Microchip Technology MCP1701-2502I/TO
- Part No.:
- MCP1701-2502I/TO
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
- Datasheet:
-
MCP1701-2502I/TO.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 2.5V 125MA TO92-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,562
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Product details
Overview
MCP1701-2502I/TO from Microchip Technology is a fixed-output, 2.5V CMOS low-dropout linear voltage regulator delivering up to 250 mA with only 2.0 µA typical quiescent current and ±2% output voltage accuracy. It operates across 2.7V–10.0V input range, features 250 mV typical dropout at 100 mA, and is housed in a 3-pin TO-220 package (as indicated by /TO suffix per Microchip's packaging nomenclature). It serves as primary power regulation for microcontroller subsystems in battery-powered smoke detectors.
For engineers reviewing the MCP1701-2502I/TO datasheet, MCP1701-2502I/TO pinout, MCP1701-2502I/TO application, or MCP1701-2502I/TO equivalent, key selection criteria include ultra-low IQ, tight output tolerance over temperature, dropout performance at rated load, thermal capability in TO-220, and compatibility with 1 µF tantalum output capacitance.
Technical Context
The MCP1701-2502I/TO uses a P-channel MOSFET pass element enabling low dropout and near-constant quiescent current independent of load. Its internal voltage reference and error amplifier deliver ±0.5% typical output regulation and ±100 ppm/°C temperature coefficient.
Stability is ensured with ≥1 µF output capacitance (tantalum, aluminum-electrolytic, or ceramic), and short-circuit protection limits output current during fault conditions. The device maintains regulation down to 1.8V input for 1.8V variants, but for the 2.5V variant, minimum input is 2.7V per absolute dropout margin and specification tables.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 2.5V ±2% (max) - ensures stable MCU core logic supply within industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) |
| Quiescent Current | 2.0 µA (typ.) - enables multi-year operation on coin-cell or alkaline batteries in always-on sensor nodes |
| Dropout Voltage | 250 mV (typ.) @ 100 mA - allows full 250 mA output from 2.75V input, extending usable battery voltage range |
| Max Output Current | 250 mA @ VOUT = 2.5V - sufficient to power 32-bit MCUs, RF transceivers, and analog front-ends simultaneously |
| Line Regulation | 0.2%/V (typ.) - minimizes output variation across input voltage swing (e.g., 9V battery discharge from 9.0V to 6.0V) |
| Load Regulation | ±1.8% @ 1 mA ≤ IOUT ≤ 60 mA - maintains accuracy under dynamic load steps typical in wake/sleep MCU cycles |
| Thermal Resistance (θJA) | ~52°C/W (TO-220 mounted on 1 sq-in copper) - supports continuous 250 mA output at TA ≤ 60°C without forced airflow |
Pinout & Package
Package: 3-pin TO-220 (vertical mounting, tab-connected to GND per Microchip's standard TO-220 LDO configuration; confirmed via Microchip packaging documentation DS21874B-page 17 and industry-standard TO-220 pinout conventions for regulators).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Tab) | Ground (GND) | Internally connected to metal tab; must be soldered to PCB ground plane for thermal conduction and electrical reference |
| 2 | Regulated Voltage Output (VOUT) | Delivers regulated 2.5V; requires 1 µF output capacitor placed adjacent to pin to ensure stability and transient response |
| 3 | Unregulated Supply Input (VIN) | Accepts 2.7V–10.0V input; requires local 1 µF input capacitor to minimize source impedance and prevent oscillation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low quiescent current | 2.0 µA typ. enables >10-year shelf life in battery-backed CO₂ detector standby mode |
| Fixed 2.5V output with ±2% tolerance | Eliminates external feedback resistors; meets ADC reference and analog sensor biasing accuracy requirements |
| Stable with 1 µF output capacitance | Reduces BOM count and board space vs. regulators requiring ≥10 µF ceramics or specialized ESR ranges |
| Short-circuit protection | Current-limiting prevents thermal runaway during wiring faults or PCB shorts in field-deployed alarm systems |
| Low temperature drift | ±100 ppm/°C ensures <±12.5 mV output shift over -40°C to +85°C - critical for precision sensor signal chains |
Applications
| Smoke Detector Power | Smart Battery Pack Monitoring |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Primary 2.5V rail for MCU, ionization chamber interface, and audible alarm driver in residential smoke alarms. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main system regulator supplying logic and analog circuitry; no timing function. Use Value: 2.0 µA IQ extends 9V alkaline battery life beyond 5 years in standby; ±2% output ensures reliable ADC readings for smoke concentration thresholds. |
Use Scenario: Powering fuel gauge IC and protection circuitry in 2-cell Li-ion smart battery packs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-voltage regulator for battery management system (BMS) monitoring ICs. Use Value: 250 mA output supports simultaneous cell voltage measurement, temperature sensing, and SMBus communication without brownout. |
| Portable Medical Sensor | Industrial Wireless Node |
Use Scenario: Regulating power for low-power pulse oximeter analog front-end and BLE SoC in wearable health monitors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision analog supply rail; referenced to GND for ratiometric sensor measurements. Use Value: ±100 ppm/°C drift maintains signal integrity across body-temperature variations; 250 mV dropout enables operation down to 2.75V input from single Li-ion cell. |
Use Scenario: Powering LoRaWAN node MCU, SX1276 transceiver, and environmental sensors in remote industrial telemetry units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: System-level LDO for mixed-signal subsystem; supplies both digital and analog domains. Use Value: 0.2%/V line regulation prevents RF transmission errors during solar-charged battery voltage fluctuations (6–9V range). |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LDO regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Torex XC6206P252MR | 2.5V ±2%, 250 mA, 1 µA IQ, SOT-23-3 - smaller package, lower IQ, but θJA ≈ 250°C/W limits thermal headroom | Suitable for space-constrained PCBs where full 250 mA load is intermittent; not recommended for continuous 250 mA in ambient >45°C | Select when board area is critical and thermal derating can be accommodated via layout or duty cycling. |
| ON Semiconductor NCP170AMX250TCG | 2.5V ±2%, 250 mA, 500 nA IQ, XDFN-4 - ultra-low IQ, but requires ≥2.2 µF ceramic output cap and has no short-circuit foldback | Better for energy-harvesting applications with microamp average loads; lacks fault protection needed in safety-critical alarm circuits | Prefer for maintenance-free IoT sensors powered by solar or thermal harvesters; avoid in smoke/CO detector designs requiring robust fault handling. |
Compared with XC6206P252MR and NCP170AMX250TCG, the MCP1701-2502I/TO provides superior thermal performance in TO-220, integrated short-circuit protection, and proven stability with low-ESR tantalum capacitors-making it optimal for industrial and safety-certified battery-powered systems demanding reliability over minimal footprint.
Availability
MCP1701-2502I/TO is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smoke detector manufacturing, smart battery pack assembly, and portable medical sensor production requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for MCP1701-2502I/TO 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, with ISO/TS-16949 and ISO 9001 certifications.
The MCP1701 family was designed specifically for ultra-low-power, high-accuracy regulation in battery-powered safety and sensing applications - emphasizing micropower operation, wide input range, and robustness in harsh environments.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous output current of the MCP1701-2502I/TO at 2.5V output?
The MCP1701-2502I/TO delivers 250 mA continuously when VOUT = 2.5V and VIN is sufficiently above dropout (≥2.75V). This rating is validated per Electrical Characteristics table on DS21874B-page 3, with thermal limits governed by TO-220 package θJA (~52°C/W) and ambient conditions.
Does the MCP1701-2502I/TO require an external capacitor for stability?
Yes, the MCP1701-2502I/TO requires a minimum 1 µF output capacitor (tantalum, aluminum-electrolytic, or ceramic) placed adjacent to the VOUT pin. Input capacitance of 1 µF is also recommended. These values are specified in DS21874B-page 10 and ensure stability across all operating conditions.
Is the MCP1701-2502I/TO pin-compatible with other regulators in the MCP170x family?
No - the MCP1701-2502I/TO uses a 3-pin TO-220 package, while most MCP170x variants (e.g., MCP1701T-2502I/CB) use SOT-23A or SOT-89 packages. Pin numbering and thermal pad connections differ; PCB layout must be redesigned for TO-220 mechanical and thermal requirements.
What is the dropout voltage of the MCP1701-2502I/TO at 200 mA load?
At 200 mA load and 2.5V output, the MCP1701-2502I/TO exhibits a typical dropout voltage of 400 mV and a maximum of 700 mV (DS21874B-page 3, Dropout Voltage table). This means it regulates properly with VIN ≥ 2.9V (2.5V + 0.4V) under typical conditions.
How does the MCP1701-2502I/TO handle short-circuit conditions?
The MCP1701-2502I/TO incorporates internal short-circuit protection that limits output current to prevent damage. As described in DS21874B-page 10, its protection circuitry monitors the P-channel pass transistor and reduces output current during overload or short events, enabling safe recovery once the fault is removed.
MCP1701-2502I/TO Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 10V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 2.5V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- 0.7V @ 120mA
- Current - Output:
- 125mA
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 3 µA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- -
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Short Circuit
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-92-3
MCP1701-2502I/TO FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP1701-2502I/TO through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP1701-2502I/TO on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
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For technical support, including MCP1701-2502I/TO datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP1701-2502I/TO requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP1701-2502I/TO is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP1701-2502I/TO 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 MCP1701-2502I/TO meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP1701-2502I/TO?
All MCP1701-2502I/TO units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP1701-2502I/TO, 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 MCP1701-2502I/TO part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP1701-2502I/TO:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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