Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVQ2178-LE-00A

Overview

EVQ2178-LE-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified evaluation board for the MPQ2178GQHE-AEC1 synchronous step-down converter, delivering 1.2V/2A output from a 2.5V–5.5V input. It integrates 70mΩ/40mΩ internal MOSFETs, operates at 2.4MHz fixed frequency, and features Power Good (PG), external soft-start (SS), over-voltage protection (OVP), short-circuit protection (SCP) with hiccup mode, and output discharge - designed for automotive cluster, telematics, and camera module power validation.

For engineers reviewing the EVQ2178-LE-00A datasheet, EVQ2178-LE-00A pinout, EVQ2178-LE-00A application, or EVQ2178-LE-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid functional verification of the MPQ2178's high-efficiency, low-noise, AEC-Q100-compliant DC/DC conversion in space-constrained automotive subsystems - including load transient response, thermal behavior, PG timing, and SS-controlled startup under varying VIN and IOUT conditions.

Technical Context

The EVQ2178-LE-00A implements the MPQ2178 IC in forced continuous conduction mode (CCM) across full 0–2A load range, eliminating mode transitions to ensure stable EMI profile and predictable loop dynamics. Its 2.4MHz switching frequency allows use of compact 1µH inductors and low-ESR ceramic output capacitors, reducing board area while maintaining >90% peak efficiency at 1.2V/2A with VIN = 3.3V.

Board-level design includes integrated compensation network, precision 1% FB accuracy, and configurable output via external resistor divider (R5/R6). PG signal asserts after VOUT reaches 90% of target within ±1% tolerance and remains asserted during normal operation; it deasserts during OVP, SCP, or thermal shutdown events.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVQ2178-LE-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment validation, ADAS camera power testing, and AEC-Q100-compliant embedded supply development requiring stable component supply, pre-tested layout, and production-representative thermal performance.

Supply support for EVQ2178-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 core expertise in DC/DC converters, LED drivers, and motor drivers for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

The MPQ2178 product line delivers AEC-Q100 Grade 1 monolithic buck converters optimized for automotive subsystems where small size, high efficiency at light loads, and robust fault handling are mandatory - targeting clusters, telematics gateways, and vision modules.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EVQ2178-LE-00A support?

The board accepts 2.5V to 5.5V DC input, covering automotive battery conditions including cold-crank (down to ~2.5V) and post-load-dump transients (up to 5.5V). Input filtering uses three parallel ceramic capacitors (4.7µF ×2 + 0.1µF) plus one 22µF electrolytic capacitor for bulk energy storage and high-frequency decoupling.

How is output voltage adjusted on this evaluation board?

VOUT is set by the R5/R6 feedback divider connected to the FB pin. Default configuration uses 100kΩ for both R5 and R6 to deliver 1.2V (VOUT = 0.6V × (1 + R5/R6)). To change output, replace R5 and/or R6 per Equation (1) in the Quick Start Guide - R5 must remain between 10kΩ and 100kΩ for stable regulation.

Does the board support enable and power-good signaling?

Yes. The EN pin accepts logic-level control (≥0.9V = ON, ≤0.65V = OFF) for precise power sequencing. The open-drain PG pin asserts high (pulled up externally) when VOUT reaches 90% of target and remains stable; it deasserts during faults like OVP, SCP, or thermal shutdown - enabling system-level fault detection and reset coordination.

What protections are implemented and how do they behave?

The board demonstrates MPQ2178's built-in protections: cycle-by-cycle current limiting limits peak inductor current; thermal shutdown disables switching above 150°C junction; OVP triggers at ~115% nominal VOUT; SCP enters hiccup mode (off-time ≥ 10ms) after fault detection. All protections are hardware-asserted and reflected in PG deassertion and SW waveform interruption.

Can this board be used for EMC/EMI pre-compliance testing?

Yes. Its 2.4MHz fixed-frequency operation, forced CCM mode, optimized PCB layout (4-layer stack-up with dedicated GND/power planes), and integrated input/output filtering make it suitable for conducted and radiated emission profiling. Layout files (top/mid/bottom layers) are provided in the reference documentation for trace routing analysis and filter tuning.

What is the physical size and mounting interface?

The board measures 6.3cm × 6.3cm × 0.3cm (2.48" × 2.48" × 0.12") with four 2.0mm golden-pin test points (VIN, GND, VOUT, GND) and three 1.0mm golden-pin test points (EN, PG, GND) for probing and connection. No mounting holes are included; it is intended for benchtop evaluation using clip leads or spring-loaded pogo pins.