Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVQ4328-R-00A

Overview

EVQ4328-R-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled, AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified evaluation board for the MPQ4328 synchronous step-down converter, delivering up to 4A at 5V output from a 3.3V–36V input with 2.2MHz switching frequency, 93.9% typical efficiency at 12V→5V/4A, and 1μA shutdown quiescent current. It supports automotive cold-crank (low-dropout mode), load-dump tolerance up to 42V, and dual operating modes (FCCM/AAM).

For engineers reviewing the EVQ4328-R-00A datasheet, EVQ4328-R-00A pinout, EVQ4328-R-00A application, or EVQ4328-R-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MPQ4328 performance in automotive power systems, battery-powered industrial modules, and EMI-sensitive infotainment supplies - with configurable fSW via R3, adjustable VOUT via R7/R8, and SYNCIN capability.

Technical Context

The EVQ4328-R-00A implements the MPQ4328 IC in QFN-14 (4mm×4mm) package with wettable flanks, featuring integrated high-side and low-side MOSFETs, current-mode control, and thermal shutdown. It operates across −40°C to +125°C ambient with AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification.

Board-level design includes dual 22μF output capacitors (C2A/C2B), 1μH power inductors (L1/L2), 8.66kΩ frequency-setting resistor (R3), and 100kΩ/19.1kΩ feedback divider (R7/R8) preset for 5V output. Input filtering uses three parallel ceramic caps (C1A–C1D) plus polymer capacitor CIN7 for load-dump robustness.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVQ4328-R-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ADAS domain controllers, battery-management subsystems, and infotainment head units requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100-compliant reference validation, and fast-turnaround design verification.

Supply support for EVQ4328-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 design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global distribution through authorized partners.

The MPQ4328 product line targets automotive power conversion applications demanding AEC-Q100 qualification, wide VIN range, low IQ, and robust EMI performance - specifically engineered for engine control units, telematics, and camera modules.

FAQ

How do I configure the EVQ4328-R-00A for 3.3V output?

Replace R8 with 31.6kΩ (0.1% tolerance) while retaining R7=100kΩ, per Equation (1) in the quick start guide. Confirm output regulation under full load using a calibrated multimeter and verify PG assertion at 3.3V±5.5%. No PCB modification is needed - R8 is a 0603 footprint.

Does the board support external clock synchronization?

Yes - apply a 1.6MHz–2.75MHz square wave (90–110% of configured fSW) to the SYNC/MODE pin. The board's JP1 header provides direct access; ensure signal integrity with <10cm trace length and 50Ω termination to avoid jitter-induced efficiency loss.

What is the maximum allowable input voltage during load dump testing?

The board sustains 42V input transients per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a, verified in test reports. For sustained operation, limit VIN to ≤36V; transient clamping relies on internal MPQ4328 protection and CIN7's 50V rating - no external TVS is required.

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

Yes - tie the SYNC/MODE pin to >1.4V (e.g., connect to VCC via 10kΩ). FCCM eliminates frequency variation at light loads, simplifying EMI filter design and improving transient response predictability for real-time systems.

Is thermal performance data available for natural-convection conditions?

Yes - test reports show case temperature rise of 40.9°C at 2A and 61.1°C at 4A with no forced airflow (ambient 25°C). The board uses 2oz copper layers and thermal vias under U1's exposed pad to maximize heat dissipation.

How is CISPR25 Class 5 compliance achieved?

Through optimized layout (separated power/ground planes, minimized loop area), ferrite-bead-filtered enable and SYNC lines, and differential-mode EMI suppression using CIN1–CIN4 and COUT1–COUT4. Radiated emissions meet limits up to 1GHz in both vertical/horizontal polarization.

What is the purpose of the NS-marked resistors R2 and R4?

R2 and R4 are no-stuff (NS) positions reserved for optional input/output current sensing. Populating them with 0Ω jumpers enables connection to external shunt monitors; default configuration leaves them unpopulated for standard operation.