Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVL8017-L-00B

Overview

EVL8017-L-00B from Monolithic Power Systems is an IEEE 802.3af-compliant PoE powered device (PD) evaluation board for the MP8017 IC, integrating active-clamp flyback converter with primary- or secondary-side regulation. It supports 13W isolated DC/DC conversion from 37–57V PoE input, features a 100V/0.5Ω hot-swap MOSFET, dual integrated 0.37Ω/0.75Ω flyback FETs, and operates in QFN-19 (3mm×4mm) package. Targeted for compact security cameras and VoIP phones.

For engineers reviewing the EVL8017-L-00B datasheet, EVL8017-L-00B pinout, EVL8017-L-00B application, or EVL8017-L-00B equivalent, this evaluation board enables rapid validation of MP8017-based IEEE 802.3af PD designs-particularly for PSR/SSR topology selection, efficiency optimization at 500kHz, and thermal behavior under 1A load at 12V output.

Technical Context

The EVL8017-L-00B implements the MP8017's dual-regulation architecture: PSR mode eliminates auxiliary winding via VDIODE-compensated output sensing, while SSR mode uses optocoupler feedback through COMP/FB pins. Its active-clamp topology recycles leakage energy, enabling >85% efficiency across 37–57V input at 1A/12V output.

Board-level design integrates all critical PD interface functions-detection (24.9kΩ DET resistor), classification (configurable CLASS resistor), inrush limiting (120mA), and protection (OVP at 64V, OTP at 150°C, hiccup-mode OLP). The layout supports both PSR and SSR configurations via jumper-selectable feedback paths and SNBR capacitor placement.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVL8017-L-00B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for IEEE 802.3af PoE PD development, security camera power subsystem validation, and VoIP phone reference design prototyping requiring stable component supply and fast-turn evaluation support.

Supply support for EVL8017-L-00B 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 converters, PoE solutions, and integrated power stages.

The EVL8017-L-00B belongs to MPS's PoE evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate adoption of their IEEE 802.3af/at-compliant PD controllers-emphasizing ease of topology validation, thermal characterization, and compliance pre-testing.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the EVL8017-L-00B evaluation board?

The EVL8017-L-00B is a fully assembled, tested reference design board for the MP8017 PoE PD controller. It enables engineers to validate PSR and SSR active-clamp flyback operation, measure efficiency and thermal performance, verify IEEE 802.3af detection/classification timing, and prototype 13W isolated power supplies without custom PCB design.

Can the EVL8017-L-00B support IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) operation?

Yes-the MP8017 IC on the board supports Class 4 classification (up to 25.5W), and the EVL8017-L-00B's layout and component ratings (100V hot-swap FET, 64V VBUS clamp) are compatible with 802.3at PSEs. However, full 802.3at power delivery requires external modifications to the output stage and thermal management per application requirements.

How do I configure the board for primary-side regulation (PSR) vs. secondary-side regulation (SSR)?

PSR mode is enabled by connecting FB to SW via R5 (included) and leaving COMP floating; SSR mode requires installing an optocoupler between COMP and secondary-side feedback, then disconnecting R5 and grounding FB for OVP setting. Jumper positions and footprint labels are documented in the MP8017 EVB User Guide Rev. 1.1.

What is the role of the SNBR pin and its associated capacitor on this board?

The SNBR pin connects to the internal sync FET's drain and requires a dedicated snubber capacitor (C7, 2.2nF on EVL8017-L-00B) between SNBR and VBUS. This capacitor absorbs leakage energy during active-clamp reset, enabling ZVS turn-on of the main switch and improving efficiency and EMI performance at high frequencies.

Does the board include input surge protection for PoE line transients?

No-the EVL8017-L-00B implements only the core MP8017 PD interface and flyback converter. It lacks TVS diodes or common-mode chokes for Ethernet-line surge immunity. For system-level robustness, external 100V-rated bidirectional TVS diodes (e.g., SMAJ100A) and common-mode chokes must be added upstream of the VBUS/AGND inputs per IEC 61000-4-5 Level 2 requirements.

What output voltage options does the board support out-of-the-box?

The board ships configured for 12V output (R1 = 20kΩ, R2 = 10kΩ on FB divider). Output voltage can be adjusted from 5V to 24V by recalculating the FB resistor divider per the MP8017 datasheet equation: VOUT = 1.2 × (1 + R1/R2), maintaining total resistance between 100kΩ and 500kΩ for stability.

Is the EVL8017-L-00B RoHS and REACH compliant?

Yes-both the MP8017 IC and all passive components on the EVL8017-L-00B meet RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006. MPS confirms lead-free, halogen-free construction and publishes material declarations on its Quality Assurance portal.