Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVKT-5416

Overview

EVKT-5416 from Monolithic Power Systems is a complete evaluation kit for the MP5416 power management IC, enabling rapid configuration and validation of its four buck converters, five LDOs, and I²C/OTP programmable system settings. It includes the EV5416-R-00D evaluation board, EVKT-USBI2C-02 USB-to-I²C interface, cables, and two MP5416GR-CCCC ICs for OTP programming trials.

For engineers reviewing the EVKT-5416 datasheet, EVKT-5416 pinout, EVKT-5416 application, or EVKT-5416 equivalent, this kit supports hands-on verification of PMIC startup sequencing, dynamic voltage scaling, register-level control, and one-time programmable configuration deployment under real-world load and thermal conditions.

Technical Context

The EVKT-5416 provides full hardware and software infrastructure to evaluate the MP5416 - a digitally configurable PMIC with 4 synchronous buck regulators (up to 3A each), 5 low-dropout linear regulators, and integrated I²C/PMBus interface. It enables both volatile register tuning and permanent OTP programming of critical parameters including switching frequency, current limits, soft-start time, and power-on delay.

Operation requires Windows XP or later, .NET Framework 4.0, ≥22.2 MB free space, and a USB port. The kit uses 3.5–5 V input for board operation and 6.2–6.5 V only during OTP write cycles. Communication relies on the EVKT-USBI2C-02 dongle, which implements USBXpress-based I²C bridging with MPS Virtual Bench Pro GUI support.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVKT-5416 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power architecture validation, PMIC firmware development, and production-ready OTP configuration testing requiring stable component supply, repeatable lab setup, and traceable evaluation hardware sourcing.

Supply support for EVKT-5416 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 solutions for computing, industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The EVKT-5416 belongs to MPS's digital PMIC evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate adoption of their I²C/OTP-programmable power ICs by providing turnkey hardware, validated GUI tools, and documented OTP programming workflows.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the EVKT-USBI2C-02 included in the kit?

The EVKT-USBI2C-02 is a dedicated USB-to-I²C communication interface that bridges the PC and MP5416 evaluation board. It implements the USBXpress protocol and is required for all GUI-based register access and OTP programming - standard USB-to-I²C adapters are not compatible due to driver and timing requirements.

Can the EVKT-5416 be used to program multiple MP5416 ICs?

Yes - the kit includes two MP5416GR-CCCC ICs for OTP experimentation, and the EV5416-R-00D board supports socketed replacement. Users can program additional MP5416 devices using the same EVKT-USBI2C-02 interface and GUI, provided they meet the 6.2–6.5 V OTP write voltage requirement.

Why does OTP programming require a higher input voltage than normal operation?

OTP programming requires 6.2–6.5 V to ensure sufficient gate overdrive for reliable fuse programming within the MP5416's internal memory array. This elevated voltage is applied only during the WRITE command and is strictly enforced by the GUI to prevent accidental or incomplete OTP writes at standard 3.5–5 V operating levels.

Is the EV5416-R-00D board compatible with other MPS PMICs?

No - the EV5416-R-00D is mechanically and electrically optimized exclusively for the MP5416GR-CCCC. Its layout, decoupling, feedback networks, and pin mapping match the MP5416's 48-pin QFN package and specific regulator/LDO routing; it is not a generic platform for other MPS PMICs.

Does the GUI retain configurations between sessions?

No - the MPS I²C GUI does not auto-save user-modified register values. All I²C-mode changes are volatile and reset on power cycle. OTP-exported configurations are saved as external text files, but must be manually reloaded and written to hardware; the GUI itself maintains no persistent state across launches.

What happens if I attempt OTP programming on an already-programmed MP5416?

The GUI allows the OTP workflow to proceed, but writing will silently fail - no error is displayed, and the device retains its original OTP image. This behavior is intentional: MP5416 OTP memory is one-time programmable at the silicon level, and no overwrite mechanism exists. Verification requires reading back registers post-power-cycle.