Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVL28167-A-Q-00A

Overview

EVL28167-A-Q-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP28167-A synchronous buck-boost converter IC, designed to demonstrate USB Power Delivery (PD) sourcing port functionality with 3A output at 5V from a 12V input. It integrates the QFN-16 MP28167GQ-A controller, MPS MPL-AL6050-4R7 inductor, and supports I²C-configurable V_OUT, switching frequency (500/750 kHz), and constant-current limiting.

For engineers reviewing the EVL28167-A-Q-00A datasheet, EVL28167-A-Q-00A pinout, EVL28167-A-Q-00A application, or EVL28167-A-Q-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of buck-boost regulation across 2.8–22V input, I²C-controlled voltage scaling (0.08–1.637V reference), hiccup-mode fault recovery, and transient response under load steps up to 3A.

Technical Context

The EVL28167-A-Q-00A implements the MP28167-A's dual-mode control architecture: constant-on-time (COT) in buck mode and constant-off-time (COT-like) in boost mode, enabling seamless mode transitions and fast load transient response (<2ms settling). It validates the IC's integrated four-MOSFET topology with low R_DS(ON) switches and internal current sensing for accurate CC limiting.

Board-level features include configurable line-drop compensation, programmable soft-start via I²C, OTP memory for persistent settings, and comprehensive protection-OCP, OVP (hiccup/latch-off), UVP, SCP, and thermal shutdown-verified across startup, steady-state, and fault-recovery waveforms at 25°C ambient.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVL28167-A-Q-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB Power Delivery (PD) sourcing port development, buck-boost VBUS supply design, and I²C-programmable DC-DC converter validation requiring stable component supply and full functional demonstration.

Supply support for EVL28167-A-Q-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 DC-DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting solutions.

This evaluation board supports the MP28167-A product line-designed specifically for USB PD 3.0/3.1 sourcing ports requiring wide-input, bidirectional regulation, precise current limiting, and digital configurability via I²C.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EVL28167-A-Q-00A support?

The board demonstrates the MP28167-A's full 2.8V to 22V operating input range, with test data and schematics validated at 12V VIN. It maintains regulated 5V output across this span using automatic buck-boost mode transition, confirmed by efficiency curves and transient waveforms in the official revision 1.0 documentation.

How is output voltage configured on this evaluation board?

V_OUT is set by a resistor divider (R1 = 430kΩ, R2 = 107kΩ) yielding 5V default, but can be reprogrammed via I²C to any value between 0.08V and 1.637V using the internal 12-bit DAC and 0.8mV reference resolution-enabling precise USB PD profile selection without hardware changes.

Does the board support constant-current (CC) limiting, and how is it implemented?

Yes-the MP28167-A provides accurate internal current sensing and programmable CC limit via I²C. The board validates CC operation at 3A with electronic load testing, showing clean entry into constant-current mode and stable regulation verified in CV/CC transition waveforms on page 10 of the reference document.

What protection features are demonstrated on the EVL28167-A-Q-00A?

The board fully exercises OVP (hiccup and latch-off modes), SCP (hiccup recovery), OCP, UVP, and thermal shutdown. Test results on pages 9–10 show SCP recovery timing (~20ms hiccup period), OVP latch-off behavior (>500ms hold), and thermal shutdown activation under sustained 3A load at elevated ambient.

Can the switching frequency be changed, and how is it controlled?

Yes-switching frequency is configurable between 500 kHz and 750 kHz exclusively via I²C command. This is verified in steady-state waveforms (pages 8–9), where both frequencies are tested with identical 4.7µH inductor, confirming stable operation and reduced output ripple at higher frequency.

Is external programming hardware required to use the I²C interface?

No-the board includes standard SCL/SDA test points (CN1 pins) compatible with common I²C master devices (e.g., Arduino, Bus Pirate, or MPS' EVK GUI). Default operation requires no I²C interaction; all functions work autonomously after EN assertion, per the Quick Start Guide on page 3.