Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV2480-N-00A

Overview

EV2480-N-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the MP2480DN hysteretic step-down LED driver IC, delivering constant-current output up to 2 A for high-power LED strings under 30–36 V input, with EN and DIM control signals (2–5 V), and supporting 24 V LED forward voltage at full load.

For engineers reviewing the EV2480-N-00A datasheet, EV2480-N-00A pinout, EV2480-N-00A application, or EV2480-N-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP2480DN's 2 MHz switching, ±3% LED current accuracy, no-output-capacitor operation, short-circuit protection, and thermal shutdown in lighting and backlighting designs.

Technical Context

The EV2480-N-00A implements a fixed-frequency hysteretic control architecture using the MP2480DN SOIC8-EP IC, eliminating external compensation components and enabling stable regulation without output capacitance. It integrates a high-side MOSFET and supports PWM dimming up to 20 kHz with 2–5 V logic-level inputs.

Tested at VIN = 30 V, ILED = 2 A, and 7-LED string load at 25°C, the board achieves up to 95% efficiency and maintains ±3% LED current accuracy across line and load variations, with built-in short-circuit protection on both LED+–LED− and LED+–GND fault conditions.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV2480-N-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED lighting development, LCD backlight evaluation, and high-power constant-current source prototyping requiring stable component supply and fast time-to-test capability.

Supply support for EV2480-N-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 MP2480DN product line targets high-efficiency, low-component-count LED driver applications where simplicity, reliability, and thermal robustness are critical-especially in space-constrained general lighting and display backlight systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EV2480-N-00A evaluation board?

The EV2480-N-00A is a ready-to-use hardware platform that demonstrates the MP2480DN constant-current LED driver IC. It provides immediate functional validation of 2 A LED current regulation, 30–36 V input operation, PWM dimming, and fault protections-including short-circuit detection on LED+ to LED− and LED+ to GND-without requiring custom PCB design.

Can the EV2480-N-00A drive LED strings with different forward voltages?

Yes-the board supports LED strings with forward voltages up to 24 V, as verified under 30 V input and 2 A load. For higher V_F, input voltage must remain within the 30–36 V range and stay below the MP2480DN's 36 V absolute maximum rating; output compliance is limited by the buck topology's V_IN − V_SWITCH drop.

Does the board require external output capacitance?

No-the MP2480DN uses hysteretic control and does not require an output capacitor for stability, as confirmed in the schematic and features list. The EV2480-N-00A operates reliably with only input capacitors (C1–C4) and the output inductor (L1), reducing BOM count and board area.

What dimming interface does the EV2480-N-00A support?

The board accepts 2–5 V PWM signals on the DIM pin, supporting frequencies from 100 Hz to 20 kHz. This enables flicker-free dimming in visual applications and compatibility with standard MCU timers or dedicated LED controller ICs without additional level-shifting circuitry.

How is overtemperature protection implemented?

Thermal shutdown is integrated into the MP2480DN IC and activates when the die temperature exceeds the internal threshold (typically ~150°C). On the EV2480-N-00A, this causes automatic output disable until junction temperature falls below the hysteresis threshold (~20°C below trip point), protecting both the IC and connected LEDs.

Is the board RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes-per MPS documentation and bill-of-materials, all components on the EV2480-N-00A, including the MP2480DN SOIC8-EP package, conform to RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and use lead-free terminations and halogen-free substrates, meeting industrial and commercial environmental compliance requirements.