Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV4068-S-00A

Overview

EV4068-S-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP4068GS TRIAC-dimmable LED driver IC, implementing a single-stage Buck topology to deliver 50V/140mA constant current to a 7W LED load across 108–132VAC/60Hz input. It integrates a 500V MOSFET, achieves >0.9 power factor and >84% efficiency, and fits inside GU10 bulb enclosures for residential solid-state lighting.

For engineers reviewing the EV4068-S-00A datasheet, EV4068-S-00A pinout, EV4068-S-00A application, or EV4068-S-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of dimming compatibility (tested with 31 commercial TRIAC dimmers), surge immunity (IEC61547 500V line-to-line), conducted EMI (EN55015), and harmonic compliance (IEC61000-3-2 Class C).

Technical Context

The EV4068-S-00A implements a non-isolated Buck converter controlled by the MP4068GS IC, using a single-winding EE10 transformer (1mH primary inductance) and no optocoupler. Its hybrid operation mode dynamically adjusts switching behavior to maintain stable LED current across deep dimming angles while suppressing inrush via an active damping circuit (Q1, R5, R8–R10).

Input stage includes MB6S bridge rectifier, TVR07241 MOV for 500V surge protection, and π-filter (L1/C2/C3); output stage uses ES1J flyback diode, 330µF/63V bulk capacitor (C4), and 1.1Ω + 20Ω parallel current-sense resistors (R3/R11) for ±3% LED current accuracy at 140mA.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV4068-S-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for residential LED retrofit bulbs, commercial downlights, and industrial indicator lighting requiring stable component supply, fast prototyping cycles, and pre-validated EMI/surge performance.

Supply support for EV4068-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 semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog and power management ICs, with a focus on energy-efficient power conversion solutions for consumer, industrial, and automotive markets.

The MP4068GS IC powering this board belongs to MPS's LED driver product line, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, non-isolated, TRIAC-dimmable lighting applications where small size, high PF, and wide dimmer compatibility are mandatory.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EV4068-S-00A support?

The board operates from 108VAC to 132VAC at 60Hz, targeting North American 120V nominal mains. It is not rated for 230VAC or 50Hz operation, and testing outside this range may violate safety certifications or damage components like the MB6S bridge or TVR07241 MOV.

Can the EV4068-S-00A drive more than 7W of LED load?

No - the board is optimized for 50V/140mA (7W) output. Increasing LED string voltage beyond 50V risks overvoltage on the MP4068GS HV pin and violates the 1mH inductor's saturation limit; increasing current requires recalculating R3/R11 values and verifying thermal limits of D1, L2, and U1.

Does the board include isolation between AC input and LED output?

No - it uses a non-isolated Buck topology. There is no transformer-based galvanic isolation; safety relies on reinforced creepage/clearance design, 3750VAC input-output dielectric strength test, and proper enclosure implementation per UL/EN62368-1 requirements.

How is dimming performance validated?

MPS tested the board with 31 distinct commercial TRIAC dimmers (e.g., Lutron Q-600P-IV, Leviton 6633-P) across full phase-cut range and confirmed no visible flicker. Dimming stability is enabled by the MP4068GS's proprietary hybrid control mode and active damping circuit (Q1/R5).

What protections are implemented on the EV4068-S-00A?

The board provides over-voltage protection (programmable via R1/R2 divider), output short-circuit protection, thermal shutdown with auto-restart hysteresis, VCC under-voltage lockout, and LED current foldback above 67.5°C (measured chip temperature). No open-load protection is included beyond R6 dummy load.

Is the EV4068-S-00A agency-certified for production use?

No - the board is an engineering prototype for evaluation only. It has not undergone UL, CE, or other agency safety certification. For production, users must integrate the MP4068GS into a certified end-product design meeting IEC62368-1, EN61347-2-13, and regional EMC/safety standards.