Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV9486-N-00A

Overview

EV9486-N-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the MP9486 - a 4.5V–95V input, 1A output hysteresis-controlled buck converter in SOIC8-EP package, delivering regulated 5V output with up to 90% efficiency at 1A under 36V/60V input, used for power conversion in e-bike control units and solar energy systems.

For engineers reviewing the EV9486-N-00A datasheet, EV9486-N-00A pinout, EV9486-N-00A application, or EV9486-N-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of wide-input DC-DC conversion performance, transient response, hiccup-mode short-circuit protection, thermal shutdown behavior, and EN-controlled startup/shutdown sequencing in industrial and automotive power supply designs.

Technical Context

The EV9486-N-00A implements the MP9486 IC in a fixed 5V output configuration using a 240kΩ/10kΩ resistor divider (R1/R2), 33μH power inductor (Wurth 744776133), 100μF tantalum output capacitor, and B1100 Schottky diode. It operates with hysteresis voltage control - eliminating external compensation components and enabling sub-microsecond load transient response.

Input range is validated from 8V to 95V DC (with 100V spike tolerance), supporting V_IN = 36V and 60V test conditions per official characterization. The board integrates thermal shutdown, hiccup-mode short-circuit protection triggered at ~0.32V current-sense threshold, and 170μA quiescent current - critical for always-on auxiliary supplies.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV9486-N-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for e-bike control power supply development, solar charge controller prototyping, and industrial 24/48V system auxiliary rail generation requiring stable component supply and verified reference design validation.

Supply support for EV9486-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 expertise in DC-DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting controllers.

The MP9486 product line targets high-voltage industrial and transportation power systems - specifically engineered for reliable operation in 24V–72V battery-based platforms where input transients, thermal constraints, and minimal external component count are critical.

FAQ

What input voltage range is supported on the EV9486-N-00A board?

The board supports 8V to 95V DC input as specified in the Rev. 1.1 documentation. While the MP9486 IC itself operates down to 4.5V, stable 5V regulation requires ≥8V input due to bootstrap capacitor charging requirements. Input transients up to 100V are tolerated without damage.

Can the output voltage be adjusted, and how?

Yes - V_OUT is programmable via the feedback resistor divider. With R1 = 240kΩ and V_FB = 0.2V, changing R2 adjusts output using V_OUT = V_FB × (1 + R1/R2). For example, replacing R2 (10kΩ) with 20kΩ yields ~6V output. Layout allows direct soldering of alternate resistors.

Does the board include short-circuit protection, and how does it behave?

Yes - it implements hiccup-mode short-circuit protection. When current exceeds ~1.7A (corresponding to 0.32V across the internal sense element), the MP9486 shuts down switching, waits ~30ms, then attempts restart. This cycle repeats until fault clears, preventing thermal runaway during sustained overload.

What is the purpose of the DIM pin on the MP9486, and is it used on this board?

The DIM pin enables analog dimming or adjustable current limiting via an external voltage. On EV9486-N-00A, DIM is left unconnected (NC) per schematic - the board uses fixed-current-limit operation. No external circuitry is attached, and DIM functionality is not enabled in default configuration.

How is enable (EN) functionality implemented, and what logic levels activate it?

The EN pin accepts TTL/CMOS-compatible signals: >1.7V (typically 3.3V or 5V) enables the converter; <1.0V disables it. When disabled, V_OUT discharges to 0V through the load. The board exposes EN at header pin 6, allowing external microcontroller or sequencer control of power-up timing.

What PCB dimensions and layer count does the EV9486-N-00A use?

The board measures 6.3 cm × 6.3 cm × 1.3 cm (L×W×H) and uses a 2-layer PCB layout, as confirmed in the "Printed Circuit Board Layout" section (Pages 8–9). Top and bottom copper layers are shown separately, with no mention of internal signal or power planes.