Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVKT-MP2731

Overview

The EVKT-MP2731 from Monolithic Power Systems is an evaluation kit for the MP2731 standalone switching battery charger IC, supporting USB detection, USB-OTG boost, and NVDC power path management. It includes the EV2731-QC-00A evaluation board and EVKT-USBI2C-02 interface, operates from 3.7V–16V input, delivers up to 4.5A charge current, and enables real-time I²C configuration of charge voltage (4.2V default), OTG output (4.8V–5.5V), and thermal protection thresholds.

For engineers reviewing the EVKT-MP2731 datasheet, EVKT-MP2731 pinout, EVKT-MP2731 application, or EVKT-MP2731 equivalent, this kit provides full hardware/software validation of MP2731's buck charging, boost OTG, integrated ADC monitoring, and JEITA-compliant battery safety in portable power systems.

Technical Context

The EVKT-MP2731 implements a complete test environment for the MP2731 IC, which integrates a 1.35MHz synchronous buck charger, selectable 1.35MHz boost converter, and 12-bit ADC for six analog parameters. Its hardware design supports immediate-on operation with no battery or deeply discharged cells via NVDC architecture and uses COT control to maintain regulation under low-input-voltage conditions.

The kit relies on the EVKT-USBI2C-02 interface to bridge PC-based GUI software with the MP2731's I²C register map, enabling dynamic adjustment of charge termination current, input current limit, VSYS_MIN regulation, OTG voltage, and NTC ratio - all without firmware reprogramming.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVKT-MP2731 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical devices, rugged tablets, industrial handhelds, and USB-C powered accessories requiring stable component supply, rapid prototyping support, and production-ready power architecture validation.

Supply support for EVKT-MP2731 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, with expertise in DC/DC conversion, battery charging, and motor control solutions for consumer, industrial, and automotive markets.

The MP2731 product line targets single-cell Li-ion applications needing integrated USB-aware charging, OTG capability, and robust thermal/safety management - designed specifically for space-constrained, high-reliability portable electronics.

FAQ

Does EVKT-MP2731 support firmware updates or OTP programming?

No. The EVKT-MP2731 enables only volatile I²C register configuration; all settings revert to defaults on power-down. OTP programming is not accessible through this kit - it requires dedicated MPS programming hardware and is intended for production calibration only.

Can the EV2731-QC-00A board operate without the EVKT-USBI2C-02 interface?

Yes - the EV2731-QC-00A functions autonomously in default mode (4.2V/4.5A charge, 5.0V OTG) without I²C communication. However, real-time parameter adjustment, status monitoring, and GUI-based validation require the EVKT-USBI2C-02 interface and Windows GUI software.

What battery chemistries does the EVKT-MP2731 support out-of-the-box?

The kit is configured for single-cell Li-ion (4.2V full-charge), but supports Li-polymer and LiFePO₄ via I²C register modification - including adjustable charge voltage (3.45V–4.4V), JEITA temperature thresholds, and pre-charge current profiles.

Is thermal shutdown behavior observable during evaluation?

Yes - the MP2731 integrates die-temperature sensing and automatic thermal regulation. When junction temperature exceeds ~125°C, switching halts and charging suspends; recovery occurs automatically once temperature drops below ~110°C, visible in real time via GUI-reported T_JUNC register.

Does the kit include battery or power supply hardware?

No - EVKT-MP2731 includes only the EV2731-QC-00A board and EVKT-USBI2C-02-BAG. Users must supply external 3.7V–16V DC input, single-cell Li-ion battery (or simulator), and load for VSYS testing per Section 3.2 of the User Guide.

How is NVDC power path management validated on this kit?

NVDC operation is verified by disconnecting the battery while powering VIN: the system (VSYS) remains active, confirming ideal diode behavior and instant-on capability. Battery disconnection is also observable via GUI-reported DISC pin status and VSYS/VBATT rail tracking.