Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVQ1918-QE-01A

Overview

EVQ1918-QE-01A from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100-qualified evaluation board for the MPQ1918GQE-AEC1 half-bridge GaN/MOSFET driver IC, configured as a 1MHz buck converter using EPC2218 100V GaN FETs. It supports open-loop PWM control with on-board complementary signal generation, 0–60V input, 12V/2A output, and wettable-flank FCQFN-14 packaging of the core driver.

For engineers reviewing the EVQ1918-QE-01A datasheet, EVQ1918-QE-01A pinout, EVQ1918-QE-01A application, or EVQ1918-QE-01A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of high-frequency GaN-based power stages in automotive and industrial DC-DC conversion-particularly where propagation delay (<25ns), dead-time management, and thermal performance under 2A load are critical selection criteria.

Technical Context

The EVQ1918-QE-01A implements a fixed-frequency (1MHz), open-loop buck topology using the MPQ1918-AEC1 driver to gate two EPC2218 GaN FETs. The board integrates passive components-including MPL-AY1265-2R2 inductor and Murata GRM32EC72A106KE05L output capacitors-to demonstrate optimized switching behavior at 100V bus voltage.

On-board logic (74LVC1G08GV AND gate and 74LVC1G04GV inverter) converts a single PWM input into synchronized PWML/PWMH signals with controlled dead time; LG and HG propagation delays are measured at 22.22ns (start-up) and 20.34ns (shutdown), confirming sub-25ns timing fidelity required for GaN operation.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVQ1918-QE-01A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ADAS power supplies, industrial 48V-to-12V DC-DC converters, and high-efficiency GaN-based server VRMs requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100-compliant reference designs, and fast-turn prototyping support.

Supply support for EVQ1918-QE-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 power management ICs for industrial, automotive, cloud computing, and consumer applications.

The MPQ1918-AEC1 product line delivers high-speed, high-voltage half-bridge drivers optimized for enhancement-mode GaN FETs and low-threshold MOSFETs in safety-critical automotive power systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVQ1918-QE-01A?

This board is a fully assembled, tested evaluation platform for the MPQ1918GQE-AEC1 driver IC. It demonstrates a functional 1MHz buck converter using EPC2218 GaN FETs, enabling engineers to validate gate drive timing, thermal behavior, and efficiency before integrating the driver into their own designs.

Does the board generate its own dead time between high-side and low-side drive signals?

Yes-the board uses discrete logic (74LVC1G08GV and 74LVC1G04GV) to convert a single PWM input into complementary PWML and PWMH outputs with fixed dead time. However, the MPQ1918-AEC1 itself does not embed programmable dead-time control; system-level DT adjustment remains the responsibility of the external controller.

Can the EVQ1918-QE-01A operate with input voltages below 12V?

Yes-it supports VIN from 0V to 60V. Operation at low input (e.g., 5V–12V) is feasible but requires verifying duty-cycle headroom and gate-drive margin for the EPC2218 FETs, as the MPQ1918-AEC1's VCC regulation and bootstrap circuitry are optimized for ≥12V inputs per the test conditions.

Is the board AEC-Q100 qualified, or only the MPQ1918-AEC1 IC?

Only the MPQ1918GQE-AEC1 driver IC is AEC-Q100 qualified (Grade 1). The EVQ1918-QE-01A evaluation board itself is not certified to AEC-Q100; it serves as a development tool to evaluate the qualified IC under representative operating conditions.

What thermal management provisions are included on the board?

The board includes thermal pads under both EPC2218 GaN FETs and recommends active fan cooling during sustained 2A operation. Test data confirms stable operation at 2A with forced airflow; derating is advised above 60°C ambient without cooling.

Which inductor is recommended for replacement if MPL-AY1265-2R2 is unavailable?

MPS specifies the MPL-AY1265-2R2 (2.2μH, 17A, shielded SMD) for optimal 1MHz performance. Equivalent alternatives must match saturation current ≥17A, DCR ≤3.7mΩ, and shielding to minimize EMI; no drop-in substitutes are validated by MPS in the EVQ1918-QE-01A design.