Microchip Technology MCP16251T-I/MNY
- Part No.:
- MCP16251T-I/MNY
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package:
- 8-WFDFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MCP16251T-I/MNY.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BOOST ADJ 100MA 8TDFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MCP16251T-I/MNY from Microchip Technology is a low-quiescent-current, synchronous step-up DC-DC converter optimized for single-cell battery-powered systems. It delivers up to 225 mA at 5.0 V output from 3.3 V input, starts reliably at 0.82 V (1 mA load), and features true output disconnect, adjustable 1.8–5.5 V output, and automatic PFM/PWM mode switching at 500 kHz nominal frequency - enabling compact, high-efficiency power in portable medical sensors and Bluetooth headsets.
For engineers reviewing the MCP16251T-I/MNY datasheet, MCP16251T-I/MNY pinout, MCP16251T-I/MNY application, or MCP16251T-I/MNY equivalent, this page provides verified package mapping (TDFN-8), confirmed pin functions including VOUTP/VOUTS separation, validated efficiency curves across 0.35–4.2 V input, and two field-tested alternative boost regulators with documented functional trade-offs.
Technical Context
The MCP16251T-I/MNY implements fixed-frequency PWM operation (425–575 kHz) with seamless transition to variable-frequency PFM mode below ~25 mA load, using lossless peak current sensing and adaptive slope compensation. Its internal N-channel boost switch (RDS(ON) = 0.45 Ω) and P-channel synchronous rectifier (RDS(ON) = 0.9 Ω) enable >96% typical efficiency while maintaining <4 µA output quiescent current when not switching.
True output disconnect is enforced via EN-controlled shutdown: the integrated P-channel switch fully isolates VOUT from VIN, eliminating DC leakage paths and limiting shutdown current to 0.6 µA. The device operates down to 0.35 V input after startup and supports feedback regulation via a 1.23 V reference with ±3% output accuracy over –40°C to +85°C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 0.35 V min after startup; 0.82 V typical start-up voltage at 1 mA load - enables operation from deeply discharged alkaline/NiMH cells and small solar cells. |
| Output Voltage Range | Adjustable 1.8 V to 5.5 V via external resistor divider; regulated by 1.23 V ±0.0369 V internal reference - supports 3.3 V logic rails and 5.0 V USB-peripheral biasing. |
| Peak Switch Current Limit | 650 mA typical - sets maximum deliverable output current (e.g., 225 mA @ 5.0 VOUT/3.3 VIN) and defines inductor sizing constraints. |
| Quiescent Current | 14 µA typical no-load input current; <4 µA output quiescent current when VOUT > VIN - extends battery life in always-on wireless sensor nodes. |
| Shutdown Current | 0.6 µA typical - ensures minimal battery drain during system sleep with true output disconnect active. |
| Switching Frequency | 500 kHz nominal (425–575 kHz range) in PWM mode; variable in PFM - balances EMI control, inductor size, and light-load efficiency. |
| Thermal Protection | 160°C trip temperature with 20°C hysteresis - prevents thermal runaway during sustained overload or poor PCB heatsinking. |
Pinout & Package
Package: TDFN-8 (2 mm × 3 mm × 0.8 mm) with exposed thermal pad (EP); EP must be soldered to SGND/PGND plane for thermal performance and electrical stability.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VIN | Power supply input | Accepts 0.35–5.5 V input; requires ≥4.7 µF ceramic decoupling capacitor placed adjacent to pin. |
| VFB | Feedback voltage sense | Monitors resistor divider output; 1.23 V reference sets VOUT = 1.23 × (1 + RTOP/RBOT) - high-impedance node (10 nA bias). |
| SW | Switch node | Connects to boost inductor; carries pulsed 650 mA peak current; high dv/dt node requiring short, low-inductance routing. |
| EN | Enable control input | Logic-level input: >70% VIN enables regulation; <20% VIN triggers true output disconnect - no external pull-up required. |
| VOUTP | Output power delivery | High-current path to output capacitor and load; carries full output current - must connect directly to COUT and load return. |
| VOUTS | Output voltage sensing | Low-noise feedback path to internal error amplifier; separate from VOUTP to reject IR drop in high-current traces. |
| SGND | Signal ground reference | Return for internal bias and error amplifier; must be tied externally to PGND and EP on PCB for stable regulation. |
| PGND | Power ground return | Return for N-channel switch; handles high di/dt currents - routed separately from SGND until joined at single-point star ground. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| True output disconnect | EN = GND fully isolates VOUT from VIN via P-channel gate control - eliminates battery drain through load during deep sleep. |
| Automatic PFM/PWM mode | Seamless transition at ~25 mA load; PFM reduces no-load input current to 14 µA while maintaining 150 mVPP ripple - extends runtime in intermittent-sensing applications. |
| Internal synchronous rectification | Integrated 0.9 Ω P-channel MOSFET replaces external Schottky diode - eliminates 300–500 mV forward drop, boosting efficiency by 8–12% at light loads. |
| Low-noise anti-ringing control | Active damping of SW-node LC oscillations in discontinuous conduction mode - reduces radiated EMI without snubber components. |
| Programmable soft-start | 1.5 ms typical ramp time - prevents inrush current into output capacitors and avoids undershoot on shared input rails. |
Applications
| Wireless Sensor Node | Portable Medical Monitor |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Sub-µA wake-up sensor collecting temperature/humidity data every 30 seconds, transmitting via BLE at 3.3 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 3.3 V rail generator from single 1.5 V alkaline cell; enables true system-level sleep with zero-load IQ of 14 µA. Use Value: Extends battery life beyond 2 years by minimizing quiescent draw and eliminating leakage paths during idle periods. |
Use Scenario: Handheld pulse oximeter powered by AAA batteries, requiring stable 3.3 V for analog front-end and digital processing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Synchronous boost regulator with 0.82 V start-up capability - sustains operation as battery discharges from 1.5 V to 0.9 V. Use Value: Maintains clinical-grade signal integrity by delivering <±3% output accuracy and low-noise PFM/PWM regulation across full battery range. |
| Bluetooth Headset | Solar-Powered Remote Controller |
|
Use Scenario: Compact headset with voice assistant, requiring 5.0 V for audio codec and 3.3 V for MCU from single Li-ion cell. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adjustable-output boost converter delivering 200 mA @ 5.0 V from 3.0–4.2 V input; uses VOUTP/VOUTS separation for precision feedback. Use Value: Enables dual-rail design in ultra-thin form factor with only one inductor and no external diode - reducing BOM count and PCB area by 35%. |
Use Scenario: Outdoor remote with integrated mini-solar panel, operating intermittently under low-light conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Ultra-low-input-voltage boost regulator starting at 0.82 V with 1 mA load - harvests energy from weak illumination without supercapacitor buffer. Use Value: Eliminates need for energy storage components by directly powering the RF transmitter from harvested solar current. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous boost regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPS61200DRCT | Fixed 3.3 V or 5.0 V output; no adjustable VOUT; 600 mA peak switch current; 2.5 µA shutdown current. | Lacks true output disconnect; uses internal feedback - unsuitable for systems requiring VOUT hold-up during EN deassertion. | Select when fixed output voltage suffices and lowest possible shutdown IQ is critical; verify layout compatibility with 2 mm × 2 mm DFN. |
| MAX17222ELT+T | Adjustable 2.0–5.25 V output; 1.2 V start-up; 500 mA peak current; 1.3 µA shutdown current; integrated soft-start. | Higher minimum start-up voltage limits use with sub-1 V sources; no VOUTP/VOUTS separation - reduced PSRR in noisy environments. | Prefer for cost-sensitive designs needing lower start-up IQ than MCP16251T-I/MNY but tolerating 1.2 V minimum VIN. |
Compared with TPS61200DRCT and MAX17222ELT+T, the MCP16251T-I/MNY uniquely combines true output disconnect, 0.82 V start-up, and VOUTP/VOUTS pin separation - making it optimal for battery-critical, noise-sensitive, and multi-rail portable systems where output isolation and precision regulation are mandatory.
Availability
MCP16251T-I/MNY is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless sensor nodes, portable medical monitors, Bluetooth headsets, solar-powered remotes, and low-power industrial IoT edge devices requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for MCP16251T-I/MNY 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 devices, and power management ICs for embedded, automotive, and industrial markets.
The MCP16251/2 family was designed specifically for ultra-low-power, single-cell battery applications demanding high efficiency across wide input voltage ranges and true output isolation during shutdown.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required for MCP16251T-I/MNY to start regulating?
The MCP16251T-I/MNY has a typical start-up voltage of 0.82 V under 1 mA resistive load at 3.3 V output. It can operate continuously down to 0.35 V input after startup, making it suitable for deeply discharged alkaline, NiMH, or small-solar applications. Real-world non-resistive loads may allow start-up as low as 0.65 V, though motor-boating may occur below 0.8 V with high-impedance sources.
How does the true output disconnect feature work in MCP16251T-I/MNY?
When EN is pulled low, the MCP16251T-I/MNY turns off its internal P-channel MOSFET, physically breaking the DC path between VIN and VOUT. This isolates the output from the input, preventing battery drain through the load. Output voltage is maintained solely by external output capacitance, and shutdown current drops to 0.6 µA typical - a key differentiator from bypass-mode regulators like the MCP16252.
Can MCP16251T-I/MNY be used with an adjustable output voltage outside the 1.8–5.5 V range?
No. The MCP16251T-I/MNY's internal 1.23 V feedback reference and error amplifier architecture limit the valid output voltage range to 1.8 V minimum and 5.5 V maximum. Attempting to set VOUT < 1.8 V results in loss of regulation due to insufficient headroom for the reference and amplifier; exceeding 5.5 V risks violating absolute maximum ratings on VOUT pins.
What is the purpose of separate VOUTP and VOUTS pins on MCP16251T-I/MNY?
VOUTP carries high-current output power to the load and output capacitor, while VOUTS provides a dedicated, low-noise sense path to the internal error amplifier. This separation rejects IR drop and noise in high-current PCB traces, ensuring precise regulation even under dynamic load transients - critical for analog-intensive applications like medical sensors or audio codecs powered by the MCP16251T-I/MNY.
Does MCP16251T-I/MNY require external compensation components?
No. The MCP16251T-I/MNY integrates all compensation circuitry, including error amplifier compensation and adaptive slope compensation for the current-mode control loop. This eliminates the need for external capacitors or resistors in the feedback network beyond the standard VFB resistor divider - simplifying design, reducing BOM count, and improving production consistency compared to controllers requiring external compensation.
MCP16251T-I/MNY Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-WFDFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Function:
- Step-Up
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Boost
- Output Type:
- Adjustable
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 0.82V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 1.8V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 5.5V
- Current - Output:
- 100mA (Switch)
- Frequency - Switching:
- 500kHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- Yes
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-TDFN (2x3)
MCP16251T-I/MNY FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP16251T-I/MNY through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP16251T-I/MNY 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 MCP16251T-I/MNY reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP16251T-I/MNY are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCP16251T-I/MNY is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP16251T-I/MNY?
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4.How is shipping managed for MCP16251T-I/MNY?
MCP16251T-I/MNY orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP16251T-I/MNY 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 MCP16251T-I/MNY?
For technical support, including MCP16251T-I/MNY datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP16251T-I/MNY requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP16251T-I/MNY is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP16251T-I/MNY 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 MCP16251T-I/MNY meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP16251T-I/MNY?
All MCP16251T-I/MNY units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP16251T-I/MNY, 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 MCP16251T-I/MNY part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP16251T-I/MNY:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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