Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVQ2179B-Q-00A

Overview

EVQ2179B-Q-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled, AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified evaluation board for the MPQ2179BGQHE-AEC1 synchronous step-down converter. It delivers up to 3A output current from a 2.5V–6V input, regulates VOUT down to 0.5V, operates at 710kHz fixed switching frequency, and supports forced continuous conduction mode (FCCM) for stable ripple performance in automotive power rail validation.

For engineers reviewing the EVQ2179B-Q-00A datasheet, EVQ2179B-Q-00A pinout, EVQ2179B-Q-00A application, or EVQ2179B-Q-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid characterization of transient response, efficiency mapping, thermal behavior, and CISPR25 Class 5 EMI compliance under real-world load and input conditions.

Technical Context

The EVQ2179B-Q-00A implements the MPQ2179B's constant-on-time (COT) control with VIN feed-forward, enabling near-constant 710kHz switching across 2.5V–6V input and 0–3A load ranges. It integrates FCCM operation, 100% duty-cycle capability in dropout, and open-drain power-good (PG) signaling with 90%/84% VREF thresholds.

Board-level design includes dual-stage EMI filtering (VEMI input), adjustable feedback divider (R5/R6), soft-start (SS) terminal access, and thermal-aware layout with 2oz copper layers. All protections - cycle-by-cycle current limit, SCP, OVP, and thermal shutdown with auto-recovery - are enabled and validated per AEC-Q100 stress profiles.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVQ2179B-Q-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ADAS domain controllers, infotainment power supplies, and body electronics requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 qualification evidence, and pre-validated EMI performance.

Supply support for EVQ2179B-Q-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 conversion, motor drivers, and battery management solutions.

The EVQ2179B-Q-00A belongs to MPS's automotive-grade evaluation board product line, designed specifically to accelerate qualification of AEC-Q100-compliant power converters in safety-critical vehicle subsystems.

FAQ

What is the primary IC demonstrated by the EVQ2179B-Q-00A?

The EVQ2179B-Q-00A evaluates the MPQ2179BGQHE-AEC1 - a monolithic 3A synchronous buck converter in QFN-8 (1.5mm × 2mm) package, rated for AEC-Q100 Grade 1 (−40°C to +125°C ambient), with integrated high- and low-side MOSFETs and COT control architecture.

Can the output voltage be adjusted, and how?

Yes. VOUT is set via an external resistor divider on the FB pin. R5 is fixed (0Ω for 0.5V); R6 is calculated using VOUT = 0.5V × (1 + R5/R6). The board includes 0603 footprints for R5 and R6, supporting outputs from 0.5V to 3.3V as listed in the schematic table.

Does the board support enable and power-good functions?

Yes. The EN pin accepts 0.65V (off) / 0.9V (on) logic thresholds and can be tied to VIN if unused. The open-drain PG signal asserts high when VFB reaches 90% of VREF and pulls low at 84%, providing reliable power sequencing feedback for host microcontrollers.

What EMI standards has the board been tested against?

The board meets CISPR25 Class 5 requirements for both conducted (150kHz–108MHz) and radiated emissions (150kHz–1GHz, horizontal/vertical polarization), with test data provided across full input/load range and thermal conditions in the official revision 1.0 report.

Is thermal performance data available for sustained 3A operation?

Yes. At 3A, 3.3V input, 0.5V output, and no forced airflow, the board achieves a 54°C case temperature rise above ambient (TA = 32.2°C), measured per JEDEC JESD51-2. Thermal imaging and steady-state curves confirm safe operation within AEC-Q100 Grade 1 limits.

Are all protection features active and testable on this board?

Yes. Cycle-by-cycle current limiting, short-circuit protection (SCP), over-voltage protection (OVP), and thermal shutdown with automatic recovery are factory-enabled and verified in the test report. SCP entry/recovery waveforms, PG behavior during fault, and thermal shutdown timing are all documented.