Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVM3610-QV-00A

Overview

EVM3610-QV-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MPM3610GQV synchronous step-down Mini-Module regulator, delivering 3.3 V / 1.2 A output from a 4.5–21 V input. It integrates power MOSFETs, inductor, and input/output capacitors in a QFN20 (3 mm × 5 mm × 1.6 mm) package and supports external AAM pin control for power-save or forced-PWM mode. Used for rapid validation of compact DC/DC conversion in space-constrained industrial and telecom systems.

For engineers reviewing the EVM3610-QV-00A datasheet, EVM3610-QV-00A pinout, EVM3610-QV-00A application, or EVM3610-QV-00A equivalent, this board enables fast functional verification of the MPM3610GQV's 2 MHz fixed-frequency operation, thermal shutdown, over-current hiccup protection, and load regulation across 4.5–21 V input range with 3.3 V fixed output.

Technical Context

The EVM3610-QV-00A implements a complete, pre-layouted reference design for the MPM3610GQV IC, which embeds high- and low-side MOSFETs, a shielded power inductor, and input/output ceramic capacitors. Its PCB layout follows MPS-recommended thermal and EMI practices, including dedicated PGND planes and optimized SW node routing.

Operation is controlled via EN (enable threshold: 1.25 V off / 1.4 V on) and AAM (0.5 V logic level selects power-save mode; floating or high forces PWM). Feedback is set to 3.3 V by R1=75 kΩ and R2=24 kΩ, with optional R4=39 kΩ for fine-tuning.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVM3610-QV-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial controls, medical imaging subsystems, and telecom power management requiring stable component supply and rapid DC/DC converter validation.

Supply support for EVM3610-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 core expertise in integrated power modules and DC/DC conversion.

The MPM3610 product line delivers fully integrated, thermally optimized step-down Mini-Modules targeting space-constrained applications where layout simplicity, EMI robustness, and time-to-market are critical.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EVM3610-QV-00A support?

The board supports 4.5 V to 21 V input, validated per the MPM3610GQV's absolute maximum ratings and electrical specifications. Operation below 4.5 V may cause startup failure; above 21 V risks permanent damage to the integrated module. Input ripple must remain within ±100 mV peak-to-peak under full load to maintain regulation stability.

How is output voltage set on this evaluation board?

Output is factory-set to 3.3 V using R1 = 75 kΩ and R2 = 24 kΩ in the FB divider network. The MPM3610GQV's internal reference is 0.8 V, so VOUT = 0.8 V × (1 + R1/R2). Optional R4 = 39 kΩ allows fine adjustment; removing R4 or changing R1/R2 values enables custom outputs down to 0.8 V.

Can the EVM3610-QV-00A operate in forced-PWM mode?

Yes - drive the AAM pin to >1.2 V (e.g., tie to VIN or VCC) to force continuous PWM operation regardless of load. Leaving AAM floating or pulling it to ≤0.5 V enables automatic power-save mode, which skips pulses at light loads to improve efficiency.

What thermal performance can be expected during 1.2 A operation?

At 12 V input and 3.3 V/1.2 A output with 200 LFM airflow, board surface temperature rise is ≤25°C above ambient. Thermal shutdown activates at junction temperature ≥150°C. The QFN20 package uses exposed thermal pad soldered to inner-layer copper pour for effective heat transfer.

Is the EN pin compatible with standard logic levels?

Yes - EN has a 1.25 V turn-off threshold and 1.4 V turn-on threshold, making it compatible with 1.8 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V CMOS logic families. A pull-up resistor to VCC is recommended for default-enable behavior; no external driver is needed for microcontroller GPIO interfacing.

Does the board include input and output capacitors?

Yes - C1 (10 μF, 25 V X5R, 0805) serves as input bulk capacitance; C2 (22 μF, 16 V X5R, 0805) provides output filtering. Both are placed per MPS layout guidelines to minimize loop inductance and ensure stable transient response up to 1.2 A load steps.