Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVQ4242-VE-00B

Overview

EVQ4242-VE-00B from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 qualified evaluation board for the MPQ4242GVE-0000-AEC1 fully integrated USB PD 3.0 + PPS sourcing solution. It implements a 5A, 36V buck-boost converter with four internal power switches and embedded USB PD controller, supporting fixed PDOs (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/3A) and programmable APDOs (3.3–21V at 3A), and operates across 9–16V input with thermal and battery-voltage adaptive power scaling.

For engineers reviewing the EVQ4242-VE-00B datasheet, EVQ4242-VE-00B pinout, EVQ4242-VE-00B application, or EVQ4242-VE-00B equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of USB Type-C PD sourcing in automotive infotainment, industrial docking stations, and portable power banks - with I²C register configuration, OTP programming via Virtual Bench Pro 3.0, and real-time VBUS/CC/DP/DM signal monitoring.

Technical Context

The EVQ4242-VE-00B implements the MPQ4242 IC in a QFN-22 (4mm × 5mm) package, integrating a synchronous 4-switch buck-boost topology with internal gate drivers, USB PD 3.0 PHY, BMC transceiver, and CC logic. It supports full PD negotiation including Source Capabilities messaging, Request/Accept/Switching sequences, and Programmable Power Supply (PPS) with ±20mV voltage step resolution and 50mA current step resolution.

Board-level design includes dual EMI filters (MPL-AL5030-R47 and MPL-AL5030-1R0), 10mΩ current-sense resistor (R11), NTC-based battery voltage sensing (R7), and provision for external N-channel MOSFET (Q2, AONR66406) to extend thermal headroom above 45W. The 4-layer PCB (4.3cm × 5cm × 2.2cm) uses 2oz copper on top/bottom layers and 1oz on inner layers for high-current VOUT/GND routing.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVQ4242-VE-00B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, industrial docking stations, portable power banks, and USB-C PD reference designs requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance verification, and fast-turn prototyping support.

Supply support for EVQ4242-VE-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 power management ICs, with expertise in DC/DC converters, LED drivers, motor drivers, and USB PD solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

The MPQ4242 product line delivers fully integrated, AEC-Q100 qualified USB PD source controllers targeting automotive cabin electronics and ruggedized portable power where reliability, thermal resilience, and protocol compliance are critical.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVQ4242-VE-00B evaluation board?

The EVQ4242-VE-00B is a functional demonstration platform for the MPQ4242GVE-0000-AEC1 IC, enabling engineers to validate USB PD 3.0 + PPS sourcing behavior, measure efficiency across PDOs, verify thermal performance under load, and configure registers or OTP settings using Virtual Bench Pro 3.0 and the EVKT-USBI2C-02 interface kit.

Does the board support USB PD sink functionality?

No - the EVQ4242-VE-00B is strictly a USB Type-C source evaluation platform. It implements only the source-side PD controller logic, CC1/CC2 pull-up resistors, and VBUS sourcing circuitry. Sink-side negotiation, VCONN generation, or DRP operation is not supported by this board or the underlying MPQ4242 IC.

How is the PDO list configured on this board?

The default PDO list is hard-coded in the MPQ4242's OTP memory and includes seven entries: four fixed (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/3A) and three APDOs (3.3–11V/3A, 3.3–16V/3A, 3.3–21V/3A). Users can modify the list via I²C register writes before OTP programming or reconfigure it once using the "Write to MTP" → "User OTP" function in Virtual Bench Pro 3.0.

What external hardware is required to program the MPQ4242's OTP memory?

A USB-to-I²C communication kit (EVKT-USBI2C-02) and Virtual Bench Pro 3.0 software are mandatory. The board must be powered at 13.5V, the I²C address set to 0x61, and the internal clock enabled by writing 0x01 to register 0x39 before any OTP write operation. No standalone programmer or JTAG interface is supported.

Can the board operate with input voltages outside the 9–16V range?

No - the MPQ4242 IC shuts down if VIN falls below 6.2V (VBATT_LOW_THLD3 = 0b1010), and its maximum input overvoltage protection triggers at 22V (VIN_OVP disabled by default but configurable). Operation below 9V reduces output current capability (e.g., 20V/0.75A at VIN < 9V), and sustained operation below 9V is not recommended per the Quick Start Guide.

Is the external MOSFET (Q2) populated on the board by default?

No - Q2 (AONR66406) is included in the BOM but left unpopulated (NS) on the standard EVQ4242-VE-00B board. It is intended for thermal derating in ≥45W applications and requires matching EXT_HS_FET_RON register setting to its R_DS(ON) at 10V V_GS. Its use disables the internal high-side switch in boost mode per the schematic note.