Texas Instruments PMLKBUCKEVMB

Overview

PMLKBUCKEVMB from Texas Instruments is a hands-on evaluation platform for buck converter design education, integrating two distinct DC-DC buck regulator circuits: the LM3475 hysteretic PFET controller (2.5 V/1 A output, 5–10 V input) and the TPS54160 synchronous buck converter (3.3 V/1.5 A output, 6–36 V input). It supports experimental investigation of efficiency, ripple, transient response, stability, and component influence under controlled lab conditions.

For engineers reviewing the PMLKBUCKEVMB datasheet, PMLKBUCKEVMB pinout, PMLKBUCKEVMB application, or PMLKBUCKEVMB equivalent, this kit serves as a pedagogical tool for power supply characterization - not a production-grade IC or discrete component - with emphasis on measurement setup, parameter variation via jumpers/test points, and correlation of theory to observed waveforms and losses.

Technical Context

The PMLKBUCKEVMB hosts two independent buck regulator sections: one based on the LM3475 (5-pin SOT-23 hysteretic controller driving external P-MOSFET Q1) and another on the TPS54160 (10-pin MSOP integrated buck with internal N-MOSFET). Each section provides configurable input/output capacitors, inductors, feedback networks, and compensation options via solder jumpers and screw terminals.

It enables time-domain and frequency-domain analysis including load/transient testing, loop gain measurement (via TP18/TP11 injection), switching node observation (TP1/TP9), and inductor current sensing (R1/R5 shunts). Supported instrumentation includes dynamic loads, vector network analyzers, and multi-channel oscilloscopes with current probes - all aligned to university-level power electronics curriculum objectives.

Key Specifications

Availability

PMLKBUCKEVMB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for university power electronics labs, industrial training programs, and embedded power design education requiring stable component supply, reproducible experimental setups, and documented measurement procedures.

Supply support for PMLKBUCKEVMB 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 headquartered in Dallas, Texas, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management technologies with broad industrial and academic reach.

The PMLKBUCKEVMB belongs to TI's Power Management Lab Kit (PMLK) series - designed specifically to bridge theoretical power electronics concepts with hands-on experimentation, supporting curriculum-aligned learning of DC-DC converter behavior, stability, and performance trade-offs.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the PMLKBUCKEVMB?

The PMLKBUCKEVMB is an educational evaluation board kit developed by Texas Instruments to enable experimental study of buck converter operation. It is not a standalone IC or production component. The PMLKBUCKEVMB contains two fully assembled buck regulator circuits - one using the LM3475 controller and another using the TPS54160 IC - with extensive test points, jumpers, and documentation to support lab-based learning of efficiency, ripple, transient response, and stability analysis.

Does the PMLKBUCKEVMB include integrated circuit components?

Yes, the PMLKBUCKEVMB integrates two active ICs: the LM3475MF/NOPB (5-pin SOT-23 hysteretic PFET buck controller) and the TPS54160DGQ (10-pin MSOP synchronous buck regulator). These are mounted on the board alongside passive components, connectors, and test infrastructure - but the PMLKBUCKEVMB itself is a complete evaluation platform, not a replaceable IC.

Can the PMLKBUCKEVMB be used for production applications?

No, the PMLKBUCKEVMB is explicitly designed for educational and experimental use - not for end-product integration. Its layout, component selection, jumper-based configuration, and lack of enclosure or certification make it unsuitable for commercial deployment. The PMLKBUCKEVMB serves only to demonstrate and measure buck converter behavior under varied operating conditions in controlled lab environments.

What test equipment is required to operate the PMLKBUCKEVMB?

Per the official TI documentation, full utilization of the PMLKBUCKEVMB requires a DC power supply (0–50 V/4 A), DC electronic load (20 V/10 A), four 4½-digit multimeters, and a 250 MHz+ 4-channel oscilloscope with two 50 MHz current probes. Advanced experiments (e.g., loop gain) also require a vector network analyzer. The PMLKBUCKEVMB's test points and jumpers are engineered to interface directly with these instruments.

How does the PMLKBUCKEVMB support stability analysis?

The PMLKBUCKEVMB supports stability analysis through dedicated features: TP18 and TP11 allow AC stimulus injection for loop gain measurement; jumpers J23 and J24 configure error amplifier compensation for different output capacitor values (10 µF vs. 220 µF); and warnings document phase margin shifts (e.g., ~45° at 15 kHz crossover with proper configuration). The PMLKBUCKEVMB enables direct observation of instability onset - such as oscillations when mismatching C17 with open J23/J24 - reinforcing theoretical stability criteria.