Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVL28162-C-00A

Overview

EVL28162-C-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP28162GC buck-boost DC/DC converter IC, featuring 1.5A integrated switch, 2MHz switching frequency, 1.8V–5.5V input range, and 93.2% peak efficiency at 3.3V_IN/3.3V_OUT/0.5A - designed to validate power delivery in space-constrained battery-powered systems.

For engineers reviewing the EVL28162-C-00A datasheet, EVL28162-C-00A pinout, EVL28162-C-00A application, or EVL28162-C-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP28162-based buck-boost designs under real-world load transients, start-up conditions down to 1.8V, and thermal performance with no forced airflow.

Technical Context

The EVL28162-C-00A implements a single-inductor, four-switch buck-boost topology using the MP28162GC WLCSP-15 IC, supporting seamless transition between step-down and step-up modes across 1.2V–5.5V input (post-startup) while maintaining regulated 3.3V output. It integrates internal 1.5A MOSFETs and supports MODE/SYNC pin control for forced PWM or auto PFM operation.

Board-level design includes an MPS MPL-AT2010-1R0 1µH inductor (R_DC = 50mΩ, I_SAT = 4.2A), four 22µF X5R 0603 output capacitors, and precision feedback resistors (R2 = 52.3kΩ, R3 = 100kΩ) setting V_OUT = 3.3V. Test points provide direct access to SW1, SW2, EN, MODE/SYNC, VCC, and all critical sense nodes.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVL28162-C-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered IoT sensors, portable medical devices, and wearable electronics requiring stable component supply, fast prototyping cycles, and validated reference designs for ultra-low-I_Q buck-boost conversion.

Supply support for EVL28162-C-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 converters, LED drivers, and motor drivers for consumer, industrial, and automotive markets.

The EVL28162-C-00A belongs to MPS's evaluation board portfolio for its MP28162 product line - engineered specifically to accelerate adoption of low-I_Q, high-efficiency buck-boost regulators in energy-sensitive portable applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVL28162-C-00A?

The EVL28162-C-00A is a fully assembled, tested evaluation board that demonstrates the MP28162GC buck-boost DC/DC converter IC. It provides immediate hardware validation of start-up behavior, efficiency, load regulation, transient response, and thermal performance without requiring custom PCB design or component sourcing.

Can the output voltage be adjusted on this board?

Yes - the board ships with a fixed 3.3V output set by R2 (52.3kΩ) and R3 (100kΩ), but the feedback resistor divider is accessible and modifiable. Replacing R2 allows adjustment of V_OUT per the MP28162GC's FB pin equation: V_OUT = 0.6V × (1 + R2/R3), supporting outputs from 0.6V to 5.5V.

Does the board support both forced PWM and auto PFM modes?

Yes - the MODE/SYNC pin is brought out to a test point and jumper JP1. Pulling MODE/SYNC low enables forced PWM mode for consistent 2MHz operation; pulling it high enables auto PFM mode to reduce quiescent current under light loads, improving battery runtime.

What inductor is used, and is it replaceable?

The board uses the MPS MPL-AT2010-1R0 1µH shielded power inductor (R_DC = 50mΩ, I_SAT = 4.2A). It is soldered in an SMD footprint compatible with similar 2.0×2.0mm inductors, allowing direct replacement for efficiency, saturation, or EMI optimization during design validation.

Are test points provided for key signals?

Yes - eight dedicated 1.0mm-diameter copper test points provide direct access to SENSE_GND, SENSE_VOUT, SENSE_SW1, SENSE_SW2, SENSE_MODE, SENSE_EN, SENSE_VCC, and SENSE_VIN. These enable oscilloscope probing of switching waveforms, enable timing, and feedback node stability analysis without soldering.

Is thermal performance data available for this board?

Yes - the official test report includes thermal imaging at I_OUT = 0.5A with no forced airflow and T_CASE = 30°C. The MP28162GC junction temperature rise remains within safe limits, confirming suitability for sealed enclosures and ambient temperatures up to 60°C in typical use cases.