Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVQ2178A-LE-00A

Overview

EVQ2178A-LE-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 qualified evaluation board for the MPQ2178A synchronous step-down converter, designed to demonstrate 2A output at 1.2V across a 2.5V–5.5V input range. It integrates the QFN-8 (1.5mm×2mm) MPQ2178AGQHE-AEC1 IC with 2.4MHz switching, Power Good (PG), external soft-start (SS), and fault protections including cycle-by-cycle current limiting and thermal shutdown.

For engineers reviewing the EVQ2178A-LE-00A datasheet, EVQ2178A-LE-00A pinout, EVQ2178A-LE-00A application, or EVQ2178A-LE-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of automotive-grade DC/DC conversion in space-constrained, thermally demanding environments - especially where 1% FB accuracy, 21μA sleep IQ, and hiccup-mode SCP are critical selection criteria.

Technical Context

The EVQ2178A-LE-00A implements the MPQ2178A's full feature set on a fully assembled 6.3cm×6.3cm×0.3cm PCB, including integrated compensation, output discharge, OVP, and PG signaling. Its layout uses MeshConnect™ flip-chip packaging and optimized power routing to support EMC-compliant operation at 2.4MHz.

It supports adjustable VOUT via external resistor divider (R5/R6), with factory-configured 1.2V output using 100kΩ/100kΩ feedback network. Input filtering employs dual 4.7μF ceramic capacitors (C1A/C1B) and 0.1μF bypass (C1C/C1D); output uses 22μF ceramic (C2A) plus 0.1μF (C2C) and 2.2nF (C3) for transient suppression and stability.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVQ2178A-LE-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, camera modules, and key fob power supplies requiring stable component supply, fast design iteration, and AEC-Q100 traceability.

Supply support for EVQ2178A-LE-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, with expertise in DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting controllers.

The MPQ2178A product line delivers automotive-grade synchronous buck converters optimized for low-voltage, high-current applications in clusters, telematics, and ADAS sensors - emphasizing thermal efficiency, EMI robustness, and functional safety readiness.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the EVQ2178A-LE-00A?

The EVQ2178A-LE-00A is a fully assembled, tested evaluation board for the MPQ2178A buck converter. It enables engineers to validate performance-including efficiency, thermal behavior, startup/shutdown sequencing, and protection features-under real-world conditions before integrating the IC into final designs.

Can the output voltage be adjusted, and how?

Yes. VOUT is set by an external resistor divider on the FB pin. The board ships with R5 = R6 = 100kΩ for 1.2V, but values can be changed per Equation (1): R6 = R5 × (0.6V / VOUT − 1). Table 1 in the reference design provides validated resistor pairs for 1.0V–3.3V outputs.

Does the board support enable and power-good monitoring?

Yes. The EN pin accepts digital logic-level control (≥0.9V to enable, ≤0.65V to disable), and the PG pin provides an open-drain signal indicating regulated output within ±8% tolerance. Both signals are routed to test points and accessible via headers.

What inductor and output capacitor are used on the board?

The board uses Coilcraft XEL4020-102MEB (1μH, 14.6mΩ DCR, 9.6A ISAT) and Murata GRM21BR60J226ME39L (22μF, 6.3V, X5R, 0805) as the main output capacitor, supplemented by 0.1μF and 2.2nF ceramics for high-frequency decoupling and loop stability.

Is thermal performance characterized on this board?

Yes. Test data shows ≤2.0°C case temperature rise at 2A load with VIN = 3.3V or 5V and TA = 25°C. The board's 2-layer copper pour and optimized thermal vias under the QFN-8 package support sustained 2A operation without forced airflow.

How is short-circuit protection implemented and verified?

SCP triggers hiccup mode: the IC shuts down after overcurrent detection, waits ~35ms, then attempts restart. Waveforms in the reference document confirm clean entry and recovery behavior, with PG deassertion during fault and reassertion upon recovery - all observable on test points.