Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVM3810-QB-12-01A

Overview

EVM3810-QB-12-01A from Monolithic Power Systems is a 1.2A synchronous step-down DC-DC power module with integrated inductor, designed for space-constrained point-of-load regulation. It operates from 2.5V to 6V input, delivers fixed 1.2V output with ±3% tolerance at 10mA, features constant-on-time (COT) control, 17μA quiescent current, and includes EN, PG, and thermal shutdown protection. Used in FPGA core/I/O rails and portable SSD power stages.

For engineers reviewing the EVM3810-QB-12-01A datasheet, EVM3810-QB-12-01A pinout, EVM3810-QB-12-01A application, or EVM3810-QB-12-01A equivalent, key selection criteria include its QFN-12 (2.5×3.0×0.9mm) package size, 1.2A peak output capability, 0.6V feedback reference, hiccup-mode short-circuit protection, and 1.5ms soft-start timing - all critical for low-voltage, high-density power delivery in battery-powered and thermally sensitive systems.

Technical Context

The EVM3810-QB-12-01A implements a constant-on-time (COT) control architecture with input voltage feed-forward, enabling stable ~3.5MHz switching across 2.5–6V input and 1.2V output. Its internal 0.47μH inductor and matched 100mΩ/60mΩ P/N-FETs support up to 1.2A continuous output with <10% load regulation deviation.

It integrates full protection: cycle-by-cycle current limiting (2.1A typ), thermal shutdown at 150°C with 30°C hysteresis, and open-drain Power Good (PG) with ±10% FB window detection and 50μs delay. The EN pin enables logic-controlled sequencing with 1.2V high threshold and 1MΩ internal pulldown.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: QFN-12 (2.5mm × 3.0mm × 0.9mm) with exposed thermal pad (pins 3–4 connected internally to SW node for thermal sinking).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous step-down module applications.

Compared with MPM3610GQB-12 and TPS826711SIPR, EVM3810-QB-12-01A uniquely combines 1.2A capability, 0.9mm height, OUT_S remote sensing, and 17μA IQ - making it optimal for thermally constrained, high-accuracy 1.2V point-of-load designs where board thickness and regulation stability are critical.

Availability

EVM3810-QB-12-01A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA I/O power, portable instrument supplies, and SSD controller regulation requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term industrial lifecycle support.

Supply support for EVM3810-QB-12-01A 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, headquartered in Kirkland, WA, with global design and support centers.

The MPM3810 product line delivers fully integrated, ultra-compact DC-DC modules targeting space- and efficiency-critical applications in portable, industrial, and computing electronics - emphasizing ease of use, minimal external components, and robust protection.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended PCB copper area for thermal relief under the EVM3810-QB-12-01A exposed pad?

For optimal thermal performance, the exposed thermal pad (pins 3–4) must connect to ≥120mm² of 2oz copper on the top layer, thermally vias (≥8×0.3mm diameter) to inner ground planes, and ≥200mm² total thermal pad area per JEDEC JESD51-7 4-layer board guidelines. This achieves θ_JA = 65°C/W and supports full 1.2A operation at +85°C ambient.

Can the EVM3810-QB-12-01A operate without the OUT_S pin connected?

Yes - the device functions normally with OUT_S left unconnected, defaulting to local sensing at the OUT pin. However, remote sensing via OUT_S improves load regulation accuracy to ±1% (vs ±3% local) by compensating for PCB trace resistance, especially critical in high-current or long-trace applications like SSD modules.

Does the PG pin require an external pull-up resistor?

No - the PG pin has an internal 550kΩ pull-up to VIN and operates as an open-drain output. An external pull-up is unnecessary and may interfere with the ±10% regulation window detection; only an external load (e.g., MCU GPIO) should be connected to PG.

What is the minimum input capacitance required for stable operation at 1.2A load?

A 10μF X5R/X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 2mm of VIN and PGND pins is the minimum requirement. For 1.2A continuous operation with <20mV input ripple, a 22μF capacitor is recommended - verified to handle ≥600mA RMS ripple current per the datasheet's CIN ripple calculation.

How does the hiccup-mode short-circuit protection behave during sustained fault conditions?

Upon short-circuit detection, the device disables the power stage, discharges the soft-start capacitor, waits 5–10ms, then attempts re-start. If the fault persists, it repeats this cycle indefinitely - limiting average power dissipation to <300mW and preventing thermal damage while maintaining visibility via PG deassertion.

Is the EN pin compatible with 1.8V logic-level microcontrollers?

Yes - the EN pin has a guaranteed logic-high threshold of 1.2V (min) and draws only 1.5μA at 2V, making it fully compatible with 1.8V GPIOs. No level-shifting is needed; the internal 1MΩ pulldown ensures safe default-off state when MCU is unpowered or in reset.

What is the typical output voltage accuracy over temperature and line/load conditions?

At 1.2V output, the device maintains ±3% total accuracy over -40°C to +125°C junction temperature, 2.5–6V input range, and 0–1.2A load - verified by characterization data (not just initial trim), including ±10mV FB reference drift and 0.1%/V line regulation.