (100mV at 3A), hiccup-mode overcurrent protection for both buck and USB outputs, and thermal shutdown at +165°C with 20°C hysteresis. Unlike the FD variant, this version lacks frequency spread spectrum-its FREQ pin sets discrete frequencies via resistor or defaults to 450kHz when floating.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4488BGU-AEC1-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-26 (5mm × 5mm, 0.5mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin layout supports high-current routing: SW (pins 8,9,26), PGND (pins 5,13), and OUT (pins 3,15,25) are multi-pin for low-impedance paths. AGND (pin 6) is isolated and tied to PGND externally.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-port USB charging converter applications.

Compared with MPQ4488BGU-FD-AEC1-Z, this part trades EMI reduction for deterministic timing; compared with NCP81239MNTXG, it adds full USB protocol autonomy and dual-port redundancy at higher integration cost.

Availability

MPQ4488BGU-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment head units, ADAS camera modules, telematics control units, and passenger seat USB hubs requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MPQ4488BGU-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 core expertise in DC/DC converters, LED drivers, and motor drivers for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The MPQ4488B product line targets automotive USB power delivery applications, designed to replace discrete buck + USB switch solutions with AEC-Q100 qualified integration, reducing footprint and improving reliability in harsh environments.

FAQ

What USB charging protocols does MPQ4488BGU-AEC1-Z support without external components?

It natively supports USB Battery Charging Specification 1.2 (BC1.2) DCP mode, Apple 3A Divider mode, 1.2V/1.2V handshake, and USB Type-C 5V@3A Downstream Facing Port (DFP) mode. All protocol detection and configuration are handled internally using integrated CC, DP, and DM comparators-no MCU or external logic is required.

Can MPQ4488BGU-AEC1-Z operate with input voltage below 6V?

No. The absolute minimum operating input voltage is 6V, enforced by a 4.6V to 5.4V UVLO rising threshold with 800mV hysteresis. Below 6V, the device remains in shutdown with 13–18µA quiescent current. It is not rated for cold-crank operation below 6V.

How is USB output current accuracy maintained across temperature?

Current limit accuracy is specified as ±6% over -40°C to +125°C junction temperature. This is achieved via trimmed internal current-sense amplifiers and matched MOSFET R_DS(ON) tracking-no external sense resistors or calibration are needed for production-grade USB compliance.

What is the role of the OUT_SEL pin, and how does it affect USB voltage regulation?

OUT_SEL selects the buck output voltage: low = 5.10V, floating = 5.17V, high = 5.30V. Since USB1 and USB2 draw from this rail, the selected value directly sets the USB port voltage. The 5.17V setting aligns with USB BC1.2 and Type-C nominal tolerances (5V ±5%), ensuring reliable device enumeration.

Does MPQ4488BGU-AEC1-Z require external bootstrap capacitor?

Yes. A 0.22µF ceramic capacitor must be placed between BST and SW pins to sustain gate drive for the high-side MOSFET. This capacitor charges during the low-side conduction phase and supplies energy during high-side turn-on-omitting it causes immediate functional failure.

How does thermal load-shedding differ from thermal shutdown?

Load-shedding activates at +135°C to disable USB1/USB2 outputs while maintaining buck regulation, preserving core system power. Thermal shutdown occurs at +165°C and disables the entire IC. The 30°C gap allows graceful degradation-critical for safety-critical automotive subsystems that must retain basic functionality during overheating.

Is MPQ4488BGU-AEC1-Z compatible with USB Power Delivery (PD) negotiation?

No. It implements only USB Type-C 5V@3A DFP mode-not full USB PD. It detects Type-C attachment via CC pins and sources VCONN, but does not support variable voltage (9V/15V/20V) or bidirectional power negotiation. PD requires a separate PD controller IC.