Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV44010-S+4688-N-01A

Overview

EV44010-S+4688-N-01A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP44010 boundary-conduction-mode PFC controller and dual-channel MP4688 constant-current DC/DC LED drivers, delivering 30W total output (2 × 15W) at 350mA per channel across 85–265V_AC input. It implements a two-stage offline WLED driver architecture with Class C IEC61000-3-2 compliance and EN55015 EMI certification.

For engineers reviewing the EV44010-S+4688-N-01A datasheet, EV44010-S+4688-N-01A pinout, EV44010-S+4688-N-01A application, or EV44010-S+4688-N-01A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of high-efficiency, dimmable LED driver designs using MPS's integrated PFC + dual-channel buck topology with ±5% LED current accuracy and up to 20kHz PWM dimming support.

Technical Context

This evaluation board implements a two-stage architecture: Stage 1 uses MP44010 in boundary conduction mode (BCM) to achieve >0.9 PF across universal AC input; Stage 2 employs two independent MP4688 ICs operating in hysteresis current mode for fast transient response and precise constant-current regulation per LED string.

The board supports 14-series LED strings per channel, delivers 350mA ±5% output current per channel, meets IEC61000-3-2 Class C harmonic limits, and complies with EN55015 conducted/radiated EMI requirements - all verified at full 30W load across 85–265V_AC.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV44010-S+4688-N-01A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for commercial LED lighting, industrial area lighting, and architectural signage applications requiring stable component supply, reference design validation, and regulatory-compliant power stage prototyping.

Supply support for EV44010-S+4688-N-01A 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 core expertise in DC/DC conversion, LED drivers, and power factor correction solutions.

This evaluation board belongs to MPS's LED Driver Evaluation Platform product line, designed to accelerate development of energy-efficient, standards-compliant offline LED lighting systems using their proprietary BCM PFC and hysteresis-controlled buck regulators.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EV44010-S+4688-N-01A board?

The EV44010-S+4688-N-01A is a complete two-stage evaluation platform for offline white LED drivers. It integrates the MP44010 boundary-mode PFC controller and two MP4688 constant-current buck regulators to deliver 30W total output (15W per channel) with high power factor and low THD across universal AC input.

Which ICs are mounted on this board and what are their roles?

The board features U2 = MP44010HS-R3 (SO-8), a BCM PFC controller managing the front-end flyback stage; and U4/U5 = MP4688DN-R1 (SO-8), two identical high-voltage buck regulators providing independent 350mA constant-current outputs for dual LED strings.

Does this board support PWM dimming, and what is its maximum frequency?

Yes - the board includes dedicated PWM dimming inputs for both channels and supports dimming frequencies up to 20kHz. This avoids audible noise and enables seamless integration with microcontroller-based lighting controllers or DALI-compatible interfaces.

What safety and regulatory standards does this evaluation board meet?

The board has been tested and verified to meet IEC61000-3-2 Class C harmonic current limits and EN55015 conducted/radiated EMI requirements. Note: As an engineering prototype, it lacks agency safety certification (e.g., UL, CE), and isolation transformer use is mandatory during testing.

Can this board drive mixed LED configurations, such as different forward voltages per channel?

Yes - each MP4688 channel operates independently with adjustable current sense resistors and feedback networks. With proper transformer winding ratios and output capacitor selection, the board can support differing LED string voltages (e.g., 42V vs. 48V) while maintaining 350mA regulation per channel.

Is the transformer on this board custom-wound, and what are its key parameters?

Yes - the EF25 core transformer (FX0148) is custom-designed with primary inductance of 1.15mH ±5%, turn ratio N1:N2:N3:N4:N5 = 50:9:33:8:50, and windings optimized for BCM PFC operation and isolated auxiliary supply generation for the MP4688 bias rails.