Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVCS1802-S-20-00A

Overview

EVCS1802-S-20-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a linear Hall-effect current sensor evaluation board designed to demonstrate the MCS180XGS-20 sensor, supporting ±20 A primary current sensing with 66 mV/A typical sensitivity at 3.3 V supply, galvanic isolation, and 100 kHz bandwidth for DC/AC current measurement in power electronics.

For engineers reviewing the EVCS1802-S-20-00A datasheet, EVCS1802-S-20-00A pinout, EVCS1802-S-20-00A application, or EVCS1802-S-20-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of isolated current sensing performance, bandwidth response, output linearity, and supply-voltage flexibility (3.3 V or 5 V) in motor control and SMPS designs.

Technical Context

The EVCS1802-S-20-00A implements the MCS180XGS-20 IC in SOIC-8 package, featuring a differential Hall array that rejects external magnetic interference and delivers ratiometric analog output (VOUT = 0.5 × VCC + Sens × IP). It uses a low-resistance (0.9 mΩ) internal conductor path for minimal power loss and thermal drift.

Board-level design includes configurable bandwidth via C4 capacitor, dual screw terminals (IP+/IP−) for primary current injection, and decoupling capacitors (C1: 0.1 µF, C2: 4.7 µF) to ensure stable operation across temperature and load transients.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVCS1802-S-20-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control validation, switch-mode power supply current monitoring, and over-current fault protection systems requiring stable component supply and rapid prototyping capability.

Supply support for EVCS1802-S-20-00A 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 expertise in DC/DC converters, LED drivers, and precision analog sensors.

The MCS180X product line was developed to replace optocoupler-based isolation in current sensing applications, delivering galvanically isolated, high-bandwidth, low-drift analog output for industrial and automotive power systems.

FAQ

What is the recommended power supply configuration for EVCS1802-S-20-00A?

Use a clean, regulated 3.3 V DC source connected to VCC and GND pins. The board supports only 3.3 V for this variant (EVCS1802-S-20-00A), as confirmed by its optimized sensitivity of 66 mV/A and internal biasing. Do not apply 5 V - it is incompatible with this specific evaluation board configuration.

How do I connect the primary current path to the board?

Connect the current-carrying conductor to the IP+ and IP− screw terminals (Keystone 8191K-ND), ensuring polarity matches the intended direction of current flow. These terminals interface directly with the internal 0.9 mΩ conductor of the MCS180XGS-20 IC and provide mechanical robustness for repeated lab testing.

Can the bandwidth be adjusted, and how?

Yes - bandwidth is set by capacitor C4 (unpopulated footprint). Installing a larger capacitance reduces bandwidth per the sensor's internal filter pole; for example, 10 nF yields ~100 kHz, while 100 nF lowers it to ~10 kHz. Refer to Figure 1 schematic and page 6 of Rev. 1.1 for layout guidance.

What is the purpose of the FILT pin on the board?

The FILT pin provides access to the internal filter node of the MCS180XGS-20. It is not intended for user connection but serves diagnostic and characterization purposes during validation - e.g., probing transient response or verifying internal compensation behavior under dynamic load conditions.

Does this board support both AC and DC current measurement?

Yes - the MCS180XGS-20 sensor on this board is inherently capable of measuring both AC and DC currents due to its linear Hall-effect architecture and differential magnetic field rejection. Output voltage varies linearly with instantaneous current magnitude and polarity, enabling true RMS and peak detection in post-processing.

Is galvanic isolation verified on this evaluation board?

Yes - the board implements the MCS180XGS-20 in SOIC-8 package, which provides reinforced galvanic isolation (≥2.5 kVRMS) between primary conductor (IP+/IP−) and secondary signal side (VOUT, VCC, GND), eliminating need for external isolators in safety-compliant designs.