Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVBL2171-J-00A

Overview

EVBL2171-J-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP2171 and MPQ2171 synchronous step-down DC/DC converters, featuring integrated MPS MPL-AL5030-1R0 inductor, 2.6MHz switching frequency, 1A output current capability, and 1.2V fixed output voltage optimized for single-cell Li-ion battery-powered systems.

For engineers reviewing the EVBL2171-J-00A datasheet, EVBL2171-J-00A pinout, EVBL2171-J-00A application, or EVBL2171-J-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP2171GJ/MPQ2171GJ performance-including COT control loop response, EN/PG sequencing, thermal behavior under load, and efficiency across 2.5–5.5V input range with ceramic output capacitors.

Technical Context

The EVBL2171-J-00A implements a complete reference design for the MP2171 IC in TSOT23-8 package, configured with fixed 1.2V output using 41.2kΩ/41.2kΩ feedback divider, 1μH integrated inductor, 22μF X5R output capacitor, and 330μF polymer input capacitor-supporting stable operation from 2.5V to 5.5V VIN with <0.4% load regulation at 1A.

It demonstrates constant-on-time (COT) control architecture with cycle-by-cycle over-current protection, hiccup-mode short-circuit response, thermal shutdown, and internal soft-start; power-good (PG) signal asserts after VOUT reaches 90% of target within 2ms startup time under 1A load.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVBL2171-J-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, handheld battery-powered devices, and low-voltage I/O power systems requiring stable component supply, fast design iteration, and validated thermal and EMI performance.

Supply support for EVBL2171-J-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 expertise in DC/DC conversion, LED drivers, and motor control solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

This evaluation board belongs to MPS's EVB (Evaluation Board) product line, designed to accelerate customer adoption of their monolithic buck converters by providing fully tested, application-optimized hardware with documented test results and quick-start guidance.

FAQ

What input voltage range is supported on the EVBL2171-J-00A?

The board operates with a 2.5V to 5.5V input voltage range, validated across this span using a 330μF polymer input capacitor and damping recommendations for long cables. Performance metrics-including efficiency, ripple, and thermal rise-are specified at 3.3V and 5V inputs per test reports.

Can the output voltage be adjusted, and how?

Yes, VOUT is adjustable via the FB pin using an external resistor divider. The default 1.2V setting uses R1 = R2 = 41.2kΩ; other values (e.g., 1.8V, 3.3V) are supported using the formula VOUT = 0.6V × (1 + R1/R2), with recommended 1% tolerance resistors listed in Table 1 of the reference documentation.

Does the board include protection features from the MP2171 IC?

Yes, all MP2171 protections are fully implemented: cycle-by-cycle over-current protection triggers immediate shutdown, short-circuit protection enters hiccup mode (repeated restart attempts), and thermal shutdown activates above 150°C junction temperature-verified in thermal imaging tests up to 1A load.

What is the role of the PG (Power Good) signal, and how is it used?

PG is an open-drain output that goes high (pulled up externally) when VOUT reaches ≥90% of its target value and remains stable. It supports power sequencing in multi-rail systems and is probed via dedicated 1mm test point; timing waveforms confirm 2ms assertion delay under 1A load per test data.

Is the integrated inductor replaceable, and what is its part number?

Yes, the MPL-AL5030-1R0 is a surface-mount, 1μH, 12A-rated power inductor with 7mΩ DCR, optimized for the MP2171's 2.6MHz operation. It is soldered but can be desoldered and replaced with compatible 1μH inductors meeting the same saturation current and thermal requirements.

How is enable (EN) functionality implemented on this board?

EN is brought out to a 1mm test point and accepts logic-level control: drive >1.2V to enable the converter, <0.4V to disable. Internal pull-down ensures safe default-off state; startup/shutdown waveforms show clean transitions with no overshoot or oscillation during EN toggling.