Microchip Technology MIC2860-2PYC6-TR

Overview

MIC2860-2PYC6-TR from Microchip Technology is a high-efficiency, dual-channel linear white LED (WLED) driver optimized for portable display and keypad backlighting. It operates from 3.0V to 5.5V input, delivers 30.2 mA per channel with ±0.5% typical current matching, and achieves 52 mV dropout at full load-enabling direct battery drive without switching noise in mobile handsets and GPS devices.

For engineers reviewing the MIC2860-2PYC6-TR datasheet, MIC2860-2PYC6-TR pinout, MIC2860-2PYC6-TR application, or MIC2860-2PYC6-TR equivalent, key selection criteria include PWM dimming down to 1% duty cycle, SC-70 package thermal resistance (256°C/W), linear regulation architecture eliminating boost circuitry, and guaranteed operation from –40°C to +125°C junction temperature.

Technical Context

The MIC2860-2PYC6-TR implements two independent low-dropout linear current sinks, each regulated by an internal 1.27 V reference and externally set via RSET resistor. Its PWM control block accepts signals as low as 250 Hz and supports precise dimming without entering shutdown during 1% duty cycles due to integrated standby timing control.

No switching elements are used-efficiency stems from eliminating switching losses entirely. The architecture avoids charge pumps or inductive boost stages, relying instead on ultra-low dropout (52 mV typ.) to maintain regulation directly from battery voltage while ensuring uniform illumination via tight channel-to-channel current matching (±0.5% typ.).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 6-Lead SC-70 (C6), 2.0 mm × 1.25 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, exposed pad optional per Microchip packaging spec.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-channel linear WLED driver applications.

Compared with AL8862SP-7 and TPS61165DRVR, the MIC2860-2PYC6-TR uniquely delivers zero-EMI linear regulation with ±0.5% matching and 52 mV dropout - making it optimal for noise-sensitive, space-constrained, single-cell battery applications where LED forward voltage stays below VIN.

Availability

MIC2860-2PYC6-TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for mobile handset backlighting, portable GPS display illumination, and MP3 player keypad lighting requiring stable component supply across long-life consumer electronics programs.

Supply support for MIC2860-2PYC6-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 Inc. is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and timing solutions for embedded control applications.

The MIC2860 family was designed specifically for low-noise, high-matching WLED backlighting in cost-sensitive portable electronics - prioritizing simplicity, EMI avoidance, and battery efficiency over programmability or multi-string flexibility.

FAQ

What is the maximum LED forward voltage supported by the MIC2860-2PYC6-TR?

The MIC2860-2PYC6-TR does not impose a fixed maximum LED forward voltage. Instead, its 52 mV dropout at 30.2 mA means the LED string forward voltage must remain ≤ (VIN – 0.052 V). At minimum VIN = 3.0 V, this allows up to 2.948 V total forward drop across each LED. For two-series LEDs, combined VF must stay below that limit - confirming suitability for standard white LEDs (~3.0–3.4 V total) only when VIN ≥ 3.1 V.

Can the MIC2860-2PYC6-TR drive a single LED at double the current by paralleling D1 and D2?

Yes - the MIC2860-2PYC6-TR datasheet explicitly permits paralleling D1 and D2 pins to drive a single LED at up to 60.4 mA (2 × 30.2 mA), improving dropout performance. This configuration requires connecting both D1 and D2 to the same LED cathode, with the anode tied to VIN. RSET remains unchanged, and matching benefits no longer apply since only one channel is active.

What is the recommended RSET resistor value to achieve 25 mA per channel with the MIC2860-2PYC6-TR?

Per Table 4-1 in the official datasheet DS20006695A, a 11.5 kΩ resistor between RSET and GND sets the nominal LED current to 25.0 mA per channel at 100% PWM duty cycle. This value is verified across temperature and matches the device's internal 1.27 V reference and current-sink gain characteristics.

Does the MIC2860-2PYC6-TR require an external Schottky diode or inductor?

No - the MIC2860-2PYC6-TR is a linear WLED driver and contains no switching elements. It requires only an input ceramic capacitor (≥1 µF) and the RSET resistor. Unlike boost or charge-pump drivers, it eliminates inductors, diodes, and associated layout complexity - confirmed by the "Typical Application Circuit" on page 2 of DS20006695A.

How does the MIC2860-2PYC6-TR handle thermal shutdown?

The MIC2860-2PYC6-TR does not feature explicit thermal shutdown circuitry. Instead, it relies on internal power dissipation limits and the SC-70 package's thermal resistance (256°C/W) to manage junction temperature. Safe operation requires keeping power dissipation below thermal limits - e.g., at 30.2 mA and 52 mV dropout, power per channel is just 1.57 mW, minimizing self-heating even at +125°C ambient.