Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVQ1923-RE-00A

Overview

EVQ1923-RE-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled, ready-to-use evaluation board for the MPQ1923 high-frequency half-bridge gate driver IC. It implements a buck converter topology with 100V input capability, 7A/8A source/sink drive strength at 12V VDD, independent INH/INL PWM inputs, and integrated bootstrap diode support. Designed for rapid validation of motor drives and telecom DC/DC converters.

For engineers reviewing the EVQ1923-RE-00A datasheet, EVQ1923-RE-00A pinout, EVQ1923-RE-00A application, or EVQ1923-RE-00A equivalent, this board enables immediate functional verification of MPQ1923-based half-bridge gate drive timing, dead-time margining, bootstrap operation, and thermal behavior under real 100V/8A switching conditions.

Technical Context

The EVQ1923-RE-00A is configured as a synchronous buck converter using two 150V/90A N-channel MOSFETs (AMIB075N15N3-T1-PF) and a 33μH power inductor. It supports input voltages up to 100V and delivers regulated output via independent high-side (DRVH) and low-side (DRVL) gate drive signals with <5ns matching delay.

Board-level protection includes under-voltage lockout (UVLO) on both HS and LS drivers, verified at VDD = 5–17V and VIN = 0–100V. Test results confirm stable 200kHz operation with 200ns dead time, 1A load, and 48V input, showing clean switching waveforms on SW, DRVH, and DRVL nodes.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVQ1923-RE-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control development, telecom DC/DC converter prototyping, and avionics power supply qualification requiring stable component supply and validated reference design fidelity.

Supply support for EVQ1923-RE-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, including DC/DC converters, LED drivers, motor drivers, and gate drivers for industrial, automotive, and computing applications.

The MPQ1923 product line targets high-frequency, high-reliability half-bridge gate drive applications-specifically designed for motor inverters, two-switch forward converters, active-clamp topologies, and telecom power supplies where precise timing, robust UVLO, and integrated bootstrap functionality are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage the EVQ1923-RE-00A can safely handle?

The board supports an absolute maximum input voltage (VIN) of 100V, as confirmed by its power stage MOSFET rating (150V), input capacitor derating (100V electrolytic), and schematic design margins. Operation above 100V risks overvoltage stress on C15, M1/M2, and U1's floating HS node, and is outside validated test conditions.

Does the board include under-voltage lockout (UVLO) protection?

Yes - UVLO is implemented via the MPQ1923 IC itself, with separate thresholds for high-side and low-side drivers. When VDD drops below the UVLO threshold (typ. 4.5V), both DRVH and DRVL outputs are forced low to prevent shoot-through, as documented in the MPQ1923 datasheet and verified in board-level startup/shutdown sequences.

Can I use 3.3V logic signals for INH and INL inputs?

Yes - the MPQ1923 accepts 3.3V or 5V CMOS-compatible logic levels on INH and INL. The evaluation board's CN1 connector is routed directly to U1's inputs without level-shifting, and the datasheet specifies VIH(min) = 2.0V and VIL(max) = 0.8V at VDD ≥ 5V, ensuring reliable recognition of 3.3V PWM signals.

Is the bootstrap diode integrated into the MPQ1923 or external?

The MPQ1923 integrates a bootstrap diode internally - eliminating the need for an external discrete diode in the BST path. This reduces component count, improves reliability, and simplifies layout. The EVQ1923-RE-00A schematic confirms no external bootstrap diode is placed; only the BST capacitor (C4/C5) is used.

What dead time is recommended between INH and INL signals?

A minimum dead time of 200ns is recommended and validated in the board's test report. This ensures sufficient overlap-free interval to prevent cross-conduction during HS/LS transitions at 200kHz. Shorter dead times risk shoot-through; longer values reduce effective duty cycle but improve safety margin under temperature and process variation.

Does the board support parallel MOSFET configurations?

No - the EVQ1923-RE-00A uses a single pair of TO-263 MOSFETs (M1/M2) with dedicated gate drive traces and Kelvin-source routing. Its layout, thermal design, and current-sense placement are optimized for single-device per side. Parallel operation would require redesign of gate loop inductance, current sharing, and thermal dissipation paths.