Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVL2491C-QB-00A

Overview

EVL2491C-QB-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP2491C 32V, 6A step-down converter IC, demonstrating configurable current limit, VOUT scaling via dual DVS pins, and COT control architecture. It delivers 5V/6A output from 24V input with 490kHz switching, 95% peak efficiency, and supports forced PWM or auto-PFM mode.

For engineers reviewing the EVL2491C-QB-00A datasheet, EVL2491C-QB-00A pinout, EVL2491C-QB-00A application, or EVL2491C-QB-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of high-voltage DC-DC conversion in USB PD, automotive adapter, and monitor power supply designs with real-world thermal and transient performance data.

Technical Context

The EVL2491C-QB-00A implements the MP2491C's constant-on-time (COT) control loop using a QFN-13 packaged IC with integrated 33mΩ/22mΩ high- and low-side MOSFETs. It supports input voltages from 4V to 32V and output voltages scalable from 0.5V to 30V via VSEL1/VSEL2 logic inputs.

Board-level features include dedicated DVS slew rate control, low-dropout mode, output line drop compensation, and hiccup-mode over-current protection triggered at adjustable ILIM threshold. The 4.7µH MPL-AY1050-4R7 inductor and 10× ceramic + 1× electrolytic output capacitor array ensure stable 6A delivery with <50mV ripple at full load.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVL2491C-QB-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB Power Delivery adapters, automotive cigarette lighter converters, and multi-function peripheral (MFP) power supplies requiring stable component supply, fast design iteration, and production-ready thermal validation.

Supply support for EVL2491C-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 core expertise in DC-DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting controllers.

The EVL2491C-QB-00A belongs to MPS's evaluation board product line, designed specifically to accelerate adoption of their high-voltage, high-current buck converters in consumer, industrial, and automotive power applications.

FAQ

What input voltage range is supported on the EVL2491C-QB-00A?

The board supports 4V to 32V DC input, verified per MP2491C specifications. Testing was conducted at 24V with full 6A output capability and >90% efficiency from 0.1A to 6A load. Input capacitors (10µF ×3 + 100µF electrolytic) are rated for 35V, ensuring margin at maximum VIN.

How do I change the output voltage from 5V to 9V?

Set VSEL1 = GND and VSEL2 = VCC using onboard jumpers or external logic. This configures the internal feedback divider to deliver 9V output, as defined in Table 1 of the quick start guide. No resistor changes are required - scaling is digitally controlled.

Does the board support forced PWM mode?

Yes. Drive the MODE pin to 0V (GND) to enable forced PWM operation, eliminating frequency variation under light load. The default setting is Auto-PFM/PWM (MODE = VCC), which improves light-load efficiency while maintaining regulation.

What protection features are demonstrated on this board?

The board validates MP2491C's full protection suite: output over-voltage protection (OVP), adjustable over-current protection with hiccup recovery, thermal shutdown, and EN-controlled soft-start/shutdown. SCP entry and recovery waveforms are captured in Section 7 of the reference document.

Is the inductor on the board replaceable with other MPS parts?

Yes - the board uses the MPL-AY1050-4R7 (4.7µH, 15A_ISAT, 9.5mΩ DCR), but it is compatible with other MPS inductors in the MPL-AL6050 series, including MPL-AL6050-2R2 and MPL-AL6050-100, provided saturation current and DCR meet MP2491C's 6A continuous requirement.

Can I use this board to evaluate dynamic VOUT scaling during operation?

Yes. The board supports real-time VOUT scaling up/down (e.g., 5V ↔ 9V) via VSEL1/VSEL2 toggling, with measured slew rate control limiting dV/dt to prevent overshoot. Test waveforms in Section 8 show clean transitions without PG fault assertion or output instability.