Microchip Technology MCP1812BT-012/LT

Overview

MCP1812BT-012/LT from Microchip Technology is a 300 mA ultra-low quiescent current (250 nA typical) fixed 1.2 V low-dropout linear regulator in a 3-lead SOT-23 package, featuring output discharge during shutdown and stable operation with only 2.2 µF ceramic output capacitance. It operates across 1.8V–5.5V input range and targets battery-powered wearable electronics and medical devices requiring long operational life.

For engineers reviewing the MCP1812BT-012/LT datasheet, MCP1812BT-012/LT pinout, MCP1812BT-012/LT application, or MCP1812BT-012/LT equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, thermal resistance data, shutdown behavior, dropout voltage at full load, and real-world stability conditions with ceramic capacitors - all confirmed for the exact MCP1812BT-012/LT variant.

Technical Context

The MCP1812BT-012/LT implements a PMOS pass transistor architecture enabling ultra-low IQ while maintaining 300 mA continuous output current capability. Its internal reference and error amplifier deliver ±4% output voltage accuracy over -40°C to +85°C junction temperature and support fast transient response under dynamic load steps up to 300 mA.

It integrates an active discharge transistor (RDCH = 100 Ω typical) that pulls VOUT to GND when SHDN = GND, preventing residual voltage hold-up. The device requires no external compensation and achieves stability with 2.2 µF X7R ceramic output capacitors - eliminating bulkier tantalum or electrolytic alternatives.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 3-Lead SOT-23 (JEDEC MO-178AA), 2.92 mm × 1.3 mm × 1.0 mm, with exposed pad not present in this variant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP1812-012/DB and XC6210B122MR-G, the MCP1812BT-012/LT uniquely combines 3-lead simplicity, guaranteed output discharge, and validated 2.2 µF ceramic stability - making it optimal for space-constrained, ultra-low-leakage systems where pin count and safe power-down are design priorities.

Availability

MCP1812BT-012/LT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wearable electronics, medical monitoring devices, and energy-harvesting sensor nodes requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term manufacturability and consistent parametric performance.

Supply support for MCP1812BT-012/LT 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, analog, FPGA, and timing solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The MCP181X/12X family was designed specifically for ultra-low-power, battery-critical applications - delivering industry-leading 250 nA quiescent current while maintaining robust 300 mA output capability and integrated safety features like output discharge.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for MCP1812BT-012/LT?

The absolute maximum input voltage for MCP1812BT-012/LT is +6.0 V. However, its recommended operating input voltage range is 1.8 V to 5.5 V. Exceeding 5.5 V may cause permanent damage or accelerated aging, even if within the absolute maximum rating - always maintain VIN ≤ 5.5 V in normal operation to ensure reliability and parametric compliance per DS20006088C.

Does MCP1812BT-012/LT require an external shutdown resistor?

No, MCP1812BT-012/LT does not require an external pull-up resistor on the SHDN pin. The device has an internal 1 MΩ pull-up to VIN, as confirmed in Figure 2-44 through 2-47 of the datasheet. External resistors are optional and only needed if specific timing or logic-level thresholds must be adjusted beyond the default 70% VIN high threshold and 20% VIN low threshold.

Can MCP1812BT-012/LT operate with a 1 µF output capacitor?

No - MCP1812BT-012/LT requires a minimum 2.2 µF ceramic (X7R) output capacitor for stability, as explicitly stated in the Features section and Table 1-1 of DS20006088C. Using 1 µF will cause oscillation or poor transient response. This requirement distinguishes it from the 150 mA MCP1811X series, which specifies 1.0 µF.

What is the thermal resistance (θJA) of MCP1812BT-012/LT in its SOT-23 package?

The junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θJA) for MCP1812BT-012/LT in the 3-lead SOT-23 package is 211.33 °C/W, measured on a JEDEC-standard 4-layer FR4 board with 1 oz. copper and no thermal vias (DS20006088C, page 6). This value assumes standard PCB layout - adding thermal vias under the GND pad can reduce θJA by ~20–30%.

Is output discharge functionality present in MCP1812BT-012/LT?

Yes - MCP1812BT-012/LT includes active output discharge. When SHDN is pulled low, an internal 100 Ω (typical) discharge transistor connects VOUT to GND, clearing residual voltage rapidly. This feature is exclusive to the "A" suffix variants (MCP1812A/MCP1812BT-xxx), and MCP1812BT-012/LT is confirmed as an "A" variant per Microchip's part numbering convention and Table 1 on page 3 of DS20006088C.