Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ5068GQV-AEC1-Z

Overview

MPQ5068GQV-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified hot-swap protection IC with integrated 7mΩ R_DS(ON) MOSFET, adjustable 5–15A current limit, ±10% current monitor accuracy, and 200ns short-circuit response - deployed in automotive infotainment power rails to prevent inrush damage and downstream fault propagation.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ5068GQV-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ5068GQV-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ5068GQV-AEC1-Z application, or MPQ5068GQV-AEC1-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include configurable auto-retry/latch-off fault behavior, IMON-based real-time current monitoring, PG/FLTB open-drain status signaling, and QFN-22 thermal performance under -40°C to +125°C junction operation.

Technical Context

The MPQ5068 implements a sense-FET current-limit architecture with external R_SET-programmed threshold (5–15A), dual-stage overcurrent protection (20μs primary, 200ns secondary at 25A), and integrated charge-pump gate drive enabling low-R_DS(ON) operation across 6–28V input range.

Its functional block includes a 1.23V TIMER comparator for fault timeout control, 0.6V FB reference with 60mV hysteresis for PG assertion, and dedicated IMON amplifier with user-set gain via R_IMON, all operating under AEC-Q100 Grade 1 reliability requirements (T_J = −40°C to +125°C).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ5068GQV-AEC1-Z uses a thermally enhanced QFN-22 (3mm × 5mm) package with exposed VIN pads (pins 21–22) and 8 parallel VOUT pins (13–20) for high-current routing and low-inductance grounding.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar hot-swap protection applications.

Compared with TPS25982LMLR and NIS5132MN, MPQ5068GQV-AEC1-Z uniquely combines AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, analog IMON output, and user-configurable soft-start/fault recovery - making it optimal for safety-critical automotive subsystems requiring both protection and diagnostics.

Availability

MPQ5068GQV-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, ADAS camera modules, and instrument cluster power distribution requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and lifecycle demands.

Supply support for MPQ5068GQV-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 design focus on efficiency, integration, and automotive-grade reliability.

The MPQ5068 belongs to MPS's AEC-Q100-qualified hot-swap and eFuse product line, engineered specifically for robust power sequencing and fault containment in automotive electrical architectures.

FAQ

What is the minimum soft-start time when SS pin is left floating?

When the SS pin is floated, the internal 4μA current source charges the MOSFET gate directly, achieving a minimum soft-start time of approximately 1ms. This fast ramp-up is suitable for low-capacitance loads where inrush control is less critical, and avoids external capacitor placement overhead.

How does damaged-MOSFET detection operate during startup?

During startup, the MPQ5068 monitors V_OUT relative to V_IN. If V_OUT exceeds V_IN − 1V before gate turn-on completes, the device interprets this as a shorted pass MOSFET, pulls FLTB low, and holds the output off - preventing unsafe power delivery to a known-faulted load.

Can the IMON output be used for closed-loop current regulation?

No - IMON provides only an analog voltage proportional to load current (±10% accuracy), with no built-in feedback path to the control loop. It is intended for monitoring and diagnostics, not regulation; current limiting remains handled by the internal sense-FET and R_SET-configured threshold.

What is the thermal resistance (θ_JA) of the QFN-22 package on a standard 4-layer PCB?

On a JESD51-7 compliant 4-layer PCB, the MPQ5068GQV-AEC1-Z exhibits θ_JA = 46°C/W. This value assumes proper thermal pad soldering with ≥6 vias to inner ground planes, enabling sustained 8A operation within 125°C junction limit at 25°C ambient.

Does the PG pin assert high when VIN = 0V?

No - PG remains low when VIN = 0V, even if an external pull-up is applied. The PG function requires V_FB > 0.6V, V_GS > 3V, and V_OUT > V_IN − 1V. With zero input, these conditions cannot be met, ensuring unambiguous "no power" indication for system safety logic.

How is the current limit adjusted using R_SET?

R_SET connects from ISET pin to GND and sets current limit per I_LIMIT = 0.6V × 20kΩ / R_SET. For example, a 10kΩ resistor yields 12A nominal limit (10.5–14.5A over temperature). Bench data shows 7.5kΩ → 15.9A, 20kΩ → 6.08A, confirming linear scaling across 5–15A range.

Is the FLTB pin active during thermal shutdown?

Yes - FLTB is driven low during both overcurrent faults and thermal shutdown events, with identical 20μs propagation delay. This unified fault signaling simplifies system-level interrupt handling, allowing one GPIO to detect all critical failures without distinguishing root cause in hardware.