Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV2155-Q-00A

Overview

EV2155-Q-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled evaluation board for the MP2155 buck-boost DC/DC converter IC, demonstrating single-inductor operation across input voltages from 2V to 5.5V and delivering adjustable 1.5V–5V output at up to 2.3A. It integrates the MP2155GQ in QFN-10 (3mm×3mm), MPL-AL6050-3R3 inductor, and optimized passive layout for efficiency up to 95% and 80µA quiescent current. The board supports real-time EN control, MODE-selectable pulse-skip mode, and VOUT adjustment via R1/R2 feedback network - validated in portable battery-powered systems like POS terminals and wireless handhelds.

For engineers reviewing the EV2155-Q-00A datasheet, EV2155-Q-00A pinout, EV2155-Q-00A application, or EV2155-Q-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP2155's buck-boost behavior under VIN < VOUT, VIN = VOUT, and VIN > VOUT conditions; verification of transient response with internal soft-start and loop compensation; and assessment of hiccup-mode short-circuit protection and thermal shutdown performance.

Technical Context

The EV2155-Q-00A implements the MP2155's 1MHz fixed-frequency synchronous buck-boost topology using two integrated MOSFETs and a single external inductor. Its schematic includes dedicated SW1/SW2 switching nodes, FB voltage divider (R1=820kΩ, R2=143kΩ), EN and MODE jumpers, and dual 22µF output capacitors for low AC impedance.

Board-level design enforces proper power-ground separation: PGND and AGND are routed separately and joined at U1's GND pad; the 3.3µH inductor (MPL-AL6050-3R3) is placed adjacent to SW pins to minimize loop area; and 68pF capacitor C5 provides noise filtering on the MODE/SYNC node per MPS layout guidelines.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV2155-Q-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-of-sale (POS) system development, portable medical instrument prototyping, and wireless handheld device power architecture validation requiring stable component supply and reference-grade buck-boost performance.

Supply support for EV2155-Q-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 over two decades of leadership in DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting solutions.

The EV2155-Q-00A belongs to MPS's evaluation board portfolio for its MP2155 buck-boost converter family, designed specifically to accelerate adoption in space-constrained, battery-powered applications demanding seamless voltage regulation across varying battery states.

FAQ

What input voltage range is supported, and how does it relate to common battery chemistries?

The EV2155-Q-00A accepts 2V to 5.5V input, directly supporting single-cell lithium-ion (2.7–4.2V nominal), lithium-polymer, and 2–3 cell alkaline or NiMH batteries (3–4.5V). This eliminates need for separate boost or buck stages when battery voltage crosses the regulated output level.

How is output voltage adjusted, and what is the feedback reference voltage?

VOUT is set by an external resistor divider (R1, R2) on the FB pin. The MP2155 uses a precise 0.496V internal feedback reference. With R1 = 820kΩ and R2 = 143kΩ, the board delivers 3.3V; other values can be calculated using R2 = R1 × (VOUT − 0.496)/0.496.

Does the board support enable and mode control, and how are they implemented?

Yes - JP1 connects EN to VIN by default; removing it allows external digital control (≥1.2V to enable, ≤0.4V to disable). JP2 connects MODE to GND by default to activate pulse-skip mode; open or floating MODE enables forced PWM operation.

What inductor is used, and why is it critical to the board's performance?

The board uses the MPS MPL-AL6050-3R3 (3.3µH, 10.1A IRATED, 11.7mΩ DCR). Its low DCR minimizes conduction loss, while its saturation current ensures stable operation at full 2.3A load without core collapse or efficiency drop.

How is short-circuit protection implemented, and what recovery behavior can be expected?

SCP triggers hiccup mode: the MP2155 shuts down for ~30ms, then attempts restart. On persistent fault (e.g., 0.5A load at VIN = 2.4V), repeated cycles limit average power dissipation and prevent thermal damage - confirmed in test waveforms showing VOUT collapse and IL oscillation.