Microchip Technology MCP1603-250I/MC
- Part No.:
- MCP1603-250I/MC
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package:
- 8-VFDFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MCP1603-250I/MC.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK 2.5V 500MA 8DFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,061
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Product details
Overview
MCP1603-250I/MC from Microchip Technology is a fixed-output 2.5 V, 500 mA synchronous buck regulator optimized for single-cell Li-Ion and multi-cell NiMH/NiCd battery-powered portable electronics. It operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V input, delivers >90% typical efficiency at full load, features 2.0 MHz PWM switching, and integrates P-channel and N-channel MOSFETs in a space-saving 5-lead TSOT package.
For engineers reviewing the MCP1603-250I/MC datasheet, MCP1603-250I/MC pinout, MCP1603-250I/MC application, or MCP1603-250I/MC equivalent, key selection criteria include fixed 2.5 V output accuracy (±3.0% over –40°C to +85°C), 45 µA typical PFM quiescent current, 0.1 µA shutdown current, and compatibility with minimal external components (4.7 µF input/output caps + 4.7 µH inductor).
Technical Context
The MCP1603-250I/MC implements a current-mode, synchronous buck architecture with automatic PWM-to-PFM mode transition under light loads to maximize battery runtime. Its internal 0.8 V reference and feedback loop enable precise 2.5 V regulation without external resistors.
It integrates undervoltage lockout (UVLO = 2.28 V typ, 140 mV hysteresis), cycle-by-cycle overcurrent protection (860 mA peak limit), and thermal shutdown (150°C typ, 10°C hysteresis), all operating within a –40°C to +125°C junction temperature range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 2.5 V ±3.0% over –40°C to +85°C - eliminates need for external voltage divider and simplifies layout. |
| Max Output Current | 500 mA continuous - supports core logic rails in handheld devices without external boost or parallel stages. |
| Input Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V - directly compatible with 1-cell Li-Ion (2.7–4.2 V) and 2/3-cell NiMH/NiCd (2.4–4.5 V) sources. |
| Switching Frequency | 2.0 MHz typical - enables use of small 4.7 µH inductors and 4.7 µF ceramic capacitors for compact PCB area. |
| Quiescent Current | 45 µA typical in PFM mode - extends battery life in standby or low-power sensor wake-up states. |
| Shutdown Current | 0.1 µA typical - ensures negligible drain during system sleep or power-off modes. |
| Feedback Reference | 0.8 V ±2.5% - defines output via VOUT = 0.8 V × (1 + RTOP/RBOT); fixed 2.5 V variant internally sets this ratio. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 5-Lead TSOT-23 (MCP1603 variant), 0.95 mm height, RoHS-compliant, thermal pad not present (distinct from DFN variant).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VIN | Power supply input | Accepts 2.7–5.5 V; requires local 4.7 µF ceramic decoupling to GND for stable operation. |
| GND | Ground reference | Primary return path for power and control circuits; must be low-inductance connection to minimize noise. |
| SHDN | Enable/disable control | Logic-high (>45% VIN) enables regulation; logic-low (<15% VIN) disables output and reduces current to 0.1 µA. |
| VFB/VOUT | Output voltage sense / feedback | Internally connected to fixed 2.5 V divider; connect directly to regulated output node for closed-loop stability. |
| LX | Switch node | Drives external buck inductor; carries high di/dt current - requires shortest possible trace to minimize EMI and voltage spikes. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated synchronous MOSFETs | P-channel and N-channel switches eliminate external diode, reducing conduction loss and board area. |
| Automatic PWM-to-PFM transition | Seamlessly shifts to 45 µA PFM mode below ~10 mA load - no external control or configuration required. |
| Internally compensated | No external compensation network needed - simplifies design validation and reduces BOM count. |
| 100% duty cycle capability | Maintains regulation even when VIN approaches VOUT (e.g., 2.7 V → 2.5 V), critical for battery end-of-discharge operation. |
| Robust protection suite | UVLO (2.28 V), thermal shutdown (150°C), and cycle-by-cycle current limiting (860 mA) prevent fault-induced damage. |
Applications
| USB-Powered Portable Devices | Digital Cameras |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Powering image sensor, ISP, and SD card interface from USB 5 V source stepped down to 2.5 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 2.5 V power rail regulator delivering up to 500 mA with low ripple and fast transient response. Use Value: 2.0 MHz switching minimizes output ripple (<15 mV typical), preserving signal integrity in analog imaging paths. | Use Scenario: Supplying 2.5 V to CMOS image sensor and flash controller in compact camera modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-efficiency DC-DC converter enabling extended capture time on single Li-Ion cell. Use Value: 45 µA PFM quiescent current extends standby time between shots without compromising startup speed. |
| Handheld Medical Sensors | Industrial Handheld Terminals |
Use Scenario: Regulating 2.5 V for precision ADC, low-noise op-amps, and Bluetooth LE radio in battery-operated diagnostic tools. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise, thermally robust power source meeting medical-grade reliability requirements. Use Value: Integrated UVLO and thermal shutdown ensure safe operation during prolonged field use at ambient extremes. | Use Scenario: Providing 2.5 V to microcontroller I/O banks and display driver in ruggedized warehouse scanners. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-output buck regulator supporting wide input (2.7–5.5 V) from primary or backup batteries. Use Value: 100% duty cycle operation maintains regulation down to 2.7 V input - extends usable battery life per charge cycle. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous buck regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Instruments TPS62231DRYR | Fixed 2.5 V output, 600 mA rating, 3.6 MHz switching, 17 µA typical quiescent current in PFM mode. | Higher switching frequency allows smaller magnetics but increases EMI sensitivity; lower IQ benefits ultra-low-power sleep modes. | Select when higher output current headroom or lower quiescent current is prioritized over footprint compatibility. |
| Analog Devices ADP2302ARMZ-2.5-R7 | Fixed 2.5 V output, 600 mA rating, 600 kHz switching, 2.2 mA typical quiescent current, requires external compensation. | Lower frequency eases EMI filtering but demands larger inductors/caps; higher IQ reduces battery runtime in intermittent-use devices. | Select when cost-sensitive designs tolerate larger solution size and do not require sub-100 µA light-load efficiency. |
Compared with TPS62231DRYR and ADP2302ARMZ-2.5-R7, the MCP1603-250I/MC offers optimal balance of 500 mA capability, 2.0 MHz operation, 45 µA PFM IQ, and TSOT-23 footprint - making it ideal for space-constrained portable systems where moderate frequency and proven reliability are critical.
Availability
MCP1603-250I/MC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB-powered portable devices, digital cameras, handheld medical sensors, and industrial handheld terminals requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.
Supply support for MCP1603-250I/MC 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 is a U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog, and power management ICs for embedded control applications.
The MCP1603 family is designed specifically for high-efficiency, low-quiescent-current DC-DC conversion in battery-powered portable electronics - emphasizing small footprint, integrated functionality, and robust protection.
FAQ
What is the output voltage tolerance of the MCP1603-250I/MC over temperature?
The MCP1603-250I/MC provides a fixed 2.5 V output with ±3.0% tolerance over –40°C to +25°C ambient, and ±2.5% over +25°C to +85°C. This specification is guaranteed by internal trimming of the 0.8 V reference and feedback divider, ensuring stable rail generation across portable device operating conditions without external calibration.
Does the MCP1603-250I/MC require external compensation components?
No, the MCP1603-250I/MC is internally compensated. Its control loop is factory-tuned for stability with standard 4.7 µF input and output ceramic capacitors and a 4.7 µH inductor - eliminating the need for external RC networks, reducing design risk and BOM count.
Can the MCP1603-250I/MC operate with input voltage equal to its 2.5 V output?
Yes, the MCP1603-250I/MC supports 100% duty cycle operation, allowing regulation down to VIN = VOUT (e.g., 2.5 V input). In practice, minimum functional VIN is 2.7 V due to internal headroom, but the architecture sustains regulation as input drops toward output - critical for Li-Ion end-of-discharge performance.
What protection features are integrated into the MCP1603-250I/MC?
The MCP1603-250I/MC integrates undervoltage lockout (UVLO active below 2.28 V), cycle-by-cycle overcurrent limiting (860 mA peak), and thermal shutdown (150°C junction, 10°C hysteresis). These functions operate autonomously without external circuitry, safeguarding both the IC and downstream loads during fault conditions.
Is the MCP1603-250I/MC pin-compatible with other variants in the MCP1603/B/L family?
Yes, the MCP1603-250I/MC shares identical 5-lead TSOT-23 pinout and footprint with all MCP1603 and MCP1603B variants (e.g., MCP1603-120I/MC, MCP1603B-330I/MC). This enables drop-in replacement across fixed-output voltages and PWM-only variants without PCB redesign.
MCP1603-250I/MC Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-VFDFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Function:
- Step-Down
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Buck
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 2.7V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 2.5V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 500mA
- Frequency - Switching:
- 2MHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- Yes
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-DFN (2x3)
MCP1603-250I/MC FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP1603-250I/MC through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP1603-250I/MC 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 MCP1603-250I/MC reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP1603-250I/MC are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCP1603-250I/MC is usually 5 days.
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Once your MCP1603-250I/MC 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 MCP1603-250I/MC?
For technical support, including MCP1603-250I/MC datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP1603-250I/MC requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP1603-250I/MC is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP1603-250I/MC 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 MCP1603-250I/MC meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP1603-250I/MC?
All MCP1603-250I/MC units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP1603-250I/MC, 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 MCP1603-250I/MC part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP1603-250I/MC:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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