Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV2651-VT-00A

Overview

EV2651-VT-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the MP2651 buck-boost battery charger IC, supporting 1–4 series Li-ion/Li-polymer cells. It accepts 4V–22V input for charging and delivers 3V–21V in reverse source mode with up to 6A current, compliant with USB PD specifications. The board enables I²C-configurable charge voltage (e.g., 8.4V for 2-cell), fast charge current (up to 2A), and switching frequency (600kHz), targeting portable power bank and USB-C PD sink/source applications.

For engineers reviewing the EV2651-VT-00A datasheet, EV2651-VT-00A pinout, EV2651-VT-00A application, or EV2651-VT-00A equivalent, this board provides full GUI-based configuration of charge/discharge parameters, real-time fault monitoring via I²C registers, thermal performance validation (≤56.5°C case temp), and pre-validated layout with MPS's MPL-AL5030-1R5 inductor - essential for rapid prototyping of bidirectional power delivery systems.

Technical Context

The EV2651-VT-00A implements the MP2651's dual-mode architecture: automatic buck/buck-boost charging based on VIN–VBATT differential, and reversible source mode where battery powers the IN rail. It integrates all critical power-stage components - including TQFN-30 packaged MP2651GVT-000A, four 20mΩ current-sense resistors (R7/R8/R16/R27), and a 1.5μH/9A inductor (MPL-AL5030-1R5) - enabling direct validation of efficiency (93.09% typical / 96.27% peak at 2A) and thermal behavior under real load conditions.

Control is fully exercised via I²C/SMBus interface using the EVKT-USBI2C-02 adapter and Windows-based GUI, exposing register-level access to 2-cell preset configurations, JEITA thermal thresholds, safety timers, input current limits, and SRC output voltage (4.98V default, I²C-configurable). Jumper JP1 selects VCC pull-up; JP2 configures TS/IMON pin functionality - confirming hardware flexibility for production design reuse.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV2651-VT-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB-C power bank development, portable medical device battery management, and USB PD-compliant dock evaluation requiring stable component supply and rapid firmware validation.

Supply support for EV2651-VT-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 conversion, battery charging, and motor control solutions for consumer, industrial, and automotive markets.

The MP2651 product line targets bidirectional USB PD applications, integrating buck-boost charging and reverse-source capability in a single IC to simplify power architecture in space-constrained, multi-cell portable devices.

FAQ

What software and hardware are required to operate the EV2651-VT-00A?

The board requires the MP2651 Evaluation Kit software (Windows 7/10 compatible), downloadable from the MPS website, and the EVKT-USBI2C-02 USB-to-I²C communication kit. No additional drivers or firmware flashing is needed - the GUI connects directly to the board's SCL/SDA pins via the kit to configure registers and monitor real-time status.

Can the EV2651-VT-00A evaluate 1-cell and 4-cell battery configurations?

Yes - the MP2651GVT-000A supports 1–4 series Li-ion cells, and the EV2651-VT-00A's GUI allows dynamic reconfiguration of cell count, full-charge voltage (e.g., 4.2V for 1-cell, 16.8V for 4-cell), and JEITA thermal thresholds without hardware changes.

Does the board support both charge and source modes simultaneously?

No - the MP2651 operates in either charge mode (VIN → battery) or source mode (battery → IN), selected via I²C register bit SRC_EN. The board's jumpers and test points are physically isolated to prevent backfeed; mode switching requires software command and power cycle confirmation.

What is the role of the TS/IMON pin on this evaluation board?

The TS/IMON pin (configured via JP2) serves dual functions: as a temperature-sense input for JEITA-compliant thermal regulation or as a battery current monitor (IMON) for real-time discharge current measurement. Its function is selected in the GUI's CONFIG page and affects ADC scaling and protection thresholds.

Is external inductor replacement supported on the EV2651-VT-00A?

Yes - L1 (MPL-AL5030-1R5) is socketed and labeled "NC" in the BOM for optional substitution. The board layout accommodates standard 1212-size shielded inductors; recommended alternatives include Würth 74404063115 and Coilcraft XAL6060-152MEB, both validated for <10mΩ DCR and ≥9A saturation current.

How are input and battery connections physically implemented?

The board uses 2mm pitch screw terminals for VIN, VBATT, and GND - rated for 10A continuous current. Dedicated EMI test points (VINEMI/VBATTEMI) and ground pads (VIGND/VBGND) are provided for conducted emissions measurement, while TP1–TP11 offer oscilloscope access to SW1, SW2, FB, ADDR, and other critical nodes.