Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV8867-LE-00A

Overview

EV8867-LE-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP8867GLE synchronous step-down converter IC, designed to demonstrate high-efficiency 1V/8A power delivery from 4.5V–17V input with I²C programmability, 1% reference accuracy, and 0.6V–1.87V output voltage adjustment in 10mV steps. It supports SoC, FPGA, and ASIC core rail applications requiring dynamic voltage scaling.

For engineers reviewing the EV8867-LE-00A datasheet, EV8867-LE-00A pinout, EV8867-LE-00A application, or EV8867-LE-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP8867's I²C-controlled VOUT slew rate, PSM/Fs mode selection, soft-start timing, and power-good signaling under real load transients up to 8A.

Technical Context

The EV8867-LE-00A implements a complete reference design for the MP8867GLE, featuring a 1.5µH shielded inductor (Wurth 744311150), four parallel 22µF X5R output capacitors, and precision feedback resistors (R1=80.6kΩ, R2=120kΩ, R3=51kΩ) setting nominal 1V output. Input filtering includes 22µF + 0.1µF ceramic staging and 0.47µF bypass.

It provides direct access to all MP8867 control signals: EN (1.52V turn-on threshold), SDA/SCL (I²C interface), PG (open-drain power-good), and NS (no-stuff placeholders). The board operates at default 500kHz switching frequency and supports external clock synchronization from 200kHz to 2MHz.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV8867-LE-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA-based systems, SoC core rail development, and ASIC supply validation requiring stable component supply and fast-turn evaluation capability.

Supply support for EV8867-LE-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 and power management solutions.

The EV8867-LE-00A belongs to MPS's evaluation board product line, engineered specifically to accelerate adoption of their I²C-programmable high-current buck converters in compute-intensive applications like media processors and heterogeneous SoCs.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EV8867-LE-00A?

The EV8867-LE-00A is a fully assembled and tested evaluation board for the MP8867GLE synchronous buck converter. Its purpose is to demonstrate and validate the IC's performance-including I²C-programmable output voltage, slew rate, power-saving modes, and transient response-at up to 8A load current across 4.5V–17V input range.

Does the board support external clock synchronization?

Yes. The EV8867-LE-00A supports external clock synchronization via the SYNC pin (pin 10 of U1), enabling switching frequency locking from 200kHz to 2MHz. This feature is confirmed in the schematic and functional test waveforms on page 4 of the Rev. 1.0 document.

How is the 1V output voltage set and adjusted?

The nominal 1V output is set by the R1/R2/R3 resistor divider network (80.6kΩ/120kΩ/51kΩ) per the MP8867 feedback topology. Output voltage can be dynamically adjusted between 0.6V and 1.87V in 10mV steps using the I²C interface-verified in the "Features" section and functional test conditions.

What protection features are demonstrated on this board?

The board demonstrates hiccup-mode over-current protection (OCP), over-voltage protection (OVP), and thermal shutdown-each reportable via I²C status registers. These protections are enabled by default and verified in the "EVB TEST RESULTS" waveforms showing controlled shutdown under overload and overvoltage conditions.

Can the EN pin be used for sequencing control?

Yes. The EN pin has a precise 1.52V turn-on threshold and 1.02V turn-off threshold, allowing reliable power sequencing in multi-rail systems. The Quick Start Guide explicitly specifies driving EN above 1.52V to enable and below 1.02V to disable regulation.

Is the MP8867GLE IC included and soldered on the board?

Yes. The bill of materials (page 3) lists U1 as "MP8867 Step-Down Converter with I2C Interface QFN14 (3*4)" and manufacturer part number "MP8867GLE". The schematic shows U1 mounted in the QFN-14 footprint with full signal routing to test points and connectors.