Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVCS1823-Q-540BRN-00A

Overview

EVCS1823-Q-540BRN-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation board for the MCS1823GQTE series linear Hall-effect current sensor, supporting ±40 A primary current sensing with 5 V supply, 50 mV/A typical sensitivity, and integrated over-current detection (OCD) at ±40 A. It enables rapid validation of galvanically isolated bidirectional current measurement in power converters and motor drives.

For engineers reviewing the EVCS1823-Q-540BRN-00A datasheet, EVCS1823-Q-540BRN-00A pinout, EVCS1823-Q-540BRN-00A application, or EVCS1823-Q-540BRN-00A equivalent, this board provides verified test conditions, OCD response timing, VOUT linearity under DC/step current, and layout guidance for TQFN-12 sensor integration into high-density PCBs.

Technical Context

The EVCS1823-Q-540BRN-00A implements a differential Hall array to reject stray magnetic fields and supports ratiometric or absolute output modes. Its onboard MCS1823GQTE sensor features galvanic isolation between primary conductor (IP+/IP−) and signal pins (VCC, GND, VOUT, /OCD), eliminating need for optocouplers.

It operates at 5 V supply with ±40 A full-scale range, 50 mV/A sensitivity, and OCD threshold set to ±40 A with <10% error. The board uses a 2-layer PCB (45 mm × 115 mm × 17 mm) with dedicated high-current copper traces and decoupling capacitor C1 (0.1 µF, 16 V X7R, 0603).

Key Specifications

Availability

EVCS1823-Q-540BRN-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power converter validation, motor drive commissioning, and industrial DC bus monitoring requiring stable component supply and repeatable test conditions.

Supply support for EVCS1823-Q-540BRN-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 compact, isolated current sensing in space-constrained applications such as server PSUs, EV on-board chargers, and industrial inverters-designed to replace optoisolators with integrated Hall-based isolation.

FAQ

What is the function of the /OCD pin on EVCS1823-Q-540BRN-00A?

The /OCD pin is an open-drain output that asserts low when primary current exceeds ±40 A. It requires an external pull-up resistor (R1 = 10 kΩ on board) and responds within microseconds, providing fast fault signaling for protection circuitry without software intervention.

Can EVCS1823-Q-540BRN-00A operate with 3.3 V supply?

No-this specific variant is configured for 5 V operation only. Its onboard MCS1823GQTE is pre-set for absolute output mode with 2.5 V offset and ±40 A range; using 3.3 V would shift offset to 1.65 V and invalidate OCD threshold calibration and sensitivity scaling.

How is galvanic isolation achieved on this evaluation board?

Isolation is inherent to the MCS1823GQTE sensor IC-not the board itself. The TQFN-12 package integrates a primary conductor (IP+/IP−) physically separated from signal pins (VCC, GND, VOUT, /OCD) by internal molding compound, achieving 2.5 kVRMS isolation per UL 1577 without external components.

What does "BRN" signify in the part number EVCS1823-Q-540BRN-00A?

"BRN" denotes the board's configuration: B = bidirectional sensing, R = ratiometric or absolute output option (here, absolute), N = no secondary filtering or auxiliary features. It distinguishes this variant from unidirectional or OCD-only variants in the EVCS1823-Q family.

Is the primary conductor trace on the board rated for continuous ±40 A?

Yes-the 2-layer PCB uses thick copper (≥2 oz) on dedicated IP+/IP− paths, validated for continuous ±40 A at 25°C ambient. Derating applies above 60°C; thermal imaging data confirms <15°C rise at rated current under free-air conditions.

Does this board include calibration data or trim resistors?

No-EVCS1823-Q-540BRN-00A is a functional demonstration platform without factory calibration trims or EEPROM. Output accuracy relies on the intrinsic performance of the MCS1823GQTE IC, which specifies <2.5% total error over temperature and linearity without user adjustment.