Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVBL9840-L-00A

Overview

EVBL9840-L-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled and tested evaluation board for the MP9840 and MPQ9840 synchronous step-down converters, delivering 3.3V at up to 3.5A across a 3.3V–36V input range. It integrates the MPL-AL6060-100 power inductor, supports configurable switching frequency (350kHz–2.5MHz), AAM/FCCM mode selection via SYNC pin, and features Power Good indication, soft-start control, and over-current protection with valley-current detection.

For engineers reviewing the EVBL9840-L-00A datasheet, EVBL9840-L-00A pinout, EVBL9840-L-00A application, or EVBL9840-L-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of high-efficiency, low-I_Q DC/DC conversion in automotive and industrial power systems - especially where cold-crank (3.3V VIN), load-dump (36V transient), and hiccup-mode OCP behavior must be verified under real-world conditions.

Technical Context

The EVBL9840-L-00A implements the MPQ9840GL QFN-16 (3mm×3mm) controller IC with integrated 125mΩ/55mΩ MOSFETs, operating in current-mode control with 80ns minimum on-time and selectable external SYNC clock (350kHz–2.5MHz). Its layout includes optimized EMI filtering (CIN6 damping capacitor, VEMI/GND net), wettable-flank package support, and test points for VIN, VOUT, EN, SYNC, and PG signals.

It demonstrates two operational modes: Advanced Asynchronous Modulation (AAM) for ultra-low quiescent current (14μA sleep, 2μA shutdown) at light loads, and Forced Continuous Conduction Mode (FCCM) for fixed-frequency stability under dynamic loading - both validated across 1mA–3.5A output current and 8V–36V input transients including cold crank and load dump.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVBL9840-L-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment power supplies, industrial PLC I/O module regulators, and battery-powered test equipment requiring stable component supply, fast evaluation turnaround, and production-ready reference design validation.

Supply support for EVBL9840-L-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 integrated power stages, DC/DC converters, and automotive-grade solutions.

The EVBL9840-L-00A belongs to MPS's evaluation board product line, designed specifically to accelerate development of robust, high-efficiency buck converters for automotive and industrial applications demanding wide VIN, low I_Q, and reliable fault protection.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EVBL9840-L-00A support during operation?

The board operates across a 3.3V to 36V input range, validated for automotive cold-crank (3.3V) and load-dump (36V) transients. Input capacitors include 10µF ×2 (50V X7R, 1210) plus 0.1µF ×2 (50V X7R, 0603) for broadband decoupling, and CIN6 is reserved for damping resonance when using long cables (>0.5m) above 24V VIN.

How is output voltage configured on this evaluation board?

VOUT is fixed at 3.3V using an external resistor divider: RFB1 = 41.2kΩ and RFB2 = 13kΩ (1% tolerance), matching MPS Table 1. The FB pin connects directly to this network; no solder jumpers or configuration resistors are required for default operation.

Can the EVBL9840-L-00A be synchronized to an external clock?

Yes - the SYNC pin accepts a 350kHz–2.5MHz external clock signal. Driving SYNC high selects FCCM mode; driving it low or leaving it floating enables AAM mode. The external clock must exceed the internal fSW by ≥250kHz to ensure stable synchronization.

What protection features are implemented and how are they verified?

The board demonstrates over-current protection (OCP) with valley-current detection and hiccup-mode recovery, thermal shutdown, and Power Good (PG) assertion within ±10% of 3.3V. Test results on pages 11–13 confirm SCP entry/recovery waveforms, cold-crank hold-up, and load-dump immunity under 3.5A load.

Is the MP9840GL IC on this board automotive-qualified?

Yes - the U1 device is the MPQ9840GL variant, which is AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified (−40°C to +125°C junction temperature), packaged in a wettable-flank QFN-16 (3mm×3mm) for automated optical inspection and solder-joint reliability in automotive PCB assembly.

Does the board include EMI mitigation components?

Yes - it integrates a dedicated input EMC filter (CIN6 damping cap, R5 series resistor, and ferrite-bead-free layout), VEMI net separation, and optimized power loop routing. Layout Figures 3–6 show controlled-impedance traces and ground plane partitioning to suppress conducted and radiated emissions.