Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV4255-VE-00A

Overview

EV4255-VE-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP4255 dual-channel buck converter IC, designed to demonstrate USB Power Delivery (PD) and dedicated charging port (DCP) power stage operation. It supports 4–36V input, delivers up to 3A per channel (or 6A shared), features I²C-configurable output voltages from 3.3V to 36V, and integrates OTP memory for persistent configuration storage.

For engineers reviewing the EV4255-VE-00A datasheet, EV4255-VE-00A pinout, EV4255-VE-00A application, or EV4255-VE-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of dual-buck topology performance, I²C-based dynamic voltage scaling, thermal behavior under load sharing, and fault response (OVP, SCP, TSD) in USB PD reference designs.

Technical Context

The EV4255-VE-00A implements the MP4255GVE-0002 QFN-21 IC with two synchronous buck regulators sharing a common 4–36V input rail. Each channel uses internal 22mΩ/26mΩ MOSFETs, supports programmable switching frequencies (250kHz–2.1MHz), and includes line drop compensation and low-dropout mode for high-efficiency regulation across wide load and line variations.

Its I²C interface (default slave address 0x61) provides real-time control of VOUT1/VOUT2, current limiting (50mA steps), phase delay, spread spectrum, and protection thresholds - all stored in OTP memory. The board routes VIN, VOUT1, VOUT2, EN, SCL/SDA, and ALT signals to accessible headers for system-level integration testing.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV4255-VE-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB PD reference design validation, USB-C power adapter development, and industrial embedded power subsystem prototyping requiring stable component supply and documented thermal performance.

Supply support for EV4255-VE-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 power management ICs, with over two decades of expertise in DC-DC conversion, motor drivers, and battery management solutions.

The EV4255-VE-00A belongs to MPS's evaluation board product line, engineered specifically to accelerate adoption of their PMBus-compatible, dual-channel buck converters in USB PD and high-reliability industrial power applications.

FAQ

What is the default I²C slave address of the MP4255 on this board?

The MP4255 on EV4255-VE-00A defaults to I²C slave address 0x61 (hex), corresponding to bits A5–A1 = 110001. This is factory-programmed in OTP and can be confirmed using the Virtual Bench Pro GUI's address scan function before initiating register writes.

Can the board support output voltages above 20V?

Yes - outputs up to 36V are supported per the MP4255 datasheet, but require BOM modifications: higher-voltage electrolytic capacitors (e.g., ≥35V rating), adjusted feedback resistors, and connecting the BIAS pin to an external 5V supply to prevent overvoltage stress and maintain efficiency.

How is load sharing between the two channels managed?

Load sharing is not actively balanced by the MP4255; each channel operates independently with separate FB pins and current sensing. Shared 6A capability assumes matched external components and identical VOUT settings - users must verify thermal derating and current distribution under asymmetric loads.

Does the board include isolated gate drive for external N-MOSFETs?

Yes - the MP4255 integrates a bus-voltage-isolated N-channel MOSFET gate driver (DRV pin), enabled by default. On EV4255-VE-00A, it drives external high-side switches for load-switching or USB PD VBUS control, with independent enable via the ALT pin.

What firmware/software is required to configure the board?

The Virtual Bench Pro GUI (freely downloadable from mps.com) is required. It communicates via USB-to-I²C bridge (CN3 header), reads OTP defaults, and allows real-time adjustment of VOUT, frequency, CC limit, phase delay, and protection thresholds - with one-time write capability for OTP registers.

Is thermal performance data provided for both channels under full load?

Yes - Figure 8 and Figure 9 in the board's Rev. 1.1 documentation show case temperature rise vs. output current for VIN = 12V and VIN = 24V, with VOUT = 5V/9V/15V/20V, confirming ≤35°C rise at 3A/channel (6A total) with natural convection cooling on the standard PCB layout.