Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ7790GF-AEC1-Z

Overview

MPQ7790GF-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade-1 qualified, mono bridge-tied load (BTL) Class-D audio amplifier delivering 15W into 8Ω at 16V PVCC with ≤0.05% THD+N, 90% efficiency, and integrated 300mΩ MOSFETs. It operates from 5.5–18V PVCC, features adjustable power limiting, automatic shutdown on zero-input detection, and is designed for automotive infotainment and emergency call systems.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ7790GF-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ7790GF-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ7790GF-AEC1-Z application, or MPQ7790GF-AEC1-Z equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, real-world operating specifications, automotive-grade thermal and fault protection behavior, and confirmed alternative options for AEC-Q100 mono BTL amplifier selection.

Technical Context

The MPQ7790GF-AEC1-Z implements a fixed-frequency (240–360 kHz) PWM-based Class-D architecture with internal high-side bootstrap drivers (BSTA/BSTB), dual N-channel output stage per half-bridge, and analog input biasing at 2.5V. Its BTL topology delivers differential voltage swing across the speaker without output coupling capacitors.

It integrates signal absence detection via CAP_D-controlled delay, open-drain /FAULT reporting for over-temperature (150°C trip, 130°C hysteresis) and over-current events, and PLIMIT-based virtual rail control that scales peak output voltage as 9× the applied PLIMIT voltage - enabling precise anti-clipping without external DSP.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MPQ7790GF-AEC1-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced TSSOP-20 EP (exposed pad) package, with 0.65 mm pitch and exposed thermal pad soldered to PCB ground plane for θJC = 6.5°C/W performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar mono BTL Class-D amplifier applications.

Compared with TAS5414QRTQRQ1 and MAX9744G/V+T, the MPQ7790GF-AEC1-Z uniquely combines AEC-Q100 Grade-1 qualification, analog-only simplicity, hardware-configurable gain and power limiting, and sub-100µA auto-sleep - making it optimal for safety-critical, low-complexity automotive audio nodes.

Availability

MPQ7790GF-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive E-call systems, telematics control units, driver monitoring alerts, and passenger entertainment interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MPQ7790GF-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 20 years of automotive-grade product development and AEC-Q100 validation expertise.

The MPQ7790 belongs to MPS's automotive audio amplifier product line, engineered specifically for robust, low-EMI, high-efficiency mono BTL amplification in safety-critical vehicle subsystems - prioritizing reliability, thermal resilience, and analog configurability over digital complexity.

FAQ

What is the minimum PVCC voltage required for reliable operation?

The MPQ7790GF-AEC1-Z has a guaranteed UVLO turn-on threshold of 4.6V at 25°C and 4.3V across –40°C to +125°C. Operation below 4.3V may cause unpredictable enable behavior or latch-up; design must ensure PVCC remains ≥4.6V during cold-crank to maintain functional safety compliance.

How does the PLIMIT function prevent speaker damage?

PLIMIT sets a "virtual rail" equal to 9× the applied voltage, capping peak-to-peak output swing independently of PVCC. For example, 1.4V on PLIMIT limits output to ~26Vpp, restricting maximum power to 10W into 8Ω - preventing mechanical over-excursion and thermal failure in mismatched or aging speakers.

Can the MPQ7790GF-AEC1-Z drive 4Ω loads reliably?

Yes - it delivers 7.5W at 12V/4Ω/10% THD with 0.15% THD+N. However, thermal dissipation increases significantly; θJA must be ≤25°C/W (4-layer PCB) to sustain full output. Derate power linearly above 85°C ambient, and verify short-circuit protection holds under 4Ω load faults.

What is the purpose of the Cap_D pin and how is its value selected?

Cap_D sets the delay before auto-shutdown activates after audio signal loss. Using Equation T_delay = 1.6×10⁸ × C (seconds), a 100nF capacitor yields ~16s hold time. Select value based on expected silence duration: 47nF (~7.5s) for voice prompts, 220nF (~35s) for music playback gaps.

Does the /FAULT pin require an external pull-up resistor?

Yes - /FAULT is open-drain and requires a 4.7kΩ to 10kΩ pull-up to AVCC or system IO voltage (≤5.5V). Without pull-up, the fault state cannot be read by host MCU. The pin asserts low only during active over-temperature or over-current events and returns high automatically after recovery.

How does the MPQ7790GF-AEC1-Z achieve low EMI without spread-spectrum modulation?

It uses fixed-frequency PWM with optimized gate drive slew rate control, integrated bootstrap architecture to minimize high-di/dt loop area, and internal dead-time tuning (40ns typical). Combined with recommended Murata NFZ2M-series magnetic beads on SWA/SWB and PVCC, it meets CISPR 25 Class 5 radiated emissions limits.

Is the AGND pin required to be isolated from PGND on the PCB?

Yes - AGND must be routed as a separate net tied to the AVCC bypass capacitor and analog input network, then connected to PGND at a single point near the thermal pad. This prevents switching noise from PGND from modulating the 2.5V input bias and degrading THD+N performance.