Microchip Technology MCP73871-4CAI/ML
- Part No.:
- MCP73871-4CAI/ML
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Battery Chargers
- Package:
- 20-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MCP73871-4CAI/ML.pdf
- Description:
- IC BATT CHG LI-ION 1CELL 20QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MCP73871-4CAI/ML from Microchip Technology is a fully integrated linear Li-Ion/Li-Polymer battery charge management IC with system load sharing, supporting simultaneous system power delivery and battery charging from USB or AC-DC sources. It delivers up to 1.8A total input current, ±0.5% voltage regulation at 4.20V, resistor-programmable fast charge current (50 mA–1A), and operates across –40°C to +85°C in portable medical devices and Bluetooth headsets.
For engineers reviewing the MCP73871-4CAI/ML datasheet, MCP73871-4CAI/ML pinout, MCP73871-4CAI/ML application, or MCP73871-4CAI/ML equivalent, key selection criteria include its VPCC-based input priority control, dual-source (USB/AC) current limiting, thermal regulation, LBO threshold of 3.1V, and 20-pin QFN package with exposed thermal pad.
Technical Context
The MCP73871-4CAI/ML implements a constant-current/constant-voltage (CC/CV) charge algorithm with four factory-set regulation voltages (4.10V/4.20V/4.35V/4.40V); this variant is configured for 4.20V ±0.5%. Its Voltage Proportional Current Control (VPCC) dynamically reduces charge current when input voltage drops, preserving system load priority via ideal diode power-path management.
It integrates dual pass transistors (IN→OUT and VBAT→OUT), reverse discharge protection, and autonomous source selection between battery and input. The device uses internal 50 μA thermistor biasing with fixed 1.24V/0.25V trip thresholds and supports programmable safety timer (6-hour interval, per 'C' in part number) and preconditioning at 0.1C for deeply depleted cells.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Charge Voltage | 4.20V ±0.5% - precise regulation for standard single-cell Li-ion batteries, ensuring safe full-charge termination without overvoltage stress. |
| Max Input Current | 1.8A total - shared between system load and battery charge, enabling high-power portable designs without external current limiting. |
| Fast Charge Current | 50 mA to 1A - resistor-programmable via PROG1, allowing flexible design trade-offs between charge time and thermal dissipation. |
| LBO Threshold | 3.1V - low-battery detection level (per 'C' in suffix), triggering STAT1 output to alert host MCU or LED when battery voltage falls below operational minimum. |
| Safety Timer | 6 hours - enabled by TE pin, prevents indefinite charging under fault conditions; interval confirmed by second character 'C' in part number. |
| Operating Temp | –40°C to +85°C - fully specified ambient range, supporting industrial-grade reliability in handheld and medical applications. |
| Package | 20-Lead QFN (4 mm × 4 mm) with exposed thermal pad - optimized for compact PCB layouts and efficient heat dissipation in space-constrained devices. |
Pinout & Package
20-Lead QFN (4 mm × 4 mm) with exposed thermal pad (EP), internally connected to VSS. Requires PCB thermal pad connection to ground plane for thermal performance and electrical stability.
| 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 prioritization. |
| 2 (VPCC) | Voltage Proportional Charge Control Input | Enables dynamic charge current reduction when input voltage sags-ensures system load retains priority over battery charging. |
| 3 (SEL) | Input Source Selection | High = AC-DC adapter mode (1.8A max input); Low = USB mode (100/500 mA selectable via PROG2). |
| 4 (PROG2) | USB Input Current Select | Digital input: Low = 100 mA, High = 500 mA USB current limit-complies with USB 2.0 unit-load definitions. |
| 5 (THERM) | Thermistor Monitoring I/O | Biased with 50 μA internal current source; compares voltage against 1.24V/0.25V thresholds to suspend charging outside safe temperature window. |
| 6 (PG) | Power Good Status Output | Open-drain indicator active-low when VIN > UVLO threshold and VIN > VBAT-signals valid input power to host or LED. |
| 7 (STAT2) | Charge Status Output 2 | Open-drain output indicating charge complete (low) or active charging (high); used with STAT1 for multi-state status reporting. |
| 8 (STAT1/LBO) | Charge Status / Low Battery Output | Open-drain dual-function pin: low during charging; low again when VBAT < 3.1V while running on battery-enables single-pin battery health monitoring. |
| 9 (TE) | Timer Enable Input | Active-low enable for 6-hour safety timer; floating or high disables timer-allows host MCU to override timing based on thermal or system conditions. |
| 10, 11, EP (VSS) | Battery Management Ground Reference | Main 0V reference for all analog blocks; exposed thermal pad must be soldered to PCB ground plane for thermal and electrical integrity. |
| 12 (PROG3) | Termination Set Point Input | Resistor-to-ground sets end-of-charge current ratio (7.5–12.5% of fast charge current)-configures CV-to-trickle transition point. |
| 13 (PROG1) | Fast Charge Current Regulation | Resistor-to-ground programs maximum CC current (50 mA–1A); also sets preconditioning current at 10% of CC value. |
| 14, 15 (VBAT) | Battery Positive Connection | Direct connection to Li-ion cell anode; bypass capacitor required for loop stability during battery disconnection events. |
| 16 (VBAT_SENSE) | Battery Voltage Sense | Precision feedback node for voltage regulation-internally compared to VREF (1.21V) with 0.001 gain to set final VREG accuracy. |
| 17 (CE) | Charge Enable Input | Active-high digital enable; low disables all charging functions while preserving system power path-supports host-controlled charge sequencing. |
| 18, 19 (IN) | Power Supply Input | Accepts 4.3V–6V from USB or AC-DC source; requires ≥4.7 μF ceramic bypass capacitor to suppress ripple and ensure UVLO stability. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Voltage Proportional Current Control (VPCC) | Dynamic charge current scaling preserves system load priority during input voltage sag-eliminates brownout risk in USB-powered devices. |
| Integrated Power-Path Management | Dual synchronous switches enable seamless handoff between battery and input sources-supports hot-plug operation and battery-less boot. |
| Resistor-Programmable Safety Timer | 6-hour timeout (confirmed by 'C' in part number) prevents thermal runaway during failed or mismatched battery conditions. |
| Low-Battery Indicator (LBO) | 3.1V threshold (per 'C' in suffix) provides early warning before system shutdown-enables graceful save-and-sleep sequences in portable devices. |
| Thermistor-Based Temperature Monitoring | Fixed 1.24V/0.25V comparator thresholds with 50 μA bias current simplify NTC integration-no external op-amps or ADC required. |
Applications
| Portable Medical Devices | Bluetooth® Headsets |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Wearable glucose monitors requiring continuous operation and reliable battery recharging via USB-C cable. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: System load sharing controller managing simultaneous sensor/data transmission power and Li-Po battery recharge. Use Value: Enables uninterrupted patient monitoring during charging-prevents data loss or session interruption due to battery depletion. | Use Scenario: Compact wireless earbuds docked in charging cradle with USB input and embedded battery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Autonomous charge manager selecting between cradle power and battery, enforcing USB current limits during host enumeration. Use Value: Guarantees compliance with USB specification while delivering full 500 mA charge current when cradle reports high-power capability. |
| GPS Navigators | Digital Cameras |
Use Scenario: Vehicle-mounted navigation units powered from 12V car adapter with internal Li-ion backup battery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-input (AC-DC/USB) charge controller with VPCC ensuring stable GPS module operation during engine start voltage dips. Use Value: Maintains GNSS lock and map rendering during transient input sags-critical for turn-by-turn guidance reliability. | Use Scenario: DSLR-style mirrorless cameras using USB-C for both data transfer and battery top-up during studio use. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-charge coordinator regulating up to 1A CC current while powering image sensor and processor simultaneously. Use Value: Reduces recharge time by 40% versus basic linear chargers-enables rapid turnaround between photo shoots. |
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 4.2V regulation, no VPCC, 1.5A max input, no LBO output | Lacks system load priority and battery health indication-requires external circuitry for low-battery signaling | Choose when cost sensitivity outweighs need for intelligent power-path control and battery state awareness |
| MAX1555ESA+ | Fixed 4.2V, 500 mA max charge current, no programmable timer, no thermistor interface | Supports only USB input, no AC-DC option-unsuitable for dual-source portable systems | Prefer for ultra-low-cost USB-only accessories where thermal monitoring and extended runtime are secondary |
Compared with BQ24075RGTR and MAX1555ESA+, the MCP73871-4CAI/ML uniquely combines VPCC-based load priority, 3.1V LBO, 6-hour safety timer, and dual-input flexibility-making it optimal for feature-rich portable electronics requiring robust, autonomous battery management.
Availability
MCP73871-4CAI/ML is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical devices, Bluetooth headsets, GPS navigators, and digital cameras requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.
Supply support for MCP73871-4CAI/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 Inc. is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and battery management solutions, serving automotive, industrial, and consumer markets with high-reliability silicon and development tools.
The MCP73871 product line delivers fully integrated linear charge controllers with system load sharing for space-constrained portable electronics-designed to eliminate external MOSFETs, sense resistors, and discrete logic while maintaining USB/AC-DC dual-source compliance.
FAQ
What is the exact charge voltage regulation setting for MCP73871-4CAI/ML?
The MCP73871-4CAI/ML is factory-configured for 4.20V constant-voltage regulation with ±0.5% tolerance at +25°C and ±0.75% across –5°C to +55°C. This matches standard single-cell Li-ion battery requirements and is confirmed by the '4' in the part number prefix, indicating the 4.20V option.
How does the LBO function work on MCP73871-4CAI/ML?
The MCP73871-4CAI/ML provides low-battery indication via STAT1/LBO pin with a fixed 3.1V threshold (denoted by 'C' in the suffix). It activates only when the system runs from battery (VIN < VBAT) and VBAT falls below 3.1V, pulling STAT1 low to drive an LED or signal a host MCU-enabling graceful shutdown before brownout.
What safety timer duration is implemented in MCP73871-4CAI/ML?
The MCP73871-4CAI/ML incorporates a 6-hour safety timer, indicated by the 'C' as the second character in its operational code. The timer starts upon entering fast-charge mode and expires after 6 hours unless reset by cycling the CE pin or transitioning to standby-preventing unsafe prolonged charging.
Can MCP73871-4CAI/ML operate with both USB and AC-DC inputs simultaneously?
No-MCP73871-4CAI/ML autonomously selects between USB and AC-DC inputs based on the SEL pin state (low = USB, high = AC-DC), but does not parallel or combine them. It supports seamless handoff: if AC-DC is removed, the device continues powering the system from battery while maintaining charge readiness for USB reconnection.
What is the purpose of the VPCC pin on MCP73871-4CAI/ML?
The VPCC pin on MCP73871-4CAI/ML enables Voltage Proportional Current Control: when input voltage sags (e.g., due to weak USB port or high-impedance wall adapter), the IC reduces charge current to preserve system load voltage. Applying ≥1.23V to VPCC activates this feature-ensuring stable operation during marginal input conditions.
MCP73871-4CAI/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:
- 4.4V
- 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)
MCP73871-4CAI/ML FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCP73871-4CAI/ML through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP73871-4CAI/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 MCP73871-4CAI/ML reliable?
The price and inventory of MCP73871-4CAI/ML are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCP73871-4CAI/ML is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCP73871-4CAI/ML?
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MCP73871-4CAI/ML orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCP73871-4CAI/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 MCP73871-4CAI/ML?
For technical support, including MCP73871-4CAI/ML datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP73871-4CAI/ML requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP73871-4CAI/ML is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCP73871-4CAI/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 MCP73871-4CAI/ML meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP73871-4CAI/ML?
All MCP73871-4CAI/ML units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP73871-4CAI/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 MCP73871-4CAI/ML part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCP73871-4CAI/ML:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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