Microchip Technology TC1044SCOA

Overview

TC1044SCOA from Microchip Technology is a charge pump DC-DC voltage converter IC that inverts +1.5V to +12V input to –1.5V to –12V output using only two external capacitors. It features 10kHz nominal oscillator frequency (boostable to 45kHz), 99.9% voltage conversion efficiency, 80µA supply current at 5V, and operates in 0°C to +70°C commercial temperature range. It serves as a low-cost, inductorless negative power supply for RS-232 interfaces and precision analog systems.

For engineers reviewing the TC1044SCOA datasheet, TC1044SCOA pinout, TC1044SCOA application, or TC1044SCOA equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, exact pin functions, real-world load behavior (e.g., 60Ω output source resistance at 20mA), thermal derating guidance (5.5mW/°C above 50°C), and validated alternatives for ±5V generation in space-constrained designs.

Technical Context

The TC1044SCOA implements a four-switch MOS charge pump topology with integrated logic network and substrate bias control to prevent latch-up across its full 1.5V–12V input range. Its internal RC oscillator supports fixed-frequency operation (10kHz) or boosted mode (45kHz when BOOST pin = V+), enabling trade-offs between capacitor size and ripple.

It includes dual-mode LV pin control: grounding LV enables low-voltage operation below 3.5V by disabling the internal regulator, while leaving LV open ensures latch-up immunity above 3.5V. Output impedance is dominated by capacitive reactance of C1 (e.g., 3.18Ω at 10kHz with 10µF), not resistive losses.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TC1044SCOA is housed in an 8-pin Small Outline Integrated Circuit (SOIC) package with 1.27mm pitch, 5.0mm × 6.2mm body, and gull-wing leads. Pin 1 is marked by a beveled corner or dot.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar charge pump voltage inverter applications.

Compared with MAX1044CPA+ and ICL7660ACPA+, the TC1044SCOA provides higher integration (LV/BOOST pins), superior efficiency (99.9% vs. 97%), and broader input range (1.5–12V vs. 1.5–10V), making it optimal for new designs requiring compact, robust, and micropower negative rail generation.

Availability

TC1044SCOA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RS-232 interface design, precision ADC biasing, and display driver power supply applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for TC1044SCOA 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 company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and power management ICs, with emphasis on reliability, longevity, and industrial-grade qualification.

The TC1044S product line was designed specifically for low-noise, inductorless DC-DC voltage inversion in instrumentation, test equipment, and communication interfaces where board space and EMI are critical constraints.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage the TC1044SCOA can safely handle?

The TC1044SCOA has an absolute maximum supply voltage rating of +13V. Operation above +12V is not recommended per datasheet specifications, as electrical characteristics are only guaranteed up to +12V. Exceeding +13V risks permanent damage due to internal junction breakdown. For 12V systems, ensure transient suppression to stay within this limit during load dump or hot-swap events. The TC1044SCOA itself does not include overvoltage protection circuitry.

Can the TC1044SCOA generate positive voltage multiplication, not just inversion?

Yes, the TC1044SCOA supports positive voltage multiplication (e.g., +5V to +10V) using external diodes and capacitors as shown in Figure 8 of DS21348A. In this configuration, it acts as a switched-capacitor doubler with output VOUT ≈ (2 × V+) – (2 × VF), where VF is the forward voltage of the diodes. This requires careful selection of low-VF Schottky diodes and larger C1/C2 values to maintain regulation under load. The TC1044SCOA's bidirectional switch architecture enables this mode without modification.

How does the LV pin affect TC1044SCOA operation below 3.5V input?

When the LV pin is grounded, the TC1044SCOA disables its internal voltage regulator to reduce dropout and enable reliable startup at inputs as low as 1.5V. This is mandatory for operation below 3.5V. Leaving LV open at low input voltages causes regulator starvation and potential latch-up. Conversely, grounding LV at inputs above 3.5V disables critical anti-latch-up circuitry - the TC1044SCOA must be operated with LV open for VIN > 3.5V to ensure safe, sustained operation.

What is the thermal derating behavior of the TC1044SCOA in SOIC-8 package?

The TC1044SCOA in SOIC-8 has a maximum package power dissipation of 470mW at TA ≤ 70°C. Above 70°C, dissipation must be linearly derated at 5.5mW/°C - meaning at 85°C ambient, maximum allowable power drops to 470mW – (15 × 5.5mW) = 387.5mW. This directly limits usable output current: at V+ = 5V and VOUT = –4.5V, max continuous load is ~85mA before exceeding thermal limits. Board layout with copper pour under pin 3 (GND) improves heat dissipation.

Is the TC1044SCOA pin-compatible with the older TC7660, and what improvements does it offer?

Yes, the TC1044SCOA is fully pin-compatible with the TC7660 in SOIC-8 and DIP packages. Key improvements include extended input range (1.5–12V vs. 1.5–10V), frequency boost pin (enabling 45kHz operation), LV pin for low-voltage optimization, 10kV HBM ESD rating (vs. 2kV), and improved power efficiency (99.9% vs. ~97%). These enhancements make the TC1044SCOA a direct, higher-performance drop-in replacement without PCB changes.