Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ4560DQ-LF-P

Overview

MPQ4560DQ-LF-P from Monolithic Power Systems is an industrial-grade, 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 (programmable via external resistor), features current-mode control for fast transient response, and supports automotive environments with AEC-Q100 qualification in QFN10 package.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4560DQ-LF-P datasheet, MPQ4560DQ-LF-P pinout, MPQ4560DQ-LF-P application, or MPQ4560DQ-LF-P equivalent, key selection criteria include its 12µA shutdown current for battery-powered systems, frequency foldback during startup, thermal shutdown protection, ceramic-capacitor stability, and bootstrap charging architecture requiring careful layout of BST/SW nodes.

Technical Context

The MPQ4560DQ-LF-P implements fixed-frequency peak-current-mode control with internal error amplifier (400 V/V gain, 120 µA/V transconductance) and cycle-by-cycle current limiting (2.6–4.5A typ). Its programmable oscillator uses an external resistor on FREQ pin to set switching frequency between 0.7–1.3 MHz (typ), with minimum on/off times of 100 ns each to support high-duty-cycle operation.

It integrates a 2.6V internal regulator powered from VIN, a dedicated bootstrap driver with UVLO (2.2V rising threshold), and soft-start circuitry that ramps an internal reference from 0V to 2.6V over 0.19–0.5 ms. Short-circuit protection reduces current limit to ~50% and folds back frequency when VFB < 0.4V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4560DQ-LF-P is housed in a thermally enhanced 3mm × 3mm QFN-10 package with exposed thermal pad. Pin 6 (GND) connects directly to the exposed pad, which must be soldered to a PCB ground plane for optimal thermal performance (θ_JA = 50°C/W, θ_JC = 12°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPQ4560DQ-LF-P, MPQ4572DQ-LF-P offers higher input voltage margin and better light-load efficiency but shares identical footprint and control architecture, while LM5164QPWPRQ1 trades output current and qualification for broader vendor support and different compensation flexibility.

Availability

MPQ4560DQ-LF-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC power rails, battery-powered telematics units, and distributed telecom power systems requiring stable component supply and legacy design continuity.

Supply support for MPQ4560DQ-LF-P 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 core expertise in DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting controllers.

The MPQ4560 belongs to MPS's industrial-automotive buck converter product line, designed specifically for high-input-voltage, high-reliability applications in harsh environments where wide VIN range, AEC-Q100 compliance, and thermal robustness are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended output current for MPQ4560DQ-LF-P at 55V input and 5V output?

At 55V_IN/5V_OUT, the maximum continuous output current is limited to 1.2A due to thermal constraints in the QFN10 package. Derating is required above 60°C ambient; full 2A output is achievable only at lower input-output differentials (e.g., 12V→5V) with adequate PCB copper area.

Can MPQ4560DQ-LF-P operate with a 3.3V input supply?

No - the absolute minimum operating input voltage is 3.8V. Below this, the internal UVLO prevents startup. For 3.3V input applications, consider the MPQ4572DQ-LF-P, which maintains regulation down to 3.0V.

Why does the BST pin require a capacitor connected to SW instead of GND?

The BST capacitor forms a flying charge pump that supplies gate drive voltage to the high-side MOSFET. Connecting it between BST and SW allows the capacitor to recharge during the low-side conduction phase (when SW ≈ GND), enabling reliable high-side switching even at high duty cycles.

Is MPQ4560DQ-LF-P RoHS compliant and lead-free?

Yes - the "-LF" suffix explicitly denotes lead-free, RoHS-compliant packaging. All MPS products meet RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU requirements, and full compliance documentation is available on the MPS Quality Assurance page.

How is the switching frequency programmed, and what tolerance should be expected?

Frequency is set by connecting a resistor (R_FREQ) from FREQ pin to GND. For example, 95kΩ yields ~1MHz. Tolerance is ±20% over temperature and process variation; actual f_SW must be measured in final layout due to parasitic capacitance effects.

Does MPQ4560DQ-LF-P support synchronous rectification?

No - it is an asynchronous buck converter requiring an external Schottky diode. The SW pin drives the cathode of the diode, with anode tied to GND. Synchronous operation is not supported; for synchronous alternatives, consider MPQ4572DQ-LF-P's successor family.

What failure protections are built into MPQ4560DQ-LF-P?

It integrates thermal shutdown (150°C trip, 130°C hysteresis), input UVLO (3.0V rising, 2.6V falling), short-circuit frequency foldback, and internal current limiting (2.6–4.5A). No overvoltage protection is included - output overvoltage relies on external feedback divider integrity.