Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVM3808-LE-00A

Overview

EVM3808-LE-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled and tested evaluation board for the MPM3808 AEC-Q100-qualified synchronous step-down power module, delivering 1.2V/3A output from 2.5V–5.5V input, featuring constant-on-time (COT) control, open-drain power good (PG), and thermal shutdown-designed for ADAS sensor power rails and compact low-power systems.

For engineers reviewing the EVM3808-LE-00A datasheet, EVM3808-LE-00A pinout, EVM3808-LE-00A application, or EVM3808-LE-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MPM3808's transient response, efficiency at 2.4MHz switching, PG signaling behavior, and AEC-Q100-compliant thermal performance under automotive-grade load conditions.

Technical Context

The EVM3808-LE-00A implements the MPM3808 buck module in QFN-15 (3mm×4mm×1.6mm) with wettable flanks, supporting adjustable VOUT via external resistor divider (R1=100kΩ, R2 calculated per target voltage), soft-start timing set by C3 (2.2nF), and EN logic-level control (0.65V/0.9V thresholds).

It integrates cycle-by-cycle current limiting, thermal shutdown, and PG monitoring referenced to 90% of 0.6V feedback threshold (VFB), with measured case temperature rise of 55.6°C at 3A/3.3V input and no forced airflow-validating suitability for thermally constrained automotive modules.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVM3808-LE-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ADAS sensor power validation, portable medical device DC-DC prototyping, and industrial IoT edge node power architecture testing requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q100-compliant reference designs.

Supply support for EVM3808-LE-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 design centers across Asia and North America and global distribution partnerships.

The EVM3808-LE-00A belongs to MPS's automotive-qualified evaluation board product line, engineered to accelerate design-in of AEC-Q100-compliant power modules into safety-critical vehicle subsystems such as camera modules and radar sensors.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EVM3808-LE-00A support?

The board supports 2.5V to 5.5V input, validated across this full range with stable 1.2V/3A output. Operation below 2.5V risks undervoltage lockout; above 5.5V may trigger overvoltage protection or damage external components like CIN1 (rated 10V). Input ripple must be limited using recommended damping capacitors for long cables.

How is output voltage adjusted on this evaluation board?

VOUT is set by an external resistor divider (R1=100kΩ, R2 selected per target voltage) connected to the FB pin. For example, 1.2V uses R2=100kΩ; 1.8V uses R2=18kΩ. Equation VOUT = 0.6V × (1 + R1/R2) applies. Output capacitance must be recalculated per MPM3808 datasheet when changing VOUT to maintain stability.

Does the EVM3808-LE-00A include short-circuit protection?

Yes-it demonstrates the MPM3808's cycle-by-cycle current limiting and automatic recovery from short-circuit events. Test waveforms confirm PG deassertion during fault, followed by reassertion after recovery, with no latch-up or manual reset required. Thermal shutdown activates if junction temperature exceeds safe limits.

Can the enable (EN) pin be left unconnected?

No-EN must be actively driven. Leaving it floating risks erratic startup or shutdown. If unused, connect EN directly to VIN to ensure always-on operation. Driving EN <0.65V disables regulation; >0.9V enables it. The board includes pull-up resistors but relies on user-supplied logic-level signals for controlled sequencing.

What is the purpose of the "OUT_S" pin on the MPM3808 IC?

OUT_S is the switched output node connecting to the internal high-side MOSFET drain and external inductor-critical for measuring switch-node ringing and layout optimization. It is not intended for external load connection; all regulated output must be taken from the VOUT pad, which includes post-filtering and feedback sensing.

Is the EVM3808-LE-00A RoHS and REACH compliant?

Yes-the board and all BOM components meet RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006. MPS confirms compliance for MPM3808GLE-AEC1 and associated passives; full declarations are available upon request through Aetrix Electronics' compliance portal.