Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV3336-C-00A

Overview

EV3336-C-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a dual-channel flash LED driver evaluation board built around the MP3336GC IC, supporting up to 2A per channel in flash mode, I²C programmable current control (±7% accuracy), and six operating modes including flash, torch, assist, indicator, 5V DC, and strobe. It is designed for camera phone and tablet imaging systems requiring high-current, thermally optimized LED drive with ground-referenced cathodes.

For engineers reviewing the EV3336-C-00A datasheet, EV3336-C-00A pinout, EV3336-C-00A application, or EV3336-C-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP3336-based flash LED driver designs, I²C register configuration, thermal layout performance, and multi-mode timing behavior under real-world VIN (2.7–5.5V) and load conditions.

Technical Context

The EV3336-C-00A implements a synchronous current-mode PWM boost converter (1/2/3/4 MHz selectable) driving two independent high-current LED channels via internal 2A source switches. Its reference design integrates a 1.1 µH, 3.46A power inductor (TDK D53LC-#A915AY-1R1M) and dual 10 µF X5R output capacitors (Murata GRM21BR61A106KE19L) to support stable VOUT < 5.5 V regulation under dynamic flash loads.

Board-level features include hardware-triggered strobe (STR), torch enable (TOR), and TX pin for external synchronization; thermal monitoring via NTC resistor (R5 placeholder); and VIN-to-VOUT disconnection logic to prevent backfeed during shutdown - all configured through a 400 kHz I²C interface compliant with standard protocol timing.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV3336-C-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone camera module development, tablet imaging subsystem validation, and digital still camera flash driver qualification requiring stable component supply and fast-turn evaluation capability.

Supply support for EV3336-C-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, motor drivers, and battery management solutions.

The MP3336 product line targets mobile imaging applications, delivering high-power-density flash LED drive with integrated protection, multi-mode flexibility, and ultra-compact packaging for space-constrained camera modules.

FAQ

What power supply voltage range is required to operate the EV3336-C-00A?

The board requires a DC input between 2.7 V and 5.5 V applied to the VIN and GND terminals. This matches typical single-cell lithium-ion battery voltages and eliminates need for pre-regulation. Operation below 2.7 V triggers UVLO shutdown; above 5.5 V may damage the MP3336 IC or bypass capacitor.

How do I configure flash mode using the I²C interface?

Flash mode is selected by writing to the MODE register (address 0x01, bit[2:0] = 0b001) and setting desired current per channel via the FLASH_CURR1/2 registers (0x04–0x05). Each step equals 7.84 mA, with full-scale 2 A corresponding to decimal 255. SCL/SDA must be pulled up to 3.3 V with 4.7 kΩ resistors.

Can the EV3336-C-00A drive LEDs with different forward voltages on each channel?

Yes - the MP3336 regulates current independently per channel using separate high-side current sources. The board supports mismatched LED VF (e.g., 3.0 V vs. 3.6 V) as long as total VOUT remains below 5.5 V and inductor saturation current exceeds peak IL (measured up to 2 A/div in test waveforms).

What is the purpose of the TEMP pin and how is it used?

The TEMP pin connects to an optional NTC thermistor (R5 footprint) for junction temperature monitoring. When populated, it enables MP3336's overtemperature protection (OTP) threshold adjustment and thermal foldback. Default operation (R5 unpopulated) uses internal thermal sensor with fixed 150 °C shutdown threshold.

Does the board support hardware-triggered flash without I²C communication?

Yes - asserting a logic-high pulse on the STR (strobe) pin directly initiates flash mode using preconfigured current and timing registers. This allows camera SoCs to trigger flash synchronously with image capture without CPU intervention or I²C bus contention.

What are the key layout considerations reflected in the EV3336-C-00A PCB design?

The board uses split ground planes (PGND for power return, AGND for analog reference), thermal vias under the MP3336 WLCSP20 package, and minimized high-current loop area between SW, OUT, and input capacitors - all validated to reduce EMI and improve thermal resistance below 45 °C/W in flash mode.