Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV3309A-Q-00A

Overview

EV3309A-Q-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP3309AGQ synchronous white LED driver IC, designed to demonstrate 8-series-LED driving at 40mA with 2.7V–5.5V input and up to 35V output. It implements I²C-programmable switching frequency, analog/PWM dimming, and selectable synchronous/non-synchronous operation via on-board configuration resistors and jumpers.

For engineers reviewing the EV3309A-Q-00A datasheet, EV3309A-Q-00A pinout, EV3309A-Q-00A application, or EV3309A-Q-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP3309A-based WLED backlighting in compact portable displays, including timing-critical PWM dimming setup, OVP threshold calibration, and thermal performance under 10µH inductor + 4.99Ω sense resistor conditions.

Technical Context

The EV3309A-Q-00A implements the MP3309AGQ's peak-current-mode boost architecture with external 10µH power inductor (TOKO D63LCB-A921CY-100M=P3), 4.99Ω current-sense resistor, and integrated 3×3mm QFN10 footprint. It supports dual dimming modes: analog dimming via SDA/PWMH–SCL/PWMH shorted input with EN/PWML high, and PWM dimming via EN/PWML-driven 200Hz–2kHz signal with SDA/SCL tied high.

Board-level protections mirror the IC: cycle-by-cycle current limiting (triggered at ~40mA), thermal shutdown activation above 150°C, and programmable over-voltage protection (OVP) set via I²C register writes. The 1uF BST capacitor (GRM188R60T105KA01D) and 10µF input capacitor (GCM21BR70J106KE2) ensure stable gate drive and input ripple suppression at 400kHz nominal switching frequency.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV3309A-Q-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone backlight validation, tablet display bring-up, and portable video display reference design requiring stable component supply and fast-turn evaluation support.

Supply support for EV3309A-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 MP3309A product line targets space-constrained portable backlighting applications, delivering high-efficiency step-up LED driving with digital configurability and robust fault handling in minimal PCB area.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of LEDs the EV3309A-Q-00A can drive?

The board is validated for 8-series white LEDs at 40mA, leveraging the MP3309AGQ's 35V output capability and 10µH inductor. Driving more LEDs requires verifying V_OUT margin against forward voltage sum and adjusting the FB sense resistor to maintain 40mA regulation.

How do I configure analog vs. PWM dimming on this board?

Analog dimming requires pulling EN/PWML high and shorting SDA/PWMH and SCL/PWMH pins while applying >20kHz PWM. PWM dimming requires shorting SDA/SCL and pulling them high, then applying 200Hz–2kHz PWM to EN/PWML - both configurations are jumper-selectable per the Quick Start Guide.

Does the board include thermal monitoring circuitry?

No dedicated thermal sensor is onboard, but the MP3309AGQ's internal thermal shutdown (activated at ~150°C) is fully functional and observable via output disable and status register bit TSD_FLAG (0x03[1]) read over I²C.

Can the switching frequency be changed during operation?

Yes - the MP3309AGQ supports dynamic F_SW programming via I²C register 0x01[7:0], and the EV3309A-Q-00A exposes SDA/SCL pins with 10kΩ pull-ups, enabling real-time frequency tuning from 500kHz down to 1MHz without hardware modification.

What is the purpose of the NC components listed in the BOM?

R2, R3, and R9 are no-connect placeholders allowing optional feedback network reconfiguration or alternate dimming interface routing; D1 is omitted to enforce synchronous rectification by default, while its footprint permits Schottky diode insertion for non-synchronous mode under heavy load.

Is the board RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes - all passive components (Murata/Yageo/TOKO) and the MP3309AGQ IC meet RoHS, lead-free, and halogen-free requirements per MPS Quality Assurance documentation and are marked accordingly on the silkscreen and BOM.