Microchip Technology MCP73862T-I/SL

Overview

MCP73862T-I/SL from Microchip Technology is a fully integrated linear charge management controller for dual-series Li-ion/Li-polymer battery packs, featuring 8.2V/8.4V selectable voltage regulation, ±0.5% regulation accuracy, 1.2A max fast-charge current, thermal regulation, and integrated reverse-blocking protection. It operates in space-constrained portable electronics requiring precise, autonomous charging with temperature monitoring and safety timers.

For engineers reviewing the MCP73862T-I/SL datasheet, MCP73862T-I/SL pinout, MCP73862T-I/SL application, or MCP73862T-I/SL equivalent, this device delivers verified dual-cell CV/CC control, programmable preconditioning and safety timers, direct LED status drive, and QFN/SOIC package flexibility - critical for cradle chargers, handheld instruments, and digital cameras demanding high-accuracy, low-component-count battery management.

Technical Context

The MCP73862T-I/SL implements a linear architecture with an internal P-channel MOSFET pass transistor, eliminating external switching components. Its regulation loop uses precision internal resistive dividers on VBAT3 to sense battery voltage and compares it against a trimmed bandgap reference (1.2V), enabling ±0.5% voltage accuracy across -40°C to +85°C ambient.

Charge sequencing is fully autonomous: UVLO qualification (8.40–9.05V start/stop), preconditioning below 5.4–5.9V, constant-current fast charge (programmable via PROG resistor), transition to constant-voltage mode at 8.2V/8.4V, and termination at ≤8% of IREG. Thermal regulation dynamically scales current above 125°C, and die-level thermal shutdown activates at 155°C with 10°C hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 16-pin SOIC (MCP73862T-I/SL) - RoHS-compliant, surface-mount, 1.27 mm pitch, 10.3 mm × 7.5 mm footprint. Thermal performance: θJA = 86.1°C/W on 4-layer board.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP73862T-I/SL, BQ24072RGTR trades integration for efficiency and thermal performance, while LTC4065EDD-4.2 omits dual-cell support entirely - making MCP73862T-I/SL uniquely suited for cost-optimized, low-EMI, autonomous 2S charging where external components must be minimized.

Availability

MCP73862T-I/SL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for handheld medical instruments, digital cameras, and cradle chargers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MCP73862T-I/SL 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 a focus on reliability, longevity, and design-in support for industrial and automotive markets.

The MCP7386X product line was engineered specifically for space-limited, cost-sensitive Li-ion/Li-polymer charging applications - delivering fully autonomous, single-chip solutions for 1S and 2S battery packs without requiring firmware or external power switches.

FAQ

What is the function of the VSET pin on the MCP73862T-I/SL?

The VSET pin selects the regulated output voltage for the MCP73862T-I/SL: tying VSET to VSS configures 8.2V regulation, while connecting it to VDD selects 8.4V. This binary configuration supports dual-series Li-ion cells with either coke or graphite anodes, and is implemented via internal resistor networks - no external components are needed to change the termination voltage.

Does the MCP73862T-I/SL support temperature monitoring, and how is it implemented?

Yes, the MCP73862T-I/SL supports continuous cell temperature monitoring using an external NTC or PTC thermistor. The THREF pin provides a stable 2.55V bias, and the THERM pin compares the thermistor divider voltage against upper (1.25V) and lower (0.62V) thresholds. This enables automatic charge suspension outside the safe temperature window - a critical feature for MCP73862T-I/SL deployments in handheld medical or industrial equipment.

How does the MCP73862T-I/SL handle input supply disconnection during charging?

The MCP73862T-I/SL incorporates reverse-blocking protection and automatic power-down. When VDD falls below the UVLO stop threshold (8.40–8.95V), the device disables the pass transistor and enters low-current mode (<4 µA). A 1.5 kΩ resistor from VDD to ground ensures VDD stays below battery voltage upon disconnection - preventing battery discharge into the open input rail, a key reliability feature for MCP73862T-I/SL in cradle and docked-charging applications.

What are the safety timers associated with the MCP73862T-I/SL, and how are they configured?

The MCP73862T-I/SL integrates three safety timers - fast-charge (1.5 hr typ), preconditioning (60 min typ), and elapsed-time (3 hr typ) - all scaled by a single capacitor (CTIMER) connected from TIMER to VSS. If any timer expires before its respective phase completes, STAT2 asserts fault and charging halts. This capacitor-based configuration eliminates timing resistors and ensures predictable, temperature-stable safety margins for MCP73862T-I/SL in production environments.

Can the MCP73862T-I/SL be used with single-cell Li-ion batteries?

No - the MCP73862T-I/SL is specifically designed for dual-series (2S) Li-ion/Li-polymer battery packs, with voltage regulation options of 8.2V and 8.4V. For single-cell applications, Microchip's MCP73861/3 family (4.1V/4.2V options) is the correct counterpart. Using MCP73862T-I/SL with a 1S battery would result in severe overvoltage and potential cell damage due to mismatched regulation targets.