Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV3398H-S-00A

Overview

EV3398H-S-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled evaluation board for the MP3398H step-up WLED controller, designed to drive four independent LED strings in large LCD panel backlighting systems. It supports up to 400mA per string, operates from 13V–33V input, delivers up to 80V output return, and demonstrates 1.5% inter-string current matching accuracy with integrated PWM and analog dimming control.

For engineers reviewing the EV3398H-S-00A datasheet, EV3398H-S-00A pinout, EV3398H-S-00A application, or EV3398H-S-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP3398H-based backlight designs-including multi-string current balancing, OVP/OCP/OTP protection behavior, and dual-mode (PWM/DC) dimming implementation under real-world load conditions.

Technical Context

The EV3398H-S-00A implements the MP3398H IC in a fixed-frequency peak-current-controlled boost topology, using an external MOSFET (AM4490N-T1-PF) and Schottky diode (B290-13-F) to generate regulated high-voltage outputs. It features four dedicated current-sink channels with internal 1.5% matching and low 0.2V dropout across ISET resistors.

Dimming is supported via three modes: direct PWM (200Hz–2kHz), PWM-input analog (≥20kHz recommended), and DC-input analog (0–1.5V on ADIM). Protection includes LED open/short, inductor/diode short, OCP, OTP, UVP, OVP, and gate-drive fault detection-all verified on-board with test waveforms provided in the reference design.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV3398H-S-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LCD backlight development, display module qualification, and LED driver IC validation requiring stable component supply, pre-assembled reference hardware, and documented protection behavior under fault conditions.

Supply support for EV3398H-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 power management ICs, with core expertise in DC/DC converters, LED drivers, motor drivers, and battery management solutions.

The MP3398H product line targets large-format LCD backlighting applications, delivering precise multi-string current regulation, high-efficiency boost conversion, and robust fault handling in space-constrained industrial and consumer displays.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EV3398H-S-00A support?

The board accepts 13V to 33V DC input, aligning with standard industrial LCD power supplies. Operation below 13V may disable regulation; above 33V risks overvoltage stress on input capacitors and the MP3398H's VIN pin, which has absolute maximum rating of 36V per datasheet.

How many LED strings can be driven simultaneously, and what is the max current per string?

The EV3398H-S-00A supports exactly four LED strings, each configurable up to 400mA using appropriate ISET resistors. The board ships with 10kΩ resistors setting 120mA/string by default, but R7/R17 are populated to allow reconfiguration without soldering changes.

Does the board support both PWM and analog dimming?

Yes - it supports three dimming methods: direct PWM (applied to PWM pin), PWM-input analog (PWM applied to PWM pin with capacitor on ADIM), and DC-input analog (0–1.5V applied to ADIM while PWM is tied high/low). Each mode is verified in the Quick Start Guide with recommended frequency and voltage thresholds.

What protection features are implemented and tested on this board?

All MP3398H protections are implemented and demonstrated: LED open/short, inductor/diode short, OCP, OTP, UVP, and OVP. Test waveforms in the documentation show real-time response - e.g., immediate shutdown during LED string open, and thermal foldback activation at >150°C junction temperature.

Is the MP3398H IC on the board SOIC-16 packaged?

Yes - the U1 device is the MP3398HGS variant in a standard SOIC-16 package (3.9mm width, 1.27mm pitch), as confirmed by the Bill of Materials and schematic pinout. The footprint matches JEDEC MS-012AC, with exposed pad grounded per MPS layout guidelines.

Can multiple EV3398H-S-00A boards be synchronized for larger displays?

No - the board itself is not designed for synchronization. However, the underlying MP3398H IC supports parallel operation of multiple controllers sharing one boost stage; this requires external circuitry (e.g., master clock injection, shared COMP node) not present on the EV3398H-S-00A.

What is the physical size and connector type used for LED and power interfaces?

The board measures 6.8cm × 4.9cm × 2cm and uses standard 2.54mm-pitch header connectors (90° vertical) for all critical I/O: VIN, GND, EN, PWM-DIM, ADIM, LED+, LED1–LED4 - enabling plug-and-play connection to test fixtures and custom LED arrays.