Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EV6602-V-01A

Overview

EV6602-V-01A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MP6602 stepper motor driver IC, supporting 4.5V–35V input, 4A per-phase current, microstepping down to 1/32-step, stall detection via back-EMF measurement, and SPI serial interface control. It demonstrates full functionality including automatic hold current reduction, open-load detection, and thermal fault management in 3D printer motion control systems.

For engineers reviewing the EV6602-V-01A datasheet, EV6602-V-01A pinout, EV6602-V-01A application, or EV6602-V-01A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of MP6602-based stepper drive designs with real-time GUI configuration, fault diagnostics, and thermal performance verification under 4A load conditions.

Technical Context

The EV6602-V-01A implements the MP6602's integrated indexer architecture, enabling step/direction or SPI-only operation with programmable microstep resolution (full to 1/32-step) and configurable blanking time, off-time, and current decay modes. It routes all critical MP6602 signals-including AOUT1/AOUT2/BOUT1/BOUT2, STEP, DIR, ENBL, SLEEP, NRESET, SDI/SDO/SCLK/SCS, and NFAULT-to accessible test points and connectors.

Board-level power delivery includes a 3.3V LDO (MPQ2013AGQ-33-Z) for logic supply, dual-input VIN (4.5V–35V) and optional EXTVCC (3V–5.5V), and comprehensive protection circuitry: UVLO, OVP, OCP, OTW/OTS, and open-load detection-all reflected in real-time LED1 fault indication and GUI register monitoring.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV6602-V-01A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 3D printer motion control, laser printer paper feed systems, and textile machine axis positioning requiring stable component supply, repeatable evaluation hardware, and documented thermal performance under 4A continuous load.

Supply support for EV6602-V-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 design expertise in motor drivers, DC/DC converters, and battery management solutions.

The MP6602 product line targets precision motion control applications, integrating indexer logic, current regulation, and stall detection into a thermally optimized QFN package for compact, low-noise stepper systems.

FAQ

What motor types and configurations does the EV6602-V-01A support?

The board supports both bipolar and unipolar stepper motors using the MP6602's internal H-bridge outputs. It operates in full-, half-, quarter-, eighth-, 1/16-, and 1/32-step modes, with configurable current decay and blanking time. Motor connections are made via terminal block P3 (AOUT1/AOUT2/BOUT1/BOUT2), verified for R = 0.8Ω, L = 7mH/phase loads at 4A peak.

How is stall detection implemented and validated on this board?

Stall detection uses the MP6602's internal back-EMF sensing circuitry, comparing measured voltage against a user-configurable threshold via SPI. Validation is visible in real time through the GUI's Stall Detection section and fault register flags, confirmed by test waveforms showing stall response during forced motor lock at 24V/4A with a 0.8Ω, 7mH/phase motor.

Does the board provide independent logic and motor power supplies?

Yes - it integrates an MPQ2013AGQ-33-Z 3.3V LDO for logic, eliminating external VCC in most cases. An alternative EXTVCC input (3V–5.5V) is available via JP3. Motor power is supplied separately via VIN (4.5V–35V), isolated by dedicated PGND planes and decoupled with 100μF and multiple ceramic capacitors.

Can the EV6602-V-01A be used for automated testing or production programming?

Yes - its SPI interface (accessible via P2 header) supports full register read/write, enabling script-driven configuration, calibration, and functional test. The GUI can export register settings, and SW1 provides manual override of DIR, ENBL, SLEEP, and NRESET for deterministic state control during validation sequences.

What thermal performance data is provided for the MP6602 on this board?

The board documentation specifies a 26°C temperature rise above ambient when driving 4A per phase at TA = 25°C, achieved via optimized copper pour, thermal vias under the MP6602 QFN-25 package, and low-thermal-resistance layout. PCB layer stack-up (4-layer) and thermal imaging results are included in the reference design files.

Is open-load detection (OLD) functional and testable on this evaluation board?

Yes - OLD is enabled by default and reports via NFAULT and the GUI Fault Indication section. It is verified by disconnecting one motor winding while running and observing immediate fault flag assertion and LED1 illumination, confirming detection of floating output conditions without motor connection.