Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVM4710-PA-00B

Overview

EVM4710-PA-00B from Monolithic Power Systems is a 50 mm × 50 mm × 1.6 mm evaluation board for the MPM4710GPA synchronous buck-boost power module, supporting 1.2–5.5 V_IN, 3.3 V_OUT (fixed), 1 A output current, 2 MHz switching frequency, and 93.2% peak efficiency. It enables rapid validation of compact DC/DC conversion in space-constrained portable and battery-powered systems.

For engineers reviewing the EVM4710-PA-00B datasheet, EVM4710-PA-00B pinout, EVM4710-PA-00B application, or EVM4710-PA-00B equivalent, this board provides ready-to-use test points (VINS+, VOS-, VO, PGND), EN-controlled startup/shutdown, MODE/SYNC configuration, and thermal performance data under real load conditions up to 1 A.

Technical Context

The EVM4710-PA-00B implements the MPM4710GPA - a fully integrated buck-boost module with internal inductor, current-mode PWM control, fixed 2 MHz operation, and internal compensation. It operates across 1.2–5.5 V input and delivers regulated 3.3 V output without external loop compensation components.

Board-level design includes dual 22 µF ceramic output capacitors (C1A/C1B/C2A/C2B), 1 µF input bypass (C3), 0.1 µF high-frequency decoupling (C2C), and precision feedback resistors (R1/R2) setting V_OUT. Test points support direct oscilloscope measurement of V_SW1, V_SW2, V_PG, V_EN, and ripple under steady-state, start-up, and shutdown conditions.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVM4710-PA-00B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered IoT sensors, wearable health monitors, and industrial handheld terminals requiring stable component supply, fast prototyping turnaround, and verified thermal performance under dynamic load profiles.

Supply support for EVM4710-PA-00B 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 centers.

The EVM4710-PA-00B belongs to MPS's evaluation board product line for integrated power modules, designed specifically to accelerate adoption of their monolithic buck-boost solutions in portable, low-voltage, and thermally constrained applications.

FAQ

What input voltage range is supported during startup?

The EVM4710-PA-00B supports startup from 1.8 V to 5.5 V input. Below 1.8 V, the MPM4710GPA does not initiate regulation; the board remains in undervoltage lockout until VIN exceeds the startup threshold. This ensures reliable cold-start behavior in single-cell battery applications.

Can the output voltage be adjusted to values other than 3.3 V?

Yes - the output voltage can be reconfigured using external resistors on the FB pin. The default 3.3 V is set by internal resistors; removing R1/R2 and populating an external divider between FB, VOUT, and PGND allows adjustment per the MPM4710GPA datasheet equation: VOUT = 0.8 V × (1 + R1/R2).

Does the board support forced PWM or PFM mode selection?

Yes - the MODE/SYNC pin (Pin 3) controls operating mode. Pulling it high selects forced PWM mode for consistent 2 MHz switching and low noise; pulling low enables auto PFM/PWM transition to improve light-load efficiency. No external clock source is required for SYNC operation.

What thermal performance can be expected at full 1 A load?

At 3.3 V_IN/3.3 V_OUT/1 A, the board exhibits ≤20°C case temperature rise above ambient (25°C), measured at the center of the MPM4710GPA ECLGA-14 package. This validates adequate copper pour and thermal vias in the 4-layer PCB stackup.

Are the input and output capacitors optimized for EMI compliance?

Yes - the board integrates a π-filter (C3 + LEMI1 + LEMI2) on the input side and uses four parallel 22 µF X7T 0805 ceramics on the output, plus a 0.1 µF 0402 high-frequency bypass. This layout meets Class B conducted EMI requirements when tested per CISPR 22 with standard LISN.

Is the PG (Power Good) signal actively driven and logic-compatible?

Yes - the PG pin (Pin 4) is an open-drain output referenced to PGND, pulled high via onboard 4.99 kΩ resistor (R4). It asserts high when VOUT is within ±7.5% of regulation (3.05–3.55 V), compatible with 1.8 V/3.3 V/5 V logic systems without level-shifting.