Texas Instruments LM2587EVAL

Overview

LM2587EVAL from Texas Instruments is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate and accelerate development of flyback, boost, and forward converter power supplies using the LM2587 monolithic 5A NPN switching regulator IC. It supports fixed-output (3.3V/5V/12V) and adjustable versions, operates from 4V–40V input, delivers up to 5A switch current, and features 100 kHz fixed-frequency operation with internal soft-start and cycle-by-cycle current limiting. The board enables rapid prototyping of isolated or non-isolated DC-DC converters for industrial and embedded power applications.

For engineers reviewing the LM2587EVAL datasheet, LM2587EVAL pinout, LM2587EVAL application, or LM2587EVAL equivalent, this evaluation platform provides validated reference designs, transformer/inductor selection guidance, thermal layout examples, and measurable performance data-including line/load regulation, efficiency curves, and transient response-essential for qualifying LM2587-based power stages in safety-critical or high-reliability systems.

Technical Context

The LM2587EVAL implements a current-mode PWM controller architecture with an integrated 5.0A/65V NPN power switch, 100 kHz oscillator, and error amplifier referenced to 1.23V (adjustable version) or fixed internal references (3.3V/5V/12V). It supports flyback topologies with transformer-coupled outputs and boost configurations with single-ended inductor energy storage.

Key design constraints include undervoltage lockout activation at ~3.3V, internal thermal shutdown at 150°C junction temperature, and soft-start current of 11 μA. The board's layout incorporates optimized grounding, input/output capacitor placement, and heatsink-mounting provisions aligned with TI's thermal resistance guidelines for TO-220 and TO-263 packages.

Key Specifications

Availability

LM2587EVAL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supply validation, embedded DC-DC converter qualification, and flyback/boost topology benchmarking requiring stable component supply and documented reference performance.

Supply support for LM2587EVAL 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

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management technologies, with decades of expertise in switching regulator design and application support.

The LM2587EVAL belongs to TI's SIMPLE SWITCHER® evaluation platform series, engineered to simplify adoption of monolithic DC-DC controllers for engineers designing reliable, cost-effective flyback and boost power supplies in industrial, automotive, and telecom infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the LM2587EVAL evaluation board?

The LM2587EVAL evaluation board is a hardware platform designed to demonstrate and validate the operation of the LM2587 monolithic 5A flyback/boost regulator IC. It provides a fully assembled, tested circuit with standardized component values, transformer/inductor footprints, and thermal layout practices-enabling engineers to measure real-world performance metrics such as efficiency, load regulation, transient response, and thermal behavior without custom PCB development. The LM2587EVAL directly supports all LM2587 output variants (3.3V, 5V, 12V, ADJ).

Which LM2587 package types are supported on the LM2587EVAL board?

The LM2587EVAL board supports both the 5-lead TO-220 (T package) and 5-lead TO-263 (S package) variants of the LM2587 IC. Its footprint accommodates either package type with appropriate pad spacing and thermal pad connections, allowing users to evaluate thermal performance differences between through-hole and surface-mount mounting options. The board's layout follows TI's recommended copper pour guidelines for each package's θJA specifications (65°C/W for TO-220, down to 26°C/W for TO-263 with extended copper).

Does the LM2587EVAL include built-in protection against short-circuit conditions?

The LM2587EVAL itself does not add protection beyond what the LM2587 IC provides: current limiting, undervoltage lockout, and thermal shutdown. However, in boost configurations, the LM2587 cannot internally limit output current during a short circuit due to direct inductor-to-output current path-so external current limiting (e.g., input fuse or active current limiter) is required. The LM2587EVAL documentation highlights this limitation and recommends external safeguards, consistent with TI's Application Hints for LM2587-ADJ and fixed-output variants.

Can the LM2587EVAL be used to evaluate multiple-output flyback designs?

Yes-the LM2587EVAL is configured to support multi-output flyback topologies using transformer secondary windings with independent rectification and filtering. TI's reference schematics (Figures 14–16 in SNVS115C) show dual- and triple-output implementations using standard transformers (e.g., T2, T3, T4) listed in the LM2587EVAL-compatible transformer selection table. The board's layout reserves space for auxiliary winding connections and provides feedback network flexibility to regulate one primary output while maintaining cross-regulation on secondaries.

Where can I find the bill of materials and schematic for the LM2587EVAL?

The complete bill of materials (BOM), schematic diagram, PCB layout files, and transformer/inductor selection tables for the LM2587EVAL are published in the official Texas Instruments LM2587EVAL User's Guide (SLVU029) and referenced throughout the LM2587 datasheet (SNVS115C). These documents specify exact part numbers for capacitors (e.g., 100 µF/25V aluminum input, 680 µF/16V output), diodes (1N5820), compensation networks (RC = 2 kΩ, CC = 0.47 µF), and standard magnetics (e.g., Renco RL-5472-5 for boost, Schott 67141450 for flyback), all validated for use with the LM2587EVAL.