Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV3376-R-00A

Overview

EV3376-R-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an 8-channel synchronous boost WLED driver IC for LCD backlighting in tablets and notebooks, featuring I²C programmability, 3–30V input range, up to 34.5V LED output, 50mA per channel, and 2.5% current matching across strings.

For engineers reviewing the EV3376-R-00A datasheet, EV3376-R-00A pinout, EV3376-R-00A application, or EV3376-R-00A equivalent, this evaluation board enables rapid validation of WLED string regulation, multi-mode dimming (I²C/analog/mixed), thermal and overvoltage protection, and high-efficiency synchronous boost operation under real panel load conditions.

Technical Context

The EV3376-R-00A implements a peak-current-mode controlled synchronous boost converter with integrated high-side (260mΩ) and low-side (160mΩ) MOSFETs, supporting selectable switching frequencies from 350kHz to 2.4MHz. It delivers regulated current to eight independent LED strings via PWM-controlled current sinks.

I²C interface (address configurable via A0/A1 pins) provides full register access for per-channel current setting (8-bit, 0.196mA/step), dimming mode selection (analog/I²C/mixed), slope timing (2–128µs/step), and protection thresholds (LED short: 2.5/5/7.5/10V; OVP: 24/31/36V; cycle-by-cycle limit: 1.8/2.5A).

Key Specifications

Availability

EV3376-R-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for tablet backlight design, notebook display integration, and industrial LCD panel development requiring stable component supply and fast-turn evaluation support.

Supply support for EV3376-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 analog and power semiconductor company specializing in high-performance DC/DC converters, LED drivers, and motor drivers for consumer, computing, and industrial applications.

The MP3376 product line delivers highly integrated, I²C-programmable WLED drivers optimized for thin, energy-efficient LCD backlight systems in portable computing devices.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EV3376-R-00A?

The EV3376-R-00A is an evaluation board for the MP3376 WLED driver IC. It provides a fully assembled, tested platform to validate 8-string synchronous boost LED driving, I²C configuration, multi-dimming modes, and protection responses using real panel loads and standard lab equipment.

Does the EV3376-R-00A include the MP3376 IC?

Yes - the board integrates the MP3376GR (QFN24, 4mm×4mm) as U1, along with supporting components including 10µH inductor L1, input/output capacitors, current-setting resistors, and I²C pull-ups, configured per the MP3376 reference design.

What are the required power connections for operation?

VIN (3–30V) and GND must be applied first, followed by EN ≥1.5V to enable the IC. LED strings connect between VOUT and LED1–LED8 pins. Unused strings should be grounded via 0Ω resistors to prevent floating node issues during startup.

How is I²C communication configured on this board?

SCL and SDA pins are routed to 0.1" headers JP1 and JP2. External I²C master (e.g., MCU or GUI adapter) connects directly to these pins with appropriate pull-up resistors. Address selection uses A0/A1 pins, supporting up to four boards on one bus.

Can the EV3376-R-00A support external PWM dimming?

Yes - the PWM pin accepts external 0–5V logic-level signals. When enabled, it controls mixed-dimming transfer points (6.25%/12.5%/25%/50%) while internal registers define base current level and slope timing.

What mechanical dimensions does the board have?

The EV3376-R-00A measures 70mm × 45mm × 6mm (L×W×H), with a two-layer PCB layout optimized for thermal dissipation and noise immunity, including dedicated PGND planes and compact high-frequency routing for SW/BST nodes.