Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV2488DN-00A

Overview

EV2488DN-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a dedicated evaluation board for the MP2488DN step-down constant-current LED driver IC, configured to drive up to 10 white LEDs in series at 330 mA with 40–55 V input, featuring a 220 mΩ internal MOSFET, 200 mV feedback reference, and SOIC8E package mounting.

For engineers reviewing the EV2488DN-00A datasheet, EV2488DN-00A pinout, EV2488DN-00A application, or EV2488DN-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of high-voltage white LED driver performance in automotive lighting, industrial signage, and general-purpose constant-current source designs under real-world thermal and layout conditions.

Technical Context

The EV2488DN-00A implements the MP2488DN's peak-current-mode control architecture with fixed-frequency switching (up to 200 kHz), delivering regulated 330 mA output current across 10-series WLEDs. Its input stage accepts 40–55 V DC, and the board integrates all critical passive components-including 47 µH power inductor (TOKO DS104C2-B952AS-470MP3), 2.2 µF/100 V input capacitors, and B180 Schottky diode-optimized for efficiency and thermal stability.

Board-level design supports both analog enable control (EN > 1.7 V) and PWM dimming (200 Hz typical) via the EN pin, with LED+ and LED− terminals directly accessible for load connection. The layout follows MPS-recommended thermal pad grounding and high-current trace routing per Rev. 1.1 schematic and PCB layer drawings.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV2488DN-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive headlight prototyping, industrial LED signage qualification, and general-purpose constant-current source development requiring stable component supply and documented reference design validation.

Supply support for EV2488DN-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 MP2488DN product line targets high-input-voltage, constant-current LED driving applications-designed specifically for robust operation in automotive and industrial environments where wide VIN range, high efficiency, and thermal resilience are mandatory.

FAQ

What input voltage range is supported by the EV2488DN-00A board?

The board operates with a validated input voltage range of 40 V to 55 V DC, matching the MP2488DN's specified operating window. This range accommodates nominal 48 V industrial rails and automotive battery transients, and the design includes 100 V-rated input capacitors for safety margin.

Can the EV2488DN-00A drive fewer than 10 LEDs in series?

Yes - the board can drive fewer than 10 LEDs, but output current remains regulated at 330 mA. Minimum LED string voltage must exceed the MP2488DN's dropout requirement (~2 V), and efficiency drops if total forward voltage falls significantly below 40 V due to fixed 200 mV feedback threshold and internal MOSFET conduction loss.

How is PWM dimming implemented on this evaluation board?

PWM dimming is applied directly to the EN pin: a logic-high signal (>1.7 V) enables the MP2488DN, and duty-cycle modulation at ~200 Hz controls average LED current. No external transistor or level-shifter is required, as the EN pin is TTL-compatible and internally pulled down.

Is the MP2488DN IC socketed or soldered on the EV2488DN-00A board?

The MP2488DN is permanently soldered in SOIC8E package with exposed thermal pad on the bottom side. The board does not include a socket; replacement requires rework with hot-air station and thermal management awareness due to the exposed pad's soldering requirements.

Does the board include overvoltage or overtemperature protection?

No - the EV2488DN-00A implements only the base MP2488DN functionality. The IC itself provides cycle-by-cycle current limiting and thermal shutdown (typically 150 °C), but the board lacks additional protection circuitry such as input overvoltage clamping or external temperature monitoring.

What is the maximum achievable efficiency on this board?

Measured efficiency reaches up to 97.5% at 55 V input driving 10-series WLEDs at 330 mA, as confirmed in the Rev. 1.1 efficiency vs. input voltage plot. Efficiency decreases at lower input voltages due to increased conduction losses in the internal 220 mΩ MOSFET and inductor DCR.