Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ8632GLE-10-Z

Overview

MPQ8632GLE-10-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a 10A, 2.5V–18V input synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with latch-off over-voltage protection, Constant-On-Time (COT) control, and integrated 19.6mΩ/5.7mΩ MOSFETs. It delivers regulated output from 0.611V to 13V in a 3mm×4mm QFN-16 package and is used in telecom base stations and server VRMs requiring fast transient response and high efficiency at full load.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ8632GLE-10-Z datasheet, MPQ8632GLE-10-Z pinout, MPQ8632GLE-10-Z application, or MPQ8632GLE-10-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include latch-off OVP mode, 10A continuous output rating, COT-based loop stability, thermal shutdown at 150°C, and compatibility with 200kHz–1MHz programmable switching frequency via external resistor.

Technical Context

The MPQ8632GLE-10-Z implements adaptive Constant-On-Time (COT) control without an external compensation network, using VIN feed-forward through the FREQ pin to maintain stable switching frequency across input voltage variation. Its internal power stage integrates asymmetric high-side (19.6mΩ) and low-side (5.7mΩ) MOSFETs optimized for 10A continuous operation.

It supports pre-bias startup, programmable soft-start via external capacitor on SS pin, and open-drain power-good signaling with 2.5ms delay and 90%–120% VFB thresholds. Protection includes non-latch over-current, latch-off over-voltage (130% nominal), and thermal shutdown with 25°C hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ8632GLE-10-Z uses a thermally enhanced 16-pin QFN package (3mm × 4mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin 1 is EN; pins 9 and 14 are IN; pins 10–13 are PGND; pins 15–16 are SW; pin 7 is VCC; pin 8 is BST; pin 5 is AGND; pin 6 is PG; pin 4 is SS; pin 3 is FB; pin 2 is FREQ.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous step-down converter applications.

Compared with MPQ8632HGLE-10, the GLE-10's latch-off OVP adds system-level safety at the cost of manual reset; versus GLE-12, it trades 2A headroom for lower R_DS(ON) mismatch and tighter thermal budget in fixed 10A applications.

Availability

MPQ8632GLE-10-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom base stations, server VRMs, and distributed power systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MPQ8632GLE-10-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 analog and power ICs, with over two decades of expertise in DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting solutions.

The MPQ8632 family targets high-current, high-efficiency point-of-load regulation in space-constrained infrastructure equipment, emphasizing integration, thermal robustness, and simplified system design through adaptive COT control.

FAQ

What is the difference between MPQ8632GLE-10-Z and MPQ8632HGLE-10-Z?

The MPQ8632GLE-10-Z implements latch-off over-voltage protection, meaning it shuts down permanently upon OVP detection and requires an EN pin toggle to restart. The MPQ8632HGLE-10-Z uses non-latch OVP, automatically recovering once the fault condition clears. Both share identical pinout, package, current rating, and COT control architecture.

Can MPQ8632GLE-10-Z operate with a 2.5V input supply?

Yes - MPQ8632GLE-10-Z supports 2.5V–18V input when a 5V external bias is applied to the VCC pin, disabling the internal LDO. Without external bias, the minimum input is 4.5V to ensure proper internal bias generation. This dual-input capability enables use in low-voltage battery-backed or hybrid-rail systems.

How is switching frequency set, and does it vary with input voltage?

Switching frequency is set by connecting a resistor (RFREQ) between the FREQ pin and the IN pin. The MPQ8632GLE-10-Z uses VIN feed-forward to maintain nearly constant frequency across input voltage changes - typical variation is <±3% from 4.5V to 18V when RFREQ = 453kΩ (fSW ≈ 500kHz).

What thermal performance can be expected in a standard 4-layer PCB layout?

On a JEDEC-standard 4-layer PCB (2oz copper, 1in² thermal pad exposure), the MPQ8632GLE-10-Z has θJA = 46°C/W. At 10A/12V_IN/1V_OUT, power dissipation is ~1.2W, resulting in ~55°C junction rise above ambient - well below the 150°C shutdown threshold and enabling reliable operation up to +75°C ambient.

Is pre-bias start-up supported, and how does it behave?

Yes - MPQ8632GLE-10-Z supports pre-bias start-up. When enabled, it monitors the FB pin before engaging the power stage and initiates soft-start only after confirming the output is below the target voltage. This prevents reverse current flow into a pre-charged output capacitor and avoids output voltage overshoot or downstream component stress.

What is the purpose of the AGND and PGND separation, and how should they be routed?

AGND carries low-noise analog reference currents (FB, SS, PG), while PGND handles high di/dt power return paths (IN, SW, PGND pins). They must be connected at a single point near the IC's thermal pad to avoid noise coupling. AGND traces should be short and shielded from power loops; PGND requires wide copper pours and multiple vias to minimize impedance and inductance.

Does MPQ8632GLE-10-Z support synchronization to an external clock?

No - MPQ8632GLE-10-Z does not support external clock synchronization. It relies solely on its internal adaptive Constant-On-Time (COT) control with VIN feed-forward via the FREQ pin. For synchronized multi-phase operation, designers must use master-slave configurations with frequency matching or select MPS parts with SYNC pin capability (e.g., MPQ8645 series).