Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVQ4480-V-00A

Overview

EVQ4480-V-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified evaluation board for the MPQ4480GV-AEC1 synchronous step-down converter, delivering 6A at 5V from 4.2–36V input. It demonstrates automotive-grade power conversion with 440kHz default switching frequency, hiccup-mode current limiting, OVP, battery short-to-ground protection, and thermal shutdown - validated in infotainment and USB hub applications.

For engineers reviewing the EVQ4480-V-00A datasheet, EVQ4480-V-00A pinout, EVQ4480-V-00A application, or EVQ4480-V-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MPQ4480's 6A load capability, adjustable frequency (235kHz–2.2MHz), forced PWM mode, low-dropout operation, and line-drop compensation across 12V/24V/36V automotive rails.

Technical Context

The EVQ4480-V-00A implements the MPQ4480GV-AEC1 IC in a QFN25 (4mm × 5mm) package with integrated 20mΩ/15mΩ high-side/low-side MOSFETs and a 4mΩ ground-sensing resistor. It supports three programmable CC current-limit thresholds (2.75A/3.75A/7.5A) and adjustable line-drop compensation (73mV to 1628mV).

Tested waveforms confirm stable 5V output under 0–6A load transients, <50mV ripple at 440kHz/6A, and robust recovery from VOUT-to-USB_GND shorts. SYNC input accepts 300kHz–2.1MHz external clocks, enabling EMI optimization without changing inductor values.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVQ4480-V-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment system development, USB hub reference design validation, and AEC-Q100-compliant power subsystem qualification requiring stable component supply and documented test data.

Supply support for EVQ4480-V-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 analog and mixed-signal semiconductor company specializing in high-efficiency power management ICs for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

The MPQ4480 product line delivers AEC-Q100 Grade 1 synchronous buck converters optimized for automotive infotainment, ADAS camera modules, and body electronics where wide VIN, high current, and fault resilience are critical.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVQ4480-V-00A?

The EVQ4480-V-00A is a fully assembled evaluation board designed exclusively to demonstrate and validate the MPQ4480GV-AEC1 6A synchronous buck converter. It provides pre-routed power stages, test points, jumpers for configuration (ILIM, VDROP), and documented performance waveforms - not a production-ready module or IC.

Does the board support adjustable output voltage?

No - the EVQ4480-V-00A is factory-configured for fixed 5V output using feedback resistors R1 (40.2kΩ) and R2 (10kΩ). Output voltage cannot be adjusted without modifying the resistor divider network; it is intended for USB-powered automotive applications requiring stable 5V.

How is frequency synchronization implemented on this board?

The board exposes a SYNC pin (U1 Pin 19) compatible with external clock sources from 300kHz to 2.1MHz. When driven, it overrides the internal oscillator and locks switching frequency to the external signal - verified in test reports with clean VSW waveforms and no jitter at both 300kHz and 2.1MHz.

What protection features are validated on the EVQ4480-V-00A?

Test reports confirm operational validation of hiccup-mode overcurrent protection, output overvoltage protection (OVP), thermal shutdown (TSD), and battery short-to-ground protection. Recovery from VOUT-to-USB_GND short is demonstrated with automatic restart after fault clearance.

Can this board be used for production deployment?

No - the EVQ4480-V-00A is strictly an evaluation tool. It lacks conformal coating, automotive-grade mechanical mounting features, and long-term reliability qualification for end-equipment. Production designs must use the MPQ4480GV-AEC1 IC in a custom PCB meeting ISO 16750 and AEC-Q200 requirements.

What inductors are installed on the board?

The board uses Cyntec VCHA105D-4R7MS6-89 (4.7µH, 15.7A Isat, 8.3mΩ DCR) for main output filtering, plus two WE 74438356022 (2.2µH, 6.2A Isat, 35mΩ DCR) inductors for optional high-frequency testing - all surface-mount, automotive-grade components.