Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVQ2242-D-00A

Overview

EVQ2242-D-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled and tested evaluation board for the MPQ2242GDE-AEC1 - a 2A, 6V AEC-Q100 Grade 1 synchronous buck converter with configurable switching frequency (300kHz–2.2MHz), integrated high-side MOSFET and synchronous rectifier, and advanced asynchronous modulation (AAM) mode for high light-load efficiency. It supports 2.7V–6V input, delivers 1.8V/2A output by default, and features open-drain power good (PG), enable (EN), and MODE pin control for AAM/FCCM selection - used to validate automotive infotainment, cluster, and telematics power designs.

For engineers reviewing the EVQ2242-D-00A datasheet, EVQ2242-D-00A pinout, EVQ2242-D-00A application, or EVQ2242-D-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MPQ2242's transient response, thermal performance, efficiency curves across AAM/FCCM modes, and protection behavior (OCP, SCP, OVP, thermal shutdown) under real-world load and line conditions - with pre-populated 1µH XEL4030 inductor, 22µF/47µF input/output capacitors, and adjustable feedback divider network.

Technical Context

The EVQ2242-D-00A implements the MPQ2242 IC in QFN-9 (2mm×3mm) package with AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification. It operates across 2.7V–6V input, delivers up to 2A continuous output at 1.8V (adjustable down to 0.606V), and supports dual operating modes: AAM for peak efficiency at light loads (95.1% at 0.6A) and FCCM for fixed-frequency, low-ripple operation (2.1MHz nominal).

Key circuit-level features include valley-current-based over-current protection, open-drain PG signal (active when VOUT is 85–115% of nominal), EN pin logic control (1.2V turn-on threshold), and external resistor-programmable switching frequency via FREQ/SYNC pin. The board uses a 4.7nF timing capacitor and 9.31kΩ pull-down on FREQ to set fSW = 2.1MHz.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVQ2242-D-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment validation, instrument cluster power subsystem development, and telematics module prototyping requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q100-compliant reference hardware.

Supply support for EVQ2242-D-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 focus on efficiency, integration, and reliability for automotive, industrial, and computing applications.

The MPQ2242 product line delivers AEC-Q100-qualified synchronous buck converters optimized for space-constrained automotive subsystems demanding high efficiency across wide load ranges - especially infotainment, ADAS sensors, and body electronics.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EVQ2242-D-00A support?

The board supports 2.7V to 6V DC input, aligned with automotive battery rails including cold-crank (down to ~2.7V) and post-ignition transients. Input filtering uses 22µF + 47µF ceramic/electrolytic capacitance to maintain stability under dynamic load steps.

How do I configure the output voltage on this evaluation board?

VOUT is set by an external resistor divider network (R3, R4, R5). With R3 = 10Ω and R4 = 100kΩ, R5 is calculated using VOUT = 0.606V × (1 + R4/R5); for 1.8V output, R5 = 49.9kΩ (1%). Jumpers and test points allow quick reconfiguration without soldering.

Does the board support both AAM and FCCM operating modes?

Yes - the MODE pin selects between Advanced Asynchronous Modulation (AAM) for highest light-load efficiency and Forced Continuous Conduction Mode (FCCM) for fixed-frequency, low-ripple operation. FCCM is enabled by pulling MODE high; AAM is active when MODE is grounded.

What protection features are implemented and verified on this board?

All MPQ2242 protections are fully implemented and tested: valley-current OCP (prevents current runaway), short-circuit protection (SCP) with automatic recovery, over-voltage protection (OVP), and thermal shutdown with hysteresis. Test waveforms in the datasheet confirm SCP entry/recovery and PG assertion during fault events.

Can I use this board to evaluate thermal performance under full load?

Yes - thermal imaging data shows case temperature rise of 12.3°C at 2A (no forced airflow, TA = 25°C), confirming adequate copper pour (2oz layers) and thermal pad layout. The QFN-9 IC's exposed thermal pad is soldered to internal ground plane for effective heat dissipation.

Is the switching frequency configurable, and how is it set?

Yes - fSW is externally programmable from 300kHz to 2.2MHz using a resistor on the FREQ/SYNC pin. On this board, a 9.31kΩ resistor and 4.7nF capacitor set fSW to 2.1MHz, verified by oscilloscope measurements in the test report.

What is the role of the PG (power good) signal, and how is it used?

The open-drain PG signal asserts low when VOUT is within 85–115% of its nominal value. It is routed to a test point and can be monitored directly or used to sequence downstream circuitry. PG status is validated during startup, shutdown, and fault recovery waveforms in the datasheet.