Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV6420-J-00A

Overview

EV6420-J-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP6420 battery protection IC, designed to validate overcharge protection in 2- or 3-series Li-ion battery packs. It integrates a 24V/100mΩ protective MOSFET, supports ±15mV overcharge threshold accuracy, and features FLAG and PTC interface signals for system-level fault signaling and thermal cutoff coordination.

For engineers reviewing the EV6420-J-00A datasheet, EV6420-J-00A pinout, EV6420-J-00A application, or EV6420-J-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP6420 functionality-including fixed 4.2V–4.8V overcharge thresholds, 2s–8s delay timing, CTL-controlled enable/disable, and TSOT23-8 footprint compatibility-under real-world cell voltage stacking and fault injection conditions.

Technical Context

The EV6420-J-00A implements a dedicated test platform for the MP6420 IC, which monitors individual cell voltages (VB1–VB3) across a 3.6V–18V total pack range. Its schematic includes pull-up resistor R7 on the CO pin and discrete 0Ω jumpers (R1–R6) to configure cell interconnection paths and isolate test points.

It supports functional verification of all key MP6420 behaviors: overcharge detection with ±15mV accuracy, internal 4s default delay (configurable via external components), FLAG assertion upon fault, PTC interface drive capability, and CTL pin-based control of protection activation-all while operating at only 8µA quiescent current.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV6420-J-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery pack validation, UPS safety certification, and power tool BMS development requiring stable component supply and repeatable test conditions.

Supply support for EV6420-J-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 analog and power ICs, with design centers across Asia and North America.

The MP6420 product line targets compact, high-accuracy battery protection for portable and industrial Li-ion systems, emphasizing integration of sensing, timing, and switching functions in ultra-small packages.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EV6420-J-00A evaluation board?

The EV6420-J-00A is a fully assembled, tested PCB that demonstrates and validates the MP6420 battery protection IC's operation-including overcharge detection, FLAG signaling, PTC interface drive, and CTL-controlled enable/disable-in 2- or 3-series Li-ion configurations. It is not a standalone protection solution but a reference platform for design-in verification.

Can the EV6420-J-00A be used with 4-series or higher battery stacks?

No. The board's schematic and layout are specifically optimized for up to 3-series cells, with dedicated VB1–VB3 voltage monitoring nodes and internal MP6420 architecture limited to 3-cell differential sensing. Attempting 4-series use exceeds the IC's specified 18V maximum VB range and violates its cell-count detection logic.

How is overcharge delay time adjusted on this evaluation board?

The MP6420 uses a fixed internal delay (default 4s, adjustable between 2s–8s), and the EV6420-J-00A implements this via onboard capacitor C1 (1µF). Changing C1 value alters the delay per the MP6420 datasheet's RC timing equation; no jumper or DIP switch modification is required for standard operation.

Does the board include protection against over-discharge or short-circuit?

No. The EV6420-J-00A evaluates only the MP6420's overcharge protection function. Over-discharge, short-circuit, and temperature monitoring require additional ICs or external circuitry; the MP6420 itself does not provide those protections.

What is the role of the R7 pull-up resistor on the CO pin?

R7 (10kΩ) serves as a test-purpose pull-up on the CO (Charge-OK) open-drain output, allowing direct observation of CO state transitions using a scope or logic analyzer. It is not part of the final application circuit and must be omitted in production designs where CO drives an external MOSFET gate.

Is the EV6420-J-00A RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes. As stated in the official documentation, all MPS parts-including the MP6420 IC mounted on this board-are lead-free, halogen-free, and compliant with the EU RoHS directive. Full compliance documentation is available on the MPS Quality Assurance webpage.