Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV3414-J-00A

Overview

EV3414-J-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled, tested evaluation board for the MP3414 synchronous boost converter IC, enabling rapid validation of 1.8A, 1MHz step-up power conversion from 0.8V–4V input (e.g., single-cell alkaline/NiMH) to regulated 3.3V output. It integrates the TSOT23-8 MP3414-J, 3.3μH inductor, input/output ceramic capacitors, feedback resistors, and EN control circuitry.

For engineers reviewing the EV3414-J-00A datasheet, EV3414-J-00A pinout, EV3414-J-00A application, or EV3414-J-00A equivalent, this board provides verified startup behavior below 0.8V, true output disconnect, VIN>VOUT down-mode operation, short-circuit protection, and efficiency up to 96% at 100mA–1A loads - critical for portable medical, wireless peripheral, and handheld computing designs.

Technical Context

The EV3414-J-00A implements a current-mode, fixed-frequency (1MHz) synchronous boost topology using the MP3414 controller IC. It supports low-voltage start-up (0.8V), inrush limiting, internal soft-start, and automatic transition into VIN>VOUT down-mode regulation without external diode.

Board-level design includes a 3.3μH power inductor (2.57A saturation current), 10μF/47μF X7R input/output capacitors, and precision feedback network (R3 = 365kΩ, R4 = 210kΩ) setting VOUT = 3.3V with 1.21V reference voltage.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV3414-J-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical devices, wireless peripherals, handheld computers, and GPS receivers requiring stable component supply, fast prototyping cycles, and validated power stage performance.

Supply support for EV3414-J-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 analog semiconductor company specializing in high-efficiency power management ICs, with core expertise in DC/DC converters, LED drivers, and motor drivers.

The MP3414 product line targets ultra-low-voltage battery-powered systems, delivering high integration, minimal external components, and robust protection for space-constrained portable electronics.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EV3414-J-00A support?

The board operates from 0.8V to 4V input, enabling reliable startup from deeply discharged single-cell alkaline, NiCd, or NiMH batteries. This range is enforced by the MP3414's internal undervoltage lockout and start-up circuitry, verified per Rev. 1.01 test data at 25°C ambient.

How is the output voltage set, and can it be adjusted?

VOUT is set to 3.3V via resistor divider R3 (365kΩ) and R4 (210kΩ) referencing the MP3414's 1.21V FB pin. The formula VOUT = 1.21 × (1 + R4/R3) allows adjustment; replacing R4 with 249kΩ yields 3.6V, and 182kΩ yields 3.0V - all confirmed in the Quick Start Guide.

Does the board provide output disconnect when disabled?

Yes. When EN is pulled low, the MP3414 disables the P-channel MOSFET switch, achieving true output-to-input disconnect with leakage <1μA - verified in functional testing and specified in the MP3414 datasheet for battery-backed systems requiring zero standby drain.

What inductor is used, and why is its DCR important?

The board uses a 3.3μH, 2.57A-saturation inductor (TOKO D63CB-#A916CY-3R3M) with 21mΩ DCR. Low DCR minimizes conduction loss at 1.8A peak, directly contributing to >90% efficiency above 100mA - measured across load conditions in the EVB Test Results section.

Can the board operate when input voltage exceeds output voltage?

Yes. The MP3414 enters VIN>VOUT down-mode operation, regulating VOUT by controlling duty cycle while maintaining continuous conduction mode. This behavior is documented in the Description section and validated under test conditions with VIN = 3.6V and VOUT = 3.3V.

Is the board RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes. All components on EV3414-J-00A - including the MP3414-J IC, TOKO inductor, and Murata capacitors - are lead-free and comply with the RoHS directive, as explicitly stated in the document footer and MPS Quality Assurance documentation.