Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVCS1823-Q-530BRN-00A

Overview

EVCS1823-Q-530BRN-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MCS1823GQTE series linear Hall-effect current sensor, configured for ±30 A bidirectional sensing at 5 V supply, with 66 mV/A typical sensitivity and ±30 A over-current detection trigger. It implements galvanic isolation between primary conductor (IP+/IP−) and signal pins (VOUT, /OCD), enabling replacement of optocouplers in motor drive current monitoring.

For engineers reviewing the EVCS1823-Q-530BRN-00A datasheet, EVCS1823-Q-530BRN-00A pinout, EVCS1823-Q-530BRN-00A application, or EVCS1823-Q-530BRN-00A equivalent, this board supports rapid validation of MCS1823 sensor performance under real-world DC/AC load conditions, OCD response timing, and ratiometric vs. absolute output behavior at 5 V operation.

Technical Context

The EVCS1823-Q-530BRN-00A evaluates the MCS1823GQTE-530BRN sensor IC, which integrates a differential Hall array to reject stray magnetic fields and delivers a voltage output proportional to primary current (VOUT = 2.5 V + 66 mV/A × IP). Its /OCD pin asserts low when primary current exceeds ±30 A, with hysteresis confirmed in test waveforms.

Designed for 5 V operation, the board routes IP+ and IP− through low-inductance copper traces to minimize parasitic effects, while decoupling capacitor C1 (0.1 µF, 16 V X7R) stabilizes VCC. The 10-pin header (CN1) provides direct access to VCC, GND, VOUT, and /OCD signals for oscilloscope or DAQ measurement.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVCS1823-Q-530BRN-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control validation, power supply current monitoring, and industrial inverter design requiring stable component supply and fast-turnaround sensor characterization.

Supply support for EVCS1823-Q-530BRN-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 targets isolated current sensing in space-constrained applications such as BLDC motor drives and server PSU monitoring, where ultra-small TQFN packaging and differential Hall architecture reduce EMI susceptibility.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVCS1823-Q-530BRN-00A?

This is an evaluation board-not a sensor IC-that demonstrates the MCS1823GQTE-530BRN linear Hall-effect current sensor. It enables engineers to verify output linearity, OCD response timing, and isolation integrity under real 5 V, ±30 A operating conditions using accessible test points and standardized header interfaces.

Can the board operate at 3.3 V instead of 5 V?

No-EVCS1823-Q-530BRN-00A is specifically configured for 5 V operation to match the MCS1823GQTE-530BRN's absolute-mode offset (2.5 V) and ±30 A OCD threshold. Using 3.3 V would shift VOUT offset to 1.65 V and invalidate the calibrated OCD point; other variants like EVCS1823-Q-330BRN-00A are designated for 3.3 V use.

How is galvanic isolation implemented on this board?

Isolation is inherent to the MCS1823GQTE-530BRN IC itself: its internal structure separates the high-current primary conductor (IP+/IP− pins) from low-voltage signal pins (VCC, GND, VOUT, /OCD) by reinforced insulation rated at 3.75 kVRMS. The PCB maintains creepage/clearance compliance but does not add external isolation components.

What does the /OCD pin behavior indicate during over-current events?

The /OCD pin is an active-low open-drain output that transitions low within 1.2 µs when |IP| reaches ±30 A, and recovers after current falls below the hysteresis threshold (~28.5 A). Test waveforms in the reference document confirm clean edge response and no chatter under step-current stress.

Is the VOUT output ratiometric or absolute on this board?

VOUT is absolute-mode: at 5 V supply, it centers at 2.5 V with ±30 A full scale yielding 2.5 V ± 1.98 V (i.e., 0.52 V to 4.48 V). This eliminates dependency on VCC variation for measurement accuracy, unlike ratiometric variants that scale output relative to VCC.

Does the board include calibration data or trim components?

No-EVCS1823-Q-530BRN-00A is a functional demonstration platform without factory calibration trims or onboard EEPROM. Sensitivity (66 mV/A) and OCD threshold (±30 A) are fixed by the MCS1823GQTE-530BRN die; system-level calibration must be performed externally using known current sources and precision DMMs.