Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP6516GF

Overview

MP6516GF from Monolithic Power Systems is a 35V, 2.8A peak-current H-bridge motor driver with independent ½-H control logic (IN1/EN1/IN2/EN2), integrated N-channel MOSFETs (R_DS(on) = 250 mΩ HS/LS), cycle-by-cycle current regulation via ISET resistor programming, and fault reporting via open-drain nFAULT. It drives DC brush motors in industrial actuators requiring bidirectional torque and embedded thermal/current protection.

For engineers reviewing the MP6516GF datasheet, MP6516GF pinout, MP6516GF application, or MP6516GF equivalent, key selection criteria include its TSSOP-16 EP package with exposed thermal pad, 5.4–35V input range, ±1.5A continuous output, internal current sensing without external shunt, and independent half-bridge enable/control for flexible PWM and direction sequencing.

Technical Context

The MP6516GF implements constant-off-time PWM current regulation triggered when V_ISEN reaches 1.5V, with fixed 0.9ms off-time (t_ITRIP) and 500ns blanking (t_OCPD) to suppress turn-on spikes. Current sensing occurs only during low-side FET conduction, requiring grounded-load configuration for accurate measurement.

Its protection architecture includes independent over-current detection (3.2–5.3A trip, non-ISET-dependent), input OVP (36–40V), UVLO (4.7–5.3V with 310mV hysteresis), and thermal shutdown at 165°C (30°C hysteresis), all asserting nFAULT as an open-drain indicator.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP6516GF uses a thermally enhanced TSSOP-16 EP package (5.0mm × 6.4mm) with exposed GND pad for improved heat dissipation. The exposed pad must be soldered to PCB ground plane.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar H-bridge motor driver applications.

Compared with TB6612FNG and DRV8876N, MP6516GF offers optimal balance of analog simplicity, 35V operation, and self-contained current regulation-ideal for deterministic real-time control without MCU overhead or external sensing components.

Availability

MP6516GF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial linear actuators, automated valve control, and robotic joint controllers requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and long-lifecycle availability.

Supply support for MP6516GF 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 MP6516 belongs to MPS's motor driver product line, engineered for robust, thermally efficient DC motor control in space-constrained industrial and medical equipment where reliability under continuous load is critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous motor current supported by MP6516GF?

The MP6516GF supports ±1.5A continuous output current at TA = +25°C with proper PCB thermal design (4-layer board, exposed pad soldered to GND). This rating assumes Θ_JA = 45°C/W and junction temperature remains below 125°C. Peak current capability is 2.8A for short durations.

How does the ISET pin configure current limiting?

The ISET pin sources 100µA per ampere of load current into an external resistor to GND. When the voltage at ISET reaches 1.5V (V_ITRIP), current limiting activates. For example, a 15kΩ resistor sets a 1.0A trip point (100µA × 15kΩ = 1.5V), while 10kΩ yields 1.5A.

Can MP6516GF drive a grounded-load configuration?

No-MP6516GF's current sensing operates only during low-side FET conduction. If the motor is connected directly to ground (i.e., one terminal grounded), VISEN cannot measure load current, disabling both current regulation and VISEN output functionality. The load must float between OUT1 and OUT2.

What is the purpose of the CPA and CPB pins?

CPA and CPB form the flying capacitor node for the internal charge pump that generates the gate drive voltage for the high-side N-channel MOSFETs. A 100nF ceramic capacitor must be placed between CPA and CPB; failure to do so prevents high-side FET turn-on and causes output failure.

Does MP6516GF require external components for basic operation?

Yes-minimum external components include: 100nF ceramic capacitor from VIN to GND, 100nF capacitor between CPA and CPB, 1µF capacitor from VCP to VIN, pull-up resistor on nFAULT, and ISET-to-GND resistor for current limit setting. No bootstrap diode or external shunt is needed.

How does the nSLEEP pin affect device behavior?

Driving nSLEEP low disables the charge pump, turns off all MOSFETs, and reduces quiescent current to 1µA. All inputs are ignored during sleep. After nSLEEP returns high, the device requires ~1ms before outputs become active-this delay allows charge pump stabilization.

What fault conditions trigger the nFAULT pin?

nFAULT is asserted low for over-current (OCP), over-voltage (OVP), under-voltage lockout (UVLO), and thermal shutdown (OTP). It also activates during current-limit trips. The pin is open-drain and requires an external pull-up resistor to function correctly.