Microchip Technology MCP73834T-GPI/MF

Overview

MCP73834T-GPI/MF from Microchip Technology is a stand-alone linear Li-ion/Li-polymer battery charge management controller in a 10-lead DFN-10 (3 mm × 3 mm) package. It delivers constant-current/constant-voltage charging with thermal regulation, 4.20 V ±0.75% voltage regulation, up to 1 A programmable charge current via external resistor, and integrated reverse discharge protection - designed for USB-powered portable devices including Bluetooth headsets and digital cameras.

For engineers reviewing the MCP73834T-GPI/MF datasheet, MCP73834T-GPI/MF pinout, MCP73834T-GPI/MF application, or MCP73834T-GPI/MF equivalent, key selection criteria include its timer-enable (TE) input for safety timer control, thermistor-based temperature monitoring with 50 µA bias current, and factory-set 94% recharge threshold relative to VREG - all validated across –40°C to +85°C ambient operation.

Technical Context

The MCP73834T-GPI/MF implements a fully integrated linear charging architecture with an internal P-channel MOSFET pass transistor (R_DS(ON) = 300 mΩ), precision voltage reference (1.21 V), and dual-stage comparator-based termination logic. Its TE pin enables/disables the internal safety timer - distinguishing it from the MCP73833 variant - and supports 1.8 V logic compatibility.

Thermal regulation dynamically scales charge current above ~105°C junction temperature, while die-level thermal shutdown activates at 150°C with 10°C hysteresis. The device uses ratiometric preconditioning (10%–100% of I_REG) and termination (5%–25% of I_REG) thresholds, both factory-configured per part number variant.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DFN-10 (3 mm × 3 mm), exposed thermal pad (EP) electrically tied to VSS. Thermal pad must be soldered to PCB ground plane for optimal thermal performance and reliability.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP73833T-GPI/MF, the MCP73834T-GPI/MF trades power-good signaling for timer enable control - enabling safer multi-load charging scenarios. Against BQ24075RGTR, it offers simpler design (no USB detection circuitry) and lower component count but lacks protocol-aware USB interface.

Availability

MCP73834T-GPI/MF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB-powered portable devices, wearable health monitors, Bluetooth audio accessories, and digital imaging devices requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MCP73834T-GPI/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 Inc. is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and battery management ICs, serving automotive, industrial, and consumer markets with high-reliability silicon solutions.

The MCP73833/34 product line delivers highly integrated, space-efficient linear chargers optimized for cost-sensitive, size-constrained portable electronics - emphasizing autonomous operation, thermal safety, and USB-compliant power delivery.

FAQ

What is the function of the TE pin on the MCP73834T-GPI/MF?

The TE (Timer Enable) pin on the MCP73834T-GPI/MF is a logic input that controls activation of the internal safety timer. When pulled low, the timer runs and enforces maximum charge duration; when held high, the timer is disabled. This allows host systems to suspend timing during shared-load charging. The MCP73834T-GPI/MF requires this pin for full functionality - unlike the MCP73833T-GPI/MF, which substitutes a PG output.

How does the MCP73834T-GPI/MF regulate charge voltage and what tolerance applies?

The MCP73834T-GPI/MF regulates battery voltage to a factory-set 4.20 V in constant-voltage mode, with a total tolerance of ±0.75% (±31.5 mV) over –40°C to +85°C ambient. This specification is guaranteed per DS22005B electrical characteristics table and ensures compatibility with standard single-cell Li-ion batteries without external feedback components.

Can the MCP73834T-GPI/MF be used without a thermistor?

Yes - the MCP73834T-GPI/MF operates without a thermistor. To disable temperature monitoring, connect a 10 kΩ resistor from THERM to VSS. This satisfies the bias requirement while preventing false thermal faults. The device will still perform full CC/CV charging, preconditioning, and automatic recharge; only temperature-based safety shutdown is omitted.

What is the maximum charge current supported by the MCP73834T-GPI/MF and how is it set?

The MCP73834T-GPI/MF supports up to 1000 mA fast charge current, set by connecting a 1.0 kΩ resistor from PROG to VSS. Current scales inversely with resistance per I_REG = 1000 V / R_PROG (kΩ). Lower values (down to 833 Ω) allow up to 1200 mA peak, but thermal regulation will reduce current above ~105°C junction temperature to maintain reliability.

Does the MCP73834T-GPI/MF support automatic recharge and what threshold triggers it?

Yes - the MCP73834T-GPI/MF supports automatic recharge with a factory-set threshold of 94.0% of VREG (3.948 V for 4.20 V regulation). When battery voltage drops below this level in charge-complete mode, the device restarts the full CC/CV cycle. This behavior is confirmed in Section 4.7 and Table 1-1 of DS22005B and requires no external components to activate.