Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ6526GU-AEC1-P

Overview

MPQ6526GU-AEC1-P from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 hex 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) = 1.1Ω (HS+LS, 25°C), and fault reporting via open-drain FAULT pin. It drives six independent loads in automotive body electronics such as HVAC actuators, seat adjusters, and mirror positioners.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ6526GU-AEC1-P datasheet, MPQ6526GU-AEC1-P pinout, MPQ6526GU-AEC1-P application, or MPQ6526GU-AEC1-P equivalent, key selection criteria include serial daisy-chain capability, wettable flank QFN-24 (5mm×5mm) package for automated optical inspection, standby quiescent current <6μA, and integrated diagnostics including open-load, short-circuit, over-temperature pre-warning, and under-voltage detection.

Technical Context

The MPQ6526GU-AEC1-P implements six independent half-bridge channels controlled via a 16-bit SPI register map, supporting simultaneous or individual high-side/low-side switching with programmable dead time (2μs). Its internal charge pump enables high-side gate drive without external bootstrap components across the full 7V–28V VS supply range.

Diagnostic architecture includes real-time status feedback through DO pin (TP, SCD, PSF, EN bits), hardware/software enable (EN pin + SE bit), and configurable protection thresholds: thermal pre-warning at 145°C, shutdown at 175°C, and UVLO rising threshold at 6.5V with 0.6V hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ6526GU-AEC1-P is housed in a wettable flank QFN-24 (5mm×5mm) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin 1 is marked by a corner notch or dot; the exposed paddle must be soldered to PCB ground for thermal and electrical performance.

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 DRV8876PWPR, MPQ6526GU-AEC1-P uniquely balances channel count (6), diagnostic depth (open-load, TP, SCD), SPI daisy-chaining, and ultra-low standby current - making it optimal for distributed, safety-aware automotive body control modules where space, intelligence, and power efficiency are jointly constrained.

Availability

MPQ6526GU-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive HVAC actuation, power seat control, electric mirror folding, and headlight leveling systems requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MPQ6526GU-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 design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MPQ6526 belongs to MPS's automotive-grade motor driver product line, engineered specifically for intelligent, distributed body electronics requiring functional safety awareness, diagnostic coverage, and robustness in harsh automotive environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable VS voltage for continuous operation?

The MPQ6526GU-AEC1-P supports continuous operation up to 28V on the VS pin. Absolute maximum rating is 40V, but sustained operation above 28V risks exceeding thermal limits and triggering the internal discharge circuit. The device includes a clamp that activates above ~37V to protect against transients, but system design must ensure nominal VS remains within 7V–28V per datasheet specifications.

How does open-load detection work without external components?

When the OLD bit is set low, the IC internally sources ~1.9mA from each low-side switch to ground. If no load is connected, the resulting voltage rise at the output node is detected by internal comparators, setting the corresponding LSx/HSx status bit high in the output register. This eliminates the need for external pull-up resistors or sense amplifiers, reducing BOM and layout complexity.

Can multiple MPQ6526GU-AEC1-P devices be daisy-chained on one SPI bus?

Yes - the MPQ6526GU-AEC1-P supports true daisy-chaining: DO of one device connects to DI of the next, with shared CLK and CS lines. Each device shifts its 16-bit status register out on DO after CS falling edge, enabling single-MCU control of up to eight devices with no additional GPIOs or address decoding logic.

What is the purpose of the AGND pin, and how should it be routed?

AGND provides the reference for internal analog comparators (UVLO, OCP, thermal sensors). It must be connected to the system PGND at a single point near the MPQ6526GU-AEC1-P's exposed thermal pad to avoid noise coupling. Separating AGND from noisy digital ground paths prevents false fault triggers and ensures accurate threshold detection across temperature and supply variations.

Does the FAULT pin require an external pull-up resistor?

Yes - FAULT is an open-drain output and must be pulled up to VCC (3.15V–5.25V) with a 4.7kΩ–10kΩ resistor. Driving FAULT directly to voltages above 6V risks damage. The pin asserts low on any active fault condition (OCP, thermal shutdown, UVLO), and remains latched until the fault clears and the SRR bit is written high in the input register.

Is the wettable flank feature present on the MPQ6526GU-AEC1-P variant?

Yes - the "U" suffix in MPQ6526GU-AEC1-P denotes the QFN-24 (5mm×5mm) package with wettable flank leads, confirmed in the ordering information table and package drawings. This feature enables automated optical inspection of solder fillets, a requirement for IATF 16949-compliant automotive assembly lines.

How is thermal pre-warning (TP bit) used in system-level fault mitigation?

The TP bit asserts at 145°C (typical) before thermal shutdown occurs at 175°C. Host firmware can monitor TP via SPI status reads and proactively reduce motor duty cycle, disable non-critical channels, or activate cooling - preventing system interruption while maintaining functional operation. The 15°C hysteresis ensures stable flag toggling during recovery.