Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ8636HGV-20-P

Overview

MPQ8636HGV-20 from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully integrated, synchronous step-down DC/DC converter delivering 20A output current from a 4.5V–18V input, featuring Constant-On-Time (COT) control, programmable 200kHz–1MHz switching frequency, and integrated 9.9mΩ/2.4mΩ MOSFETs for high-efficiency power conversion in telecom base stations and server VRMs.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ8636HGV-20 datasheet, MPQ8636HGV-20 pinout, MPQ8636HGV-20 application, or MPQ8636HGV-20 equivalent, key selection criteria include its non-latch OCP/OVP protection, pre-bias startup capability, 0.611V–13V adjustable output, open-drain power-good signal with 2.5ms delay, and thermal shutdown at 150°C with 25°C hysteresis.

Technical Context

The MPQ8636HGV-20 implements adaptive COT control without an external oscillator, using the FREQ pin's resistor-to-IN connection for line feed-forward to maintain stable switching frequency across input voltage variation. Its internal high-side and low-side MOSFETs operate in continuous conduction mode (CCM) with dead-time control to prevent shoot-through.

It integrates a 4.8V VCC LDO, bootstrap circuitry (BST–SW), analog ground (AGND) separation, and a dedicated soft-start current source (20μA) that charges an external capacitor to control output ramp rate. The power-good (PG) pin asserts after FB reaches 91% of VREF with 2.5ms delay and deasserts at 80% VREF or OVP events.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ8636HGV-20 is housed in a thermally enhanced 5mm × 4mm, 25-pin QFN package with exposed thermal pad (PGND-connected) and 0.5mm pitch. Pin layout prioritizes high-current path integrity: multiple SW (pins 1–5, 14–20), PGND (pins 9–13, 21–24), and IN (pin 25) connections minimize trace inductance and thermal resistance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPQ8636GV-20, the MPQ8636HGV-20 offers stronger negative-current limiting and hiccup-mode OVP for robust fault recovery, while the TPS546D24A trades integration for configurability and telemetry-making MPQ8636HGV-20 optimal for compact, high-reliability 20A POL applications without digital interface needs.

Availability

MPQ8636HGV-20 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom base stations, server VRMs, and flat-panel display power supplies requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MPQ8636HGV-20 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, motor drivers, and LED lighting controllers.

The MPQ8636 product line targets high-current, high-efficiency point-of-load regulation in space-constrained infrastructure equipment, emphasizing integration, thermal resilience, and simplified layout over programmability.

FAQ

What is the difference between MPQ8636HGV-20 and MPQ8636GV-20?

The MPQ8636HGV-20 features enhanced protection: a deeper low-side negative current limit (-13A vs. -5A) and hiccup-mode over-voltage protection (OVP) that automatically recovers after fault clearance, whereas the GV version uses non-latch OVP without hiccup retry. Both share identical pinout, package, and electrical specs except these protection behaviors.

Can MPQ8636HGV-20 operate with ceramic output capacitors?

Yes, but external ramp compensation (R4/C4 network) is required for stability when using low-ESR ceramic capacitors. The IC's adaptive COT architecture relies on sufficient VFB ripple slope; ceramic caps alone produce insufficient slope, so the external ramp circuit must be added per Equation 4–8 in the datasheet to ensure PWM-mode stability.

What is the minimum recommended soft-start capacitor value?

The minimum soft-start capacitor is 4.7nF when total output capacitance exceeds 330µF. This prevents inrush current from triggering valley-current limit during startup. For smaller output banks (<330µF), calculate C_SS = (t_SS × 20µA) / 0.611V, where t_SS is desired ramp time in seconds.

How is the switching frequency set and stabilized?

Frequency is set by connecting a resistor (R_FREQ) between FREQ and IN pins. The IC uses feed-forward from VIN to the one-shot timer, keeping frequency nearly constant across input voltage changes. Typical R_FREQ values range from 100kΩ (≈1MHz) to 1.2MΩ (≈200kHz), per Equation 2 in the datasheet.

Does MPQ8636HGV-20 support forced continuous conduction mode (FCCM)?

No-it operates exclusively in continuous conduction mode (CCM) under all load conditions, including light loads where inductor current may go negative. It does not offer pulse-skipping or discontinuous mode (DCM) options; regulation is maintained via adaptive COT timing regardless of load level.

What thermal design guidelines apply to the QFN package?

The 5mm×4mm QFN requires a minimum 120mm² exposed thermal pad connected to a solid internal PGND plane via ≥8 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter). With 4-layer PCB per JESD51-7, θ_JA = 38°C/W; derate power above 25°C ambient using PD_MAX = (150°C − T_A) / 38°C/W to avoid thermal shutdown.

Is pre-bias startup guaranteed across temperature and process variation?

Yes-pre-bias startup is a designed feature verified across -40°C to +125°C junction temperature and process corners. The IC disables both HS and LS switches until the SS capacitor voltage exceeds the FB voltage, ensuring monotonic rise even with fully charged output capacitors up to 13V.