Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVQ5850-J-00A

Overview

EVQ5850-J-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled and tested evaluation board for the MPQ5850GJ-AEC1 - a 36V AEC-Q100 Grade 1 smart diode controller that drives an external N-channel MOSFET to replace Schottky diodes in reverse input protection circuits. It delivers 5A output current, features 20mV ultra-low dropout, 4μA shutdown current, integrated boost converter, and open-drain power good (PG) signal - enabling cold-crank operation down to 3V in automotive systems.

For engineers reviewing the EVQ5850-J-00A datasheet, EVQ5850-J-00A pinout, EVQ5850-J-00A application, or EVQ5850-J-00A equivalent, this board supports rapid validation of reverse polarity protection, load dump survival (up to 42V), ISO16750 transient compliance, gate drive performance (170mA pull-up / 430mA pull-down), and PG signaling under start-up/shutdown conditions.

Technical Context

The EVQ5850-J-00A implements the MPQ5850's core architecture: an internal boost converter generates gate drive voltage for the external N-channel MOSFET (M1: AM90N06-04D-T1-PF), enabling full enhancement even at VIN as low as 3V. The board routes all critical signals - VIN, VOUT, VGATE, IOUT, EN, and PG - to test points and connectors for oscilloscope probing and load control.

It validates key timing and protection behaviors: ultra-fast gate rising/falling times (<500ns with typical CGS), PG assertion during MOSFET turn-on, and robust response to automotive transients including cold crank (3V), load dump (42V), and AC rectification up to 100kHz - all measured per CISPR25 Class 5 EMI standards on the 6.35cm × 6.35cm PCB.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVQ5850-J-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ADAS camera modules, infotainment head units, digital instrument clusters, and battery-powered telematics systems requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q100-compliant reference validation.

Supply support for EVQ5850-J-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 focus on efficiency, integration, and automotive-grade reliability.

The MPQ5850 product line targets automotive reverse-input protection applications, delivering ultra-low dropout and transient-hardened gate drive to replace discrete Schottky diodes while meeting AEC-Q100 Grade 1 requirements.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the V_PG_5V connector on the EVQ5850-J-00A?

The V_PG_5V connector supplies an external 5V rail to power the open-drain power good (PG) output stage. This enables clean PG signal assertion when the external MOSFET is fully enhanced, independent of VIN level - critical for system-level power sequencing and fault monitoring in automotive ECUs.

Can the EVQ5850-J-00A be used to evaluate reverse polarity protection with different MOSFETs?

Yes - the board includes solder pads and routing for direct replacement of M1 (AM90N06-04D-T1-PF). The gate driver supports N-channel MOSFETs with VGS(th) ≤ 2.5V and Qg ≤ 30 nC, and the 170mA pull-up/430mA pull-down ensures fast switching across varied RDS(on) and gate charge values.

How is cold-crank performance validated on this evaluation board?

Cold-crank behavior is verified by stepping VIN from 3V to 36V while monitoring VOUT regulation, VGATE rise time, and PG assertion delay. Test waveforms (Fig. 9–10) confirm stable 5A output with <20mV dropout and <10µs PG response at VIN = 3V, meeting ISO16750-2 pulse 4a requirements.

Does the board include EMI filtering components for CISPR25 Class 5 compliance?

Yes - the BOM includes a 470µF electrolytic capacitor (C4), 1µF ceramic (C2), and 4.7µF ceramic (C3) on the input side, plus a 24V SMBJ TVS (D1) and optimized PCB layout (4-layer stackup, ground plane isolation) - all contributing to measured CISPR25 Class 5 peak/average conducted and radiated emissions performance.

What is the role of the 0Ω resistor R2 on the EN node?

R2 serves as a jumper option to disconnect the EN pin from VIN. When populated, it ties EN to VIN for automatic startup; when removed, EN becomes accessible via the 1mm header for external digital control - allowing precise timing of MOSFET enable/disable sequences during system power-up or fault recovery.

Is the MPQ5850 IC on the board pre-programmed or configurable?

The MPQ5850GJ-AEC1 is a fixed-function device with no user-configurable registers. All behavior - including UVLO threshold (1V/1.2V), PG logic, and gate drive strength - is hardwired. Configuration occurs only via external passive components (e.g., R1/R3 set EN hysteresis) and MOSFET selection.