Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV23701-QEU-00A

Overview

EV23701-QEU-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled evaluation board designed to demonstrate the MP23701 synchronous step-down LED driver IC, supporting 1A continuous LED current across 4.2V–24V input, delivering 3–6V output for 1–2 series WLEDs, with analog dimming, thermal protection, and 95% peak efficiency.

For engineers reviewing the EV23701-QEU-00A datasheet, EV23701-QEU-00A pinout, EV23701-QEU-00A application, or EV23701-QEU-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP23701's LED drive performance, analog dimming interface, NTC-based thermal management, and fault protections including open-LED and short-circuit response under real load conditions.

Technical Context

The EV23701-QEU-00A implements the MP23701 IC in a fixed-frequency (1.5MHz) peak-current-mode synchronous buck topology with integrated 100mΩ high-side MOSFET and 80mΩ low-side synchronous rectifier. It operates over 4.2V–24V VIN and regulates LED current up to 1A with 100mV feedback reference voltage.

Board-level design includes a 3.3µH power inductor, 4.7µF/35V input capacitor, 10µF/35V output bulk capacitance, and dedicated test points (VIN, GND, EN/DIM, LED+, LED−, NTC) for signal probing and dimming control. Thermal protection is implemented via NTC biasing at the NTC pin.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV23701-QEU-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for infrared LED driver validation, handheld computer backlight characterization, flashlight prototype development, and general-purpose WLED system integration requiring stable component supply and fast time-to-test.

Supply support for EV23701-QEU-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, motor drivers, and battery management solutions.

The MP23701 product line delivers monolithic synchronous buck LED drivers optimized for space-constrained, high-efficiency lighting applications - targeting portable, automotive, and industrial LED systems requiring analog dimming and robust fault protection.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EV23701-QEU-00A support?

The board accepts 4.2V to 24V DC input, matching the MP23701 IC's operational range. This allows testing under both single-cell Li-ion (4.2V) and 24V industrial rail conditions. Input is applied via screw terminals or solder pads labeled VIN and GND, with onboard 4.7µF/35V ceramic capacitance for stability.

How is LED current controlled and dimmed on this evaluation board?

LED current is set to 1A by default via the 100mΩ sense resistor (R1). Analog dimming is achieved by applying 0.6V–1.5V DC to the EN/DIM pin: 0.6V yields minimum current, 1.5V yields full 1A, and voltages above 1.5V clamp at maximum output. No external PWM generator is required.

Does the board include thermal protection, and how is it implemented?

Yes - thermal protection uses an NTC thermistor connected to the NTC pin. The MP23701 monitors V_NTC and reduces LED current when temperature exceeds threshold; if critical temperature is reached, it initiates thermal shutdown with auto-restart after cooldown. The board includes a footprint (NTC1) but no populated NTC by default.

What protection features are demonstrated on the EV23701-QEU-00A?

The board demonstrates cycle-by-cycle overcurrent limiting, open-LED detection (disables output if LED string opens), output short-circuit protection, and thermal shutdown with auto-restart. These are inherent to the MP23701 IC and require no external components - all protections activate automatically during fault events.

Can the EV23701-QEU-00A drive more than two LEDs in series?

No - the board is configured for 3–6V output, limiting it to 1–2 standard white LEDs (VF ≈ 3.0–3.6V each). Driving three or more would exceed the MP23701's 6V max V_OUT capability. For higher-V_F strings, a different driver or board revision with adjusted feedback network is required.

Is the MP23701GQEU-Z IC included on the board, and what is its package?

Yes - the board integrates one MP23701GQEU-Z IC in UTQFN-8 (1.5mm × 2.5mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pinout matches the datasheet: SW, BST, EN/DIM, NTC, FB, GND, VIN, and NC. The IC is pre-soldered and fully functional out-of-box.