Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV2169-RH-00A

Overview

EV2169-RH-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an assembled and tested evaluation board for the MPQ2169 dual synchronous buck regulator IC, supporting configurable 3A/1A or 2A/2A output current, 2.7V–6V input range, and 0.6V–VIN adjustable outputs with 60µA quiescent current-designed to validate power delivery in single-cell Li+-powered portable devices.

For engineers reviewing the EV2169-RH-00A datasheet, EV2169-RH-00A pinout, EV2169-RH-00A application, or EV2169-RH-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of dual-channel DC/DC regulation, soft-start timing, power-good sequencing, phase-shifted operation, and AAM/CCM mode selection under real-world load and thermal conditions.

Technical Context

The EV2169-RH-00A implements the MPQ2169 QFN-18 (2.5mm × 3.5mm) IC with peak-current-mode control, internal compensation, and dual 55mΩ high-side / 20mΩ synchronous rectifier switches. It supports 100% duty cycle operation on both channels and integrates PG indicators, external sync up to 3MHz, and 180° phase shift between channels.

Board-level features include pre-populated 1.5µH shielded inductors (L1/L2), 22µF ceramic output capacitors (C2A–C2D), 1.5nF soft-start timing caps (C3/C4), and jumper-selectable AAM/CCM mode (JP1). Input voltage is applied via CN1 (VIN/GND), and outputs are accessible at VOUT1/VOUT2 test points.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV2169-RH-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, smartphone power subsystem validation, and battery-powered industrial handhelds requiring stable component supply and fast time-to-test.

Supply support for EV2169-RH-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 mixed-signal ICs for power management, motion control, and automotive applications.

The MPQ2169 product line targets ultra-low-I_Q dual-output DC/DC conversion in space-constrained, battery-sensitive systems - emphasizing integration, thermal robustness, and seamless evaluation-to-production transition.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EV2169-RH-00A support?

The board accepts 2.7V to 6V DC input via CN1, matching the full operating range of the MPQ2169 IC. This covers single-cell Li+ batteries (2.7V–4.2V), USB-powered systems (5V), and regulated 3.3V/5V rails. Input must be clean and current-limited to avoid triggering overcurrent protection during startup.

How do I configure the output voltages on EV2169-RH-00A?

VOUT1 and VOUT2 are set using external resistor dividers per the MPQ2169's 0.6V reference. Default values (RUP = 100kΩ, RDOWN = 49.9kΩ for VOUT1 = 1.8V; RDOWN = 100kΩ for VOUT2 = 1.2V) are populated. Adjust RDOWN resistors (R1/R3/R6/R8) to target other outputs - see Table on page 11 of Rev. 1.0 schematic.

Can I synchronize both channels to an external clock?

Yes - apply a 350kHz–3MHz square wave to the FREQ pin. Channel 1 aligns its rising edge to the external clock; Channel 2 automatically runs 180° out-of-phase. This reduces input capacitor RMS current and system-level EMI without requiring external timing logic or delay networks.

What is the purpose of JP1 on the board?

JP1 selects light-load regulation mode: connect to VCC for Forced Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM), ensuring constant switching frequency and low output ripple; connect to GND for Advanced Asynchronous Mode (AAM), which skips pulses to minimize quiescent current (<60µA) and maximize battery runtime.

Are the power-good (PG) signals accessible and usable?

Yes - PG1 and PG2 are routed to test points and labeled on silkscreen. Each asserts high when its respective output is within ±10% of regulation. They can drive enable inputs of downstream rails or microcontroller GPIOs for power sequencing and fault monitoring - no external pull-ups required.

Does the board include thermal management provisions?

The MPQ2169GRH QFN-18 package is soldered directly to a 4-layer PCB with thermal vias under the exposed pad. The board layout follows MPS recommended copper pour and via patterns (per MPQ2169 datasheet Section 9.2), enabling >2.5W dissipation at TA = 25°C with natural convection - verified in thermal imaging tests on page 5 of the EVB report.