Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV6500A-F-01A

Overview

EV6500A-F-01A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP6500AGF bipolar stepper motor driver IC, supporting full/half/quarter/eighth-step microstepping with up to 2.5A output current and 4.5–35V input voltage range; used to validate motion control in printers, CNC stages, and lab automation systems.

For engineers reviewing the EV6500A-F-01A datasheet, EV6500A-F-01A pinout, EV6500A-F-01A application, or EV6500A-F-01A equivalent, this board enables rapid functional validation of MP6500AGF's automatic decay mode, fault indication (NFAULT), current programming via VSET, and step/dir interface timing under real motor load conditions.

Technical Context

The EV6500A-F-01A implements the MP6500AGF's dual H-bridge gate drive architecture with integrated current sensing and adaptive decay control, enabling smooth microstepping without external chopper circuitry. It supports both external MCU-driven STEP/DIR signals and manual control via onboard DIP switch (SW1) and pushbutton (SW2).

Board-level design includes VIN filtering (100μF + ceramic network), ISET voltage conditioning (RV1 potentiometer with JP1 jumper option), and dedicated test points for AOUT1/AOUT2/BOUT1/BOUT2, STEP, and NFAULT signals - all mapped to TSSOP-28-EP U1 pinout per MPS schematic Rev.1.0.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV6500A-F-01A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for printer motion subsystems, laboratory automation platforms, and small-format CNC positioning systems requiring stable component supply and verified reference design integration.

Supply support for EV6500A-F-01A 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 core expertise in DC/DC conversion, motor control, and LED drivers.

The MP6500AGF product line delivers integrated stepper motor drivers with on-chip translators and adaptive decay, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained motion applications requiring precise current regulation and minimal external components.

FAQ

What motor types does the EV6500A-F-01A support?

The board supports only bipolar stepper motors rated up to 35V and 2.5A per phase. It does not support unipolar or servo motors. Motor connection uses four-terminal AOUT1/AOUT2/BOUT1/BOUT2 outputs directly tied to the MP6500AGF's H-bridge outputs, with no external driver stage required.

How is output current programmed on this evaluation board?

Current limit is set via the VSET pin using either an external 0–2V voltage applied to the VSET connector (with JP1 removed), or manually adjusted using RV1 potentiometer (with JP1 installed and 3.3V/5V VCC supplied). The relationship is IOUT = VSET × 2.5A/V, per MP6500AGF datasheet Section 8.2.

Can the EV6500A-F-01A operate without an external microcontroller?

Yes - onboard SW1 (6-bit DIP switch) allows manual configuration of DIR, MS1, MS2, and ENBL signals, while SW2 selects between internal step generation and external EXT_STEP input. Pushbutton SW2 also enables single-step triggering when in internal mode.

What protection features are implemented and how are they signaled?

OCP, OVP, and OTP protections are fully implemented per MP6500AGF silicon behavior. Fault conditions pull the NFAULT pin low; this signal is accessible at CN2 Pin 4 and on-board test point "FLT". No latching or auto-recovery - fault clears only after condition removal and reset via NSLEEP or power cycle.

Is thermal management provided on the EV6500A-F-01A board?

Yes - the MP6500AGF is mounted in TSSOP-28-EP package with exposed thermal pad soldered to a 12mm² internal copper pour connected to 4 thermal vias. Board layout includes 10μF/50V X7R ceramics (C5/C6) near VIN pins and GND plane stitching to minimize switching noise and improve thermal dissipation under 2.5A load.