Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV6600-R-01A

Overview

EV6600-R-01A from Monolithic Power Systems is a dedicated evaluation board for the MP6600 bipolar stepper motor driver IC, supporting up to 35V input and 1.5A per phase output current. It demonstrates full-, half-, quarter-, and eighth-step microstepping modes via MS1/MS2 control, with on-board step/dir signal routing, fault monitoring (NFAULT), and sleep mode (NSLEEP) support for industrial motion control prototyping.

For engineers reviewing the EV6600-R-01A datasheet, EV6600-R-01A pinout, EV6600-R-01A application, or EV6600-R-01A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP6600-based stepper drive designs-especially where voltage headroom (4.5–35V), precise current control (via ISET resistor), and flexible step resolution (1/8-step max) are critical.

Technical Context

The EV6600-R-01A implements the MP6600 QFN-24 (4mm × 4mm) IC in a fully populated, test-ready layout with dual-layer PCB, 6.35cm × 6.35cm form factor, and discrete power conditioning (C1: 100µF/50V electrolytic; C5/C6: 10µF/50V X7R ceramic). It supports both external MCU-driven step/dir signals (via CN1) and manual control (via SW1 dial switch).

Board-level features include configurable VCC (3.3V or 5V), on-board TVS diode (D1, SMA package) for transient protection, adjustable current limit via RV1 (100kΩ trim pot), and selectable step source (INT_STEP vs EXT_STEP) using SPDT slide switch SW2-enabling deterministic timing validation under real load conditions.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV6600-R-01A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation prototyping, CNC motion subsystem validation, and robotics actuator development requiring stable component supply and documented reference design fidelity.

Supply support for EV6600-R-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 MP6600 product line targets cost-sensitive, space-constrained stepper motor applications-delivering integrated microstepping translation, current regulation, and thermal protection in a single QFN package for printers, scanners, and precision positioning systems.

FAQ

What motor types does the EV6600-R-01A support?

The board is designed exclusively for bipolar stepper motors with rated phase current ≤1.5 A and supply voltage ≤35 V. It does not support unipolar steppers or servo motors. Motor connection uses standard AOUT1/AOUT2/BOUT1/BOUT2 terminals with screwless 2mm VIN/GND headers and 1mm signal headers for direct wiring.

How is motor current calibrated on this evaluation board?

Current is set by adjusting RV1 (100 kΩ trimming potentiometer) in series with R1 (47 kΩ fixed resistor) at the ISET pin of U1 (MP6600). The resulting ISET voltage determines peak coil current per the formula I_PEAK = 10 V / R_ISENSE; calibration is verified using the on-board test points and oscilloscope measurement of sense resistor voltage drop.

Does the board provide fault diagnostics?

Yes-the NFAULT open-drain output pin (U1 Pin 2) drives LED1 when overcurrent, thermal shutdown, or undervoltage lockout occurs. The signal is accessible at CN1 Pin 2 and labeled "FLT" on the silkscreen, enabling immediate visual indication and MCU-interrupt integration.

Can the EV6600-R-01A operate without an external MCU?

Yes-SW1 (6-bit DIP switch) provides manual DIR and STEP control, while SW2 selects internal clock generation (INT_STEP) or external signal injection (EXT_STEP). With VCC applied and SW2 set to INT_STEP, the board generates self-timed stepping for basic functionality verification without host controller involvement.

What is the role of the CP1/CP2 and VCP pins on the MP6600?

CP1 and CP2 are charge pump capacitor terminals; VCP is the charge pump output. On the EV6600-R-01A, C2 (100 nF) connects CP1–CP2, and C3/C4 (1 µF each) connect VCP–GND. This network generates the gate-drive voltage needed for high-side N-channel MOSFETs in the H-bridge, enabling full 35 V operation without external high-voltage bias supplies.

Is thermal management provided on the board?

The MP6600GR IC is mounted directly on a 4-layer PCB with internal copper planes tied to the exposed thermal pad (Pin 12, GND) and external copper pours on top/bottom layers. No heatsink is required for ≤1.5 A continuous operation at ambient ≤60°C; thermal performance is validated per MPS AN-107 application note using IR thermography.