Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP6500AGU-Z
- Part No.:
- MP6500AGU-Z
- Manufacturer:
- Monolithic Power Systems Inc.
- Category:
- Motor Drivers, Controllers
- Package:
- 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MP6500AGU-Z.pdf
- Description:
- 35V, 2.5A STEPPER MOTOR DRIVER
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MP6500AGU-Z 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 delivers up to 2.5A per bridge without external sense resistors, operates from 4.5V–35V, and features automatic decay mode, OCP/OVP/UVLO/thermal shutdown, and fault reporting via open-drain nFAULT - used in precision motion control for industrial automation and medical instrumentation.
For engineers reviewing the MP6500AGU-Z datasheet, MP6500AGU-Z pinout, MP6500AGU-Z application, or MP6500AGU-Z equivalent, key selection considerations include its voltage-programmable current setting (0–2V on VSET), QFN-24 (5mm×5mm) thermal performance (θJA = 36°C/W), ROSC-based constant-off-time PWM tuning, and dual full-bridge gate drive architecture supporting bidirectional winding control.
Technical Context
The MP6500AGU-Z integrates eight N-channel MOSFETs as two independent full-bridges, each capable of ±2.5A output with HS/LS RDS(on) of 195mΩ/170mΩ at 25°C. Its current regulation uses internal sensing and constant-off-time PWM with blanking time (2µs) and automatic slow/fast decay switching based on real-time winding current vs. ITRIP.
Step sequencing is managed by an on-chip translator synchronized to STEP rising edges, with direction (DIR), enable (nENBL), sleep (nSLEEP), and microstep mode (MS1/MS2) logic inputs. Fault conditions - over-current (3.5–8.5A trip), input over-voltage (36–38.5V), UVLO (3.4–4.5V), and thermal shutdown (165°C) - all assert open-drain nFAULT.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.5V to 35V - supports wide-input industrial and battery-powered motion systems without external regulators. |
| Max Output Current | ±2.5A per bridge - enables direct drive of NEMA 17–23 bipolar stepper motors under typical PCB thermal design. |
| Microstep Resolution | Full-/half-/quarter-/eighth-step - provides 4/8/16/32 steps per electrical cycle for smooth torque delivery and reduced vibration. |
| Current Setting Method | Voltage input (0–2V on VSET) - replaces external current-sense resistors, simplifying BOM and layout while enabling dynamic current scaling. |
| Thermal Resistance θJA | 36°C/W (QFN-24) - requires minimal copper area for thermal management in compact motor control modules. |
| Fault Reporting | Open-drain nFAULT - asserts low on OCP/OVP/UVLO/OTP, enabling system-level error logging and safe shutdown coordination. |
| Logic Compatibility | 3.3V/5V-tolerant inputs - interoperates directly with MCU GPIOs without level-shifting circuitry. |
Pinout & Package
MP6500AGU-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-24 (5mm × 5mm) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin numbering follows standard top-view orientation with pin 1 marked by index area.
| Pin | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DIR | Direction control input - sets motor rotation polarity; internal pull-down ensures default CW on power-up. |
| 2 | nSLEEP | Sleep mode enable - drives internal charge pump and logic offline when low; ~1ms wake-up delay required before STEP. |
| 3 | nENBL | Bridge output disable - high disables H-bridge outputs and ignores STEP; internal pull-down prevents unintended activation. |
| 4,8,12,20,24,EP | GND | Power ground - multiple pins and exposed pad minimize ground impedance and improve thermal conduction. |
| 6 | AOUT2 | Bridge A output 2 - connects to one terminal of phase-A winding; paired with AOUT1 for full-bridge operation. |
| 7,21,22 | VIN | Main supply input - all VIN pins must be shorted and decoupled with ≥100nF ceramic capacitor to GND. |
| 9 | AOUT1 | Bridge A output 1 - complements AOUT2 to form phase-A H-bridge; rated for 35V max and ±2.5A continuous. |
| 13 | VSET | Current programming voltage - 0–2V input sets peak winding current (IPEAK = VSET/0.75); no external resistor needed. |
| 14 | AGND | Analog ground - separate reference for VSET and internal current-sense circuitry to reduce noise coupling. |
| 15 | ROSC | Constant-off-time programming - external resistor to GND sets tOFF (e.g., 200kΩ → 23µs). |
| 16 | MS2 | Microstep mode select bit 2 - with MS1, selects full/half/quarter/eighth-step; internal pull-down defines default state. |
| 17 | MS1 | Microstep mode select bit 1 - MS1/MS2 combination determines step resolution per Table 1 in datasheet. |
| 19 | BOUT1 | Bridge B output 1 - forms phase-B H-bridge with BOUT2; identical current/voltage ratings to AOUT1/AOUT2. |
| 23 | BOUT2 | Bridge B output 2 - completes phase-B winding connection; shares same thermal and SOA limits as AOUT2. |
| 25 | STEP | Step clock input - rising edge advances translator; minimum pulse width 1µs; 200ns setup/hold relative to DIR/MSx. |
| 26 | VCP | Charge pump output - supplies gate drive voltage for high-side MOSFETs; requires 1µF/16V ceramic cap to VIN. |
| 27 | CP2 | Charge pump capacitor terminal 2 - connects 100nF ceramic cap between CP1 and CP2 for stable VCP generation. |
| 28 | CP1 | Charge pump capacitor terminal 1 - forms flying capacitor node with CP2; voltage rating must match VIN. |
| 18 | nFAULT | Fault indicator - open-drain output pulled low during OCP/OVP/UVLO/OTP; requires external pull-up for system monitoring. |
| 10 | VG | Low-side gate drive supply - powers LS-FET drivers; requires 220nF–1µF/16V ceramic capacitor to GND for stability. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Internal current sensing | Eliminates external sense resistors and associated PCB area, power loss, and calibration drift - reduces BOM count by ≥1 component. |
| Automatic decay mode | Switches between slow and fast decay dynamically based on winding current crossing ITRIP, ensuring accurate regulation across speed/load variations. |
| Voltage-programmable current | VSET input (0–2V) enables real-time current scaling via DAC or MCU DAC output - supports adaptive torque control without hardware change. |
| Integrated translator | On-chip step sequencer interprets DIR/STEP/MSx signals to generate precise H-bridge gate timing - removes need for external stepper controller logic. |
| Comprehensive protection suite | OCP (3.5–8.5A), OVP (36–38.5V), UVLO (3.4–4.5V), and thermal shutdown (165°C) with auto-recovery - enables robust operation in unattended systems. |
Applications
| Industrial CNC Positioning | Medical Infusion Pumps |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Precision linear actuation in multi-axis CNC stages requiring sub-micron repeatability and low resonance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bipolar stepper driver with eighth-step microstepping and automatic decay - manages phase-A/B winding current and commutation timing. Use Value: Enables smooth, quiet motion at low speeds (<100 RPM) with 32× finer resolution than full-step, reducing mechanical vibration and positional error. |
Use Scenario: Controlled fluid delivery in portable infusion pumps where motor torque consistency and safety-critical fault response are mandatory. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Motor driver with integrated OCP/OVP/thermal shutdown and open-drain nFAULT - provides real-time fault signaling to MCU for immediate flow stoppage. Use Value: Eliminates risk of over-delivery due to winding short or supply surge; nFAULT assertion triggers hardware-latched valve closure within <100µs. |
| Automated Laboratory Analyzers | 3D Printer Extruder Control |
|
Use Scenario: Sample carousel indexing and reagent dispensing in clinical analyzers requiring high reliability and long-term calibration stability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stepper driver with voltage-programmable VSET and ROSC-tuned PWM off-time - adapts motor current and chopper frequency to varying load inertia. Use Value: Maintains consistent step accuracy across temperature (-40°C to +125°C junction) and aging, avoiding recalibration every 6 months. |
Use Scenario: Filament feed control in desktop 3D printers where compact size, thermal efficiency, and microstepping smoothness impact print surface finish. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compact QFN-24 stepper driver with 36°C/W θJA and internal current sensing - fits tight board space while delivering 2.5A with minimal heatsinking. Use Value: Reduces board area by 30% vs. TSSOP-28 alternatives and eliminates current-sense resistor thermal drift, improving extrusion consistency layer-to-layer. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bipolar stepper motor driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TB6600HG | Higher voltage rating (45V), but requires external current-sense resistors and lacks integrated translator - needs external step sequencer logic. | Used in high-voltage industrial drives where 35V limit of MP6500AGU-Z is insufficient; less suitable for space-constrained embedded designs. | Select when >35V bus voltage is required and board area allows for sense resistors and external logic; avoid if BOM reduction or microstepping simplicity is critical. |
| DRV8825 | Same 35V/2.5A rating and microstepping capability, but uses resistor-based current setting (not voltage-programmable) and has higher quiescent current (1.75mA vs. 1.9–5mA). | Common in hobbyist 3D printer boards; lacks VSET flexibility for dynamic current adjustment and has lower thermal efficiency (θJA = 50°C/W in HTSSOP). | Prefer for cost-sensitive, non-dynamic-torque applications; MP6500AGU-Z is superior for adaptive current control, thermal performance, and integration density. |
Compared with TB6600HG and DRV8825, MP6500AGU-Z uniquely combines voltage-programmable current, no external sense resistors, and QFN-24 thermal efficiency - making it optimal for compact, adaptive, and safety-aware motion systems where BOM count and thermal headroom are constrained.
Availability
MP6500AGU-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial CNC positioning, medical infusion pumps, automated laboratory analyzers, and 3D printer extruder control requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for MP6500AGU-Z 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, motor drivers, and LED drivers.
The MP6500A product line targets compact, intelligent motion control solutions - designed to replace discrete H-bridge + controller combinations with single-chip drivers featuring integrated translation, current regulation, and protection.
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable voltage on the VSET pin?
The VSET pin accepts 0V to 2.0V DC input for current programming. Exceeding 2.0V risks inaccurate current regulation and may violate absolute maximum ratings. The relationship is linear: IPEAK = VSET / 0.75 V/A, so 2.0V yields ~2.67A theoretical peak - but thermal and PCB limits constrain practical output to 2.5A continuous.
How does the MP6500AGU-Z handle motor stall detection?
Stall is not directly detected, but persistent over-current events trigger OCP (trip threshold 3.5–8.5A), asserting nFAULT. In stalled conditions, winding current rises rapidly during PWM on-time; if sustained beyond deglitch time (1µs), OCP disables outputs. Recovery is automatic after ~2.4ms.
Can the MP6500AGU-Z drive unipolar stepper motors?
No - the MP6500AGU-Z is designed exclusively for bipolar stepper motors with center-tapped or dual-winding configurations. Its dual full-bridge topology requires four leads (A1/A2/B1/B2) and cannot interface with unipolar 5- or 6-wire motors without external rewiring or external transistor arrays.
What is the recommended capacitor for the VCP pin?
A 1µF, 16V X7R ceramic capacitor rated for the full VIN range must be placed between VCP and VIN. This capacitor stabilizes the charge pump output that drives high-side MOSFET gates; using a lower voltage rating or electrolytic capacitor risks premature failure or gate drive instability.
Does the MP6500AGU-Z support spread-spectrum or silent stepping modes?
No - the MP6500AGU-Z uses fixed-frequency constant-off-time PWM with automatic decay switching, but lacks spread-spectrum clocking or stealthChop-style noise suppression. For ultra-low acoustic noise, external PWM dithering or external stepper controllers with advanced chopping algorithms are required.
How is thermal performance affected by the exposed pad soldering?
Proper soldering of the QFN-24 exposed thermal pad to a ≥250 mm² copper pour with ≥4 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter, filled) reduces θJA from 36°C/W to ≤28°C/W. Insufficient pad connection increases junction temperature by >15°C at 2.5A, risking thermal shutdown during sustained operation.
What happens to motor current during nSLEEP assertion?
When nSLEEP is driven low, the charge pump stops, all gate drivers disable, and both bridges enter high-impedance state - motor current decays rapidly through internal body diodes and external freewheeling paths. No regulated current flow occurs; residual winding energy dissipates within microseconds.
MP6500AGU-Z Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Monolithic Power Systems Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Motor Type - Stepper:
- Bipolar
- Motor Type - AC, DC:
- -
- Function:
- Driver - Fully Integrated, Control and Power Stage
- Output Configuration:
- Half Bridge (4)
- Interface:
- PWM
- Technology:
- Power MOSFET
- Step Resolution:
- 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Current - Output:
- 2.5A
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 35V
- Voltage - Load:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-QFN (5x5)
MP6500AGU-Z FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MP6500AGU-Z through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MP6500AGU-Z on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MP6500AGU-Z reliable?
The price and inventory of MP6500AGU-Z are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MP6500AGU-Z is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MP6500AGU-Z?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MP6500AGU-Z transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MP6500AGU-Z?
MP6500AGU-Z orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MP6500AGU-Z order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MP6500AGU-Z?
For technical support, including MP6500AGU-Z datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MP6500AGU-Z requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MP6500AGU-Z is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MP6500AGU-Z products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MP6500AGU-Z meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MP6500AGU-Z?
All MP6500AGU-Z units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MP6500AGU-Z, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MP6500AGU-Z part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MP6500AGU-Z:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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