Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVQ7200-L-00A

Overview

EVQ7200-L-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled and tested evaluation board for the MPQ7200GLE-AEC1 synchronous buck-mode LED driver IC, supporting 6V–42V input and delivering up to 3A constant LED current in automotive-grade applications. It integrates 44mΩ/40mΩ internal MOSFETs, operates at 2.3MHz with spread spectrum, and provides fault protection including LED open/short, over-voltage, and thermal shutdown.

For engineers reviewing the EVQ7200-L-00A datasheet, EVQ7200-L-00A pinout, EVQ7200-L-00A application, or EVQ7200-L-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of high-frequency, AEC-Q100 Grade 1 LED driver performance under real-world buck-mode conditions-including PWM dimming (100Hz–2kHz), 2-step dimming, NTC-based thermal derating, and CISPR25 Class 5 EMI compliance testing.

Technical Context

The EVQ7200-L-00A implements the MPQ7200GLE-AEC1's constant-frequency hysteretic control architecture, enabling fast transient response without external loop compensation. Its 2.3MHz switching frequency minimizes output ripple and reduces EMI filter size while maintaining >90% efficiency at 3A output with 13.5V input and 6V LED string.

Board-level features include configurable ISET-based current programming, EN/DIM dual-function pin for enable control and PWM/2-step dimming, FAULT pin reporting for system-level diagnostics, and dedicated NTC interface for remote thermal monitoring and programmable derating-fully aligned with automotive lighting safety requirements.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVQ7200-L-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive headlamp design, adaptive front-lighting systems (AFS), and interior ambient lighting requiring stable component supply, pre-validated EMI performance, and AEC-Q100-compliant reference hardware.

Supply support for EVQ7200-L-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 expertise in DC/DC conversion, LED drivers, and motor control solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The EVQ7200-L-00A belongs to MPS's automotive LED driver evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate development of AEC-Q100-compliant, high-efficiency buck-mode lighting systems with integrated diagnostics and robust EMI performance.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EVQ7200-L-00A support?

The board accepts 6V to 42V DC input, covering nominal 12V and 24V automotive systems, including cold-crank (down to ~6V) and load-dump (up to 42V) conditions per ISO 7637-2. Input filtering includes damping capacitor CIN7 for stability above 24V.

How is LED current set on this evaluation board?

LED current is programmed via resistor R5 connected to the ISET pin of U1 (MPQ7200GLE-AEC1). Using Equation I_LED = 16 / R5 (kΩ), a 5.36kΩ resistor sets 3A output. The board includes test points and solder pads for easy R5 replacement during prototyping.

Does the board support both PWM and analog dimming?

It supports only PWM dimming: externally applied 100Hz–2kHz signals on the EN/DIM pin, or internally generated 500Hz 2-step dimming with programmable duty cycle (5%–15%). No analog (DC) dimming capability is implemented-the IC lacks a dedicated analog dimming interface.

What fault conditions does the FAULT pin indicate?

The FAULT pin asserts low for LED open circuit, LED short (VLED+ to VLED−), output over-voltage (>20V typical), over-current (latch-off), and thermal shutdown (>150°C junction). All faults are latched until EN is cycled or input is power-cycled.

Can the board be used for boost or buck-boost LED configurations?

No-the EVQ7200-L-00A is strictly a buck-mode evaluation board. It uses the MPQ7200GLE-AEC1 in buck topology only, with fixed component layout (including L1/L2 placement and feedback network) optimized for step-down operation from VIN to VLED.

Is CISPR25 Class 5 EMI compliance verified on this board?

Yes-test reports confirm pass/fail results across conducted (150kHz–108MHz) and radiated (150kHz–1GHz) emissions in horizontal/vertical polarization, meeting CISPR25 Class 5 limits. Layout, input damping (R7/CIN7), and spread-spectrum operation are integral to this compliance.

What is the role of the DUTY pin on the evaluation board?

The DUTY pin connects to an external NTC thermistor and enables programmable thermal derating: as LED heatsink temperature rises, the IC automatically reduces output current to maintain safe junction temperature-critical for long-life automotive lighting reliability.