Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVKT-MP2672A

Overview

EVKT-MP2672A from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation kit for the MP2672A battery management IC, enabling engineers to configure, test, and validate 2-cell Li-ion charging with NVDC power path management, I²C-controlled charge parameters (up to 2A/8.4V), and integrated cell balancing. It includes the EV2672A-D-00A evaluation board, EVKT-USBI2C-02 USB-to-I²C interface, cables, and GUI software v1.2.

For engineers reviewing the EVKT-MP2672A datasheet, EVKT-MP2672A setup procedure, EVKT-MP2672A GUI configuration, or EVKT-MP2672A hardware compatibility, this kit provides a validated platform to evaluate host-controlled battery charging, thermal regulation, preconditioning of depleted cells, and JEITA-compliant temperature monitoring before system integration.

Technical Context

The EVKT-MP2672A implements a complete test environment for the MP2672A - a highly integrated, I²C-programmable battery charger supporting 2S Li-ion stacks. It operates from 4.5V–6.0V input, delivers up to 2A charge current, and supports both host-control and standalone modes with default 8.4V regulation voltage.

Hardware comprises two key subassemblies: the EV2672A-D-00A evaluation board (6.35cm × 6.35cm) hosting the MP2672A IC and passive components, and the EVKT-USBI2C-02 interface providing bidirectional I²C communication over USB. All register modifications via GUI are volatile; OTP programming requires MPS FAE support.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVKT-MP2672A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery charger validation, embedded power subsystem design verification, and Li-ion pack qualification requiring stable component supply and documented reference behavior.

Supply support for EVKT-MP2672A 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, battery chargers, and motor drivers for consumer, industrial, and automotive applications.

The EVKT-MP2672A belongs to MPS's evaluation kit product line, designed specifically to accelerate development of battery-powered systems using their digital, I²C-configurable charger ICs like the MP2672A.

FAQ

Is the EVKT-MP2672A compatible with Linux or macOS?

No. The official MP2672A GUI software (v1.2) supports Windows XP, 7, or later only. It requires .NET Framework 4.0 and proprietary USBXpress drivers incompatible with non-Windows OSes. No Linux/macOS driver or GUI version is published by MPS.

Does the kit retain I²C configuration after power cycle?

No. All I²C register changes made via the GUI are volatile and reset to factory defaults upon power-down. Persistent configuration requires OTP programming, which must be performed by MPS Field Application Engineers using exported configuration files.

What battery chemistries does the EVKT-MP2672A support?

The kit is configured for 2-cell Li-ion/Li-polymer batteries (8.4V nominal, 4.2V/cell). Its JEITA-compliant NTC monitoring, preconditioning, and charge termination logic are optimized for these chemistries - not for LiFePO₄, NiMH, or lead-acid.

Can the EV2672A-D-00A board be used without the EVKT-USBI2C-02 interface?

Yes - in standalone mode. The board supports autonomous operation with preset parameters (e.g., 8.4V regulation, 2A charge current). However, real-time monitoring, parameter adjustment, and status reporting require the USB-to-I²C interface and GUI.

What safety protections are demonstrated on this evaluation kit?

The kit demonstrates MOSFET cycle-by-cycle OCP, thermal regulation with shutdown recovery, UVLO-based no-supply state handling, missing battery detection, programmable safety timer, and built-in charge termination - all implemented per the MP2672A's internal protection architecture.

Is the ribbon cable included in the kit customizable for different pin mappings?

No. The included ribbon cable is fixed-pinout and matches the standard SCL/SDA/GND connection between the EV2672A-D-00A board and EVKT-USBI2C-02 interface. Pin assignments follow MPS's documented I²C header layout and are not user-reconfigurable.