Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV3371-R-00A

Overview

EV3371-R-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP3371 synchronous boost WLED driver IC, designed to validate 8-channel LED current regulation (50 mA/channel) with I²C programmability, 3–30 V input, and up to 45 V LED output in notebook and tablet LCD backlight systems.

For engineers reviewing the EV3371-R-00A datasheet, EV3371-R-00A pinout, EV3371-R-00A application, or EV3371-R-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP3371 features including selectable switching frequencies (350 kHz–1.2 MHz), multi-dimming modes (analog/PWM/mixed), linear smooth dimming step-slopes, and comprehensive fault protection (LED short/open, OVP, OTP, OCP).

Technical Context

The EV3371-R-00A implements the MP3371's full functional interface: it exposes all I²C-configurable registers (address A1 pins, dimming mode, current scaling, sync/non-sync, protection thresholds), supports external PWM dimming input, and provides direct access to EN, SCL, SDA, PWM, VIN, VOUT, GND, and individual LEDx terminals for test instrumentation and load connection.

Board-level design mirrors MP3371's QFN-24 (4 mm × 4 mm) layout with integrated 10 µH power inductor (KJH8D43-100N), 4.7 µF/50 V input/output bulk capacitors, and 0 Ω jumpers for LED string grounding-enabling real-time measurement of channel current matching (≤2.5%), efficiency, and transient response under varying dimming profiles.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV3371-R-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LCD backlight development, display subsystem validation, and WLED driver qualification requiring stable component supply, traceable reference hardware, and production-ready firmware integration support.

Supply support for EV3371-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 core expertise in DC/DC converters, LED drivers, and motor drivers for consumer, computing, and industrial markets.

The MP3371 product line targets high-efficiency, multi-string WLED backlighting for portable displays, emphasizing precision current matching, flexible dimming control, and compact synchronous boost architecture to replace discrete solutions.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EV3371-R-00A evaluation board?

This board is a fully assembled, tested reference platform for the MP3371 WLED driver IC. It enables hardware validation of 8-channel LED current regulation, I²C register configuration, dimming performance (analog/PWM/mixed), and fault response-including LED open/short detection and overvoltage protection-under real-world input and load conditions.

Does the EV3371-R-00A require additional hardware to operate?

Yes: a 3–30 V DC power supply, an I²C host (e.g., EVKT-USBI2C-02 kit), and an 8-string WLED panel are required. The board provides terminal blocks for VIN, VOUT, GND, EN, SCL, SDA, and PWM; unused LEDx pins must be grounded via 0 Ω resistors per the Quick Start Guide.

Can the EV3371-R-00A be used for automotive display applications?

No - while the MP3371 IC itself meets AEC-Q100 stress testing in certain variants, the EV3371-R-00A evaluation board is not qualified for automotive use. Its components (e.g., GRM32ER71H475KA88L capacitor, KJH8D43-100N inductor) and layout lack automotive-grade thermal, vibration, and EMI robustness certification.

How is LED current accuracy verified on this board?

Each of the eight LEDx outputs includes a dedicated 20 Ω sense resistor (R4) enabling direct current measurement with a multimeter or oscilloscope. The board's design ensures ≤2.5% inter-channel current matching at 50 mA, as specified in the MP3371 datasheet and validated in the EV3371-R-00A schematic and BOM.

What software tools support configuration of the MP3371 via this board?

MPS provides the MP3371 GUI (referenced in Figure 1 of the user guide), a Windows-based application that communicates over USB-I²C adapter to read/write all 16 registers - including dimming mode, full-scale current, switching frequency, protection thresholds, and smooth dimming step-slope settings.

Is the EV3371-R-00A RoHS-compliant and halogen-free?

Yes - all components on the EV3371-R-00A, including the MP3371GR IC, ceramic capacitors, resistors, and inductor, are lead-free, halogen-free, and compliant with the EU RoHS Directive, as confirmed in the MPS Quality Assurance documentation and BOM manufacturer part numbers (e.g., muRata GRM series, Yageo RC series).