Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV1542DK-TFT-00A

Overview

EV1542DK-TFT-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the MP1542 triple-output DC-DC converter for TFT-LCD bias supply applications, delivering 9V (150mA), –8V (10mA), and 26V (5mA) simultaneously from a 3–3.6V input, with fixed 700kHz/1.3MHz switching frequency and external compensation.

For engineers reviewing the EV1542DK-TFT-00A datasheet, EV1542DK-TFT-00A pinout, EV1542DK-TFT-00A application, or EV1542DK-TFT-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP1542-based TFT display power architectures, including output voltage adjustment via R1, soft-start programming, and charge-pump-derived dual-rail generation from a single boost stage.

Technical Context

The board implements the MP1542 IC in MSOP-8 package, configured as a synchronous boost converter (VOUT1 = 9V) with two cascaded charge pumps: one generating +26V (VOUT3) and another –8V (VOUT2) referenced to the boost switching node. Input UVLO is set at ~2.5V, and thermal shutdown protects under sustained overload.

Switching frequency selection (700kHz or 1.3MHz) is fixed by internal logic and affects EMI filtering design; external compensation via COMP pin allows loop tuning for ceramic capacitor stability, while soft-start time is set by capacitor on SS pin to limit inrush current during power-up.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV1542DK-TFT-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for TFT-LCD bias supply development, portable display power architecture validation, and multi-rail DC-DC reference design implementation requiring stable component supply and documented layout practices.

Supply support for EV1542DK-TFT-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, and motor control solutions.

The MP1542 product line targets compact, low-noise TFT-LCD display bias supplies, integrating boost and charge-pump topologies to replace discrete multi-IC solutions in handheld and portable imaging systems.

FAQ

What input voltage range is supported by the EV1542DK-TFT-00A?

The board operates from a regulated 3.0 V to 3.6 V DC input, aligned with single-cell Li-ion or LDO-regulated 3.3 V rails. It is not rated for operation below 3.0 V or above 3.6 V per the reference design; exceeding this range may disable UVLO protection or stress external components like C1A–C1B.

How are the three output voltages generated on this board?

VOUT1 (9 V) is generated by the MP1542's internal boost converter. VOUT3 (+26 V) and VOUT2 (–8 V) are derived from two independent charge pumps driven by the boost switching node (SW), eliminating need for separate controllers or inductors for auxiliary rails.

Can the output voltages be adjusted, and if so, how?

Only VOUT1 is user-adjustable via resistor R1, using the formula VOUT1 = 1.25 V × (1 + R1/R2), where R2 = 10 kΩ. VOUT2 and VOUT3 are fixed by internal charge-pump diode/capacitor ratios and cannot be modified without circuit redesign.

Is the EN pin active-high, and what happens if it's left floating?

Yes, EN is active-high with internal pull-down; leaving it unconnected disables the MP1542. To enable operation, EN must be tied to VIN or a logic-high signal ≥1.2 V. No external pull-up is required, but noise immunity improves with a 100 kΩ pull-up to VIN.

What is the purpose of the COMP pin on the MP1542, and how is it used on this board?

The COMP pin provides access to the error amplifier output for external loop compensation. On this board, it connects to a standard Type-II RC network (R3/C3) to stabilize the boost regulator across load and input variations, enabling use of low-ESR ceramic capacitors without oscillation.

Does the board include thermal protection and overcurrent safeguards?

Yes - the MP1542 IC integrates thermal shutdown (activates at ~150°C junction temperature) and cycle-by-cycle peak current limiting. These protections are fully functional on the EV1542DK-TFT-00A and do not require additional board-level circuitry.