Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV6516-F-00A

Overview

EV6516-F-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP6516 H-bridge motor driver IC, supporting 5.4–35V input voltage, up to 2A continuous motor current, and featuring internal current sense output, fault indication, and 3.3/5V logic compatibility. It enables rapid validation of brushed DC motor control in industrial actuators and solenoid drivers.

For engineers reviewing the EV6516-F-00A datasheet, EV6516-F-00A pinout, EV6516-F-00A application, or EV6516-F-00A equivalent, this board provides verified layout, BOM traceability, thermal performance under load, and direct interface to MCU GPIOs via CN1 or manual SW1 control - critical for prototyping motor control firmware and validating protection features (OCP/OVP/OTP).

Technical Context

The EV6516-F-00A implements the full reference design for the MP6516GF TSSOP-16 EP motor driver, including all decoupling (C1–C6), current-sense scaling (RV1), fault signaling (nFAULT), and logic-level translation circuitry. It supports both PWM and direction-control modes via INx/ENx inputs and delivers bidirectional drive capability with integrated high-side and low-side N-channel MOSFETs.

Board-level protections mirror the IC's internal functions: overcurrent detection via VISEN feedback path, overvoltage clamping at VIN, and thermal shutdown activation monitored through nFAULT open-drain output. The 2.54" × 2.54" PCB uses 2oz copper and exposed thermal pad under U1 for sustained 2A operation.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV6516-F-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for brushed DC motor control validation, solenoid actuation testing, and H-bridge protection feature verification requiring stable component supply and documented reference design fidelity.

Supply support for EV6516-F-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 focus on efficiency, integration, and reliability across industrial, automotive, and computing applications.

The MP6516 product line targets compact, thermally robust H-bridge motor drivers for space-constrained motion control systems - designed to replace discrete MOSFET bridges with integrated gate drive, current sensing, and fault management.

FAQ

What is the maximum ambient temperature for continuous 2A operation on EV6516-F-00A?

At 25°C ambient with still air, the board sustains 2A motor current indefinitely per test data in Rev. 1.1 documentation. Board surface temperature at U1 thermal pad reaches ~75°C; forced airflow or heatsinking extends duty cycle in higher ambient environments up to 60°C.

Can EV6516-F-00A drive stepper motors?

No - the EV6516-F-00A is designed exclusively for single-coil brushed DC motors or solenoids. It lacks dual H-bridge channels, microstepping control, or phase sequencing logic required for bipolar stepper operation.

Is the VISEN output calibrated for direct current measurement?

VISEN provides a scalable analog voltage proportional to motor current, but requires external calibration using RV1 and known load current. The MP6516GF datasheet specifies 200 mV/A nominal gain; actual scaling depends on RV1 setting and PCB trace resistance.

Does the board include reverse polarity protection?

No - EV6516-F-00A has no dedicated reverse-voltage protection circuitry. Applying reversed VIN may damage C1, U1, or other components. External protection (e.g., series Schottky diode or ideal diode controller) must be added in system-level design.

How is logic-level control implemented via SW1?

SW1 is an 8-bit DIP switch that manually sets IN1/IN2/EN1/EN2 states. Each switch position connects corresponding signal to either VCC (via external 3.3V/5V pull-up) or GND. Truth table mapping is defined in the Quick Start Guide and matches MP6516GF's native control logic.

Are Gerber files and schematic available for EV6516-F-00A?

Yes - official schematic (page 3), PCB layout (pages 4–5), and bill of materials are published in Rev. 1.1 document on Monolithic Power Systems' website. No modifications or derivative designs are licensed without written permission from MPS.