Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV8128-Q-00A

Overview

EV8128-Q-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP8128 LNB voltage regulator IC, designed to deliver regulated 10.33–20V output at up to 1A to satellite low-noise block downconverters (LNBs). It integrates a 440kHz boost converter and tracking linear regulator, supports DiSEqC 1.x/2.x protocols via I²C control, and enables selectable 22kHz tone generation for antenna switching in satellite receiver systems.

For engineers reviewing the EV8128-Q-00A datasheet, EV8128-Q-00A pinout, EV8128-Q-00A application, or EV8128-Q-00A equivalent, this board provides full hardware validation of MP8128's LNB power delivery, I²C register configuration, DiSEqC timing compliance, and thermal performance under load transients up to 1A.

Technical Context

The EV8128-Q-00A implements the MP8128's dual-stage architecture: a 440kHz current-mode boost regulator generates VBOOST_OUT ≈ VLNB_OUT + 1.1V, which feeds a precision tracking linear regulator delivering clean, low-noise LNB output with ±0.1% load regulation and <0.3% line regulation across 8–14V input. The board routes all critical signals-including SDA/SCL, IRQ, EN, and EXTM-to accessible test points and headers.

I²C interface (default address 0x08) controls VSEL (register 00h bits[4:3]) for LNB voltage selection (13V/14V/15V/18V), VLINE (bits[2:0]) for line-drop compensation, and TCTRL for 22kHz tone source selection (internal/external). DiSEqC 2.x signaling is validated through L2 and D2 on the board, supporting 22kHz burst modulation with ≤40mA load capability.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV8128-Q-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for satellite receiver development, LNB power subsystem validation, and DiSEqC protocol interoperability testing requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for EV8128-Q-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 power management ICs, with over two decades of expertise in DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and interface solutions.

The EV8128-Q-00A belongs to MPS's satellite power evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate design-in of LNB regulators in consumer and professional satellite reception equipment.

FAQ

What software is required to configure the EV8128-Q-00A?

The MP8128 GUI software-available for download from the official MPS website-is required to read and write registers via USB-to-I²C interface. It supports real-time monitoring of UVLO status (register 02h), LNB voltage setting (VSEL in register 00h), and tone control (TCTRL bit).

Can the EV8128-Q-00A operate without a host PC connection?

Yes-the board functions as a standalone LNB power supply once configured. Default settings (e.g., VLNB_OUT = 13V, internal 22kHz tone disabled) are retained after power cycle; I²C is only needed for reconfiguration or dynamic control.

How is DiSEqC 2.x signaling implemented on this board?

DiSEqC 2.x output is generated at the L2 node using Q2 (SI2309DS-T1-E3) as a controlled switch driven by the MP8128's internal logic. The 22kHz tone modulates the LNB output voltage, and signal integrity is verified up to 40mA load with 50% duty cycle per EN 50494.

What protection features are demonstrated on the EV8128-Q-00A?

The board validates MP8128's integrated protections: over-current shutdown (SCP entry/recovery waveforms shown), thermal shutdown (case temperature rise ≤50°C at 1A), over-voltage lockout (OVP threshold at 22V), and short-circuit recovery within 2ms.

Is the EV8128-Q-00A compatible with other MPS LNB regulators?

No-it is purpose-built for the MP8128GQ (QFN-20 package). Pinout, register map, and DiSEqC timing are specific to MP8128; boards for MPQ8128-A or MP8126 use different schematics and firmware.

Does the board include ESD protection on I²C lines?

Yes-0.1µF ceramic capacitors (C1B, C2, C4) and 10kΩ pull-up resistors (R6–R9, R12–R15) on SDA/SCL/IRQ provide robust noise immunity and transient suppression per IEC 61000-4-2 Level 2 (±4kV contact).