company blog about Supply ON Interfaces Evaluation Board:Analog Switch,USB Type-C,Optocoupler

Supply ON Interfaces Evaluation Board:Analog Switch,USB Type-C,Optocoupler

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Main products include: integrated circuits, 5G chips, new energy ICs, IoT chips, Bluetooth chips, automotive chips, AI ICs, Ethernet ICs, memory chips, sensors, IGBT modules, etc.

【Analogue Switch and Multiplexer Evaluation Board: A Precision and High-Speed Verification Platform】

The core function of the analogue switch evaluation board is to enable engineers to accurately and conveniently measure dynamic parameters while verifying performance within high-speed signal paths.

The Amperir series load switch evaluation boards from ON Semiconductor (such as the NPS4053 EVB) exemplify this approach.

Key Design Features: The board's design philosophy is fundamentally user-centric. It incorporates a comprehensive array of test points including GND, V(IN), V(OUT), FLG (Fault Flag), and ON (Enable), facilitating direct connection to oscilloscope probes for real-time waveform capture. Its most distinctive feature is the Kelvin Sense Connections – dedicated, isolated V(IN)_Sense and V(OUT)_Sense test points. When measuring the voltage drop from input to output to calculate R(ON), this four-wire measurement method eliminates errors introduced by test lead resistance, enabling highly accurate on-resistance measurements.

Application Scenarios: These evaluation boards are extensively employed in testing power management circuits, analysing load switching dynamics, and within precision analogue or multiplexed digital signal routing systems with stringent signal integrity and power consumption requirements.

【USB Type-C and PD Controller Evaluation Boards: Essential Tools for Mastering Complex Protocols】

The USB Type-C interface integrates high-speed data, high-definition video, and high-power delivery, involving intricate protocol negotiation, port role management, and power contract administration. Evaluation boards serve as indispensable tools for developers, providing a secure experimental environment to explore all functionalities.

ON Semiconductor offers diverse evaluation solutions ranging from single-function modules to complete systems.

Overvoltage Protection (OVP) Switch Evaluation Board: Taking the FUSB252GEVB as an example, it is designed to test the overvoltage protection functionality of Type-C ports. Engineers can integrate it into a system containing a Type-C controller (such as the FUSB301/FUSB302) and a test voltage source. On-board CC pin test points and LED indicators enable developers to directly test and observe whether the device correctly disconnects from the host under various OVP scenarios, thereby verifying the reliability of the protection mechanism.

Multi-Function Multi-Port Power Evaluation Kit: For applications requiring complex power management, such as multi-port charging docks, ON Semiconductor's STR-USBC-4PORT-200W-EVK delivers a robust solution. This 200W four-port USB Type-C evaluation kit fully supports the USB PD 3.0 specification. Its value lies in integrating a USB PD port controller, high-voltage protection switch, and buck power controller, complemented by an AC/DC front-end power supply featuring overcurrent and thermal protection. When used with ON Semiconductor's Strata Developer Studio graphical user interface (GUI) software, engineers can:

Flexibly configure power policies: Set maximum power and current limits for each port, alongside system-level total power allocation and Guaranteed Power management.

Comprehensive monitoring and testing: Execute power distribution broadcast tests, cable compensation tests, and monitor system telemetry data.

Simulate faults: Experiment with various fault and foldback scenarios to ensure design robustness.

This integrated hardware-software solution provides an end-to-end reference for PD power supply design in products such as laptops, monitors, and docking stations.

【Optocoupler and Advanced Alternative Evaluation Board: Bridging Reliable Isolation】

Traditional optocouplers are widely employed for signal isolation, yet suffer from issues such as ageing and temperature drift. While offering conventional optocoupler evaluation solutions, ON Semiconductor also leads the evolution towards more reliable technologies. For instance, the ‘optocoupler emulator’ technology demonstrated by Texas Instruments' (TI) ISOM8610DFGEVM evaluation module represents a new generation of isolation solutions.

Technical Comparison and Trends: This ‘emulator’ employs silicon dioxide (SiO₂) capacitive isolation technology, offering pin-compatibility with traditional optocouplers for direct replacement while delivering significant performance enhancements. The table below clearly contrasts the core differences between the two technologies:

Evaluation Board Design Considerations: The layout of the ISOM8610DFGEVM demonstrates assessment flexibility. Jumpers (e.g., J3, J4) enable straightforward configuration of the output as either a high-side or low-side switch to accommodate diverse circuit topologies. Additionally, the board incorporates non-soldered (DNP) component mounting positions, allowing users to adjust input current by replacing resistors (e.g., R1, R2) or test different resistive/capacitive loads by adding capacitors (C1). This facilitates comprehensive verification of the device's performance in specific applications.