MPS Motor Drivers: How to Choose the Right Driver for Your Application

Selecting the right motor driver can make or break your motor control application. Whether you're designing for robotics, automotive, or consumer electronics, MPS (Monolithic Power Systems) offers a comprehensive portfolio of motor driver ICs to meet every requirement.

Understanding Motor Driver Basics

A motor driver IC interfaces between a microcontroller and the motor, providing the necessary current amplification and control signals. MPS motor drivers support brushed DC motors, stepper motors, BLDC motors, and servo motors.

MPS Motor Driver Portfolio Overview

Explore our complete range of MPS motor drivers featuring the latest technologies:

Brushed DC and Solenoid Drivers

For applications requiring simple motor control, MPS offers single and dual H-bridge drivers:

• MP6508 — 1.5A dual H-bridge in QFN-24 package
• MP6720 — 2.5A dual channel for higher power needs
• MP6606 — 3.5A solenoid driver with wide 4.5V-35V input

Stepper Motor Drivers

MPS stepper drivers support microstepping up to 1/256 steps for smooth, precise motion:

• MP6500 — 1.5A with 1/16 step microstepping
• MP6507 — 2.5A with advanced decay modes and 1/256 step
• MP6604 series — High voltage (4.5V-48V) options for industrial applications

BLDC Motor Drivers

For brushless DC motor applications, MPS provides both integrated solutions and pre-drivers:

• MT6691 — Integrated three-phase BLDC driver with FOC support
• MP6570 — Three-phase pre-driver for external MOSFET configurations
• MP6610 series — Single and multi-phase BLDC drivers

Key Selection Criteria

1. Motor Type and Configuration

Match the driver to your motor's electrical characteristics—brushed DC, stepper, or BLDC.

2. Current and Voltage Requirements

Ensure the driver can handle your motor's demands: 2.5V to 60V input range, 0.5A to 15A continuous output.

3. Protection Features

MPS motor drivers include comprehensive protection: OCP, OTP, UVLO, and cross-conduction prevention.

Application Examples

3D Printing

The precision requirements of 3D printers make stepper motors essential. The MP6507 with 1/256 microstepping delivers smooth, quiet operation.

Automotive: Power Seats and Windows

The MP6604 series with AEC-Q100 qualification provides robust performance in demanding automotive environments.

Robotics and Automation

For collaborative robots and factory automation, the MT6691 BLDC driver enables efficient FOC motor control.

Conclusion

Browse our complete selection of MPS motor drivers and contact our technical team for design support.

FAQ

Q: What's the difference between a motor driver and a motor controller?

A: A motor driver provides the power stage to drive the motor, while a motor controller provides the intelligence and feedback systems.

Q: Can I use MPS motor drivers for battery-powered applications?

A: Yes, many MPS motor drivers feature low quiescent current and wide input voltage ranges, suitable for battery-powered devices.