Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV4473-L-00A

Overview

EV4473-L-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled and tested evaluation board for the MPQ4473GL synchronous step-down converter IC, delivering 3.3V at up to 3.5A from a 4.5–36V input. It integrates a QFN20-3x4 controller with internal 40mΩ/20mΩ MOSFETs, operates at 500kHz, and supports fast transient response and low dropout mode for industrial and automotive power rails.

For engineers reviewing the EV4473-L-00A datasheet, EV4473-L-00A pinout, EV4473-L-00A application, or EV4473-L-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MPQ4473GL performance in POL, notebook I/O, and distributed power systems - including efficiency, load regulation, startup timing, and protection behavior under real VIN/VOUT conditions.

Technical Context

The EV4473-L-00A implements the MPQ4473GL's fixed 3.3V output configuration using precision resistor dividers (R1 = 31.6kΩ, R2 = 10kΩ) to set VFB = 0.815V. It uses a 5.6μH shielded inductor (XAL6060-562ME) and ceramic output capacitors (2×22μF + 0.1μF) optimized for low ESR and high-frequency ripple suppression.

Board-level protections include overcurrent (OCP), overvoltage (OVP), undervoltage lockout (UVLO via R5/R8 divider), thermal shutdown, and power-good signaling (PGOOD pin). The EN pin accepts TTL-compatible logic control with 1.25V turn-on and 0.86V turn-off thresholds.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV4473-L-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply validation, DC-DC design prototyping, and embedded system bring-up requiring stable component supply, repeatable test conditions, and production-ready layout practices.

Supply support for EV4473-L-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 core expertise in DC-DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting controllers.

The MPQ4473GL product line targets high-efficiency, wide-input industrial and automotive point-of-load regulators - designed for reliability under harsh voltage transients and thermal stress without external MOSFETs or complex compensation.

FAQ

What input voltage range is supported on the EV4473-L-00A?

The board accepts 4.5V to 36V DC input, verified across full load and temperature range. UVLO is set by R5/R8 to ~12.5V turn-on threshold, preventing operation below minimum controller startup voltage.

Can the output voltage be adjusted, and how?

Yes - VOUT is set by R1 (31.6kΩ) and R2 (10kΩ) to achieve 3.3V with VFB = 0.815V. To change output, recalculate R1 using (VOUT − 0.815) × 12.27 / 0.815 kΩ and update compensation per MPQ4473GL datasheet Section 8.2.

Does the board provide power-good indication?

Yes - the PGOOD pin outputs an open-drain signal active high when VOUT is within ±10% of regulation. It is routed to header pin 5 and requires an external pull-up for logic-level interfacing.

What thermal performance can be expected at full load?

At VIN = 24V, IOUT = 3.5A, TA = 25°C, case temperature rise is ≤25°C above ambient per test data on page 3. Board uses 2oz copper layers and thermal vias under U1 to sustain continuous operation.

Is the EN pin TTL-compatible, and what are its thresholds?

Yes - EN accepts 0–5V logic. Turn-on occurs when EN ≥ 1.25V (typical), turn-off when EN ≤ 0.86V (typical). Hysteresis is built-in to prevent chatter near threshold.

Are all components on the board RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes - all passives and the MPQ4473GL IC meet RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. MPS confirms green status for this part family on its Quality Assurance portal, with no exemptions applied.