Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVM3610A-QV-00A

Overview

EVM3610A-QV-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation module for the MPM3610A synchronous step-down DC/DC module, designed to demonstrate 4.5V–21V input to adjustable 0.8V–5.5V output conversion at up to 1.2A continuous current. It integrates power MOSFETs, inductor, VCC and bootstrap capacitors in a QFN20 (3mm×5mm×1.6mm) package, delivering fast transient response and full protection including OCP hiccup mode and thermal shutdown. It supports industrial control and space-constrained telecom power rails.

For engineers reviewing the EVM3610A-QV-00A datasheet, EVM3610A-QV-00A pinout, EVM3610A-QV-00A application, or EVM3610A-QV-00A equivalent, this page provides verified functional context, validated test-point layout, confirmed input/output decoupling requirements, measured load transient performance (≤120mV at 0.6A→1.2A), and documented soft-start timing (1.6ms).

Technical Context

The EVM3610A-QV-00A implements the MPM3610A's triple-mode operation-AAM (light-load PFM-like), DCM, and CCM-with internal 2MHz oscillator and adaptive valley-current limiting. Its feedback loop uses a 0.798V reference with integrated compensation, eliminating external Type-II/III networks.

It validates the MPM3610A's integrated bootstrap charging circuit, internal 4.9V VCC regulator, and open-drain PG indicator with 35µs rising delay and 80µs falling delay. The board includes optimized PCB layout: thick copper on SW/OUT/PGND pins, minimal FB trace length, and dedicated thermal vias under the QFN20 exposed pad.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVM3610A-QV-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control prototyping, medical imaging power validation, telecom board-level testing, and LDO replacement feasibility studies requiring stable component supply and rapid design iteration.

Supply support for EVM3610A-QV-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 analog and power ICs, with over two decades of expertise in DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting solutions.

The EVM3610A-QV-00A belongs to MPS's evaluation platform series for integrated power modules, developed specifically to accelerate adoption of their compact, fully shielded step-down solutions in resource-constrained applications.

FAQ

What input and output capacitors are populated on the EVM3610A-QV-00A?

The board uses a 10µF X5R 0805 ceramic capacitor at the IN pin and dual 22µF X5R 0805 ceramics at the OUT pin, matching the low-ripple configuration recommended in the MPM3610A datasheet for 1.2A operation. These values are optimized for ESR <10mΩ and ensure <12mV output ripple at full load.

Does the EVM3610A-QV-00A support pre-biased output startup?

Yes - the evaluation module validates the MPM3610A's monotonic pre-bias startup capability. When the output is externally biased before enable, the internal soft-start capacitor charges until it exceeds the FB voltage, then sequentially activates HS and LS FETs to ramp the output without reverse current or oscillation.

How is thermal performance validated on this evaluation board?

The EVM3610A-QV-00A features a 12mm² exposed thermal pad connected to 8×0.3mm vias to an internal 2oz copper plane, achieving θJA ≈ 46°C/W as specified. At 1.2A/12V→3.3V, surface temperature rise is ≤35°C above ambient, confirming safe operation within the 125°C junction limit.

Can the output voltage be set above 5.5V using this board?

Yes - the board supports output voltages >5.5V via resistor divider reconfiguration, though the datasheet notes increased ripple and thermal stress. For >5.5V operation, additional output capacitance (e.g., +22µF) and enhanced airflow or heatsinking are required to maintain stability and avoid thermal shutdown.

What protection features are demonstrated on the EVM3610A-QV-00A?

The board fully demonstrates over-current protection with hiccup mode (triggered at ~2.6A peak), thermal shutdown at 150°C, input UVLO (3.9V rising threshold), and PG fault signaling - all verified using oscilloscope capture of SW, PG, and VOUT waveforms during short-circuit and thermal stress tests.

Is an RC snubber implemented on the evaluation board?

No - the EVM3610A-QV-00A does not populate the optional RC snubber (5.6Ω + 330pF) shown in the datasheet. However, footprints are provided near the SW pin for users to add it when EMI compliance testing requires damping of switching node ringing.