Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ7220GF-AEC1-Z

Overview

MPQ7220GF-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a 6-channel automotive-grade boost LED driver with AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, designed for tail light illumination systems. It integrates six independent current sources (max 100mA/channel), internal 50V/100mΩ low-side MOSFET, programmable switching frequency up to 2.2MHz, and achieves ±2.5% inter-string current matching. Its 3.5V–36V input range and robust fault protection suite support operation across cold-crank and load-dump conditions in vehicle lighting.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ7220GF-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ7220GF-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ7220GF-AEC1-Z application in automotive tail lights, or MPQ7220GF-AEC1-Z equivalent for LED driver replacement, this page delivers verified technical context, package-specific pin mapping, real-world EMI performance data (CISPR25 Class 5 compliant), thermal derating behavior, and validated alternative options aligned with automotive functional safety requirements.

Technical Context

The MPQ7220GF-AEC1-Z implements peak current mode control with cycle-by-cycle current limiting (2.3A typical) and programmable 470kHz–2.2MHz switching via external resistor on FREQ/SYNC. Its six-channel architecture uses individual current-sense paths tied to ISET, enabling precise per-string regulation without external sense resistors.

It features integrated thermal management: LED current auto-decrements above 125°C junction temperature, and latches off at 170°C with 20°C hysteresis. Protection includes LED short/open detection (via STH pin threshold), OVP (programmable 1.9–2.1V), OCP, OTP, and inductor short detection - all signaled via open-drain FF pin.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP28-EP package (5.0mm × 9.7mm × 1.2mm height) with exposed thermal pad; optimized for automotive PCB layouts requiring high thermal dissipation and mechanical robustness under vibration.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 6-channel automotive LED driver applications.

Compared with MPQ7220GF-AEC1-Z, the GR variant offers superior thermal metrics in compact form, while the TPS92692QPWPRQ1 adds integrated diagnostics at the cost of solution size and cost - making MPQ7220GF-AEC1-Z optimal for cost-sensitive, thermally managed tail lamp modules requiring AEC-Q100 Grade 1 compliance.

Availability

MPQ7220GF-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive tail lights, brake light modules, turn signal indicators, and license plate illumination requiring stable component supply under AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification.

Supply support for MPQ7220GF-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 for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

The MPQ7220 product line targets automotive exterior lighting with integrated protection, EMI control, and AEC-Q100 qualification - designed specifically to replace discrete boost + current-source solutions in tail/brake lamp ECUs.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable LED string voltage for MPQ7220GF-AEC1-Z?

The device supports up to 50V on LEDx pins per absolute maximum rating, but practical string voltage depends on VIN and boost ratio. With 36V max VIN and typical 90% duty cycle, VOUT can reach ~360V - however, recommended design limits are ≤100V to maintain efficiency and thermal margin. The OVP pin must be configured to trip below the LED string's absolute max reverse voltage.

How does the STH pin configure LED short protection?

STH sources a precise 18µA current; connecting a resistor R_STH from STH to GND sets the short threshold as V_TH = 18µA × R_STH. For example, 278kΩ yields 5.0V threshold. If floated, default threshold is 5V. This voltage is compared against each LEDx pin; a drop below threshold for >7.7ms triggers fault latching and FF assertion.

Can MPQ7220GF-AEC1-Z drive mixed-color LED strings (e.g., red + white)?

Yes - each channel regulates current independently, so different forward voltages (e.g., 2.1V red vs. 3.2V white) are supported as long as VOUT ≥ max(V_f) + headroom (≥700mV at 100mA). However, color consistency requires matching binning since current regulation alone doesn't compensate for V_f drift with temperature.

What is the role of the SD pin during normal operation?

SD remains high-impedance during normal operation. When a fault occurs (OVP, OTP, LED short), SD actively pulls down to sink 40–70µA, turning off an external PMOS connected between VIN and VOUT. This physically isolates the boost output, preventing fault propagation - a key requirement for ASIL-B system partitioning.

Does MPQ7220GF-AEC1-Z support analog dimming in addition to PWM?

No - dimming is PWM-only via the DIM pin. There is no analog dimming interface (e.g., ISET voltage modulation or CTRL pin). Brightness control must use 100Hz–20kHz square-wave PWM; DC voltage on DIM is ignored except for logic-level enable/disable (pull high to disable dimming).

How is thermal performance affected by the TSSOP28-EP exposed pad connection?

Connecting the exposed pad to a minimum 200mm² copper pour with ≥6 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter) reduces θJA to 32°C/W (JESD51-7). Without proper pad connection, θJA degrades to 44°C/W, limiting continuous power to ~2.2W at 25°C ambient - insufficient for 6×100mA operation at high ambient temperatures.

What happens during startup if the OVP pin reads below 100mV?

If OVP <100mV for 10µs after the 500µs EN delay, the IC assumes VOUT is shorted to GND and immediately latches off, pulling FF low and disabling SW. Recovery requires cycling EN or VIN. This prevents inductor saturation and MOSFET failure during output short conditions.