Microchip Technology MCP1603-330I/MC
- Part No.:
- MCP1603-330I/MC
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package:
- 8-VFDFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MCP1603-330I/MC.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK 3.3V 500MA 8DFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MCP1603-330I/MC from Microchip Technology is a fixed-output 3.3V, 500 mA synchronous buck regulator optimized for single-cell Li-Ion and multi-cell NiMH/NiCd battery-powered portable electronics. It operates from 2.7V to 5.5V 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 MCP1603-330I/MC datasheet, MCP1603-330I/MC pinout, MCP1603-330I/MC application, or MCP1603-330I/MC equivalent, key selection criteria include its fixed 3.3V output, 45 µA PFM quiescent current (MCP1603/L variant), automatic PWM-to-PFM mode transition, undervoltage lockout (2.28V typ), and thermal shutdown at 150°C - all critical for battery runtime and system reliability in compact portable designs.
Technical Context
The MCP1603-330I/MC belongs to the MCP1603/L family and implements a current-mode synchronous buck architecture with integrated high-side P-MOSFET and low-side N-MOSFET. It supports automatic PWM-to-PFM mode transition under light loads to minimize quiescent current, while maintaining fixed 2.0 MHz operation under heavy loads for low-noise, low-ripple regulation.
Its feedback loop uses an internal 0.8V reference with ±2.5% tolerance over –40°C to +85°C, and it incorporates cycle-by-cycle overcurrent protection (860 mA peak limit), undervoltage lockout with 140 mV hysteresis, and thermal shutdown with 10°C hysteresis - all enabling robust operation in thermally constrained portable systems without external compensation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 3.3V ±2.5% over –40°C to +85°C - ensures stable logic rail for microcontrollers and peripherals without external resistor divider. |
| Max Output Current | 500 mA continuous - sufficient to power core logic, RF modules, and sensors in handheld devices. |
| Input Voltage Range | 2.7V to 5.5V - compatible with 1-cell Li-Ion (2.7–4.2V), 2/3-cell NiMH/NiCd (2.4–4.5V), and USB 5V sources. |
| Quiescent Current | 45 µA typical in PFM mode - extends battery life in standby or low-activity states (e.g., Bluetooth headsets). |
| Switching Frequency | 2.0 MHz typical - enables use of small 4.7 µH inductors and 4.7 µF ceramic capacitors, minimizing PCB footprint. |
| Efficiency | >90% typical at 500 mA (VIN = 3.6V, VOUT = 3.3V) - reduces thermal load and improves energy utilization in sealed enclosures. |
| Protection Features | UVLO (2.28V typ), thermal shutdown (150°C), cycle-by-cycle current limit (860 mA) - prevents damage during brown-out, overload, or ambient overheating. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 5-lead TSOT-23 (MCP1603/MCP1603B variant), 0.95 mm height, 2.9 mm × 1.6 mm footprint. Exposed pad not present - thermal path relies on PCB copper area under leads.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VIN | Power supply input | Accepts 2.7–5.5V; requires 4.7 µF low-ESR ceramic decoupling capacitor placed near pin to suppress input ripple and EMI. |
| GND | Ground reference | Primary return path for power and control circuits; must be connected to low-impedance ground plane to minimize noise coupling into feedback node. |
| SHDN | Enable/disable control | Logic-high (>45% VIN) enables regulation; logic-low (<15% VIN) disables output and reduces supply current to 0.1 µA typical. |
| VFB/VOUT | Feedback / output sense | Internally tied to 3.3V output; no external divider needed - simplifies layout and eliminates resistor tolerance errors. |
| LX | Switch node | Connects directly to buck inductor; carries high di/dt current - trace must be short and wide to reduce EMI and voltage spikes. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated synchronous MOSFETs | Eliminates need for external catch diode and reduces conduction losses - enables >90% efficiency without external FETs. |
| Automatic PWM-to-PFM transition | Maintains high efficiency across full 0–500 mA load range - no firmware or external control required for mode switching. |
| Internally compensated | Requires only three external components (CIN, COUT, L) for complete 3.3V solution - accelerates design-in and reduces BOM count. |
| 100% duty cycle capability | Supports dropout operation down to VOUT + RDS(on)·ILOAD - sustains regulation even as input voltage drops near output level. |
| Low-profile TSOT-23 package | 0.95 mm max height enables use in ultra-thin portable devices such as digital cameras and wearables. |
Applications
| Portable Medical Sensors | USB-Powered Peripherals |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Compact wearable glucose monitor powered by a single Li-Ion cell (3.0–4.2V), requiring regulated 3.3V for MCU, BLE radio, and analog front-end. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 3.3V power rail generator with automatic light-load efficiency optimization and thermal fault protection. Use Value: 45 µA PFM quiescent current extends battery life beyond 7 days in sleep mode; 2.0 MHz switching allows miniaturized 4.7 µH inductor and 0603-size capacitors. | Use Scenario: USB-powered barcode scanner drawing up to 400 mA peak current from 5V USB host, needing clean, stable 3.3V for CMOS image sensor and microcontroller. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Step-down converter delivering low-noise 3.3V with minimal output ripple (<15 mV) during active scanning bursts. Use Value: Fixed 3.3V output eliminates calibration drift from resistor tolerances; >90% efficiency minimizes self-heating inside plastic enclosure. |
| Digital Cameras | Wireless Headsets |
Use Scenario: Entry-level digital camera using two NiMH cells (2.4–3.0V nominal) to power 3.3V image processor, LCD driver, and flash controller. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Input-voltage-flexible buck regulator supporting wide battery discharge curve while maintaining tight output regulation. Use Value: UVLO (2.28V) prevents erratic behavior during deep discharge; 500 mA output supports simultaneous LCD backlight and sensor readout. | Use Scenario: Mono Bluetooth headset operating from 3.7V Li-Poly battery, requiring ultra-low-quiescent 3.3V supply for audio codec and RF transceiver during voice standby. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Always-on power management IC with sub-µA shutdown and fast wake-up (<0.6 ms start-up time). Use Value: 0.1 µA shutdown current preserves battery charge during weeks of non-use; soft-start prevents audio pop on power-up. |
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 3.3V, 600 mA, 3.0–6.5V input, 2.25 MHz switching, 17 µA IQ in PFM - lower quiescent current but wider input range. | Designed for higher-input industrial rails; less optimized for sub-3V battery start-up. | Choose for longer battery life in 3.3V systems with >3.0V minimum input; verify UVLO (2.7V) compatibility with deep-discharge batteries. |
| Analog Devices ADP2303ARMZ-3.3-R7 | Fixed 3.3V, 3A, 3.0–20V input, 600 kHz switching, 2.5 mA IQ - higher current, lower frequency, higher quiescent current. | Targeted at industrial 12V/24V distributed supplies, not portable battery systems. | Choose only if >500 mA load or >5.5V input is required; avoid for Li-Ion due to excessive IQ and poor light-load efficiency. |
Compared with TPS62231DRYR and ADP2303ARMZ-3.3-R7, the MCP1603-330I/MC offers the optimal balance of ultra-low PFM IQ (45 µA), 2.7V start-up capability, and TSOT-23 footprint - making it uniquely suited for space-constrained, single-cell battery applications where runtime and board area are primary constraints.
Availability
MCP1603-330I/MC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, USB-powered peripherals, digital cameras, and wireless headsets requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.
Supply support for MCP1603-330I/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 Inc. is a leading provider of microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, serving automotive, industrial, consumer, and communications markets with high-reliability semiconductor products.
The MCP1603/B/L product line was designed specifically for high-efficiency, low-quiescent-current DC-DC conversion in battery-powered portable electronics - emphasizing minimal external components, small footprint, and seamless light-to-heavy load efficiency transitions.
FAQ
What is the input voltage range supported by the MCP1603-330I/MC?
The MCP1603-330I/MC supports an input voltage range of 2.7V to 5.5V. This makes it compatible with single-cell Li-Ion batteries (2.7–4.2V), two- or three-cell NiMH/NiCd packs (2.4–4.5V), and standard 5V USB sources. Its undervoltage lockout activates at 2.28V (typical), ensuring reliable startup even as the battery discharges near end-of-life. The MCP1603-330I/MC maintains regulation down to VIN ≈ VOUT + RDS(on)·ILOAD thanks to 100% duty cycle capability.
Does the MCP1603-330I/MC require external compensation components?
No, the MCP1603-330I/MC is internally compensated. As a fixed-output 3.3V variant, it requires only three external components - a 4.7 µF input capacitor, a 4.7 µF output capacitor, and a 4.7 µH inductor - to form a complete, stable power supply. This eliminates the need for external RC compensation networks, reducing design complexity, BOM cost, and PCB area. The internal compensation is optimized for the specified output voltage and recommended component values.
What protection features does the MCP1603-330I/MC include?
The MCP1603-330I/MC integrates undervoltage lockout (UVLO), overtemperature shutdown (150°C typical), and cycle-by-cycle overcurrent protection (860 mA peak limit). UVLO prevents operation below 2.28V with 140 mV hysteresis to avoid oscillation near threshold. Thermal shutdown disables the device above 150°C and auto-restarts after junction temperature drops ~10°C. Overcurrent protection immediately turns off the high-side MOSFET if sensed current exceeds the limit - safeguarding both the MCP1603-330I/MC and external circuitry during faults.
How does the MCP1603-330I/MC manage efficiency across varying load conditions?
The MCP1603-330I/MC automatically transitions between 2.0 MHz fixed-frequency PWM mode (heavy loads) and pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) mode (light loads) to maximize efficiency across the full 0–500 mA range. In PWM mode, it delivers >90% efficiency at full load with low output ripple. In PFM mode, it skips pulses to reduce switching losses, achieving 45 µA typical quiescent current - extending battery life in standby without sacrificing regulation accuracy or transient response.
Is the MCP1603-330I/MC pin-compatible with other variants in the MCP1603/B/L family?
Yes, the MCP1603-330I/MC shares identical pinout and package (5-lead TSOT-23) with other MCP1603 and MCP1603B variants, including adjustable-output and alternate fixed-voltage versions (e.g., MCP1603-180I/MC). All share the same VIN, GND, SHDN, VFB/VOUT, and LX pin assignments and electrical interface. However, functional differences exist - e.g., MCP1603B operates PWM-only, while MCP1603-330I/MC supports automatic PWM/PFM transition - so firmware and system-level timing assumptions must be verified per variant.
MCP1603-330I/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):
- 3.3V
- 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)
MCP1603-330I/MC FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP1603-330I/MC through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP1603-330I/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 MCP1603-330I/MC reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP1603-330I/MC are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCP1603-330I/MC is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP1603-330I/MC?
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MCP1603-330I/MC orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP1603-330I/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 MCP1603-330I/MC?
For technical support, including MCP1603-330I/MC datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP1603-330I/MC requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP1603-330I/MC is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP1603-330I/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 MCP1603-330I/MC meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP1603-330I/MC?
All MCP1603-330I/MC units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP1603-330I/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 MCP1603-330I/MC part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP1603-330I/MC:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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