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Home > Products > Integrated Circuits (ICs) > Power Management (PMIC) > Battery Chargers

Microchip Technology MCP73871T-4CAI/ML

Name: MCP73871T-4CAI/ML
Brand: Microchip Technology
SKU: MCP73871T-4CAI/ML
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: MCP73871T-4CAI/ML

Manufacturer:: Microchip Technology

Category:: Battery Chargers

Package:: 20-VFQFN Exposed Pad

Datasheet:: MCP73871T-4CAI/ML.pdf

Description:: IC BATT CHG LI-ION 1CELL 20QFN

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Product details

Overview

MCP73871T-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, and features VPCC-based priority control, thermal regulation, and 20-pin QFN (4 mm × 4 mm) packaging. It is used in portable medical devices, GPS navigators, and Bluetooth headsets.

For engineers reviewing the MCP73871T-4CAI/ML datasheet, MCP73871T-4CAI/ML pinout, MCP73871T-4CAI/ML application, or MCP73871T-4CAI/ML equivalent, key selection criteria include its 4.20V fixed charge voltage option (indicated by 'C' in suffix), LBO threshold of 3.1V ('C'), 6-hour safety timer ('C'), and compatibility with NTC thermistor-based temperature monitoring for safe charging in compact portable systems.

Technical Context

The MCP73871T-4CAI/ML implements a constant-current/constant-voltage (CC/CV) charge algorithm with autonomous input source selection between USB (SEL = Low) and AC-DC adapter (SEL = High). Its Voltage Proportional Current Control (VPCC) dynamically reduces charge current when input voltage drops-ensuring system load priority without interrupting operation.

It integrates dual pass transistors (IN→OUT and VBAT→OUT) with ≤200 mΩ R_DS(on), reverse discharge protection, and four open-drain status outputs (STAT1/LBO, STAT2, PG, TE) for LED or microcontroller interfacing. The device uses internal 1.21V reference and factory-trimmed thresholds for ±0.5% V_REG accuracy across –40°C to +85°C.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Charge Voltage	4.20V ±0.5% - precisely regulated final voltage for standard single-cell Li-ion batteries; 'C' in part number confirms this option.
Total Input Current Limit	1.8A max - shared between system load and battery charge when SEL = High; enables high-power portable designs.
Fast Charge Current Range	50 mA to 1 A - resistor-programmable via PROG1; supports wide battery capacity scaling (e.g., 100–2000 mAh).
LBO Threshold	3.1V - low-battery detection activates STAT1 when VBAT falls below 3.1V while system runs on battery; 'C' suffix denotes this value.
Safety Timer Duration	6 hours - factory-set timer disables charging after elapsed time unless reset; 'C' in suffix indicates 6 HR option.
Operating Temperature	–40°C to +85°C - fully specified ambient range; supports industrial and outdoor portable applications.
Package	20-Lead QFN (4 mm × 4 mm) with exposed thermal pad - enables compact layout and efficient heat dissipation in space-constrained PCBs.

Pinout & Package

Package: 20-Lead QFN (4 mm × 4 mm), RoHS-compliant, with exposed thermal pad (EP) electrically connected to VSS. Requires PCB thermal land connection for reliable thermal performance.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1, 20 (OUT)	System output terminal	Delivers regulated power to system load; maintains operation even with deeply depleted or absent battery.
2 (VPCC)	Voltage proportional charge control input	Enables dynamic charge current reduction when input voltage sags; connect to 1.23V reference or divider for adaptive prioritization.
3 (SEL)	Input source selection	High = AC-DC adapter mode (1.8A total current); Low = USB mode (100/500 mA current limit per PROG2).
4 (PROG2)	USB current limit select	Digital input: Low = 100 mA, High = 500 mA USB compliance; only active when SEL = Low.
5 (THERM)	Thermistor monitoring I/O	50 μA bias current source for 10 kΩ NTC; compares voltage to 1.24V/0.25V thresholds for over/under-temperature fault suspension.
6 (PG)	Power Good indicator	Open-drain output low when VIN > UVLO and VIN > VBAT - signals valid external power presence to host MCU or LED.
7 (STAT2)	Charge status indicator	Open-drain output: low during fast charge or preconditioning; high at charge completion or fault.
8 (STAT1/LBO)	Charge status / low-battery output	Open-drain dual-function: low during charging; low again when VBAT < 3.1V under battery-only operation.
9 (TE)	Timer Enable	Active-low input: low enables 6-hour safety timer; high disables it - allows host-controlled timer management.
10, 11, EP (VSS)	Ground reference	Common 0V return for battery, system, input supply, and thermal pad; EP must be soldered to PCB ground plane.
12 (PROG3)	Termination set point	Resistor-to-VSS sets end-of-charge current ratio (e.g., 10 kΩ → 100 mA termination for 1 A charge).
13 (PROG1)	Fast charge current setting	Resistor-to-VSS programs max CC current (50 mA–1 A); determines both fast charge and preconditioning levels.
14, 15 (VBAT)	Battery positive connection	Main battery terminal; carries full charge/discharge current; bypass with ≥4.7 μF capacitor for stability.
16 (VBAT_SENSE)	Battery voltage sense	High-impedance feedback node for precision V_REG regulation; connects directly to battery anode for accurate sensing.
17 (CE)	Charge enable	Active-high digital input: high enables charging; low disables all charge functions while preserving system power path.
18, 19 (IN)	Input power supply	Accepts 4.3V–6V from USB or AC-DC source; requires ≥4.7 μF local bypass capacitance.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Integrated system load sharing	Ensures uninterrupted system operation during battery charging or depletion by prioritizing OUT over VBAT - eliminates brownouts in portable devices.
Voltage Proportional Current Control (VPCC)	Automatically scales charge current downward as input voltage drops - preserves system functionality under weak/limited USB or wall adapter sources.
Four factory-set charge voltages	4.20V option ('C') matches standard Li-ion cells; eliminates external DAC or trimming components for precise CV stage.
Thermal regulation with shutdown	Reduces charge current above 150°C junction temperature and halts charging at 150°C ±10°C - prevents thermal runaway in sealed enclosures.
NTC thermistor interface with hysteresis	Supports common 10 kΩ NTCs with 1.24V/0.25V thresholds and built-in 40 mV hysteresis - enables robust battery temperature window control without external comparators.
Low-battery indicator with 3.1V threshold	Provides early warning of battery exhaustion (LBO) while operating on battery - allows graceful system shutdown before critical voltage collapse.

Applications

Portable Medical Devices	GPS Navigators
Use Scenario: Handheld blood glucose meters and portable ECG monitors requiring continuous operation and reliable battery charging from USB or travel adapters. IC Role / Device Role: Autonomous charge manager with load sharing ensures device remains powered during charging and detects low battery before clinical data loss. Use Value: 3.1V LBO threshold and 6-hour safety timer prevent unexpected shutdown during patient monitoring; VPCC maintains system voltage during marginal USB power.	Use Scenario: Automotive and outdoor GPS units that switch between vehicle USB power and internal Li-ion battery during navigation. IC Role / Device Role: Dual-input power manager enabling seamless transition between USB host and battery, with real-time status signaling to GPS MCU. Use Value: 4.20V regulation and ±0.5% tolerance ensure optimal battery longevity; open-drain STAT1/STAT2/PG outputs simplify MCU polling without level shifters.
Bluetooth Headsets	Charge Cradles/Docking Stations
Use Scenario: Compact wireless earbuds and headsets with tight board space, charged via USB-C port and requiring thermal-safe charging. IC Role / Device Role: Single-chip solution integrating charge control, temperature monitoring, and system power path - replaces discrete MOSFET + controller designs. Use Value: 20-pin QFN footprint minimizes PCB area; integrated 50 μA THERM bias and comparator eliminate external circuitry for NTC-based thermal cutoff.	Use Scenario: Multi-device docking stations that concurrently charge smartphones, tablets, and accessories using shared AC-DC input. IC Role / Device Role: Primary charge controller for single-bay cradles, managing battery charge while powering cradle logic and status LEDs. Use Value: 1.8A total input current support enables fast charging of 2000+ mAh batteries; PG output signals cradle firmware when external power is available.

Portable Medical Devices

GPS Navigators

Use Scenario: Handheld blood glucose meters and portable ECG monitors requiring continuous operation and reliable battery charging from USB or travel adapters.

IC Role / Device Role: Autonomous charge manager with load sharing ensures device remains powered during charging and detects low battery before clinical data loss.

Use Value: 3.1V LBO threshold and 6-hour safety timer prevent unexpected shutdown during patient monitoring; VPCC maintains system voltage during marginal USB power.

Use Scenario: Automotive and outdoor GPS units that switch between vehicle USB power and internal Li-ion battery during navigation.

IC Role / Device Role: Dual-input power manager enabling seamless transition between USB host and battery, with real-time status signaling to GPS MCU.

Use Value: 4.20V regulation and ±0.5% tolerance ensure optimal battery longevity; open-drain STAT1/STAT2/PG outputs simplify MCU polling without level shifters.

Bluetooth Headsets

Charge Cradles/Docking Stations

Use Scenario: Compact wireless earbuds and headsets with tight board space, charged via USB-C port and requiring thermal-safe charging.

IC Role / Device Role: Single-chip solution integrating charge control, temperature monitoring, and system power path - replaces discrete MOSFET + controller designs.

Use Value: 20-pin QFN footprint minimizes PCB area; integrated 50 μA THERM bias and comparator eliminate external circuitry for NTC-based thermal cutoff.

Use Scenario: Multi-device docking stations that concurrently charge smartphones, tablets, and accessories using shared AC-DC input.

IC Role / Device Role: Primary charge controller for single-bay cradles, managing battery charge while powering cradle logic and status LEDs.

Use Value: 1.8A total input current support enables fast charging of 2000+ mAh batteries; PG output signals cradle firmware when external power is available.

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 charge voltage, no VPCC, 1.5A max input current, no LBO output	Lacks system load sharing priority and battery temperature monitoring; limited to basic USB-powered devices	Choose BQ24075RGTR only if VPCC, LBO, and thermal monitoring are unnecessary and lower cost is critical.
MCP73831T-2DCI/OT	Single-input (USB only), 500 mA max charge current, no SEL/PROG2, no LBO, 4.2V only	Designed for ultra-compact USB-only chargers; lacks AC-DC support, load sharing, and multi-level status signaling	Select MCP73831T-2DCI/OT for simple, low-cost USB battery packs where dual-input flexibility and advanced status are not required.

Compared with BQ24075RGTR and MCP73831T-2DCI/OT, the MCP73871T-4CAI/ML uniquely combines dual-input selection, VPCC-based load priority, integrated LBO at 3.1V, and 6-hour safety timer - making it the only choice for feature-complete, thermally aware, and system-resilient portable charging in demanding applications.

Availability

MCP73871T-4CAI/ML is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical devices, GPS navigators, and Bluetooth headsets requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed RoHS-compliant QFN packaging.

Supply support for MCP73871T-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 is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog devices, and battery management ICs, emphasizing reliability, long-term product availability, and design-in support for industrial and consumer applications.

The MCP73871 product line delivers integrated linear charge management with system load sharing for portable electronics - designed specifically to simplify power architecture in space- and thermal-constrained USB/AC-DC dual-source devices.

FAQ

What does the '4CAI/ML' suffix in MCP73871T-4CAI/ML indicate?

The '4CAI/ML' suffix specifies key factory-configured options: '4' denotes the 4.20V charge voltage option, 'C' indicates 3.1V low-battery threshold and 6-hour safety timer, 'A' means automatic recharge enabled, 'I' signifies industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), and 'ML' is the 20-lead QFN package code. These settings are laser-trimmed and non-adjustable in-circuit.

How does MCP73871T-4CAI/ML handle power source arbitration between USB and AC-DC adapter?

The MCP73871T-4CAI/ML uses the SEL pin to arbitrate: when SEL = High, it configures for AC-DC adapter mode with up to 1.8A total input current; when SEL = Low, it switches to USB mode with programmable 100/500 mA limits via PROG2. The device autonomously powers the system from the highest-priority valid source without external control.

Can MCP73871T-4CAI/ML charge a battery while the system is powered solely from that battery?

No - the MCP73871T-4CAI/ML requires an external input (VIN > UVLO threshold) to initiate or sustain charging. However, it supports system operation from the battery alone (with STAT1 asserting LBO below 3.1V) and seamlessly transitions to charging when input power is reapplied, thanks to automatic recharge and VPCC-assisted load sharing.

What is the role of the VPCC pin in MCP73871T-4CAI/ML, and how should it be configured?

The VPCC pin enables Voltage Proportional Current Control: applying ≥1.23V (e.g., via resistor divider from IN) causes the MCP73871T-4CAI/ML to reduce charge current if input voltage sags - preserving system voltage. Leaving VPCC unconnected or tied to IN disables VPCC, reverting to fixed current regulation. This feature is critical for stable operation with high-impedance or current-limited USB sources.

Does MCP73871T-4CAI/ML support battery temperature monitoring, and how is it implemented?

Yes - MCP73871T-4CAI/ML integrates a 50 μA thermistor bias current source on the THERM pin and compares the resulting voltage to factory-set 1.24V (high-temp) and 0.25V (low-temp) thresholds. When voltage exceeds either threshold, charging suspends immediately. External 10 kΩ NTC thermistors are directly supported; no external op-amps or ADCs are needed.

MCP73871T-4CAI/ML Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Microchip Technology

Series:: -

Package/Case:: 20-VFQFN Exposed Pad

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

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)

MCP73871T-4CAI/ML FAQ

1.How can I place an order for MCP73871T-4CAI/ML through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCP73871T-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 MCP73871T-4CAI/ML reliable?

The price and inventory of MCP73871T-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 MCP73871T-4CAI/ML is usually 5 days.

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MCP73871T-4CAI/ML orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

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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 MCP73871T-4CAI/ML?

For technical support, including MCP73871T-4CAI/ML datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCP73871T-4CAI/ML requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that MCP73871T-4CAI/ML is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All MCP73871T-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 MCP73871T-4CAI/ML meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCP73871T-4CAI/ML?

All MCP73871T-4CAI/ML units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCP73871T-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 MCP73871T-4CAI/ML part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for MCP73871T-4CAI/ML:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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