Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV4026-J-00B

Overview

EV4026-J-00B from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the MP4026GJ-Z primary-side-controlled offline LED driver IC in a flyback topology for isolated 20W PAR38 LED bulbs. It delivers 40V output at 500mA with >0.9 power factor, <20% THD, and 87–90% efficiency across universal AC input (90–265VAC, 50/60Hz), meeting IEC61000-3-2 Class C, IEC61547 surge, and EN55015 conducted EMI requirements.

For engineers reviewing the EV4026-J-00B datasheet, EV4026-J-00B pinout, EV4026-J-00B application, or EV4026-J-00B equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of primary-side regulation, active PFC implementation, boundary conduction mode operation, and multi-protection features-including OVP, SCP, primary-side OCP, and OTP-in compact PAR38 form-factor lighting designs.

Technical Context

The EV4026-J-00B implements a single-stage flyback converter using the MP4026 IC in boundary conduction mode (BCM) to minimize MOSFET and diode switching losses while achieving high PF and tight LED current regulation without secondary-side feedback. Input stage includes EMI filtering (CX1, CY1, L1–L4), bridge rectification (BD1), and active PFC via sine-wave reference network (R5/R6/R17/C4).

Primary-side sensing uses R11 and R12 (1.1Ω + 0.5Ω) to set 500mA LED current; auxiliary winding detection (R9/R10/D2/C1) provides zero-current crossing for BCM timing and OVP monitoring; VCC startup is supplied via R4, then sustained by auxiliary winding through R15/D2; leakage clamp (C6/R14/D3) limits drain voltage stress on Q1 (SMK0870F, 700V/8A).

Key Specifications

Availability

EV4026-J-00B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED lighting development, PAR38 retrofit design, and industrial solid-state lighting qualification requiring stable component supply, pre-validated safety compliance, and reference-grade thermal and EMI performance.

Supply support for EV4026-J-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 analog and power ICs for power conversion, motor drive, and LED lighting applications, with design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan.

The MP4026 product line targets cost-sensitive, space-constrained isolated LED drivers requiring primary-side control, active PFC, and robust protection-specifically engineered for retrofit lamps (PAR30/38/A19), downlights, and commercial troffers.

FAQ

What is the maximum LED string voltage supported by EV4026-J-00B?

The board is configured for 40V nominal output with ±5% regulation, supporting up to ~42V peak under line/load transients. This matches 12× forward-voltage LEDs (~3.3V each) and aligns with the FX0319 transformer's 27-turn secondary and 40V/500mA design point.

Can EV4026-J-00B operate without an isolation transformer during testing?

No-per the official documentation, all testing must use an isolation transformer for AC input due to lack of agency safety certification. The board lacks UL/CE marking and is intended solely for engineering evaluation under controlled lab conditions.

How is LED current accuracy maintained without secondary feedback?

MP4026 uses primary-side current sampling (R11+R12) combined with auxiliary winding demagnetization detection to reconstruct LED current. The 1.6MΩ feedforward resistor (R7) compensates for line-voltage variation, enabling ±3% current regulation across 90–265VAC input.

What protection features are implemented on this evaluation board?

Five hardware-enforced protections: over-voltage (via R9/R10 divider on ZCD pin), short-circuit (auto-restart on LED open/short), primary-side overcurrent (CS pin threshold), over-temperature (internal IC thermal shutdown), and input UVLO (MP4026 internal 12.5V turn-on/8.5V turn-off).

Is the transformer on EV4026-J-00B custom or off-the-shelf?

The FX0319 transformer is a custom-wound EFD25 gapped ferrite unit with triple-insulated secondary (Φ0.35mm TRW wire), 950μH ±8% primary inductance, and 20μH ±10% leakage inductance-designed specifically for MP4026's BCM timing and safety isolation requirements.

Does EV4026-J-00B support dimming functionality?

No-the board implements only constant-current regulation with no provision for TRIAC, 0–10V, or PWM dimming interfaces. Dimming capability would require external circuitry and firmware modification not included in this reference design.

What is the physical size constraint addressed by this evaluation board?

At 83.5 × 30.0 × 23.0 mm, the board fits within the mechanical envelope of standard PAR38 lamp housings, validating component placement, thermal layout, and creepage/clearance compliance for enclosed LED retrofit applications.