Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV44018-S-HR1001-S-00C

Overview

EV44018-S-HR1001-S-00C from Monolithic Power Systems is a 240W LED driver and AC/DC adapter evaluation board built around the MP44018A (CrM/DCM PFC controller), HR1001A (enhanced LLC controller), MP6924A (dual SR driver), and MP174 (primary-side CV regulator). It delivers 12V/20A output from 90–265VAC input, achieves 93.2% typical efficiency at 220VAC, and meets IEC61000-3-2 Class C, EN55022, and EN61000-4-5 Level 4 surge (4kV) requirements.

For engineers reviewing the EV44018-S-HR1001-S-00C datasheet, EV44018-S-HR1001-S-00C pinout, EV44018-S-HR1001-S-00C application, or EV44018-S-HR1001-S-00C equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of high-efficiency, multi-stage LED driver and universal-input adapter topologies - including PFC + LLC + synchronous rectification - with full protection and EMI compliance verification.

Technical Context

The board implements a two-stage architecture: an active CrM/DCM PFC front-end (MP44018A) followed by an adaptive dead-time-adjusted LLC resonant converter (HR1001A), with dual N-channel MOSFET synchronous rectification (MP6924A) and optocouplerless primary-side regulation (MP174). This topology targets high PF (>0.95), low THD, and tight CV regulation across universal AC input.

It integrates full safety and reliability features: capacitive-mode protection (CMP), anti-capacitive mode protection, OLP, SCP, OVP, and thermal monitoring. The design supports 2oz copper PCB layout, uses PQ3220 and ETD34 magnetics, and passes conducted EMI testing per EN55022 at both 115VAC and 230VAC full load.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV44018-S-HR1001-S-00C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED lighting systems, industrial AC/DC adapters, and high-reliability power supply development requiring stable component supply, pre-validated reference designs, and regulatory-compliant test data.

Supply support for EV44018-S-HR1001-S-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 power management ICs, with expertise in DC/DC converters, LED drivers, motor drivers, and AC/DC controllers.

This evaluation board showcases MPS's integrated high-power AC/DC platform targeting energy-efficient, compact, and standards-compliant LED driver and adapter solutions for commercial and industrial applications.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the EV44018-S-HR1001-S-00C evaluation board?

The EV44018-S-HR1001-S-00C is a complete, pre-built hardware platform designed to demonstrate and accelerate development of 240W LED drivers and universal-input AC/DC adapters using MPS's MP44018A, HR1001A, MP6924A, and MP174 ICs. It provides validated schematics, layout, BOM, test reports, and waveforms for immediate engineering evaluation.

Does the board include isolation and safety certification?

No - the board is an engineering prototype not agency-certified (e.g., UL, CE, TÜV). It incorporates reinforced isolation, Y-capacitors, varistors, and creepage/clearance-compliant layout per IEC62368-1, but users must perform their own safety qualification. Testing requires an isolation transformer on the AC input per the warning in the user guide.

Can the output voltage be adjusted?

No - the board is fixed at 12V output. Output voltage is set by the feedback resistor network for the MP174 primary-side regulator and cannot be modified without hardware changes. For adjustable-output designs, refer to MPS application notes for MP174 compensation and feedback scaling.

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

The board integrates four key MPS ICs: MP44018A (PFC controller), HR1001A (LLC resonant controller with ADTA and CMP), MP6924A (dual SR gate driver), and MP174 (700V primary-side CV regulator). Together they form a fully integrated, high-efficiency, optocouplerless AC/DC solution.

What thermal performance can be expected under full load?

Test data shows the board operates reliably at 240W with 2oz copper PCB and no forced airflow at TA = 25°C. Key hotspots (e.g., PFC MOSFETs Q5/Q6, LLC MOSFETs Q7/Q8, and SR MOSFETs) remain within safe junction temperature limits per their respective SOA curves, as verified in thermal imaging reports included in the EVB documentation.

Is the board compatible with automated manufacturing processes?

Yes - the board uses standard surface-mount and through-hole components with IPC-compliant footprints. Gerber files, assembly drawings, and BOM are provided in the official EVB documentation, supporting reflow soldering, selective soldering, and functional test integration into production lines.