Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVKT-MP2797-0000

Overview

EVKT-MP2797-0000 from Monolithic Power Systems is a complete evaluation kit for the MP2797 battery management AFE IC, designed to validate 7–16-cell lithium-based battery pack monitoring, protection, and cell balancing in lab and pre-production environments. It includes the EV2797-0000-FP-00B evaluation board, EVKT-USBI2C-02 USB-to-I²C interface, cables, and GUI software (MP2797 V1.1.0.3).

For engineers reviewing the EVKT-MP2797-0000 datasheet, EVKT-MP2797-0000 hardware setup, EVKT-MP2797-0000 GUI configuration, or EVKT-MP2797-0000 compatibility with MP2797-based BMS designs, this kit delivers full register-level access, real-time voltage/current/temperature measurement validation, and configurable protection threshold testing under 18–75.2V pack voltage conditions.

Technical Context

The EVKT-MP2797-0000 implements the MP2797's dual-interface capability using I²C communication via the EVKT-USBI2C-02 adapter, enabling register read/write, ADC scan control, and fault configuration through the MPS GUI. It supports synchronized 15-bit cell voltage and 16-bit pack current measurements with <5mV cell error and <±0.5% coulomb counting error at 25°C.

Hardware-level features include jumper-configurable cell count (7–16 cells), open-wire detection circuitry, NTC thermistor inputs (up to 4 channels), high-side MOSFET driver test points, and passive balancing transistor drive capability - all validated on a 14cm × 9.6cm PCB with dedicated BATT+, PACK+, and sensing connectors.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVKT-MP2797-0000 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery pack validation, BMS firmware development, and protection algorithm testing requiring stable component supply and documented interface behavior.

Supply support for EVKT-MP2797-0000 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 converters, battery management, motor drivers, and LED drivers.

The MP2797 product line targets high-accuracy, multi-cell battery monitoring and protection for EV auxiliary systems, energy storage, and industrial portable equipment - emphasizing integrated analog front-end precision, configurable safety logic, and robust communication interfaces.

FAQ

What is the difference between EVKT-MP2797-0000 and EVKT-MP2797-0002?

EVKT-MP2797-0000 uses I²C communication via the EVKT-USBI2C-02 interface, while EVKT-MP2797-0002 uses SPI via EVKT-USBSPI-00. Both evaluate the same MP2797 IC but require different GUI modes and physical pin connections (SDA/SCL vs. NCS/SCK/SDI/SDO). Register mapping and protection functionality are identical.

Does the EVKT-MP2797-0000 retain configuration after power cycle?

No. All register changes made via I²C during GUI operation are volatile and reset to default values upon shutdown. Permanent configuration requires writing to the MP2797's multiple-time programmable (MTP) memory - accessible only through specific GUI MTP programming mode and irreversible once committed.

Can the EVKT-MP2797-0000 evaluate passive cell balancing?

Yes. The kit supports up to 58mA per cell passive balancing via external FETs driven by dedicated BALx pins on the EV2797-0000-FP-00B board. Balancing mode (auto/manual), current limit, and enable/disable are fully configurable in the GUI under the Cell Balancing section.

What are the minimum PC requirements to run the MP2797 GUI?

A Windows 7 or newer PC with .NET Framework 4.0 installed, one free USB port, and ≥25.6MB of disk space is required. Driver version for EVKT-USBI2C-02 must be USBXpress 4.0.0.0 - older Windows-installed versions cause communication failure and require manual reinstallation.

How do I verify correct power-up of the EV2797-0000-FP-00B board?

Confirm VTOP > 20V and VNSHDN > 3V before startup. After power application, measure VREGCTRL = 5.6V, VREGIN = 5V, and VDD = 1.8V at respective pins. If GUI shows "Disconnected", check these voltages first - incorrect levels indicate missing pack voltage, faulty jumpers (e.g., CN7 not removed), or miswired BATT+/PACK+ connections.

Is open-wire detection validated on this kit?

Yes. Open-wire detection is implemented on all 16 cell-sensing channels and verified via GUI status flags and register reads (e.g., OW_FLAG bits). The kit supports floating unused channels (e.g., cells 11–16 for a 10-cell pack) and reports open-wire faults during ADC scans when configured in the GUI.