Microchip Technology MCP73864-I/SL

Overview

MCP73864-I/SL from Microchip Technology is a dual-cell linear lithium-ion/lithium-polymer battery charge management controller with integrated P-channel MOSFET pass transistor, current sense, and reverse-blocking protection. It delivers 8.2V or 8.4V regulated output (selectable via VSET), supports up to 1.2A fast-charge current, features programmable safety timers and thermal regulation, and operates across –40°C to +85°C - used in cradle chargers and dual-cell portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the MCP73864-I/SL datasheet, MCP73864-I/SL pinout, MCP73864-I/SL application, or MCP73864-I/SL equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, exact pin functions, real-world use cases for dual-series Li-ion systems, and validated alternative parts with documented functional differences.

Technical Context

The MCP73864-I/SL implements a fully autonomous linear charging algorithm with preconditioning, constant-current (CC), and constant-voltage (CV) phases. Its internal architecture includes a precision voltage reference (±0.5%), thermistor bias (2.55V THREF), dual temperature comparators (VT1 = 1.25V, VT2 = 0.62V), and UVLO circuitry (VSTART = 8.45–9.05V) optimized for 8.2V/8.4V dual-cell stacks.

It integrates three VSS pins (VSS1/VSS2/VSS3) for low-impedance ground routing, uses PROG-resistor scaling for IREG (100–1200 mA), and employs TIMER capacitor timing (tFAST = 1.5 hrs typ.) with automatic fault detection on timer expiry, overtemperature (>155°C), or out-of-range thermistor input.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 16-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit), body size 10.3 mm × 7.5 mm, standard JEDEC MS-012AC.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP73862-I/SL, MCP73864-I/SL offers simpler LED status interpretation (OFF = done), while BQ24075RGTR lacks dual-cell support and thermal monitoring - making MCP73864-I/SL uniquely suited for robust, temperature-aware 2S charging in space-constrained industrial devices.

Availability

MCP73864-I/SL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cradle chargers, dual-cell handheld instruments, industrial PDAs, digital cameras, and MP3 players requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceability.

Supply support for MCP73864-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 company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and battery management ICs, with global manufacturing and quality certifications including ISO 9001 and AEC-Q200.

The MCP7386X product line was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-limited portable electronics requiring fully integrated, standalone Li-ion/Li-Po charge control - eliminating external MOSFETs, current sense resistors, and discrete timers.

FAQ

What is the function of the VSET pin on the MCP73864-I/SL?

The VSET pin selects the regulated output voltage for the MCP73864-I/SL: connecting VSET to VSS configures 8.2V regulation, while connecting it to VDD configures 8.4V regulation. This selection directly determines the constant-voltage threshold applied to dual-series Li-ion cells, ensuring compatibility with both coke and graphite anode chemistries per the MCP73864-I/SL datasheet specifications.

How does the MCP73864-I/SL handle thermal regulation during charging?

The MCP73864-I/SL dynamically reduces fast-charge current when die temperature exceeds ~100°C, maintaining safe operation without halting the charge cycle. This thermal regulation scales IREG progressively to prevent overheating, and the safety timer automatically slows to avoid premature termination - a key behavior confirmed in Section 4.5 of the MCP73864-I/SL datasheet and validated in thermal performance curves (Figure 4-1).

What is the difference between MCP73864-I/SL and MCP73862-I/SL?

The MCP73864-I/SL and MCP73862-I/SL share identical electrical specifications, pinout, and package, but differ solely in STAT1 output behavior: MCP73864-I/SL drives STAT1 LOW during charge and turns it OFF at completion, whereas MCP73862-I/SL flashes STAT1 at end-of-charge. This distinction is explicitly defined in Section 5.2.1 of the MCP73864-I/SL datasheet and affects LED interface design.

Can the MCP73864-I/SL be used with single-cell Li-ion batteries?

No - the MCP73864-I/SL is specifically designed for dual-series Li-ion/Li-Po batteries, with input voltage range (8.7–12V), regulation options (8.2V/8.4V), and preconditioning threshold (5.6V) all scaled for 2S configurations. Using it with a single-cell battery would violate UVLO thresholds and result in failure to initiate or sustain charging, as confirmed in the MCP73864-I/SL device overview (Section 4.0).

What external components are required for basic operation of the MCP73864-I/SL?

Minimum external components for MCP73864-I/SL operation include: a PROG resistor (to set IREG), a TIMER capacitor (0.1 µF for default timing), input bypass capacitors (≥4.7 µF on VDD1/VDD2), output capacitors (≥4.7 µF on VBAT1/VBAT2), and optional thermistor network (THREF–THERM). The MCP73864-I/SL datasheet Figure 3-1 shows this minimal configuration, confirming no external MOSFET or sense resistor is needed.