company blog about MPS MPQ3425DL 3A 50V Boost Converter With Programmable Switching Frequency

MPS MPQ3425DL 3A 50V Boost Converter With Programmable Switching Frequency

Shenzhen Mingjiada Electronics Co., Ltd.Suppling/Recycling MPS's MPQ3425DL—a high-performance current-mode boost converter specifically designed for scenarios requiring efficient voltage step-up and flexible frequency configuration. Key parameters include 3A output current, maximum 50V output voltage, and support for programmable switching frequencies. With its high integration, reliability, and outstanding conversion efficiency, it finds widespread application across automotive electronics, industrial control, portable devices, and other fields, establishing itself as the preferred solution for small-to-medium power boost scenarios.

I. Core Parameters and Fundamental Positioning of the MPQ3425DL

As a cost-effective boost converter, the MPQ3425DL centres on the core advantages of ‘high efficiency, flexibility, and compactness’. Its key electrical parameters have been precisely optimised to accommodate diverse demanding power supply requirements. Specific critical parameters are as follows:

- Output Capability: Continuous output current up to 3A, peak output current up to 3.5A. Wide adjustable output voltage range supporting up to 55V (typically meeting 50V output requirements in common applications), readily fulfilling high-voltage power demands for medium-power devices such as automotive LED lighting and industrial sensors.

- Input Range: Supports a broad input voltage range of 3V to 22V, with a minimum input voltage as low as 3.1V. Compatible with diverse power sources including lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries, accommodating voltage fluctuations in battery-powered devices. Additionally, its wide input adaptation range of 3V to 50V ensures exceptional versatility.

- Switching Frequency: A key feature is its programmable design, with a frequency adjustment range spanning 300kHz to 2MHz. Users can flexibly configure settings based on specific application requirements for filtering and efficiency, balancing low noise and compact design to address the limited adaptability of traditional fixed-frequency converters.

- Conversion Efficiency: Integrates a 90mΩ low-on-resistance power MOSFET, substantially reducing conduction losses. Under typical operating conditions (12V input, 48V output, 1.2MHz frequency), conversion efficiency exceeds 85%, with peak efficiency approaching 95%. This significantly enhances energy utilisation and reduces device thermal output.

- Packaging and Environmental Adaptability: Employing a compact 14-pin QFN (3mm × 4mm) package with a exposed pad design, it offers excellent thermal performance while saving PCB space. Selected models are AEC-Q100 Grade 1 automotive certified, operating within a temperature range of -40°C to +125°C to withstand demanding industrial and automotive environments.

II. Core Features of MPQ3425DL: Programmable Switching Frequency and Comprehensive Advantages

The MPQ3425DL's core competitive edge lies in its programmable switching frequency design, combined with MPS's proprietary current-mode control architecture, delivering a balance of performance, flexibility, and reliability. Key features are detailed below:

(i) Programmable Switching Frequency: Flexible Adaptation to Diverse Scenarios

By connecting a resistor to the external FSET pin, this converter enables precise programming of switching frequencies within the 300kHz to 2MHz range. This requires no complex peripheral circuitry, offering straightforward operation with high adjustment accuracy. Different frequency configurations deliver distinct application advantages, meeting diverse design requirements:

- Low-frequency configuration (300kHz–500kHz): Ideal for scenarios demanding high efficiency. Operating at lower frequencies minimises switching losses and maximises conversion efficiency. Larger-capacity inductors can be selected, reducing inductor costs. Suitable for battery-powered portable devices, extending operational duration.

- High-frequency configuration (1MHz–2MHz): Suited to scenarios with stringent size constraints. High-frequency operation permits the use of smaller inductors and capacitors, enabling miniaturisation and weight reduction of the power module. It also facilitates filter design, reducing output ripple and noise. Ideal for automotive infotainment systems and compact industrial control modules.

Furthermore, programmable frequency design effectively avoids frequency interference with other system components. By circumventing sensitive frequency bands, it enhances overall electronic system stability without requiring additional anti-interference components, thereby reducing system design costs.

(2) Current-Mode Control: Rapid Response and High Stability

The MPQ3425DL employs a peak current-mode control architecture, delivering faster transient response and superior load regulation compared to voltage-mode control. Upon sudden load current changes, the converter rapidly detects and adjusts the output voltage to ensure minimal fluctuation and stability. Concurrently, current-mode control effectively suppresses inductor current spikes, protecting internal MOSFETs and peripheral components while enhancing system reliability.

This architecture also supports an external compensation pin design, allowing users to flexibly configure loop dynamic characteristics. This ensures stable system operation even when using small, low-ESR (equivalent series resistance) ceramic output capacitors, further reducing the power module's footprint.

(3) High Integration and Convenient Design

The device integrates a 3.5A, 90mΩ power MOSFET internally, eliminating the need for external power switches. This significantly simplifies peripheral circuit design, reduces PCB footprint, and lowers the complexity of component selection and layout, thereby shortening the development cycle. Furthermore, the built-in soft-start function allows programming of the soft-start time via an external capacitor. This effectively suppresses inrush current during startup, preventing input power surges and protecting both the battery and front-end circuitry.

(IV) Comprehensive Protection: Ensuring Safety, Reliability and Extended Device Lifespan

The MPQ3425DL incorporates robust protection mechanisms to address multiple abnormal operating conditions, preventing device damage and enhancing long-term system reliability. Key protection features include:

- Under-voltage lockout protection (UVLO): Programmable design allows flexible configuration of the under-voltage lockout threshold based on input power characteristics. When the input voltage falls below the threshold, the converter automatically shuts down, preventing damage caused by abnormal operation under low voltage conditions.

- Overcurrent Protection (OCP): Continuously monitors output current. Should the output current exceed the 3A rated value or peak current threshold, it automatically limits the current or shuts down the output, safeguarding the internal MOSFET and connected load equipment.

- Thermal Shutdown (TSD): Automatically disengages output when device junction temperature exceeds 160°C. Resumes operation once temperature returns to safe levels, effectively preventing thermal burnout—particularly suited for high-temperature environments.

- Ultra-Low Standby Current: Less than 1μA in shutdown mode, consuming negligible power. Ideal for battery-powered devices requiring low-power standby, extending operational endurance.

III. Brief Description of MPQ3425DL Operating Principle

The MPQ3425DL employs a boost chopper principle combined with current-mode control to achieve voltage conversion. Its core operation comprises two phases, with programmable switching frequency enabling flexible adjustment:

1. Conduction Phase: The internal MOSFET switch conducts, allowing the input power to charge the inductor via the MOSFET. The inductor stores energy, while the output is supplied by the filter capacitor to maintain stable output voltage. The conduction time in this phase is jointly controlled by the programmable switching frequency and the current detection signal.

2. Off-state: The internal MOSFET switch turns off. The inductor releases stored energy, which combines with the input power supply. This combined energy is rectified via a diode and delivered to the load and filter capacitor, thereby boosting the output voltage. The output voltage level can be sampled and adjusted via the feedback pin (FB), ensuring precise and stable output at the set value.

By adjusting the switching frequency (i.e., the MOSFET's on/off cycle), the charging/discharging rate of the inductor can be flexibly controlled to accommodate varying load requirements, efficiency demands, and size constraints. Concurrently, the current detection circuit continuously monitors inductor current to prevent overcurrent conditions, thereby enhancing operational stability.

IV. Typical Application Scenarios for MPQ3425DL

With its 3A/50V output capability, programmable switching frequency, and comprehensive protection features, the MPQ3425DL suits diverse medium-power boost applications, particularly those demanding flexibility, reliability, and miniaturisation. Specific applications include:

- Automotive electronics: In-vehicle LED lighting drivers, infotainment system power supplies, sensor power supplies, and automotive battery chargers. The automotive-grade variant accommodates extreme temperatures from -40°C to +125°C, meeting stringent reliability requirements for automotive electronics.

- Industrial control applications: Powering industrial automation equipment, high-voltage supply for industrial sensors (e.g., pressure/temperature sensors), PLC module powering, and industrial LED display drivers. Its wide input range and high stability accommodate complex industrial power environments.

- Portable Electronics: High-voltage power modules for portable instruments, handheld terminals, and lithium-battery-powered devices. Ultra-low power shutdown and high conversion efficiency extend device runtime, while programmable frequencies accommodate varying form factor requirements.

- Other applications: Audio microphone and tuner bias power, auxiliary power for communication equipment, and power supply for compact medical devices. Flexible frequency configuration and compact packaging accommodate diverse confined installation spaces.

V. Summary of MPQ3425DL Core Advantages

Compared to similar boost converters, the MPQ3425DL's core strengths lie in four key dimensions: flexibility, efficiency, reliability, and compactness. Specific advantages are as follows:

- Flexibility: Programmable switching frequency from 300kHz to 2MHz accommodates diverse design requirements for efficiency, size, and noise, while mitigating frequency interference.

- Efficiency: Integrated low-on-resistance MOSFET achieves conversion efficiency approaching 95%, with ultra-low-power shutdown design for enhanced energy savings.

- Reliability: Comprehensive protection mechanisms combined with automotive-grade environmental resilience ensure long-term operational stability and low failure rates.

- Convenience: Highly integrated design simplifies peripheral circuitry; compact QFN package saves PCB space and shortens development cycles.

In summary, the MPS MPQ3425DL 3A 50V boost converter, leveraging its core programmable switching frequency advantage, outstanding conversion efficiency, and comprehensive protection features, perfectly addresses medium-power boost requirements across automotive, industrial, and portable device applications. Combining flexibility with reliability, it represents a highly cost-effective power conversion solution.