Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV4050A-S-00A

Overview

EV4050A-S-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP4050AGS constant-current LED driver IC, configured in high-side buck topology to deliver 40V/115mA output from universal AC input (85–265VAC, 50/60Hz). It integrates a 500V MOSFET and demonstrates surge immunity per IEC61000-4-5 and conducted EMI compliance with EN55015.

For engineers reviewing the EV4050A-S-00A datasheet, EV4050A-S-00A pinout, EV4050A-S-00A application, or EV4050A-S-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of off-line, non-isolated LED driver designs targeting GU10-size lamps, industrial lighting, and cost-sensitive AC/DC LED replacement solutions.

Technical Context

The EV4050A-S-00A implements a primary-side regulated, high-side buck converter using the MP4050AGS IC. It operates without optocoupler feedback or secondary-side sensing, relying on internal current foldback and VCC UVLO with hysteresis for stable regulation across line and temperature.

Input rectification uses MB6S bridge diode and π-filter (C2/L1/C3); output smoothing employs 47µF/50V electrolytic capacitor C4. Protection features include open-LED detection via R1/R2 voltage divider, short-circuit response with auto-restart, and thermal shutdown with hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV4050A-S-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED bulb replacement, industrial lighting control, and GU10 lamp design requiring stable component supply and fast prototyping capability.

Supply support for EV4050A-S-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 and power semiconductor company headquartered in Kirkland, WA, specializing in high-performance DC/DC converters, LED drivers, and motor drivers.

The EV4050A-S-00A belongs to MPS's LED driver evaluation platform family, designed to accelerate adoption of their integrated AC/DC LED driver ICs in cost-sensitive, space-constrained retrofit lighting applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum LED string voltage supported by EV4050A-S-00A?

The board delivers up to 40VDC output, supporting LED strings with forward voltage ≤40V - typically 12–13 standard white LEDs (3.0–3.3V each) at 115mA. Exceeding this voltage causes open-LED protection activation.

Does EV4050A-S-00A require external feedback components?

No. The MP4050AGS IC uses primary-side regulation with no optocoupler or secondary-side feedback. Output voltage monitoring is performed internally via R1/R2 resistor divider connected to PRO pin; no external compensation network is needed.

Can EV4050A-S-00A be used with DC input?

Yes. While optimized for 85–265VAC, the board accepts DC input between ~120V and ~375V (rectified peak of 265VAC), provided the input filter (FR1, BD1, C2/C3) remains within ratings and safety isolation is maintained per application requirements.

What is the role of C5 (51pF) on the board?

C5 is a high-frequency snubber capacitor placed across the source and drain of the MP4050AGS internal MOSFET. It suppresses voltage spikes during switching transitions, stabilizes operation, and reduces EMI - critical for reliable high-side buck performance.

Is isolation required when testing EV4050A-S-00A?

Yes. As a non-isolated off-line board, the output shares ground with AC line. MPS mandates use of an isolation transformer for AC input during evaluation to prevent shock hazard and ensure safe probing of waveforms.

How is open-LED protection implemented?

Open-LED protection triggers when output voltage exceeds threshold detected by R1/R2 divider on PRO pin. Upon fault, the IC disables switching, enters auto-restart mode after thermal recovery, and maintains VCC UVLO hysteresis to prevent latch-up.