Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV3398E-F-00A

Overview

EV3398E-F-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP3398E 4-string WLED controller IC, designed to drive up to 20 white LEDs per string at 120mA/string with 80V absolute string voltage rating, supporting PWM and analog dimming modes, and used for validating large-panel LCD backlighting designs.

For engineers reviewing the EV3398E-F-00A datasheet, EV3398E-F-00A pinout, EV3398E-F-00A application, or EV3398E-F-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid functional validation of MP3398E-based boost LED drivers under real-world input (13–33V), thermal, and dimming conditions before system integration.

Technical Context

The EV3398E-F-00A implements a fixed-frequency peak-current-mode boost controller with external MOSFET (AM4490N) and four independent current-sink channels, each rated for 80V string voltage and 120mA output with 2.3% inter-string current matching accuracy.

It supports dual dimming interfaces-PDIM for direct PWM dimming (200Hz–2kHz) and ADIM for analog dimming via high-frequency PWM (>20kHz)-and integrates full protection including OVP, OCP, OTP, UVP, LED open/short, and inductor/diode short detection.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV3398E-F-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LCD TV backlight validation, all-in-one PC display development, and desktop flat-panel prototyping requiring stable component supply and repeatable performance characterization.

Supply support for EV3398E-F-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 MP3398E product line targets large-format LCD backlighting applications, delivering precise multi-string current regulation, cascading capability, and integrated protection for reliable, high-efficiency panel illumination.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the EV3398E-F-00A evaluation board?

The EV3398E-F-00A is a fully assembled and tested reference platform for the MP3398E 4-string WLED controller. It enables engineers to verify boost converter operation, current regulation accuracy (2.3% string matching), dimming response, and protection behavior under real input (13–33V) and load (4×20 LED strings) conditions before custom PCB design.

Which IC does this board evaluate, and what package is used on the board?

This board evaluates the MP3398E WLED controller IC, mounted in TSSOP-16EP package (U1). The board uses the MP3398EGF variant, confirmed by BOM and schematic labeling, and includes all necessary passive components, external MOSFET (AM4490N), and layout-optimized power paths for stable 80V string operation.

Can the EV3398E-F-00A support both PWM and analog dimming simultaneously?

No - PWM dimming (via PDIM pin) and analog dimming (via ADIM pin) are mutually exclusive modes. PDIM accepts 200Hz–2kHz signals for standard PWM control, while ADIM requires >20kHz input to generate averaged analog current control; using both concurrently causes undefined behavior and is not supported per the MP3398E datasheet.

What is the maximum total LED string voltage the board can safely handle?

The board supports up to 80V per LED string, as specified by the MP3398E's absolute maximum rating and validated in test results (e.g., VLED1 waveforms). With 20 white LEDs per string (~3.2V VF typical), total forward voltage reaches ~64V, leaving 16V margin below the 80V limit for transient spikes and temperature drift.

Does the board include thermal monitoring or reporting circuitry?

No - the EV3398E-F-00A implements recoverable thermal shutdown (OTP) via the MP3398E's internal sensor but does not provide external thermal readout (e.g., analog voltage or I²C interface). Temperature status is inferred only through functional disable/recovery cycles during overtemperature stress testing.

Is cascading support demonstrated on this evaluation board?

No - while the MP3398E datasheet specifies cascading capability (multiple ICs sharing one power source), the EV3398E-F-00A is a single-IC evaluation platform. Cascading requires additional hardware, synchronization signals, and layout modifications not included on this board or documented in its Rev.1.0 user guide.