Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV3398E-U-00A

Overview

EV3398E-U-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP3398EGP 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 desktop LCD flat panel displays and all-in-one PCs using a boost topology with external MOSFET and TSSOP-16EP/PDIP-16 IC packaging.

For engineers reviewing the EV3398E-U-00A datasheet, EV3398E-U-00A pinout, EV3398E-U-00A application, or EV3398E-U-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP3398EGP-based backlight systems including PWM/ANALOG dimming modes, current matching accuracy (2.3%), OVP/OCP/OTP protection, and cascading capability across multiple controllers sharing one power source.

Technical Context

The EV3398E-U-00A implements a fixed-frequency peak-current-mode boost controller architecture with four independent current-regulated LED channels. It supports 4.5V–33V input, delivers up to 80V per string, and uses external components-including Wurth 7447709330 inductor (33µH), Analog Power AM4490N MOSFET, and Murata GRM32ER72A225KA35L (2.2µF/100V) output capacitors-to realize full-system evaluation.

Board-level features include direct PWM dimming (200Hz–2kHz), analog dimming via high-frequency PWM (>20kHz), programmable OVP, cycle-by-cycle current limit (202mV threshold), and comprehensive fault protection (LED open/short, inductor/diode short, UVP, OCP, OTP). The board measures 7.75cm × 4.88cm and targets production-ready backlight design verification.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV3398E-U-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LCD backlight development, display subsystem validation, and WLED driver qualification requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and documented test results under real-world conditions (VIN = 19V, 120mA/string, 20 LEDs/string).

Supply support for EV3398E-U-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 panel backlighting, delivering precise multi-string current regulation, high-voltage string tolerance (80V), and robust protection for commercial and consumer display applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EV3398E-U-00A evaluation board?

This board is a fully assembled, tested reference platform for the MP3398EGP 4-string WLED controller. It enables functional validation of boost-based LCD backlight designs, including current regulation accuracy, dimming response, protection behavior, and thermal performance under defined operating conditions (e.g., 19V input, 120mA/string, 20 LEDs/string).

Which IC does the EV3398E-U-00A evaluate, and what package is installed?

The board evaluates the MP3398EGP WLED controller IC, which is mounted in PDIP-16 package (U1). The MP3398EGP is also available in TSSOP-16EP; both packages are supported by the board's layout and component selection per the official MPS schematic and BOM.

Does the board support both PWM and analog dimming, and what are the required signal specifications?

Yes - PDIM pin accepts 200Hz–2kHz PWM for direct dimming; ADIM pin accepts >20kHz PWM for analog dimming. Both require logic-low <0.4V and logic-high >1.5V. These thresholds and frequency ranges are verified in the Quick Start Guide and EVB test results section of the Rev. 1.0 documentation.

What protection features are implemented and how are they triggered?

OCP triggers at 202mV across R5 (0.05Ω sense resistor), OTP latches off above thermal threshold, OVP is programmable via external resistor, and LED open/short detection is handled by internal comparators monitoring each string's return path. All protections are hardware-based and verified in the EVB test report.

Can multiple EV3398E-U-00A boards be synchronized or cascaded?

No - the board itself is not designed for inter-board synchronization. However, the underlying MP3398EGP IC supports cascading (two or more ICs sharing one power source), as stated in the DESCRIPTION section. Board-level synchronization requires external clock routing and signal conditioning beyond the EV3398E-U-00A's default configuration.

What external components define the boost converter's switching frequency and output voltage?

Switching frequency is set by an external resistor (R3 = 316kΩ on this board), per MP3398EGP's fSW = 1.1/(RT × 10⁻¹²) formula. Output voltage is determined by the number of series LEDs (20 × ~3.2V ≈ 64V typical), limited by the 80V absolute rating and OVP programming - not by a feedback divider.

Is the board RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes - all MPS parts, including the MP3398EGP IC and associated passives on EV3398E-U-00A, are lead-free, halogen-free, and compliant with the RoHS directive, as confirmed in the "MPS green status" statement on the final page of the Rev. 1.0 document.