Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV2454-Q-00A

Overview

EV2454-Q-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled and tested evaluation board for the MPQ2454GQ - a 36V, 0.6A AEC-Q100 Grade 1 synchronous step-down converter with programmable 350kHz–2.3MHz switching frequency, 3.3V fixed output, internal 200mΩ high-side MOSFET, and power-good signaling. It supports automotive cold-crank (low-dropout mode), operates from 3.3V–36V input, and delivers >90% efficiency across load range.

For engineers reviewing the EV2454-Q-00A datasheet, EV2454-Q-00A pinout, EV2454-Q-00A application, or EV2454-Q-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MPQ2454GQ performance in high-voltage DC/DC conversion, battery-powered systems, and automotive power rails - including startup behavior, POK timing, soft-start response, and thermal stability under cold-crank conditions.

Technical Context

The EV2454-Q-00A implements the MPQ2454GQ in QFN-10 (3mm×3mm) package with ceramic output capacitors, external soft-start (SS pin), and synchronizable clock input (EN/SYNC pin). It uses current-mode control with internal compensation and frequency fold-back for stable light-load operation and short-circuit protection.

Board-level features include a 10µH power inductor (SUMIDA CDRH6D26NP-100NC), dual 10µF/16V output capacitors, 0.1µF bypass caps on VIN and BST, and discrete Schottky catch diode (MSS1P4) - enabling direct measurement of VSW waveforms, POK delay, and efficiency vs. load at 12V/3.3V nominal conditions.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV2454-Q-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power module development, industrial DC/DC reference design validation, and battery-powered embedded system prototyping requiring stable component supply and full functional verification.

Supply support for EV2454-Q-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 focus on efficiency, integration, and reliability in power management solutions.

The MPQ2454 product line delivers AEC-Q100 qualified buck regulators for automotive front-end and infotainment power rails, emphasizing cold-crank resilience, low IQ, and EMI-optimized switching behavior.

FAQ

What input voltage range is supported during evaluation?

The EV2454-Q-00A accepts 3.3V to 36V DC input, verified per datasheet test conditions. Operation down to 4.5V maintains regulation during automotive cold-crank events, enabled by low-dropout mode and internal high-side MOSFET with 200mΩ R_DS(on).

How is the 3.3V output configured and verified?

Output is fixed at 3.3V using a precision resistor divider (R4 = 95.3kΩ, R5 = 49.9kΩ) on the FB pin. Output accuracy is ±2% over temperature and load, confirmed by board-level test reports with 2×10µF ceramic output capacitance and 10µH inductor.

Can the switching frequency be synchronized externally?

Yes - the EN/SYNC pin accepts an external clock signal from 350kHz to 2.3MHz. When enabled, the internal oscillator locks to the rising edge of the external clock, reducing EMI and enabling deterministic timing in multi-rail systems.

What is the purpose of the CDL pin on this evaluation board?

The CDL (Power-Good Delay) pin sets the time between output regulation and POK signal assertion. On EV2454-Q-00A, it's configured with a capacitor to provide programmable delay - critical for safe power sequencing in microcontroller or FPGA-based systems.

Does the board include thermal protection validation?

Yes - the MPQ2454GQ integrates thermal shutdown, and the EV2454-Q-00A layout places the IC in a thermally optimized region with exposed pad soldered to ground plane. Board test reports confirm reliable shutdown at ≥150°C junction temperature.

Is the evaluation board RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes - all components on EV2454-Q-00A meet RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU requirements. MPS confirms lead-free assembly, and bill-of-materials lists only RoHS-compliant parts (e.g., muRata GRM series, Vishay MSS1P4, SUMIDA inductors).