Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVM3690-30B-BF-00A

Overview

EVM3690-30B-BF-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a 10 cm × 10 cm × 1.5 cm evaluation board designed to demonstrate the MPM3690-30B, a fully integrated 16V-input, 36A-output synchronous step-down power module with constant-on-time (COT) control, 500kHz default switching frequency, and 92.95% peak efficiency at 12V_IN/1.2V_OUT/15A.

For engineers reviewing the EVM3690-30B-BF-00A datasheet, EVM3690-30B-BF-00A pinout, EVM3690-30B-BF-00A application, or EVM3690-30B-BF-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of high-current DC/DC conversion in server VRMs, AI accelerators, and telecom baseband power rails under real thermal and transient load conditions.

Technical Context

The EVM3690-30B-BF-00A implements the MPM3690-30B BGA module (16mm × 16mm × 5.18mm), which integrates power MOSFETs, driver, controller, and compensation in a single package. It supports input voltage range 3.2V–16V and delivers fixed 1.2V output up to 36A continuous current.

Board-level features include dual-phase interleaved operation, external fSET resistor programming (400kHz–1MHz), PMBus connector for telemetry, and dedicated test points for VOUT, VIN, PG, RAMP, and EN signals - enabling full characterization of startup, load transient, efficiency, and thermal performance without custom layout.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVM3690-30B-BF-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for server power delivery, AI accelerator board development, and 5G baseband power system prototyping requiring stable component supply, fast turnaround, and pre-validated thermal and electrical performance.

Supply support for EVM3690-30B-BF-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 infrastructure.

This evaluation board belongs to MPS's MPM3690 product line - engineered specifically for high-density, high-current point-of-load (POL) conversion in datacenter and networking equipment where space, thermal headroom, and transient response are critical.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EVM3690-30B-BF-00A support?

The board supports 3.2V to 16V input, but requires an external 3.3V VCC supply if VIN falls below 4V. This ensures proper biasing of the MPM3690-30B's internal circuitry and maintains stable operation across the full input range.

Can the output voltage be adjusted from the default 1.2V?

No - the EVM3690-30B-BF-00A is configured for fixed 1.2V output using the MPM3690-30B's internal feedback network. Output voltage adjustment would require replacing the IC with a programmable variant (e.g., MPM3690-25B) and modifying FB resistor dividers, which is not supported on this board.

Does the board support PMBus communication?

Yes - it includes a dedicated PMBus connector (CN7) and associated pull-up resistors, enabling real-time telemetry of voltage, current, temperature, and fault status via industry-standard PMBus commands when used with a compatible host controller.

How is thermal performance validated on this board?

Thermal testing was conducted at 36A load with no forced airflow at 28°C ambient, measuring 73.9°C case temperature. The board uses 2-oz copper layers, thermal vias under the MPM3690-30B BGA, and optimized ground/power plane stacking per MPS reference layout guidelines.

What load transient capability is demonstrated?

The board validates 0A–18A load steps at 10A/μs slew rate, showing <15mV output deviation and <10μs recovery time - confirming the MPM3690-30B's COT control loop stability and suitability for CPU/GPU dynamic power states.

Are test points provided for key signals?

Yes - dedicated test points include VOSENSE/VOGNDSEN (output voltage sense), VIN/VINSENSE, PG1/PG2 (power good), EN1/EN2 (enable), RAMP1/RAMP2 (current sensing), and SW1/SW2 (switch node), enabling accurate oscilloscope measurements without soldering probes to SMD pads.