Microchip Technology MCP1701-3302I/TO

Overview

MCP1701-3302I/TO from Microchip Technology is a fixed-output, 3.3V CMOS low-dropout (LDO) linear voltage regulator delivering up to 250 mA output current with only 2.0 µA typical quiescent current, 250 mV typical dropout at 100 mA, ±2% output voltage accuracy, and stable operation with 1 µF tantalum or aluminum-electrolytic output capacitance - ideal for lithium-ion, 9V alkaline, and multi-cell battery-powered microcontroller power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MCP1701-3302I/TO datasheet, MCP1701-3302I/TO pinout, MCP1701-3302I/TO application, or MCP1701-3302I/TO equivalent, key selection criteria include ultra-low IQ for extended battery life, tight output tolerance for precision analog/sensor biasing, thermal performance in SOT-89 package, and compatibility with minimal external capacitance in space-constrained portable designs.

Technical Context

The MCP1701-3302I/TO uses a P-channel MOSFET pass element enabling low dropout and near-constant quiescent current across load (2.0 µA typ. independent of I_OUT). Its internal voltage reference exhibits ±100 ppm/°C temperature drift and is stabilized by an error amplifier with unity-gain compensation compatible with low-ESR capacitors ≥1 µF.

It integrates short-circuit protection that limits output current during fault conditions without latch-up, and operates over –40°C to +85°C with input voltage range up to 10.0 V - supporting single- or dual-cell Li-ion, 9V alkaline, and three-primary-cell configurations while maintaining regulation down to VIN = VOUT + 400 mV at 160 mA.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 3-pin TO-243 (JEDEC equivalent of SOT-89), with exposed tab thermally connected to GND for enhanced heat dissipation (θ_JA = 52°C/W on 1 in² copper).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LDO regulator applications.

Compared with MCP1700-3302E/TO and TPS78233DRVR, the MCP1701-3302I/TO delivers the highest output current (160 mA) in a TO-243 package with proven 1 µF tantalum stability - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, medium-current portable instrumentation where thermal margin and capacitor flexibility matter.

Availability

MCP1701-3302I/TO is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered alarm circuits, smoke detectors, and smart battery packs requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MCP1701-3302I/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 Inc. is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with ISO/TS-16949:2002 certified manufacturing.

The MCP1701 family was designed specifically for micropower, precision LDO regulation in space- and energy-constrained battery-operated systems - emphasizing ultra-low IQ, wide input range, and robust capacitor compatibility without sacrificing accuracy or thermal performance.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current for MCP1701-3302I/TO at 3.3V output?

The MCP1701-3302I/TO supports up to 160 mA continuous output current at 3.3V output, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table under "Maximum Output Current" for VOUT = 3.3V. This rating assumes proper thermal management using the TO-243 package's exposed tab on ≥1 in² copper, with ambient temperature ≤+55°C. Exceeding this current may trigger thermal shutdown or degrade regulation accuracy.

Does MCP1701-3302I/TO require an input capacitor, and what value is recommended?

Yes, MCP1701-3302I/TO requires a 1 µF input capacitor for stable operation, especially when sourced from high-impedance sources like batteries or long PCB traces. Ceramic, tantalum, or aluminum-electrolytic types are acceptable. The capacitor must be placed physically adjacent to the VIN pin (within 2 mm) to minimize parasitic inductance. Larger values improve transient response but are not mandatory for basic functionality.

Can MCP1701-3302I/TO operate with a 2.5V input voltage?

No, MCP1701-3302I/TO cannot regulate at 2.5V input because its minimum input voltage is VOUT + dropout voltage. With a 3.3V nominal output and 400 mV typical dropout at 160 mA, the minimum functional VIN is approximately 3.7V. At lower inputs, the device enters dropout and output voltage drops linearly with VIN - making it unsuitable for single-cell Li-ion (2.7–3.6V) or NiMH applications without pre-boost.

Is the TO-243 package of MCP1701-3302I/TO pin-compatible with SOT-23A variants of the same family?

No, the TO-243 (SOT-89) package of MCP1701-3302I/TO is not pin-compatible with the SOT-23A variant (e.g., MCP1701-3302I/CB). Pin 1 is GND in TO-243 but GND in SOT-23A; however, pin 2 is VOUT in TO-243 versus VOUT in SOT-23A, and pin 3 is VIN in TO-243 versus VIN in SOT-23A - the pin numbering and physical layout differ. PCB redesign is required when switching between these packages.

What is the thermal resistance (θ_JA) of MCP1701-3302I/TO, and how does it affect power dissipation?

The MCP1701-3302I/TO in TO-243 package has a typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θ_JA) of 52°C/W when mounted on 1 square inch of 2-oz copper. At 160 mA load and 3.7V input (0.4V dropout), power dissipation is ~64 mW, resulting in ~3.3°C junction rise above ambient. This low θ_JA enables reliable operation without heatsinks in compact industrial sensor housings.