Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ7220GR-AEC1-Z

Overview

MPQ7220GR-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a 6-channel automotive-grade boost LED driver with independent 100mA per channel current regulation, peak current mode PWM control, and AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification. It integrates a 50V/100mΩ internal MOSFET, supports 3.5V–36V input, and delivers precise ±2.5% current matching for tail light applications requiring high reliability under wide temperature (-40°C to +125°C) and EMI-constrained environments.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ7220GR-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ7220GR-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ7220GR-AEC1-Z application in automotive lighting, or MPQ7220GR-AEC1-Z equivalent for LED string drivers, this device provides programmable switching frequency (up to 2.2MHz), PWM dimming (100Hz–20kHz), spread-spectrum EMI reduction, and comprehensive fault protection including LED short/open, OVP, OTP, and cycle-by-cycle current limiting.

Technical Context

The MPQ7220GR-AEC1-Z implements a peak current mode boost converter architecture with six independent current-regulated channels, each using an internal current source referenced to ISET. Its control loop employs a transconductance error amplifier (G_COMP = 100μA/V) and 2V reference for LED current feedback, enabling stable regulation across varying forward voltages.

It features dual protection coordination: analog OVP threshold set via external resistor on the OVP pin (1.9–2.1V typical), and digital LED short detection triggered by STH pin voltage (5V default threshold). Thermal derating reduces LED current above 125°C, and fault conditions assert open-drain FF signal while driving SD pin to disable external PMOS disconnect.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ7220GR-AEC1-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-24 (4mm × 4mm) package with exposed pad for PCB thermal management. Pin functions are validated per MPS MPQ7220 Rev. 1.1 datasheet (Nov. 2022), with AGND and PGND separated for noise isolation and SW routed to external inductor.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AL8863Q-7 and TLC6C5912QPWPRQ1, MPQ7220GR-AEC1-Z uniquely integrates both boost conversion and six-channel current regulation in a single AEC-Q100 Grade 1 package, eliminating external FETs, reducing component count by ≥30%, and simplifying EMI filtering for CISPR25 Class 5 compliance.

Availability

MPQ7220GR-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive rear lighting, adaptive brake signals, sequential turn indicators, and emergency stop systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q100-compliant traceability.

Supply support for MPQ7220GR-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 over two decades of expertise in DC-DC conversion, LED drivers, and automotive-grade solutions.

The MPQ7220 product line is designed specifically for AEC-Q100-compliant automotive exterior lighting, emphasizing current accuracy, thermal robustness, EMI resilience, and functional safety-ready fault signaling.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for MPQ7220GR-AEC1-Z to start switching?

The device enters startup when VIN exceeds 3.1V (UVLO rising threshold) and EN is high. Below 3.1V, the IC remains in shutdown with 1μA quiescent current. Stable regulation begins once VIN reaches 3.5V, the specified minimum operating input voltage.

How does the MPQ7220GR-AEC1-Z handle LED string open-circuit faults?

Upon detecting an LED open (V_LEDx > 5.1V for >7.7ms), the IC asserts the FF pin low, disables SW switching, and pulls SD low to disconnect VOUT. The fault remains latched until EN is cycled or VIN drops below UVLO.

Can the MPQ7220GR-AEC1-Z drive mixed-color LED strings (e.g., red + white) with different forward voltages?

Yes - its low-headroom regulation (V_HD = 700–1000mV at 100mA) accommodates V_f mismatches up to ~3V between strings. Each channel regulates current independently, so red (1.8–2.2V) and white (2.8–3.6V) LEDs can coexist without cross-talk or brightness deviation.

What is the purpose of the FSP pin, and how does it affect EMI performance?

FSP sets the spread-spectrum jitter ratio: <0.4V → 1/20 jitter, 0.45–1.4V → 1/32 jitter, >1.4V → disabled. At 1/32, peak conducted/radiated emissions drop by 5–8dBµV across 150kHz–1GHz, helping meet CISPR25 Class 5 limits without added filter components.

Is the ISET resistor value affected by temperature, and how is current accuracy maintained?

ISET resistor drift is compensated by the device's internal 1.2V reference and matched current sources. Over −40°C to +125°C, LED current variation is limited to ±4% (vs. ±2.5% at 25°C), verified by characterization - no external temperature compensation is required.

Does MPQ7220GR-AEC1-Z support synchronization with other switching regulators in the same ECU?

Yes - the FREQ/SYNC pin accepts external clock signals (TTL/CMOS) to synchronize switching edges across multiple MPQ7220 devices or other MPS regulators, reducing beat-frequency EMI and enabling deterministic timing for camera-triggered lighting sequences.

What thermal derating occurs above 125°C junction temperature?

LED current decreases linearly starting at 125°C, reaching ~50% of nominal at 150°C. This is implemented via internal thermal sensing and analog current scaling - no software or external intervention needed to maintain safe operation.