Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP6500GF

Overview

MP6500GF from Monolithic Power Systems is a bipolar stepper motor driver IC with integrated translator, internal current sensing, and dual full-bridge output stage. It operates from 4.5V to 35V input, delivers up to 2.5A per phase (dependent on thermal design), supports full/half/quarter/eighth-step microstepping, and includes OCP, OVP, UVLO, and thermal shutdown. It is used in precision motion control for compact printers and automated lab equipment.

For engineers reviewing the MP6500GF datasheet, MP6500GF pinout, MP6500GF application, or MP6500GF equivalent, key selection considerations include its TSSOP-28 EP package, internal current regulation eliminating external sense resistors, automatic decay mode, fault reporting via open-drain nFAULT, and compatibility with 3.3V/5V logic interfaces.

Technical Context

The MP6500GF integrates two N-channel H-bridges with HS/LS on-resistances of 195mΩ/170mΩ at 25°C, enabling efficient bipolar stepper drive up to 2.5A per winding. Its programmable constant off-time PWM uses ROSC and ISET pins to set decay timing and peak current, respectively, with blanking time (2µs) suppressing switching transients.

It implements fully automatic decay mode: slow decay initiates each off-cycle, and fast decay engages only if winding current remains above trip threshold at off-time end-enabling precise microstep current waveform shaping without external decay control logic.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-28 EP package with exposed thermal pad; 0.65mm pitch, 9.7mm × 4.4mm body; JEDEC MO-153 compliant; requires solder paste stencil optimization for thermal pad reflow.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TB6600HG and DRV8825, the MP6500GF offers superior integration (no external sense resistors), tighter protection thresholds (37.5V OVP vs. none or 44V), and optimized thermal performance in TSSOP-28 EP-making it ideal for space-constrained industrial motion systems requiring reliability and simplified layout.

Availability

MP6500GF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for printer motion control, lab automation stages, CNC engraving heads, and medical imaging scanners requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MP6500GF 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 analog and power ICs, with core expertise in DC/DC conversion, motor control, and LED drivers.

The MP6500 product line targets compact, thermally constrained stepper motor applications-designed to replace discrete H-bridge solutions with integrated current regulation, protection, and microstepping logic in single-package form.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current for MP6500GF in TSSOP-28 EP package?

The MP6500GF supports up to 2.5A per phase continuously under standard thermal conditions: 4-layer PCB with 2oz copper, 1in² thermal pad area, and +25°C ambient. Derating is required above +25°C ambient or with reduced copper area-junction temperature must stay below +125°C per datasheet limits.

Does MP6500GF require external current sense resistors?

No. The MP6500GF uses internal current sensing architecture, eliminating the need for external sense resistors. Current regulation is set via the ISET pin resistor value and ROSC pin timing resistor-reducing component count, board space, and thermal measurement error.

How does the automatic decay mode function in MP6500GF?

The MP6500GF begins each PWM off-cycle in slow decay. If winding current remains above the trip threshold at the end of the fixed off-time, it automatically switches to fast decay for the remainder of that cycle. This dual-mode operation ensures accurate microstep current waveforms without external decay control signals.

What is the purpose of the VG pin, and what capacitor is required?

The VG pin supplies the low-side gate drive voltage generated by an internal LDO. A 220nF/16V ceramic capacitor must be placed between VG and AGND to stabilize the gate drive supply and suppress switching noise-failure to install this capacitor causes erratic H-bridge operation and potential shoot-through.

Can MP6500GF operate with a 3.3V logic supply only?

Yes. All logic inputs (STEP, DIR, MS1, MS2, nENBL, nSLEEP) are 3.3V and 5V compatible, with VIH = 2.1V min and VIL = 0.8V max. No level-shifting is needed when interfacing directly with 3.3V microcontrollers such as STM32 or ESP32.

What happens during an over-current fault, and how is recovery handled?

When over-current is detected for longer than 1µs deglitch time, all H-bridge MOSFETs disable and nFAULT pulls low. The device remains latched off for ~2.4ms, then automatically resumes operation. This self-recovering behavior avoids system lockup during transient overload events like motor stall.

Is the TSSOP-28 EP package lead-free and RoHS-compliant?

Yes. The MP6500GF is lead-free, halogen-free, and fully compliant with the EU RoHS directive. MPS confirms green status on its official Quality Assurance page, and the device carries the "Pb-Free" marking per JEDEC J-STD-609.