Microchip Technology MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR
- Part No.:
- MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package:
- 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK 5V 2.5A 20SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR from Microchip Technology is a 200 kHz synchronous buck (step-down) DC/DC regulator with fixed 5.0 V output, internal 100 mΩ P-channel and N-channel MOSFETs, 2.5 A output current capability, and dual-mode PWM/skip operation for up to 96% efficiency in battery-powered systems such as laptop computers and handheld instruments.
For engineers reviewing the MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR datasheet, MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR pinout, MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR application, or MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR equivalent, key selection considerations include its 4.5–16.5 V input range, 100% duty cycle low-dropout support, 1.245 V internal reference, open-drain PWRGD flag, and external PWM/skip mode control for dynamic efficiency optimization.
Technical Context
The MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR implements current-mode control with internal current sensing for superior line regulation and simplified loop compensation. Its half-H-bridge switch stage integrates a P-channel high-side and N-channel low-side MOSFET, both rated at ≤250 mΩ on-resistance at 12 V input, with anti-shoot-through logic ensuring safe switching transitions.
It supports externally selected dual-mode operation: PWM mode (≥200 mA load) delivers stable 200 kHz switching with pulse-by-pulse current limiting (4.7 A typ.), while skip mode (<200 mA load) enables self-oscillating burst operation with 600 μA quiescent current and 300 mA max regulated output - enabling ultra-low-power standby without external controller intervention.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 5.0 V ±1.5% (4.85–5.15 V over 6–16 V input, 10 mA–2 A load), enabling direct replacement of linear regulators in 5 V rail applications. |
| Input Voltage Range | +4.5 V to +16.5 V - supports wide-input industrial and automotive battery systems, with UVLO thresholds at 4.35 V (turn-on) and 4.15 V (turn-off). |
| Max Output Current | 2.5 A continuous - sustained via internal MOSFETs with thermal shutdown protection and junction temperature limit of +125°C. |
| Switching Frequency | 200 kHz preset (±20%), synchronizable to 220–300 kHz external clock - allows EMI reduction and noise-sensitive system coexistence. |
| Quiescent Current | 600 μA in skip mode, 1.0 mA in PWM mode, <5 μA in shutdown - critical for battery runtime extension in portable devices. |
| Feedback Reference | 1.245 V ±2.4% (1.22–1.27 V) - sets precision output tolerance and enables accurate resistor-divider design for adjustable variants. |
| Power Good Threshold | 4.54 V nominal at FB pin (±1.5%), corresponding to 90.8% of 5.0 V output - provides reliable undervoltage detection before system reset. |
Pinout & Package
Packaged in a 20-lead Wide SOIC (WM) with exposed thermal pad, operating from –40°C to +85°C ambient. Pin layout optimized for high-current paths (VIN, SW, PGND) and noise-sensitive analog signals (FB, COMP, BIAS).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 9 - VIN | Input Power Supply | Three parallel input pins reduce trace resistance and thermal rise; require local 22 μF/35 V ceramic+electrolytic bypass to PGND. |
| 3, 8 - SW | Half-Bridge Switch Node | High-current output node connecting to inductor; must be routed with short, wide traces to minimize ringing and EMI. |
| 4–7 - PGND | Power Ground Return | Four dedicated low-impedance ground pins for MOSFET source return; connect directly to central power ground plane. |
| 10 - PWM | Mode Control Input | Logic-level select: low = PWM mode (≥200 mA), high = skip mode (<200 mA); must not float - tie to EN or microcontroller GPIO. |
| 11 - PWRGD | Open-Drain Power Good Flag | Active-low signal indicating output is within 90% of nominal; requires external pull-up to VIN for system monitoring or sequencing. |
| 12 - FB | Feedback Input | Connects to resistor divider for adjustable versions; unused in MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR but internally tied to 5.0 V reference network. |
| 13 - COMP | Error Amplifier Output | Compensation node for RC network (e.g., 5 kΩ + 4.7 nF) to stabilize control loop across line/load transients. |
| 14–17 - SGND | Signal Ground Reference | Separate ground for analog circuitry (FB, COMP, BIAS); must be connected to PGND only at single point under IC body. |
| 18 - SYNC | Frequency Synchronization Input | Accepts external clock (220–300 kHz); leave unconnected or tie to SGND if synchronization not required. |
| 19 - BIAS | Internal 3.3 V Bias Supply | Provides regulated 3.3 V for internal logic; decouple with 0.01 μF ceramic capacitor to SGND - no external load permitted. |
| 20 - EN | Enable Control Input | Active-high enable: logic high ≥1.6 V enables regulation; logic low ≤0.8 V disables output and reduces IQ to <5 μA. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 100% Duty Cycle Operation | Enables dropout voltage as low as (100 mΩ × ILOAD), supporting regulation down to VIN – VOUT ≈ 0.25 V at 2.5 A - ideal for Li-ion battery discharge tail-end. |
| Dual-Mode Efficiency Optimization | Automatically selects between PWM (high-current stability) and skip (low-IQ burst) based on external logic - eliminates need for separate LDO in sleep states. |
| Integrated Current-Mode Control | Eliminates need for external current-sense resistor; internal slope compensation ensures stability >50% duty cycle without subharmonic oscillation. |
| Robust Protection Suite | Includes pulse-by-pulse current limit (4.7 A typ.), thermal shutdown (>125°C), undervoltage lockout, and open-drain PWRGD fault signaling - reduces BOM count and board area. |
| Low-Noise Synchronous Rectification | N-channel MOSFET replaces Schottky diode during freewheeling, reducing conduction loss by ~0.3 V × ILOAD - improves full-load efficiency by 3–5% vs. asynchronous designs. |
Applications
| Laptop Power Management | Industrial Handheld Instruments |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Regulating 5 V rail from 7–16 V battery or adapter input in clamshell-form factor laptops with dynamic CPU load profiles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary step-down regulator delivering 2.5 A to core logic, USB ports, and display backlight drivers. Use Value: Dual-mode operation extends battery life by 22% during light-load idle (skip mode) while maintaining <1% output ripple during burst CPU activity (PWM mode). |
Use Scenario: Powering microcontroller, ADC, and wireless transceiver in portable test equipment operating from 2-cell Li-ion (6–8.4 V) or 9 V alkaline. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main 5 V supply with PWRGD flag enabling controlled MCU wake-up and brownout-safe shutdown sequencing. Use Value: 600 μA skip-mode IQ and 100% duty cycle allow uninterrupted operation down to 5.2 V input - extending usable battery capacity by 18% versus standard buck converters. |
| Cellular Baseband Power | Battery Charger Supervision |
Use Scenario: Providing clean, low-noise 5 V supply to RF front-end and baseband processor in cellular modules where EMI must meet FCC Class B limits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-efficiency buck converter synchronized to system clock via SYNC pin to shift switching harmonics away from sensitive bands. Use Value: 200 kHz base frequency + 220–300 kHz sync range enables deterministic EMI placement; synchronous rectification reduces conducted noise by 12 dBμV. |
Use Scenario: Generating regulated 5 V bias for charge management ICs and status LEDs in multi-chemistry battery chargers (Li-ion, NiMH, lead-acid). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Auxiliary supply with EN-controlled soft-start and PWRGD confirmation to prevent charger IC initialization before stable 5 V is established. Use Value: <5 μA shutdown IQ prevents parasitic drain during storage; UVLO hysteresis (4.35 V/4.15 V) avoids oscillation near battery cutoff voltage. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous buck regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP2315GJ-Z (Monolithic Power) | Fixed 5 V output, 2 A max, 500 kHz switching, no skip mode, 2.5 μA shutdown IQ | Lacks dual-mode efficiency optimization; higher switching frequency increases EMI filtering complexity | Prefer when board space is constrained and light-load efficiency is secondary to peak current density |
| TPS54202DRCT (Texas Instruments) | Adjustable output (0.6–17 V), 2 A max, 500 kHz, Eco-mode™ (similar to skip), 18 μA shutdown IQ | Requires external feedback resistors; higher shutdown IQ reduces battery standby time | Prefer when output voltage flexibility or tighter thermal performance (–40°C to +125°C) is required |
Compared with MP2315GJ-Z and TPS54202DRCT, the MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR uniquely balances 2.5 A capability, 600 μA skip-mode IQ, and 100% duty cycle in a thermally enhanced SOIC package - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, battery-constrained 5 V systems requiring both high peak current and ultra-low standby consumption.
Availability
MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for laptop computers, handheld instruments, cellular telephones, battery chargers, and industrial embedded controllers requiring stable component supply with full lifecycle support.
Supply support for MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR 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 manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog, and power management ICs, with global manufacturing and quality certifications including ISO 9001 and AEC-Q200.
The MIC2178 family was designed specifically for high-efficiency, battery-powered DC/DC conversion in portable computing and communications equipment - emphasizing low-quiescent-current operation, integrated MOSFETs, and intelligent mode selection.
FAQ
What is the maximum output current supported by the MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR?
The MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR supports up to 2.5 A continuous output current under typical conditions (TA = +25°C, VIN = 12 V). This rating assumes proper PCB thermal design with adequate copper pour on PGND and the exposed thermal pad. At elevated ambient temperatures or reduced input voltage, derating applies per the thermal resistance (θJA) and power dissipation curves in the datasheet. The device includes pulse-by-pulse current limiting at 4.7 A (typ.) to protect against short-circuit events.
Does the MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR require external feedback resistors to set the output voltage?
No, the MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR is a fixed-output variant with the 5.0 V regulation network internally trimmed and connected. Unlike the adjustable MIC2178-ADJ version, it does not use the FB pin for external resistor dividers. The FB pin remains functional for internal reference monitoring but is not user-accessible for voltage programming - simplifying layout and eliminating resistor tolerance errors in production.
How does the PWM/Skip mode control work on the MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR?
The MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR uses the PWM pin (Pin 10) as a logic-level input: a logic low (≤0.8 V) forces PWM mode for stable 200 kHz operation above 200 mA load, while a logic high (≥1.6 V) enables skip mode for burst-based regulation below 200 mA. The mode must be set externally - typically by a system microcontroller - and the device always starts in PWM mode regardless of initial PWM pin state.
What is the purpose of the BIAS pin on the MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR?
The BIAS pin (Pin 19) provides access to an internal 3.3 V regulator that powers the MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR's analog and logic circuits. It must be decoupled with a 0.01 μF ceramic capacitor to SGND but cannot drive any external load - doing so will degrade regulation accuracy and may cause instability. This dedicated bias rail isolates sensitive control circuitry from noisy power paths.
Can the MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR operate with input voltages below 4.5 V?
No, the MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR incorporates undervoltage lockout (UVLO) that disables regulation when VIN falls below 4.2 V (hysteresis lower threshold) and re-enables only when VIN rises above 4.35 V (upper threshold). Operation below 4.5 V is outside the specified operating range and risks improper gate drive to the internal MOSFETs, potentially causing erratic behavior or failure to regulate. For sub-4.5 V inputs, consider alternative regulators like the MIC24045.
MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- Function:
- Step-Down
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Buck
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 4.5V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 16.5V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 5V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 2.5A
- Frequency - Switching:
- 200kHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- No
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-SOIC
MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR 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 MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR reliable?
The price and inventory of MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR?
MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR 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 MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR?
For technical support, including MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR 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 MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR?
All MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR, 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 MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MIC2178-5.0BWM-TR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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