Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVM3650C-QW-00A

Overview

EVM3650C-QW-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MPM3650C synchronous step-down power module, delivering 6A continuous output at 1V from a 2.75–17V input, featuring 1.2MHz fixed-frequency COT control, QFN-24 (4mm×6mm×1.6mm) integration, and full protection including SCP, OCP, UVP, and thermal shutdown - deployed in FPGA power systems and optical modules.

For engineers reviewing the EVM3650C-QW-00A datasheet, EVM3650C-QW-00A pinout, EVM3650C-QW-00A application, or EVM3650C-QW-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of high-density, ultra-thin DC/DC conversion with pre-biased start-up, enable/power-good sequencing, and sub-10mV output ripple under 6A load.

Technical Context

The EVM3650C-QW-00A implements the MPM3650C's constant-on-time (COT) control architecture to achieve ultra-fast transient response and stable regulation across 0–6A loads without external compensation. It supports forced continuous conduction mode (CCM) for low output voltage ripple and pre-biased start-up for system-level power sequencing integrity.

Input voltage range spans 2.75V to 17V, supporting single-rail operation in telecom and industrial applications; output is fixed at 1V (configurable via feedback resistors), with thermal derating validated up to 120°C case temperature at full load under no-airflow conditions.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVM3650C-QW-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA power systems, optical transceiver modules, and telecommunications infrastructure requiring stable component supply, fast design-in validation, and production-ready reference performance.

Supply support for EVM3650C-QW-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 and modules, headquartered in Kirkland, WA, with global design and support operations.

The MPM3650C product line delivers ultra-thin, fully integrated DC/DC power modules targeting high-current, low-voltage rails in space-constrained applications such as optical modules, 5G infrastructure, and edge AI accelerators.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EVM3650C-QW-00A support?

The board supports 2.75V to 17V DC input, validated across all operating conditions per Rev. 1.0 test reports. Input must be current-limited to ≥6.5A to sustain full 6A output; recommended source impedance <50mΩ to avoid instability during transients.

Can the output voltage be adjusted, and how?

Yes - VOUT is set by the FB resistor divider (R1 = 499kΩ, R4 = 100kΩ on board). Replacing R4 adjusts output per VOUT = 0.6V × (1 + R1/R4); minimum supported VOUT is 0.6V, maximum is 3.3V, constrained by MPM3650C's internal reference and current capability.

Does the board support pre-biased start-up?

Yes - the MPM3650C IC on this board explicitly supports pre-biased start-up, confirmed in the datasheet and demonstrated in startup waveforms (Page 7–8). This allows safe powering of downstream circuits already holding residual voltage on VOUT.

How is power sequencing implemented?

Sequencing uses EN (active-high enable) and PG (open-drain power-good) signals routed to 2.54mm headers. PG asserts after VOUT reaches 90% of target and remains valid for ±5% regulation; EN rise time must exceed 100ns to avoid false triggering.

What thermal performance can be expected at full load?

At 6A, 12V_IN, 1V_OUT, and 25°C ambient, case temperature reaches ~75°C (no airflow); derating begins above 60°C ambient, reaching 0A at 120°C case per thermal curve (Page 6). PCB copper area and airflow significantly impact actual performance.

Are external components required for basic operation?

No - the board includes all required input/output capacitors, feedback resistors, soft-start capacitor (C10), and EMI filter components. Only input power (VIN/GND) and output load (VOUT/GND) connections are needed for functional validation per the Quick Start Guide.