Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ9841GL-P

Overview

MPQ9841GL-P from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified, synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with integrated 125mΩ high-side and 115mΩ low-side MOSFETs, delivering 1A continuous output current across a 3.3V–36V input range. It features programmable switching frequency (350kHz–2.5MHz), 14μA no-load quiescent current, and power-good (PG) indication - enabling use in automotive infotainment power rails and ADAS camera modules requiring high efficiency and low EMI.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ9841GL-P datasheet, MPQ9841GL-P pinout, MPQ9841GL-P application, or MPQ9841GL-P equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q100 qualification, ultra-low IQ for battery-backed systems, QFN-16 (3mm×4mm) wettable flank package for automated optical inspection, and support for both forced CCM and advanced asynchronous mode (AAM) to optimize light-load efficiency.

Technical Context

The MPQ9841GL-P employs peak-current-mode control with internal error amplifier and optimized compensation network, enabling fast transient response and stable loop behavior without external compensation components. Its dual-mode operation-selectable via SYNC pin-supports fixed-frequency CCM for low ripple or AAM for >90% efficiency at 1mA load.

Bootstrap refresh logic maintains BST-SW ≥2.5V to sustain >95% duty cycle operation, while hiccup-mode OCP, thermal shutdown (170°C), and ±10% PG threshold ensure robust fault handling in automotive environments. The BIAS pin allows external 5V–18V supply to reduce VIN dissipation and improve full-load efficiency by up to 2.5%.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ9841GL-P is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-16 (3mm × 4mm) package with wettable flanks for solder joint inspection. Exposed thermal pad (Pin 16) must be connected to PCB ground plane via ≥4 thermal vias for optimal thermal performance (θJA = 48°C/W on 4-layer board).

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 TPS54332QPWPRQ1, the MPQ9841GL-P delivers optimal balance of ultra-low IQ, AEC-Q100 Grade 1 compliance, and compact 3mm×4mm wettable flank packaging - making it preferred for space-constrained, battery-sensitive automotive modules where 1A output suffices.

Availability

MPQ9841GL-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, ADAS camera modules, telematics control units, and industrial IoT gateways requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q100 qualification and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MPQ9841GL-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 design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and manufacturing partners certified to ISO/TS 16949.

The MPQ9841 product line targets automotive-grade DC/DC conversion with emphasis on low quiescent current, wide input range, and robust protection - specifically engineered for safety-critical and always-on vehicle subsystems.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable input voltage for MPQ9841GL-P?

The absolute maximum input voltage is 40V, but the recommended operating range is 3.3V to 36V. Operation above 36V risks exceeding internal MOSFET breakdown limits and voids AEC-Q100 qualification compliance. For 40V transients, external TVS clamping is required per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a.

Can MPQ9841GL-P operate with a 3.3V output using only the FB pin?

Yes - configure a resistor divider from VOUT to AGND with R1 = 360kΩ and R2 = 100kΩ to set 3.3V output (VOUT = 0.8V × (1 + R1/R2)). The 0.800V reference has ±2% tolerance at 25°C and ±3% over -40°C to +125°C, ensuring ±33mV accuracy at 3.3V.

How does the BIAS pin improve efficiency?

Connecting a clean 5V–18V external supply to BIAS powers the internal gate drivers and control logic directly, bypassing the VIN-regulated VCC stage. This reduces power loss in the internal LDO, improving full-load efficiency by up to 2.5% at 24V input and eliminating thermal stress on the VCC regulator.

Is the MPQ9841GL-P pin-compatible with other MPQ9841 variants?

Yes - all MPQ9841 variants (GL, GL-AEC1, GLE-AEC1, GLE-33-AEC1-Z, GLE-5-AEC1-Z) share identical QFN-16 (3mm×4mm) pinout and footprint. Differences are in marking, qualification status (AEC-Q100), and factory-programmed output voltage (adjustable vs. 3.3V/5V fixed).

What is the purpose of the PHASE pin?

The PHASE pin selects synchronization phase relative to the external SYNC clock: driven high for 0° alignment, low for 180° out-of-phase operation. This enables interleaved multi-phase designs to reduce input/output ripple; tie to GND if unused to prevent noise coupling.

Does MPQ9841GL-P support spread-spectrum frequency modulation?

No - the MPQ9841GL-P does not integrate spread-spectrum modulation. However, its programmable switching frequency (350kHz–2.5MHz), tight duty-cycle control, and optimized gate drive minimize EMI peaks. CISPR-25 Class 5 compliance is achieved using the recommended EMI filter in Figure 14 of the datasheet.

How is thermal performance affected by the exposed pad connection?

The exposed thermal pad (Pin 16) must be soldered to a solid copper pour connected to PGND via ≥4 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter). Without this, θJA degrades from 48°C/W to >75°C/W, reducing max continuous output current by ~30% at 70°C ambient due to thermal limiting.