Microchip Technology MCP73832-3ACI/MC

Overview

MCP73832-3ACI/MC from Microchip Technology is a fully integrated linear lithium-ion/polymer battery charge management controller in an 8-lead 2 mm × 3 mm DFN package with exposed thermal pad. It delivers 4.40 V ±0.75% constant-voltage regulation, programmable 15–500 mA fast-charge current via single PROG resistor, and open-drain STAT output for host microcontroller interface - designed for USB-powered portable devices requiring compact, thermally robust charging.

For engineers reviewing the MCP73832-3ACI/MC datasheet, MCP73832-3ACI/MC pinout, MCP73832-3ACI/MC application, or MCP73832-3ACI/MC equivalent, key selection criteria include its factory-set 4.40 V regulation voltage, thermal regulation behavior up to 150°C junction temperature, preconditioning and termination thresholds configured by device variant (not external pins), and compatibility with space-constrained USB-charger designs where reverse discharge protection and automatic power-down are required.

Technical Context

The MCP73832-3ACI/MC implements a three-phase linear charge algorithm: preconditioning (trickle charge at 10%/20%/40% of I_REG), constant-current fast charge, then constant-voltage regulation at 4.40 V. Its internal P-channel MOSFET pass transistor features 350 mΩ typical R_DS(on) at 105°C, and thermal regulation dynamically reduces charge current above ~105°C to prevent overheating without halting charging.

It integrates undervoltage lockout (UVLO start at 3.45 V, hysteresis 70 mV), battery presence detection (6 µA VBAT source current), and automatic recharge when battery voltage drops below 94.0–99.0% of V_REG. The open-drain STAT output signals charge status (low during active charge, high-impedance at completion), enabling direct MCU GPIO monitoring without pull-up.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-Lead, 2 mm × 3 mm DFN with exposed thermal pad (EP), EP internally connected to VSS and must be soldered to PCB ground plane for thermal performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar linear Li-ion charge management applications.

Compared with MCP73832-2ACI/MC, the MCP73832-3ACI/MC provides +0.05 V higher termination voltage for improved capacity retention in next-gen Li-ion cells, while BQ24075RGTR adds system-level functions at the cost of increased complexity and non-interchangeable packaging.

Availability

MCP73832-3ACI/MC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB-powered portable devices, wearable health monitors, industrial handheld terminals, and IoT sensor nodes requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.

Supply support for MCP73832-3ACI/MC 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, and interface ICs with broad industrial and automotive qualification.

The MCP7383x family is designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained single-cell Li-ion/Li-polymer charging applications - prioritizing integration, thermal resilience, and USB compliance over programmability or multi-battery support.

FAQ

What is the exact regulated output voltage of the MCP73832-3ACI/MC?

The MCP73832-3ACI/MC is factory-configured for 4.40 V constant-voltage regulation with a tolerance of ±0.75%, meaning the actual V_REG falls between 4.367 V and 4.433 V at +25°C. This value is laser-trimmed during manufacturing and does not require external components to set or adjust - it is fixed per the "-3" suffix in the part number.

How does the MCP73832-3ACI/MC handle thermal regulation, and what is its impact on charge time?

The MCP73832-3ACI/MC begins thermal regulation when die temperature exceeds approximately 105°C, gradually reducing charge current to maintain safe junction temperature. At 150°C, it enters thermal shutdown and suspends charging until temperature drops ~10°C. This behavior extends total charge time under high ambient or high-power conditions but prevents damage and ensures reliability in sealed enclosures.

What is the function of the PROG pin on the MCP73832-3ACI/MC, and how is charge current calculated?

The PROG pin on the MCP73832-3ACI/MC sets fast charge current (I_REG) via a resistor to VSS using I_REG = 1000 V / R_PROG (R_PROG in kΩ, I_REG in mA). It also serves as a hardware enable: floating PROG disables the charger, reducing supply current to 25 µA. Preconditioning and termination currents scale ratiometrically from I_REG based on the device's factory configuration.

Does the MCP73832-3ACI/MC support automatic recharge, and what triggers it?

Yes, the MCP73832-3ACI/MC supports automatic recharge. After reaching charge completion, it continuously monitors VBAT and initiates a new charge cycle when battery voltage drops below 94.0–99.0% of V_REG (i.e., 4.136–4.356 V for the 4.40 V variant). This threshold is factory-set and ensures the battery remains within optimal voltage range without user intervention.

What is the difference between the STAT output of MCP73832-3ACI/MC and MCP73831-3ACI/MC?

The MCP73832-3ACI/MC features an open-drain STAT output that pulls low during active charge and goes high-impedance at charge completion - ideal for direct MCU GPIO monitoring without external pull-up. In contrast, the MCP73831-3ACI/MC uses a tri-state output (high/low/high-Z), providing active-high signaling at completion. Both share identical pinout and timing characteristics otherwise.