Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV3398A-S-00A

Overview

EV3398A-S-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP3398AGS white LED driver IC, designed to validate 4-string parallel LED backlighting operation in LCD displays. It supports 12 LEDs per string, 120mA/string output current, 8–28V input, and implements both PWM and analog dimming with integrated OVP, OCP, OTP, UVP, and LED open/short protection.

For engineers reviewing the EV3398A-S-00A datasheet, EV3398A-S-00A pinout, EV3398A-S-00A application, or EV3398A-S-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP3398AGS-based boost LED drivers in flat-panel display power architectures requiring precise current matching (±2.5%), programmable switching frequency, and cascading capability under single-supply operation.

Technical Context

The EV3398A-S-00A implements a current-mode, fixed-frequency boost converter topology using the MP3398AGS IC driving an external N-channel MOSFET (AM4490N) and 33µH inductor. Input voltage range is 8–28V, output supports up to 30V at 120mA per string across four independent LED channels.

Dimming control is implemented via two dedicated pins: PWM (200Hz–2kHz) and ADIM (>20kHz), enabling independent analog and pulse-width modulation. Protection features include recoverable thermal shutdown, LED short/open detection, inductor/diode short protection, and programmable over-voltage lockout.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV3398A-S-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LCD backlight validation, flat-panel display prototyping, and LED driver qualification requiring stable component supply, traceable reference design implementation, and production-ready test infrastructure.

Supply support for EV3398A-S-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 MP3398A product line targets high-efficiency, multi-string LED backlight drivers for LCD TVs, monitors, and commercial displays-designed for tight current matching, flexible dimming, and robust fault protection in space-constrained applications.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EV3398A-S-00A support?

The board accepts 8V to 28V DC input, aligned with the MP3398AGS IC's operational specification. This range accommodates common display power supplies including 12V and 24V rails. Operation below 8V disables the device due to under-voltage lockout; above 28V risks exceeding absolute maximum ratings.

How many LEDs can be driven per string on this evaluation board?

The EV3398A-S-00A is configured for 12 white LEDs in series per string, with four independent strings. Each string delivers up to 120mA, verified per the test conditions in the official Rev. 1.0 documentation (VIN = 12V, VOUT = 30V, TA = 25°C).

Does the board support both PWM and analog dimming simultaneously?

No - PWM and analog dimming are independent control modes. The board provides separate PWM and ADIM input pins; only one should be actively driven at a time. Simultaneous application may cause undefined behavior or reduced dimming linearity due to internal signal arbitration in the MP3398AGS.

What protection features are implemented on the EV3398A-S-00A?

The board inherits all protections from the MP3398AGS: over-voltage (programmable), over-current, over-temperature (recoverable shutdown), under-voltage lockout, LED open/short detection, and inductor/diode short protection. These are hardware-enforced and require no configuration to activate.

Is the MP3398AGS IC on this board lead-free and RoHS-compliant?

Yes - the MP3398AGS IC mounted on EV3398A-S-00A is lead-free and fully compliant with the RoHS directive. MPS confirms green status for this part on its official Quality Assurance page, and all passive components listed in the BOM meet RoHS requirements.

Can multiple EV3398A-S-00A boards be cascaded?

Yes - the MP3398AGS supports cascading via SYNC pin to synchronize switching frequency across multiple boards, enabling coherent dimming and reduced EMI in multi-board display systems. The EV3398A-S-00A includes the necessary SYNC routing and termination for this function.