Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVSK-003

Overview

EVSK-003 from Monolithic Power Systems is a power inductor sample kit containing 20 molded shielded inductors from the MPL-AY series in two case sizes (1050 and 1265), with inductance values from 1.0 µH to 22 µH, DC resistance as low as 1.5 mΩ, and saturation current up to 43 A - designed for high-current, high-frequency DC-DC converters in portable and battery-powered systems.

For engineers reviewing the EVSK-003 datasheet, EVSK-003 contents, EVSK-003 ordering options, or EVSK-003 compatible inductors, this kit enables rapid evaluation of low-DCR, soft-saturation molded inductors across POL, input filter, and high-switching-frequency SMPS designs - supporting selection based on verified L, R_DC, I_RMS, I_SAT, and thermal stability data.

Technical Context

The EVSK-003 contains two families of molded power inductors: MPL-AY1050 (10.5 × 5.0 mm footprint) and MPL-AY1265 (12.6 × 6.5 mm footprint), both featuring composite magnetic cores, shielded construction, and soft saturation characteristics. Each part is rated for operation from –40°C to +125°C ambient with no derating required up to 105°C case temperature.

All 20 inductors are RoHS/REACH-compliant, halogen-free, and lead-free. The kit supports design validation of current handling (I_RMS = 7–25.5 A), saturation limits (I_SAT = 9–43 A), and low audible noise performance under PWM and constant-on-time control schemes.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVSK-003 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-current DC-DC converter development, battery-powered device power architecture validation, and high-frequency SMPS prototyping requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for EVSK-003 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 and passive components, headquartered in Kirkland, WA, with global design and support centers.

The MPL-AY series was developed specifically for high-efficiency, high-density DC-DC conversion in space-constrained applications - emphasizing low DCR, thermal robustness, and predictable soft saturation behavior under transient load steps.

FAQ

What inductors are included in the EVSK-003 kit?

The kit contains 20 inductors: ten MPL-AY1050 parts (1.0–10.0 µH) and ten MPL-AY1265 parts (1.0–22.0 µH), each supplied in quantities of 10 pieces per value. All units are pre-sorted, labeled, and packaged in static-safe trays per MPS Rev. 1.0 documentation.

Are the inductors in EVSK-003 qualified for automotive applications?

While not AEC-Q200 certified, the MPL-AY series operates reliably from –40°C to +125°C and exhibits stable inductance and saturation behavior across temperature - making them suitable for non-safety-critical automotive subsystems such as infotainment power rails and body control modules when validated per system-level requirements.

How does soft saturation benefit my SMPS design?

Soft saturation allows gradual inductance roll-off above I_SAT, preventing abrupt collapse during overload or startup transients - improving current limit predictability, reducing output voltage overshoot, and enhancing reliability in constant-on-time and peak-current-mode controllers without requiring additional sensing circuitry.

Can I use EVSK-003 inductors for >2 MHz switching frequencies?

Yes - the MPL-AY series exhibits low core loss and stable impedance up to 3 MHz due to optimized composite material and shielded construction. Measured AC resistance remains within 15% of DC resistance at 2 MHz, supporting high-efficiency operation in GaN-based and advanced controller platforms.

Is there a recommended PCB layout for these molded inductors?

MPS recommends symmetric thermal pad exposure (≥70% copper fill) beneath the inductor base, minimum 2 oz. inner-layer copper, and isolation of high-dI/dt paths from sensitive analog traces. Layout guidelines are provided in MPL-AY datasheet Section 5.2 and confirmed via thermal imaging in application note AN-123.

Does EVSK-003 include test reports or measurement data?

No - the kit contains only physical inductors and a printed reference card listing order codes and key parameters. Full electrical characterization data (including impedance vs. frequency, thermal imaging, and ripple current derating curves) is available in the official MPL-AY datasheet (DS524) on monolithicpower.com.