Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV4816A-G-00A

Overview

EV4816A-G-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP4816A 16-channel high-voltage analog switch, designed specifically for medical ultrasound transmit/receive multiplexing and industrial non-destructive testing (NDT). It supports ±90V analog signals, features 12.5Ω typical switch resistance, ±2.0A peak switch current, and serial 16-bit shift register control with integrated bleed resistors on SWout pins.

For engineers reviewing the EV4816A-G-00A datasheet, EV4816A-G-00A pinout, EV4816A-G-00A application, or EV4816A-G-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP4816A switching behavior under high-voltage pulsed conditions, interface timing at 3.3V/5V logic levels, and transducer load interaction with integrated ground-bleed termination.

Technical Context

The EV4816A-G-00A implements a functional test platform for the MP4816A TQFP-48 IC, which integrates level shifters, latches, and a 16-bit shift register to drive 16 independent high-voltage analog switches. Control logic operates at VLL = 2.7–5.5V, while internal translator circuitry requires VDD = 9–10V to generate ±90V switch rail capability.

Each switch channel includes a dedicated 10kΩ bleed resistor to ground on the SWout pin, preventing DC voltage accumulation across piezoelectric transducer elements. Serial interface signals-CLK, DIN, DOUT, LE_BAR, and CLR-are routed to an 8-pin header for external controller connection, minimizing I/O count versus parallel control.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV4816A-G-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medical ultrasound system prototyping, industrial NDT equipment development, and high-voltage analog multiplexer validation requiring stable component supply and documented reference design support.

Supply support for EV4816A-G-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 high-voltage interface solutions.

The MP4816A product line targets high-fidelity time-of-flight signal routing in medical and industrial ultrasonic systems, where precise channel isolation, fast switching, and safe transducer biasing are critical.

FAQ

What power supplies are required to operate the EV4816A-G-00A?

The board requires two isolated DC supplies: VLL (2.7–5.5V) for logic interface and VDD (9–10V) for the internal high-voltage translator. VLL powers CLK, DIN, LE_BAR, CLR, and DOUT; VDD generates the ±90V analog rails. Both connect via the 4-pin header CN1.

How are the 16 analog switches controlled?

Switches are controlled via a 16-bit serial shift register using five logic signals: CLK, DIN, DOUT, LE_BAR, and CLR. A logic high on a bit position closes the corresponding switch; low opens it. LE_BAR latches the register, and CLR resets all bits to zero.

What is the purpose of the C1–C16 pads on the board?

C1–C16 are 0805 footprints placed directly at each SWout node to accommodate surface-mount capacitors (e.g., 330pF) as standardized reference loads. They emulate piezoelectric transducer capacitance and enable repeatable measurement of switch rise/fall time, charge injection, and settling behavior.

Does the EV4816A-G-00A include protection against transducer DC bias buildup?

Yes. Each SWout pin includes a built-in 10kΩ bleed resistor to ground, as implemented in the MP4816A IC. This prevents dangerous or performance-degrading DC voltage accumulation across PZT elements during repeated pulsing cycles.

Can the EV4816A-G-00A be used with 3.3V microcontrollers?

Yes. The VLL input accepts 2.7–5.5V, and the serial interface operates reliably at 3.3V logic levels with up to 40MHz clock frequency. No external level shifters are needed when interfacing with standard 3.3V MCUs or FPGAs.

Is the MP4816A IC socketed or soldered on the board?

The MP4816A (MP4816AGFP) is permanently soldered in TQFP-48 package on the EV4816A-G-00A board. It is not socketed; replacement requires rework. Layout follows MPS-recommended thermal and high-voltage creepage guidelines per the official reference design.