Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ7231GLE-D00-AEC1-P

Overview

MPQ7231GLE-D00-AEC1-P from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified, synchronous infrared LED driver supporting configurable buck (3A peak) or buck-boost (2.4A peak) topologies, with integrated 44mΩ HS-FET and 40mΩ LS-FET, 2.4MHz/1.25MHz switching, and factory-trimmed 1ms dimming on-time for ASIL-compliant driver monitoring systems.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ7231GLE-D00-AEC1-P datasheet, MPQ7231GLE-D00-AEC1-P pinout, MPQ7231GLE-D00-AEC1-P application, or MPQ7231GLE-D00-AEC1-P equivalent, this device delivers eye-safety–certified IR illumination control for automotive DMS and camera systems requiring precise PWM dimming, thermal derating via NTC, and fault-latched protection against LED short/open, over-current, and thermal events.

Technical Context

The MPQ7231 operates in constant-frequency hysteretic control mode-enabling sub-100ns transient response without loop compensation-and integrates frequency spread spectrum (FSS) modulation to reduce EMI peaks by ±10% fSW. Its dual-mode topology selection (buck vs. buck-boost) is determined by external resistor value at IREF (≥14.7kΩ or ≤9.09kΩ), enabling flexible VIN-to-VLED voltage ratio handling across 6V–42V input.

Functional safety is implemented through hardware-enforced dimming on-time limits (1ms for -D00 variant), LED current limiting, and dedicated FAULT open-drain output with 300kΩ internal pull-up. Thermal derating is configured via NTC network referenced to IREF, with OTP threshold at 0.37V on NTC pin and recovery at 0.48V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ7231GLE-D00-AEC1-P is housed in a QFN-19 (3mm × 4mm) package with wettable flanks for automated optical inspection. Pin 1 is marked by a dot; pins 4/13 are VIN, pins 5/6/11/12 are PGND, and pin 14 is INGND (buck-boost ground reference).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar infrared LED driver applications.

Compared with MPQ7231GLE-D30-AEC1-P, the -D00 variant provides stricter eye safety enforcement for high-frame-rate DMS; compared with TLC5940QPWPRQ1, it delivers integrated high-current power stage and automotive-grade protection, eliminating external FETs and current-sense resistors.

Availability

MPQ7231GLE-D00-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for driver monitoring systems, automotive IR camera illumination, and ASIL-compliant surveillance applications requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 qualification, and functional safety documentation.

Supply support for MPQ7231GLE-D00-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 centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MPQ7231 belongs to MPS's MPSafe™ automotive-grade LED driver product line, engineered specifically for functional safety–critical infrared illumination in driver monitoring and ADAS camera systems.

FAQ

What is the factory-trimmed dimming on-time limit for MPQ7231GLE-D00-AEC1-P?

The MPQ7231GLE-D00-AEC1-P has a factory-trimmed dimming on-time limit of 1ms, enforced in hardware to meet IEC 62471 photobiological safety requirements for infrared LEDs used in driver monitoring systems. This value is fixed and cannot be adjusted externally.

How does the MPQ7231 select buck versus buck-boost topology?

Topology selection is determined by the resistor value connected from IREF pin to AGND: ≥14.7kΩ configures buck mode (up to 3A peak), while ≤9.09kΩ configures buck-boost mode (up to 2.4A peak). The IREF pin voltage settles to 0.57V after mode detection completes.

Does MPQ7231GLE-D00-AEC1-P require an external current-sense resistor?

No. The MPQ7231 integrates a precision current-sense circuit and does not require an external sense resistor. LED average current is set solely by the resistor connected from ISET pin to AGND, with typical values ranging from 10.5kΩ (2A) to 40.2kΩ (0.5A).

What protections are latched versus auto-recovering?

Over-current protection (OCP), LED short-to-battery/ground, LED open, and thermal shutdown faults cause latched FAULT assertion requiring EN pin cycling. UVLO, DIM glitches, and transient NTC faults are auto-recovering with deglitch timers (e.g., 20μs for FAULT post-startup).

Can MPQ7231GLE-D00-AEC1-P drive two IR LEDs in series?

Yes. The device supports one or two IR LEDs in series in buck mode (VIN ≥ V_LED + dropout) or buck-boost mode (VIN < V_LED). Typical application circuits show 2-LED (6V) and 3-LED (9V) configurations with efficiency curves confirming stable operation at 3A and 1.2A respectively.

What is the role of the INGND pin in buck versus buck-boost configuration?

In buck topology, INGND must be connected to PGND or AGND. In buck-boost topology, INGND serves as the dedicated ground reference for VIN, EN, DIM, and FAULT pins-electrically isolated from PGND to prevent ground loop interference in high-side sensing paths.

Is frequency spread spectrum (FSS) enabled by default?

Yes. FSS modulation is always active when the device is operating, improving CISPR25 Class 5 radiated and conducted EMI performance by spreading the fundamental switching frequency over ±10% of nominal f_SW (2.4MHz or 1.25MHz).