Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV3373-M-00A

Overview

EV3373-M-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an 8-string step-up WLED controller IC designed for large LCD panel backlighting, supporting 10 LEDs per string at 200mA/string, operating from 9V–28V input, with 1.2% current matching accuracy and external PNP transistor current sources.

For engineers reviewing the EV3373-M-00A datasheet, EV3373-M-00A pinout, EV3373-M-00A application, or EV3373-M-00A equivalent, this evaluation board enables rapid validation of high-efficiency LED backlight power architecture with phase-shift PWM dimming, open/short LED protection, and shared-power-stage scalability for multi-IC channel expansion.

Technical Context

The EV3373-M-00A implements a fixed-frequency peak-current-mode boost controller driving eight independent external PNP-based current sources. It uses a programmable resistor to set switching frequency and supports both analog (0.4–1.5V) and PWM (200Hz–2kHz) dimming modes with selectable phase-shift function.

Protection features include UVLO, LED open/short detection, inductor/diode short protection, over-voltage lockout, and thermal shutdown-all signaled via a dedicated fault flag output. The controller achieves 200mV LED current sense voltage to minimize conduction loss.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV3373-M-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LCD TV backlight design, industrial monitor illumination, and commercial signage systems requiring stable component supply and repeatable evaluation platform performance.

Supply support for EV3373-M-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 MP3373 product line delivers scalable, high-accuracy WLED controllers for large-panel LCD backlighting-designed specifically to replace discrete boost+current-source implementations with integrated control logic and robust protection.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EV3373-M-00A?

The EV3373-M-00A is an evaluation board for the MP3373 WLED controller IC. It implements an 8-string boost-based LED driver using external PNP transistors and current-sense resistors, enabling full-system validation of backlight power architecture including dimming, protection, and thermal behavior under real load conditions.

Which IC does the board evaluate?

The board evaluates the MP3373GM-a TSSOP28-packaged WLED controller IC from Monolithic Power Systems. U1 on the board is labeled as MP3373GM, confirming direct hardware correlation with the production-grade MP3373 device specified for 9V–28V input and 8-channel constant-current LED driving.

Does the EV3373-M-00A support PWM dimming?

Yes, the board supports PWM dimming via the EN/PWM or DIM pin. A rectangular waveform with low-level voltage <0.3V and high-level >1.6V, at 200Hz–2kHz, controls brightness. Phase-shift PWM mode is enabled by default and can be disabled by pulling PSEN to GND.

What protections are implemented on this evaluation board?

The board inherits all MP3373 protections: UVLO, LED open/short detection, inductor/diode short protection, programmable over-voltage lockout, and thermal shutdown. Fault status is reported through the FAULT pin, which drives a visible LED indicator on the board.

Can multiple EV3373-M-00A boards be synchronized?

No-this is a single-board evaluation platform. However, the underlying MP3373 IC supports synchronization of multiple controllers via shared clock or phase-shifted PWM to reduce EMI; such operation requires custom interconnect and is not preconfigured on the EV3373-M-00A board.

What is the physical size and mounting form factor?

The board measures 13.1cm × 8.7cm × 1.6cm (L×W×H) and uses standard through-hole and surface-mount components. It includes test points, LED indicators, and clearly labeled connectors for VIN, LED+, LED−1~8, EN, DIM, and FAULT-facilitating lab-level probing and integration testing.