Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVCS1823-Q-520BRN-00A

Overview

EVCS1823-Q-520BRN-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MCS1823GQTE series linear Hall-effect current sensor, configured for 5V supply, ±20A primary current range, 100 mV/A typical sensitivity, and ±20A over-current detection trigger. It demonstrates galvanically isolated bidirectional current sensing in motor control, power supply monitoring, and battery management systems.

For engineers reviewing the EVCS1823-Q-520BRN-00A datasheet, EVCS1823-Q-520BRN-00A pinout, EVCS1823-Q-520BRN-00A application, or EVCS1823-Q-520BRN-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of the MCS1823's ratiometric/absolute output modes, OCD response timing, and PCB layout integration with TQFN-12 footprint compatibility.

Technical Context

The EVCS1823-Q-520BRN-00A implements a differential Hall array to reject stray magnetic fields and supports dual VCC options (3.3V/5V) with corresponding absolute output offsets (2.5V at 5V). Its primary conductor path provides galvanic isolation up to 2500 V_RMS, enabling replacement of optocouplers in high-side current monitoring.

It interfaces directly with the MCS1823GQTE-520BRN sensor IC in TQFN-12 (3mm × 3mm), featuring dedicated IP+, IP−, VCC, GND, VOUT, and active-low /OCD terminals. The board includes decoupling capacitor C1 (0.1 µF, 16V X7R, 0603) and pull-up resistor R1 (10 kΩ, 0603) for /OCD signal conditioning.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVCS1823-Q-520BRN-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor drive commissioning, industrial DC power supply validation, and EV battery pack current monitoring requiring stable component supply and fast-turn evaluation support.

Supply support for EVCS1823-Q-520BRN-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 product line delivers ultra-small, isolated Hall-effect current sensors targeting space-constrained applications such as server PSUs, robotics actuators, and energy storage systems where accuracy, thermal stability, and galvanic isolation are critical.

FAQ

What is the function of the /OCD pin on the EVCS1823-Q-520BRN-00A?

The /OCD pin is an active-low, open-drain output that asserts logic low when the absolute value of primary current exceeds ±20 A. It requires an external pull-up resistor (provided as R1 = 10 kΩ on-board) and responds within <1 µs propagation delay, enabling fast fault shutdown in motor drives or overcurrent protection circuits.

Can the EVCS1823-Q-520BRN-00A operate with a 3.3 V supply?

No - this specific variant is configured for 5 V operation only. The "5" in "520BRN" denotes 5 V VCC; using 3.3 V would result in incorrect output offset (2.5 V vs required 1.65 V) and potential /OCD mis-triggering. For 3.3 V use, select EVCS1823-Q-320BRN-00A.

Does the board include the MCS1823 sensor IC?

Yes - U1 is the MCS1823GQTE-520BRN Hall-effect current sensor in TQFN-12 package, pre-mounted and soldered. The board is not a bare PCB; it is a fully assembled evaluation platform with decoupling capacitor C1, pull-up resistor R1, and 10-pin header CN1 for test connections.

How is galvanic isolation achieved on this evaluation board?

Isolation is inherent to the MCS1823 IC itself - its internal structure separates the high-current primary conductor (IP+/IP− pins) from the low-voltage signal domain (VCC, GND, VOUT, /OCD) by >2500 V_RMS. No external isolation components are needed; the board preserves this architecture via physical creepage/clearance and separate copper planes.

What is the purpose of the NC pad labeled C2 in the schematic?

C2 is a no-connect (NC) pad intended for optional external filtering or compensation. It is left unpopulated by default and has no functional role in baseline operation. Engineers may use it for custom RC networks if noise immunity or bandwidth tuning is required in their target application.

Is the output voltage ratiometric or absolute on this board?

This board is configured for absolute output mode: VOUT = 2.5 V + (100 mV/A × IP). At zero current, VOUT = 2.5 V; at +20 A, VOUT = 4.5 V; at −20 A, VOUT = 0.5 V. Ratiometric mode (VOUT = 0.5 × VCC + Sens × IP) is supported by the MCS1823 IC but requires different reference configuration not implemented on this variant.