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Microchip Technology MCP73871-3CAI/ML
- Part No.:
- MCP73871-3CAI/ML
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Battery Chargers
- Package:
- 20-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MCP73871-3CAI/ML.pdf
- Description:
- IC BATT CHG LI-ION 1CELL 20QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:976
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Product details
Overview
MCP73871-3CAI/ML from Microchip Technology is a fully integrated linear Li-ion/Li-polymer battery charge management IC with system load sharing, supporting dual input sources (USB or AC-DC adapter), ±0.5% voltage regulation at 4.20 V, 1.8 A total input current limit, and thermal regulation. It powers portable systems while autonomously charging batteries in GPS navigators, Bluetooth headsets, and medical devices.
For engineers reviewing the MCP73871-3CAI/ML datasheet, MCP73871-3CAI/ML pinout, MCP73871-3CAI/ML application, or MCP73871-3CAI/ML equivalent, key selection criteria include its 4.20 V charge voltage option, LBO threshold of 3.1 V, 6-hour safety timer, QFN-20 package with exposed thermal pad, and VPCC-based input-current prioritization for system load over battery charge.
Technical Context
The MCP73871-3CAI/ML implements a constant-current/constant-voltage (CC/CV) charge algorithm with resistor-programmable fast charge current (50 mA to 1 A), selectable termination current ratio (7.5–12.5% of IREG), and automatic preconditioning for deeply depleted cells (0.1C). Its Voltage Proportional Current Control (VPCC) dynamically reduces charge current when input voltage drops below 1.23 V at the VPCC pin, preserving system power delivery.
It integrates dual pass transistors (IN→OUT and VBAT→OUT) with 200 mΩ RDS(on), ideal diode operation, reverse discharge protection, and thermistor-based temperature monitoring using a 50 μA bias current. The device operates across –40°C to +85°C and features open-drain status outputs (STAT1/LBO, STAT2, PG) with 16 mA sink capability.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Charge Voltage | 4.20 V ±0.5% - factory-trimmed precision for standard Li-ion cells; ensures safe full-charge without overvoltage stress. |
| Fast Charge Current | Resistor-programmable 50 mA to 1 A - enables design flexibility for battery capacity and thermal constraints. |
| Total Input Current Limit | 1.8 A max - shared between system load and battery charge; supports high-power portable applications. |
| LBO Threshold | 3.1 V with 150 mV hysteresis - triggers low-battery alert when running on battery; third character 'C' in part number confirms this setting. |
| Safety Timer | 6 hours - enabled by TE pin low; prevents indefinite charging; second character 'C' in part number specifies this interval. |
| Operating Temperature | –40°C to +85°C ambient - qualified for industrial and consumer portable equipment environments. |
| Package | 20-Lead QFN (4 mm × 4 mm) with exposed thermal pad - provides low thermal resistance (θJA = 50°C/W) for sustained high-current operation. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 20-Lead QFN (4 mm × 4 mm), RoHS-compliant, with exposed thermal pad (EP) internally connected to VSS. Requires PCB thermal pad connection to ground plane for thermal performance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 20 (OUT) | System output terminal | Delivers regulated power to system load; maintains operation even with absent/defective battery via power-path management. |
| 2 (VPCC) | Voltage proportional charge control input | Enables dynamic charge current reduction when input source sags; 1.23 V threshold ensures system load priority. |
| 3 (SEL) | Input source selection | High = AC-DC adapter mode (1.8 A total input); Low = USB mode (100/500 mA compliance). |
| 4 (PROG2) | USB current limit select | Digital input: Low = 100 mA, High = 500 mA USB unit-load compliance; only active when SEL = Low. |
| 5 (THERM) | Thermistor monitoring I/O | 50 μA bias current for NTC thermistor; compares voltage to 1.24 V / 0.25 V thresholds to suspend charging outside safe temp range. |
| 6 (PG) | Power Good status output | Open-drain indicator: low when VIN > UVLO and VIN > VBAT - signals valid external power presence to host MCU or LED. |
| 7 (STAT2) | Charge status output 2 | Open-drain: low during charge complete; used with STAT1 for multi-state LED indication or MCU status polling. |
| 8 (STAT1/LBO) | Charge status / low battery output | Open-drain: low during charging or when VBAT < 3.1 V while system runs on battery - dual-role status pin. |
| 9 (TE) | Timer Enable | Active-low enable for 6-hour safety timer; floating or high disables timer; compatible with 1.8 V logic. |
| 10, 11, EP (VSS) | Battery management ground reference | Common return for battery, system, and input; EP must be soldered to PCB ground plane for thermal and electrical integrity. |
| 12 (PROG3) | Termination set point | Resistor-to-VSS sets end-of-charge current ratio (7.5–12.5% of IREG) for both USB and AC modes. |
| 13 (PROG1) | Fast charge current regulation | Resistor-to-VSS programs max charge current (50 mA–1 A); also sets preconditioning current (10% of IREG). |
| 14, 15 (VBAT) | Battery positive connection | Main battery terminal; bypassed with ≥4.7 μF capacitor for stability during charge/discharge transients. |
| 16 (VBAT_SENSE) | Battery voltage sense | Precision feedback node for voltage regulation; internal 0.001× gain ensures accurate VREG sensing independent of trace resistance. |
| 17 (CE) | Charge Enable | Active-high digital enable; low disables all charging functions while preserving system power path; 1.8 V logic compatible. |
| 18, 19 (IN) | Power supply input | Accepts 4.3 V to 6 V from USB or AC-DC source; requires ≥4.7 μF ceramic bypass to VSS near pins. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated system load sharing | Ensures system powers up even with deeply depleted battery (VBAT < 2.5 V) by granting OUT priority over charging current. |
| Voltage Proportional Current Control (VPCC) | Automatically scales charge current down when input voltage sags - preserves system operation under weak/impedant sources. |
| Low-loss power-path with ideal diode | 200 mΩ IN→OUT and VBAT→OUT RDS(on) minimizes conduction loss; eliminates need for external Schottky diodes. |
| Four factory-set charge voltages | 4.10 V / 4.20 V / 4.35 V / 4.40 V options - supports legacy, standard, and high-capacity Li-ion chemistries without firmware change. |
| Thermal regulation with die temperature sensing | Reduces charge current above 150°C junction temperature - prevents thermal runaway and extends IC lifetime under high ambient loads. |
| Comprehensive fault detection and status signaling | Separate open-drain outputs for Power Good (PG), Charge Status (STAT2), and dual-role STAT1/LBO enable robust system-level monitoring. |
Applications
| GPS Navigation Devices | Bluetooth Headsets |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Portable handheld GPS units requiring continuous operation during vehicle charging and standalone battery use. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-source power manager and Li-ion charger - selects between 5 V USB and 5 V automotive adapter, regulates 4.20 V battery charge, and powers system load independently. Use Value: Enables seamless transition between power sources without system reset; LBO at 3.1 V alerts user before navigation failure. |
Use Scenario: Compact wireless audio accessories with limited PCB space and strict thermal budget. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-chip charge controller with integrated pass FETs - delivers 500 mA USB charge current while powering headset electronics from OUT pin. Use Value: Eliminates discrete MOSFETs and diodes; QFN-20 package fits tight form factors; thermal regulation prevents overheating during rapid charge. |
| Portable Medical Monitors | Smartphone Docking Stations |
|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered clinical devices needing reliable, certified charging with temperature and safety monitoring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Safety-compliant battery manager - enforces 6-hour timer, NTC-based thermal cutoff, and ±0.5% voltage accuracy per medical standards. Use Value: Reduces BOM count for regulatory certification; THERM pin interface simplifies thermistor integration for IEC 62368-1 compliance. |
Use Scenario: Desktop cradles that simultaneously charge smartphones and power peripheral interfaces (USB, HDMI). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current system load sharer - supplies up to 1.8 A total (system + battery) from AC adapter while maintaining 4.20 V battery regulation. Use Value: Supports fast charging without compromising dock functionality; VPCC prevents brownouts when adapter cable impedance limits input voltage. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Li-ion charge management applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BQ24075RGTR | Fixed 4.2 V charge voltage, no VPCC, 1.5 A max input current, no LBO output | Lacks system load priority and battery health indicators; suited for cost-sensitive, non-critical consumer devices | Choose when VPCC and LBO are unnecessary and lower input current suffices |
| MCP73831T-2DCI/OT | Single-input (USB only), 500 mA max charge current, SOT-23-5 package, no system load sharing | Designed for ultra-compact, low-power applications without AC adapter support or OUT pin functionality | Choose for space-constrained USB-only chargers where system load sharing is not required |
Compared with BQ24075RGTR and MCP73831T-2DCI/OT, the MCP73871-3CAI/ML uniquely combines dual-input selection, system load priority via VPCC, integrated power-path MOSFETs, and diagnostic outputs - making it optimal for feature-rich portable systems demanding reliability and flexibility.
Availability
MCP73871-3CAI/ML is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for GPS navigators, Bluetooth headsets, and portable medical devices requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed RoHS-compliant manufacturing.
Supply support for MCP73871-3CAI/ML 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 battery management solutions, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets with high-reliability silicon and design tools.
The MCP73871 product line delivers integrated linear charge management with system load sharing for portable electronics - designed to reduce external component count, simplify USB/AC dual-source designs, and enhance battery safety and runtime.
FAQ
What is the significance of the '3C' in MCP73871-3CAI/ML?
The '3C' in MCP73871-3CAI/ML denotes two factory-configured options: '3' specifies the 4.20 V charge voltage setting, and 'C' indicates a 3.1 V low-battery output (LBO) threshold with 150 mV hysteresis. This exact configuration is laser-trimmed during production and cannot be altered in-circuit. The MCP73871-3CAI/ML delivers precise, repeatable performance for standard Li-ion cells without external calibration.
How does the MCP73871-3CAI/ML prioritize system load over battery charging?
The MCP73871-3CAI/ML uses Voltage Proportional Current Control (VPCC) to dynamically scale charge current based on input voltage headroom. When the VPCC pin senses <1.23 V - indicating input source sag - it reduces battery charge current to preserve voltage at the OUT pin. This ensures uninterrupted system operation even under marginal USB or wall-adapter conditions, a core behavior confirmed in the functional block diagram and Section 4.2 of the datasheet.
Can the MCP73871-3CAI/ML operate without a battery connected?
Yes, the MCP73871-3CAI/ML can power the system load directly from IN to OUT without a battery. In this mode, the device behaves as a low-dropout power-path switch with ideal diode operation and 200 mΩ RDS(on). The OUT pin remains active as long as VIN exceeds UVLO (≈4.25 V) and CE is high. This capability is explicitly supported in the description and typical application circuit, enabling "battery-less" dock or accessory operation.
What thermal management features does the MCP73871-3CAI/ML include?
The MCP73871-3CAI/ML includes three thermal protections: (1) junction temperature shutdown at 150°C with 10°C hysteresis, (2) thermal regulation that reduces charge current above 125°C to maintain safe operating temperature, and (3) external NTC thermistor monitoring via the THERM pin with factory-set 1.24 V / 0.25 V thresholds. All are active during charging and documented in Sections 3.15 and Electrical Characteristics.
Is the MCP73871-3CAI/ML compatible with USB 2.0 power delivery specifications?
Yes, the MCP73871-3CAI/ML complies with USB 2.0 current limits when configured in USB mode (SEL = Low): PROG2 = Low enables 100 mA unit-load, and PROG2 = High enables 500 mA five-unit-load operation. It monitors VDD to ensure input current stays within specification and enters UVLO if VIN falls within ~100 mV of VBAT - preventing bus overcurrent and ensuring host port safety per USB-IF requirements.
MCP73871-3CAI/ML Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Battery Chemistry:
- Lithium Ion/Polymer
- Number of Cells:
- 1
- Current - Charging:
- Constant - Programmable
- Programmable Features:
- Timer
- Fault Protection:
- Over Temperature
- Charge Current - Max:
- 1.1A
- Battery Pack Voltage:
- 4.35V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 6V
- Interface:
- USB
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-QFN (4x4)
MCP73871-3CAI/ML FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP73871-3CAI/ML through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP73871-3CAI/ML on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MCP73871-3CAI/ML reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP73871-3CAI/ML are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCP73871-3CAI/ML is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP73871-3CAI/ML?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCP73871-3CAI/ML transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MCP73871-3CAI/ML?
MCP73871-3CAI/ML orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP73871-3CAI/ML order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MCP73871-3CAI/ML?
For technical support, including MCP73871-3CAI/ML datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP73871-3CAI/ML requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP73871-3CAI/ML is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP73871-3CAI/ML products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MCP73871-3CAI/ML meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP73871-3CAI/ML?
All MCP73871-3CAI/ML units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP73871-3CAI/ML, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MCP73871-3CAI/ML part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP73871-3CAI/ML:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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