Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV3910-K-00B

Overview

EV3910-K-00B from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled, tested evaluation board for the MP3910 peak current mode PWM controller IC. It implements a non-isolated boost converter delivering 24 V at up to 2 A from a 10–20 V input, featuring a 1 A gate driver, pulse-skip mode for light-load efficiency, and configurable 30–400 kHz switching frequency. The board demonstrates telecom isolated power and brick module reference designs using the MSOP-10 MP3910GK.

For engineers reviewing the EV3910-K-00B datasheet, EV3910-K-00B schematic, EV3910-K-00B test results, or EV3910-K-00B bill of materials, this evaluation board enables rapid validation of MP3910-based boost topologies-including startup timing, load transient response, line/load regulation, and EN-controlled sequencing-under real-world 2 A/24 V operating conditions.

Technical Context

The EV3910-K-00B implements a fixed-output, current-mode controlled boost converter with the MP3910 IC operating in continuous conduction mode (CCM) at nominal 12 V input. Its control loop uses COMP pin compensation and FB voltage feedback referenced to 1.22 V internal reference, with cycle-by-cycle current limiting via ISENSE pin monitoring across a 25 mΩ sense resistor.

Board-level functionality includes EN/SYNC pin support for external enable and frequency synchronization (80–400 kHz), external soft-start via SS pin, and over-voltage protection triggered at 27.6 V. The 10 µH main inductor (MPS MPL-AY1050-100) and 0.47 µH auxiliary inductor support high-current ripple handling and low-noise output filtering.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV3910-K-00B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom isolated power supplies, brick module development, and offline boost controller prototyping requiring stable component supply, full-board traceability, and documented thermal and dynamic performance.

Supply support for EV3910-K-00B 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, including DC/DC converters, LED drivers, and motor drivers, with design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan.

The EV3910-K-00B belongs to MPS's evaluation board product line, engineered specifically to accelerate adoption of the MP3910 peak current mode PWM controller in high-efficiency, medium-power boost applications across telecom and industrial systems.

FAQ

What input voltage range is supported by the EV3910-K-00B?

The board operates with a 10 V to 20 V DC input, validated across this range per test reports. Input below 10 V disables regulation; above 20 V risks overstressing the MP3910's VCC pin and external components like C1 (25 V rated) and Q1 (30 V VDS).

How is output voltage set on this evaluation board?

VOUT is fixed at 24 V by the FB resistor divider: R1 = 453 kΩ and R2 = 100 kΩ, yielding VOUT = 1.22 V × (1 + R1/R2) ≈ 24.0 V. No onboard trimming potentiometer is provided; adjustment requires replacing R1 or R2.

Can the EV3910-K-00B be synchronized to an external clock?

Yes - the EN/SYNC pin accepts an external TTL/CMOS clock signal between 80 kHz and 400 kHz. When driven, the MP3910 locks its switching frequency to the external source, eliminating beat frequencies in multi-rail systems.

What is the purpose of the 0.47 µH inductor (L2) on the board?

L2 forms part of the output LC filter with C2 (0.22 µF), reducing high-frequency switching noise on VOUT. Its low DCR (6.2 mΩ) and 9.2 A saturation current prevent distortion during 2 A load transients.

Does the board include over-voltage protection?

Yes - the MP3910 implements internal over-voltage protection that triggers at approximately 27.6 V (22.5% above 24 V nominal), disabling the gate driver and holding the output in safe shutdown until VIN is cycled or EN is toggled.

How is soft-start implemented on the EV3910-K-00B?

Soft-start is externally configured via the SS pin using capacitor C7 (4.7 µF). Charging through internal 10 µA current source yields ~4.7 ms ramp time, limiting inrush current during startup and preventing output overshoot.