Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP6523GR-Z

Overview

MP6523GR-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a triple half-bridge motor driver IC with integrated DMOS power MOSFETs, serial SPI-compatible interface (3MHz max), 0.9A per channel output current, R_DS(ON) (HS+LS) ≤2Ω at 150°C, and full diagnostic reporting (open-load, short-circuit, over-temperature, UVLO). It drives DC motors, solenoids, and valves in automotive body control modules and industrial actuators.

For engineers reviewing the MP6523GR-Z datasheet, MP6523GR-Z pinout, MP6523GR-Z application, or MP6523GR-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include serial daisy-chain capability, <6μA standby quiescent current across temperature, fault flag signaling, and thermal pre-warning via dedicated DO bit TP - all critical for fail-safe embedded motor control systems.

Technical Context

The MP6523GR-Z implements three independent half-bridge channels with high-side and low-side gate drivers, charge pump, and internal logic to decode 16-bit SPI input commands (e.g., HS1/LS1 enable, OLD/SCT/SE bits). Its serial interface supports CS-controlled data latching, tri-state DO during CS high, and bit-level status readback without full register transfer.

Protection architecture includes per-channel over-current detection with programmable shutdown delay (1.5ms or 12ms via SCT bit), thermal pre-warning (120–170°C) and shutdown (150–200°C) with hysteresis, under-voltage lockout (6.5V rising threshold), and integrated discharge circuit activating above ~37V on VS to prevent overvoltage damage during long standby.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP6523GR-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-24 package (4mm × 4mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad for PCB heat dissipation. Pin 1 is marked by a dot or notch; the exposed paddle must be soldered to a thermal land for optimal θ_JA = 42°C/W performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TB9054FG and DRV8876N, MP6523GR-Z uniquely delivers daisy-chainable SPI control, comprehensive per-channel diagnostics, and sub-6μA standby - making it optimal for compact, safety-aware multi-load systems where firmware overhead and board area are constrained.

Availability

MP6523GR-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive HVAC actuators, industrial linear valves, robotic joint modules, and medical infusion pumps requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MP6523GR-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 MP6523 belongs to MPS's automotive-grade motor driver product line, engineered for robust operation in harsh environments (-40°C to +150°C) with integrated protection and diagnostic features essential for functional safety–aware systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable supply voltage on the VS pin?

The absolute maximum rating for VS is 40V, but the recommended operating range is 7V to 28V. Exceeding 28V continuously risks triggering the integrated discharge circuit above ~37V and may accelerate parametric drift. Operation above 28V should be limited to transient surges compliant with ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a.

How does open-load detection work without external components?

When the OLD bit is set low, the MP6523GR-Z internally sources a ~2mA pull-down current on each low-side switch. If no load path exists, the corresponding LSx/HSx status bit in the DO register reads high. This eliminates external sense resistors while maintaining detection accuracy for disconnected solenoids or broken motor windings.

Can multiple MP6523GR-Z devices share one SPI bus without additional logic?

Yes - the MP6523GR-Z supports native daisy-chaining: connect DO of Device 1 to DI of Device 2, and so on. A single CS signal controls all devices, and clock/data propagate synchronously. No level shifters or bus buffers are required for up to 8 devices in chain, provided trace lengths and capacitance remain within 100pF per node.

What happens to the outputs during thermal pre-warning versus thermal shutdown?

During thermal pre-warning (TP bit high), outputs remain fully operational but alert the host MCU to impending overheating. During thermal shutdown (all DO bits high), all half-bridges disable immediately, FAULT pulls low, and operation resumes only after junction temperature falls below threshold and SRR bit is written high to reset the fault latch.

Is the FAULT pin electrically compatible with 3.3V microcontrollers?

Yes - FAULT is an open-drain output rated for 6V max, so a 3.3V pull-up resistor (e.g., 10kΩ) interfaces directly with 3.3V GPIOs. The pin asserts low on any fault condition (OCP, TSD, UVLO), and releases high only after the fault clears and internal registers are reset via SRR bit write.

Does the MP6523GR-Z support both high-side and low-side switching per channel?

Yes - each of the three half-bridges (OUT1/OUT2/OUT3) consists of independent high-side and low-side DMOS FETs. Control bits HS1/LS1 through HS3/LS3 in the input register allow arbitrary combination: high-side on, low-side on, both off (coast), or both on (brake), enabling full H-bridge functionality per channel.

What is the purpose of the AGND pin, and how should it be routed?

AGND provides a dedicated analog reference for internal comparators (UVLO, OCP, thermal sensors) and DACs. It must be connected to a clean, low-noise ground plane separate from noisy PGND traces, joined only at a single point near the IC's thermal pad or VCC decoupling capacitor to prevent digital switching noise from corrupting diagnostics.