MPQ4420-AEC1 - 2A 36V Sync Buck Converter | MPS | Automotive
MPN: MPQ4420-AEC1 β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
MPQ4420-AEC1 Overview
A synchronous buck converter is a type of DC-DC switching regulator that uses two internal MOSFETs - a high-side switch and a low-side synchronous rectifier - instead of a Schottky diode, reducing conduction losses and raising efficiency across the load range. Within the power-management hierarchy, the MPQ4420-AEC1 sits in the step-down converter family of switching regulators, part of a broader power supply IC chain that converts a higher unregulated input voltage into a tightly regulated lower output voltage.
Key differentiating features include a 2A continuous output current rating with excellent load and line regulation over a wide input supply range, an output voltage adjustable down from 0.8V (the feedback reference), current-mode control, and AEC-Q100 Grade 1 automotive qualification. Protection features include cycle-by-cycle over-current protection with hiccup-mode restart, and thermal shutdown.
Architecturally, the MPQ4420 uses current-mode operation, which provides fast transient response and eases loop stabilization compared with voltage-mode control. Synchronous rectification maintains high efficiency from light load to full 2A load. When the inductor current peak exceeds the set current limit and the feedback voltage falls below the under-voltage threshold (typically 84% below the reference), the part enters hiccup mode and periodically restarts, protecting the converter during short-circuit faults.
Typical applications include automotive power systems (the -AEC1 suffix denotes AEC-Q100 qualified automotive grade), industrial auxiliary power rails from 12V/24V buses, and distributed point-of-load regulation where a compact, minimal-external-component buck solution is required.
A key design consideration is thermal and layout discipline: with an integrated MOSFET buck in a TSOT23-8 package, keep the input ceramic capacitor and inductor loops tight and provide adequate copper area on SW and GND for heat dissipation at high input-to-output voltage ratios.
This page synthesizes verified datasheet data, drop-in family alternatives, comparison tables, and practical design notes not found together on distributor listing pages.
Drop-in alternatives for MPQ4420-AEC1 β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MPQ4420A-AEC1
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPQ4420HGJ-AEC1-Z
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPQ4420
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPQ4420H
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPQ4423
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPQ4420-AEC1 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Topology | Synchronous step-down (buck) converter |
| Maximum Input Voltage | 36 V |
| Maximum Output Current | 2 A (continuous) |
| Output Voltage | Adjustable, reference 0.8 V |
| Control Scheme | Current-mode control |
| Rectification | Synchronous (integrated power MOSFETs) |
| Power Good Indicator | Yes (PG) |
| External Synchronization | Yes (Ext Sync) |
| Forced CCM Mode | No (MPQ4420-AEC1 without Forced CCM Mode; MPQ4420A-AEC1 has it) |
| Protection Features | Over-current protection (hiccup), thermal shutdown |
| Under-Voltage Threshold (FB) | Typically 84% below reference |
| Automotive Qualification | AEC-Q100 Grade 1 |
| Package | TSOT23-8 (SOT-23-8 Thin) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
MPQ4420-AEC1 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | BS β High-side gate driver bootstrap supply (bootstrap capacitor from BS to SW) |
| Pin 2 | IN β Input supply voltage, up to 36V max |
| Pin 3 | SW β Switching node, connect to power inductor |
| Pin 4 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 5 | FB β Feedback input, 0.8V reference; set output with resistor divider |
| Pin 6 | EN β Enable control input |
| Pin 7 | SS β Soft-start programming pin |
| Pin 8 | SYNC β External synchronization input / frequency setting |
Typical Applications
MPQ4420-AEC1 is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive 12V Rail Point-of-Load, Industrial 24V Bus Auxiliary Supplies, Distributed Point-of-Load Regulation, Battery-Powered and Portable Systems, Networking and Communication Equipment, Automotive Camera and Sensor Modules.
Automotive 12V Rail Point-of-Load
In automotive electronics, the MPQ4420-AEC1 is purpose-built for stepping down the 12V battery rail to logic and analog point-of-load voltages. Its AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification and 36V maximum input rating give designers headroom against load-dump-adjacent transients in 12V systems. The converter's synchronous rectification maintains high efficiency over the full 2A load range, reducing thermal stress in confined modules, while power-good and external sync support sequencing and EMI management. Use it for infotainment sub-rails, ADAS peripheral supplies, and body-electronics point-of-load conversion with a minimal external component count in the TSOT23-8 footprint.
Recommended
Industrial 24V Bus Auxiliary Supplies
Industrial control panels and factory automation systems commonly distribute 24V; the MPQ4420-AEC1's wide input range up to 36V makes it a compact primary step-down stage from the 24V bus to 5V or lower intermediate rails. The current-mode architecture provides fast transient response when loads such as relays, sensors, and communication modules switch, and hiccup-mode over-current protection survives shorted outputs without field failures. Its 2A continuous rating comfortably powers microcontroller boards, I/O clusters, and interface ICs, and the small TSOT23-8 package fits dense DIN-rail mounted PCBs where board area and thermal margins are limited.
Recommended
Distributed Point-of-Load Regulation
In distributed power architectures with an intermediate bus (for example 12V or 24V), the MPQ4420-AEC1 serves as a local point-of-load converter delivering a tightly regulated adjustable output from a 0.8V reference upward. The 0.8V feedback reference allows low core and I/O voltages for modern processors and FPGAs, and the power-good flag simplifies supply sequencing across multiple rails. Because the power MOSFETs are integrated, each POL point needs only an inductor and small ceramic capacitors, cutting BOM size. External synchronization lets designers stagger switching clocks across POLs to suppress beat-frequency noise on shared buses.
Recommended
Battery-Powered and Portable Systems
The MPQ4420's synchronous mode operation delivers higher efficiency across the output current load range, which directly extends battery runtime in portable and battery-backed equipment supplied from multi-cell packs or vehicle-style batteries. Because it does not rely on forced continuous conduction, light-load efficiency remains strong - an important advantage at standby currents in monitoring and telematics devices. The 2A capability supports RF power amplifiers, displays, and embedded compute modules from a single compact converter. Hiccup-mode protection guards the battery against sustained short circuits, and the minimal external component count keeps handheld PCB area and height within the TSOT23-8 envelope.
Recommended
Networking and Communication Equipment
Routers, switches, and optical modules run mixed 12V backplanes with numerous low-voltage logic rails; the MPQ4420-AEC1 fits this role with its 36V input tolerance, 2A output, and external synchronization that aligns switching clocks to a system clock reference, avoiding audible-beat EMI in RF-sensitive line cards. Power-good output enables the power-supply supervisory logic to sequence multi-rail start-up of PHYs, MACs, and memory. The current-mode loop responds quickly to bursty traffic loads, and the compact TSOT23-8 solution density supports high-port-count designs where every square millimeter of converter area is contested.
Recommended
Automotive Camera and Sensor Modules
Surveillance and automotive camera modules need clean, compact supplies for image sensors and serializers; the MPQ4420-AEC1 converts 12V vehicle feed to the low-voltage analog and core rails these devices require. Adjustable output down from the 0.8V reference covers modern sensor core voltages, and low output ripple - supported by the synchronous topology and appropriate LC filtering - helps preserve image signal-to-noise ratio. External synchronization can be set to avoid frequencies falling inside sensor readout bands, preventing banding artifacts. AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification matches the automotive deployment environment for ADAS surround-view and driver-monitor camera systems.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MPQ4420-AEC1 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MPQ4420A-AEC1 | MPQ4420HGJ-AEC1-Z | MPQ4420 | MPQ4423 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TSOT23-8 | TSOT23-8 - same | TSOT23-8 - same | TSOT23-8 - same | TSOT23-8 - same |
| Brand | Monolithic Power Systems | Monolithic Power Systems | Monolithic Power Systems | Monolithic Power Systems | Monolithic Power Systems |
| Output Voltage Reference | 0.8 V (adjustable) | 0.8 V (adjustable) | 0.8 V (adjustable) | 0.8 V (adjustable) | 0.8 V (adjustable) |
Key Differentiators
- No forced-CCM light-load operation for higher light-load efficiency (vs MPQ4420A-AEC1)
- Automotive-grade qualification in the AEC1 family (vs MPQ4420)
- PG and Ext Sync integrated (vs MPQ4423)
Design Notes
Minimize the high-frequency power loop on the TSOT23-8 footprint: place the input ceramic capacitor within a few millimeters of IN (pin 2) and GND (pin 4), and keep the SW (pin 3) copper pad as small as practical while still carrying 2A and dissipating heat. Route the FB (pin 5) divider trace away from SW and the inductor to prevent ripple injection that degrades output regulation. Provide solid ground pour under the part and stitch it to the main ground plane with multiple vias near GND.
Hiccup-mode behavior matters for fault sizing: when the inductor peak current exceeds the current-limit threshold and FB falls to about 84% below the 0.8V reference, the MPQ4420-AEC1 stops switching and periodically restarts. Size the output capacitor so that momentary load steps do not pull FB below the UV threshold during normal transients, otherwise nuisance hiccup restarts appear as output dropouts. Estimate: at 12V input, 5V output, 2A load, dissipation is dominated by conduction and switching losses in the integrated MOSFETs - verify junction rise with the datasheet thermal resistance figure.
Do not exceed the 36V maximum input rating - on automotive 12V systems and 24V industrial buses, transients can approach or exceed this limit, so include appropriate front-end TVS and input filtering. Confirm which variant you are buying: MPQ4420-AEC1 lacks Forced CCM Mode while MPQ4420A-AEC1 includes it; substituting one for the other changes light-load ripple and EMI behavior. Also verify the SYNC/EXT-SYNC pin configuration against the current datasheet revision before finalizing frequency-setting components.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 Grade 1 automotive qualification confirmed per MPS product description ('Automotive-Grade', 'Available in AEC-Q100 Grade 1'). RoHS/REACH/lead-free/halogen status not stated in the provided web data - confirm on the MPS product page.
