Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV5515-U-00A

Overview

EV5515-U-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the MP5515 power backup and management unit-a PMIC for enterprise SSDs featuring bi-directional boost/buck conversion, 5A buck load capability, I²C interface, input current sensing, ADC, and backup capacitor health test. It operates from 12V input, supports 28V storage voltage, and releases regulated 7.5V bus backup at up to 5A during power fail.

For engineers reviewing the EV5515-U-00A datasheet, EV5515-U-00A pinout, EV5515-U-00A application, or EV5515-U-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP5515's energy storage, power-fail response, I²C-configurable thresholds (VPFI = 8V, VRLS = 7.5V), and thermal/overvoltage protection in SSD backup systems.

Technical Context

The EV5515-U-00A implements a complete reference design for the MP5515 IC, integrating its QFN30-5×5mm footprint, single-inductor bi-directional topology (6.8µH), and all supporting passives-including 220µF/35V bulk storage capacitor, precision resistor networks for VPFI/VRLS/VSTRG programming, and I²C level-shifting via CON1 jumper options.

It validates real-time operation modes: buck-only discharge (EN low), boost charging (VIN present), seamless transition at VPFI = 8V, and accurate current sensing via integrated 14mΩ MOSFET with ILIM pin feedback. All waveforms-including VB slew rate control, release efficiency vs. storage voltage (70–98%), and thermal shutdown behavior-are documented per Rev.1.0 test report.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV5515-U-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for SSD power integrity validation, enterprise storage qualification testing, and backup-capacitor health assessment requiring stable component supply and repeatable lab-grade measurement conditions.

Supply support for EV5515-U-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 over two decades of leadership in DC/DC conversion, battery management, and power management solutions.

The MP5515 product line targets enterprise SSDs requiring robust, integrated power backup-designed to replace discrete boost+buck+supercap management circuits with a single-chip solution minimizing PCB area and improving reliability under power-fail events.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EV5515-U-00A evaluation board?

The EV5515-U-00A is a functional demonstration platform for the MP5515 PMIC, enabling engineers to validate its bi-directional energy transfer, programmable power-fail response, I²C-configurable thresholds, and backup capacitor diagnostics in real-world SSD backup scenarios without custom PCB development.

Can the EV5515-U-00A be used with storage voltages other than 28 V?

Yes. The board supports programmable storage voltage up to 32 V via the R5/R6 resistor divider network. Default configuration sets VSTRG = 28 V, but values can be recalculated using VFBS-REF = 0.8 V and the formula VSTORAGE = 0.8 V × (1 + R5/R6).

How is the power-fail threshold (VPFI) adjusted on this board?

VPFI is set by resistors R1 and R2 per the equation VPFI = 0.792 V × (1 + R1/R2). The default layout uses R1 = 100 kΩ and R2 = 11 kΩ, yielding VPFI ≈ 8.0 V. Values may be changed to match system-specific brown-out requirements.

Does the board include thermal protection validation circuitry?

Yes. The MP5515GU IC on the board integrates thermal shutdown, and the evaluation board layout includes thermal vias and copper pour under the QFN30 package to replicate production-level thermal performance. Test reports confirm activation at ~150°C junction temperature.

Is I²C communication functional out-of-the-box?

Yes. I²C signals (SDA/SCL) are routed to header CN1 with configurable logic levels. Jumper settings on CON1 allow selection between internal 3.3 V bias or external VIO, and the board ships with pull-up resistors installed for immediate connection to host controllers.

What load conditions were used to verify 5 A backup release capability?

Release testing was performed at TA = 25°C with VIN = 12 V, VSTRG = 28 V, L = 6.8 µH, and IRELEASE = 5 A into a resistive load. Waveforms show stable 7.5 V regulation, <5% overshoot, and <10 µs response time from VPFI assertion to VB regulation.