Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVQ4315-R-01A

Overview

EVQ4315-R-01A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled and tested evaluation board for the MPQ4315 AEC-Q100 Grade 1 synchronous step-down converter, supporting 3.3V–45V input and delivering up to 5A at 3.3V or 5V output. It integrates frequency spread spectrum (FSS), configurable switching frequency (410 kHz default), low-dropout mode, and thermal shutdown-designed specifically for automotive power supply validation under cold-crank and load-dump conditions.

For engineers reviewing the EVQ4315-R-01A datasheet, EVQ4315-R-01A pinout, EVQ4315-R-01A application, or EVQ4315-R-01A equivalent, this board enables rapid characterization of MPQ4315's AAM/FCCM operation modes, SYNC-in functionality, soft-start timing (3.52 ms), and CISPR25 Class 5 EMI performance in real-world automotive environments.

Technical Context

The EVQ4315-R-01A implements the MPQ4315 QFN-20 (4mm×4mm) IC with integrated high-side and low-side MOSFETs, current-mode control, and dual operating modes: Auto-Audio Mode (AAM) for ultra-low quiescent current (1.7 µA shutdown) and Forced Continuous Conduction Mode (FCCM) for fixed-frequency stability. It supports external frequency resistor (R3 = 75 kΩ for 410 kHz) and SYNCIN clock input (350–1000 kHz).

Board-level features include input EMI filtering (MPZ2012S300AT000 bead), dual-output configuration (3.3V/5V via R7/R8 divider), power-good (PG) monitoring, enable (EN) control, and thermal management validated up to 5A load with ≤30°C case temperature rise at TA = 25°C.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVQ4315-R-01A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power system validation, AEC-Q100 compliance testing, and DC-DC converter reference design development requiring stable component supply and documented test data.

Supply support for EVQ4315-R-01A 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 for automotive, industrial, cloud computing, and consumer applications.

The MPQ4315 product line delivers robust, AEC-Q100 qualified buck converters targeting automotive body electronics, infotainment, ADAS cameras, and telematics modules where wide VIN range, low IQ, and EMI resilience are critical.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EVQ4315-R-01A support?

The board accepts 3.3V to 45V DC input, enabling direct testing under automotive cold-crank (≥3.3V), nominal (12V/24V), and load-dump (≤45V) conditions without external pre-regulation. Input terminals are labeled VEMI (+) and GND (–), with damping capacitor recommendations for cables >0.5 m at VIN ≥24V.

How do I configure the output voltage to 5V?

Replace R8 with a 19.1 kΩ ±1% resistor while retaining R7 = 100 kΩ ±1%, per Equation (1): R8 = R7 × (VOUT / 0.815 V – 1). The board includes solder pads and silkscreen labels for both 3.3V and 5V configurations, and Table 1 in the user guide lists all recommended values.

Can I synchronize the MPQ4315's switching frequency to an external clock?

Yes - apply a 350 kHz to 1000 kHz square-wave clock signal to the SYNCIN pin (Jumper JP1 Pin 2). The internal oscillator locks to the rising edge of the external clock, enabling deterministic EMI reduction in multi-rail systems and eliminating beat frequencies.

What protection features are implemented and how are they verified?

The board demonstrates MPQ4315's thermal shutdown, overcurrent protection (SCP), and input UVLO. SCP recovery time, PG assertion during fault, and cold-crank dropout behavior are validated in Figures 13–17 of the test report, with waveforms captured at 5A load and VIN ramping from 3.3V to 5V.

Is CISPR25 Class 5 EMI compliance demonstrated on this board?

Yes - full conducted (150 kHz–108 MHz) and radiated (150 kHz–1 GHz, horizontal/vertical polarization) peak and average emission test results are provided on pages 11–12. Measurements were performed per ANSI C63.4 and CISPR 25 Ed. 4, confirming compliance without additional shielding or filtering.

Does the board support both AAM and FCCM operating modes?

Yes - mode selection is controlled by jumper JP1: connect Pins 2–1 for AAM (ultra-low IQ, variable frequency), or Pins 2–3 for FCCM (fixed frequency, optimal light-load regulation). Both modes are characterized across load (0.1 mA–5 A) and input (12V–45V) in the efficiency plots on pages 6–9.