Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVCS1823-Q-310BRN-00A

Overview

EVCS1823-Q-310BRN-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MCS1823GQTE series linear Hall-effect current sensor IC, supporting ±10 A primary current sensing at 3.3 V supply, with 132 mV/A typical sensitivity and ±10 A over-current detection threshold. It features galvanic isolation, differential Hall array for stray-field immunity, and TQFN-12 (3 mm × 3 mm) sensor integration for compact AC/DC current monitoring in power converters.

For engineers reviewing the EVCS1823-Q-310BRN-00A datasheet, EVCS1823-Q-310BRN-00A pinout, EVCS1823-Q-310BRN-00A application, or EVCS1823-Q-310BRN-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of bidirectional current sensing accuracy, OCD response timing, and ratiometric output behavior under real-world PCB layout and thermal conditions.

Technical Context

The EVCS1823-Q-310BRN-00A implements a fixed-gain, analog-output current sensing solution using the embedded MCS1823GQTE-ABBCDEFF IC - a monolithic Hall-effect sensor with integrated conductor path, differential magnetic sensing, and open-drain /OCD output. It operates exclusively at 3.3 V VCC and delivers a 1.65 V ± (132 mV/A × IP) absolute output voltage for ±10 A input range.

Board-level design includes 0603 decoupling capacitor C1 (0.1 µF, X7R), 10 kΩ pull-up resistor R1 on /OCD, and a 10-pin 2.54 mm header (CN1) for VCC, GND, VOUT, /OCD, IP+, and IP− connections. No onboard regulation or signal conditioning beyond the IC's native analog output is provided.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVCS1823-Q-310BRN-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply validation, motor drive commissioning, and battery management system prototyping requiring stable component supply and repeatable current-sensing reference hardware.

Supply support for EVCS1823-Q-310BRN-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, motor drivers, and precision analog sensors.

The MCS1823 series targets isolated current sensing in space-constrained applications such as server PSUs, telecom rectifiers, and industrial inverters - replacing optocouplers with integrated galvanic isolation and differential Hall architecture.

FAQ

What is the function of the /OCD pin on the EVCS1823-Q-310BRN-00A?

The /OCD pin is an open-drain output that asserts low when the sensed primary current exceeds ±10 A. It requires an external pull-up resistor (provided as R1 = 10 kΩ on-board) and responds with <10% trigger error. The output remains latched low until current falls below the recovery threshold, which is typically 5% below the trip point.

Can the EVCS1823-Q-310BRN-00A operate with a 5 V supply?

No. This specific evaluation board variant is configured for 3.3 V operation only, matching the MCS1823GQTE-ABBCDEFF IC's 3.3 V supply option. Using 5 V may damage the onboard sensor IC or cause incorrect output scaling, as the internal reference and sensitivity are calibrated for 3.3 V.

How is galvanic isolation achieved on this evaluation board?

Isolation is implemented entirely within the MCS1823GQTE-ABBCDEFF IC - not by board-level components. The sensor die integrates a primary copper conductor separated by mold compound from the Hall sensing elements and signal conditioning circuitry, achieving reinforced isolation rated to 2.4 kVRMS per UL 62368-1.

What does "BRN" signify in the part number EVCS1823-Q-310BRN-00A?

"BRN" is MPS's internal configuration code indicating bidirectional sensing mode, ratiometric-compatible output structure, and nominal 3.3 V supply operation. It distinguishes this variant from unidirectional (e.g., "URN") or 5 V (e.g., "5xx") versions in the same EVCS1823-Q family.

Is the primary conductor on the board accessible for custom current paths?

No. The primary conductor is fully embedded inside the MCS1823GQTE-ABBCDEFF IC's TQFN-12 package and electrically exposed only at IP+ and IP− pins. External current must be routed through those two terminals; no solder pads or terminals exist for shunt-style or busbar integration on the EVB itself.

Does the board include calibration data or trim components?

No. The EVCS1823-Q-310BRN-00A provides raw sensor output without factory calibration trims, software compensation, or adjustable gain. Accuracy relies on the inherent performance of the MCS1823GQTE IC (<2.5% total error from 10% to 100% of ±10 A), and users must perform system-level calibration if higher precision is required.