Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV6500-U-01A

Overview

EV6500-U-01A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP6500 bipolar stepper motor driver IC, supporting 4.5V–35V input, 2.5A output current, microstepping up to 1/8-step, and QFN-24 (5mm×5mm) packaged device integration. It enables rapid validation of motion control in industrial automation, lab instrumentation, and precision positioning systems.

For engineers reviewing the EV6500-U-01A datasheet, EV6500-U-01A pinout, EV6500-U-01A application, or EV6500-U-01A equivalent, this board provides verified hardware reference for MP6500-based stepper drive implementation, including external step/dir interface, on-board VCC selection (3.3V/5V), sleep/fault monitoring, and manual logic control via SW1.

Technical Context

The EV6500-U-01A implements a complete test platform for the MP6500 stepper driver, featuring dual power domains (VIN 4.5–35V, VCC 3.3V/5V), configurable microstep resolution (full/half/quarter/eighth) via MS1/MS2 jumpers or CN1 signals, and real-time fault reporting through NFAULT open-drain output.

It integrates critical support circuitry including input bulk capacitance (100µF), ceramic decoupling (1µF/10µF), current-setting resistors (R1/R2), trimming potentiometers (RV1/RV2) for ISET calibration, and LED status indication - all aligned with MP6500's internal current-sense architecture and thermal shutdown behavior.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV6500-U-01A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motion control validation, lab-grade stepper drive development, and OEM motor controller qualification requiring stable component supply and documented reference hardware.

Supply support for EV6500-U-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 power management ICs, with core expertise in DC/DC converters, motor drivers, and battery management solutions.

The EV6500-U-01A belongs to MPS's evaluation board product line, designed specifically to accelerate adoption of the MP6500 stepper driver by providing fully tested, schematically accurate, and layout-verified hardware for functional and thermal characterization.

FAQ

Does EV6500-U-01A include the MP6500 IC?

Yes - the board integrates one MP6500GU IC in QFN-24 (5mm×5mm) package (U1), as confirmed in the Bill of Materials and schematic. The IC is soldered and operational out-of-box with no user assembly required.

Can EV6500-U-01A operate with 3.3V logic and 24V motor supply simultaneously?

Yes - the board supports independent VCC (3.3V or 5V) and VIN (4.5–35V) rails. CN1 accepts 3.3V-compatible logic levels, while power stage operates at full 24V motor voltage, enabling mixed-voltage system interfacing without level-shifting.

What microstepping resolutions are supported and how are they configured?

Full, half, quarter, and eighth-step modes are supported. Configuration is achieved via MS1 and MS2 pins: tied to GND/VCC through onboard jumpers or driven dynamically via CN1 pins 6 and 7 - matching MP6500's truth table in datasheet Rev. 1.0.

Is external current sense resistor required?

No - the MP6500 uses internal current sensing. RV1 (100kΩ) and RV2 (500kΩ) trimmers adjust ISET voltage (0.25V reference) to set peak current, eliminating need for external sense resistors and simplifying PCB layout.

How is fault condition indicated on EV6500-U-01A?

Fault status is reported via open-drain NFAULT pin (U1 Pin 2), connected to LED1 and header GND2. When asserted low, LED1 illuminates - indicating overcurrent, thermal shutdown, or undervoltage lockout per MP6500's protection architecture.

Can the board drive unipolar stepper motors?

No - EV6500-U-01A is designed exclusively for bipolar stepper motors. Its H-bridge outputs (AOUT1/AOUT2/BOUT1/BOUT2) and MP6500's internal architecture do not support unipolar 5/6-wire motor configurations or center-tapped winding drive schemes.