Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV4864A-BD-00A

Overview

EV4864A-BD-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP4864AGBD 64-channel high-voltage analog switch IC, supporting ±90V analog signals, 14Ω typical on-resistance, ±2.0A peak switch current, and serial 64-bit shift register control. It is purpose-built for medical ultrasound beamforming systems requiring precise high-voltage multiplexing between transmitter/receiver circuitry and piezoelectric transducer (PZT) arrays.

For engineers reviewing the EV4864A-BD-00A datasheet, EV4864A-BD-00A pinout, EV4864A-BD-00A application, or EV4864A-BD-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP4864AGBD switching performance under real-world ultrasound front-end conditions-including timing-critical serial control sequencing, high-voltage transient handling, and integrated bleed resistor behavior across all 64 channels.

Technical Context

The EV4864A-BD-00A implements a direct hardware interface to the MP4864AGBD BGA-144 analog switch, which integrates 64 independently controllable high-voltage switches with on-chip 100kΩ bleed resistors to ground at each SWOUT pin. It supports dual-supply operation: VLL (2.7–5.5V) for logic interface and VDD (10–14V) for internal level translation.

Control is executed via four dedicated logic signals-CLK (up to 80MHz at 5V), DIN, DOUT (daisy-chainable), and LE_bar-with all 64 switch states loaded in one 64-bit serial frame. The board provides accessible IN0–IN63 and CO0–CO63 pads (0805 footprint) for connecting pulsers and PZT elements, respectively.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV4864A-BD-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medical ultrasound development, industrial NDT equipment prototyping, and high-voltage analog multiplexer validation requiring stable component supply and documented reference design support.

Supply support for EV4864A-BD-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 MP4864A product line was designed specifically for time-of-flight ultrasound imaging systems, delivering robust 64-channel high-voltage switching with integrated DC bleed paths to prevent PZT element depolarization during idle periods.

FAQ

What voltage rails does the EV4864A-BD-00A require to operate?

The board requires two independent supplies: VLL (2.7–5.5V) for logic-level serial interface signals (CLK, DIN, DOUT, LE_bar), and VDD (10–14V) to power the MP4864AGBD's internal high-voltage translator and enable ±90V analog signal handling. Both are routed through the 12-pin header CN1.

How are the 64 analog switches controlled on this evaluation board?

Switch states are set via a 64-bit serial shift register clocked by CLK. A logic high on DIN loads '1' into the register, closing the corresponding switch; '0' opens it. After loading, LE_bar latches the data. DOUT allows daisy-chaining multiple MP4864A devices, enabling synchronized multi-board control.

Does the EV4864A-BD-00A include protection circuitry for the MP4864AGBD?

No discrete overvoltage, ESD, or current-limiting protection components are integrated on the board. The MP4864AGBD itself includes internal bleed resistors (100kΩ to GND) on all SWOUT pins to prevent DC buildup across PZT elements, but external transient suppression must be added per system-level requirements.

Can I use standard 0805 capacitors as load elements on the COx pads?

Yes - all 64 COx pads are laid out for 0805 footprints and are intended for mounting 330pF ceramic capacitors (e.g., Murata GRM188R61C331KAAJD) as standardized reference loads during characterization. These simulate typical PZT capacitance and allow repeatable measurement of on-resistance, charge injection, and settling time.

Is the MP4864AGBD soldered directly to the board or socketed?

The MP4864AGBD is mounted in a BGA-144 socket (U1), not soldered. This allows safe IC replacement without rework, supports hot-swap testing, and protects the expensive device during debug and failure analysis-critical for high-voltage prototype environments.

Where are the analog input and output connections located on the board?

Analog inputs (IN0–IN63) and outputs (CO0–CO63) are accessed via labeled edge-mount pads along the board perimeter. INx pads connect to pulser/receiver circuitry; COx pads connect to PZT elements or reference capacitors. Each pair corresponds to one of the 64 switch channels, with physical layout matching the MP4864AGBD pin map.