Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ7235GQBE-AEC1-P

Overview

MPQ7235GQBE-AEC1-P from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified synchronous buck LED driver optimized for infrared (IR) illumination in automotive vision systems. It delivers up to 1.5A continuous and 3A peak LED current across a 4V–36V input range, operates at 2.2MHz switching frequency, and supports 10Hz–2kHz PWM dimming with precise timing for 30/60/120fps camera synchronization - deployed in driver monitoring and night-vision camera modules.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ7235GQBE-AEC1-P datasheet, MPQ7235GQBE-AEC1-P pinout, MPQ7235GQBE-AEC1-P application, or MPQ7235GQBE-AEC1-P equivalent, this page provides verified functional context, validated package mapping (QFN-13, 2.5mm×3mm), confirmed thermal performance (θJA = 42°C/W on EVB), real-world EMI compliance (CISPR25 Class 5), and automotive-grade fault signaling (/FAULT open-drain with LED short/open detection).

Technical Context

The MPQ7235GQBE-AEC1-P implements fixed-frequency peak-current-mode control with valley-current over-current protection and internal soft-start (2ms). Its integrated 85mΩ/50mΩ HS/LS MOSFETs enable high-efficiency synchronous buck conversion without external switches, while the 0.2V feedback reference and 192–208mV VFB tolerance ensure tight LED current regulation under wide temperature (-40°C to +125°C) and input voltage variation.

It features dedicated analog ground (AGND) isolated from power ground (PGND), bootstrap-driven high-side gate control (BST pin), and dual-fault reporting via /FAULT - asserting low on LED open, LED short-to-GND, LED short-to-LED-, or thermal shutdown - enabling robust system-level diagnostics in safety-critical automotive lighting.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ7235GQBE-AEC1-P is housed in a wettable flank QFN-13 package (2.5mm × 3mm, 0.5mm pitch), optimized for automated optical inspection (AOI) and thermal performance in space-constrained automotive modules.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPQ7235GQBE-AEC1-P, the wettable-flank variant offers superior manufacturability assurance in automotive production, while the LM3409QMYX/NOPB trades integration for flexibility at the cost of design complexity and footprint - making MPQ7235GQBE-AEC1-P optimal for compact, high-volume IR illumination modules.

Availability

MPQ7235GQBE-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for driver monitoring systems, automotive night-vision cameras, and surveillance illumination requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and CISPR25 Class 5 EMI certification.

Supply support for MPQ7235GQBE-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 core expertise in DC/DC conversion, LED drivers, and motor control solutions.

The MPQ7235 product line targets automotive IR illumination applications, designed specifically to meet AEC-Q100 Grade 1 requirements, deliver precise PWM-synchronized LED current, and simplify EMI-compliant layout in space-constrained camera modules.

FAQ

What is the minimum PWM dimming frequency supported by MPQ7235GQBE-AEC1-P?

The device supports PWM dimming down to 10Hz, enabling long-duration IR pulses required for low-frame-rate camera operation (e.g., 30fps with 5ms on-time). This is achieved without compromising current regulation accuracy or introducing audible noise, thanks to its fixed-frequency current-mode architecture and internal soft-start timing.

How does the /FAULT pin indicate specific fault conditions?

The /FAULT pin is an open-drain output that pulls low for LED open circuit, LED short-to-GND, LED short-to-LED-, or thermal shutdown. It does not encode fault type - system firmware must correlate /FAULT assertion with operational context (e.g., DIM state, VFB level, or temperature sensor data) to isolate root cause.

Can MPQ7235GQBE-AEC1-P drive multiple IR LEDs in series?

Yes - it regulates LED current, not voltage, so it can drive any series string whose forward voltage (VLED) remains below VIN minus dropout (typically ≤32V at 1.5A). For example, eight 3.2V IR LEDs (25.6V total) operate reliably from 28V input with proper inductor and thermal design.

What is the purpose of the BST pin, and what capacitor value is recommended?

BST supplies the floating gate drive voltage for the internal high-side MOSFET. A 0.1µF X7R ceramic capacitor must be placed between BST and SW pins; MPS strongly recommends adding a 20Ω resistor in series with BST to dampen SW node ringing and reduce radiated EMI.

Is the 200mV feedback reference voltage affected by temperature?

VFB has a guaranteed range of 184mV to 216mV over -40°C to +125°C, with typical drift of ±1mV/°C. This tight tolerance ensures LED current stability across automotive ambient conditions without requiring external calibration or compensation circuits.

Does MPQ7235GQBE-AEC1-P require an external current-sense resistor?

Yes - it uses an external sense resistor between LED- and PGND to generate the FB voltage. With a 200mV reference, a 0.1Ω resistor sets 2A ILED; scaling is linear (e.g., 0.067Ω for 3A peak). Resistor power rating must handle I²R losses at peak current.

How does the device handle input voltage transients such as load dump?

The absolute maximum input rating is +40V, exceeding ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (35V/400ms) and Pulse 5b (57V/100ms) requirements. Combined with internal UVLO (3.5V rising) and robust 2.2MHz switching, it sustains operation through common automotive transients without latch-off or reset.