Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP6500AGU-P

Overview

MP6500AGU-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a 35V, 2.5A bipolar stepper motor driver IC with integrated translator, internal current sensing, and programmable microstepping (full/half/quarter/eighth-step). It operates from 4.5V–35V, delivers up to 2.5A per phase (PCB- and thermal-dependent), features automatic decay mode, and requires no external current-sense resistors. It is used in precision motion control systems such as industrial automation actuators and medical infusion pumps.

For engineers reviewing the MP6500AGU-P datasheet, MP6500AGU-P pinout, MP6500AGU-P application, or MP6500AGU-P equivalent, key selection considerations include its voltage-programmable current setting (0–2V on VSET), dual full-bridge architecture with 195mΩ HS / 170mΩ LS R_DS(on), fault reporting via open-drain nFAULT, and compatibility with 3.3V/5V logic interfaces.

Technical Context

The MP6500AGU-P integrates eight N-channel MOSFETs as two independent full-bridge drivers, each supporting ±2.5A output with internal PWM current regulation using constant-off-time control. Its translator accepts STEP/DIR/MS1/MS2 inputs to sequence winding currents without external microcontroller sequencing logic.

Current regulation uses an internal DAC driven by VSET (0–2V) to set peak current (e.g., 1A at 0.75V), with trip accuracy of ±5% at full scale and ±12% below 34% of full scale. Blanking time is fixed at 2µs, and decay mode automatically switches between slow and fast decay based on residual current at end-of-off-time.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP6500AGU-P is packaged in a thermally enhanced QFN-24 (5mm × 5mm) with exposed thermal pad. Pin numbering follows standard top-view orientation with pin 1 marked by index area or dot.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar stepper motor driver applications.

Compared with TMC2209-V and DRV8825, MP6500AGU-P offers unique voltage-programmable current, no external sense resistors, and integrated charge pump-making it optimal for compact, cost-constrained designs needing analog interface simplicity and thermal efficiency at ≤35V.

Availability

MP6500AGU-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial CNC positioning, medical infusion pumps, automated document scanners, and lab automation robotics requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MP6500AGU-P 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, founded in 1997 and headquartered in Kirkland, Washington.

The MP6500 series belongs to MPS's integrated motor driver product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained bipolar stepper applications requiring high integration, robust protection, and simplified system-level design.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current for MP6500AGU-P?

The MP6500AGU-P supports up to ±2.5A per phase under optimized thermal conditions: 4-layer PCB with full thermal pad soldering, ambient temperature ≤25°C, and adequate copper pour. Actual current depends on PCB layout, heatsinking, and ambient temperature-derate to ±1.8A at 85°C ambient per datasheet thermal resistance (θ_JA = 36°C/W).

How does VSET voltage translate to motor current?

VSET sets peak phase current linearly: I_PEAK = V_SET / 0.75 V/A. For example, 0.75V yields 1.0A, 1.5V yields 2.0A, and 1.875V yields 2.5A. Accuracy is ±5% at full scale, degrading to ±12% below 34% of full scale due to DAC quantization and sensing nonlinearity.

Can MP6500AGU-P operate without an external microcontroller?

Yes-the integrated translator accepts STEP, DIR, and MS1/MS2 logic inputs to autonomously sequence full-bridge switching. No firmware or external sequencing logic is needed; only a pulse generator (e.g., timer, FPGA, or simple MCU) is required to drive STEP and control direction/resolution.

What protection features are built into MP6500AGU-P?

MP6500AGU-P includes over-current protection (OCP) with 3.5–8.5A trip threshold, input over-voltage protection (OVP) at 36–38.5V, under-voltage lockout (UVLO) at 3.4–4.5V, thermal shutdown at 165°C, and fault reporting via open-drain nFAULT. All protections disable outputs and assert nFAULT low.

Is the QFN-24 package lead-free and RoHS-compliant?

Yes-MP6500AGU-P is lead-free, halogen-free, and fully compliant with the EU RoHS directive. MPS confirms green status on its official website under Quality Assurance, and the device meets JEDEC MSL Level 2a moisture sensitivity requirements.

How is microstepping resolution selected on MP6500AGU-P?

Microstepping mode is set by logic levels on MS1 and MS2 pins: L/L = full-step (4 steps/elec. cycle), L/H = half-step (8), H/L = quarter-step (16), H/H = eighth-step (32). Both pins have internal pull-down resistors, so unconnected pins default to full-step mode.

Does MP6500AGU-P require external bootstrap or charge pump capacitors?

Yes-it requires three external capacitors: 100nF ceramic between CP1–CP2, 1µF ceramic from VCP to VIN, and 220nF–1µF ceramic from VG to AGND. These are mandatory for proper high-side gate drive and charge pump operation; omission causes driver failure or erratic behavior.