Microchip Technology MCP73213-A6W/MF

Overview

MCP73213-A6W/MF from Microchip Technology is a dual-cell Li-Ion/Li-Polymer linear battery charge management controller with integrated pass transistor, current sense, input overvoltage protection (13V), and thermal regulation. It delivers 8.40V regulated output voltage, supports 130–1100 mA resistor-programmable fast charge current, and operates across –40°C to +85°C ambient temperature - enabling compact, cost-sensitive portable chargers for 2-cell battery packs.

For engineers reviewing the MCP73213-A6W/MF datasheet, MCP73213-A6W/MF pinout, MCP73213-A6W/MF application, or MCP73213-A6W/MF equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, factory-preset configuration details (8.40V VREG, 10% preconditioning, 32-minute timer, 6-hour elapse safety timer, 10% end-of-charge threshold, 95% automatic recharge, Type 1 status output), package mapping, and validated alternative options for dual-cell Li-ion charging designs.

Technical Context

The MCP73213-A6W/MF implements a three-phase linear charge algorithm: preconditioning (10% of I_REG at V_BAT < 71.5% × V_REG), constant-current fast charge (programmed via R_PROG), then constant-voltage regulation at 8.40V ±0.6% over –5°C to +55°C. It integrates input overvoltage lockout at 13V (150 mV hysteresis) and undervoltage lockout at 4.15V (100 mV hysteresis).

Thermal regulation dynamically reduces charge current above ~110°C die temperature, while thermal shutdown suspends charging at 150°C (10°C hysteresis). The PROG pin serves dual roles: programming fast charge current and enabling/disabling charge via impedance detection (>200 kΩ triggers standby mode).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 10-lead DFN (3 mm × 3 mm) with exposed thermal pad (EP) - optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts and thermal dissipation in handheld devices.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-cell Li-ion linear charging applications.

Compared with MCP73213-A6W/MF, MCP73213-A6S/MF offers identical charge parameters and timing but simplified status signaling, whereas BQ24075RGTR targets fundamentally different battery configurations and lacks key protections - making the former a near drop-in alternative and the latter incompatible without hardware revision.

Availability

MCP73213-A6W/MF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for digital camcorders, portable media players, and handheld two-way radios requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed factory configuration consistency.

Supply support for MCP73213-A6W/MF 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 global semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and battery management solutions for embedded and portable applications.

The MCP73213 product line delivers highly integrated, factory-configured linear charge controllers targeting cost-sensitive, space-constrained dual-cell Li-ion/Li-Polymer applications - eliminating external components while maintaining safety and precision.

FAQ

What is the factory-preset charge voltage for MCP73213-A6W/MF?

The MCP73213-A6W/MF is factory configured for 8.40V regulated output voltage (V_REG) with ±0.6% accuracy over –5°C to +55°C. This value is laser-trimmed and non-adjustable - it matches the nominal voltage of two series-connected Li-ion cells at full charge and eliminates need for external voltage-setting resistors.

How does the MCP73213-A6W/MF handle deeply discharged batteries?

The MCP73213-A6W/MF initiates preconditioning when V_BAT falls below 71.5% of its 8.40V V_REG (i.e., ~6.01V), supplying 10% of the programmed fast charge current until the battery reaches the threshold. This safe trickle charge prevents lithium plating and enables recovery of cells down to ~3.4V total (1.7V/cell) before entering full-rate constant-current mode.

What safety timers are enabled in MCP73213-A6W/MF?

The MCP73213-A6W/MF includes a 32-minute preconditioning timer and a 6-hour elapsed safety timer. If either expires before its respective phase completes, the device halts charging and asserts STAT high-Z (Type 1) - preventing overcharge or thermal stress during abnormal conditions like faulty batteries or open thermistors.

Does MCP73213-A6W/MF support automatic recharge, and at what threshold?

Yes, MCP73213-A6W/MF supports automatic recharge at 95% of its 8.40V V_REG (7.98V). When battery voltage drops to this level after charge completion, the device automatically restarts the full CC/CV cycle - maintaining optimal state-of-charge without host MCU intervention.

What is the function of the PROG pin on MCP73213-A6W/MF beyond current setting?

In addition to setting fast charge current via R_PROG-to-VSS, the PROG pin serves as an enable/disable input: applying >200 kΩ impedance places MCP73213-A6W/MF into standby mode (ISS ≈ 50–150 μA), while reconnecting the resistor resumes normal operation - enabling simple hardware-based charge control without additional logic.