Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ9841GLE-5-AEC1-P

Overview

MPQ9841GLE-5-AEC1-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a 36V, 1A synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with fixed 5V output, AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, 14μA no-load quiescent current, and programmable 350kHz–2.5MHz switching frequency. It integrates 125mΩ high-side and 115mΩ low-side MOSFETs in a QFN-16 (3mm×4mm) wettable flank package and delivers regulated power for automotive infotainment, ADAS camera modules, and body control units.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ9841GLE-5-AEC1-P datasheet, MPQ9841GLE-5-AEC1-P pinout, MPQ9841GLE-5-AEC1-P application, or MPQ9841GLE-5-AEC1-P equivalent, this device supports precise power sequencing via external soft-start, offers hiccup-mode over-current protection, enables low-dropout operation down to ~3.3V input at 5V output, and provides open-drain power-good signaling with ±10% output voltage tolerance.

Technical Context

The MPQ9841GLE-5-AEC1-P uses peak-current-mode control with internal error amplifier and optimized compensation network, enabling fast transient response and stable loop behavior without external components. Its dual-mode operation-selectable forced CCM or advanced asynchronous mode (AAM)-dynamically adjusts switching behavior based on load: AAM enters power-save mode below ~10mA load to maintain 14μA IQ, while CCM enforces fixed-frequency operation for predictable EMI and lower output ripple.

Bootstrap charging is managed by an internal regulator that maintains ~5V BST-to-SW bias for high-side gate drive; low-dropout mode activates when BST–SW falls below 2.5V, triggering LS-FET conduction to refresh the bootstrap capacitor. The device also implements precision 0.8V internal reference, 80ns minimum on-time, and 125°C junction temperature limit with thermal shutdown and hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ9841GLE-5-AEC1-P is housed in a thermally enhanced, wettable flank QFN-16 package (3mm × 4mm, 0.5mm pitch), optimized 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 synchronous step-down converter applications.

Compared with MPQ4420AGL-AEC1-Z and TPS54560QDGQRQ1, the MPQ9841GLE-5-AEC1-P uniquely combines fixed 5V output, PG signaling, SYNC capability, wettable flank packaging, and AEC-Q100 Grade 1 in a 1A solution - making it optimal for space-constrained, safety-aware automotive subsystems requiring precise power management.

Availability

MPQ9841GLE-5-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, ADAS camera modules, and body control units requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q100-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for MPQ9841GLE-5-AEC1-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 core expertise in DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting controllers.

The MPQ9841 product line targets automotive-grade power management, designed specifically for harsh-environment applications requiring AEC-Q100 qualification, low quiescent current, and robust EMI performance in compact packages.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the BIAS pin on MPQ9841GLE-5-AEC1-P?

The BIAS pin supplies an external 5V–18V bias voltage to power the internal control circuitry, reducing power dissipation in the VIN-to-VCC regulator and improving overall efficiency-especially at high input voltages (>12V). When unused, BIAS must be floated or tied to GND; connecting it to VIN is not recommended due to potential overvoltage risk.

Can MPQ9841GLE-5-AEC1-P operate with input voltage below 3.3V?

No. The absolute minimum input voltage is 3.3V per datasheet specifications. Below this, the device fails to regulate due to insufficient headroom for the internal regulators and gate drivers. Under-voltage lockout (UVLO) activates at 2.4V rising threshold, preventing erratic operation but not enabling sub-3.3V functionality.

How does the PHASE pin affect synchronization in MPQ9841GLE-5-AEC1-P?

The PHASE pin selects whether the internal switching waveform aligns in-phase (PHASE = high) or 180° out-of-phase (PHASE = low) with the external SYNC clock. This enables interleaving with other converters to reduce input/output ripple and EMI peaks-critical in multi-rail automotive systems where noise coupling must be minimized.

Is the FB pin accessible or functional in the MPQ9841GLE-5-AEC1-P fixed-output variant?

In the MPQ9841GLE-5-AEC1-P, the FB pin is internally connected to the 5V output and is not intended for external feedback. It remains electrically present but functionally reserved; no external resistor divider is required or supported. Using it for adjustment would violate the fixed-output design and invalidate AEC-Q100 qualification.

What thermal derating applies to MPQ9841GLE-5-AEC1-P at 85°C ambient?

With θJA = 48°C/W on a 4-layer PCB, the maximum allowable power dissipation at 85°C ambient is (125°C – 85°C)/48°C/W = 0.83W. At 5V/1A output (5W), conduction and switching losses require careful thermal design-typically achieved using 2oz copper, thermal vias under the exposed pad, and minimal trace resistance to sustain full load without thermal shutdown.

Does MPQ9841GLE-5-AEC1-P support spread-spectrum frequency modulation?

No. The datasheet specifies only fixed-frequency PWM operation (programmable or synchronized) and Advanced Asynchronous Mode (AAM) for light-load efficiency. Spread-spectrum modulation is not implemented; EMI reduction relies on CISPR 25-compliant layout, external filters, and selectable switching frequencies outside sensitive bands.

What is the minimum output capacitance required for stable operation?

The datasheet recommends ≥22μF total output capacitance using low-ESR ceramic capacitors. Stability is maintained with typical values of 2×10μF X7R ceramics placed close to the VOUT and PGND pins. Lower capacitance may cause instability or excessive output ripple, especially under dynamic load steps.