Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVBL4423H-Q-00A

Overview

EVBL4423H-Q-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled and tested evaluation board for the MPQ4423HGQ - a 36V, 3A synchronous step-down converter with integrated MOSFETs and power inductor. It supports 4–36V input, delivers fixed 3.3V/3A output, operates at 410kHz default switching frequency, includes EN/SYNC and PG signals, and targets automotive-grade AEC-Q100 Grade 1 applications.

For engineers reviewing the EVBL4423H-Q-00A datasheet, EVBL4423H-Q-00A pinout, EVBL4423H-Q-00A application, or EVBL4423H-Q-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MPQ4423HGQ performance under cold-crank (4V VIN), load dump (36V VIN), thermal stress, and synchronized multi-phase operation using CLK_OUT.

Technical Context

The EVBL4423H-Q-00A implements the MPQ4423HGQ in QFN-8 (3mm×3mm) package with internal 85mΩ/55mΩ MOSFETs and an MPL-AL6060-100 10µH inductor. It uses current-mode control for fast transient response and supports external clock synchronization from 200kHz to 2.2MHz via the EN/SYNC pin.

Board-level features include power-good (PG) monitoring, hiccup-mode over-current protection, thermal shutdown, soft-start, and power-save mode (PSM). The layout integrates five 22µF/16V ceramic output capacitors and a 22µF electrolytic input capacitor to support high ripple current and low ESR requirements across automotive temperature ranges.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVBL4423H-Q-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU validation, industrial power module prototyping, and distributed DC-DC subsystem design requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for EVBL4423H-Q-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 design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global distribution through authorized partners.

This evaluation board belongs to MPS's automotive-qualified power conversion platform, engineered specifically for AEC-Q100 Grade 1 environments including engine control units, ADAS domain controllers, and body electronics modules.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EVBL4423H-Q-00A support?

The board supports 4 V to 36 V DC input, verified across cold-crank (4 V), nominal (12 V/24 V), and load-dump (36 V) conditions per ISO 7637-2. Input capacitance includes one 22 µF electrolytic and four 0.1 µF ceramics to maintain stability during fast transients.

How is output voltage configured on this evaluation board?

VOUT is fixed at 3.3 V using R7 = 41.2 kΩ and R8 = 13 kΩ, based on the MPQ4423HGQ's 0.792 V feedback reference. Equation VOUT = 0.792 × (1 + R7/R8) confirms 3.3 V; changing R8 allows reconfiguration, but compensation must be recalculated per the datasheet.

Can the EVBL4423H-Q-00A synchronize with other converters?

Yes - the EN/SYNC pin accepts 200 kHz–2.2 MHz external clocks to align switching edges, and CLK_OUT provides an inverted SW signal for 180° out-of-phase operation of a second buck stage, enabling interleaved designs without additional timing ICs.

What protection functions are implemented on the board?

The board demonstrates full MPQ4423HGQ protection: over-current protection with hiccup recovery, thermal shutdown (triggered at ~150°C junction), power-good (PG) flag, and soft-start. No external components are required to activate these features.

Is the EVBL4423H-Q-00A AEC-Q100 qualified?

The board itself is not qualified, but it evaluates the MPQ4423HGQ - an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified device rated for −40°C to +125°C ambient operation. Board layout and component selection follow automotive reliability guidelines, including derated ceramics and low-ESR bulk capacitance.

Does the board include the MPQ4423HGQ IC and MPS inductor?

Yes - U1 is the MPQ4423HGQ in QFN-8 (3 mm × 3 mm) package, and L2 is the MPS MPL-AL6060-100 10 µH power inductor with 7 A saturation current and 27 mΩ DCR, optimized for high-efficiency operation with this controller.