Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP6506GQ-Z

Overview

MP6506GQ-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a bipolar stepper-motor driver IC with dual integrated N-channel full-bridge MOSFETs, operating from 2.7V to 15V and delivering up to 500mA per channel. It features under-voltage lockout (2.5V rising threshold), thermal shutdown (165°C), and an over-temperature fault flag. Used in compact motion control systems such as POS printers and battery-powered security cameras.

For engineers reviewing the MP6506GQ-Z datasheet, MP6506GQ-Z pinout, MP6506GQ-Z application, or MP6506GQ-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its 500mA per-phase current capability, QFN16 (3×3mm) thermally enhanced package, sleep-mode quiescent current of 1μA, and external PWM-controlled current regulation via four logic inputs.

Technical Context

The MP6506GQ-Z integrates two independent full-bridge drivers, each composed of matched N-channel MOSFETs with typical on-resistances of 460mΩ (HS) and 395mΩ (LS) at VIN = 5V and TJ = 25°C. It uses an internal charge pump to drive high-side gates, enabling operation without external bootstrap components.

Control is implemented via four logic-level inputs (AIN1/AIN2/BIN1/BIN2) that determine bridge states-supporting forward, reverse, fast decay, and slow decay modes-and a dedicated nSLEEP pin for 1μA ultra-low-power standby. Fault reporting is provided through an open-drain FAULT pin asserting low during thermal shutdown.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP6506GQ-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced 3mm × 3mm QFN-16 package with exposed thermal pad (JEDEC MO-220 VEED-4 compliant). The pad must be soldered to PCB copper with thermal vias for reliable 500mA operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TB6600HG and DRV8834, MP6506GQ-Z uniquely balances compact QFN16 packaging, 1μA sleep current, and integrated FAULT reporting-making it optimal for battery-powered, size-sensitive motion systems requiring thermal awareness without external monitoring.

Availability

MP6506GQ-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for POS printers, video security cameras, and digital still cameras requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.

Supply support for MP6506GQ-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 analog and power ICs, with design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan.

The MP6506 belongs to MPS's motor driver product line, engineered for compact, efficient, and thermally robust motion control in portable and embedded systems where integration, low power, and reliability are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous motor current supported by MP6506GQ-Z?

The MP6506GQ-Z supports 500mA continuous current per channel at TA = 25°C with proper PCB thermal design (2.1W PD max, θJA = 60°C/W). Derating is required above 25°C ambient-e.g., ~350mA at 60°C ambient per the thermal shutdown threshold and junction temperature limit of 125°C.

Does MP6506GQ-Z require external bootstrap capacitors for high-side drive?

No. MP6506GQ-Z integrates a charge pump (BST pin) that generates gate drive voltage for the high-side N-MOSFETs. A single 10nF–100nF ceramic capacitor from BST to VIN is required-no external diodes or large bootstrap caps needed.

How does the FAULT pin behave during thermal shutdown?

The FAULT pin is an open-drain output that pulls low when junction temperature exceeds 165°C. It remains low until temperature drops to ~150°C (15°C hysteresis), then releases high-impedance. An external pull-up resistor (typically 10kΩ to VDD) is required for proper logic-level signaling.

Can MP6506GQ-Z drive two independent DC motors instead of a stepper?

Yes. Its dual full-bridge architecture allows independent control of two brushed DC motors-each bridge accepts separate IN1/IN2 signals. Direction, braking, and coasting are fully supported per Table 1, with current limited to 500mA per motor.

What is the wake-up time from sleep mode?

When nSLEEP transitions from low to high, internal regulators and charge pump require ~1.5ms to stabilize before full bridge operation resumes. During this period, outputs remain disabled-allowing safe sequencing with host MCU timing.

Is the exposed thermal pad electrically connected internally?

Yes-the exposed pad is internally connected to GND (Pin 11). It must be soldered to a PCB ground plane with ≥4 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter) to achieve specified θJC = 12°C/W and sustain 500mA operation without thermal throttling.

Does MP6506GQ-Z support microstepping?

No. MP6506GQ-Z supports only full-step and half-step excitation via external logic sequencing of AIN1/AIN2/BIN1/BIN2. Microstepping requires external current DACs or dedicated indexer ICs-this device provides only amplitude-controlled PWM current regulation.