Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVQ4210-U-00B

Overview

EVQ4210-U-00B from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the MPQ4210GU-AEC1 - a synchronous, four-switch buck-boost controller supporting 6V–40V input, 5V–28V programmable output, up to 5A load current, I²C-based voltage/slew-rate/current-limit control, and AEC-Q100 qualification for automotive USB PD applications.

For engineers reviewing the EVQ4210-U-00B datasheet, EVQ4210-U-00B pinout, EVQ4210-U-00B application, or EVQ4210-U-00B equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of buck-boost regulation in USB Type-C power delivery, industrial PC supplies, and supercapacitor charging systems with real-time I²C register access, thermal performance measurement, and transient response characterization.

Technical Context

The EVQ4210-U-00B implements the MPQ4210GU-AEC1 controller in a fully assembled, tested layout featuring QFN-27 (5mm×5mm) IC mounting, four external N-channel MOSFETs (AON7242/AON7502), 4.7µH/2.7µH/0.6µH inductors, and precision current-sense resistors (R3 = 10mΩ, R4 = 5mΩ). It supports valley-current control in buck mode and peak-current control in boost mode for seamless mode transition.

Board-level features include I²C-configurable VOUT (0.5–28V), slew rate, constant-current limit (up to 5A), soft-start time, spread-spectrum switching (200/300/400/600kHz), forced CCM operation, and interrupt-driven OCP/OVP/PNG fault reporting - all verified across VIN = 12V, VOUT = 5/9/12/15/20V, and IOUT = 0–5A test conditions.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVQ4210-U-00B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB Power Delivery design validation, industrial PC power supply prototyping, and supercapacitor charging system development requiring stable component supply, full-feature demonstration, and automotive-grade reliability verification.

Supply support for EVQ4210-U-00B 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 analog and power ICs, with expertise in DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and battery management solutions for automotive, industrial, and computing markets.

The EVQ4210-U-00B belongs to MPS' automotive-qualified evaluation board product line, developed specifically to accelerate adoption of the MPQ4210GU-AEC1 controller in AEC-Q100-compliant USB PD and wide-input industrial power systems.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the EVQ4210-U-00B?

The EVQ4210-U-00B is a fully assembled evaluation board for the MPQ4210GU-AEC1 synchronous four-switch buck-boost controller. It enables hardware validation of I²C-programmable output voltage (0.5–28V), current limiting (up to 5A), slew rate control, and transient response in automotive and industrial power applications without custom PCB design.

Does the board support USB Power Delivery (PD) compliance testing?

Yes - the board implements the MPQ4210GU-AEC1's native I²C interface to configure VOUT, slew rate, and constant-current limits required for USB PD 3.0 sink applications. It supports dynamic voltage transitions (e.g., 5V ↔ 20V) and meets AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification for automotive USB-C power supplies.

How is output current monitored and limited on this board?

Output current is monitored via IMON function using R3 (10mΩ) and R4 (5mΩ) sense resistors, feeding into the MPQ4210GU-AEC1's internal current monitor. The I²C ILIM register (3-bit) sets the current limit threshold from 3A (default) to >5A, with OCP interrupt flagging overcurrent events.

What are the required connections to operate the EVQ4210-U-00B?

Required connections are: (1) 6–40V DC input to VIN/GND, (2) load (≤5A) to VOUT/GND, and (3) I²C interface (USB-to-I²C dongle) to the board's I²C header for GUI-based register configuration. ENPWR must be asserted via I²C (not hardware pin) to enable switching.

Can the board operate in forced continuous conduction mode (FCCM)?

Yes - FCCM mode is enabled via the MPQ4210GU-AEC1's MODE register bit. The EVQ4210-U-00B supports FCCM across all operating points, ensuring consistent switching frequency and reduced output ripple during light-load conditions typical in USB PD and industrial power rails.

Is thermal performance data available for different output voltages?

Yes - measured thermal rise data is provided for VOUT = 5V, 9V, 15V, and 20V at 400kHz switching frequency. At 5A load, case temperature rise remains ≤15°C for VOUT ≤12V and ≤25°C for VOUT = 20V (VIN = 12V), confirming robust thermal design with the included Coilcraft XAL/XEL inductors and wettable-flank QFN layout.