Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVL3414E-J-00A

Overview

EVL3414E-J-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP3414E synchronous boost converter IC, enabling rapid validation of 1.8A, 1MHz step-up power conversion with true input-output disconnect. It supports input voltages from 0.6V to 4V, delivers regulated 3.3V output, and integrates the TSOT23-8 MP3414EGJ IC with MPL-AL4020-3R3 inductor for battery-powered medical and portable electronics.

For engineers reviewing the EVL3414E-J-00A datasheet, EVL3414E-J-00A pinout, EVL3414E-J-00A application, or EVL3414E-J-00A equivalent, this board provides verified test data including efficiency vs. load current (up to 96% at 1.8V_IN), line/load regulation, Bode plots, startup/shutdown waveforms, and SCP behavior - all measured on the physical 6.35cm × 6.35cm × 0.6cm PCB.

Technical Context

The EVL3414E-J-00A implements a fixed-frequency (1MHz) current-mode synchronous boost topology using the MP3414E IC, which features internal compensation, inrush limiting, and soft-start. Its design enables operation down to 0.8V_IN startup and supports VIN > VOUT "down mode" regulation when input exceeds output voltage.

Board-level functionality includes true output disconnect via integrated MOSFET control, short-circuit protection with automatic recovery, and adjustable VOUT via FB resistor divider (R1 = 365kΩ, R2 = 210kΩ for 3.3V). Test results confirm stable regulation across 10mA–400mA loads and input ranges from 0.6V to 4V.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVL3414E-J-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered medical devices, wireless peripherals, and handheld computing applications requiring stable component supply, fast evaluation turnaround, and production-ready reference design validation.

Supply support for EVL3414E-J-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, LED drivers, and motor control solutions.

The EVL3414E-J-00A belongs to MPS's evaluation board product line, designed specifically to accelerate development of low-voltage, high-efficiency boost converters for energy-constrained portable and wearable systems.

FAQ

What is the preset output voltage and how is it set?

The EVL3414E-J-00A is factory-configured for 3.3V output using a 365kΩ (R1) and 210kΩ (R2) resistor divider on the FB pin of the MP3414EGJ IC. The feedback reference voltage is 1.21V, and VOUT is calculated as VFB × (1 + R1/R2). Adjusting R2 changes the regulated output voltage per Equation (1) in the quick start guide.

Does this board support input voltages below 1.0V?

Yes - the underlying MP3414EGJ IC starts up at 0.8V_IN, and the EVL3414E-J-00A board validates operation across the full 0.6V–4V input range. Startup waveforms and efficiency curves at 1.2V_IN are included in the official test report (Rev. 1.0, p.4–5).

Can the board operate when input voltage exceeds output voltage?

Yes - the MP3414EGJ supports VIN > VOUT "down mode" operation, where the high-side MOSFET ceases switching and acts as a low-impedance pass element. Line regulation data (p.4) confirms stable 3.3V output across 0.5–4.0V input at 10–400mA loads.

What protection features are implemented and tested?

The board demonstrates short-circuit protection (SCP) with automatic recovery, inrush current limiting, and thermal foldback. Oscilloscope waveforms (pp.6–9) show SCP entry/recovery, shutdown/startup via EN and VIN, and load transients from 0A to 0.5A with 25mA/µs slew rate.

Which inductor and capacitors are used on the board?

The board uses the MPS MPL-AL4020-3R3 (3.3µH, 34.5mΩ DCR, 5.2A saturation) inductor and three ceramic capacitors: one 10µF/10V (C1A), one 0.1µF/16V (C2A), and two parallel 47µF/10V (C2B/C2C) X5R units - all specified in the Bill of Materials (p.3).

Is output voltage adjustment supported without soldering?

No - VOUT adjustment requires replacing R2 (currently 210kΩ) with a different value resistor. The board provides no potentiometer or jumper-based tuning; resistor replacement is necessary to change output voltage, following the FB divider equation and layout guidelines in the schematic (p.3).