Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVQ2179-QH-00A

Overview

EVQ2179-QH-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled and tested evaluation board for the MPQ2179GQHE-AEC1 monolithic synchronous step-down converter, delivering 3A output current from a 2.5V–6V input, operating at 2.4MHz switching frequency, with AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification and integrated power MOSFETs in QFN-8 (1.5mm×2mm) package. It supports adjustable 1.2V output, constant-on-time control, FCCM mode, and power-good signaling for automotive ADAS and infotainment power rails.

For engineers reviewing the EVQ2179-QH-00A datasheet, EVQ2179-QH-00A pinout, EVQ2179-QH-00A application, or EVQ2179-QH-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MPQ2179's transient response, efficiency across 2.5–6V input, thermal performance up to 3A load, and CISPR25 Class 5 EMI compliance in automotive-grade DC/DC designs.

Technical Context

The EVQ2179-QH-00A implements the MPQ2179's COT control architecture with VIN feed-forward to maintain stable 2.4MHz switching across input and load variations. It integrates dual 1µH inductors (XEL4020-102MEB and VCTA25201B-1R0MS6-99), 22µF/6.3V and 4.7µF/16V ceramic output capacitors, and a precision 100kΩ feedback divider for 1.2V regulation.

Board-level features include EN-controlled startup/shutdown, open-drain PG monitoring (90%/85% VREF thresholds), cycle-by-cycle current limiting, short-circuit protection with auto-recovery, and thermal shutdown with automatic recovery - all validated per AEC-Q100 stress test conditions.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVQ2179-QH-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ADAS camera modules, infotainment head units, and body control modules requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100-compliant reference validation, and fast-turnaround power stage prototyping.

Supply support for EVQ2179-QH-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 over two decades of innovation in DC/DC converters, motor drivers, and LED drivers for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The MPQ2179 product line delivers AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified synchronous buck converters optimized for automotive subsystems demanding high efficiency, low EMI, and robust fault protection in harsh environments.

FAQ

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

The board supports 2.5V to 6V input, matching automotive battery rail behavior including cold-crank (down to 2.5V) and post-load-dump conditions. Input filtering uses three parallel ceramic capacitors (1nF, 10nF, and dual 4.7µF) plus a bulk electrolytic (22µF/63V) to suppress transients and ensure stable operation across the full range.

How is output voltage set on this evaluation board?

Output voltage is set using an external resistor divider (R5 = 100kΩ, R6 = 100kΩ) to achieve 1.2V, per the formula VOUT = 0.6V × (1 + R5/R6). The board includes test points and solder jumpers to reconfigure R5/R6 for other outputs (e.g., 1.0V, 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V), as documented in the schematic and quick-start guide.

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 for always-on operation. The open-drain PG signal asserts high when FB reaches 90% of 0.6V reference and pulls low at 85%, enabling system-level power sequencing and fault detection without external pull-ups.

What protection features are implemented and verified?

All MPQ2179 protections are hardware-verified on the board: cycle-by-cycle current limiting, short-circuit protection with auto-recovery, over-voltage protection (OVP), and thermal shutdown with automatic restart. Test waveforms in the documentation confirm SCP entry/recovery timing and PG assertion during faults.

Is EMI performance validated per automotive standards?

Yes - conducted and radiated emissions were measured per CISPR25 Class 5 (150kHz–1GHz) with both horizontal and vertical polarization. Peak and average results meet limits across all bands, confirming suitability for front-end power stages in camera modules and display systems where EMI margins are critical.

Can this board be used for thermal derating analysis?

Yes - thermal imaging data shows 38.1°C rise at 1.5A and 63.2°C at 3A with no forced airflow, enabling direct correlation to PCB copper thickness (2oz), layout thermal vias, and heatsink requirements. These measurements support junction temperature estimation under real-world ambient conditions.