Microchip Technology MCP73871T-3CCI/ML

Overview

MCP73871T-3CCI/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, and resistor-programmable fast charge current from 50 mA to 1A in a 20-lead QFN (4 mm × 4 mm) package. It is used in portable medical devices, GPS navigators, and Bluetooth headsets requiring autonomous power source selection and thermal regulation.

For engineers reviewing the MCP73871T-3CCI/ML datasheet, MCP73871T-3CCI/ML pinout, MCP73871T-3CCI/ML application, or MCP73871T-3CCI/ML equivalent, key selection considerations include its VPCC-based input voltage proportional current control, dual-source (USB/AC-DC) input current limiting, 4.20V fixed charge voltage option, -40°C to +85°C operating range, and integrated thermistor monitoring with 50 μA bias current.

Technical Context

The MCP73871T-3CCI/ML implements a constant-current/constant-voltage (CC/CV) charge algorithm with selectable termination via PROG3, preconditioning at 0.1C for deeply depleted cells, and thermal regulation that dynamically reduces charge current above 105°C junction temperature. Its VPCC circuitry enables real-time input voltage-dependent current scaling to prioritize system load over battery charge.

It features autonomous power-path management using ideal diode operation between IN/OUT and VBAT/OUT, with 200 mΩ typical R_DS(on) for both pass transistors, undervoltage lockout with 90 mV hysteresis, and four factory-set charge voltage options (4.10V/4.20V/4.35V/4.40V), where the "3" in the part number specifies 4.20V regulation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

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 (θ_JA = 50°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BQ24075RGTR and MAX1555ESA+, the MCP73871T-3CCI/ML uniquely combines VPCC-based load prioritization, integrated LBO at 3.1V, and thermal regulation with 1.8A input capability - making it optimal for thermally constrained, dual-source portable systems requiring robust autonomy.

Availability

MCP73871T-3CCI/ML is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for GPS navigators, portable medical devices, and Bluetooth headsets requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceability.

Supply support for MCP73871T-3CCI/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 Flash-IP solutions, serving automotive, industrial, consumer, and communications markets with high-reliability silicon and development tools.

The MCP73871 product line delivers fully integrated linear battery charge management with system load sharing for space-constrained portable electronics - designed to eliminate external discrete components while ensuring USB/IEC 62366 compliance and thermal safety.

FAQ

What is the charge voltage setting for MCP73871T-3CCI/ML?

The "3" in MCP73871T-3CCI/ML denotes the 4.20V charge voltage option, with ±0.5% regulation tolerance across -5°C to +55°C. This value is factory-trimmed and does not require external calibration. The MCP73871T-3CCI/ML achieves this precision using an internal 1.21V reference and 0.001 gain amplifier on the VBAT_SENSE pin, ensuring stable termination for standard single-cell Li-Ion batteries.

How does MCP73871T-3CCI/ML handle input power source selection between USB and AC-DC?

The MCP73871T-3CCI/ML uses the SEL pin to configure input behavior: when SEL = high, it enables AC-DC mode with up to 1.8A total input current; when SEL = low, it activates USB mode with PROG2 selecting either 100 mA or 500 mA limits. The MCP73871T-3CCI/ML autonomously routes power to OUT first, then charges the battery only with residual current - enforcing USB compliance without host software intervention.

What is the function of the VPCC pin on MCP73871T-3CCI/ML?

The VPCC pin on MCP73871T-3CCI/ML enables Voltage Proportional Charge Control: applying ≥1.23V to VPCC activates dynamic current scaling that reduces battery charge current as input voltage declines - preserving system load operation during weak or high-impedance sources. If VPCC is tied to IN, the feature is disabled. This ensures the MCP73871T-3CCI/ML maintains system uptime even when input sag occurs, a critical capability for field-deployed portable equipment.

Does MCP73871T-3CCI/ML support battery temperature monitoring?

Yes, MCP73871T-3CCI/ML integrates a 50 μA thermistor bias current source on the THERM pin and compares the resulting voltage against factory-set thresholds (0.25V and 1.24V). When the voltage falls outside this window - indicating out-of-range battery temperature - the MCP73871T-3CCI/ML immediately suspends charging and asserts both STAT1 and STAT2 low. Recovery occurs automatically once the thermistor voltage returns to the valid range.

What safety features are built into MCP73871T-3CCI/ML?

The MCP73871T-3CCI/ML includes undervoltage lockout (UVLO) with 90 mV hysteresis, thermal shutdown at 150°C (10°C hysteresis), a programmable safety timer (4/6/8 hours), automatic recharge at V_REG – 0.15V, reverse discharge protection (<40 μA leakage), and preconditioning for deeply depleted cells. These features operate autonomously - no firmware or host MCU is required to enforce safety, making the MCP73871T-3CCI/ML compliant with IEC 62366 usability standards for medical and consumer portable devices.