Microchip Technology MCP1603T-250I/OS
- Part No.:
- MCP1603T-250I/OS
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package:
- SOT-23-5 Thin, TSOT-23-5
- Datasheet:
-
MCP1603T-250I/OS.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK 2.5V 500MA TSOT23-5
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MCP1603T-250I/OS 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, automatic PFM-to-PWM mode transition, and integrated overtemperature and overcurrent protection - deployed in USB-powered devices and digital cameras.
For engineers reviewing the MCP1603T-250I/OS datasheet, MCP1603T-250I/OS pinout, MCP1603T-250I/OS application, or MCP1603T-250I/OS equivalent, key selection criteria include its fixed 2.5 V output, 45 µA PFM quiescent current, TSOT-23-5 package compatibility, and suitability for space-constrained, battery-life-sensitive designs requiring stable low-noise DC/DC conversion.
Technical Context
The MCP1603T-250I/OS implements a current-mode synchronous buck architecture with integrated P- and N-channel MOSFETs, enabling 100% duty cycle operation and eliminating external diode losses. Its dual-mode control logic automatically transitions between 2.0 MHz fixed-frequency PWM (for low ripple under heavy load) and pulse-skipping PFM (for ultra-low 45 µA quiescent current at light load).
Internal compensation, 0.8 V reference feedback, undervoltage lockout (2.28 V typical), and thermal shutdown (150 °C) are fully integrated. The device requires only three external components - input/output capacitors and inductor - when used in fixed-output configuration, minimizing solution footprint and design complexity.
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 feedback divider and simplifies layout. |
| Max Output Current | 500 mA continuous - supports power rails for microcontrollers, sensors, and RF modules in portable systems. |
| Input Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V - compatible with 1-cell Li-Ion (2.7–4.2 V), 2–3 cell NiMH/NiCd, and USB 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 filtering. |
| Quiescent Current | 45 µA typical in PFM mode - extends battery runtime in standby/sleep states of handheld devices. |
| Efficiency | >90% typical at 500 mA, VIN = 3.6 V, VOUT = 2.5 V - reduces thermal load and improves energy utilization in thermally constrained enclosures. |
| Protection Features | UVLO (2.28 V), overtemperature shutdown (150 °C), cycle-by-cycle current limit (860 mA) - ensures robust operation without external supervision circuitry. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 5-Lead TSOT-23 (Thin Small Outline Transistor), 2.9 mm × 1.6 mm × 1.1 mm profile, exposed pad not present - optimized for high-density PCB layouts in portable equipment.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VIN | Power supply input | Accepts 2.7–5.5 V input; 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 connected with low-inductance trace to minimize noise coupling. |
| SHDN | Enable/disable control | Logic-high (>45% VIN) enables regulation; logic-low (<15% VIN) disables output and reduces current draw to 0.1 µA. |
| VFB/VOUT | Feedback / output sense | Direct connection point for fixed 2.5 V output - no external resistor divider needed; internal 0.8 V reference sets regulation accuracy. |
| LX | Switch node | Connects to buck inductor; carries high di/dt current - requires shortest possible trace to minimize EMI and voltage spikes. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Synchronous buck topology | Integrated P- and N-channel MOSFETs eliminate external Schottky diode, reducing conduction loss and board area. |
| Automatic PFM/PWM mode transition | No external control required - maintains >90% efficiency across 0.1–500 mA load range while minimizing quiescent current at light loads. |
| Internally compensated | Eliminates need for external compensation network - simplifies design validation and reduces BOM count by one resistor and capacitor. |
| 100% duty cycle capability | Supports operation with VIN as low as VOUT + headroom (e.g., 2.5 V out from 2.7 V in), extending usable battery voltage range. |
| Low-profile TSOT-23-5 package | 2.9 × 1.6 mm footprint with 0.95 mm height - fits within tight mechanical envelopes of smartphones, wearables, and Bluetooth headsets. |
Applications
| Portable Medical Sensors | Digital Audio Players |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Powering low-power optical heart-rate sensors and ADCs in wearable health monitors powered by coin-cell or Li-Poly batteries. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 2.5 V system rail regulator delivering clean, efficient DC power with minimal standby current draw. Use Value: 45 µA PFM quiescent current extends battery life to >6 months in intermittent-sampling mode; 2.0 MHz switching avoids audible noise in audio-sensitive environments. | Use Scenario: Supplying 2.5 V to DACs, headphone amplifiers, and flash memory in portable music players using 3.7 V Li-Ion cells. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Synchronous buck converter stepping down battery voltage to precision analog and memory rails. Use Value: >90% efficiency at 300 mA reduces thermal stress on PCB near sensitive audio circuitry; fixed 2.5 V output ensures consistent DAC reference stability. |
| USB-C Powered Peripherals | Industrial Handheld Scanners |
Use Scenario: Regulating 5 V USB-C input to 2.5 V for CMOS image sensors and microcontroller I/O in plug-and-play barcode scanners. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Input-stage DC/DC converter providing regulated, low-noise 2.5 V supply independent of USB port voltage tolerance. Use Value: UVLO (2.28 V) prevents erratic behavior during USB hot-plug transients; 2.0 MHz operation allows compact 4.7 µH inductor placement near sensor module. | Use Scenario: Powering 2.5 V logic and interface circuitry in ruggedized handheld scanners operating from 3.6 V NiMH packs in warehouse environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main system regulator supporting cold-temperature startup (-40°C) and surviving repeated shock/vibration cycles. Use Value: Overtemperature shutdown (150 °C) protects against thermal runaway in sealed enclosures; -40°C to +85°C ambient rating ensures reliability in uncontrolled industrial settings. |
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 quiescent current - higher frequency, lower IQ, but requires different compensation and layout. | Preferred for ultra-low-power always-on sensing nodes where <20 µA IQ is critical; less suitable for high-current bursts due to smaller current limit. | Select TPS62231DRYR when minimum quiescent current and smallest inductor size outweigh need for drop-in compatibility. |
| Analog Devices ADP2302ARDZ-2.5-R7 | Fixed 2.5 V, 600 mA, 600 kHz switching, 2.2 mA quiescent current - lower frequency, higher IQ, larger passive components required. | Better suited for noise-immune industrial control where EMI filtering is prioritized over size; not recommended for battery-critical portable designs. | Choose ADP2302ARDZ-2.5-R7 only if 600 kHz fundamental frequency simplifies EMI compliance testing and thermal margin exceeds 25°C above ambient. |
Compared with TPS62231DRYR and ADP2302ARDZ-2.5-R7, the MCP1603T-250I/OS delivers optimal balance of 500 mA capability, 45 µA light-load IQ, 2.0 MHz switching, and TSOT-23 footprint - making it uniquely suited for mid-power portable applications where size, efficiency, and ease of integration are jointly constrained.
Availability
MCP1603T-250I/OS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, USB-C peripherals, industrial handheld scanners, and digital audio players requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for MCP1603T-250I/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 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 family was designed specifically for space- and power-constrained portable electronics, delivering high-efficiency, low-quiescent-current DC/DC conversion in minimal-footprint packages for battery-powered applications.
FAQ
What is the output voltage tolerance of the MCP1603T-250I/OS over temperature?
The MCP1603T-250I/OS provides a fixed 2.5 V output with ±3.0% tolerance over -40°C to +25°C ambient, and ±2.5% tolerance over +25°C to +85°C ambient. This specification is guaranteed by internal 0.8 V reference feedback with ±2.5% tolerance and applies directly to the MCP1603T-250I/OS without external components.
Does the MCP1603T-250I/OS require external compensation components?
No, the MCP1603T-250I/OS is internally compensated. Its control loop stability is factory-tuned for standard 4.7 µH inductors and 4.7 µF ceramic capacitors - eliminating the need for external R-C compensation networks and reducing design iteration time for the MCP1603T-250I/OS.
What is the minimum load requirement for regulation of the MCP1603T-250I/OS?
The MCP1603T-250I/OS - as an MCP1603/L variant - does not require a minimum load for regulation. Unlike the PWM-only MCP1603B, the MCP1603T-250I/OS automatically transitions to PFM mode at light loads and maintains regulation down to zero load with 45 µA quiescent current.
Can the MCP1603T-250I/OS operate with a 2.7 V input and 2.5 V output?
Yes, the MCP1603T-250I/OS supports 100% duty cycle operation, enabling regulation with VIN as low as 2.7 V for a 2.5 V output. This capability extends usable battery voltage range in Li-Ion applications and is confirmed in the MCP1603T-250I/OS datasheet Section 1.0 and Figure 2-15.
What thermal performance can be expected from the MCP1603T-250I/OS in a 4-layer PCB?
In a typical 4-layer board with internal ground plane, the MCP1603T-250I/OS (TSOT-23-5) has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θJA) of 207.4°C/W. At 500 mA output and 3.6 V input, power dissipation is ~125 mW, resulting in ~26°C junction-to-ambient rise - well within the -40°C to +125°C operating range.
MCP1603T-250I/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):
- 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:
- TSOT-23-5
MCP1603T-250I/OS FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP1603T-250I/OS through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP1603T-250I/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-250I/OS reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP1603T-250I/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-250I/OS is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP1603T-250I/OS?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCP1603T-250I/OS transactions.
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4.How is shipping managed for MCP1603T-250I/OS?
MCP1603T-250I/OS orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP1603T-250I/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-250I/OS?
For technical support, including MCP1603T-250I/OS datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP1603T-250I/OS requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP1603T-250I/OS is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP1603T-250I/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-250I/OS meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP1603T-250I/OS?
All MCP1603T-250I/OS units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP1603T-250I/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-250I/OS part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP1603T-250I/OS:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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