Microchip Technology MCP73841-410I/UN

Overview

MCP73841-410I/UN from Microchip Technology is a linear lithium-ion/polymer battery charge management controller in 10-pin MSOP package, delivering ±0.5% voltage regulation accuracy at 4.1 V, programmable fast-charge current via external sense resistor, preconditioning for deeply depleted cells, and integrated thermistor-based temperature monitoring. It serves as the core analog control IC in compact, cost-sensitive single-cell battery chargers for portable electronics.

For engineers reviewing the MCP73841-410I/UN datasheet, MCP73841-410I/UN pinout, MCP73841-410I/UN application, or MCP73841-410I/UN equivalent, key selection criteria include its 4.1 V fixed regulation voltage, -40°C to +85°C operating range, THREF/THERM temperature-sensing interface, DRV-driven external P-channel MOSFET topology, and compatibility with 0.1 µF timer capacitor for safety timing.

Technical Context

The MCP73841-410I/UN implements a three-phase charge algorithm-preconditioning (trickle-charge at ~10% of IREG), constant-current fast charge (regulated by VFCS = 100–120 mV across RSENSE), and constant-voltage regulation (4.1 V ±0.5%). It integrates dual temperature comparators referenced to VTHREF = 2.55 V (±0.075 V) with hysteresis, enabling NTC/PTC thermistor biasing and fault suspension on out-of-range readings.

All safety timers-precondition (45–75 min), fast-charge (1.1–1.9 hr), and elapsed-time termination (2.2–3.8 hr)-are scaled by CTIMER/0.1 µF. The device uses an internal precision resistor divider to regulate VBAT to VREG and provides open-drain STAT1 status output with defined states for qualification, charging, completion, and faults.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 10-pin MSOP (3.0 mm × 3.0 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), thermal resistance θJA = 113°C/W on 4-layer board.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP73831T-410I/OT and BQ24075RGTR, the MCP73841-410I/UN uniquely supports 4.1 V regulation for coke-anode cells, full thermistor-based temperature monitoring, and operation up to 12 V input-making it the only option among the three qualified for industrial-grade, temperature-aware, single-cell Li-ion charging.

Availability

MCP73841-410I/UN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone battery charging, medical handheld monitors, industrial barcode scanners, and wireless headset cradles requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed specification compliance.

Supply support for MCP73841-410I/UN 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 leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and Flash-IP solutions, serving automotive, industrial, communications, and consumer markets with high-reliability silicon and development tools.

The MCP7384X product line delivers highly integrated, stand-alone linear charge controllers optimized for space-limited, cost-sensitive Li-ion/Li-Po battery systems requiring precision voltage regulation, comprehensive safety timers, and optional cell temperature monitoring.

FAQ

What is the exact regulated output voltage of the MCP73841-410I/UN?

The MCP73841-410I/UN provides a fixed 4.1 V regulation voltage with ±0.5% accuracy (4.079 V to 4.121 V) over -5°C to +55°C, specifically designed for single-cell lithium-ion batteries with coke anodes. This value is factory-trimmed and does not require external feedback resistors.

Does the MCP73841-410I/UN support temperature monitoring, and how is it implemented?

Yes, the MCP73841-410I/UN supports continuous cell temperature monitoring via dedicated THREF (2.55 V reference) and THERM (comparator input) pins. It compares the thermistor divider voltage against upper (1.25 V) and lower (0.62 V) thresholds with built-in hysteresis; deviation suspends charging automatically.

How is the fast-charge current programmed on the MCP73841-410I/UN?

The fast-charge current is programmed by an external sense resistor (RSENSE) between VDD and the external P-channel MOSFET source. The MCP73841-410I/UN regulates VDD – VSENSE to 110 mV (typical), so IREG = 0.11 V / RSENSE. For example, 220 mΩ yields ~500 mA.

What safety timers are included in the MCP73841-410I/UN, and how are they configured?

The MCP73841-410I/UN includes three independent safety timers: precondition (45–75 min), fast-charge (1.1–1.9 hr), and elapsed-time termination (2.2–3.8 hr). All are scaled by CTIMER/0.1 µF; a 0.1 µF capacitor on the TIMER pin yields nominal values of 60 min, 1.5 hr, and 3.0 hr respectively.

Can the MCP73841-410I/UN operate with input voltages above 5 V, and what is its maximum rated supply?

Yes, the MCP73841-410I/UN operates with input supply (VDD) from 4.5 V to 12 V. Its absolute maximum rating is 13.5 V, and UVLO ensures reliable startup above 4.25 V and shutdown below 4.20 V-making it compatible with 9 V wall adapters and other higher-voltage sources beyond standard USB.