Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV6504-V-00A

Overview

EV6504-V-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully assembled evaluation board for the MP6504GV bipolar stepper motor driver IC, supporting full-, half-, quarter-, and eighth-step microstepping modes with up to 2A output current and 8V–32V input voltage range. It integrates on-board VREF control, step signal interface, and fault indication for rapid prototyping of motion control systems in printers and industrial automation.

For engineers reviewing the EV6504-V-00A datasheet, EV6504-V-00A pinout, EV6504-V-00A application, or EV6504-V-00A equivalent, this board enables immediate validation of MP6504GV current regulation accuracy, decay mode behavior, microstep timing fidelity, and thermal performance under real motor load conditions.

Technical Context

The EV6504-V-00A implements direct hardware access to all critical MP6504GV control inputs-including MS1/MS2 for step resolution selection, EN/DIR/STEP logic signals via CN1 or manual SW1, and external VREF (0–1V) for precise current setting. It supports automatic decay mode switching and mixed-decay ratio adjustment through dedicated jumpers and resistors.

Board-level protection includes over-current (OCP), over-voltage (OVP), and over-temperature (OTP) detection circuits, with NFAULT open-drain output routed to a test point and LED indicator. All power paths use low-ESR ceramic and electrolytic capacitors per MPS layout guidelines for stable 2A peak current delivery.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV6504-V-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for printer motion control, laboratory stepper actuation, and industrial CNC axis validation requiring stable component supply and repeatable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for EV6504-V-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 design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MP6504GV product line targets cost-sensitive, space-constrained bipolar stepper applications-delivering integrated current control, microstepping logic, and robust protection in a QFN-28 package for printers, scanners, and automated equipment.

FAQ

What motor voltage and current ratings are supported by the EV6504-V-00A?

The board supports bipolar stepper motors rated for 8V–32V supply and up to 2A phase current. Current limit is set by external 0–1V reference voltage applied to EXT_REF and calibrated using 100mΩ sense resistors (R1/R2), enabling precise torque control across motor types.

How do I configure microstepping modes on this evaluation board?

Microstepping mode is selected by setting logic levels on MS1 and MS2 pins via SW1 (DIP switch) or external MCU through CN1. Valid combinations are: both low = full-step; MS1 high = half-step; MS2 high = quarter-step; both high = eighth-step-no software or register writes needed.

Does the board provide protection against motor stall or overtemperature events?

Yes. The EV6504-V-00A inherits MP6504GV's integrated OCP, OVP, and OTP protections. When triggered, the NFAULT pin pulls low, illuminating LED1 and halting motor drive-allowing immediate system-level fault response without additional circuitry.

Can I generate the step clock signal directly on the board without an external MCU?

No-the board does not include an onboard oscillator or timer. Step pulses must be supplied externally via EXT_STEP connector or CN1. However, manual stepping is possible using SW1 toggle switches with external 3.3V/5V pull-up for DIR/STEP/EN signals.

What is the purpose of the VCC and VCC_GND connectors?

VCC and VCC_GND provide optional 3.3V or 5V logic supply for external MCU interfacing or manual SW1 operation. They isolate digital control voltage from motor power rails, preventing noise coupling into sensitive step/direction signaling paths.

Is the board RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes. All components on EV6504-V-00A-including MP6504GV, capacitors, resistors, connectors, and LEDs-are lead-free, halogen-free, and compliant with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU, as confirmed by MPS and listed BOM manufacturers.