Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVM3695-25-RF-02A

Overview

EVM3695-25-RF-02A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MPM3695-25 scalable 20A DC/DC power module with PMBus interface, supporting 3–16V input and 0.5–6V output, delivering up to 25A peak current in a QFN-59 (10mm×12mm×4mm) package, used for validating high-efficiency multi-phase power delivery in telecom and server applications.

For engineers reviewing the EVM3695-25-RF-02A datasheet, EVM3695-25-RF-02A pinout, EVM3695-25-RF-02A application, or EVM3695-25-RF-02A equivalent, this demo board enables rapid validation of PMBus-configurable power sequencing, thermal performance at 20A continuous load, remote voltage sensing accuracy, and parallel operation up to 150A peak current.

Technical Context

The EVM3695-25-RF-02A implements the MPM3695-25 IC in a fully assembled, tested reference design with integrated input/output filtering, thermal vias, and PMBus I²C interface routed to a standard 4-pin SMA RF connector. It supports auto-interleaving across up to six modules via dedicated SYNC and PHASE pins.

It operates with MPS's proprietary multi-phase constant-on-time (MCOT) control, enabling <1µs transient response to 2.5A/µs load steps while maintaining ±0.5% reference voltage accuracy over 0°C–70°C junction temperature. The board includes true remote sense traces and pre-populated 0R current-sense resistors for accurate OCP calibration.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVM3695-25-RF-02A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom infrastructure validation, server power architecture prototyping, and industrial embedded power system development requiring stable component supply and documented thermal/mechanical reference data.

Supply support for EVM3695-25-RF-02A 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 over two decades of leadership in DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and battery management solutions.

The EVM3695-25-RF-02A belongs to MPS's scalable power module evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate adoption of digitally controlled, high-current POL regulators in space-constrained, thermally demanding applications like 5G baseband units and AI accelerator cards.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVM3695-25-RF-02A?

This is a fully assembled evaluation board for the MPM3695-25 power module-not a standalone IC. Its purpose is to demonstrate and validate the module's PMBus-controlled operation, thermal behavior under 20A continuous load, remote sensing accuracy, and parallel scalability up to six units. It includes all necessary passive components, layout-optimized thermal vias, and SMA-based PMBus debug connectivity.

Does the board support output voltage programming without external resistors?

Yes-output voltage can be set either via hardware FB resistor divider (with recommended values provided per 0.5–6V range) or dynamically through PMBus commands using the EVKT-USBI2C-02 kit. The GUI 'Virtual Bench Pro' allows real-time register writes to VOUT_COMMAND, eliminating manual resistor changes during characterization.

What thermal management features are implemented on this board?

The board uses 4-layer PCB construction with internal copper planes (Inner1–Inner4), thermal vias under the QFN-59 module pad, and exposed top-side copper for heatsink attachment. Thermal derating curves confirm 20A operation at ≤85°C ambient with 200LFM airflow, and IR imaging shows hotspot <95°C at full load.

Can multiple EVM3695-25-RF-02A boards be synchronized for higher current?

Yes-the board provides dedicated SYNC_IN/SYNC_OUT and PHASE_0–PHASE_5 terminals to enable precise phase interleaving across up to six modules. This reduces input/output ripple and distributes thermal load, enabling validated 150A peak current delivery as specified in the MPM3695-25 datasheet.

Is the EVM3695-25-RF-02A recommended for new designs?

No-MPS explicitly states "NOT RECOMMENDED FOR NEW DESIGNS" and directs users to migrate to EVM3695-20-PJ-00A. This reflects end-of-life planning for the -RF-02A variant; however, it remains fully functional for legacy validation, failure analysis, and comparative benchmarking against newer modules.

What PMBus tools are required to configure the board?

The official setup requires the EVKT-USBI2C-02 PMBus interface kit, USB cable, and PMBus wiring harness. The included 'Virtual Bench Pro.exe' GUI auto-detects the MPM3695-25, displays real-time telemetry (VOUT, IOUT, temperature), and allows write access to all configurable registers-including current limit, soft-start time, fault thresholds, and CCM/pulse-skip mode selection.