Texas Instruments LV14360PEVM

Overview

LV14360PEVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module designed to validate the operation and performance of the LV14360 60-V, 3-A current-mode buck regulator in real-world power-conversion applications. It provides a fully functional 5-V/3-A DC-DC converter with 7–60 V input range, 500-kHz switching frequency, internal compensation, and PGOOD flag output - enabling rapid prototyping for automotive and industrial unregulated-source power conditioning.

For engineers reviewing the LV14360PEVM datasheet, LV14360PEVM pinout, LV14360PEVM application, or LV14360PEVM equivalent, this EVM supports hands-on validation of input voltage range (7–60 V), output regulation (5 V ±1%), load step response, loop stability via test points TP6–TP8, and enable/sync/PGOOD signal behavior per the LV14360PDDAR SO-8 IC.

Technical Context

The LV14360PEVM implements a fixed-frequency (500 kHz) current-mode synchronous buck topology using the LV14360PDDAR in SO-8 package, featuring internal compensation and a thermally enhanced 4-layer PCB with 2-oz copper planes and thermal vias under U1's thermal pad. Input is applied via terminal TP1 (VIN), output extracted at TP3 (VOUT), and system control enabled via jumper J1 (EN), jumper J2 (SYNC), and jumper J4 (PGOOD monitoring).

Board-level features include adjustable output voltage via R5/R6 feedback network (default 5 V, VFB = 0.75 V), pre-installed 10.2-kΩ pull-up on PGOOD, and dedicated test points TP6–TP8 for loop response measurement. The BOM uses a 6.8-μH shielded inductor (L1), dual 47-μF input capacitors (C1/C2), and Schottky diode D1 rated for 60 V/5 A.

Key Specifications

Availability

LV14360PEVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment power validation, industrial sensor node DC-DC qualification, and battery-powered equipment development requiring stable component supply and documented reference design traceability.

Supply support for LV14360PEVM 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 company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management technologies, with decades of leadership in high-reliability power conversion solutions.

The LV14360PEVM belongs to TI's Simple Switcher® evaluation module family, engineered specifically to accelerate design-in of wide-input buck regulators in harsh environments - including automotive start-stop, industrial machinery, and telecom power systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the LV14360PEVM?

The LV14360PEVM is a hardware evaluation platform for the LV14360PDDAR buck regulator. Its primary function is to provide a ready-to-use, fully assembled 5-V/3-A DC-DC converter that allows engineers to verify startup behavior, load transient response, efficiency, thermal performance, and PGOOD signaling - all without designing a custom PCB. The LV14360PEVM directly implements the recommended layout and BOM from TI's reference design.

Can the output voltage of the LV14360PEVM be adjusted, and how?

Yes, the LV14360PEVM's output voltage is adjustable using the feedback resistors R5 and R6 per the equation VOUT = 0.75 V × (1 + R5/R6). The default configuration delivers 5.0 V. To change output voltage, replace R5/R6 with appropriate values and remove R9 if VOUT exceeds 6 V - as specified in Section 2.2 of the LV14360PEVM User's Guide. The LV14360PEVM schematic shows these components explicitly.

Does the LV14360PEVM support external clock synchronization?

Yes, the LV14360PEVM supports external clock synchronization via jumper J2, which connects to the RT/SYNC pin of the LV14360PDDAR IC. When J2 is installed, the device operates at its internal 500-kHz frequency; when removed and an external clock is applied to the SYNC node, the LV14360PEVM synchronizes switching to that clock - enabling noise-sensitive system-level timing alignment. This capability is documented in the LV14360PEVM User's Guide and LV14360 datasheet.

What are the key thermal design features of the LV14360PEVM?

The LV14360PEVM uses a 4-layer PCB with 2-oz copper on all layers and an array of thermal vias beneath the thermal pad of U1 (LV14360PDDAR in SO-8) to maximize heat dissipation. This construction enables sustained 3-A operation without forced airflow and supports thermal validation of the LV14360PEVM under full-load conditions across its 7–60 V input range - critical for automotive and industrial ambient temperature testing.

How is the enable function implemented on the LV14360PEVM?

The enable function on the LV14360PEVM is controlled by jumper J1, which connects to the EN pin of the LV14360PDDAR. With J1 installed, the device is enabled (EN pulled high); with J1 removed, EN floats and remains enabled by default. To disable the converter, J1 must be shorted to GND. Optional resistor dividers (R1/R2) allow programmable undervoltage lockout - details are provided in the LV14360PEVM User's Guide and LV14360 datasheet.