Microchip Technology MCP1252-33X50I/MS

Overview

MCP1252-33X50I/MS from Microchip Technology is a low-noise, inductorless, positive-regulated charge pump DC/DC converter delivering fixed 3.3V or 5.0V output with ±2.5% accuracy, 120 mA output current, and 650 kHz switching frequency. It operates from 2.0V to 5.5V input, features thermal/short-circuit protection, and targets space-constrained, battery-powered systems requiring clean, stable local voltage rails.

For engineers reviewing the MCP1252-33X50I/MS datasheet, MCP1252-33X50I/MS pinout, MCP1252-33X50I/MS application, or MCP1252-33X50I/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include its buck/boost capability without inductors, 80 µA quiescent current, PGOOD monitoring, MSOP-8 package footprint, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C).

Technical Context

The MCP1252-33X50I/MS employs a hysteretic, three-phase switched-capacitor charge pump architecture that automatically transitions between buck and boost modes depending on VIN relative to VOUT. Regulation is achieved via internal feedback with 1.21V reference and 7% typical PGOOD threshold hysteresis.

Its 650 kHz oscillator avoids interference with sensitive IF bands, and soft-start circuitry limits in-rush current during startup or wake-up from shutdown. The device uses only three external ceramic capacitors (CIN, COUT, CFLY), enabling compact, low-ESR, inductor-free designs ideal for portable electronics.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-Lead MSOP (Micro Small Outline Package), surface-mount, 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, exposed pad optional per Microchip spec.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar charge pump DC/DC converter applications.

Compared with MCP1253-33X50I/MS and TPS60403DBVR, the MCP1252-33X50I/MS uniquely combines dual-voltage selectability, industrial temperature rating, AEC-Q100 qualification, and integrated PGOOD-all in an MSOP-8 package-making it the preferred choice for automotive and industrial portable electronics requiring robust, flexible local regulation.

Availability

MCP1252-33X50I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for white LED backlighting, smart card readers, PCMCIA local 5V supplies, and flash memory supply voltage applications requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MCP1252-33X50I/MS 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

Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of microcontroller, analog, FPGA, and mixed-signal semiconductors, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The MCP1252/3 product line was designed specifically for low-noise, inductorless DC/DC conversion in space- and power-constrained portable electronics-including mobile handsets, wearables, and automotive infotainment displays.

FAQ

What output voltages does the MCP1252-33X50I/MS support, and how is selection implemented?

The MCP1252-33X50I/MS supports two fixed output voltages: 3.3V and 5.0V. Selection is implemented via the SELECT pin-tie it to VIN for 3.3V output, or to GND for 5.0V output. No external resistors or configuration registers are needed. This hardware-select method ensures deterministic behavior and eliminates firmware dependencies in safety-critical or boot-time power sequencing.

Does the MCP1252-33X50I/MS require an inductor, and what external components are mandatory?

No, the MCP1252-33X50I/MS is an inductorless charge pump converter. Only three external ceramic capacitors are mandatory: a 10 µF input capacitor (CIN) between VIN and GND, a 10 µF output capacitor (COUT) between VOUT and GND, and a 1 µF flying capacitor (CFLY) between C+ and C−. All must be low-ESR X7R dielectric types to ensure stability, efficiency, and ripple performance.

How does the PGOOD pin function on the MCP1252-33X50I/MS, and what is its electrical behavior?

The PGOOD pin on the MCP1252-33X50I/MS is an open-drain output that remains high-impedance when VOUT is within regulation. It pulls low when VOUT drops below 93% of nominal (e.g., <4.65V for 5.0V mode) and stays low until VOUT recovers to within 97% (e.g., >4.85V). During shutdown, PGOOD is high-impedance. A 10 kΩ–100 kΩ pull-up resistor to VOUT is required for active-high logic interpretation.

What is the shutdown current specification for the MCP1252-33X50I/MS, and how is shutdown activated?

The MCP1252-33X50I/MS draws 0.1 µA typical shutdown current when the SHDN pin is driven low (≤0.4V). Shutdown disables the oscillator, charge pump switches, and control logic while preserving pin states. The device wakes up in ~200 µs after SHDN returns high (≥1.4V), with VOUT reaching 90% of regulation in ≤300 µs-enabling rapid, low-power duty-cycling in sensor nodes and wearables.

Is the MCP1252-33X50I/MS qualified for automotive applications, and what evidence supports this?

Yes, the MCP1252-33X50I/MS is AEC-Q100 qualified (Grade 3, –40°C to +85°C), as explicitly stated in the official Microchip datasheet DS20001752C. This qualification covers stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity, ESD, and mechanical shock-validating its suitability for non-safety-critical automotive subsystems such as display bias, infotainment power rails, and telematics module supplies.