Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVKT-USBI2C-02

Overview

EVKT-USBI2C-02 from Monolithic Power Systems is a USB-to-I²C/PMBus communication interface evaluation kit designed to enable host PC control and register-level interaction with MPS digital power ICs. It supports bidirectional I²C/PMBus protocol translation, operates at 100 kHz standard-mode and 400 kHz fast-mode, and interfaces via USB 2.0 full-speed (12 Mbps) with Windows/Linux drivers. It is used for rapid validation of MPS PMBus-enabled DC/DC converters such as MP8770 and MPQ4571.

For engineers reviewing the EVKT-USBI2C-02 datasheet, EVKT-USBI2C-02 pinout, EVKT-USBI2C-02 application, or EVKT-USBI2C-02 equivalent, this kit serves as a hardware bridge for register read/write, fault logging, dynamic configuration, and real-time telemetry acquisition in digital power system development and lab-based characterization.

Technical Context

The EVKT-USBI2C-02 implements a dedicated USB-to-I²C/PMBus protocol converter using an embedded microcontroller with configurable I²C clock stretching support and SMBus alert response handling. It provides galvanically isolated logic-level signaling (3.3 V I/O), automatic slave address detection, and native compatibility with MPS Virtual Bench Pro and I²C GUI software.

It supports both 3-pin (SCL/SDA/GND) and 10-pin ribbon cable interconnects, where pins 1–6 map duplicated SCL, SDA, and GND signals for robust board-level connection-enabling direct attachment to MPS evaluation boards without level-shifting or external pull-ups.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVKT-USBI2C-02 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for digital power evaluation, PMBus-enabled DC/DC converter characterization, and lab-based firmware validation requiring stable component supply and documented toolchain integration.

Supply support for EVKT-USBI2C-02 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 motor drivers for industrial, computing, and automotive applications.

The EVKT-USBI2C-02 belongs to MPS's evaluation tool ecosystem, developed specifically to accelerate adoption and validation of its PMBus-compliant digital power products through standardized, driver-supported USB interface access.

FAQ

Does EVKT-USBI2C-02 require external power?

No. The EVKT-USBI2C-02 draws all operating power from the USB host port (5 V @ 500 mA). It does not need an auxiliary power source or external regulator, simplifying bench setup and enabling portable use with laptops.

Which MPS ICs are confirmed compatible with this kit?

Confirmed compatibility includes MP8770, MPQ4571, MP8859, and MPQ8633B-PMBus-enabled buck converters listed in the MPS I²C GUI tool device library. Compatibility is verified via register map alignment, command set execution, and telemetry response timing.

Can EVKT-USBI2C-02 be used with non-MPS I²C devices?

Yes, but only at the raw I²C protocol level. It lacks generic address scanning or auto-detection for third-party devices. Users must manually configure slave addresses and register maps; no built-in support for non-MPS GUI tools or command sets is provided.

What is the purpose of the duplicated SCL/SDA/GND pins on the 10-pin ribbon cable?

Duplicated pins (pins 1/2 SCL, 5/6 SDA, 3/4/7/8 GND) reduce contact resistance and improve noise immunity during high-frequency I²C transactions. This design mitigates signal degradation on long or flexed cables and enhances reliability across repeated connect/disconnect cycles on evaluation boards.

Is hot-plugging supported between the EVKT-USBI2C-02 and target evaluation board?

No. Hot-plugging is explicitly prohibited per the Quick Start Guide. Powering the evaluation board before connecting the EVKT-USBI2C-02 prevents I²C bus contention and potential damage to SCL/SDA pins due to uncontrolled voltage transitions during insertion.

Does the kit include Windows and Linux drivers?

Yes. Driver files for Windows (x64, signed INF) and Linux (kernel module source and prebuilt binaries for Ubuntu 18.04+/RHEL 8+) are included on the supplied media and hosted on the MPS website. Installation enables CDC ACM-class enumeration and virtual COM port assignment for serial API access.