Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVM3612-33-LQ-00A

Overview

EVM3612-33-LQ-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the MPM3612GLQ-33, a 3.3V, 1A synchronous step-down power module with ultra-low 5µA quiescent current, 3V–22V input range, and LGA (3mm×3mm×2mm) package. It supports IoT and battery-powered systems requiring high light-load efficiency and fast transient response via constant-on-time control.

For engineers reviewing the EVM3612-33-LQ-00A datasheet, EVM3612-33-LQ-00A pinout, EVM3612-33-LQ-00A application, or EVM3612-33-LQ-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of the MPM3612-33's 1.25MHz fixed-frequency CCM operation, Power Good signaling, EN-controlled shutdown with output discharge, and hiccup-mode OCP under real-world load and line regulation conditions.

Technical Context

The EVM3612-33-LQ-00A implements the MPM3612-33 IC in a fully assembled, tested layout optimized for EMI reduction using dual EMI filter stages (LEMI1/LEMI2) and controlled switching edge design. It operates across 3V–22V input and delivers regulated 3.3V at up to 1A continuous output with ±1% load regulation and <±0.1% line regulation over full input range.

Constant-on-time (COT) control ensures seamless transition between continuous conduction mode (CCM) and power-save mode (PSM), enabling stable 95% peak efficiency at 1A (VIN=12V) and >85% efficiency down to 100µA load. Full protection includes over-current, over-voltage, and thermal shutdown with automatic recovery.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVM3612-33-LQ-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for IoT edge node development, home security sensor power design, and multi-cell battery system validation requiring stable component supply and repeatable bench characterization.

Supply support for EVM3612-33-LQ-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, founded in 1997 and headquartered in Kirkland, WA.

The MPM3612 product line delivers highly integrated, ultra-low-I_Q DC/DC modules for space-constrained, battery-sensitive applications-designed to replace discrete buck solutions with minimal external components and guaranteed reliability across temperature and load.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EVM3612-33-LQ-00A support?

The board supports 3V to 22V DC input, matching the MPM3612-33's full operating range. Tested performance data confirms stable 3.3V output regulation across this span, including at 4.5V (low battery) and 22V (industrial rail), with line regulation better than ±0.2%.

Does the evaluation board include Power Good (PG) functionality?

Yes. The board routes the MPM3612-33's open-drain PG signal to test point TP3 and J1 pin 5. PG asserts high when VOUT is within ±5% of 3.3V and remains asserted during normal operation, with clean rise/fall edges verified in startup and shutdown waveforms.

How is enable and shutdown implemented on this board?

EN is brought out to J1 pin 1 and test point TP1. Pulling EN low disables the converter and actively discharges VOUT through an internal FET, as confirmed by EN-off transient tests showing <1ms VOUT decay from 3.3V to 0.5V under 100mA load.

What external components are required to operate the board?

No additional components are required. The board includes all necessary elements: input/output capacitors (22µF ×2, 2.2µF ×8), 2.2µH power inductors (L1/L2), feedback resistors (R3/R4), EN pull-up (R1), and EMI filters (LEMI1/LEMI2). Only VIN, GND, VOUT, and optional load connections are needed.

Can this board be used to evaluate efficiency at light loads?

Yes. The MPM3612-33's power-save mode (PSM) and 5µA I_Q are fully exercised on this board. Efficiency curves show >85% at 100µA load (VIN=12V), validated using precision current sources and low-noise measurement setups per Rev. 1.0 test report.

Is thermal performance characterized on the EVM3612-33-LQ-00A?

Yes. Thermal shutdown behavior is verified in SCP testing (page 7–8), and steady-state thermal imaging confirms case temperature rise <25°C above ambient at 1A/12V input. The LGA package's exposed thermal pad is soldered to a 2-layer internal copper pour for effective heat dissipation.