Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV1518DG-00A

Overview

EV1518DG-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP1518 fixed-frequency step-up WLED driver IC, designed to drive up to six series white LEDs from a 2.5–6.0 V single-cell Li-ion source, featuring 104 mV feedback voltage, 1 MHz switching frequency, and integrated overvoltage shutdown via OV pin.

For engineers reviewing the EV1518DG-00A datasheet, EV1518DG-00A pinout, EV1518DG-00A application, or EV1518DG-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP1518-based LED biasing in portable displays, PWM dimming response, open-load protection behavior, and efficiency vs. LED current (20 mA typical) under real-world input voltage transients.

Technical Context

The EV1518DG-00A implements the MP1518's current-mode DC/DC topology with internal power MOSFET, supporting 2.5–6.0 V input and delivering regulated constant current to up to six series-connected white LEDs. Its fixed 1 MHz switching frequency minimizes external component size while maintaining stable operation across load and line variations.

Board-level features include on-board soft-start, UVLO (2.3 V threshold), thermal shutdown, and open-circuit detection via the OV pin - all inherited directly from the MP1518 IC. The 4.99 Ω current-sense resistor sets nominal 20 mA LED current (ILED = 104 mV / 4.99 Ω), and PWM dimming is implemented by driving the EN pin.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV1518DG-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for handheld computing, digital still camera backlighting, small LCD display development, and portable medical device illumination requiring stable component supply and fast-turn prototyping support.

Supply support for EV1518DG-00A 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, motor drivers, and battery management solutions.

The MP1518 product line targets space-constrained portable lighting applications, delivering high-efficiency, low-noise, and robust protection features for single-cell battery-powered white LED arrays in consumer electronics.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EV1518DG-00A evaluation board?

The EV1518DG-00A is a fully assembled demonstration platform for the MP1518 boost WLED driver IC. It enables hardware validation of LED current regulation, efficiency measurement, PWM dimming implementation via the EN pin, and fault response testing including open-circuit shutdown and thermal protection under real operating conditions.

How do I configure the board for different numbers of series LEDs?

The board supports 3, 4, or 6 series white LEDs as documented in the efficiency curves. Populate only the required LED positions (LED1–LED6), ensure correct polarity, and verify output voltage remains within MP1518's 28 V absolute maximum rating. No component changes are needed - the 4.99 Ω sense resistor maintains 20 mA per string regardless of count.

Does the board support analog dimming or only PWM dimming?

The EV1518DG-00A supports only PWM dimming via the EN pin, as specified in the MP1518 datasheet. Analog dimming is not implemented - there is no dedicated IADJ or CTRL pin on the MP1518, and no onboard DAC or variable resistor for analog current adjustment.

What protection features can be tested using this board?

This board allows direct verification of MP1518's built-in protections: overvoltage shutdown (via OV pin monitoring), under-voltage lockout (UVLO at ~2.3 V), thermal shutdown (observable via temperature rise and output disable), and cycle-by-cycle current limiting (visible during short-circuit or overload events on the LED string).

Is the MP1518DG IC pre-soldered on the board?

Yes, the MP1518DG QFN-8 (2 mm × 2 mm) IC is factory-soldered onto the EV1518DG-00A board. It is mounted with exposed thermal pad connected to internal ground plane, and all critical passive components - including 22 µH inductor, 4.7 µF and 0.22 µF ceramic capacitors, Schottky diode BAT54WS-7, and 4.99 Ω sense resistor - are pre-installed and verified.

Can I use this board with a 3.3 V supply instead of a battery?

Yes - the board accepts any stable 2.5–6.0 V DC source. A regulated 3.3 V supply is fully compatible and commonly used for lab testing. Ensure current capability exceeds 200 mA to support peak inductor current, and observe polarity when connecting to VIN/GND terminals as marked on the silkscreen.