Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV2386-G-00A

Overview

EV2386-G-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP2386 synchronous step-down converter, designed to validate 1V/8A power delivery from 8–24V input. It implements adaptive Constant-On-Time (COT) control, remote differential sensing, and DC auto-tune loop for tight load/line regulation. The board integrates low-R_DS(ON) internal MOSFETs, proprietary switching loss reduction, and full protection (OCP/OVP/UVP/thermal shutdown).

For engineers reviewing the EV2386-G-00A datasheet, EV2386-G-00A pinout, EV2386-G-00A application, or EV2386-G-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP2386 performance in high-current, low-voltage point-of-load designs-especially where fast transient response, compact layout, and quiescent current below 105μA are critical.

Technical Context

The EV2386-G-00A implements the MP2386 IC in a fully assembled, tested 64mm × 64mm PCB layout optimized for thermal management and EMI control. It supports 8–24V input, delivers 1V at up to 8A continuous output, and uses a 0.68μH inductor with 3.1mΩ DCR and POSCAP/ceramic output capacitors.

Key functional blocks include the MP2386 QFN-11 (2mm × 2mm) IC with integrated high- and low-side MOSFETs, BST capacitor network, EN threshold resistor divider (7.5V rising), PG signal routing, and split AGND/PGND planes tied only at the input capacitor ground pad per design best practice.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV2386-G-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for laptop computer power validation, server VRM prototyping, and networking system point-of-load development requiring stable component supply, pre-validated thermal layout, and fast-turn evaluation capability.

Supply support for EV2386-G-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 innovation in DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting controllers.

The EV2386-G-00A belongs to MPS's evaluation board product line, engineered to accelerate design-in of their MP2386 synchronous buck converters in high-density, low-voltage, high-current applications such as CPU/GPU core rails and ASIC power supplies.

FAQ

What input voltage range is supported on the EV2386-G-00A?

The board is validated for 8V to 24V DC input. The EN resistor divider sets a 7.5V VIN rising threshold; for 5V input use cases, R7 must be changed to 200kΩ per the schematic note. Input ripple is suppressed using parallel 22μF ceramic capacitors at VIN.

How is output voltage accuracy maintained under load?

Remote differential sensing (FB+ and FB− traces routed to VOUT pads) compensates for PCB trace resistance. Combined with the DC auto-tune loop, this achieves ±1% load regulation from 0A to 8A at 1V output, as confirmed in test reports.

Does the board support enable and power-good signaling?

Yes. The EN pin accepts 0–4.5V logic; driving above 1.4V enables the converter. The open-drain PG pin asserts high when VOUT is within ±10% of 1V. Both signals are accessible via test points and labeled silkscreen pads.

What inductor and output capacitors are used?

L1 is Würth 744311068 (0.68μH, 3.1mΩ DCR, 20A saturation). Output filtering uses four 22μF X5R 0805 ceramics (C2B/C2C/C2D/C2E) plus one 1μF 0603 ceramic (C5), all rated for ≥16V and placed close to the MP2386 PGND/VOUT pins.

Can the board be used for efficiency measurements?

Yes. Test points for VIN, VOUT, SW, and inductor current (via sense resistor R3) are provided. Efficiency curves (e.g., >90% at 1A, >85% at 8A with 12V_IN) are published in the reference document, and thermal imaging data confirms hotspot temperatures remain <75°C at full load.

Is AGND isolated from PGND on this board?

Yes. AGND and PGND are routed on separate inner layers and only joined at the input bulk capacitor ground pad, per MPS layout guidelines. This separation minimizes noise coupling into the feedback and sensing paths.