Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV28160-C-00A

Overview

EV28160-C-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP28160 integrated buck-boost DC-DC converter, designed to validate operation of the 3.3V/0.5A fixed-output regulator in CSP-12 packaging. It supports input voltages from 2.5V to 5.5V, operates at 1.8MHz fixed-frequency PWM with auto PFM/PWM light-load mode, and delivers up to 95% peak efficiency at 5V input.

For engineers reviewing the EV28160-C-00A datasheet, EV28160-C-00A pinout, EV28160-C-00A application, or EV28160-C-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of buck-boost regulation in USB-C cable power delivery, Thunderbolt interface rails, and compact portable device power subsystems under real-world load transients and startup/shutdown conditions.

Technical Context

The EV28160-C-00A implements a current-mode controlled synchronous buck-boost topology using the MP28160 IC, which integrates high- and low-side MOSFETs in a single CSP-12 package. It maintains regulation across VIN = VOUT (3.3V), VIN < VOUT (boost), and VIN > VOUT (buck) modes without external mode selection.

Key control features include 1ms soft-start, active-low enable (EN), hiccup-mode overcurrent protection, output overvoltage protection (OVP), and thermal shutdown. The board uses a 1µH shielded inductor and optimized ceramic capacitor layout (10µF/0.1µF/22µF/1µF) to minimize ripple and ensure stability across 0–0.5A loads.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV28160-C-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB-C cable power validation, Thunderbolt interface reference design verification, and portable device embedded power subsystem prototyping requiring stable component supply and documented performance curves.

Supply support for EV28160-C-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 MP28160 product line targets space-constrained, high-efficiency power delivery in mobile and interface applications, specifically addressing the need for seamless buck-boost regulation in USB-C and Thunderbolt ecosystems where input voltage may vary above or below nominal output.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the EV28160-C-00A evaluation board?

The EV28160-C-00A is a fully assembled and tested reference design board used to evaluate the MP28160 buck-boost converter IC. It provides immediate access to key performance metrics-including efficiency vs. load, startup/shutdown behavior, and transient response-without requiring custom PCB development or component sourcing.

Does the board support adjustable output voltage?

No. The EV28160-C-00A implements the MP28160GC variant with a factory-trimmed fixed 3.3V output. The IC does not include external feedback resistors or voltage-setting pins; output voltage is internal and non-adjustable per the datasheet and schematic.

What input voltage range is validated on this board?

The board is characterized and tested across 2.5V to 5.5V input, covering common lithium-ion battery discharge (2.7–4.2V), USB 2.0/3.0 (5V), and USB-C PD (up to 5.5V). Test reports confirm stable 3.3V regulation and >85% efficiency down to 2.5V input at full 0.5A load.

How is overcurrent protection implemented?

Overcurrent protection uses hiccup-mode limiting, triggered when inductor current exceeds threshold during short-circuit or overload. The MP28160 disables switching, waits a fixed recovery time, then attempts restart. This behavior is confirmed in the EVB test report's SCP Entry and Recovery waveforms on page 6.

Can the board be used in boost-only or buck-only configurations?

Yes - the MP28160 automatically transitions between buck, buck-boost, and boost modes based on input/output relationship. The EV28160-C-00A demonstrates all three: VIN=2.5V→VOUT=3.3V (boost), VIN=3.3V→VOUT=3.3V (buck-boost), and VIN=5V→VOUT=3.3V (buck), as shown in ripple and load transient test data.

What are the critical external components on the board?

The board relies on a 1µH shielded inductor (Murata DFE252012P-1R0M), input/output ceramic capacitors (10µF/0.1µF/22µF/1µF), and the MP28160GC IC in CSP-12. These are selected per MPS recommended layout and thermal guidelines to achieve specified efficiency, ripple, and thermal performance.