Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVKT-5515

Overview

EVKT-5515 from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation kit for the MP5515GU power management IC - a bidirectional boost-buck PMIC with single-inductor architecture, designed for enterprise SSDs and NVDIMM backup power applications. It supports 2.7V–18V input, 7.5V bus backup voltage, 5A max release current, 28V storage voltage, and real-time I²C programmable control of current limits, slew rate, and capacitor health testing.

For engineers reviewing the EVKT-5515 datasheet, EVKT-5515 hardware setup, EVKT-5515 GUI software configuration, or EVKT-5515 compatibility with Windows XP/7+, this page delivers verified specifications, functional context, and supply readiness for rapid prototyping of backup-power systems.

Technical Context

The EVKT-5515 integrates two core hardware modules: the EV5515-U-00A evaluation board hosting the MP5515GU PMIC, and the EVKT-USBI2C-02 USB-to-I²C interface enabling register-level control via MPS GUI software. It operates within a 12V nominal supply range and supports full bidirectional energy transfer between input (VIN) and backup capacitor (VB).

Hardware-level functions include programmable input current limiting, VIN-to-VB ramp-up slew rate control, buck switching frequency adjustment, Pfail threshold detection at 8V, and 10-bit ADC monitoring of input voltage, current, temperature, and storage voltage - all accessible through I²C without persistent memory retention.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVKT-5515 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for enterprise SSD qualification, NVDIMM backup validation, and industrial power-fail recovery system development requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for EVKT-5515 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 solutions for computing, cloud infrastructure, and industrial applications.

The EVKT-5515 belongs to MPS's digital PMIC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate design-in of programmable backup-power ICs like the MP5515GU into mission-critical data storage systems.

FAQ

Does EVKT-5515 retain configuration settings after power cycle?

No. All I²C-programmed parameters-including input current limit, slew rate, and cap health test settings-are volatile and reset to default values upon power-down. Configuration must be re-applied each time the EVB is powered on.

What PC operating systems are supported for the MPS I²C GUI?

The official GUI supports Windows XP, Windows 7, and later versions. It requires Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 and at least 22.2 MB of free disk space. No Linux or macOS native support is provided.

Which hardware components are included in the EVKT-5515 kit?

The complete kit contains one EV5515-U-00A evaluation board, one EVKT-USBI2C-02 USB-to-I²C interface (with USB cable and ribbon cable), and one Tdrive-5515 USB flash drive preloaded with GUI installer and documentation.

Can EVKT-5515 evaluate MP5515GU under real-world power-fail conditions?

Yes. The kit implements the MP5515GU's 8V Pfail threshold detection and automatic transition to backup mode, allowing direct observation of VB discharge behavior, current delivery profile, and status flag reporting during simulated input loss.

Is the EV5515-U-00A board compatible with other MPS PMICs?

No. The EV5515-U-00A is specifically laid out for the MP5515GU in QFN-24 package and is not mechanically or electrically compatible with other MPS PMICs due to unique pin mapping, feedback network, and bidirectional inductor routing.

What driver is required for EVKT-USBI2C-02 on Windows?

The EVKT-USBI2C-02 requires the Silicon Labs USBXpress driver (32-bit or 64-bit version matching the OS). Driver version must match the latest release - visible as "USBXpress" under USB controllers in Device Manager.