Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP6526GR-Z

Overview

MP6526GR-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a six-channel half-bridge motor driver IC with integrated DMOS power MOSFETs, serial SPI-compatible interface (up to 3 MHz), 0.9A per channel output current, R_DS(ON) (HS+LS) ≤2Ω at 150°C, and full fault diagnostics including short-circuit, open-load, over-temperature pre-warning, and under-voltage detection. It drives DC motors, solenoids, and valves in automotive body control modules.

For engineers reviewing the MP6526GR-Z datasheet, MP6526GR-Z pinout, MP6526GR-Z application, or MP6526GR-Z equivalent, key selection considerations include serial daisy-chaining capability, dual enable control (hardware EN + software SE bit), ultra-low standby current (<6μA), and thermal pre-warning flag (TP bit) for predictive system shutdown.

Technical Context

The MP6526GR-Z implements six independent high-side/low-side gate drivers controlled via a 16-bit serial input register, with real-time status feedback through a 16-bit output register accessible on CS falling edge. Its charge-pump-based gate drive enables full enhancement of N-channel MOSFETs without external bootstrap components.

Diagnostic architecture includes per-channel open-load detection (enabled via OLD bit), programmable short-circuit timeout (SCT bit selects 1.5ms or 12ms delay), and hardware/software dual-enable logic that disables all outputs while preserving serial interface functionality during standby - critical for fail-safe automotive subsystems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP6526GR-Z is packaged in a 4mm × 4mm QFN-24 with exposed thermal pad, optimized for compact automotive PCB layouts and efficient heat dissipation in confined enclosures.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TB9057FG and VNQ7E100AJ, MP6526GR-Z offers balanced channel count, ultra-low standby current, and comprehensive diagnostics in a cost-optimized QFN package - ideal for non-safety-critical, space-constrained automotive and industrial motion control where full half-bridge topology is required.

Availability

MP6526GR-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC I/O modules, medical infusion pumps, and robotics actuation systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MP6526GR-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 power management ICs, with design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MP6526 belongs to MPS's automotive-grade motor driver product line, engineered specifically for reliable, low-power, diagnostic-rich control of DC motors and solenoids in harsh environments - emphasizing functional safety readiness, thermal resilience, and minimal external component count.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable supply voltage for MP6526GR-Z?

The absolute maximum VS voltage is 40V, but the recommended operating range is 7V to 28V. Exceeding 28V risks triggering the internal discharge circuit continuously, increasing power dissipation. Operation above 28V is only permissible for transient load-dump events per ISO 7637-2, with proper input filtering.

How does open-load detection work on MP6526GR-Z?

When the OLD bit (bit13) is set low, a 1.4–2.4mA internal current source pulls down each low-side output. If no load is connected, the corresponding LSx or HSx status bit in the output register reads high. Detection requires the output to be in high-impedance state - it cannot operate simultaneously with active drive.

Can MP6526GR-Z drive an H-bridge configuration directly?

No - MP6526GR-Z provides six independent half-bridges (each with HS and LS outputs), not four-quadrant H-bridges. To drive a single DC motor bi-directionally, two half-bridges (e.g., OUT1+OUT2) must be externally wired as complementary legs with external dead-time control; the IC does not prevent shoot-through.

What is the purpose of the FAULT pin, and how should it be interfaced?

FAULT is an open-drain, active-low output that goes low on any detected fault (SCP, OTP, or UVLO). It must be pulled up to VCC or MCU IO voltage (≤6V) with a 10kΩ resistor. The pin remains low until the fault condition clears and the SRR bit (bit0) is written high to reset the internal fault latch.

Does MP6526GR-Z require external bootstrap capacitors for high-side drive?

No - the device integrates a charge-pump circuit that generates gate drive voltage for the high-side N-channel MOSFETs, eliminating external bootstrap diodes and capacitors. This simplifies layout and improves reliability in high-vibration automotive environments.

How is thermal pre-warning used in system-level fault management?

The TP bit (bit0 of output register) asserts when junction temperature exceeds 120–170°C. Unlike thermal shutdown, it does not disable outputs - allowing the host MCU to reduce PWM duty cycle or throttle load before reaching 150°C shutdown. Reading TP requires only CS falling edge, not full 16-bit transfer.

What packaging variants exist for MP6526, and which corresponds to MP6526GR-Z?

MP6526 is offered in SOIC-28 (MP6526GY), QFN-24 4×4mm (MP6526GR), and QFN-24 5×5mm (MP6526GU). MP6526GR-Z denotes the tape-and-reel version of the 4×4mm QFN package, with top marking "MPS" + year/week code + "MP6526GR" + lot number.