Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP6601GU-P

Overview

MP6601GU-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a 35V, 2.5A bipolar stepper motor driver IC with integrated dual full-bridge MOSFETs, internal current sensing (no external sense resistors), and programmable constant-off-time PWM control. It supports full-, half-, and quarter-step modes via PHASE/I0/I1 logic interface and delivers up to 2.5A per bridge under thermal limits-used in compact motion control systems such as printer paper feed mechanisms and small-format CNC positioning stages.

For engineers reviewing the MP6601GU-P datasheet, MP6601GU-P pinout, MP6601GU-P application, or MP6601GU-P equivalent, key selection considerations include its 4.5–35V input range, internal 170mΩ/150mΩ HS/LS R_DS(on), open-drain nFAULT reporting, QFN-24 (5mm×5mm) thermally enhanced package, and compatibility with 3.3V/5V logic interfaces.

Technical Context

The MP6601GU-P integrates two independent N-channel H-bridges with internal current regulation using a DAC-controlled trip threshold and constant-off-time PWM. Current scaling is set by AI0/AI1 and BI0/BI1 inputs (0–100% in four discrete steps), while decay mode is fully automatic-switching between slow and fast decay based on real-time winding current crossing the I_TRIP threshold during t_OFF.

Protection architecture includes independent over-current detection (3–8A trip, 1µs deglitch), input OVP (36–38.5V), UVLO (3.4–4.5V rising), and thermal shutdown (165°C, 15°C hysteresis). Fault status is reported via open-drain nFAULT, which asserts low on any protection event and requires external pull-up.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP6601GU-P is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-24 (5mm × 5mm) package with an exposed thermal pad (EP) for efficient heat dissipation. The package supports reflow soldering and requires minimum 100nF VIN-to-GND ceramic decoupling adjacent to pins 10 and 22.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TB6600HG and DRV8825, the MP6601GU-P offers optimal balance of integration (no sense resistors, single-supply logic), thermal efficiency (QFN-24 EP), and protection completeness (OVP+OCP+UVLO+OTP), making it ideal for space-constrained, self-contained motion modules.

Availability

MP6601GU-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for printer paper feed mechanisms, small CNC positioning systems, automated lab equipment, and medical fluid dispensing devices requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for MP6601GU-P 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, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MP6601 belongs to MPS's stepper motor driver product line, engineered for compact, thermally efficient, and highly integrated motion control in consumer, industrial, and medical equipment where board space and reliability are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current for MP6601GU-P?

The MP6601GU-P supports up to 2.5A per bridge continuously under conditions of TA = +25°C, proper PCB thermal design (≥4-layer board with 6+ thermal vias to solid ground plane), and VIN ≤ 24V. At higher ambient temperatures or VIN = 35V, derating applies per the θ_JA = 36°C/W thermal resistance and 150°C max junction temperature.

Does MP6601GU-P require external current-sense resistors?

No. The MP6601GU-P implements internal current sensing using MOSFET R_DS(on) monitoring, eliminating the need for external sense resistors. Current regulation is set via the ISET pin resistor (e.g., 71kΩ for 1.0A full-scale) and scaled by AI0/AI1 and BI0/BI1 logic inputs.

How does the automatic decay mode function in MP6601GU-P?

The MP6601GU-P monitors winding current during the fixed off-time (t_OFF). If current remains above the I_TRIP threshold at t_OFF end, it switches to fast decay; otherwise, it defaults to slow decay. This dynamic selection maintains accurate current regulation across microstep transitions without firmware intervention.

What is the role of the nSLEEP pin, and what happens during wake-up?

Driving nSLEEP low disables all internal circuitry-including gate drivers, charge pump, and logic-reducing quiescent current to 1µA. Upon wake-up (nSLEEP high), the device requires ≥1ms for internal bias and charge pump stabilization before accepting valid step commands; issuing steps earlier may cause missed motion or erratic behavior.

Can MP6601GU-P drive DC brush motors?

Yes. Its dual full-bridge architecture supports two independent DC motors. However, both bridges share the same current regulation threshold, so stall current limiting is synchronized. For non-current-limited operation, use a 28kΩ ISET resistor to set the limit to 2.5A-beyond which only OCP protection remains active.

Is the QFN-24 package lead-free and RoHS-compliant?

Yes. The MP6601GU-P is lead-free, halogen-free, and fully compliant with the EU RoHS Directive. All MPS products meet IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 3 requirements and are qualified for standard reflow profiles including peak temperatures up to 260°C.