NXP Semiconductors MPC17550EV

Overview

MPC17550EV from Freescale Semiconductor is a monolithic quad H-bridge micromotor driver with integrated DC/DC boost converter, designed for portable electronics with bipolar stepper or brush DC motors powered by 2–4 cell NiCd/NiMH batteries. It operates from 2.5 V to 5.5 V logic supply and supports motor operation down to 1.6 V via internal boost, delivers 700 mA continuous per output, features 1.2 Ω max R_DS(ON) at 25°C, and enables independent PWM control up to 200 kHz.

For engineers reviewing the MPC17550EV datasheet, MPC17550EV pinout, MPC17550EV application, or MPC17550EV equivalent, key selection considerations include its quad H-bridge topology with individual forward/reverse inputs, built-in gate-drive voltage generation (VG), shoot-through protection, standby current of 1.0 µA, and Pb-free 36-terminal VMFP package rated for –10°C to 60°C ambient operation.

Technical Context

The MPC17550EV integrates four fully independent H-bridge output stages, each with dedicated gate-driver circuitry, level-shifting logic, and cross-conduction suppression. Its on-chip DC/DC boost converter generates VG (10–13 V) from VDD to ensure robust MOSFET turn-on even at low battery voltages (down to 1.6 V VM).

Control is implemented via parallel 3.0 V or 5.0 V logic-compatible inputs (INAF/INAR through INDF/INDR), OE (low-true enable), and PSB (power standby). Each bridge supports Forward, Reverse, Brake, and Tri-State modes per truth table, with propagation delays under 1.0 µs and gate-drive wake-up time of 10–20 ms after PSB assertion.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 36-terminal Very Thin Miniature Flat Package (VMFP), Pb-free (EV suffix), dimensions 12.6 mm × 5.3 mm × 1.3 mm, exposed thermal pad.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TB6612FNG and DRV8833, the MPC17550EV uniquely combines quad-channel integration, on-die boost conversion for sub-2 V operation, and hardware-enforced shoot-through protection - making it irreplaceable in space-constrained, multi-motor portable devices running directly from fading NiMH cells.

Availability

MPC17550EV is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical devices, consumer imaging modules, handheld industrial scanners, and wearable haptic systems requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MPC17550EV 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

Freescale Semiconductor (now part of NXP Semiconductors) was a leading designer of analog and mixed-signal ICs for automotive, industrial, and portable electronics markets.

The MPC17550EV belongs to Freescale's analog motor driver product line, engineered specifically for battery-powered portable equipment demanding high integration, ultra-low-voltage operation, and robust protection in minimal PCB area.

FAQ

What is the minimum motor supply voltage supported by the MPC17550EV?

The MPC17550EV supports motor operation down to 1.6 V VM thanks to its integrated DC/DC boost converter, which generates the required gate-drive voltage (VG) internally. This allows continued functionality even as NiCd/NiMH batteries discharge well below typical 2.5 V cutoff thresholds. The MPC17550EV maintains full H-bridge control and PWM capability across this entire range without external circuitry.

Does the MPC17550EV require external components for the DC/DC boost function?

Yes, the MPC17550EV requires three external components for boost operation: a 1.0 mH inductor between LX and VM, a Schottky diode from LX to VG, and a 2.2 µF low-ESR capacitor from VG to PGND. These are mandatory to generate the 10–13 V VG rail. The MPC17550EV datasheet specifies minimum inductance (≥330 µH) and recommends Schottky rectification to avoid damage and ensure efficiency.

How many motors can the MPC17550EV drive simultaneously?

The MPC17550EV can simultaneously drive up to four independent brushed DC motors (one per H-bridge) or two bipolar stepper motors (each using two H-bridges). All four bridges operate concurrently with independent control inputs and PWM capability. The MPC17550EV's architecture allows full utilization of all eight output terminals (HBAF/HBAR through HBDF/HBDR) without resource contention or timing constraints.

What protection features are built into the MPC17550EV?

The MPC17550EV includes shoot-through current protection (hardware cross-conduction suppression), undervoltage lockout (UVLO) on VDD, thermal shutdown, and ESD protection (±2000 V HBM). It also provides logic-controlled tri-state mode via OE and PSB pins for safe power-down. These protections are active during normal operation and do not require configuration - the MPC17550EV enforces them autonomously at the silicon level.

Is the MPC17550EV pin-compatible with other Freescale motor drivers?

No, the MPC17550EV is not pin-compatible with other Freescale motor drivers such as the MPC17529 or MPC17531. Its 36-pin VMFP layout, terminal assignment (e.g., separate VMA/VMB/VMC/VMD, dual PGND, AGND, LX, VG), and quad-channel signal routing are unique to the MPC17550EV family. Board redesign is required for substitution - the MPC17550EV's pinout reflects its specific integration of four independent bridges plus boost converter interface.