Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ4560DN-AEC1-LF

Overview

MPQ4560DN-AEC1-LF from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 qualified, asynchronous step-down DC/DC converter with integrated 250mΩ high-side MOSFET, delivering up to 2A output current across a 3.8V–55V input range and adjustable 0.8V–52V output. It operates at up to 2MHz switching frequency with current-mode control, 140μA quiescent current, and internal soft-start-designed for automotive power rails, industrial HVDC systems, and battery-powered equipment requiring robust thermal shutdown and frequency foldback protection.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4560DN-AEC1-LF datasheet, MPQ4560DN-AEC1-LF pinout, MPQ4560DN-AEC1-LF application, or MPQ4560DN-AEC1-LF equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q100 qualification, 250mΩ R_DS(ON), 2MHz programmable frequency, 12µA shutdown current, and SOIC8E package compatibility with legacy automotive PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The MPQ4560DN-AEC1-LF implements peak-current-mode PWM control with internal error amplifier (400 V/V gain, 120 µA/V transconductance), programmable oscillator (set via external resistor on FREQ pin), and dedicated bootstrap driver for high-side gate drive. Its 100ns minimum on/off times enable stable operation up to 2MHz while supporting wide duty-cycle ranges.

It integrates under-voltage lockout (3.0V rising threshold, 0.35V hysteresis), thermal shutdown (150°C trip, 20°C hysteresis), and short-circuit protection with frequency foldback and current limit reduction to ~50% when V_FB = 0V-ensuring fault tolerance in automotive transients and industrial overloads.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4560DN-AEC1-LF uses the SOIC8E (Small Outline Integrated Circuit, 8-pin, exposed pad) package - 4.9mm × 6.0mm footprint with GND-exposed thermal pad for enhanced heat dissipation in automotive under-hood environments.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar step-down converter applications.

Compared with MPQ4560DN-AEC1-LF, MPQ4572DQ-AEC1-LF delivers 50% higher current and lower conduction loss but mandates QFN layout changes, while LM5164QPWPRQ1 trades automotive qualification for broader input voltage and simplified bootstrap-making MPQ4560DN-AEC1-LF optimal for cost-sensitive, drop-in SOIC8E replacements in existing AEC-Q100 designs.

Availability

MPQ4560DN-AEC1-LF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial programmable logic controllers, and battery-powered telematics requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MPQ4560DN-AEC1-LF 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 MPQ4560 belongs to MPS's automotive-grade DC/DC converter product line, engineered specifically for harsh-environment power conversion in vehicles and industrial equipment where input transients, thermal stress, and long-term reliability are critical.

FAQ

Is MPQ4560DN-AEC1-LF recommended for new designs?

No. Monolithic Power Systems explicitly states "NOT RECOMMENDED FOR NEW DESIGNS, REFER TO MPQ4572" in the datasheet. MPQ4560DN-AEC1-LF remains viable for legacy design refreshes, second-source requirements, or cost-sensitive AEC-Q100 SOIC8E drop-in replacements-but MPQ4572 offers superior specs and ongoing support.

What is the maximum output voltage achievable with MPQ4560DN-AEC1-LF?

The device supports output voltages from 0.8V to 52V, set by an external resistive divider on the FB pin. At 52V output, the input must be ≥55V (accounting for dropout), and external components-including the Schottky diode and output capacitor-must be rated for ≥60V to maintain safety margin per absolute maximum ratings.

Does MPQ4560DN-AEC1-LF require an external bootstrap diode?

Not by default. The internal bootstrap circuit charges via the SW node using an external BST capacitor. However, an external bootstrap diode is recommended when operating at 2MHz with high duty cycles (V_OUT/V_IN > 65%) or low input voltages (≤5V), as stated in the datasheet's "External Bootstrap Diode" section to ensure reliable gate drive.

How does frequency foldback improve reliability during startup?

During startup or short-circuit events, frequency foldback reduces switching frequency to limit peak inductor current and prevent magnetic saturation. This avoids current runaway that could damage the internal MOSFET or external diode-especially critical in automotive cold-crank (6V) or load-dump (87V) conditions where input voltage varies widely.

Can MPQ4560DN-AEC1-LF operate with ceramic output capacitors only?

Yes. The regulator is explicitly characterized as "Ceramic Capacitor Stable" with no minimum ESR requirement. It maintains stability with standard X5R/X7R MLCCs (e.g., 22µF, 16V), eliminating need for bulk tantalum or electrolytic capacitors-reducing solution size, improving MTBF, and avoiding aging-related capacitance drift.

What is the thermal resistance (θ_JA) of the SOIC8E package?

The SOIC8E package has θ_JA = 50°C/W when mounted on a standard 4-layer JEDEC test board (JESD51-7). With proper PCB layout-including direct connection of the exposed pad to a 2-in² copper pour-the practical θ_JA can improve to ~40°C/W, enabling 2A operation up to +85°C ambient without forced airflow.

Is the EN pin internally pulled up?

Yes. An internal 1µA current source pulls EN to ~3.0V when left floating, enabling the device by default. To disable, pull EN below 1.2V (falling threshold); to guarantee enable, drive it above 1.55V (rising threshold). This eliminates need for external pull-up resistors in most automotive applications.