Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVBL4415A-QB-00A

Overview

EVBL4415A-QB-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP4415A/MPQ4415A 36V, 1.5A synchronous step-down converter IC, featuring an integrated MPS inductor (MPL-AT2514-2R2), QFN-13 package support, 2.2MHz switching frequency, and automotive-grade cold-crank capability (4V–36V input). It delivers regulated 3.3V/1.5A output with PG indicator, FCCM mode, and valley-current OCP.

For engineers reviewing the EVBL4415A-QB-00A datasheet, EVBL4415A-QB-00A pinout, EVBL4415A-QB-00A application, or EVBL4415A-QB-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP4415A-based power designs under automotive transients (cold crank, load dump), industrial input ripple, and high-frequency EMI-constrained layouts.

Technical Context

The EVBL4415A-QB-00A implements a complete reference design for the MP4415A buck controller, including optimized layout for thermal management and EMI suppression-evidenced by input damping capacitors (CIN4/CIN5), BST capacitor routing, and dedicated VEMI ground plane. It supports both enable control and external clock synchronization (450kHz–2.2MHz) via the EN/SYNC pin.

Board-level features include factory-configured 3.3V output using 41.2kΩ/13kΩ feedback divider, PG open-drain status signaling, and test points for VIN, VOUT, SW, PG, and EN/SYNC. The 6.35cm × 6.35cm × 0.5cm PCB uses golden-pin DIP headers for VIN, VOUT, GND, and PG, enabling direct connection to electronic loads and power supplies without soldering.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVBL4415A-QB-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ADAS power validation, industrial PLC DC-DC staging, and distributed power system prototyping requiring stable component supply, traceable revision history (Rev. 1.1), and full BOM transparency.

Supply support for EVBL4415A-QB-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 over two decades of innovation in DC-DC conversion, motor drivers, and battery management solutions.

The EVBL4415A-QB-00A belongs to MPS's evaluation board product line, designed to accelerate adoption of their automotive-qualified synchronous buck converters by providing fully tested, layout-optimized hardware with documented test data and quick-start guidance.

FAQ

What input voltage range is validated on the EVBL4415A-QB-00A?

The board is fully characterized across 4 V to 36 V input, including cold-crank (4 V) and load-dump (36 V) transients per ISO 7637-2. Test reports confirm stable 3.3 V output regulation and no hiccup-mode triggering below 4.5 V at full 1.5 A load.

Can I adjust the output voltage, and how?

Yes-VOUT is set by an external resistor divider on FB. The board ships with 41.2 kΩ (R6) and 13 kΩ (R5) for 3.3 V, but values can be changed per Equation (1): RFB2 = RFB1 × (VOUT − 0.807 V) / 0.807 V. Recommended RFB1 ≈ 40 kΩ for VOUT ≥ 1 V.

Does the board support external clock synchronization?

Yes-the EN/SYNC pin accepts 450 kHz to 2.2 MHz external clocks to align switching edges with system timing domains. When driven with a clean square wave above 1.45 V, the internal oscillator locks to the rising edge, reducing beat frequencies and EMI peaks.

What protection features are demonstrated on this board?

The board validates OCP with valley-current detection and hiccup recovery, thermal shutdown (observed at >125°C junction), PG fault signaling (open-drain low during short, open-load, or thermal fault), and FCCM mode for seamless light-load regulation without frequency foldback.

Is the inductor included, and is it mandatory to use the MPS part?

Yes-the board includes the MPL-AT2514-2R2 inductor, which is optimized for 2.2 MHz operation with low DCR (70 mΩ) and 2.5 A saturation current. Substitution requires matching DCR, saturation current, and self-resonant frequency; non-MPS parts may degrade efficiency or cause instability.

How do I connect a load and monitor power-good status?

Connect load between VOUT (+) and GND (−) terminals. PG status is available at the "PG" header pin: open-drain output pulled low during fault conditions (short, open-load, thermal shutdown); otherwise high-impedance-requires external pull-up (e.g., 10 kΩ to 3.3 V) for logic-level monitoring.