Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV28163-Q-00A

Overview

EV28163-Q-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled evaluation board for the MP28163GQ buck-boost DC-DC converter IC, supporting input 2–5.5V and delivering adjustable 1.5–5V output at up to 2.6A continuous current with 95% peak efficiency and 80µA quiescent current in pulse-skipping mode. It implements single-inductor buck-boost topology with internal soft-start, OTP, hiccup-mode short-circuit protection, and MODE/SYNC pin for PSM control.

For engineers reviewing the EV28163-Q-00A datasheet, EV28163-Q-00A pinout, EV28163-Q-00A application, or EV28163-Q-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP28163-based power designs in battery-powered portable instruments, tablet PCs, and POS terminals requiring seamless voltage regulation across varying battery states.

Technical Context

The EV28163-Q-00A implements the MP28163GQ's integrated 1MHz synchronous buck-boost controller with dual N-MOSFET power switches, internal loop compensation, and programmable output via FB resistor divider (R1 = 820kΩ, R2 = 143kΩ) set to 3.3V nominal. It uses a 3.3µH shielded inductor and dual 22µF ceramic output capacitors for low-ripple regulation.

Board-level features include load disconnect during shutdown, EN-controlled enable/disable with 1.2V turn-on threshold, and JP2-configurable MODE pin grounding for forced pulse-skipping mode-enabling ultra-low I_Q operation under light loads while maintaining stable 3.3V output across VIN = 2.4V to 4.2V test conditions.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV28163-Q-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered portable instruments, tablet PCs, and POS systems requiring stable component supply, fast design validation, and production-ready reference schematics.

Supply support for EV28163-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 core expertise in DC-DC conversion, LED drivers, and motor control solutions.

The MP28163 product line targets space-constrained, battery-operated devices needing wide-input-range regulation without external compensation-designed specifically for single-cell Li-ion and multi-cell alkaline applications where V_IN may fall below, equal, or exceed V_OUT.

FAQ

What is the default output voltage and how is it set?

The EV28163-Q-00A is configured for 3.3V output using R1 = 820kΩ and R2 = 143kΩ in the FB divider network, based on the MP28163's 0.496V feedback reference. This configuration satisfies the equation V_OUT = V_FB × (1 + R1/R2), yielding 3.3V within ±1.5% tolerance at room temperature and mid-load conditions.

How do I enable or disable the MP28163 using the EN pin?

To enable the regulator, remove jumper JP1 and apply ≥1.2V to the EN pin relative to AGND; to disable, drive EN ≤0.4V. The board includes no pull-up/pull-down on EN by default-external logic or microcontroller GPIO must provide clean TTL/CMOS-compatible control signals with adequate slew rate.

Can I change the output voltage? What resistor values are recommended?

Yes-V_OUT is adjustable from 1.5V to 5V by replacing R1 and R2. R2 should be 100kΩ–180kΩ; R1 is calculated as R1 = R2 × ((V_OUT/0.496) − 1). For example, 5V requires R2 = 143kΩ and R1 ≈ 1.37MΩ. Use 1% film resistors in 0603 package for stability and accuracy.

What is the purpose of JP2 and how does it affect operation?

JP2 connects the MODE/SYNC pin to GND to force pulse-skipping mode (PSM), reducing quiescent current to ~80µA at light loads while maintaining regulation. Leaving JP2 open enables forced PWM mode (default), ensuring constant 1MHz switching regardless of load-critical for EMI-sensitive applications requiring predictable frequency content.

Does the board support short-circuit protection testing?

Yes-the board demonstrates hiccup-mode short-circuit protection per MP28163 specifications. Test waveforms in the user guide show SCP entry and recovery at VIN = 2.4V and 4.2V with 0.5A load, confirming automatic restart after fault clearance without manual reset or external intervention.

What are the physical dimensions and mounting options?

The board measures 5.08cm × 5.08cm × 1.3cm (2.0" × 2.0" × 0.51") with no mounting holes. It uses standard 0603/0805 passives and a surface-mount Wurth 744314330 inductor. No standoffs or mechanical fixtures are included-users must secure the board externally during thermal or vibration testing.