Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVQ8875A-VE-00A

Overview

EVQ8875A-VE-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled and tested evaluation board for the MPQ8875A 36V, 5A, single-channel quad-switch synchronous buck-boost DC/DC converter. It demonstrates seamless topology transitions (buck/boost/buck-boost) across 4.5–36V input and delivers regulated 11.5V at up to 5A output, supporting automotive sensor fusion, camera monitoring, and infotainment systems.

For engineers reviewing the EVQ8875A-VE-00A datasheet, EVQ8875A-VE-00A pinout, EVQ8875A-VE-00A application, or EVQ8875A-VE-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of I²C-configurable switching frequency (200kHz–1MHz), spread-spectrum EMI reduction, COT control, and comprehensive fault protection including input/output OVP, SCP, OTP, and programmable PG threshold.

Technical Context

The EVQ8875A-VE-00A implements the MPQ8875A IC in a QFN-34 (4mm×5mm) wettable flank package with AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification. It integrates four internal MOSFETs (10mΩ buck HS, 10mΩ boost LS, 25mΩ boost HS, 25mΩ buck LS) and supports forced CCM or DCM via I²C.

Board-level features include dual EMC filters (input/output), test points for VIN/VOUT/VEMI/EN/PG/SYNC, and configurable soft-start, slew rate, compensation, and cycle extension - all accessible through the MPQ8875A GUI without hardware modification.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVQ8875A-VE-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor fusion systems, camera monitoring units, infotainment head units, and industrial power supply validation requiring stable component supply and rapid prototyping capability.

Supply support for EVQ8875A-VE-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 MPQ8875A product line targets automotive and industrial applications requiring wide-input, bidirectional voltage conversion - specifically engineered for seamless buck-boost operation in constrained space and thermally demanding environments.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EVQ8875A-VE-00A support during operation?

The board operates with 4.5V to 36V DC input, matching the MPQ8875A's rated range. The underlying IC supports down to 2.2V for cold-crank scenarios, but the evaluation board's input filter and layout are optimized for ≥4.5V per its tested specifications and quick-start guide.

How is output voltage configured on this evaluation board?

VOUT is set to 11.5V by default via resistor divider (R1/R3/R9) and can be dynamically adjusted from 0.5V to 30V (FCCM) or 5V to 30V (DCM) using the MPQ8875A GUI over I²C - no soldering or hardware changes required.

Does the board support synchronization to an external clock?

Yes - the SYNC pin accepts an external 250kHz–1MHz clock signal to synchronize switching frequency, reducing system-level EMI. Default operation uses internal 450kHz COT control unless enabled via I²C register 03h.

What protections are implemented and how are they configured?

Protections include input UVLO/OVP, output OVP/SCP, cycle-by-cycle current limiting, thermal shutdown, and PG monitoring. All thresholds and response modes (e.g., hiccup vs latch-off) are programmable via I²C registers - defaults are stored in one-time-programmable memory.

Is the EVQ8875A-VE-00A qualified for automotive use?

Yes - it evaluates the MPQ8875A-0000-AEC1 variant, which is AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified (−40°C to +125°C ambient). The board itself is not qualified, but its layout, components (e.g., AEC-Q200 inductors/capacitors), and test reports align with automotive development requirements.

Can spread-spectrum modulation be enabled for EMI reduction?

Yes - frequency spread spectrum (FSS) dithers the switching frequency with ±5% modulation depth and 250Hz cycle rate, configurable via I²C register 04h. It is disabled by default but can be activated without hardware changes.

What software tools are required to configure the board?

The MPQ8875A GUI, downloadable from the MPS website, provides full register-level access over USB-to-I²C interface. It supports real-time parameter adjustment, waveform capture, fault logging, and register dump/load for reproducible validation setups.