Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ7920GRM-0003-AEC1-Z

Overview

MPQ7920GRM-0003-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 automotive power management IC integrating four synchronous buck converters (4.5A/2.5A/4.5A/2A), five LDOs (including RTC-dedicated 3.3V LDO), I²C/MTP programmability, and configurable power sequencing in a QFN-26 (3.5mm×4.5mm) package with wettable flanks. It delivers stable 1.15V, 1.5V, 1.15V, and 1.8V core rails for SoC subsystems in infotainment head units.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ7920GRM-0003-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ7920GRM-0003-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ7920GRM-0003-AEC1-Z application, or MPQ7920GRM-0003-AEC1-Z equivalent, this device supports automotive-grade voltage rail coordination, dynamic VOUT adjustment via I²C, MTP-based power-on/off timing (0.5ms–16ms slots), and fault-safe reset signaling (RSTO open-drain).

Technical Context

The MPQ7920GRM-0003-AEC1-Z implements constant-on-time (COT) control across all four buck regulators, enabling sub-100ns minimum on-time and fast transient response under load steps up to 4.5A. Its 2.2MHz default switching frequency reduces external passive size while maintaining >85% efficiency at full load across all channels.

Power sequencing is fully defined by MTP configuration (code 0003), setting initial states, soft-start times (300μs), phase delays, and on/off delays (e.g., Buck 2 and Buck 4 delayed 4.5ms). The dual-input LDO architecture-VIN2 powering LDORTC/LDO2/LDO3 and VIN5 powering LDO4/LDO5-enables independent supply domain control and low-noise analog biasing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ7920GRM-0003-AEC1-Z is housed in a space-saving QFN-26 package (3.5mm × 4.5mm, 0.5mm pitch) with wettable flanks for automated optical inspection (AOI) and robust solder joint reliability in automotive reflow profiles.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar multi-rail automotive PMIC applications.

Compared with PCA9450B and ISL78600, MPQ7920GRM-0003-AEC1-Z delivers identical 4-buck/5-LDO functionality in a 26-pin QFN with wettable flanks, I²C/MTP configurability, and lower component count - making it optimal for cost- and space-constrained automotive infotainment and display systems.

Availability

MPQ7920GRM-0003-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment head units, ADAS video recorders, and digital instrument clusters requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MPQ7920GRM-0003-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 for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications, with over 20 years of analog design expertise.

The MPQ7920 belongs to MPS's AEC-Q100-qualified automotive PMIC product line, engineered specifically for integrated power delivery in infotainment, ADAS, and digital cockpit systems where compact size, programmability, and functional safety are critical.

FAQ

What is the default output voltage configuration for MPQ7920GRM-0003-AEC1-Z?

The OTP code "0003" configures Buck 1 and Buck 3 to 1.15V, Buck 2 to 1.5V, Buck 4 to 1.8V, LDORTC to 3.3V, LDO2/LDO3/LDO5 to 1.8V, and LDO4 to 1.1V. All values are verified in the Electrical Characteristics table (pages 7–9) and match the Typical Application schematic (page 2).

Can MPQ7920GRM-0003-AEC1-Z support parallel operation of buck converters?

Yes - Buck 1 and Buck 3 are explicitly designed for parallel operation (9A total), as stated in the FEATURES section and confirmed by identical current limits (9.3A typ) and shared GND1. Buck 2 and Buck 4 also support parallel operation (4.5A total) with matched 6.1A current limits and shared GND2.

Is the MTP memory in MPQ7920GRM-0003-AEC1-Z one-time or two-time programmable?

MPQ7920GRM-0003-AEC1-Z uses one-time programmable (OTP) MTP, as clarified in the Ordering Information section: "MPQ7920GRM-0003-AEC1 is the default version, which can be MTP 1 time." The two-time version is MPQ7920GRM-0000-AEC1, reserved for sampling.

What is the purpose of the AVIN pin and how should it be connected?

AVIN supplies power to internal analog logic circuits and must be connected to the same 2.7V–5.5V bus as VIN1–VIN5 via a 4.7Ω resistor (per page 5 Pin Functions). It is bypassed with a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor to AGND to suppress high-frequency noise affecting I²C and feedback accuracy.

Does MPQ7920GRM-0003-AEC1-Z include built-in overvoltage protection on buck outputs?

Yes - each buck converter has output overvoltage protection (OVP) with rising threshold at 120% of VREF (e.g., VOVP1_H = 120% × 1.15V = 1.38V) and recovery at 110%, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table (page 7). This prevents damage to downstream SoC rails during feedback loop faults.

How does the RSTO pin function during normal operation and fault conditions?

RSTO is an open-drain output that remains high-impedance during normal operation. It pulls low during UVLO, OVP, or thermal shutdown (153°C entry), providing a hardware reset signal to the host processor. An external pull-up resistor is mandatory, as stated in the Pin Functions table (page 4).

What is the maximum supported I²C clock frequency and are timing parameters guaranteed?

The I²C interface supports up to 3.4MHz (standard-mode fast-plus), with guaranteed timing parameters including tHIGH ≥60ns, tLOW ≥160ns, tSU_DAT ≥10ns, and tHD_DAT ≥70ns (page 10). These are tested and specified across –40°C to +125°C junction temperature.