Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-Z

Overview

MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a 16-channel AEC-Q100 Grade 1 LED driver IC for automotive lighting, delivering up to 80mA per channel with independent 12-bit PWM and 6-bit analog dimming, I²C interface (10 configurable addresses), and integrated open/short/thermal protection. It operates from 4.5V to 16V and drives LED strings in taillights and turn signals.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-Z application, or MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-Z equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, exact pin functions, EMI-optimized dimming control, fault signaling via RFSH/FLT, and automotive-grade thermal and electrical specifications.

Technical Context

The MPQ7221 employs 16 matched internal current sinks with external ISET resistor programming (RISET = 15kΩ → 80mA typ), enabling precise per-channel current regulation across temperature (-40°C to +125°C). Its dual-dimming architecture separates 12-bit PWM duty control (220–330Hz selectable) from 6-bit analog amplitude scaling, allowing simultaneous fine-grained brightness and flicker-free modulation.

Protection logic includes programmable LED short threshold (2V–5V via STH[1:0]), 4ms detection delay for open/short faults, hiccup or latch-off response modes (via LATCH bit), and over-temperature shutdown at 170°C with 20°C hysteresis. The RFSH/FLT pin serves as either synchronized refresh output (FRFSH[9:0]-programmable) or active-low fault flag (FLTEN-controlled).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-Z is housed in a wettable-flank QFN-24 package (4mm × 4mm), optimized for automotive reflow inspection and thermal performance (θJA = 42°C/W on JESD51-7 board).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with IS31FL3728-QFLS4-TR and TLC59284QPWPRQ1, MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-Z uniquely combines AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, dual analog+PWM dimming, programmable EMI reduction (slew/phase), and configurable fault thresholds - making it the only option qualified for safety-critical exterior lighting with integrated diagnostics.

Availability

MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive taillights, turn signals, and DRL systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q100-compliant traceability.

Supply support for MPQ7221GRE-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 reliability for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.

The MPQ7221 belongs to MPS's AEC-Q100-qualified LED driver product line, engineered specifically for automotive exterior lighting applications demanding robust fault handling, EMI resilience, and wide-input-voltage operation.

FAQ

What is the maximum total power dissipation for MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-Z in its QFN-24 package?

The continuous power dissipation limit is 1.79W at TA = 25°C, calculated from θJA = 42°C/W and TJ(MAX) = 150°C. Derating is required above 25°C ambient; for example, at 85°C ambient, maximum allowable PD drops to ~1.55W. Thermal design must include adequate copper area and vias beneath the exposed pad to maintain junction temperature ≤125°C under full 16×80mA load.

How does the RFSH/FLT pin operate when both refresh and fault signaling are needed?

The RFSH/FLT pin operates in mutually exclusive modes controlled by the FLTEN bit (Register 01h, bit 7). When FLTEN = 0, it outputs a programmable refresh signal (fREFRESH = 127500/FRFSH[9:0] Hz) regardless of fault state. When FLTEN = 1, it becomes an active-low open-drain fault flag pulled low on any detected open, short, or over-temperature condition - overriding refresh output.

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

No - MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-Z is a current-sink driver with 16 individual low-side outputs (LED1–LED16), designed exclusively for common-anode or single-LED-per-channel topologies. Each channel requires its own anode supply; it cannot source current or drive multiple LEDs in series from a single output. For series-string applications, a boost or buck-boost LED controller is required upstream.

What is the minimum I²C clock frequency supported, and how is fault status read?

The MPQ7221 supports standard-mode I²C down to 10kHz; however, timing parameters (e.g., tSU_STA = 0.16μs) assume ≥100kHz operation. Fault status is read from registers 06h–09h (open/short flags per channel) and 02h (FT_OTP bit); reading any fault register automatically clears the corresponding flag and releases the RFSH/FLT pin if FLTEN = 1.

How is LED current accuracy affected by temperature and supply variation?

ILED accuracy is ±5% over -40°C to +125°C and ±3% at 25°C for RISET = 15kΩ (80mA). VIN variation has negligible effect due to internal regulation; temperature drift of VISET is ±0.005V over full range (1.195–1.202V), contributing <0.5% additional error. External RISET tolerance (e.g., 1%) dominates overall current error budget.

Is there a recommended PCB layout practice for minimizing EMI with MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-Z?

Yes: place 10μF VIN bypass capacitor within 3mm of PIN 24; use solid GND plane under IC; route LED traces symmetrically and keep ISET/ADDR traces short and away from noisy nodes; implement 40μs phase shift (PS_EN = 1) to spread spectral energy; and avoid routing SCL/SDA near high-di/dt paths like LED returns.

Does MPQ7221GRE-AEC1-Z support daisy-chaining beyond 10 devices?

No - only 10 unique I²C addresses (0x30–0x39) are hardware-configurable via the ADDR pin and RADDR resistor. To scale beyond 10 devices, external I²C multiplexers (e.g., TCA9548A) or separate I²C buses are required. Each MPQ7221 must reside on a distinct address space to avoid bus contention.