Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV2980-R-00A

Overview

EV2980-R-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a 36V, 100W evaluation board for the MP2980 synchronous four-switch buck-boost controller, designed to demonstrate USB PD3.0 power delivery with I²C programmability, valley/peak current-mode control, and integrated current monitoring. It supports 5–20V output via I²C, delivers up to 5A output current, and operates across 6–36V input.

For engineers reviewing the EV2980-R-00A datasheet, EV2980-R-00A pinout, EV2980-R-00A application, or EV2980-R-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP2980-based USB-C PD designs, transient response testing under load steps (0–5A), and I²C register configuration for VOUT slew rate, constant-current limit, and switching frequency selection (200/300/400/600 kHz).

Technical Context

The EV2980-R-00A implements the MP2980 controller in a fully assembled, tested layout featuring dual N-channel MOSFETs (AON7242 and AON7502), 4.7µH/2.7µH/0.6µH inductors, and precision current-sense resistors (R3 = 10 mΩ, R4 = 5 mΩ). It uses valley-current control in buck mode and peak-current control in boost mode for seamless mode transition and fast transient response.

It integrates I²C interface pins (SDA, SCL, INT), analog monitoring (IMON, CSP/CSN), and configurable protection (hiccup OCP/OVP, programmable UVLO, soft-start). The board supports forced CCM operation, spread-spectrum switching for EMI reduction, and VOUT discharge function - all validated per USB PD3.0 timing and regulation requirements.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV2980-R-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB Power Delivery development, industrial PC power supply prototyping, and super-capacitor charging systems requiring stable component supply, pre-validated layout, and production-ready thermal performance.

Supply support for EV2980-R-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 power management ICs, with over two decades of expertise in DC-DC conversion, battery management, and USB PD solutions.

The MP2980 product line targets USB Type-C power delivery applications, integrating I²C configurability, four-switch buck-boost topology, and robust transient response to replace discrete controller + MCU combinations in compact, high-efficiency adapters and docks.

FAQ

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

The EV2980-R-00A powers up with a default 5 V output. Voltage is reconfigured via the MP2980's I²C interface using the provided GUI software - users can set any value from 3 V to 20 V in 10-mV increments, along with slew rate and dither parameters.

Does the board support both buck and boost modes automatically?

Yes. The MP2980 controller on this board automatically transitions between buck, buck-boost, and boost modes based on input/output voltage relationship. Valley-current control (buck) and peak-current control (boost) ensure stable regulation and minimal output ripple across the full 6–36 V input range.

Can the EV2980-R-00A be used for constant-current (CC) applications like battery or supercapacitor charging?

Yes. The board supports programmable average current limit via I²C and provides analog IMON output proportional to output current. Combined with the CSP/CSN differential sense inputs, it enables precise CC regulation - validated in super-capacitor charging reference designs.

What protection features are implemented and how are faults signaled?

The board implements hiccup-mode overcurrent (OCP), overvoltage (OVP), and undervoltage lockout (UVLO) with programmable thresholds. Faults trigger the INT pin (active-low open-drain), which asserts during OCP/OVP/PNG events - visible in the GUI and usable for system-level fault handling.

Is the PCB layout optimized for EMI and thermal performance?

Yes. The 4-layer board (9.14 cm × 6.6 cm) uses dedicated power planes, minimized high-di/dt loop areas, spread-spectrum switching, and thermal vias under QFN-32 U1 and MOSFETs. Efficiency exceeds 95% at 3 A (VIN=12 V, VOUT=5 V), confirming low-loss layout integrity.

What external components are required to operate the board?

No external components are required. The board is fully populated: includes MP2980GR controller, AON7242/AON7502 MOSFETs, all passive filtering (ceramic/aluminum polymer caps), current-sense resistors, and I²C pull-ups. Only a DC input source (6–36 V), load (≤5 A), and optional I²C host are needed.