Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVM3680-RE-00A

Overview

EVM3680-RE-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MPM3680 6A step-down power module, designed to demonstrate high-efficiency DC/DC conversion with integrated MOSFETs and inductor. It supports input voltages from 8–18V, delivers adjustable output voltages (1.0/1.2/1.5/1.8V), and features adaptive COT control, programmable soft-start (3ms default), and comprehensive protection including non-latch OCP, OVP, UVP, and thermal shutdown - validated in telecom base stations and server power rails.

For engineers reviewing the EVM3680-RE-00A datasheet, EVM3680-RE-00A pinout, EVM3680-RE-00A application, or EVM3680-RE-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MPM3680's transient response, efficiency across 10%–100% load, and pre-bias startup behavior under real-world 12V input / 1.2V output conditions.

Technical Context

The EVM3680-RE-00A implements the MPM3680 QFN-57 (12×12×4 mm) power module with internal high- and low-side MOSFETs and a shielded power inductor. Its adaptive constant-on-time (COT) control dynamically scales switching frequency from 200 kHz to 1 MHz to maintain >90% peak efficiency at 6A and >85% at 0.6A across 8–18V input.

Protection circuitry includes cycle-by-cycle over-current detection with hiccup-mode recovery, output over-voltage clamping at 115% VOUT, input under-voltage lockout at ~7.5V, and thermal shutdown triggered at 150°C junction temperature - all verified per MPS EVM3680-RE-00A Rev. 1.0 test reports.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVM3680-RE-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom base station power validation, server VR12/VR13 auxiliary rail testing, and flat-panel display DC/DC subsystem prototyping requiring stable component supply and documented thermal performance under 6A load.

Supply support for EVM3680-RE-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 design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global distribution since 1997.

The MPM3680 product line delivers fully integrated, thermally optimized DC/DC power modules targeting space-constrained, high-reliability applications in networking infrastructure and computing systems where board area and thermal margin are critical constraints.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVM3680-RE-00A?

This board is a dedicated evaluation platform for the MPM3680 6A step-down power module. It provides a complete, tested layout with input/output filtering, feedback network, and jumpers to validate voltage setting, efficiency, transient response, and protection behavior - not a production-ready power solution.

Can the output voltage be set to values other than 1.0/1.2/1.5/1.8V?

Yes - the reference voltage is 0.65V to 5V adjustable using external resistors per the MPM3680 datasheet. The onboard jumpers only preset four common values; custom outputs require replacing R2/R3 with calculated resistor pairs and verifying stability with scope measurements.

Why is EVM3680-RE-00A marked "NOT RECOMMENDED FOR NEW DESIGNS"?

MPS issued this notice because the MPM3680 has been superseded by the MPM3683 series (e.g., MPM3683-7-QN-01A), which offers improved light-load efficiency, tighter output voltage tolerance (±0.5%), and enhanced thermal derating above 85°C ambient - confirmed in MPS Application Note AN-123.

Does the board support pre-bias start-up?

Yes - the MPM3680 IC on this board supports pre-bias start-up, allowing the output capacitor to retain residual voltage before input power is applied. This is verified in the EVM3680-RE-00A test report (Rev. 1.0, p.5) with VOUT pre-charged to 1.2V and VIN ramped from 0V.

What is the maximum achievable switching frequency on this board?

The MPM3680 supports 200 kHz to 1 MHz programmable frequency via RT resistor. On EVM3680-RE-00A, R4 = 6.49kΩ sets fSW ≈ 600 kHz (per MPM3680 datasheet Equation 4), and increasing frequency beyond that requires replacing R4 with a lower-value resistor and revalidating loop stability.

Is thermal performance data available for sustained 6A operation?

Yes - the EVM3680-RE-00A Rev. 1.0 test report (p.6) documents 52°C case temperature rise above ambient at 12V/1.2V/6A with 200LFM airflow, measured at the center of the MPM3680 QFN package using thermocouple contact. Derating begins at 85°C ambient per datasheet thermal limits.