Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVM3683-20-MN-00B

Overview

EVM3683-20-MN-00B from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board designed to validate the MPM3683-20 15A step-down power module, supporting 2.7V–16V input and delivering 1.2V output with 1MHz switching frequency, full protection (SCP/OCP/UVP/OTP), and configurable soft-start via external capacitor.

For engineers reviewing the EVM3683-20-MN-00B datasheet, EVM3683-20-MN-00B pinout, EVM3683-20-MN-00B application, or EVM3683-20-MN-00B equivalent, this board enables rapid efficiency measurement (85.26% @ 5V→1.2V/15A), load transient testing (0–10A at 2.5A/µs), and thermal validation (ΔT ≈ 45°C @ 15A) under real-world DC/DC design conditions.

Technical Context

The EVM3683-20-MN-00B implements the MPM3683-20 in a fully integrated FCM LGA-29 package (7mm × 7mm × 4.4mm), featuring internal MOSFETs, controller, and compensation. It supports forced continuous conduction mode (FCCM) and uses a 1nF feed-forward capacitor (C3) to optimize transient response.

Board-level design includes 10×47μF ceramic + 220μF electrolytic output capacitance, 4×22μF input ceramics, and precision sense turrets (VOUT_SENSE, GND_SENSE, VIN_SENSE) for accurate ripple and regulation measurement without ground loop error.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVM3683-20-MN-00B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply validation, embedded system bring-up, and industrial DC/DC qualification requiring stable component supply, repeatable test setup, and traceable reference performance data.

Supply support for EVM3683-20-MN-00B 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 two decades of expertise in integrated DC/DC conversion.

The EVM3683-20-MN-00B belongs to MPS's evaluation board product line, engineered specifically to accelerate adoption of their high-current, thermally optimized power modules in server, telecom, and FPGA power applications.

FAQ

What input voltage range is supported on the EVM3683-20-MN-00B?

The board supports 2.7V–16V input when using an external 3.3V VCC supply; with internal or external VCC ≥4V, the valid range extends to 4V–16V. Exceeding 16V risks permanent damage to the MPM3683-20 module and board components.

How is output voltage configured on this evaluation board?

Default output is 1.2V set by R1/R10 (20kΩ each) forming the FB divider. Voltage can be adjusted using the TRK/REF pin with external resistors or by modifying R1/R10 values per the MPM3683-20 datasheet's feedback equation - no solder jumpers or hardware changes required.

Does the board provide access to critical analog signals for measurement?

Yes - dedicated turrets for VOUT_SENSE, GND_SENSE, VIN_SENSE, and PG allow Kelvin-style voltage and ripple measurements without probe ground lead artifacts. SW node is also accessible for gate drive and switching loss analysis.

What load transient capability does the EVM3683-20-MN-00B demonstrate?

The board validates load transients from 0A to 10A at 2.5A/µs using an electronic load, with measured output ripple <25mVpp. This confirms stability under FPGA core rail or ASIC SoC dynamic current demands.

Is thermal performance characterized on this evaluation board?

Yes - thermal imaging data shows ~45°C temperature rise above ambient at 15A load (TA = 23°C, no airflow). The board's 4-layer PCB with internal copper planes and exposed thermal pad under the MPM3683-20 enables direct heatsink mounting if needed.

Can the soft-start time be modified on this board?

Yes - soft-start time (tSS) is set by capacitor C2 (22nF), yielding ~2.2ms default. Replacing C2 with other values (e.g., 10nF → ~1ms, 47nF → ~4.7ms) allows precise control of inrush current during system power-up sequences.