Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVCS1823-Q-340BRN-00A

Overview

EVCS1823-Q-340BRN-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MCS1823GQTE series linear Hall-effect current sensor IC, designed to demonstrate bidirectional ±40 A DC/AC sensing with integrated over-current detection (OCD) at ±40 A trigger point, 3.3 V supply, and 33 mV/A typical sensitivity in an ultra-small TQFN-12 package. It enables rapid validation of isolated current measurement in motor drives and power converters.

For engineers reviewing the EVCS1823-Q-340BRN-00A datasheet, EVCS1823-Q-340BRN-00A pinout, EVCS1823-Q-340BRN-00A application, or EVCS1823-Q-340BRN-00A equivalent, this board provides verified test conditions including VCC=3.3 V, IP±40 A range, OCD response timing, galvanic isolation validation, and differential Hall array noise rejection - all critical for industrial current-sensing design-in.

Technical Context

The EVCS1823-Q-340BRN-00A implements a differential Hall sensor array to reject stray magnetic fields and supports ratiometric or absolute output modes. Its onboard MCS1823GQTE-340BRN IC delivers 33 mV/A sensitivity with <2.5% total accuracy across ±10% to ±100% of full-scale current.

It features galvanic isolation between primary conductor (IP+/IP−) and signal pins (VOUT, /OCD, VCC, GND), enabling replacement of optocouplers in high-side current monitoring. The /OCD pin asserts low when primary current exceeds ±40 A, with <10% OCD error and hysteresis confirmed in test waveforms.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVCS1823-Q-340BRN-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, battery management systems, and power supply monitoring requiring stable component supply, fast evaluation turnaround, and traceable reference design validation.

Supply support for EVCS1823-Q-340BRN-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 MCS1823 series targets isolated current sensing in space-constrained, high-reliability applications such as servo drives, UPS systems, and EV on-board chargers - emphasizing ultra-small footprint, differential noise immunity, and integrated OCD.

FAQ

What is the function of the /OCD pin on the EVCS1823-Q-340BRN-00A board?

The /OCD pin is an active-low open-drain output that asserts logic low when the primary current exceeds ±40 A. It includes built-in hysteresis to prevent chatter during threshold crossing and is intended for direct connection to microcontroller interrupt inputs or external latch circuits without additional conditioning.

Can the EVCS1823-Q-340BRN-00A operate with a 5 V supply?

No - this specific variant is configured for 3.3 V operation only. The "3" prefix in "340BRN" denotes 3.3 V supply compatibility; 5 V variants (e.g., EVCS1823-Q-540BRN-00A) use different internal resistor networks and calibration and are not interchangeable without hardware modification.

How is galvanic isolation achieved on this evaluation board?

Isolation is inherent to the MCS1823GQTE-340BRN IC itself: the primary conductor (IP+/IP−) forms a separate copper path physically separated from the signal pins (VCC, GND, VOUT, /OCD) by mold compound and package dielectric. No external isolation components are used - the 3 mm × 3 mm TQFN-12 package provides reinforced insulation rated per IEC 60747-17.

What does the "BRN" suffix indicate in EVCS1823-Q-340BRN-00A?

"BRN" is MPS's internal configuration code indicating bidirectional sensing mode with absolute output referencing (1.65 V quiescent at zero current) and ratiometric-independent scaling - distinct from "BAL" (bidirectional, ratiometric) or "URN" (unidirectional, absolute) variants listed in the evaluation board matrix.

Is the primary conductor on the board soldered or accessible for external busbar connection?

The primary conductor is a dedicated 2-layer PCB trace between IP+ and IP− pads, designed for direct soldering of external busbars or wires. It is not pre-populated with terminals; users must solder leads or clamp conductors to the exposed 2.54 mm pitch through-hole pads labeled IP+ and IP− per the schematic and layout diagrams.

Does the board include decoupling capacitors and pull-up resistors for all required signals?

Yes - it includes a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor (C1) on VCC, a 10 kΩ pull-up resistor (R1) on /OCD, and unpopulated pads (C2) for optional filtering. All passive components match MPS-recommended values for stable operation and fast OCD response, as verified in the test waveform section.