Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVX2002-44018A-00A

Overview

EVX2002-44018A-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a 120W, 2-USB-C + 1-USB-A adapter evaluation board demonstrating the MP44018A CrM/DCM PFC controller and MPX2002 all-in-one flyback controller with integrated SR driver and PSR/SSR hybrid regulation. It delivers up to 100W on USB-C1, 60W+60W across dual C ports, or 87W+30W (C+A), achieving 93.58% peak efficiency at 264VAC input. The board implements GaN-based power stage (NV6127), PD controllers (SW3516H), and MCU-managed power distribution.

For engineers reviewing the EVX2002-44018A-00A datasheet, EVX2002-44018A-00A pinout, EVX2002-44018A-00A application, or EVX2002-44018A-00A equivalent, this board serves as a complete reference design for high-density USB PD 3.1 EPR-compliant AC-DC adapters targeting laptop charging, multi-port docking stations, and compact industrial power supplies requiring <100mW standby and EN55022 Class B conducted EMI compliance.

Technical Context

The board integrates two core ICs: MP44018A enables variable-on-time DCM PFC with dead-time extension for light-load efficiency optimization and low THD, while MPX2002 combines QR flyback control, primary-side sensing, synchronous rectification driving, and safety-compliant feedback in one SOICW-16 package. Both controllers operate across universal AC input (90–264VAC, 47–63Hz).

Power delivery is managed by three SW3516H PD controllers-one per port-with independent VBUS regulation, CC logic, and gate drive for 30V MOSFETs (M3–M11). An external MCU (U9) coordinates dynamic load allocation between ports, enabling flexible output configurations including 100W+0W, 60W+60W, or 60W+30W+30W.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVX2002-44018A-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB PD 3.1 EPR adapter development, multi-port laptop charger qualification, and high-efficiency AC-DC reference design validation requiring stable component supply and full schematic/BOM transparency.

Supply support for EVX2002-44018A-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 converters, LED drivers, motor drivers, and AC-DC controllers.

This evaluation board belongs to MPS's USB PD reference design portfolio, developed to accelerate time-to-market for compact, high-efficiency, multi-port USB-C power adapters meeting latest USB-IF and energy efficiency standards.

FAQ

What is the role of the MCU (U9) on this board?

The MCU (U9) implements dynamic power allocation logic between USB-C1, USB-C2, and USB-A ports. It reads PD communication status via I²C (SCL/SDA) from each SW3516H controller and adjusts VBUS output voltages and current limits in real time to enforce total power budgeting (e.g., limiting C1 to 60W when C2 is active at 60W).

Does this board support USB PD 3.1 Extended Power Range (EPR)?

Yes - the board delivers up to 100W on USB-C1 and supports 28V/5A (140W) capability at the PD controller level (SW3516H), though firmware and connector rating limit final implementation to 100W per port under current configuration. Full EPR compliance requires host-side PD 3.1 stack integration.

How is synchronous rectification implemented on the secondary side?

Synchronous rectification is driven by MPX2002's SRD and SDrv pins, which generate precisely timed gate signals matched to the primary-side MOSFET switching. This eliminates external optocouplers and enables safe CCM operation, improving efficiency by ~2–3% over diode rectification at full load.

Can the board operate without the external MCU?

No - the MCU (U9) is required for USB PD negotiation, port power arbitration, and dynamic load balancing. Without it, only fixed-output modes (e.g., 20V/5A on C1) are possible via hardwired resistor programming on SW3516H CC pins, but full multi-port functionality is disabled.

What GaN devices are used, and why are they critical?

The board uses NV6127 650V GaNFast™ power switches (U1, U4) in both PFC and flyback primary stages. Their low Qg and zero reverse recovery enable high-frequency QR operation (>100kHz), reducing magnetics size and improving light-load efficiency - essential for meeting compact adapter thermal and efficiency targets.

Is the PFC stage controllable independently of the flyback stage?

Yes - MP44018A operates autonomously with its own ZCD, CS, and GATE signals. Its output (PFC_PWM) feeds into MPX2002's HV pin, enabling coordinated startup and brownout protection, but PFC loop regulation remains fully independent, ensuring stable bus voltage even during flyback transient events.