Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVCS1823-Q-320BRN-00A

Overview

EVCS1823-Q-320BRN-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MCS1823GQTE series linear Hall-effect current sensor IC, supporting ±20 A primary current sensing at 3.3 V supply, with 66 mV/A typical sensitivity and ±20 A over-current detection threshold. It features galvanic isolation between primary conductor (IP+/IP−) and signal pins (VOUT, /OCD), enabling replacement of optoisolators in motor control and power supply monitoring.

For engineers reviewing the EVCS1823-Q-320BRN-00A datasheet, EVCS1823-Q-320BRN-00A pinout, EVCS1823-Q-320BRN-00A application, or EVCS1823-Q-320BRN-00A equivalent, this board provides validated test conditions for VCC=3.3 V, bidirectional current sensing, ratiometric/absolute output modes, OCD response timing, and PCB-level magnetic immunity via differential Hall array layout.

Technical Context

The EVCS1823-Q-320BRN-00A implements a fixed-gain, isolated current sensing interface using the MCS1823GQTE-320BRN sensor IC in TQFN-12 (3 mm × 3 mm). It supports absolute output offset (1.65 V at 3.3 V VCC) and ratiometric scaling (0.5 × VCC), with OCD assertion active-low at ±20 A trigger point and hysteresis confirmed in test waveforms.

Board-level design includes 100 nF ceramic decoupling (C1), 10 kΩ /OCD pull-up (R1), and unpopulated capacitor C2 for optional noise filtering. The 2-layer PCB measures 45 mm × 115 mm × 17 mm and routes IP+ and IP− on dedicated high-current copper paths to minimize thermal drift and crosstalk.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVCS1823-Q-320BRN-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor drive validation, industrial power supply monitoring, and battery management system prototyping requiring stable component supply and pre-characterized magnetic performance.

Supply support for EVCS1823-Q-320BRN-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 MCS1823 series was designed for compact, isolated current sensing in space-constrained applications such as server PSUs, EV chargers, and servo drives-emphasizing low-profile packaging, stray-field immunity, and integrated over-current protection.

FAQ

What is the function of the /OCD pin on EVCS1823-Q-320BRN-00A?

The /OCD pin is an active-low open-drain output that asserts when the primary current exceeds ±20 A. It requires an external 10 kΩ pull-up resistor (R1, included on board) to VCC. Test waveforms confirm clean transition with hysteresis to prevent chatter near threshold.

Can EVCS1823-Q-320BRN-00A operate with 5 V supply?

No - this specific variant is configured for 3.3 V operation only. The "3" prefix in "320BRN" denotes 3.3 V VCC; 5 V variants (e.g., EVCS1823-Q-520BRN-00A) use different internal biasing and sensitivity calibration.

How is galvanic isolation achieved on this evaluation board?

Isolation is inherent to the MCS1823GQTE-320BRN IC itself: the primary conductor (IP+/IP−) forms a separate, uninsulated copper path physically separated from the signal die by molded compound. No external transformers or optocouplers are used - isolation rating derives from package construction and creepage/clearance design.

What does "BRN" signify in the part number EVCS1823-Q-320BRN-00A?

"BRN" is MPS's internal suffix code indicating bidirectional sensing capability, ratiometric/absolute output configuration support, and 3.3 V supply compatibility. It is not a package or temperature grade indicator but a functional variant identifier tied to sensitivity (66 mV/A) and OCD threshold (±20 A).

Is C2 (NC position) required for basic operation?

No - C2 is unpopulated (NC) by default and intended only for optional high-frequency noise filtering on the /OCD line. All functional testing, including OCD response and VOUT linearity, was performed with C2 open, per the official test conditions in the datasheet Rev. 1.0.

Does this board support unidirectional current measurement?

Yes - though calibrated for ±20 A bidirectional use, the MCS1823GQTE-320BRN IC supports unidirectional mode via external reference adjustment. However, the EVCS1823-Q-320BRN-00A board layout and default configuration assume bidirectional operation with symmetric output swing around 1.65 V.