Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP6500GU-P

Overview

MP6500GU-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 microstepping, and includes OCP, OVP, UVLO, and thermal shutdown. It targets compact motion control in printers, CNC stages, and automated lab equipment.

For engineers reviewing the MP6500GU-P datasheet, MP6500GU-P pinout, MP6500GU-P application, or MP6500GU-P equivalent, key selection considerations include its QFN-24 (5mm×5mm) thermally enhanced package, no external sense resistor requirement, programmable constant off-time PWM, automatic decay mode, and fault reporting via open-drain nFAULT.

Technical Context

The MP6500GU-P integrates eight N-channel MOSFETs as two independent full-bridge drivers with HS on-resistance of 195mΩ (typ.) and LS on-resistance of 170mΩ (typ.) at 25°C. Its translator accepts DIR and STEP inputs to sequence phase currents, while MS1/MS2 configure microstep resolution (4/8/16/32 steps per electrical cycle).

Current regulation uses internal sensing and programmable constant off-time PWM controlled by ROSC (external resistor), with ISET setting peak current (e.g., 1.0A typ. with 71kΩ). Blanking time (2µs) suppresses switching transients, and automatic decay mode dynamically selects slow/fast decay based on winding current relative to trip threshold.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP6500GU-P is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-24 (5mm × 5mm) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin 1 is marked by a dot; the package supports reflow soldering and requires proper PCB copper pour under the EP for thermal performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TB6600HG and DRV8825, MP6500GU-P offers superior integration (no sense resistors, single-supply logic), tighter thermal management via QFN-24 EP, and broader protection coverage - making it optimal for industrial-grade embedded motion control where reliability and board area are critical.

Availability

MP6500GU-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for printer paper feed mechanisms, lab automation XYZ stages, CNC tool changers, and medical infusion pump drives requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for MP6500GU-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 core expertise in DC/DC conversion, motor control, and LED drivers.

The MP6500 product line is designed for compact, intelligent stepper motor control in space-constrained industrial and medical equipment - emphasizing integration, thermal efficiency, and autonomous protection.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current per phase for MP6500GU-P?

The MP6500GU-P supports up to ±2.5A per phase under optimal thermal conditions - defined as 2-layer PCB with ≥2 oz copper, full thermal pad soldering, and ambient temperature ≤40°C. Actual current depends on VIN, step mode, microstep current setting (via ISET), and heatsinking. Derating is required above 85°C junction temperature.

Does MP6500GU-P require external current sense resistors?

No. The MP6500GU-P uses fully integrated current sensing with no external sense resistors required. Current regulation is achieved via internal MOSFET R_DS(on) sensing and DAC-controlled PWM, reducing component count, board area, and measurement error from external resistor tolerance and layout parasitics.

How is microstepping resolution configured on MP6500GU-P?

Microstepping resolution is set by logic levels on MS1 (Pin 7) and MS2 (Pin 6): L/L = full-step, L/H = half-step, H/L = quarter-step, H/H = eighth-step. Both pins feature internal 500kΩ pull-down resistors, so leaving them unconnected defaults to full-step mode without external components.

What protection features does MP6500GU-P include, and how are faults reported?

MP6500GU-P includes over-current protection (OCP), input over-voltage protection (OVP), under-voltage lockout (UVLO), and thermal shutdown. All faults drive the open-drain nFAULT pin low. The pin remains low until the fault condition clears and internal recovery timer expires (~2.4ms after OCP), after which normal operation resumes automatically.

Can MP6500GU-P operate from a 3.3V logic supply?

No. While the logic inputs (DIR, STEP, MS1, MS2, nENBL, nSLEEP) are 3.3V/5V compatible and accept 2.1V minimum VIH, the device requires a minimum 4.5V on VIN to power internal regulators and gate drivers. A 3.3V supply cannot energize the H-bridges or charge pump - VIN must be ≥4.5V for functional operation.

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

VG supplies the low-side gate drivers and requires a 220nF/16V ceramic capacitor connected between VG and AGND. This capacitor stabilizes the internal gate drive supply during high-frequency switching, preventing shoot-through and ensuring reliable MOSFET turn-on/turn-off timing.

Is MP6500GU-P RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes. MP6500GU-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 documentation, and the device meets JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 3 requirements.