Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV9218-GT-00A

Overview

EV9218-GT-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled and tested evaluation board for the MP9218 regulated charge pump IC, delivering a fixed 5V output at up to 110mA from 2.8V–5V input, with no external inductor required and integrated soft-start for inrush current control.

For engineers reviewing the EV9218-GT-00A datasheet, EV9218-GT-00A pinout, EV9218-GT-00A application, or EV9218-GT-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP9218 performance in compact DC-DC conversion, LED biasing, and low-noise 5V supply generation where inductor-free design and fast startup are critical.

Technical Context

The EV9218-GT-00A implements the MP9218's 2× charge pump architecture with fixed 1MHz (1.3MHz typical on board) switching frequency and internal regulation loop, supporting direct connection to load and source via labeled VOUT/GND and VIN/GND terminals.

It exposes the MP9218's EN pin for external enable/disable control (1.5V threshold high, 0.4V low), includes test points TP1–TP5 for VIN, EN, VOUT, and GND, and uses three 0805 ceramic capacitors (C1: 470nF, C2/C3: 2.2µF) plus one 0603 resistor (R1: 100kΩ) for biasing and filtering.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV9218-GT-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED backlight evaluation, portable device power validation, and low-noise 5V supply prototyping requiring stable component supply and immediate bench readiness.

Supply support for EV9218-GT-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) designs high-performance analog and power semiconductor solutions, emphasizing integration, efficiency, and reliability for portable, automotive, and industrial applications.

The EV9218-GT-00A belongs to MPS's evaluation board product line, created specifically to accelerate adoption of their regulated charge pump ICs by providing validated reference designs with full schematic, layout, and BOM documentation.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EV9218-GT-00A?

The EV9218-GT-00A is an evaluation board for the MP9218 regulated charge pump IC. It provides a ready-to-use platform to validate 5V output generation from 2.8V–5V input without inductors, supporting quick testing of efficiency, transient response, and protection behavior under real load conditions.

Does the board require external components to operate?

No. The EV9218-GT-00A is fully assembled and tested with all necessary passive components onboard: C1 (470nF), C2/C3 (2.2µF each), R1 (100kΩ), and U1 (MP9218DGT-LF-Z). Only a DC power supply and load are needed for basic operation.

How is enable/disable controlled on this board?

Enable/disable is controlled via the EN pin (accessible at TP2). Driving TP2 above 1.5V turns the MP9218 on; driving it below 0.4V shuts it down. This allows precise sequencing control in multi-rail systems or battery-saving modes.

What is the measured switching frequency on the board?

The board operates at a preset switching frequency of 1.3 MHz, slightly higher than the MP9218's nominal 1 MHz due to component tolerances and layout parasitics. This frequency enables compact filtering with standard 0805 MLCCs and reduces audible noise.

Can this board be used for continuous operation or only lab evaluation?

The EV9218-GT-00A is designed for bench evaluation and functional verification-not long-term deployment. Its layout and thermal design prioritize signal access and measurement over sustained power dissipation; continuous 110mA operation requires ambient temperature monitoring and airflow.

Are test points provided for key signals?

Yes. Five test points (TP1–TP5) provide direct access to VIN, EN, VOUT, and GND. TP1 = VIN, TP2 = EN, TP3 = VOUT, TP4 = GND, TP5 = second GND. These support oscilloscope probing, voltage monitoring, and current injection without soldering.