Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ8636HGLE-10-Z

Overview

MPQ8636HGLE-10-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a 10A, 4.5V–18V input, synchronous step-down DC/DC converter in a 16-pin QFN (3mm×4mm) package with non-latch over-voltage protection, 0.611V–13V adjustable output, and adaptive Constant-On-Time (COT) control. It delivers high efficiency across load range and supports fast transient response in telecom base stations and server power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ8636HGLE-10-Z datasheet, MPQ8636HGLE-10-Z pinout, MPQ8636HGLE-10-Z application, or MPQ8636HGLE-10-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its 10A valley current limit (10–16A typ), non-latch OVP mode, 19.6mΩ high-side R_DS(ON), and programmable 200kHz–1MHz switching frequency via external resistor on FREQ pin.

Technical Context

The MPQ8636HGLE-10-Z implements adaptive COT control without an external oscillator, using input voltage feed-forward through the FREQ pin to maintain stable switching frequency across input variations. Its internal power stage integrates matched high- and low-side MOSFETs with 19.6mΩ/5.7mΩ R_DS(ON) at 25°C.

It operates exclusively in continuous conduction mode (CCM), supports pre-bias start-up, and features a dedicated soft-start pin (SS) with 16–25μA charging current for controlled V_OUT ramp. The open-drain PG signal asserts after ≥2ms delay when FB reaches 91% of target, with hysteresis-based thresholds for reliable power-good indication.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ8636HGLE-10-Z uses a thermally enhanced 16-pin QFN package (3mm × 4mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad (EP) tied to PGND for optimal heat dissipation. Pin 1 is marked by dot; top marking includes "MP8636H" prefix and "10" suffix.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPQ8636GLE-10-Z, the H-version offers superior fault resilience via non-latch OVP, while MPQ8636GVE-20-Z trades package size for 2× current headroom-enabling one-footprint scalability across 10A and 20A designs without changing control loop design.

Availability

MPQ8636HGLE-10-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom base stations, server power rails, flat-panel display logic supplies, and distributed industrial power systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for MPQ8636HGLE-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 design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MPQ8636 product line delivers fully integrated, high-efficiency synchronous buck converters targeting space-constrained, high-reliability applications in telecom, computing, and consumer electronics where minimal external components and robust protection are essential.

FAQ

What is the difference between MPQ8636HGLE-10-Z and MPQ8636GLE-10-Z?

The MPQ8636HGLE-10-Z features non-latch over-voltage protection (OVP), allowing automatic recovery after an overvoltage event, whereas MPQ8636GLE-10-Z uses latch-off OVP requiring a power cycle to reset. Both share identical 10A rating, QFN(3×4mm) package, and electrical specifications except OVP behavior-making the 'H' variant preferred for fault-tolerant systems.

Can MPQ8636HGLE-10-Z operate with ceramic output capacitors?

Yes, but external ramp compensation (R4/C4 network) is required for stability when using low-ESR ceramic capacitors. The datasheet provides equations to calculate R4 and C4 values based on inductor ripple current and switching frequency. Without ramp compensation, the VFB slope may be insufficient to suppress subharmonic oscillation in CCM mode.

What is the maximum recommended PCB temperature rise for the thermal pad?

The exposed thermal pad (EP) must be soldered to a minimum 100mm² copper pour connected to PGND. With 2oz copper and 4-layer stackup per JEDEC JESD51-7, θ_JA is 46°C/W. To maintain T_J ≤125°C at 10A/12V input, ambient temperature should not exceed 75°C - implying ≤50°C PCB temperature rise above ambient under full load.

Does MPQ8636HGLE-10-Z support forced PWM mode?

No, MPQ8636HGLE-10-Z operates exclusively in continuous conduction mode (CCM) with adaptive Constant-On-Time control and does not include a mode-select pin or external command for forced PWM, burst-mode, or discontinuous conduction mode (DCM). Its light-load efficiency relies on reduced switching frequency rather than mode switching.

How is the soft-start time calculated for a given capacitor value on the SS pin?

Soft-start time t_SS ≈ C_SS × V_REF / I_SS, where I_SS = 16–25μA (typ 20μA) is the internal charging current and V_REF = 0.611V. For example, a 100nF capacitor yields t_SS ≈ 100nF × 0.611V / 20μA = 3.06ms. This linear ramp ensures monotonic V_OUT rise without overshoot.

Is the PG signal compatible with 3.3V logic systems?

Yes, the open-drain PG pin can be pulled up to 3.3V (or any supply ≤6V) with a 100kΩ resistor. Its sink capability is 12mA at 600mV drop, ensuring robust LOW assertion. Leakage is <10nA at 3.3V, making it compatible with standard CMOS inputs without additional level-shifting.

What is the minimum input voltage required for reliable startup?

The internal UVLO threshold is fixed at 4.1V (rising), but the EN pin's enable threshold is 1.1–1.5V. When using a resistive divider from IN to EN, startup occurs when V_IN ≥ (R_UP + R_DOWN) × 1.5V / R_DOWN. With R_UP = 100kΩ and R_DOWN = 51kΩ, startup happens at ~4.44V - slightly above the absolute 4.5V min operating voltage.