Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV2326-D-00A

Overview

EV2326-D-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled evaluation board for the MP2326GD synchronous step-down converter, configured to deliver 1.2V at up to 4A from a 12V input using constant-on-time control, 2.2μH power inductor, and low-ESR ceramic output capacitors. It demonstrates fast transient response, hiccup-mode short-circuit protection, and thermal shutdown under load.

For engineers reviewing the EV2326-D-00A datasheet, EV2326-D-00A pinout, EV2326-D-00A application, or EV2326-D-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP2326GD performance in battery-powered systems requiring ultra-low quiescent current (40μA), forced-PWM/auto-PFM mode selection, and stable operation with ceramic output caps.

Technical Context

The EV2326-D-00A implements the MP2326GD IC in a fixed 1.2V output configuration with external feedback resistors omitted (R3–R5 installed but not used for voltage setting), enabling direct evaluation of the internal 1.2V reference. The board supports both forced PWM and auto PFM/PWM operation via jumper-selectable R6 (PWM) or R7 (PFM/PWM) configuration.

Test conditions are standardized at VIN = 12V, VOUT = 1.2V, L = 2.2μH (Wurth 744311220), TA = 25°C, and include waveform capture of VSW, IL, PG, and VEN across load steps and startup sequences. Layout follows MPS four-layer PCB guidelines with dedicated ground planes on inner layers.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV2326-D-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for SSD power rail validation, tablet PC core voltage testing, and gaming peripheral DC-DC design requiring stable component supply, pre-validated layout, and production-ready thermal performance.

Supply support for EV2326-D-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 design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MP2326 product line targets ultra-low-IQ, high-efficiency DC-DC conversion for portable and always-on battery-powered applications, emphasizing minimal footprint (2mm×3mm QFN14), ceramic-cap compatibility, and robust fault handling.

FAQ

What input voltage range is supported on the EV2326-D-00A board?

The board is validated for 12V input per test reports, but the underlying MP2326GD IC supports 4.5V to 19V. Users must ensure input capacitance, bootstrap diode, and thermal design meet requirements when operating outside 12V, especially near 19V maximum rating.

How do I configure the board for forced PWM versus auto PFM/PWM mode?

Install 0Ω resistor Rb and populate R6 (40.2kΩ) to enable forced PWM mode; remove R6 and populate R7 (180kΩ) to enable auto PFM/PWM mode. Mode selection is hardware-based and requires physical resistor change-no register programming is involved.

Does the board include a power-good indicator, and how is it accessed?

Yes-the MP2326GD's open-drain PG pin is routed to test point TP3 on the board. A logic-high signal (pulled up externally or via onboard 100kΩ resistor) indicates regulated 1.2V output within ±10% tolerance; timing delay is 12ms typical after startup.

Can I modify the output voltage, and what changes are required?

No-the board is fixed at 1.2V using the MP2326GD's internal reference. To adjust output voltage, replace U1 with a non-fixed version (e.g., MP2326DJ) and install an external resistor divider from VOUT to FB and FB to GND per the datasheet's feedback network equations.

What is the purpose of the "Ramp with small ESR cap" note in the datasheet reference?

This refers to the need for a small ceramic capacitor (e.g., 100pF C0G) between the ramp pin and ground to stabilize the constant-on-time control loop when using low-ESR ceramic output capacitors-Cr (100pF) is already installed on the board per schematic.

Is thermal performance characterized, and what is the max ambient temperature for 4A operation?

Thermal shutdown activates at ~150°C junction temperature. At 12V→1.2V/4A, board surface temperature reaches ~75°C at TA = 25°C with no airflow. Derating to ≤3.2A is recommended above 60°C ambient to maintain reliability without forced cooling.