Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ8632GLE-4-P

Overview

MPQ8632GLE-4-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully integrated 4A synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with 2.5V–18V input range, non-latch over-voltage protection, and Constant-On-Time (COT) control. It delivers tightly regulated output from 0.611V to 13V in a compact 3mm×4mm QFN-16 package, targeting point-of-load regulation in telecom base stations and server power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ8632GLE-4-P datasheet, MPQ8632GLE-4-P pinout, MPQ8632GLE-4-P application, or MPQ8632GLE-4-P equivalent, key selection criteria include its 28 mΩ high-side R_DS(ON), programmable 200kHz–1MHz switching frequency via external resistor, soft-start timing control, pre-bias startup capability, and integrated power-good signaling with 2.5ms delay.

Technical Context

The MPQ8632GLE-4-P implements adaptive COT control using an internal one-shot on-time timer whose duration is set by VIN and an external resistor on the FREQ pin-enabling feed-forward stabilization across input voltage variation. Its dual-MOSFET power stage integrates a 28 mΩ high-side and 16.4 mΩ low-side switch optimized for 4A continuous output.

Protection architecture includes non-latch over-current protection triggered at 4–6A valley current limit, thermal shutdown at 150°C with 25°C hysteresis, and over-voltage protection with 130% V_FB latch-off threshold. The device supports both internal 4.8V VCC bias and external 5V bias to extend minimum input down to 2.5V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ8632GLE-4-P is housed in 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 MPQ8632GLE-4-P, the MPQ8632GLE-6 offers higher current headroom in identical layout, while RTQ2132BGQW sacrifices flexibility for integration simplicity-making MPQ8632GLE-4-P optimal for designs needing tunable frequency, precise soft-start, and non-latch fault recovery.

Availability

MPQ8632GLE-4-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom infrastructure, server power distribution, and consumer display electronics requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MPQ8632GLE-4-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 analog and power ICs, with over two decades of leadership in DC/DC conversion and motor control.

The MPQ8632 family targets high-density, high-efficiency point-of-load regulation in telecom, computing, and industrial systems-designed to replace multi-component discrete buck solutions with single-chip integration and adaptive control.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage supported by MPQ8632GLE-4-P?

The MPQ8632GLE-4-P supports 2.5V minimum input when an external 5V bias is applied to the VCC pin, enabling operation from low-voltage intermediate buses. With internal VCC bias only, the minimum input is 4.5V. This dual-bias architecture allows flexible system-level power sequencing.

How is switching frequency programmed on the MPQ8632GLE-4-P?

Switching frequency is set by connecting an external resistor between the FREQ pin and the IN pin. Using Equation 1 from the datasheet (T_ON = 0.4 × R_FREQ(kΩ) / (V_IN − 6.1)), the resistor value determines the one-shot on-time, which directly controls frequency from 200kHz to 1MHz.

Does MPQ8632GLE-4-P support pre-bias startup?

Yes, MPQ8632GLE-4-P supports pre-bias startup: it safely turns on into an already charged output capacitor without causing reverse current or output voltage collapse. This is essential for hot-swap and redundant power architectures where output rails remain energized during IC replacement.

What is the purpose of the BST pin and required external component?

The BST pin connects to the switch node (SW) via a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor to generate a floating supply for the high-side MOSFET gate driver. This bootstrap circuit ensures the gate voltage exceeds VIN by ≥5V, enabling full enhancement of the integrated high-side FET across the entire input range.

How does the non-latch OVP function differ from latch-off mode in other variants?

MPQ8632GLE-4-P uses non-latch OVP: when output voltage exceeds 130% of V_FB, the converter shuts down but automatically resumes normal operation once the fault clears. In contrast, latch-off variants (e.g., MPQ8632GLE-10) require an EN pin toggle or power cycle to recover-making non-latch ideal for transient overvoltage environments.

Can MPQ8632GLE-4-P be used with ceramic output capacitors only?

Yes, MPQ8632GLE-4-P is fully compatible with all-ceramic output capacitor designs. Its adaptive COT control eliminates the need for ESR-based damping, allowing stable operation with low-ESR MLCCs-reducing solution size, cost, and improving reliability versus electrolytic+ceramic hybrids.

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

On a JEDEC-standard 4-layer PCB (2 oz Cu, 1-in² thermal pad copper), MPQ8632GLE-4-P exhibits θ_JA = 46°C/W. At 4A/12V_IN/1V_OUT, typical power dissipation is ~0.4W, resulting in ~18°C junction-to-ambient rise-well within the 125°C max operating junction temperature.