Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP6500GF-P

Overview

MP6500GF-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a bipolar stepper motor driver IC with integrated translator, internal current sensing, and dual full-bridge power stages. It operates from 4.5V to 35V, delivers up to 2.5A per phase (PCB/thermal dependent), supports full/half/quarter/eighth-step modes, and includes OCP/OVP/UVLO/thermal shutdown. It targets compact motion control in printers and automated positioning systems.

For engineers reviewing the MP6500GF-P datasheet, MP6500GF-P pinout, MP6500GF-P application, or MP6500GF-P equivalent, key selection factors include its no-external-shunt current regulation, programmable constant-off-time PWM, automatic decay mode, fault reporting via open-drain nFAULT, and compatibility with 3.3V/5V logic interfaces.

Technical Context

The MP6500GF-P integrates eight N-channel MOSFETs as two independent full-bridge drivers, each capable of ±2.5A output. Its current regulation uses internal sense circuitry and a programmable constant-off-time PWM scheme controlled by ROSC and ISET resistors - eliminating external sense resistors and enabling precise microstepping down to 1/8-step.

It implements 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. Protection includes cycle-by-cycle over-current detection (independent of PWM sensing), input OVP (36–38.5V), UVLO (3.4–4.5V), and thermal shutdown at 165°C with 15°C hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP6500GF-P is housed in a thermally enhanced TSSOP-28 EP package (9.6mm × 4.4mm × 1.2mm) with exposed pad for improved heat dissipation. Pin numbering follows JEDEC MO-153 Variation AET standard.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TB6600HG and DRV8825, MP6500GF-P offers superior integration (translator + sensing), wider voltage range than DRV8825, and stronger protection (OVP/thermal) than both - making it optimal for mid-power industrial motion where reliability and board area matter.

Availability

MP6500GF-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for printer mechanisms, 3D printer extruders, automated lab equipment stages, and CNC router axes requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MP6500GF-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 analog and power ICs, with design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan.

The MP6500 product line targets cost-sensitive, space-constrained motion control applications - delivering integrated stepper drivers that replace discrete MOSFETs, sense resistors, and sequencer logic in printers, scanners, and automation equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous motor current supported by MP6500GF-P?

The MP6500GF-P supports up to ±2.5A per phase under proper thermal conditions: 4-layer PCB with 2oz copper, full thermal pad soldering, and ambient temperature ≤85°C. Derating applies above 85°C ambient or with reduced copper area - consult thermal resistance data (θJA = 32°C/W for TSSOP-28 EP) to calculate safe operating current.

Does MP6500GF-P require external current sense resistors?

No. The MP6500GF-P uses internal current sensing circuitry, eliminating the need for external sense resistors. Current regulation is set via the ISET pin resistor (e.g., 71kΩ for 1.0A full-scale), and trip accuracy is ±5% across 71–100% of full scale, as specified in the datasheet.

How does the automatic decay mode function in MP6500GF-P?

The MP6500GF-P begins each PWM off-cycle in slow decay (current freewheels through low-side FETs). If winding current remains above the trip threshold at the end of the fixed off-time, it switches to fast decay (reversing bridge polarity) until current drops below threshold - then resumes slow decay. This hybrid method improves torque consistency and reduces motor heating.

Can MP6500GF-P operate with a 3.3V logic supply?

Yes. All logic inputs (STEP, DIR, MS1, MS2, nENBL, nSLEEP) are compatible with both 3.3V and 5V logic levels. Input high threshold is 2.1V min, and internal pull-down resistors (500kΩ) ensure defined states when left floating - simplifying interface with modern low-voltage MCUs.

What thermal considerations apply to the TSSOP-28 EP package?

The TSSOP-28 EP package features an exposed thermal pad that must be soldered to a large PCB copper area (≥100mm²) with ≥4 thermal vias to inner/ground planes. With this layout, θJA is 32°C/W - enabling 2.5A operation at TA ≤85°C. Without adequate thermal relief, junction temperature may exceed 125°C, triggering thermal shutdown.

Is there a minimum STEP pulse width requirement?

Yes. The MP6500GF-P requires a minimum STEP high time (t1) and low time (t2) of 1µs each. Additionally, MSx and DIR inputs must be stable for ≥200ns before and after the STEP rising edge to ensure correct microstep sequencing and direction interpretation.

How does the nFAULT pin behave during fault conditions?

The nFAULT pin is an open-drain output that pulls low during OCP, OVP, UVLO, or thermal shutdown events. It remains low until the fault condition clears (e.g., VIN drops below OVP threshold or die cools below 150°C), after which it floats high - requiring an external pull-up resistor (typically 4.7kΩ to 3.3V/5V) for proper logic-level signaling.