Microchip Technology MCP73841T-410I/UN

Overview

MCP73841T-410I/UN from Microchip Technology is a linear lithium-ion/polymer battery charge management controller in 10-pin MSOP package, featuring ±0.5% voltage regulation accuracy at 4.1V, programmable fast-charge current via external sense resistor, preconditioning for deeply depleted cells, and integrated thermistor-based temperature monitoring. It delivers complete stand-alone charging for single-cell Li-ion/LiPo packs in space-constrained portable electronics.

For engineers reviewing the MCP73841T-410I/UN datasheet, MCP73841T-410I/UN pinout, MCP73841T-410I/UN application, or MCP73841T-410I/UN equivalent, this device supports critical design tasks including battery voltage regulation stability, thermal safety compliance, charge status LED drive, and UVLO-protected input qualification - all within -40°C to +85°C industrial operating range.

Technical Context

The MCP73841T-410I/UN implements a three-phase linear charge algorithm: preconditioning (trickle-charge at ~10% I_REG when V_BAT < 2.80V), constant-current fast charge (regulated by V_FCS = 110 mV across R_SENSE), and constant-voltage regulation (4.10V ±0.5%). It integrates dual temperature comparators referenced to V_THREF = 2.55V with hysteresis, enabling NTC/PTC thermistor monitoring via THERM/THREF pins.

All safety timers - precondition (60 min), fast-charge (1.5 hr), and elapsed-time termination (3.0 hr) - are scaled by a single external 0.1 µF capacitor on TIMER pin. Charge termination occurs when current drops below ~7% I_REG or timers expire, with STAT1 open-drain output indicating state via ON/OFF/flashing logic.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 10-pin MSOP (3 mm × 3 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), thermally enhanced with exposed pad.

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 MCP73841T-410I/UN uniquely provides factory-trimmed 4.1V regulation with ±0.5% accuracy, full thermistor interface in MSOP-10, and three independent safety timers - making it optimal for certified medical, industrial, and premium portable devices where thermal qualification and precise voltage termination are mandatory.

Availability

MCP73841T-410I/UN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone battery charging, portable medical monitors, USB-powered Bluetooth headsets, and industrial handheld scanners requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MCP73841T-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 Inc. is a leading provider of microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, serving automotive, industrial, consumer, and communications markets with high-reliability silicon and development tools.

The MCP7384X product line was designed specifically for space-constrained, cost-sensitive lithium-ion/polymer battery charging applications requiring high-accuracy voltage regulation, comprehensive safety timers, and integrated temperature monitoring - without host MCU dependency.

FAQ

What is the exact voltage regulation setting for MCP73841T-410I/UN?

The MCP73841T-410I/UN is factory-configured for 4.10V constant-voltage regulation with a maximum tolerance of ±0.5%, meaning the actual regulation voltage falls between 4.079V and 4.121V at -5°C to +55°C. This value is laser-trimmed and fixed per device; no external resistors or configuration pins adjust it. The '410' in the part number explicitly denotes the 4.1V option within the MCP73841 family.

Does MCP73841T-410I/UN include temperature monitoring capability?

Yes, the MCP73841T-410I/UN includes full temperature monitoring functionality via dedicated THREF and THERM pins. It provides a 2.55V precision reference (V_THREF) and compares the thermistor voltage against upper (1.25V) and lower (0.62V) thresholds with built-in hysteresis. This feature is present only in MCP73841 and MCP73842 variants - confirmed by the MSOP-10 package and pinout matching the datasheet Figure 3-1.

What is the recommended external MOSFET type for MCP73841T-410I/UN?

The MCP73841T-410I/UN drives an external P-channel MOSFET via its DRV pin, which sources up to -0.5 mA and sinks up to 2 mA. Recommended devices include logic-level P-MOSFETs with V_GS(th) ≤ -2.5V and R_DS(on) optimized for the target charge current (e.g., Si2301, DMG2305U). Gate drive voltage is clamped to -4.5V, so selecting a MOSFET rated for ≥12V V_DSS and compatible with this gate swing ensures reliable linear-region operation.

How does the preconditioning function work in MCP73841T-410I/UN?

The MCP73841T-410I/UN initiates preconditioning when V_BAT is below 2.80V (typical V_PTH). It applies a reduced charge current (~10% of the fast-charge current set by R_SENSE) to safely recover deeply depleted Li-ion cells. This phase lasts up to 60 minutes (with 0.1 µF timer capacitor); if V_BAT does not exceed V_PTH before expiry, the device terminates charge and flashes STAT1. Preconditioning minimizes stress on the battery and external MOSFET.

Can MCP73841T-410I/UN operate from a 5V USB source?

Yes, the MCP73841T-410I/UN supports input voltages from 4.5V to 12V, making it fully compatible with standard 5V USB power sources. Its UVLO starts at 4.45V and stops at 4.40V, ensuring stable startup and graceful shutdown during USB insertion/removal. When used with a 5V source, the device delivers regulated 4.1V to the battery while maintaining full safety features including thermistor monitoring and timer-based fault detection.