Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ6526GR-AEC1-P

Overview

MPQ6526GR-AEC1-P 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), AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, 0.9A per channel output current, and comprehensive diagnostics including open-load, short-circuit, over-temperature pre-warning/shutdown, and under-voltage protection. It drives automotive seat adjusters, HVAC actuators, and mirror positioners.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ6526GR-AEC1-P datasheet, MPQ6526GR-AEC1-P pinout, MPQ6526GR-AEC1-P application, or MPQ6526GR-AEC1-P equivalent, key selection criteria include serial daisy-chain capability, wettable flank QFN-24 (4mm×4mm) package for automated optical inspection, fault flag reporting via open-drain FAULT pin, and dual enable control (hardware EN + software SE bit).

Technical Context

The MPQ6526GR-AEC1-P implements six independent half-bridge outputs controlled via a 16-bit serial input register, supporting both high-side and low-side switching per channel. Its internal charge pump enables full N-channel MOSFET gate drive without external bootstrap components.

Diagnostic architecture includes real-time status reporting through a 16-bit output register accessible on CS falling edge (TP bit only) or full readback, with dedicated bits for thermal pre-warning (TP), short-circuit detection (SCD), power supply fail (PSF), and per-channel open-load status (LSx/HSx bits). Fault conditions trigger an active-low open-drain FAULT pin.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ6526GR-AEC1-P is housed in a QFN-24 (4mm × 4mm) wettable flank package with exposed thermal pad, optimized for automated optical inspection (AOI) and high-reliability solder joint formation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPQ6526GR-AEC1-P, MPQ6526GU-AEC1 offers better thermal performance but sacrifices AOI compatibility, while TLE9201SG provides CAN integration but omits half-bridge topology and serial daisy-chaining - making MPQ6526GR-AEC1-P optimal for SPI-based, space-constrained, safety-critical multi-actuator systems.

Availability

MPQ6526GR-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive seat modules, HVAC actuator assemblies, and electronic parking brake systems requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for MPQ6526GR-AEC1-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 power management ICs, with over two decades of expertise in DC-DC converters, motor drivers, and automotive-grade solutions.

The MPQ6526 product line targets automotive body electronics applications requiring robust, integrated, and diagnostics-rich motor control - designed specifically to replace discrete MOSFET + gate driver + protection IC combinations in space- and cost-sensitive modules.

FAQ

What is the function of the SE bit in the input register?

The SE (Software Enable) bit (bit 15) controls the device's operational state independently of the hardware EN pin. When SE = low, all outputs are disabled and quiescent current drops below 6μA, but the SPI interface remains fully functional for status reads. This enables low-power monitoring without waking the MCU.

How does open-load detection work without external components?

When the OLD bit (bit 13) is set low, the IC internally sources a 1.4–2.4mA test current through each low-side switch. An open load causes voltage at the OUTx pin to float high, which is sensed and reported in the corresponding LSx/HSx status bit of the output register - eliminating need for external sense resistors or comparators.

Can MPQ6526GR-AEC1-P drive brushed DC motors in H-bridge configuration?

Yes - each pair of adjacent half-bridges (e.g., OUT1/OUT2) can be configured as a full H-bridge by controlling HS1/LS1 and HS2/LS2 in complementary mode. The datasheet confirms this in the "Typical Application" section with parallel load configuration diagrams showing independent motor operation.

What is the purpose of the discharge circuit, and when does it activate?

The discharge circuit activates when VS exceeds ~37V, discharging external blocking capacitors through an internal resistor. This prevents overvoltage damage during long standby periods in reverse-polarity protected systems (e.g., with series diode D1), where leakage current would otherwise charge the capacitor uncontrolled.

Is daisy-chaining supported, and how is it implemented?

Yes - daisy-chaining is implemented by connecting DO of one MPQ6526 to DI of the next, sharing CLK and CS lines. Each device shifts its 16-bit input register on the falling edge of CLK, allowing cascaded configuration with a single MCU SPI port and minimal GPIO usage.

What does the FAULT pin indicate, and how is it electrically interfaced?

The FAULT pin is an open-drain, active-low output that pulls low on any detected fault: over-current, thermal shutdown, or under-voltage. It requires an external pull-up resistor (typically 10kΩ to VCC) and must not be driven above 6V. Multiple devices can share a single FAULT line wired-OR for system-level fault aggregation.