Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVM3650-QW-00A

Overview

EVM3650-QW-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MPM3650GQW synchronous step-down power module, delivering up to 6A continuous output at 1V from a 2.75–17V input. It integrates a QFN-24 (4mm×6mm) module with internal inductor, COT control, and full protection (SCP, OCP, UVP, thermal shutdown). Designed for FPGA core rail validation and optical module power testing.

For engineers reviewing the EVM3650-QW-00A datasheet, EVM3650-QW-00A pinout, EVM3650-QW-00A application, or EVM3650-QW-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid characterization of high-efficiency, ultra-compact DC/DC conversion under real load transients, thermal stress, and sequencing conditions - especially where 1V/6A regulation, 1.2MHz switching, and pre-biased start-up are critical.

Technical Context

The EVM3650-QW-00A implements the MPM3650GQW's constant-on-time (COT) control architecture, enabling sub-10µs load transient response at 1V output with ≤20mV AC ripple. Input voltage range (2.75–17V) supports wide-input industrial and telecom supplies, while DCM operation maintains >85% efficiency at 100mA load.

Board-level features include configurable soft-start via external capacitor, EN/PG pins for precise power sequencing, and a validated 4-layer PCB layout optimized for thermal dissipation (≤70°C case rise at 6A, no airflow, VIN=12V). All protections - hiccup-mode OCP, thermal shutdown, and short-circuit recovery - are fully exercised and test-proven on this board.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVM3650-QW-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA power validation, optical transceiver biasing, and telecom baseband supply design requiring stable component supply, fast prototyping turnaround, and production-representative thermal performance.

Supply support for EVM3650-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, with over 20 years of expertise in integrated DC/DC solutions.

The MPM3650 product line delivers fully integrated, inductor-contained step-down modules targeting space-constrained applications needing 1–3V rails at 5–6A, such as AI accelerators, 5G front-haul units, and high-density server PMUs.

FAQ

What input voltage range is supported during evaluation?

The EVM3650-QW-00A operates across 2.75V to 17V input, verified per Rev. 1.1 test data. At VIN = 5V and 12V, full 6A output is sustained; at VIN = 17V, output current is limited to 5A per thermal constraints documented in the efficiency vs. load curves.

Can the output voltage be adjusted to 1.2V or 1.8V?

Yes - the board uses a resistor divider (R1/R4) to set VOUT = 1V, but replacing R1 (499kΩ) and R4 (100kΩ) per the MPM3650GQW datasheet allows adjustment down to 0.6V. For 1.2V or 1.8V, recalculating the FB network yields stable regulation with no hardware modification beyond resistors.

Does the board support pre-biased start-up?

Yes - the MPM3650GQW IC on this board explicitly supports pre-biased start-up, confirmed in the Quick Start Guide and validated in waveform tests (page 7, "Start-Up through VIN IOUT = 6A"). Output voltage ramps cleanly even when VOUT is initially held at 1V by external circuitry.

How is thermal performance validated on this board?

Thermal derating is measured per Figure 5 (page 5): case temperature rise reaches 70°C at 6A, VIN = 12V, ambient = 15°C, no airflow. With 200LFM airflow, rise drops to <40°C. The 4-layer PCB uses internal copper planes and exposed PGND pads to achieve this performance.

Are EN and PG signals accessible for system-level sequencing?

Yes - dedicated 2.54mm 3-pin headers labeled "EN" and "PG" provide direct access to enable control and power-good assertion. PG asserts high after VOUT reaches 90% of target and remains valid during OCP/thermal events, as shown in shutdown/start-up waveforms (pages 7–8).

Is the board RoHS and halogen-free compliant?

Yes - all components on EVM3650-QW-00A meet MPS green status requirements: lead-free, halogen-free, and fully RoHS 2011/65/EU compliant. This is stated in the footer of page 1 and verified in the Bill of Materials (page 4), which lists only RoHS-compliant Murata, Wurth, and Yageo parts.