Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVCS1803-S-05-00A

Overview

EVCS1803-S-05-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a linear Hall-effect current sensor evaluation board designed to demonstrate the MCS180XGS-05 current sensor IC, supporting ±5 A primary current sensing at 5 V supply with 400 mV/A typical sensitivity, galvanic isolation, and differential Hall array for stray-field rejection in motor control and power supply monitoring.

For engineers reviewing the EVCS1803-S-05-00A datasheet, EVCS1803-S-05-00A pinout, EVCS1803-S-05-00A application, or EVCS1803-S-05-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of isolated DC/AC current measurement performance, bandwidth (up to 100 kHz), output rise time (4 μs), conductor resistance (0.9 mΩ), and supply flexibility (3.3 V or 5 V).

Technical Context

The EVCS1803-S-05-00A implements the MCS180XGS-05 IC in SOIC-8 package, featuring a differential Hall sensor array that rejects external magnetic interference while measuring bidirectional current through an integrated 0.9 mΩ primary conductor. It delivers ratiometric analog output (VOUT = 0.5 × VCC + Sens × IP) with 400 mV/A sensitivity at ±5 A full scale and 5 V supply.

Board-level design includes decoupling capacitors (C1: 0.1 µF, C2: 4.7 µF), optional filter components (C3, C4), screw terminals (IP+, IP−), and pin headers for VCC, GND, and VOUT access-enabling direct connection to test equipment or host systems without signal conditioning.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVCS1803-S-05-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control validation, switch-mode power supply current feedback, over-current fault protection prototyping, and automotive subsystem current monitoring requiring stable component supply and rapid functional verification.

Supply support for EVCS1803-S-05-00A 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, including DC/DC converters, LED drivers, and precision analog sensors.

The EVCS1803-S-05-00A belongs to MPS's current sensor evaluation platform family, developed to accelerate adoption of their galvanically isolated Hall-effect sensors in industrial and automotive current-sensing applications where accuracy, bandwidth, and safety isolation are critical.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVCS1803-S-05-00A evaluation board?

This board demonstrates the MCS180XGS-05 linear Hall-effect current sensor IC. It provides a ready-to-use platform for measuring ±5 A bidirectional DC or AC currents with 400 mV/A sensitivity, 5 V supply, and galvanic isolation-enabling immediate testing without custom PCB design or calibration.

How do I connect the EVCS1803-S-05-00A to a power source and load?

Apply 5 V DC between VCC and GND terminals; connect the current-carrying conductor between IP+ and IP− screw terminals. The VOUT pin delivers an analog voltage proportional to sensed current (e.g., 2.5 V at zero current, 4.5 V at +5 A). Ensure proper grounding and avoid exceeding ±5 A to maintain linearity and avoid saturation.

Does the board support both 3.3 V and 5 V operation?

No-this specific variant (EVCS1803-S-05-00A) is configured for 5 V operation and optimized for ±5 A sensing with 400 mV/A sensitivity. Other variants in the EVCS180X-S-Y-00A series support 3.3 V (e.g., EVCS1802-S-05-00A), but pin compatibility and sensitivity differ per model.

What is the role of capacitor C4 on the evaluation board?

C4 is an optional external filter capacitor placed between VOUT and GND. Its value directly controls bandwidth: increasing C4 capacitance reduces system bandwidth below the native 100 kHz limit, enabling noise suppression in low-frequency applications like load monitoring or battery management.

Can the EVCS1803-S-05-00A be used for AC current measurement?

Yes-the MCS180XGS-05 sensor IC supports true AC/DC current sensing up to 100 kHz bandwidth. With appropriate signal conditioning and sampling (e.g., using an oscilloscope or ADC with ≥200 kSPS), the board accurately captures sinusoidal, pulsed, or distorted AC waveforms within its ±5 A range and thermal limits.

Is galvanic isolation verified on this evaluation board?

Yes-the isolation is inherent to the MCS180XGS-05 IC, which integrates a primary conductor separated by molded compound from the SOIC-8 sensor die. The board preserves this isolation: IP+/IP− pins are electrically isolated from VCC, GND, and VOUT, enabling safe high-side current sensing without ground-loop interference.