Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ5480GC-Z

Overview

MPQ5480GC-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a monolithic power management IC for wearable devices, integrating a USB-compatible constant-current/constant-voltage lithium-ion battery charger, a synchronous step-down DC/DC regulator (1.22V default, 100mA output), cell under-voltage protection, and a system extension switch (Vo2). It operates with 4V–6V charger input, supports push-button enable/disable control, and delivers stable regulation in WLCSP-16 (1.7mm×1.7mm) packaging.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ5480GC-Z datasheet, MPQ5480GC-Z pinout, MPQ5480GC-Z application, or MPQ5480GC-Z equivalent, this device serves as a compact, low-quiescent-power solution for space-constrained battery-powered systems requiring integrated charge management, regulated rail generation, and controlled power distribution - especially where thermal shutdown, cycle-by-cycle current limiting, and dead-battery detection are critical.

Technical Context

The MPQ5480GC-Z implements a hysteresis-controlled synchronous buck converter with programmable peak current limit (via IPK pin resistor), internal 2kΩ series resistance, and DCM/CCM hybrid operation for fast transient response and minimal output capacitance. Its CC/CV charger uses external R_ICHG to set charge current (7.8–127mA), includes trickle-charge mode below 2.93V, and enforces thermal limits (6°C–49°C) before charging initiation.

System-level control integrates a 2.2s debounce timer and toggle flip-flop on EN/PB, latching shutdown when V_BATT < 3.05V (UVLO), disabling DC/DC and Vo2 during charging (V_CH > 3.8V), and enabling auto-retry protection on Vo2 with 9ms overcurrent and 300µs short-circuit detection delays.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ5480GC-Z is housed in a WLCSP-16 package (1.7mm × 1.7mm, 0.4mm pitch), optimized for ultra-compact wearable PCB layouts with bottom-soldered ball grid array.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar integrated charger + buck regulator applications.

Compared with MPQ5472GC-Z, MPQ5480GC-Z trades 200mA DC/DC headroom for essential system-control functions (Vo2, EN/PB, dead-battery detection); versus BQ24075RGTR, it eliminates two ICs but constrains charge current to 127mA max - making it optimal for sub-100mA wearable subsystems demanding minimal footprint and autonomous power sequencing.

Availability

MPQ5480GC-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wearable device design, medical patch monitors, wireless earbud charging cases, and AR glasses control modules requiring stable component supply across prototyping, NPI, and volume production phases.

Supply support for MPQ5480GC-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 analog and power ICs, with emphasis on efficiency, miniaturization, and reliability for portable and industrial applications.

The MPQ5480 belongs to MPS's wearable-optimized PMIC product line, designed specifically to consolidate charging, regulation, protection, and user-interface control into a single WLCSP die for sub-20mm² end equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum charge current supported by MPQ5480GC-Z?

The MPQ5480GC-Z supports a maximum programmed charge current of 127mA, achieved when the ICHG pin is shorted to ground (R_ICHG = 0kΩ). This value is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table (page 4) under "Constant current regulation" with I_CHG = 127mA at R_ICHG = 0kΩ. Higher currents require external charge ICs.

Can MPQ5480GC-Z regulate output voltages above 1.22V?

Yes - the default 1.22V output is programmable using an external resistor divider from VOUT to AGND. The datasheet (page 14) provides the formula V_O = [1 + R_UP/(R_DOWN // 900kΩ)] × 1.22V, where 900kΩ is the internal FB divider sum. This allows precise scaling to common rails like 1.8V or 3.3V with appropriate resistor selection.

How does the Vo2 switch behave during charging?

When a valid charger is connected (V_CH > 3.8V), the Vo2 switch is forcibly disabled regardless of EN/PB state - as stated in the Operation section (page 13): "The output of the flip-flop is forced to low when VCH is connected… it forces the DC/DC and Vo2 MOSFET to be disabled." This prevents backfeed and ensures charger priority.

Is MPQ5480GC-Z still in active production?

No - the datasheet header explicitly labels MPQ5480 as "END OF LIFE" (page 1). While Aetrix Electronics maintains legacy inventory and offers lifecycle coordination support, new designs should consider migration paths such as the MPQ5472GC-Z or consult MPS for qualified replacements per their PCN notifications.

What is the purpose of the capacitor on the EOL pin?

A 0.1µF capacitor on the EOL pin creates a 1ms RC low-pass filter for battery voltage, providing averaged VBATT sampling to the UVLO comparator. As described on page 12, this filtering prevents false shutdowns due to transient dips during pulsed loads, ensuring reliable latched shutdown only when true under-voltage persists.

Does MPQ5480GC-Z support automatic recharging after battery recovery?

No - once latched in shutdown (VBATT < V_{th_UVLO}), the device remains off until an external charger is applied to the CH pin (V_CH > 3.8V), as stated on page 12: "MPQ5480 is latched in this shutdown mode until a valid external power source is connected to CH pin." No autonomous wake-up occurs upon battery voltage rise alone.

What inductor value is recommended for MPQ5480GC-Z's DC/DC section?

The datasheet specifies a 10µH inductor in all test conditions (pages 4–5, 14) and recommends it to maintain switching frequency above 20kHz under light load - preventing audible noise. The inductor must handle ≥100mA peak current and exhibit low DCR to preserve efficiency; shielded types (e.g., TDK VLS201610) are preferred for EMI control.