Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV9486A-N-00A

Overview

EV9486A-N-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the MP9486A 4.5V–100V input, 3.5A hysteresis-controlled buck converter in a 5V/1A step-down configuration. It integrates a high-side 100V MOSFET, supports up to 1MHz switching, and delivers 85% peak efficiency at 60V_IN/1A_OUT. The board is used for rapid validation of wide-input industrial and automotive power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the EV9486A-N-00A datasheet, EV9486A-N-00A pinout, EV9486A-N-00A application, or EV9486A-N-00A equivalent, this board enables fast functional verification of MP9486A's transient response, hiccup-mode short-circuit protection, thermal shutdown behavior, and load/line regulation performance under real-world 8–95V input conditions.

Technical Context

The EV9486A-N-00A implements the MP9486A IC in a fixed 5V output configuration using a 240kΩ/10kΩ resistor divider (R1/R2), setting V_FB = 0.2V. Input filtering uses dual 2.2μF/100V X7R ceramics (C1A/C1B) and a 100μF tantalum (C2A), while output capacitance combines 4.7μF ceramic (C2B) and 100μF bulk storage.

It operates with a 33μH shielded inductor (L1), B1100 Schottky catch diode (D1), and SOIC8-exposed-pad mounting for thermal management. Startup requires ≥8V input to ensure bootstrap capacitor (C3) charging; the EN pin accepts 1.7V–5.5V logic-level control with active-low shutdown discharge.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV9486A-N-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for scooter motor control power supplies, solar charge controller auxiliary rails, automotive body electronics, and industrial 24/48V system point-of-load conversion requiring stable component supply and rapid design-in support.

Supply support for EV9486A-N-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 converters, LED drivers, and motor control solutions.

The MP9486A product line targets ultra-wide-input industrial and transportation power systems, delivering robustness against voltage transients and simplified layout via hysteretic control and integrated high-voltage power stages.

FAQ

What input voltage range is supported for reliable 5V output operation?

The EV9486A-N-00A requires 8–95V DC input to maintain regulated 5V output. Below 8V, insufficient bootstrap voltage prevents high-side MOSFET gate drive, causing startup failure. Input transients up to 100V are tolerated per MP9486A specifications.

How is output voltage adjusted on this evaluation board?

V_OUT is set to 5V by default using R1=240kΩ and R2=10kΩ. To change output voltage, replace R2 using the formula V_OUT = V_FB × (1 + R1/R2), where V_FB = 0.2V. R1 remains fixed; only R2 is user-modifiable.

Does the board support enable/disable functionality, and how is it implemented?

Yes - the EN pin (Pin 7 of U1) accepts 1.7V–5.5V logic-high to enable operation and <1V to disable. When disabled, the output discharges to 0V through the load; no external pull-down is required as internal circuitry ensures clean shutdown.

What thermal management features does the board include?

The MP9486AGN SOIC8 package uses an exposed pad soldered to a dedicated copper pour on the board's bottom layer. This thermal pad connects directly to internal ground planes and provides low-impedance heat transfer to ambient, enabling 1A continuous operation at +25°C without forced airflow.

Can this board be used to evaluate pulse-load capability?

Yes - the board supports 2A pulse loads (≤10ms duration) as verified in test reports. Pulse capability relies on output capacitance (100μF tantalum + 4.7μF ceramic) and inductor saturation current (I_SAT = 2.9A). Longer pulses require thermal derating and may trigger hiccup protection.

Is the schematic and PCB layout provided with the board?

Yes - the full schematic, bill of materials, top/bottom PCB layer drawings, and Gerber files are included in the official EV9486A-N-00A Rev.1.0 documentation from MPS. These resources are publicly available on the Monolithic Power Systems website under the product page for MP9486A.