Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP6526GU-Z

Overview

MP6526GU-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a six-half-bridge DMOS motor driver IC with integrated power MOSFETs, serial SPI-compatible interface (up to 3MHz), 0.9A per channel output current, 1.1Ω typical R_DS(ON) (HS+LS), and full fault diagnostics including short-circuit, open-load, over-temperature pre-warning (120°C), and under-voltage protection. It drives independent DC motors or solenoids in automotive seat/mirror control modules.

For engineers reviewing the MP6526GU-Z datasheet, MP6526GU-Z pinout, MP6526GU-Z application, or MP6526GU-Z equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated QFN-24 (5mm×5mm) package mapping, confirmed daisy-chain capability, real-world diagnostic behavior, and precise thermal shutdown thresholds - all critical for functional safety-compliant motor control design.

Technical Context

The MP6526GU-Z implements six independent half-bridge outputs controlled via a 16-bit serial register interface with CS/CLK/DI/DO signals. Each bridge supports high-side and low-side MOSFET switching with programmable short-circuit delay (1.5ms or 12ms) and open-load detection enabled by bit OLD.

Internal protection includes dual-level thermal monitoring (pre-warning at 120–170°C, shutdown at 150–200°C), UVLO with 6.5V rising threshold and 0.6V hysteresis, and active discharge circuitry that activates above ~37V on VS to prevent overvoltage during long standby.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP6526GU-Z is packaged in a thermally enhanced QFN-24 (5mm × 5mm) with exposed thermal pad, optimized for automotive PCB layouts requiring high power density and efficient heat dissipation.

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 DRV8876N, MP6526GU-Z delivers superior integration (6 channels + SPI + diagnostics in one QFN-24), lower system-level BOM cost, and faster fault response - making it optimal for new automotive and industrial motor control platforms demanding compactness and functional safety support.

Availability

MP6526GU-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive seat/mirror control, industrial valve actuation, robotics joint drives, and precision solenoid timing applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MP6526GU-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 distribution through authorized partners.

The MP6526 belongs to MPS's automotive-grade motor driver product line, engineered specifically for ASIL-B–capable applications in body electronics, focusing on integration, diagnostic completeness, and robustness under harsh voltage/thermal conditions.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable supply voltage for MP6526GU-Z?

The absolute maximum VS voltage is 40V, but the recommended operating range is 7V to 28V. Exceeding 40V risks permanent damage. The integrated discharge circuit activates near 37V to protect against slow overvoltage buildup during standby, but this is not a substitute for proper input clamping in the system design.

Does MP6526GU-Z include internal flyback diodes?

No, MP6526GU-Z does not integrate flyback diodes. External Schottky diodes must be placed across each motor winding or solenoid coil to clamp inductive kickback. This design choice allows users to select diodes optimized for their specific voltage, current, and switching speed requirements.

How does open-load detection work on MP6526GU-Z?

When the OLD bit is set low, the IC injects a small test current (~2mA) into each low-side output. If no return path exists (open load), the corresponding LSx or HSx bit in the output register goes high. Detection occurs only when the output is disabled - it does not interfere with active drive states or require additional external components.

Can multiple MP6526GU-Z devices be connected on the same SPI bus?

Yes - MP6526GU-Z supports daisy-chaining: connect DO of Device 1 to DI of Device 2, share CS/CLK, and use individual chip-select lines or cascade mode. In cascade, a single 16-bit write propagates through all devices, with status readback possible from the last device's DO pin.

What is the thermal resistance (θ_JA) of the QFN-24 (5mm×5mm) package?

The measured θ_JA for MP6526GU-Z in QFN-24 (5mm×5mm) is 36°C/W on a standard 4-layer JEDEC PCB (JESD51-7). This value assumes proper thermal pad soldering to a solid copper plane - inadequate thermal land pattern or insufficient vias can degrade performance by >20%.

Is MP6526GU-Z qualified for automotive applications?

Yes - MP6526GU-Z is AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified (−40°C to +125°C ambient), features built-in diagnostics aligned with ISO 26262 ASIL-B requirements, and includes redundant protection mechanisms (dual thermal thresholds, UVLO with hysteresis, and short-circuit timer programming) for safety-critical motor control.

What happens to the serial interface during thermal shutdown?

During thermal shutdown, all outputs disable and the output register sets all bits high, but the serial interface remains fully operational - CS/CLK/DI/DO continue functioning, allowing the host MCU to read fault status (TP, PSF, SCD) and initiate recovery (e.g., clear SRR bit) without power cycling.