Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVSK-004

Overview

EVSK-004 from Monolithic Power Systems is a pre-configured inductor sample kit containing 25 discrete molded power inductors from the MPL-AL series, covering five case sizes (4020/5030/5050/6050/6060), with inductance values from 0.82 µH to 10 µH, DCR as low as 3.9 mΩ, and saturation current up to 24 A - designed for rapid evaluation of high-current, high-frequency DC-DC converter designs.

For engineers reviewing the EVSK-004 datasheet, EVSK-004 contents, EVSK-004 application, or EVSK-004 equivalent, this kit enables fast prototyping of POL converters, battery-powered SMPS, embedded computing power stages, and portable device power rails without individual part sourcing or minimum order constraints.

Technical Context

The EVSK-004 contains only surface-mount molded power inductors with flat-wire construction, soft saturation characteristics, and RoHS/REACH-compliant halogen-free materials - no active components, controllers, or PCBs. Each inductor is optimized for stable performance across –40°C to +125°C ambient operation.

All 25 parts feature low audible noise behavior due to molded epoxy encapsulation and mechanical damping, and deliver higher current handling than round-wire equivalents at identical footprints - validated by ISAT and IR ratings listed per part number in the kit's included specification table.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVSK-004 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered devices, high-switching-frequency SMPS, and embedded computing power delivery systems requiring stable component supply and rapid design iteration.

Supply support for EVSK-004 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-AL series was developed specifically for high-current, high-efficiency DC-DC conversion in space-constrained applications - emphasizing low DCR, soft saturation, and thermal stability over wide temperature ranges.

FAQ

What components are included in the EVSK-004 kit?

The EVSK-004 kit contains 25 individual MPL-AL series molded power inductors: nine 4020-size, five 5030-size, four 5050-size, five 6050-size, and two 6060-size units - each with documented L, DCR, ISAT, and IR values. No PCBs, adapters, or active components are included.

Is EVSK-004 a single component or a collection of parts?

EVSK-004 is strictly a sample kit - a curated collection of 25 discrete surface-mount inductors. It is not a board, module, or assembled product. Each inductor is individually packaged and labeled with its full MPN (e.g., MPL-AL4020-1R0).

Can EVSK-004 be used for production-level qualification?

Yes - all inductors in EVSK-004 are production-grade, fully qualified MPL-AL series parts meeting MPS's AEC-Q200-referenced reliability testing, including thermal cycling, humidity bias, and vibration. Kit contents match standard production reels and tape-and-reel packaging specifications.

Does EVSK-004 include test reports or characterization data?

No - the kit includes only physical inductors and a printed reference sheet listing part numbers and key parameters. Full electrical characterization data (e.g., impedance vs. frequency, core loss curves, thermal images) is available in the official MPL-AL datasheet (MP22722) on monolithicpower.com.

Are the inductors in EVSK-004 compatible with reflow soldering?

Yes - all MPL-AL inductors in EVSK-004 are rated for standard Pb-free reflow profiles (J-STD-020 MSL3), with peak temperatures up to 260°C. The molded epoxy body withstands multiple reflow cycles without delamination or parameter shift.

How does the flat-wire construction improve performance versus round-wire inductors?

Flat-wire windings reduce AC resistance at high frequencies by increasing conductor surface area and minimizing skin-effect losses. In the MPL-AL series, this yields up to 30% lower DCR and 15–20% higher saturation current versus comparable round-wire molded inductors in the same footprint.