Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVM3840-QV-00A

Overview

EVM3840-QV-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MPM3840GQV monolithic synchronous step-down DC-DC module, integrating power MOSFETs and inductor in a QFN-20 (3mm × 5mm × 1.6mm) package. It delivers up to 4A continuous output at 1.2V from 2.8–5.5V input, features Constant-On-Time control, 40μA quiescent current, and supports pre-bias startup with 1.5ms internal soft-start.

For engineers reviewing the EVM3840-QV-00A datasheet, EVM3840-QV-00A pinout, EVM3840-QV-00A application, or EVM3840-QV-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of the MPM3840's performance in portable Li+-powered systems requiring high efficiency, low-noise regulation, and tight load/line regulation at 1.2MHz switching frequency.

Technical Context

The EVM3840-QV-00A implements the MPM3840GQV IC-a fully integrated buck module with 25mΩ high-side and 12mΩ low-side MOSFETs, fixed 1.2MHz switching frequency, and COT control architecture. It operates across 2.8V–5.5V input and regulates output down to 0.6V via external FB resistors.

Protection features include cycle-by-cycle current limiting, hiccup-mode short-circuit response, thermal shutdown, and EN-controlled sequencing with Power Good (PG) indication. The board uses only standard 0805 ceramic capacitors (10μF ×2 input, 22μF ×2 output) and two 200kΩ feedback resistors-no additional compensation required.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVM3840-QV-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless card power validation, smartphone subsystem testing, and noise-sensitive analog rail characterization requiring stable component supply and fast design iteration.

Supply support for EVM3840-QV-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 analog and power ICs, with emphasis on efficiency, integration, and miniaturization for portable and space-constrained applications.

The MPM3840 product line delivers fully integrated DC-DC modules targeting battery-powered consumer electronics where board area, thermal performance, and light-load efficiency are critical-enabling drop-in replacement of discrete buck solutions with minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the default output voltage configuration on EVM3840-QV-00A?

The board ships with R1=R2=200kΩ and R5=100kΩ, forming a 200kΩ/100kΩ feedback divider that sets VOUT to 1.2V (VREF = 600mV). This matches the typical operating point for core logic rails in mobile SoCs and enables immediate testing without resistor changes.

Does EVM3840-QV-00A support pre-bias startup?

Yes-the MPM3840GQV IC on this board supports pre-bias startup with 1.5ms internal soft-start. When VIN is applied while VOUT is already biased (e.g., from another rail), the controller ramps output smoothly without sinking current from the pre-charged rail.

Can I adjust the output voltage below 1.2V?

Yes-output voltage is set by the external resistor divider on the FB pin. With VREF = 600mV, replacing R5 with a lower value (e.g., 68kΩ) yields 0.85V; minimum supported is 0.6V, verified per datasheet under full load and temperature range.

What protection features are active during evaluation?

All IC-level protections are functional: cycle-by-cycle overcurrent limiting, thermal shutdown (triggering at ~150°C), hiccup-mode short-circuit recovery, and Power Good assertion only when VOUT is within ±5% of target and EN is high.

Is external compensation required for stability?

No-MPM3840GQV uses Constant-On-Time control and is internally compensated. The board's 22μF ×2 X5R ceramic output capacitors (low ESR) ensure stable operation across 0–4A load without added compensation networks or phase-margin tuning.

How is enable sequencing handled?

The EN pin accepts 1.2V logic threshold (rising: ~1.25V, falling: ~0.95V). When pulled high, the module starts with soft-start; when pulled low, it enters ultra-low-IQ shutdown (<1μA). PG asserts after soft-start completes and VOUT stabilizes within tolerance.