Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV3309-QG-00A

Overview

EV3309-QG-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP3309 synchronous white LED driver IC, designed to demonstrate 40mA constant-current WLED driving with I²C programmability, analog/PWM dimming, and OVP threshold configuration. It supports 2.7–5.5V input, drives up to 35V LED strings, and features a QFN-10 (1.4mm × 1.8mm) mounted MP3309GQG IC with 200mV ±1% feedback accuracy.

For engineers reviewing the EV3309-QG-00A datasheet, EV3309-QG-00A pinout, EV3309-QG-00A application, or EV3309-QG-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP3309-based backlight designs in smartphones, tablets, and sub-10-inch displays-particularly where I²C-controlled dimming, thermal shutdown, and cycle-by-cycle current limiting must be verified under real PCB layout conditions.

Technical Context

The EV3309-QG-00A implements peak current mode control using the MP3309's internal MOSFETs and external 4.99Ω sense resistor to regulate 40mA LED current with ±1% accuracy via 200mV FB reference. It operates at configurable switching frequencies and supports both synchronous rectification (enabled by default) and non-synchronous mode via register control.

Board-level I²C interface (400kHz compatible) connects directly to SCL/SDA pins for configuring OVP threshold, protection flags, and dimming registers. Analog dimming uses PWMH input (via SCL/SDA shorted), while PWM dimming applies signal to EN/PWML-both validated at 200Hz–20kHz per test waveforms on the Rev. 1.2 schematic.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV3309-QG-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone backlight validation, tablet display prototyping, and sub-10-inch video display development requiring stable component supply and production-ready layout reference.

Supply support for EV3309-QG-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 design focus on efficiency, integration, and thermal robustness for portable and space-constrained applications.

The MP3309 product line delivers compact, I²C-programmable WLED drivers for mobile displays-designed to replace discrete boost + current sink solutions with single-chip regulation, protection, and digital control.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EV3309-QG-00A evaluation board?

The EV3309-QG-00A is a fully assembled demonstration platform for the MP3309 synchronous boost WLED driver IC. It enables functional verification of 40mA constant-current LED driving, I²C register configuration, analog/PWM dimming behavior, and protection features-including open-LED detection, thermal shutdown, and cycle-by-cycle current limiting-under real-world PCB layout and thermal conditions.

How do I configure over-voltage protection (OVP) on this board?

OVP threshold is set digitally via I²C register writes to the MP3309GQG IC. The board exposes SCL and SDA pins for connection to a master controller; register 01h bits [D7:D0] define the OVP level in 100mV steps from 2.5V to 35V. Default OVP is factory-set but fully reprogrammable without hardware modification.

Can the EV3309-QG-00A operate in non-synchronous mode?

Yes. Non-synchronous operation is enabled by writing to the MP3309's internal register to disable the synchronous rectifier MOSFET. This reduces gate drive losses in low-duty-cycle applications and is confirmed in the Quick Start Guide and electrical specifications section of the Rev. 1.2 documentation.

What are the required external connections to power and test the board?

Apply 2.7–5.5V between VIN and GND terminals. Connect LED string anodes to LED+ and cathodes to LED−. For analog dimming, short SCL/SDA and apply >20kHz PWM to PWMH (SCL/SDA node); for PWM dimming, apply 200Hz–2kHz signal to EN/PWML. Enable is asserted by pulling EN/PWML high or via I²C register bit EN=1.

Does the board include thermal management provisions for sustained 40mA operation?

Yes. The MP3309GQG QFN-10 package is soldered directly to a thermally optimized copper pour on the bottom layer, and the board layout follows MPS-recommended thermal pad guidelines. Test results confirm stable 40mA output at TA = 25°C with no forced airflow, and thermal shutdown activates above 150°C junction temperature as specified in the MP3309 datasheet.

Is the EV3309-QG-00A compatible with the MP3309C variant?

Yes-the board hosts the MP3309GQG (standard version), but all I²C functionality, register map, and pinout are identical to the MP3309C. The only difference is factory default dimming mode: MP3309 defaults to analog dimming via PWMH, while MP3309C defaults to I²C control. Both operate identically when configured via software.