Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV4581-N-00A

Overview

EV4581-N-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the MP4581 synchronous buck converter, a 100V-input, 0.8A-output monolithic DC/DC regulator with integrated high-side (625mΩ) and low-side (380mΩ) MOSFETs, constant-on-time control, and programmable 100kHz–1MHz switching frequency. It delivers regulated 5V output from 10–100V input in SOIC8EP package, supporting industrial power supplies and high-voltage battery packs.

For engineers reviewing the EV4581-N-00A datasheet, EV4581-N-00A pinout, EV4581-N-00A application, or EV4581-N-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP4581's PSM light-load efficiency, hiccup-mode OCP/SCP protection, soft-start behavior, and line/load regulation across 12V–100V input conditions with 33μH inductor and standard ceramic output capacitance.

Technical Context

The EV4581-N-00A implements a complete reference design for the MP4581 IC, featuring a 33μH shielded SMD inductor (Wurth 7447709330), input/output ceramic capacitors (including 2.2μF/100V at VIN and dual 10μF/25V at VOUT), and precision feedback resistors (R1=40.2kΩ, R2=10kΩ) setting VOUT=5V via 1V internal reference. All passive components are surface-mount and RoHS-compliant.

Test data confirms operation across full input range (12V–100V), delivering ≥85% peak efficiency at 0.4–0.8A load under 48V input, ≤±0.5% load regulation up to 0.8A, and <1.0% line regulation over 10–100V input with fixed 5V output - validated using CH1–CH4 oscilloscope waveforms of VOUT, VIN, SW node, and inductor current.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV4581-N-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply validation, high-voltage battery pack subsystem testing, and printer power board development requiring stable component supply and repeatable lab characterization.

Supply support for EV4581-N-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, LED drivers, and motor control solutions.

The MP4581 product line targets high-input-voltage industrial and battery-powered systems, delivering robust, integrated buck regulation where wide VIN range, small solution size, and hiccup-mode fault protection are critical design requirements.

FAQ

What is the default output voltage, and how is it set?

The EV4581-N-00A board is factory-configured for 5V output using R1 = 40.2kΩ and R2 = 10kΩ, leveraging the MP4581's 1V internal feedback reference (VOUT = VFB × (1 + R1/R2)). This ratio yields exactly 5.02V, verified under load. Output voltage can be recalculated and adjusted by changing these resistors per the formula in the Quick Start Guide.

Does the board support enable/disable functionality, and what are the logic thresholds?

Yes - the EN pin is routed to a test point and accepts standard TTL/CMOS logic levels: drive above 1.35V to enable the MP4581 and below 0.4V to disable it. The board powers up automatically when VIN is applied, but external control allows precise sequencing in multi-rail systems.

What inductor is used, and why is it critical to the design?

The board uses Wurth 7447709330: a 33μH, 4.2A saturation-current, 45mΩ DCR shielded SMD inductor. Its low DCR minimizes conduction loss, while its saturation rating ensures stable operation up to 0.8A output without core saturation or thermal runaway under worst-case VIN=100V conditions.

How is efficiency measured, and what are typical results?

Efficiency is measured per JEDEC JESD51-1 standards using calibrated power analyzers: η = (VOUT × IOUT) / (VIN × IIN). At VIN=48V/VOUT=5V, peak efficiency reaches 90% at 0.4A and remains >85% from 0.2A to 0.8A - consistent across VIN=12V, 48V, and 72V per published curves on page 4 of the EVB document.

Can the board be used for load transient testing, and what waveforms are provided?

Yes - the board includes dedicated test points for VOUT, VIN, SW node, and inductor current (IL), enabling direct oscilloscope capture of load transients (0→0.4A and 0.4→0.8A), startup/shutdown, and hiccup-mode SCP recovery. All waveforms are documented on pages 5–7 of the EVB Rev.1.0 report.

Is the board RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes - all components, including the MP4581GN IC, Murata capacitors, YAGEO resistors, and Wurth inductor, are lead-free, halogen-free, and fully compliant with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. MPS confirms green status on its Quality Assurance webpage.