Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVQ4326-R-00A

Overview

EVQ4326-R-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled, AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified evaluation board for the MPQ4326 synchronous step-down converter, delivering up to 6A output at 5V from a 3.3V–36V input, featuring 2.2MHz switching frequency, 1μA shutdown quiescent current, and integrated high-side/low-side MOSFETs in QFN-14 (4mm×4mm) package. It supports automotive cold-crank and 42V load-dump conditions.

For engineers reviewing the EVQ4326-R-00A datasheet, EVQ4326-R-00A pinout, EVQ4326-R-00A application, or EVQ4326-R-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MPQ4326 performance-including efficiency vs. load, thermal behavior at 6A, CISPR25 Class 5 EMI compliance, PG signal timing, and FCCM/AAM mode selection-under real automotive input transients and synchronization requirements.

Technical Context

The EVQ4326-R-00A implements the MPQ4326 IC in a fixed 5V output configuration with external resistor divider (R7=100kΩ, R8=19.1kΩ), 8.66kΩ FREQ-setting resistor for 2.2MHz operation, and dual 22μF ceramic output capacitors. It includes dedicated test points (VEMI, VOUT, GND, EN, SYNCIN, PG) and supports both forced continuous conduction mode (FCCM) and advanced asynchronous modulation (AAM).

Board-level design incorporates 1μH power inductors (XEL4020-102MEB and XAL5030-102MEB/C), 10μF/1210 input bulk capacitance, 1nF–10nF high-voltage ceramic bypass caps, and thermal management optimized for ≤89.5°C case rise at 6A with no forced airflow-validated per automotive ambient and transient stress profiles.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVQ4326-R-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ADAS power supply validation, infotainment system DC-DC prototyping, and industrial control module development requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100-compliant reference designs, and fast-turn evaluation support.

Supply support for EVQ4326-R-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 core expertise in DC-DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting controllers for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

The MPQ4326 product line delivers high-efficiency, AEC-Q100-qualified synchronous buck converters targeting automotive front-end power supplies, body electronics, and telematics modules where wide VIN range, low IQ, and robust transient response are critical.

FAQ

What input voltage range is supported, and how is 42V load dump handled?

The EVQ4326-R-00A accepts 3.3V to 36V nominal input and withstands 42V transient load dump per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. This is achieved through the MPQ4326's internal overvoltage protection and board-level 10μF/50V input capacitance with low-ESR ceramic construction, verified in test reports up to 42V for 100ms without latch-off or damage.

Can output voltage be adjusted, and what components must be changed?

Yes, VOUT is adjustable via the FB resistor divider (R7 and R8). For example, changing R8 from 19.1kΩ to 31.6kΩ sets 3.3V output (with R7 = 100kΩ). The board includes 0603 footprints and 0Ω jumpers (R5, R6) to support rework; no PCB modification is required beyond resistor replacement and verification of loop stability with new compensation.

How is synchronization implemented, and what frequency range is supported?

Synchronization is enabled via the SYNCIN/MODE pin: applying an external clock (90–110% of configured fSW) forces FCCM operation. With R3 = 8.66kΩ (2.2MHz default), SYNCIN accepts 1.98–2.42MHz signals. The board provides direct access to this pin via a 1mm golden test point, and waveform validation (including jitter and phase alignment) is documented in Section 17 of the EVB report.

What thermal performance can be expected at full 6A load?

At 6A output, 12V input, and 25°C ambient with no forced airflow, the board achieves 89.5°C case temperature rise (measured at U1 center pad), confirming adequate copper pour (2oz layers) and thermal vias. Efficiency remains ≥91.6% under these conditions, and thermal shutdown activates only above 150°C junction-verified across VIN = 8–36V sweep.

Is the board compatible with AEC-Q100 testing requirements for customer qualification?

Yes-the EVQ4326-R-00A uses the AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified MPQ4326GRE-AEC1 IC and follows MPS-recommended layout practices (including split AGND/PGND, thermal relief, and high-current trace routing). While the board itself is not certified, its design enables direct correlation to AEC-Q100 stress test results published in the MPQ4326 datasheet (HTOL, TC, ESD, etc.).

Does the board support both FCCM and AAM modes, and how is mode selection performed?

Yes-mode selection is controlled via the SYNCIN/MODE pin: <0.4V selects AAM (light-load efficiency optimization), >1.4V selects FCCM (constant-frequency operation), and external clock input forces FCCM with synchronization. JP1 provides hardware-selectable pull-up/pull-down; oscilloscope waveforms for both modes, including ripple and efficiency curves, are provided in Figures 12–15 of the EVB report.

What safety and fault protections are demonstrated on this board?

The board validates MPQ4326's integrated protections: open-drain PG signal asserts within ±5.5% of nominal VOUT; thermal shutdown triggers at ~150°C junction; hiccup-mode current limiting engages during SCP (tested at 0A–6A); and low-dropout mode maintains regulation down to VIN = 3.7V at full load-each confirmed with oscilloscope captures and thermal imaging in Sections 13–16 of the test report.