Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV3437-RP-00A

Overview

EV3437-RP-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled evaluation board demonstrating the MP3437 synchronous boost converter IC. It delivers 8V/2.5A (20W) from a 2.7–16V input, features 600kHz fixed-frequency COT control, integrated 14mΩ/21mΩ MOSFETs, and supports PSM/FCCM/USM mode selection via MODE pin on the QFN-10 package. It is validated for portable power applications including AI speakers and Bluetooth speakers.

For engineers reviewing the EV3437-RP-00A datasheet, EV3437-RP-00A pinout, EV3437-RP-00A application, or EV3437-RP-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP3437's auto pass-through function, programmable UVLO, over-temperature protection (150°C), and >90% efficiency at 3.3V_IN→8V/2.5A under PSM mode.

Technical Context

The EV3437-RP-00A implements the MP3437 - a monolithic, constant-off-time (COT) controlled boost converter with internal high-side and low-side MOSFETs (14mΩ and 21mΩ R_DS(on)). It operates across 2.7–16V input and delivers up to 16V output with 9.5A switch current limit and adaptive soft-start.

Board-level design includes a 1.5μH power inductor (Wurth 74437349015), input/output ceramic capacitors (22μF/100nF/4.7μF), and configurable mode selection via jumper J1 (PSM/FCCM/USM). The board supports auto pass-through when V_IN > V_OUT-SET − margin in PSM, and features programmable UVLO hysteresis and overvoltage protection.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV3437-RP-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook power rails, AI speaker audio amplification supplies, and portable POS system display backlight drivers requiring stable component supply and rapid prototyping capability.

Supply support for EV3437-RP-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 a focus on energy-efficient DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting solutions.

The MP3437 product line targets space-constrained, battery-powered systems requiring high-efficiency, wide-input boost conversion with minimal external components - optimized for consumer audio, portable computing, and IoT edge devices.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EV3437-RP-00A support?

The board accepts 2.7V to 16V DC input, enabling direct use with single-cell Li-ion (2.7V min startup) and multi-cell or adapter-sourced rails. Inrush current through the high-side MOSFET body diode must be limited to <30A during power-up per MP3437 datasheet guidance.

How is output voltage adjusted on this evaluation board?

V_OUT is set to 8V by default using R1=750kΩ and R2=107kΩ in the feedback divider. To change it, replace R2 using V_OUT = 1V × (1 + R1/R2); V_FB is fixed at 1V. For outputs >15V, an RC snubber (e.g., R6=1Ω, C5=2.2nF) on SW-to-GND is recommended.

Which operating modes are supported and how are they selected?

The board supports PSM (default, jumper J1 pin 2 floating), FCCM (J1 pins 1–2 shorted), and USM (J1 pins 2–3 shorted). Mode selection directly configures the MP3437's light-load behavior - PSM enables auto pass-through when V_IN exceeds V_OUT-SET minus regulation margin.

What is the maximum load power this board can deliver?

It delivers up to 20W (8V × 2.5A) continuously from a 3.3V input, validated with 1.5μH inductor and thermal rise <70°C at 25°C ambient. Efficiency exceeds 90% under these conditions in PSM mode, dropping slightly in FCCM/USM due to higher quiescent current.

Does the board include protection features from the MP3437 IC?

Yes - all MP3437 protections are active: programmable input UVLO with hysteresis, over-temperature shutdown at 150°C, output over-voltage lockout, and cycle-by-cycle over-current limiting (9.5A peak switch current). These are implemented without external components.

Can this board be used to evaluate auto pass-through functionality?

Yes - auto pass-through is enabled in PSM mode when V_IN rises above V_OUT-SET − ~100mV (typical regulation margin). During pass-through, the high-side MOSFET conducts as a low-R_DS(on) switch, reducing dropout and improving efficiency at high input voltages.