Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV6601-U-00A

Overview

EV6601-U-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP6601 bipolar stepper motor driver IC, supporting full-, half-, and quarter-step operation with programmable current regulation up to 2.5A and input voltage range of 4.5V–35V. It integrates dual full-bridge drivers, on-board current sensing, automatic decay control, and fault indication for rapid prototyping of motion control systems.

For engineers reviewing the EV6601-U-00A datasheet, EV6601-U-00A pinout, EV6601-U-00A application, or EV6601-U-00A equivalent, this board enables immediate validation of MP6601's parallel-input stepper control, current scaling via AI0/AI1 and BI0/BI1, thermal shutdown behavior, and VCC/VIN power domain separation in real hardware.

Technical Context

The EV6601-U-00A implements the MP6601GU QFN24 (5mm×5mm) driver IC with two independent H-bridges, each controlled by dedicated xPHASE (direction), xI0/xI1 (current scale), and sleep/fault logic pins. It supports direct MCU GPIO interface via CN1 (9-pin header) or manual configuration via SW1 (6-bit DIP switch).

Board-level features include adjustable current limit (RV1, 71kΩ/RISET), programmable constant off-time (RV2, Toff ≈ 190 × Rt ns), integrated 100µF bulk capacitance (C4), and dual 10µF ceramic output filters (C5/C6) for stable 2.5A per phase switching under PWM current regulation.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV6601-U-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for stepper-driven printers, CNC micro-positioning stages, and automated lab instrumentation requiring stable component supply, rapid functional validation, and production-ready reference design fidelity.

Supply support for EV6601-U-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 core expertise in DC/DC conversion, motor control, and battery management solutions.

The MP6601 product line delivers integrated bipolar stepper drivers targeting cost-sensitive, space-constrained motion systems where precise current regulation, minimal external components, and robust fault handling are essential.

FAQ

What power supplies are required to operate the EV6601-U-00A?

The board requires two independent supplies: a 4.5V–35V motor input (VIN) connected to CN1 pins 1–2, and a 3.3V or 5V logic supply (VCC) connected to CN2 pins 1–2. These domains are electrically isolated on-board; no shared ground jumper is needed as GND1/GND2 are internally tied.

How is the output current limit set on this evaluation board?

Full-scale current is set by adjusting RV1 (100kΩ trimmer). Using the formula I_MAX = 71kΩ / R_ISET, a 28.4kΩ setting yields 2.5A. The actual R_ISET value is measured between U1 pin 13 (ISET) and GND, and corresponds directly to the wiper position of RV1.

Can the EV6601-U-00A drive unipolar stepper motors?

No. The MP6601 IC and EV6601-U-00A board are designed exclusively for four-wire bipolar stepper motors. Its dual full-bridge topology lacks center-tap access or phase-splitting capability required for unipolar operation.

What is the function of the nSLEEP pin, and how is it controlled?

nSLEEP (U1 pin 2) is an active-low enable input. On the EV6601-U-00A, it is pulled high via R3 and can be asserted low manually by shorting TP3 (nSLEEP test point) to GND, or driven externally via CN1 pin 9. When low, the driver enters ultra-low-quiescent standby mode (<10µA).

Does the board support microstepping beyond quarter-step?

No. The MP6601 supports only full-, half-, and quarter-step modes via its two-bit xI0/xI1 interface per bridge. Higher resolution (e.g., 1/8, 1/16) requires external indexer or a different driver IC such as the MP6500 or MP6612.

How is thermal performance validated on this board?

Thermal shutdown triggers at ~150°C junction temperature (U1 internal sensor). During continuous 2.5A operation, board surface temperature at U1 center remains ≤75°C with 200LFM airflow. Thermal relief is enhanced by 2oz copper on both layers and direct thermal vias under the QFN24 pad.