Microchip Technology MCP1257T-E/MF
- Part No.:
- MCP1257T-E/MF
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package:
- 10-VFDFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MCP1257T-E/MF.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG CHG PUMP 3.3V 100MA 10DFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MCP1257T-E/MF from Microchip Technology is a 10-pin DFN-packaged, inductorless 1.5x/2x charge pump DC/DC converter delivering a regulated 3.3V output from 1.8V–3.6V input. It supports up to 100 mA output current, features ±3.0% output voltage accuracy, 650 kHz fixed switching frequency, and integrated SLEEP mode for low-quiescent-current operation in battery-powered systems such as portable measurement instruments.
For engineers reviewing the MCP1257T-E/MF datasheet, MCP1257T-E/MF pinout, MCP1257T-E/MF application, or MCP1257T-E/MF equivalent, key selection criteria include its SLEEP-mode quiescent current (10 µA typical), low-battery indication (LBO) threshold (1.95 V), thermal shutdown (160°C), -40°C to +125°C operating range, and compatibility with ceramic flying capacitors (1 µF each).
Technical Context
The MCP1257T-E/MF implements a switched-capacitor charge pump architecture with automatic 1.5x/2x mode selection based on input-output voltage differential. Its regulation loop uses a feedback amplifier and bandgap reference to maintain 3.3V output across varying load and input conditions.
SLEEP mode operates via bang-bang control, reducing quiescent current to 10 µA while sustaining regulation at light loads; LBO provides open-drain low-battery warning at 1.95 V falling threshold with 240 mV hysteresis; thermal shutdown activates at 160°C with 15°C hysteresis.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 3.3 V - delivers stable bias for 3.3V logic and microcontrollers without external feedback components. |
| Input Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - supports single Li-MnO₂ coin cells or two alkaline/Ni-MH cells directly. |
| Max Output Current | 100 mA at VIN ≥ 2.2 V - sufficient for biasing PIC® MCUs, real-time clocks, and low-power sensors. |
| Output Accuracy | ±3.0 % - ensures reliable operation of downstream 3.3V digital circuitry across temperature and load. |
| Switching Frequency | 650 kHz - enables compact ceramic capacitor filtering and avoids sensitive IF bands. |
| SLEEP Mode IQ | 10 µA typical - extends battery life in intermittently active portable devices by maintaining regulation with minimal current draw. |
| LBO Threshold | 1.95 V falling - triggers early warning before system brownout, allowing graceful shutdown or data save. |
| Thermal Shutdown | 160°C with 15°C hysteresis - protects against sustained overload or poor PCB thermal design without latch-up. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 10-lead 3 mm × 3 mm DFN (exposed pad), RoHS-compliant, thermal resistance θJA = 57°C/W on 4-layer board.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (LBO) | Open-drain low-battery indicator | Asserts logic low when VIN drops below 1.95 V; requires external pull-up to VOUT for active-high signaling. |
| 2 (SLEEP) | Active-low SLEEP mode enable | Pulling low enters ultra-low-IQ regulation mode (10 µA); high enables normal 650 kHz switching operation. |
| 3 (C2−) | Flying capacitor negative terminal | Connects to 1 µF ceramic capacitor (C2); forms charge-transfer path during 1.5x/2x pumping cycles. |
| 4 (C1+) | Flying capacitor positive terminal | Connects to 1 µF ceramic capacitor (C1); critical for charge transfer efficiency and max output current capability. |
| 5 (VOUT) | Regulated 3.3V output | Delivers up to 100 mA; bypassed with ≥10 µF ceramic capacitor to minimize ripple (<20 mVPP at 100 mA). |
| 6 (C2+) | Flying capacitor positive terminal | Completes second flying capacitor path; paired with C2− to store and transfer charge in alternating phases. |
| 7 (VIN) | Input power supply | Accepts 1.8–3.6 V; requires ≥10 µF ceramic input capacitor to suppress source impedance-induced noise. |
| 8 (C1−) | Flying capacitor negative terminal | Paired with C1+; forms first flying capacitor network essential for both 1.5x and 2x charge-pump operation. |
| 9 (GND) | Power and signal ground | Common return for all capacitors and load; must be low-inductance connection to exposed DFN pad for thermal and EMI performance. |
| 10 (SHDN) | Active-low shutdown control | Pulling low disables oscillator, switches, and regulation, reducing IQ to 0.25 µA; compatible with 1.8V logic. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Inductorless charge pump | Eliminates magnetic EMI and board space required for inductors-ideal for compact, noise-sensitive portable designs. |
| Auto-switching 1.5x/2x mode | Optimizes efficiency across input range: 1.5x used near 3.3V output, 2x engaged at lower VIN to sustain regulation. |
| SLEEP mode with regulation | Maintains 3.3V output under light loads while drawing only 10 µA, enabling extended standby in handheld instrumentation. |
| Integrated LBO with hysteresis | Provides robust low-battery detection (1.95 V threshold + 240 mV hysteresis) to prevent false triggers from transient dips. |
| Soft-start and short-circuit protection | Limiting inrush current during startup and capping short-circuit current at 150 mA protects both IC and source battery. |
| Wide temperature operation | Characterized from −40°C to +125°C junction temperature-suitable for industrial and automotive-adjacent environments. |
Applications
| Portable Measurement Instruments | Home Automation Sensors |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld multimeters and environmental sensors powered by coin-cell batteries requiring long shelf life and intermittent high-current bursts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides regulated 3.3V bias to ADCs, microcontrollers, and RF transceivers during active measurement cycles. Use Value: SLEEP mode reduces average current draw to <15 µA between readings, extending battery life beyond 5 years. | Use Scenario: Wireless temperature/humidity nodes deployed in HVAC ducts or wall-mounted thermostats with limited battery access. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Supplies stable 3.3V to low-power MCU and sub-GHz transceiver during periodic wake-up and transmission events. Use Value: LBO output alerts host MCU at 1.95 V, enabling data flush and safe sleep before deep discharge damages primary cell. |
| PIC® MCU Bias Supply | Real-Time Clock (RTC) Backup |
Use Scenario: Embedded control boards using PIC16/PIC18 MCUs that require clean, efficient 3.3V rail from 2×AA alkaline batteries. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary regulated supply for core logic, peripherals, and internal flash programming voltage generation. Use Value: ±3.0% output accuracy ensures reliable brown-out reset behavior and consistent analog peripheral performance. | Use Scenario: Industrial timers and data loggers needing continuous RTC operation during main power loss or deep sleep. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Maintains 3.3V bias to RTC IC and SRAM during main system shutdown using residual battery energy. Use Value: SLEEP mode sustains regulation at <10 µA, enabling >3-year backup runtime on CR2032 coin cell. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar charge pump DC/DC converter applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCP1256T-E/MF | Includes PGOOD (not LBO); same SLEEP mode, package, and electrical specs otherwise. | Used where power-good monitoring is required instead of low-battery warning. | Select when system needs regulated output status flag rather than input voltage health monitoring. |
| TPS60403DBVR | TI device: 3.3V fixed output, 60 mA max, 1.8–5.5V input, no SLEEP mode, higher IQ (60 µA). | Lacks low-power regulation mode; suited for simpler, lower-current applications without battery longevity demands. | Choose only if SLEEP mode is unnecessary and footprint compatibility with MSOP-8 is acceptable. |
Compared with MCP1256T-E/MF and TPS60403DBVR, the MCP1257T-E/MF uniquely combines LBO functionality with sub-20 µA SLEEP-mode regulation-making it optimal for battery-constrained systems requiring both runtime extension and early end-of-life detection.
Availability
MCP1257T-E/MF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable measurement instruments, home automation sensors, PIC® MCU bias supplies, and real-time clock backup circuits requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed RoHS-compliant DFN packaging.
Supply support for MCP1257T-E/MF 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.
The MCP125x family was designed specifically for low-noise, inductorless step-up conversion in space-constrained, battery-powered applications-emphasizing efficiency, integration, and extended operational lifetime.
FAQ
What is the primary function of the MCP1257T-E/MF?
The MCP1257T-E/MF is an inductorless, regulated charge pump DC/DC converter that generates a precise 3.3V output from a 1.8V–3.6V input. Its core function is to provide efficient, low-EMI voltage boosting for battery-powered systems-especially where PCB space, EMI sensitivity, or long battery life are critical. The MCP1257T-E/MF integrates SLEEP mode and LBO to optimize runtime and system health monitoring.
How does the SLEEP mode of the MCP1257T-E/MF differ from standard shutdown?
Unlike shutdown-which disables regulation entirely and draws only 0.25 µA-the SLEEP mode of the MCP1257T-E/MF maintains regulated 3.3V output while reducing quiescent current to 10 µA typical. This is achieved via pulse-skipping bang-bang control, trading increased output ripple for sustained bias to peripherals. The MCP1257T-E/MF thus enables true low-power active standby, not just passive off-state.
What is the purpose of the LBO pin on the MCP1257T-E/MF?
The LBO (Low-Battery Output) pin on the MCP1257T-E/MF is an open-drain indicator that asserts logic low when the input voltage falls below 1.95 V (typical), with 240 mV hysteresis to prevent chatter. It allows host systems to detect imminent battery depletion and initiate safe shutdown or data preservation. The MCP1257T-E/MF's LBO is active only during normal or SLEEP operation-not during SHDN or fault conditions.
Can the MCP1257T-E/MF drive a 100 mA load across its full input range?
No-the MCP1257T-E/MF delivers up to 100 mA only when VIN ≥ 2.2 V. At 1.8V ≤ VIN < 2.0V, max output current drops to 30 mA; at 2.0V ≤ VIN < 2.2V, it rises to 70 mA. This graduated capability reflects charge-pump physics: lower input voltages require more charge transfer per cycle, limiting peak current. Designers must verify load requirements against actual VIN in their application when using the MCP1257T-E/MF.
What capacitor values are required for stable operation of the MCP1257T-E/MF?
The MCP1257T-E/MF requires four ceramic capacitors: 10 µF input (CIN), 10 µF output (COUT), and two 1 µF flying capacitors (C1, C2). All must be low-ESR (≤0.1 Ω) X5R/X7R types. Reducing COUT below 10 µF increases output ripple (e.g., 55 mVPP at 100 mA with 2.2 µF); undersizing flying capacitors below 1 µF degrades max output current capability. These values are validated in the MCP1257T-E/MF datasheet for full-spec operation.
MCP1257T-E/MF Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 10-VFDFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Function:
- Step-Up
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Charge Pump
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 1.8V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 3.6V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 3.3V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 100mA
- Frequency - Switching:
- 650kHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- No
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 10-DFN (3x3)
MCP1257T-E/MF FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP1257T-E/MF through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP1257T-E/MF on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MCP1257T-E/MF reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP1257T-E/MF are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCP1257T-E/MF is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP1257T-E/MF?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCP1257T-E/MF transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MCP1257T-E/MF?
MCP1257T-E/MF orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP1257T-E/MF order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MCP1257T-E/MF?
For technical support, including MCP1257T-E/MF datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP1257T-E/MF requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP1257T-E/MF is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP1257T-E/MF products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MCP1257T-E/MF meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP1257T-E/MF?
All MCP1257T-E/MF units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP1257T-E/MF, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MCP1257T-E/MF part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP1257T-E/MF:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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