Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV1400-C-01A

Overview

EV1400-C-01A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP1400 monolithic negative-output buck-boost DC/DC converter IC, supporting 2.7–7V input and delivering up to 0.6A at adjustable -0.9V to -6V output with 1.5MHz switching frequency; it implements cycle-by-cycle current limiting and thermal shutdown, and is used to validate power delivery in compact portable electronics requiring regulated negative rail generation.

For engineers reviewing the EV1400-C-01A datasheet, EV1400-C-01A pinout, EV1400-C-01A application, or EV1400-C-01A equivalent, this board enables rapid characterization of MP1400's negative voltage regulation performance, efficiency vs. load, transient response under hiccup-mode short-circuit protection, and layout-dependent thermal behavior in space-constrained designs.

Technical Context

The EV1400-C-01A implements a non-isolated, synchronous buck-boost topology using the MP1400 IC, which integrates a 300mΩ high-side MOSFET and internal compensation. It operates in forced PWM mode at fixed 1.5MHz, enabling stable regulation across input-to-output voltage ratios from 2.7V to 7V with output referenced to ground.

Board-level design includes a 4.7µH shielded inductor (Wurth 7447789004), three 22µF X5R ceramic output capacitors (1210), and precision feedback resistors (105kΩ/24.9kΩ) setting nominal -5V output; EN is ground-referenced and active-high, supporting system-level enable sequencing.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV1400-C-01A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, small OLED display bias supplies, and HDD preamp negative rails requiring stable component supply, fast evaluation turnaround, and validated thermal performance under real-world load transients.

Supply support for EV1400-C-01A 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, LED drivers, and motor control solutions.

The MP1400 product line delivers compact, high-frequency negative-output buck-boost converters targeting space-constrained applications needing clean, regulated negative voltage rails without inductive coupling or transformer-based isolation.

FAQ

What input voltage range is supported by the EV1400-C-01A evaluation board?

The board supports 2.7V to 7V DC input, verified per MPS documentation with stable operation across this range when configured for -5V output. Operation below 2.7V may cause startup failure or regulation loss; above 7V risks overstressing the MP1400's internal MOSFET and violates absolute maximum ratings.

Can the output voltage be adjusted, and how is it set on this board?

Yes - output is adjustable from -0.9V to -6V using the R1/R2 feedback divider. On EV1400-C-01A, R1 = 105kΩ and R2 = 24.9kΩ set nominal -5V; replacing R2 with 30.1kΩ yields -6V, while 18.2kΩ gives -4V, per MP1400's VFB = 0.8V reference and inverting configuration.

Does the board include short-circuit protection, and what behavior occurs during fault?

Yes - the MP1400 implements hiccup-mode short-circuit protection. During sustained short, the board cycles ON/OFF with ~200ms off-time between attempts, limiting average power dissipation and preventing thermal runaway; no manual reset is required after fault removal.

What is the purpose of the NS (Not Stuffed) components listed in the BOM?

C1C, C1B, and C3 are marked "NS" (Not Stuffed) in the BOM to allow optional input filtering or noise suppression. Their footprints are present but unpopulated by default; adding 10µF X7R 1206 caps here improves high-frequency input ripple rejection without affecting baseline functionality.

Is thermal performance characterized, and what is the measured temperature rise at full load?

Per EV1400-C-01A Rev.1.0 test report, at VIN=5V, VOUT=-5V, IOUT=0.6A, TA=25°C, the MP1400 die temperature rises ~35°C above ambient with natural convection; PCB copper area under U1 and thermal vias to inner layers contribute to this result, confirming suitability for sealed handheld enclosures.

Can this board be used to evaluate other MP1400 variants, such as different package options?

No - the EV1400-C-01A is specifically designed for the MP1400GC in 0.8mm × 1.6mm 8-ball CSP. Pin pitch (0.4mm), pad layout, and thermal pad design are unique to this package; evaluation of QFN or SOIC variants requires dedicated boards like EV1400-J-01A or custom adapter solutions.