Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ6526GU-AEC1-Z

Overview

MPQ6526GU-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a six-channel half-bridge motor driver IC with integrated DMOS power MOSFETs, serial SPI-compatible control interface, 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 - deployed in automotive seat/mirror actuators and HVAC damper control.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ6526GU-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ6526GU-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ6526GU-AEC1-Z application, or MPQ6526GU-AEC1-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include serial daisy-chain capability, wettable flank QFN-24 (5mm×5mm) package for automated optical inspection, <6μA standby quiescent current across -40°C to +150°C, and fault flag reporting via open-drain FAULT pin.

Technical Context

The MPQ6526GU-AEC1-Z implements six independent half-bridge outputs controlled via a 16-bit SPI register map, supporting both parallel (independent motor) and serial (daisy-chained) load configurations. Its internal charge pump enables high-side gate drive without external bootstrap components, and the dual enable path (hardware EN pin + software SE bit) allows flexible power-state management.

Diagnostic architecture includes real-time status reporting through DO pin (bit-level TP, SCD, PSF, and per-channel LSx/HSx flags), programmable short-circuit delay (1.5ms/12ms via SCT bit), and configurable open-load detection (OLD bit). Thermal monitoring provides pre-warning at 120–170°C and shutdown at 150–200°C with 15°C hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ6526GU-AEC1-Z uses a QFN-24 (5mm×5mm) wettable flank package with exposed thermal pad. Pin numbering follows JEDEC MO-220 standard; Pin 1 is marked by index area on top surface.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TB9054FNG and DRV8876PWPR, MPQ6526GU-AEC1-Z uniquely balances channel count (6), diagnostic richness (open-load, thermal pre-warning, SPI-readable status), and compact wettable-flank QFN packaging - making it optimal for space-constrained, safety-aware automotive body electronics where SPI scalability and AOI compliance are design requirements.

Availability

MPQ6526GU-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive seat control, HVAC damper actuation, industrial valve sequencing, and medical infusion pump motor drive requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MPQ6526GU-AEC1-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 MPQ6526 belongs to MPS's automotive-grade motor driver product line, engineered specifically for ASIL-B compatible body electronics applications demanding robust diagnostics, low-power standby, and AEC-Q100 Grade 1 reliability.

FAQ

What is the maximum supply voltage rating for MPQ6526GU-AEC1-Z?

The absolute maximum VS supply voltage is 40V, with recommended operating range of 7V to 28V. Exceeding 40V risks permanent damage. The integrated discharge circuit activates above ~37V to protect against voltage creep during long inhibit periods, especially when used with reverse-polarity protection diodes.

How does open-load detection work on MPQ6526GU-AEC1-Z?

When the OLD bit is set low, a controlled pull-down current is applied to each low-side switch. If no load is present, the corresponding LSx or HSx status bit in the output register reads high. Detection is validated during inactive states and supports both single-ended and H-bridge load configurations per the datasheet two-step test procedure.

Can MPQ6526GU-AEC1-Z be daisy-chained with other MPQ6526 devices?

Yes - the serial interface supports daisy-chaining via DO-to-DI connection between devices. The CS signal is shared across all devices, while CLK and DI are common; each device shifts out its status on DO during the same transaction, enabling coordinated control of up to six drivers with minimal MCU resources.

What thermal protection mechanisms does MPQ6526GU-AEC1-Z provide?

It features dual-stage thermal management: pre-warning at 120–170°C (TP bit asserted) and shutdown at 150–200°C (all outputs disabled, all status bits high). Both thresholds include 15°C hysteresis. Thermal shutdown recovery requires both junction cooling below threshold and writing '1' to SRR bit to reset internal latches.

Is the FAULT pin actively driven or open-drain?

The FAULT pin is open-drain and active-low. It pulls low during any fault condition (over-current, thermal shutdown, or UVLO) and remains low until the fault clears and normal operation resumes. An external pull-up resistor (typically 4.7kΩ to VCC) is required; voltage on FAULT must not exceed 6V.

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

AGND serves as the reference for internal analog comparators used in open-load detection, thermal sensing, and UVLO. It must be connected to the system's main ground plane at a single point near the IC's thermal pad, separate from noisy digital or power grounds, to prevent noise coupling into diagnostic circuits.

Does MPQ6526GU-AEC1-Z support 3.3V logic levels on its SPI interface?

Yes - the DI, CLK, and CS inputs accept 3.3V- or 5V-compatible logic levels (VIH = 0.7 × VCC, VIL = 0.3 × VCC), and DO outputs are 3.3V/5V-tolerant (VOH = VCC − 0.7V, VOL = 0.5V). This allows direct interfacing with both 3.3V and 5V MCUs without level-shifting circuitry.