Microchip Technology MCP1603T-120I/OS
- Part No.:
- MCP1603T-120I/OS
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package:
- SOT-23-5 Thin, TSOT-23-5
- Datasheet:
-
MCP1603T-120I/OS.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK 1.2V 500MA TSOT23-5
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MCP1603T-120I/OS from Microchip Technology is a fixed-output 1.2 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. Used in USB-powered devices and digital cameras for clean, low-noise 1.2 V rail generation.
For engineers reviewing the MCP1603T-120I/OS datasheet, MCP1603T-120I/OS pinout, MCP1603T-120I/OS application, or MCP1603T-120I/OS 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 minimal external components (4.7 µF CIN/COUT, 4.7 µH inductor).
Technical Context
The MCP1603T-120I/OS implements a current-mode synchronous buck architecture with automatic PWM-to-PFM mode transition under light load to minimize quiescent current. Its internal 0.8 V reference and feedback loop enable precise 1.2 V regulation without external resistors.
It integrates cycle-by-cycle overcurrent protection (860 mA peak limit), undervoltage lockout with 140 mV hysteresis, and thermal shutdown with 10 °C hysteresis. The device supports 100% duty cycle operation and uses internally compensated control for stable performance with standard ceramic capacitors.
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 high-current portable logic rails like baseband processors. |
| Input Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V; compatible with 1-cell Li-Ion (2.7–4.2 V) and 3-cell NiMH (3.6–4.5 V) sources. |
| Quiescent Current (PFM) | 45 µA typical; extends battery life in standby modes of handheld devices. |
| Switching Frequency | 2.0 MHz typical; enables use of small 4.7 µH inductors and 4.7 µF ceramic capacitors. |
| Efficiency | >90% typical at 100–500 mA load (VIN = 3.6 V, VOUT = 1.2 V); reduces thermal load in compact enclosures. |
| UVLO Threshold | 2.28 V typical with 140 mV hysteresis; prevents erratic startup during battery sag. |
| Thermal Shutdown | 150 °C junction temperature with 10 °C hysteresis; protects against sustained overload or poor PCB cooling. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 5-lead TSOT-23 (MCP1603 variant), 0.95 mm profile, exposed pad not present - distinct from DFN variant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1: VIN | Power supply input | Accepts 2.7–5.5 V; requires local 4.7 µF ceramic decoupling to GND for EMI suppression. |
| 2: GND | Ground reference | Primary return path for power and control circuits; must be low-inductance connection to system ground plane. |
| 3: SHDN | Enable/disable control | Logic-high (>45% VIN) enables regulator; logic-low (<15% VIN) disables with 0.1 µA shutdown current. |
| 4: VFB/VOUT | Feedback / output sense | Connected directly to regulated 1.2 V output; internal 0.8 V reference sets fixed voltage via internal resistor ratio. |
| 5: LX | Switch node | Drives 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 high-side and N-channel low-side switches eliminate external diode, improving efficiency by ~5–10% vs. asynchronous designs. |
| Automatic PWM/PFM Transition | Seamlessly shifts from 2.0 MHz PWM (heavy load) to pulse-skipping PFM (light load), maintaining >85% efficiency down to 1 mA output. |
| Internally Compensated Control Loop | Enables stable regulation with only 4.7 µF input/output ceramics and 4.7 µH inductor - no external compensation network required. |
| Undervoltage Lockout + Hysteresis | Prevents brown-out oscillation during battery discharge; 140 mV hysteresis ensures clean re-start after recovery. |
| Overtemperature Protection | Shuts down at 150 °C junction temperature and auto-restarts at 140 °C, protecting against thermal runaway in sealed enclosures. |
| Low-Profile TSOT-23 Packaging | 5-pin, 2.9 × 1.6 × 0.95 mm footprint saves board area in space-constrained portable PCBs. |
Applications
| Portable Medical Sensors | Digital Audio Players |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Powering ultra-low-power glucose monitors and pulse oximeters from coin-cell or Li-Poly batteries. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 1.2 V supply for ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller and analog front-end ADC. Use Value: 45 µA PFM quiescent current extends battery life to >12 months in sleep mode; 1.2 V output matches core voltage requirements of modern low-voltage MCUs. |
Use Scenario: Generating clean 1.2 V core rail for audio CODECs and flash memory controllers in MP3 players. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Synchronous buck converter delivering regulated 1.2 V at up to 500 mA with <15 mV ripple. Use Value: 2.0 MHz switching avoids audible noise in audio band; >90% efficiency minimizes heat near sensitive analog circuitry. |
| USB-Powered Test Instruments | Industrial Handheld Scanners |
Use Scenario: Converting 5 V USB power to 1.2 V for FPGA configuration and sensor interface ICs in field calibration tools. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-output DC-DC regulator enabling plug-and-play operation without external feedback tuning. Use Value: Fixed 1.2 V option eliminates resistor tolerance errors and layout sensitivity; 5-lead TSOT simplifies routing on dense 4-layer boards. |
Use Scenario: Supplying 1.2 V to barcode image sensors and Bluetooth SoCs in ruggedized warehouse scanners. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main power stage supporting intermittent 400 mA bursts during scan cycles while maintaining regulation across 2.7–5.5 V input range. Use Value: UVLO (2.28 V) and thermal shutdown ensure reliable operation during extended use in hot environments; 500 mA rating handles peak sensor + radio loads. |
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 | 1.2 V fixed, 600 mA, 3.0 MHz switching, 17 µA quiescent current (PWM-only), 6-pin WSON. | Higher frequency allows smaller LC components but lacks PFM mode; unsuitable for ultra-low-power sleep states. | Select when board space is critical and minimum load >5 mA is guaranteed; avoid where battery standby life is primary concern. |
| RT8059GJ6 | 1.2 V fixed, 500 mA, 1.5 MHz, 25 µA quiescent current (PFM), 6-pin SOT-23-6, no integrated low-side FET. | Asynchronous design requires external Schottky diode; lower efficiency (~5% less) and higher thermal stress at full load. | Choose only if cost is overriding factor and 500 mA continuous load is rare; verify diode thermal derating in enclosure. |
Compared with TPS62231DRYR and RT8059GJ6, the MCP1603T-120I/OS uniquely balances ultra-low PFM quiescent current (45 µA), integrated synchronous switches, and proven reliability in battery-critical portable systems - making it optimal for long-life, space-constrained, single-cell applications demanding both efficiency and simplicity.
Availability
MCP1603T-120I/OS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, digital audio players, USB-powered test instruments, and industrial handheld scanners requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for MCP1603T-120I/OS 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 company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and power management ICs, with a focus on embedded control and energy-efficient solutions.
The MCP1603/B/L family was designed specifically for high-efficiency, low-quiescent-current DC-DC conversion in battery-powered portable electronics - emphasizing integration, small footprint, and robust protection features for consumer and industrial handheld applications.
FAQ
What is the output voltage tolerance of the MCP1603T-120I/OS over temperature?
The MCP1603T-120I/OS maintains a fixed 1.2 V output with ±2.5% tolerance over the full operating temperature range of –40°C to +85°C. This specification is verified per Microchip DS22042B, Section 1.0 Electrical Characteristics, and reflects the combined effect of internal reference drift and feedback network accuracy - ensuring reliable core voltage delivery to low-voltage logic without external trimming.
Does the MCP1603T-120I/OS require external compensation components?
No, the MCP1603T-120I/OS is internally compensated and operates stably with only three external components: a 4.7 µF input capacitor, a 4.7 µF output capacitor, and a 4.7 µH inductor. This eliminates the need for external RC networks or loop compensation adjustments, reducing design time and component count - a key advantage confirmed in the Typical Application Circuit on DS22042B-page 2.
Can the MCP1603T-120I/OS operate with a 2.5 V input voltage?
Yes, the MCP1603T-120I/OS supports input voltages as low as 2.7 V per its Absolute Maximum Ratings and DC Characteristics tables. A 2.5 V input falls below the specified 2.7 V minimum and will trigger undervoltage lockout (UVLO), preventing regulation. Operation requires VIN ≥ 2.7 V - consistent with 1-cell Li-Ion minimum discharge voltage.
What is the purpose of the SHDN pin on the MCP1603T-120I/OS?
The SHDN pin on the MCP1603T-120I/OS provides logic-level enable/disable control: a voltage >45% of VIN enables regulation, while <15% of VIN disables the device, reducing input current to 0.1 µA typical. This pin supports system-level power sequencing and deep-sleep modes - critical for extending battery life in portable devices using the MCP1603T-120I/OS.
Is the MCP1603T-120I/OS pin-compatible with other variants in the MCP1603/B/L family?
The MCP1603T-120I/OS uses the 5-lead TSOT-23 package with pinout matching the MCP1603/MCP1603B variants (VIN, GND, SHDN, VFB/VOUT, LX). However, it is not pin-compatible with the 8-lead DFN variant (MCP1603) due to differing pin count, layout, and NC/EP terminals - PCB layout must match the specific TSOT-23 footprint defined in DS22042B-page 2.
MCP1603T-120I/OS Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- SOT-23-5 Thin, TSOT-23-5
- 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:
- TSOT-23-5
MCP1603T-120I/OS FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP1603T-120I/OS through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP1603T-120I/OS 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/OS reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP1603T-120I/OS 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/OS is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP1603T-120I/OS?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCP1603T-120I/OS transactions.
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4.How is shipping managed for MCP1603T-120I/OS?
MCP1603T-120I/OS orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP1603T-120I/OS 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/OS?
For technical support, including MCP1603T-120I/OS datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP1603T-120I/OS requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP1603T-120I/OS is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP1603T-120I/OS 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/OS meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP1603T-120I/OS?
All MCP1603T-120I/OS units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP1603T-120I/OS, 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/OS part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP1603T-120I/OS:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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