Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-P

Overview

MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a 16-channel automotive-grade LED driver IC with independent PWM (12-bit) and analog (6-bit) dimming per channel, 4.5V–16V input range, up to 80mA/channel sink current, and I²C interface supporting 10 configurable addresses. It delivers synchronized refresh signaling, programmable slew rate, and phase-shifted dimming for EMI-optimized automotive tail/turn lighting.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-P datasheet, MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-P pinout, MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-P application, or MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-P equivalent, key selection criteria include AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, QFN-24 wettable flank package, fault-flagged RFSH/FLT pin behavior, I²C address scalability across cascaded devices, and dual-dimming register independence per channel.

Technical Context

The MPQ7221 integrates 16 matched current sinks with external ISET resistor programming, enabling precise per-channel LED current control up to 80mA. Its I²C interface supports 10 unique slave addresses via ADDR resistor, allowing daisy-chained configurations without address conflict.

It implements separated dimming paths: 12-bit PWM dimming (220–330Hz selectable frequency, 40μs inter-channel phase shift) and 6-bit analog dimming (0–100% amplitude scaling), both independently configurable per channel. Fault management includes open-load, short-load (configurable 2–5V threshold), UVLO, and OTP with latch/hiccup modes controlled via registers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-P uses a thermally enhanced QFN-24 (4mm×4mm) package with wettable flanks, optimized for automotive thermal cycling and AOI compatibility. The exposed thermal pad must be soldered to PCB ground plane for thermal performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 16-channel automotive LED driver applications.

Compared with MAX20051ATP/V+T and TLC6C5912QPWPRQ1, MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-P uniquely combines I²C scalability, dual-dimming independence, EMI-reducing phase/slew control, and integrated refresh signaling-making it optimal for next-generation automotive lighting with camera synchronization and stringent EMC requirements.

Availability

MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive taillight modules, turning signal assemblies, and daytime running light systems requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-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 power management ICs, with design focus on efficiency, integration, and automotive reliability.

The MPQ7221 belongs to MPS's AEC-Q100-qualified LED driver product line, engineered specifically for automotive exterior lighting applications demanding precise dimming control, fault resilience, and EMI-compliant operation.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable LED forward voltage supported by MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-P?

The device supports LED string forward voltages up to VIN − V_HEADROOM, where headroom is 350–450mV at 80mA. With 16V max VIN, this allows up to ~15.65V total LED forward voltage per channel. The internal current sink operates in linear mode, so total V_F must remain below VIN minus specified headroom across operating temperature and current.

How does the RFSH/FLT pin function in refresh mode versus fault mode?

When FLTEN = 0, RFSH/FLT outputs a synchronized rectangle waveform at frequency f_REFRESH = 127500/FRFSH[9:0] Hz (e.g., 300Hz at FRFSH = 0x1A9). When FLTEN = 1, the pin becomes an active-low open-drain fault flag pulled low upon any protection trigger (open, short, OTP), and remains low until fault bits are read or power cycled.

Can MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-P drive LEDs in series configurations?

No - MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-P is a 16-channel constant-current sink with each LED_x pin serving as a cathode return. It drives single LEDs or parallel LED strings per channel. For series strings, a high-side switch or boost converter must supply sufficient voltage; the MPQ7221 only regulates current through the low-side path.

What is the minimum I²C clock frequency supported, and is clock stretching allowed?

The MPQ7221 supports standard-mode I²C with f_SCL up to 1.2MHz and no minimum frequency requirement - DC operation is permitted. Clock stretching is not implemented; the device responds within t_HIGH (0.32μs min) and t_LOW (0.12μs min) timing windows, and does not hold SCL low during internal processing.

How is LED short-protection threshold configured, and what are the valid voltage options?

The LED short-protection threshold is set via the STH[1:0] register bits (address 01h). Valid options are: 00 = 2.0V, 01 = 3.0V, 10 = 4.0V, 11 = 5.0V. Detection occurs when V_LEDx exceeds the selected threshold for ≥4ms, triggering channel shutdown and fault flag assertion.

Does MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-P require external components for basic operation beyond ISET and ADDR resistors?

Yes - mandatory external components include: (1) ISET resistor (e.g., 15kΩ for 80mA), (2) ADDR resistor (for I²C address selection), (3) VIN bypass capacitor (≥1μF ceramic, placed adjacent to pin 24), and (4) pull-up resistors on SCL/SDA (typically 2.2–4.7kΩ to 3.3V). No external FETs, inductors, or diodes are needed for basic current-sink operation.

Is the 12-bit PWM dimming resolution applied uniformly across all selectable f_PWM frequencies?

Yes - 12-bit (4096-step) PWM resolution is maintained at all four selectable frequencies (220/250/280/330Hz). Duty cycle is calculated as DPWM = PWMx/4095, where PWMx is the 12-bit register value. Frequency selection affects timing but not step count or granularity.