Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV4026-J-00C

Overview

EV4026-J-00C from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the MP4026GJ-Z primary-side-controlled offline LED lighting controller for isolated T8 lamp replacement. It implements a single-stage flyback topology with active PFC, delivering 36V/500mA (18W) output across universal AC input (90–264VAC, 50/60Hz), achieving >0.9 power factor, <20% THD, and 84–86% efficiency while meeting IEC61000-3-2 Class C, IEC61547 surge, and EN55015 conducted EMI requirements.

For engineers reviewing the EV4026-J-00C datasheet, EV4026-J-00C pinout, EV4026-J-00C application, or EV4026-J-00C equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP4026-based LED driver designs targeting T8 tube retrofit, compact industrial lighting, and cost-sensitive commercial luminaires requiring primary-side regulation, high PF, and robust multi-protection (OVP, SCP, OTP, primary OCP).

Technical Context

The EV4026-J-00C implements boundary conduction mode (BCM) flyback control using the MP4026 IC, eliminating secondary feedback and enabling accurate LED current regulation via primary-side sensing. Its transformer features triple-insulated secondary winding (Np:Ns:Naux = 40:10:7) and 740µH primary inductance, supporting valley-switching detection via auxiliary winding zero-crossing.

Input stage includes EMI filtering (L1/L2/L3/CX1/CY1), MOV-based surge suppression (TVR10431), and bridge rectification (DF06S); output stage uses MURS320T3 synchronous rectification and dual 330µF/50V bulk capacitors (C8/C9). Protection functions are implemented entirely on the primary side: OVP via R7/R9 divider, SCP via CS/ZCD pin monitoring, and OTP via internal thermal shutdown.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV4026-J-00C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for T8 LED tube replacement, commercial lighting system prototyping, and industrial luminaire development requiring stable component supply, pre-validated EMI/surge compliance, and reference design traceability.

Supply support for EV4026-J-00C 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 expertise in DC/DC converters, LED drivers, motor drivers, and battery management solutions.

The EV4026-J-00C belongs to MPS's LED Lighting Evaluation Board product line, engineered specifically to accelerate adoption of their primary-side-controlled LED controllers-targeting cost-sensitive, space-constrained, and safety-certifiable solid-state lighting applications.

FAQ

What is the primary IC used on the EV4026-J-00C board?

The board integrates the MP4026GJ-Z - a primary-side-control offline LED lighting controller in FCTSOT-6 package. It enables accurate constant-current regulation without secondary feedback by sampling auxiliary winding voltage and primary current, supporting boundary conduction mode for high efficiency and low EMI.

Can the EV4026-J-00C drive non-T8 LED loads?

Yes - while optimized for 36 V / 500 mA (12-LED string) T8 replacement, output voltage and current can be adjusted by modifying R10/R11/R12 (primary current sense) and R7/R9 (OVP threshold), provided transformer turns ratio and component ratings remain within safe operating limits per the MP4026 datasheet.

Does the board include EMI filtering components for certification?

Yes - it incorporates a complete front-end EMI filter: common-mode chokes (L1, L2, L3), X-capacitor CX1 (100 nF/275 VAC), Y-capacitors CY1 (2.2 nF/4 kV), and MOV RV1 (TVR10431). Measured results confirm compliance with EN55015 conducted emissions limits up to 30 MHz.

What protection features are implemented and how are they triggered?

OVP triggers when auxiliary winding voltage exceeds threshold set by R7/R9 divider; SCP activates on sustained overcurrent detected at CS/ZCD pin; OTP shuts down the IC above 150°C; primary OCP responds to peak current exceeding R10/R11/R12 threshold; UVLO disables operation below 10.5 V VCC.

Is isolation voltage rating verified and what standard was applied?

Yes - input-to-output isolation was tested per IEC61347-1 and IEC61347-2-13 at 3750 VAC RMS for 60 seconds with no breakdown or flashover. The transformer uses triple-insulated wire (Φ0.4 mm TRW(B)) and copper foil shielding between windings to ensure reinforced insulation integrity.

How is the 18 W output power maintained across universal input?

Line feedforward via R6 compensates for input voltage variation, while boundary conduction mode ensures consistent energy transfer per cycle. Combined with active PFC circuitry (R3/R4/R17/C3 sine-wave reference), the design maintains ±2% LED current regulation from 90–264 VAC and achieves >0.9 PF across the full range.