Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV3412EJ-00A

Overview

EV3412EJ-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled and tested evaluation board for the MP3412EJ synchronous boost white LED driver IC, designed to drive a single WLED at 200 mA with true output load disconnection, 1 MHz fixed switching frequency, and startup capability down to 0.8 V input. It supports PWM dimming at 200 Hz and integrates open-load and short-circuit protection.

For engineers reviewing the EV3412EJ-00A datasheet, EV3412EJ-00A pinout, EV3412EJ-00A application, or EV3412EJ-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP3412EJ-based WLED power stages in space-constrained portable devices requiring low-voltage startup and controlled inrush current.

Technical Context

The EV3412EJ-00A implements the MP3412EJ IC in a functional reference layout using a 4.7 µH shielded inductor (TOKO A921CY-4R7M=P3), 4.7 µF and 2.2 µF X7R ceramic capacitors, and a 1 Ω current-sense resistor. It operates in boost mode across 0.8–4.4 V input, delivering up to 96% efficiency at 200 mA LED current.

Board-level features include EN-controlled enable/dimming interface, true output disconnect during shutdown (fully discharging LED node), and integrated protections: open-load detection, output short-circuit limiting, and in-rush current control - all enabled without external components beyond the BOM.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV3412EJ-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular phone backlight validation, handheld instrument display testing, and GPS receiver LED illumination development requiring stable component supply and pre-validated power stage performance.

Supply support for EV3412EJ-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, and motor control solutions.

The MP3412 product line delivers ultra-low-voltage synchronous boost drivers for portable lighting applications, emphasizing minimal external component count, sub-1V startup, and integrated safety features for battery-powered systems.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EV3412EJ-00A support?

The board supports 0.8 V to 4.4 V input, matching the MP3412EJ's native operating range. This allows direct connection to single-cell batteries including discharged Li-ion (down to ~2.5 V) and multi-cell NiMH configurations, with guaranteed startup at 0.8 V under light load.

How is PWM dimming implemented on this evaluation board?

PWM dimming is applied directly to the EN pin: a logic-high signal (>0.8 V) enables the driver, and a 200 Hz square wave modulates LED brightness via duty cycle. No additional gate driver or level-shifter is needed - the EN pin accepts standard CMOS logic levels.

Does the board provide true output disconnection during shutdown?

Yes. When EN is pulled low, the MP3412EJ internally disconnects the output path and actively discharges the LED node through an internal switch, eliminating residual glow and ensuring zero output voltage at the LED+ and LED− terminals.

What protection features are validated on this board?

The board demonstrates three integrated protections: open-load detection (disables switching if LED is disconnected), output short-circuit limiting (clamps current during LED short), and in-rush current control (soft-starts output capacitor charging). All are active without external components.

Can the EV3412EJ-00A drive more than one WLED?

No. The board is configured for a single-series WLED string only, as confirmed by its 1 Ω current-sense resistor (set for 200 mA) and absence of parallel LED routing. Driving multiple LEDs would require redesigning the feedback network and current sense.

Is the board fully assembled and ready for immediate testing?

Yes. The EV3412EJ-00A is shipped fully assembled and factory-tested, including all passive components (C1–C5, L1, R1–R6), the MP3412EJ IC in TSOT23-6, and clearly labeled test points (VIN, GND, LED+, LED−, EN). No soldering or configuration is required to begin evaluation.