Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVKT-MP2980

Overview

EVKT-MP2980 from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation kit for the MP2980 synchronous four-switch buck-boost controller, designed to validate USB PD power supply designs with digital interface control, 0.5V–28V programmable output voltage, and real-time current monitoring. It includes the EV2980-R-00A evaluation board, EVKT-USBI2C-02 USB-to-digital interface, cables, and supports full register configuration via I²C.

For engineers reviewing the EVKT-MP2980 datasheet, EVKT-MP2980 setup guide, EVKT-MP2980 application notes, or EVKT-MP2980 compatible controllers, this kit enables rapid validation of buck-boost transient response, VOUT slew-rate tuning, IMON-based current limiting, and fault interrupt behavior under USB PD voltage profiles (5V/9V/15V/20V).

Technical Context

The EVKT-MP2980 implements a complete reference design for the MP2980 IC, integrating discrete MOSFETs (SWA–SWD), gate drive layout optimized for valley-current (buck) and peak-current (boost) control modes, and precision current-sense networks for IAVGP/IAVGN-based constant-current regulation. It supports all four factory-configurable switching frequencies (200/300/400/600 kHz) and FSS-enabled EMI reduction.

Hardware-level features include configurable VIN UVLO hysteresis via EN pin biasing, soft-start capacitor (CSS) on SS pin, dual bootstrap circuits (BST1/BST2), and interrupt-driven fault reporting (OCP/OVP/PNG) routed to the INT pin. The kit ships with Virtual Bench Pro 3.0 GUI software for real-time register read/write, VOUT ramp profiling, and IMON calibration.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVKT-MP2980 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB PD adapter development, industrial PC auxiliary rail validation, supercapacitor charge controller prototyping, and high-efficiency wide-input DC-DC converter qualification requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for EVKT-MP2980 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 expertise in DC-DC conversion, motor drivers, and battery management solutions.

The MP2980 product line targets digitally controllable, high-efficiency buck-boost power stages for USB Type-C PD applications, emphasizing fast load transient response, flexible protection schemes, and seamless integration with host microcontrollers via I²C.

FAQ

What components are included in the EVKT-MP2980 kit?

The kit contains one EV2980-R-00A evaluation board featuring the MP2980GR IC, one EVKT-USBI2C-02 USB-to-I²C interface device with ribbon cable and USB cable, and documentation. No external power supply or load is included - users must provide input source (5–36V) and output load.

Does EVKT-MP2980 support firmware updates or custom register configurations?

Yes - the kit is fully compatible with Virtual Bench Pro 3.0 software, enabling real-time read/write access to all MP2980 registers including VOUT_TARGET, VOUT_SLEW_RATE, ILIM_THRESHOLD, FSW_SELECT, and fault mask settings. No bootloader or hardware reprogramming is required.

Can the EVKT-MP2980 be used to evaluate thermal performance under full load?

Yes - the EV2980-R-00A board uses a 6-layer PCB with 2oz/1oz copper stackup and thermal vias under the MP2980 QFN-32 package. Thermal imaging data (Fig. 14–15 in datasheet Rev. 1.0) shows ≤20°C rise at 5A/20V output, validating thermal design for continuous operation.

Is the I²C interface on EVKT-MP2980 3.3V or 5V tolerant?

The SCL and SDA pins are 5V-tolerant with logic thresholds of 0.8V (low) and 2.0V (high). The EVKT-USBI2C-02 interface provides level-shifted 3.3V I²C signals by default, but the MP2980's internal pull-ups to AVDD (5.2V typical) allow direct connection to 5V microcontrollers when configured per datasheet Section 5.

How is over-current protection verified using this kit?

OCP is validated by shorting the output while monitoring the INT pin with an oscilloscope: a low pulse confirms hiccup-mode activation at 60% of VREF (≈1.23V). The kit's RSENS1/RSENS2 sense resistors (values documented in BOM) set initial trip points; these can be adjusted and re-verified via ILIM register writes.

Does the kit support forced continuous conduction mode (FCCM)?

Yes - FCCM is enabled by setting the FCCM bit (bit 7 of register 0x10) via I²C. The EV2980-R-00A board routes all necessary gate-drive paths (HG1/LG1/HG2/LG2) and bootstrap capacitors (BST1/BST2) to sustain continuous inductor current across buck-boost transitions without discontinuous mode artifacts.