Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV4415M-QB-00A

Overview

EV4415M-QB-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled and tested evaluation board for the MPQ4415MGQB synchronous step-down converter, delivering 3.3V at up to 1.5A from a 4–36V input. It integrates internal 90mΩ high-side and 50mΩ low-side MOSFETs, operates at a default 2.2MHz switching frequency, and supports external clock synchronization from 450kHz to 2.2MHz. Designed for automotive-grade power validation, it enables rapid prototyping of compact, high-efficiency DC/DC supplies in space-constrained systems.

For engineers reviewing the EV4415M-QB-00A datasheet, EV4415M-QB-00A pinout, EV4415M-QB-00A application, or EV4415M-QB-00A equivalent, this board provides verified thermal performance, CISPR25 Class 5 EMI compliance, forced CCM operation, and configurable feedback via precision resistor dividers - critical for validating robust 36V-input industrial and automotive power rails.

Technical Context

The EV4415M-QB-00A implements the MPQ4415MGQB IC in a QFN-13 (2.5mm × 3mm) package with integrated power MOSFETs and internal compensation. Its synchronous buck architecture uses valley-current-mode control with built-in soft-start and power-good indication.

It supports input voltage ranges from 4V to 36V, delivers fixed 3.3V output (adjustable down to 0.8V), and maintains stable regulation under load transients up to 1.5A. The board includes an input EMC filter, damping capacitors, and test points for VIN, VOUT, EN/SYNC, PG, and FB - enabling direct measurement of efficiency, ripple, transient response, and EMI behavior.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV4415M-QB-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment power validation, industrial sensor node supply design, and medical imaging subsystem testing requiring stable component supply and pre-validated layout integrity.

Supply support for EV4415M-QB-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 ICs, with a focus on energy-efficient DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting solutions.

The MPQ4415MGQB - evaluated by this board - belongs to MPS's automotive-qualified synchronous buck regulator product line, designed specifically for AEC-Q100 Grade-1 applications demanding high input voltage tolerance, low EMI, and reliable operation in harsh environments.

FAQ

What input voltage range is supported, and what happens outside that range?

The EV4415M-QB-00A accepts 4V to 36V DC input. Below 4V, the MPQ4415MGQB disables output due to undervoltage lockout. Above 36V, internal overvoltage protection triggers thermal shutdown to prevent damage. Input capacitors (CIN1–CIN5) are rated for 50V to accommodate transient spikes.

How is output voltage adjusted, and what resistor values are used for 3.3V?

VOUT is set by an external resistive divider on the FB pin. For 3.3V, RFB1 = 41.2kΩ and RFB2 = 13kΩ (1% tolerance), yielding VOUT = 0.807V × (1 + RFB1/RFB2). The board includes test points and silk-screened labels for easy reconfiguration.

Does the board support external clock synchronization, and how is it implemented?

Yes - apply a 450kHz to 2.2MHz square wave to the EN/SYNC pin. This synchronizes the internal oscillator's rising edge, reducing beat frequencies and improving EMI predictability. The pin doubles as enable control: >1.45V enables, <1V disables, with hysteresis.

What protections are implemented, and how do they behave during fault conditions?

OCP uses valley-current detection to trigger hiccup mode (repeated restart attempts) during overload or short-circuit. Thermal shutdown disables output until junction temperature falls below ~150°C. Power Good (PG) goes low during faults, enabling system-level monitoring via open-drain logic.

Is the board RoHS-compliant and automotive-qualified?

Yes - all components meet RoHS and halogen-free requirements. The underlying MPQ4415MGQB is AEC-Q100 Grade-1 qualified (−40°C to +125°C ambient), and the board layout follows automotive PCB guidelines including thermal reliefs, creepage distances, and EMI filtering.

Can this board be used for output voltages other than 3.3V?

Yes - replace R5 and R6 with values calculated using VOUT = 0.807V × (1 + RFB1/RFB2). The board includes solder pads and silkscreen for alternate resistors. For VOUT < 1.8V, a T-network (RT + RFB1) is recommended to optimize loop bandwidth and phase margin.