Microchip Technology MCP1603T-120I/MC
- Part No.:
- MCP1603T-120I/MC
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package:
- 8-VFDFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MCP1603T-120I/MC.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK 1.2V 500MA 8DFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MCP1603T-120I/MC from Microchip Technology is a fixed-output 1.2 V, 500 mA synchronous buck DC-DC 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. It is used in USB-powered devices and digital cameras requiring compact, high-efficiency 1.2 V rail generation.
For engineers reviewing the MCP1603T-120I/MC datasheet, MCP1603T-120I/MC pinout, MCP1603T-120I/MC application, or MCP1603T-120I/MC equivalent, key selection criteria include its fixed 1.2 V output, 45 µA PFM quiescent current, undervoltage lockout (2.28 V typ), thermal shutdown (150 °C), and compatibility with low-ESR ceramic capacitors and 4.7 µH inductors in minimal-footprint designs.
Technical Context
The MCP1603T-120I/MC implements a current-mode synchronous buck topology with automatic PWM-to-PFM mode transition under light loads to minimize quiescent current. Its internal 0.8 V reference and feedback architecture enable precise 1.2 V regulation without external resistors.
It integrates both power switches (P-channel high-side and N-channel low-side), soft-start circuitry, cycle-by-cycle overcurrent protection (860 mA peak limit), and thermal shutdown. The device uses a fixed 2.0 MHz oscillator during PWM operation and disables PFM mode only in the MCP1603B variant - confirming MCP1603T-120I/MC supports PFM/PWM auto-transition per DS22042B.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 1.2 V ±2.5% over –40°C to +85°C; eliminates need for external feedback divider. |
| Max Output Current | 500 mA continuous; supports moderate-power digital subsystems like baseband processors or sensors. |
| Input Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V; compatible with 1-cell Li-Ion (2.7–4.2 V) and 2/3-cell NiMH/NiCd (2.4–4.5 V) batteries. |
| Quiescent Current | 45 µA typical in PFM mode; extends battery runtime in standby or low-activity states. |
| Switching Frequency | 2.0 MHz typical in PWM mode; enables use of small 4.7 µH inductors and 4.7 µF ceramic capacitors. |
| UVLO Threshold | 2.28 V typical with 140 mV hysteresis; prevents erratic startup during battery voltage sag. |
| Thermal Shutdown | 150 °C junction temperature with 10 °C hysteresis; protects against sustained overload or poor PCB thermal design. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 5-lead TSOT-23 (MCP1603/MCP1603B variant), lead pitch 0.65 mm, body size 2.9 mm × 1.6 mm × 1.1 mm.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (VIN) | Power supply input | Accepts 2.7–5.5 V; requires local 4.7 µF low-ESR ceramic decoupling to GND. |
| 2 (GND) | Ground reference | Primary return path for power and control circuits; must be connected to low-impedance ground plane. |
| 3 (SHDN) | Enable/disable control | Logic-high (>45% VIN) enables regulation; logic-low (<15% VIN) disables output and reduces current to 0.1 µA. |
| 4 (VFB/VOUT) | Feedback / output sense | Internally tied to 1.2 V output; no external resistor network required for fixed-voltage operation. |
| 5 (LX) | Switch node | Connects directly to buck inductor; carries high di/dt current; requires shortest possible trace to minimize EMI and losses. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated synchronous MOSFETs | Eliminates external high-side and low-side switches; reduces BOM count and layout area. |
| Auto PWM-to-PFM transition | Maintains >90% efficiency across 0.1–500 mA load range without manual mode control. |
| Internally compensated | Enables stable operation with standard 4.7 µF output capacitor; no external compensation network needed. |
| Undervoltage lockout + hysteresis | Prevents brown-out oscillation during battery discharge; 140 mV hysteresis accommodates source impedance. |
| Overtemperature protection | Shuts down at 150 °C junction temp and auto-restarts after ~10 °C cooldown; safeguards against thermal runaway. |
Applications
| Cellular Telephones | Digital Cameras |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Powering baseband processor core voltage rail in GSM/3G handsets operating from single-cell Li-Ion battery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 1.2 V synchronous buck regulator delivering regulated core supply with dynamic load response. Use Value: 45 µA PFM quiescent current extends standby time; 2.0 MHz switching allows compact 4.7 µH inductor and avoids audible noise. |
Use Scenario: Supplying image sensor and ISP logic in compact digital still/video cameras powered by two NiMH cells. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-output 1.2 V step-down converter providing low-noise, ripple-controlled power for analog pixel circuits. Use Value: <15 mV typical output ripple in PWM mode ensures clean sensor bias; UVLO prevents malfunction during battery depletion. |
| USB-Powered Devices | Portable Organizers / PDAs |
Use Scenario: Generating 1.2 V system rail from 5 V USB host port in portable audio players or Bluetooth headsets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Input-voltage-flexible buck regulator converting 5 V USB to efficient 1.2 V logic supply. Use Value: 2.7–5.5 V input range accepts USB tolerance (4.75–5.25 V); 5-lead TSOT footprint minimizes PCB area in ultra-thin enclosures. |
Use Scenario: Providing stable 1.2 V supply to ARM-based application processor in handheld organizers with 3-cell NiCd battery pack. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-efficiency synchronous buck converter enabling long battery life in intermittent-use computing devices. Use Value: >90% efficiency at 300 mA load preserves battery capacity; thermal shutdown protects during extended CPU-intensive tasks. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous buck regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPS62231DRYR | Fixed 1.2 V, 300 mA, 3.6 MHz switching, 17 µA IQ in DCS-Control mode; smaller 6-pin WSON package. | Lower max current and higher frequency; better suited for ultra-low-power microcontrollers than 500 mA loads. | Select TPS62231DRYR when board space is critical and load current ≤300 mA; verify ripple performance at 3.6 MHz. |
| RT8059ZSP | Adjustable 0.6–5.5 V, 600 mA, 1.5 MHz, 25 µA IQ; includes power-good flag and enable pin with pull-down. | Requires external feedback resistors; adds PG signal for sequencing but increases component count. | Choose RT8059ZSP when adjustable output or power-good monitoring is required; not drop-in for fixed 1.2 V use. |
Compared with MCP1603T-120I/MC, TPS62231DRYR offers lower quiescent current and higher switching frequency but reduced current capability, while RT8059ZSP provides greater flexibility via adjustable output and sequencing support at the cost of added external components.
Availability
MCP1603T-120I/MC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular telephones, digital cameras, and USB-powered devices requiring stable component supply with consistent parametric performance and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for MCP1603T-120I/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 silicon and development tools.
The MCP1603/B/L family was designed specifically for space-constrained, battery-operated portable electronics needing high-efficiency, low-quiescent-current DC-DC conversion with minimal external components.
FAQ
What is the output voltage tolerance of the MCP1603T-120I/MC over temperature?
The MCP1603T-120I/MC maintains a fixed 1.2 V output with ±2.5% tolerance over the full operating ambient temperature range of –40°C to +85°C. This specification is confirmed in the "Output Voltage Tolerance Fixed" row of DS22042B-page 6, where the tolerance applies to fixed-output variants including MCP1603T-120I/MC. The tighter tolerance ensures reliable core voltage delivery to sensitive digital loads across environmental extremes.
Does the MCP1603T-120I/MC support automatic PFM/PWM mode switching?
Yes, the MCP1603T-120I/MC supports automatic PWM-to-PFM mode transition under light loads, as confirmed in the General Description and Section 4.2.1 of DS22042B. Unlike the MCP1603B variant (PWM-only), the MCP1603T-120I/MC belongs to the MCP1603/L family and enters PFM mode to reduce quiescent current to 45 µA typical when load drops below threshold - a key feature for extending battery life in portable applications.
What package type and pinout does the MCP1603T-120I/MC use?
The MCP1603T-120I/MC uses the 5-lead TSOT-23 package (MCP1603/MCP1603B pinout variant), with pins assigned as follows: 1 = VIN, 2 = GND, 3 = SHDN, 4 = VFB/VOUT, 5 = LX. This mapping is explicitly defined in Table 3-1 of DS22042B-page 13 and matches the "MCP1603/MCP1603B TSOT" column. No NC or EP pins are present in this variant.
Can the MCP1603T-120I/MC operate from a 5 V USB source?
Yes, the MCP1603T-120I/MC supports input voltages from 2.7 V to 5.5 V, fully covering the USB 2.0 specification range of 4.75 V to 5.25 V. Its undervoltage lockout (UVLO) activates below 2.28 V, ensuring safe operation even with marginal USB sources. The device's 2.0 MHz switching and integrated MOSFETs deliver >90% efficiency at 5 V input, making it well-suited for USB-powered portable devices.
What external components are required for basic operation of the MCP1603T-120I/MC?
Only three external components are required: a 4.7 µF input capacitor (X5R/X7R ceramic), a 4.7 µF output capacitor (same type), and a 4.7 µH shielded power inductor. No feedback resistors, compensation network, or bootstrap components are needed due to its fixed 1.2 V output and internal compensation - as stated in the General Description and confirmed in Figure 1-1 and Section 5.2 of DS22042B.
MCP1603T-120I/MC Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-VFDFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- 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):
- 1.2V
- 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)
MCP1603T-120I/MC FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP1603T-120I/MC through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP1603T-120I/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 MCP1603T-120I/MC reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP1603T-120I/MC are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCP1603T-120I/MC is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP1603T-120I/MC?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCP1603T-120I/MC transactions.
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4.How is shipping managed for MCP1603T-120I/MC?
MCP1603T-120I/MC orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP1603T-120I/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 MCP1603T-120I/MC?
For technical support, including MCP1603T-120I/MC datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP1603T-120I/MC requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP1603T-120I/MC is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP1603T-120I/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 MCP1603T-120I/MC meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP1603T-120I/MC?
All MCP1603T-120I/MC units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP1603T-120I/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 MCP1603T-120I/MC part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP1603T-120I/MC:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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