Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV3306-G-00A

Overview

EV3306-G-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a 700kHz synchronous step-up white LED driver evaluation board built around the MP3306EG IC, supporting 3V–12V input and delivering up to 30V output for single-string LED biasing at 20mA with analog/PWM dimming control, open-load shutdown, and output disconnect in shutdown mode.

For engineers reviewing the EV3306-G-00A datasheet, EV3306-G-00A pinout, EV3306-G-00A application, or EV3306-G-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP3306-based LED power stages in compact portable displays, camera flash circuits, and small LCD backlighting where efficiency, thermal safety, and dimming flexibility are critical.

Technical Context

The EV3306-G-00A implements the MP3306's fixed-frequency current-mode boost architecture with synchronous rectification, using an external 10µH inductor (D63LCB-A921CY-100M=P3), 202mV precision FB reference, and high-side current sensing via R8 (200kΩ) to regulate LED current. It integrates OVP, UVLO, thermal shutdown, and output short protection.

Board-level features include JP2 jumper for disabling output-to-input disconnect, JP1/JP3 for enabling EN/DIM signal routing, and C7/C8 decoupling (1µF/0.47µF X7R) placed adjacent to U1's VCC and VIN pins to stabilize 700kHz switching transients and minimize EMI in space-constrained layouts.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV3306-G-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone display backlight validation, digital still camera flash timing verification, and small LCD module prototyping requiring stable component supply and fast-turn evaluation capability.

Supply support for EV3306-G-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 over two decades of expertise in DC/DC conversion, LED drivers, and motor control solutions.

The MP3306 product line targets space-constrained portable lighting applications, delivering high-efficiency synchronous boost regulation with integrated protection and flexible dimming-designed specifically for battery-powered displays and imaging systems.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EV3306-G-00A support?

The board operates from 3V to 12V DC input, compatible with common portable power sources including single-cell lithium-ion batteries (3.0–4.2V), dual-cell alkaline packs (3–3.2V), and regulated 5V/12V supplies. Input filtering uses C1 (4.7µF/25V) and C8 (0.47µF/25V) to suppress ripple and ensure stable 700kHz switching.

How is LED current set on this evaluation board?

LED current is set by the feedback resistor network at the FB pin. With R8 = 200kΩ and the MP3306's 202mV reference, I_LED = 202mV / R_sense; default configuration yields 20mA. Adjusting R8 changes current linearly-e.g., 100kΩ sets 40mA-within the IC's 200mA max switch current limit.

Can the EV3306-G-00A be used for PWM dimming only?

Yes. Leave the PWMI pin floating and drive the DIM pin with a PWM signal (50–500Hz typical). The internal comparator interprets DIM as a duty-cycle-controlled enable signal. For analog dimming, apply a DC voltage (0–1.2V) to DIM and add an RC filter to PWMO to smooth PWM into a proportional DC level.

What protections are implemented on the EV3306-G-00A board?

The board inherits all MP3306 protections: over-voltage shutdown (OVP) triggers above ~30V output, under-voltage lockout (UVLO) disables operation below ~2.5V VIN, thermal shutdown activates at ~150°C junction temperature, and output short protection limits current during LED+–LED− faults. Open-load detection forces shutdown if no LED string is connected.

Is output disconnect enabled by default on this board?

Yes. The MP3306's internal N-MOSFET disconnects VOUT from VIN during shutdown, fully discharging the output capacitor. This behavior is active unless JP2 is shorted, which bypasses the MOSFET path and maintains VOUT–VIN continuity. JP2 position is labeled "DISCONNECT ENABLE" on silkscreen.

What is the maximum number of LEDs supported in series?

The board supports up to 8 white LEDs in series (typical V_F ≈ 3.2V each), yielding ~25.6V forward drop. With <30V max output and 20mA current, it accommodates standard mid-power white LEDs but not high-V_F UV or blue strings exceeding 3.8V per diode.