Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVQ2179-LE-00A

Overview

EVQ2179-LE-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified evaluation board for the MPQ2179GQHE-AEC1 synchronous step-down converter, delivering 1.2V/3A output from a 2.5V–5.5V input range with 2.4MHz switching frequency, Power Good (PG) signal, and external soft-start control. It features integrated compensation, output discharge, over-voltage protection, and hiccup-mode short-circuit protection - validated for automotive infotainment and camera module power rails.

For engineers reviewing the EVQ2179-LE-00A datasheet, EVQ2179-LE-00A pinout, EVQ2179-LE-00A application, or EVQ2179-LE-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MPQ2179's thermal performance, load/line regulation (<±0.2%), efficiency (>90% at 3A), and PG timing behavior under automotive voltage transients and startup/shutdown sequences.

Technical Context

The EVQ2179-LE-00A implements the MPQ2179 IC in forced continuous conduction mode (CCM) across full 0–3A load range, using internal 65mΩ/35mΩ MOSFETs and a 1μH XEL4020-102MEB inductor. Its 2.4MHz fixed-frequency operation minimizes EMI filter size while maintaining stable regulation down to 0.6V VOUT via external resistor divider.

Board-level design includes 22μF ceramic output capacitance (GRM21BR60J226ME39L), 10μF + 0.1μF input decoupling, and precision 1% feedback resistors (R5/R6) enabling accurate VOUT adjustment per Equation (1). PG assertion delay is <100μs, and SS ramp time is programmable via capacitor on SS pin.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVQ2179-LE-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment system development, ADAS camera module power validation, and AEC-Q100-compliant ECU reference design requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for EVQ2179-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 design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MPQ2179 product line delivers AEC-Q100 Grade 1 buck converters optimized for space-constrained automotive subsystems requiring low EMI, high efficiency, and robust fault handling - targeting infotainment, telematics, and sensor modules.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EVQ2179-LE-00A support?

The board accepts 2.5V to 5.5V DC input, matching the MPQ2179's operational range. It has been tested up to 5.5V with full 3A load capability and maintains regulation during automotive battery transients including cold-crank dips to 2.5V.

How do I adjust the output voltage from the default 1.2V?

VOUT is set by the R5/R6 feedback divider on U1's FB pin. Replace R5 and R6 with values from Table 1 (e.g., 36kΩ/18kΩ for 1.8V); Equation (1) - VOUT = 0.6V × (1 + R5/R6) - defines the relationship. R5 must be 10kΩ–100kΩ for stability.

Does the board provide Power Good (PG) signaling, and what is its timing behavior?

Yes - PG asserts within <100μs after VOUT reaches 90% of target and deasserts within 200μs during fault or shutdown. Waveforms in Figures 10–12 (Rev. 1.0) confirm clean PG edges synchronized to VIN and EN transitions under 3A load.

Can the EVQ2179-LE-00A be used for thermal evaluation?

Yes - the board includes thermal test points and published case temperature rise data (Figure 6): ≤25°C rise at 3A/3.3V input. The QFN-8 IC's exposed pad is soldered to a 2-layer thermal pad, enabling direct IR measurement and heatsink compatibility assessment.

Is external soft-start configurable, and how is it implemented?

Yes - connect a capacitor between SS pin and GND to set ramp time. A 1nF capacitor yields ~1ms soft-start; larger values extend ramp linearly. This prevents inrush current during hot-plug events and ensures controlled power-up sequencing in multi-rail systems.

What protections are active during short-circuit events?

The board implements hiccup-mode short-circuit protection: SW shuts off for ~20ms upon current limit detection, then retries. PG deasserts during fault and reasserts only after successful restart - verified in Figures 11–12 waveforms with 3A short applied.