Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVM4730-PQ-00A

Overview

EVM4730-PQ-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MPM4730 synchronous 4-switch buck-boost module, supporting 2.8V–22V input, 15V default output, 1A max load, 95.7% typical efficiency at 12V_IN/15V_OUT/1A, and 500kHz switching frequency. It enables rapid validation of regulated wide-input DC/DC conversion in space-constrained industrial and portable power systems.

For engineers reviewing the EVM4730-PQ-00A datasheet, EVM4730-PQ-00A pinout, EVM4730-PQ-00A application, or EVM4730-PQ-00A equivalent, this board provides direct access to I²C-configurable operation, thermal derating curves, ripple waveforms, FCCM/PFM/PWM mode behavior, and full protection fault logging under real load transients.

Technical Context

The EVM4730-PQ-00A implements the MPM4730GPQ in ECLGA-18 (3mm × 3mm) package, featuring integrated high-side and low-side MOSFETs, bootstrap circuitry, and internal current-sense amplifiers. It supports automatic PFM/PWM transition and forced PWM mode with selectable f_SW via external resistor (R_t = 49.9kΩ sets 500kHz).

Board-level design includes five 22µF ceramic output capacitors, 100µF bulk input capacitor, I²C interface (SCL/SDA), VOUT/VIN sense turrets, and configurable soft-start via C₄/C₅ (22nF). Protection features-OCP, OVP, UVP, and thermal shutdown-are fully enabled and testable.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVM4730-PQ-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI power rails, battery-powered test instrumentation, and 15V analog front-end biasing requiring stable component supply and fast evaluation turnaround.

Supply support for EVM4730-PQ-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, founded in 1997 and headquartered in Kirkland, WA.

The MPM4730 product line delivers fully integrated buck-boost modules for space-constrained applications needing seamless VIN-to-VOUT crossover, such as portable medical devices, smart sensors, and dual-rail industrial controllers.

FAQ

What input voltage range is supported on the EVM4730-PQ-00A?

The board supports 2.8V to 22V DC input, matching the MPM4730's operational range. Input must be applied between VIN and GND terminals with polarity observed; exceeding 22V risks permanent damage to the module and input capacitors.

How is output voltage configured on this evaluation board?

VOUT is factory-set to 15V using a precision FB divider (R1 = 42.2kΩ, R2 = 3kΩ). To change output voltage, replace R1 and/or R2 with values calculated per the MPM4730 datasheet's feedback equation: VOUT = 0.8V × (1 + R1/R2).

Does the EVM4730-PQ-00A support I²C communication?

Yes - it includes an unpopulated 2×4-pin I²C connector (CN1) routed to SCL and SDA pins of the MPM4730. Firmware-controlled configuration (e.g., fSW, soft-start time, fault response) requires external I²C master and MPS-provided GUI or register map.

What thermal performance can be expected at full load?

At 1A load, 12V_IN, and 25°C ambient with no airflow, junction temperature rise is ≤35°C above ambient. Derating begins at ~75°C ambient; maximum continuous output current drops to ~0.7A at 100°C ambient per thermal curve on page 5 of the reference document.

Are output voltage sense points accessible for precision measurement?

Yes - dedicated VOUTSENSE and VOUTGNDSENSE turrets provide Kelvin connections to the feedback node, enabling accurate regulation verification without IR drop error from PCB traces or connectors.

Can the board operate in forced PWM mode?

Yes - forced PWM is enabled by pulling the ALT pin high (via jumper or external signal). This disables PFM operation and maintains constant switching frequency across all load conditions, reducing low-load output ripple and EMI variability.