Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV2338-TL-00A

Overview

EV2338-TL-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the MP2338 synchronous step-down converter-a 28V-input, 3A-output, 430kHz monolithic buck regulator in SOT583 package with integrated 115mΩ/55mΩ MOSFETs, 0.5V feedback reference, and power-good indication. It delivers >92% efficiency at 24V→5V/3A and supports programmable soft-start and hiccup-mode protection.

For engineers reviewing the EV2338-TL-00A datasheet, EV2338-TL-00A pinout, EV2338-TL-00A application, or EV2338-TL-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP2338 performance in 5V point-of-load designs for game consoles, set-top boxes, flat-panel displays, and industrial embedded power supplies under real-world thermal and transient conditions.

Technical Context

The EV2338-TL-00A implements a fixed 5V output configuration using the MP2338GTL IC, which employs constant-on-time (COT) control for fast load transient response and stable loop behavior without external compensation. Input voltage range is 6–28V, with full protection including over-current (hiccup mode), under-voltage lockout, and thermal shutdown.

Board-level design integrates dual 10μF/50V X5R input capacitors (C1A/C1B), 22μF/10V X7S output capacitors (C2A/C2B), a 6.5μH/6A power inductor (WE 744314650), and precision feedback resistors (R1=360kΩ, R2=40.2kΩ) setting VOUT = 0.5V × (1 + R1/R2) = 5.0V. Power-good signal (PG) is routed to test point TP3.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV2338-TL-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for game console power validation, digital set-top box development, flat-panel display supply qualification, and industrial embedded 5V PoL prototyping requiring stable component supply and documented reference performance.

Supply support for EV2338-TL-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 MP2338 product line targets space-constrained, high-efficiency 5V/3A point-of-load applications in consumer electronics and industrial systems, emphasizing low quiescent current (160µA), fast transient response, and minimal external component count.

FAQ

What is the default output voltage and how is it set?

The EV2338-TL-00A is configured for a fixed 5.0V output using R1 = 360kΩ and R2 = 40.2kΩ, leveraging the MP2338's 0.5V internal feedback reference (VOUT = 0.5V × (1 + R1/R2)). This ratio yields ±1.5% regulation across line, load, and temperature per test data on page 4 of the Rev.1.0 datasheet.

Can the output voltage be adjusted, and what is the supported range?

Yes-output voltage is adjustable via the feedback resistor divider. With VFB = 0.5V and standard 1% thin-film resistors, VOUT can be scaled from ~3.3V to 12V using appropriate R1/R2 values. The MP2338's internal reference and COT architecture maintain stability across this range when output capacitance and inductor DCR are within datasheet-specified limits.

Does the board include enable and power-good functionality?

Yes-EN is accessible at test point TP2 and accepts 1.26V–6V logic-high to activate the MP2338; below 1.04V disables it. Power-good (PG) is available at TP3 as an open-drain signal pulled high via 10kΩ (R5), asserting high when VOUT is within ±10% of regulation-verified in startup/shutdown waveforms on pages 5–6.

What inductor options are supported, and why are two listed?

The board supports two inductors: primary WE 744314650 (6.5μH, 21.5mΩ DCR, 6A Isat) and backup WE 74437346068 (6.8μH, 54mΩ DCR, 8A Isat). The lower-DCR option maximizes efficiency (>92% at 24V→5V/3A); the higher-DCR variant trades ~2% efficiency for improved saturation margin in high-pulse-current applications.

Is thermal performance characterized, and what is the maximum continuous load?

Yes-case temperature rise is measured up to 60°C at 3A/24V input (page 4 curve), confirming full 3A continuous operation within safe junction limits. Board layout uses 2oz copper, thermal vias under U1, and optimized ground/power planes to sustain this rating without forced airflow.

Are input/output capacitors placed per MP2338 layout guidelines?

Yes-the BOM uses Murata GRM21BR61H106KE43L (10μF/50V X5R, 0805) for input filtering and TDK C2012X7S1A226MT000E (22μF/10V X7S, 0805) for output, both placed per MPS layout recommendations: input caps adjacent to VIN/GND pins, output caps near VOUT/PWMO, and low-ESR ceramic types to support COT control stability.