Microchip Technology TC7660EPA
- Part No.:
- TC7660EPA
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
TC7660EPA.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG CHARG PUMP INV 20MA 8PDIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:306
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Product details
Overview
TC7660EPA from Microchip Technology is an extended-temperature-range charge pump voltage converter that inverts +1.5V to +10V input to corresponding -1.5V to -10V output using only two external capacitors. It features 10 kHz nominal oscillator frequency, 70 Ω typical output source resistance at 25°C, 99.9% typical voltage conversion efficiency, and operates across -40°C to +85°C. It serves as a pin-compatible replacement for the industry-standard 7660 in RS-232 negative supply generation.
For engineers reviewing the TC7660EPA datasheet, TC7660EPA pinout, TC7660EPA application, or TC7660EPA equivalent, key selection criteria include input voltage range compatibility, output impedance under load, oscillator frequency adjustability via OSC pin, and extended temperature operation without external diodes.
Technical Context
The TC7660EPA implements a two-phase switched-capacitor inverter topology with internal RC oscillator and logic-controlled CMOS switches. Its operation requires no inductors and supports voltage inversion only - not regulation - resulting in linear output droop versus load current.
Pin 6 (LV) must be tied to GND for V+ < 3.5V to ensure stable oscillator operation; Pin 7 (OSC) accepts external capacitor or clock signal to scale frequency from ~1 kHz to >100 kHz, directly affecting output ripple, capacitor sizing, and light-load efficiency.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | +1.5V to +10V - supports single-supply systems from low-power sensors to industrial 5V/9V rails |
| Output Configuration | Voltage inverter only - delivers -V+ with no regulation; output modeled as ideal source + 70–150 Ω series resistance |
| Oscillator Frequency | 10 kHz nominal (pin 7 open); adjustable down to ~1 kHz with external capacitor - enables ripple vs. efficiency trade-off |
| Voltage Conversion Efficiency | 99.9% typical at no load - minimizes input current draw when sourcing light loads |
| Supply Current | 80 µA typical at V+ = 5V - enables ultra-low-quiescent operation in battery-powered instrumentation |
| Output Source Resistance | 70 Ω typical at 25°C, up to 150 Ω at +85°C - defines worst-case voltage drop: e.g., -4.3V @ -10 mA with +5V input |
| ESD Protection | ≥3 kV HBM on all pins - enhances robustness in handling and board-level ESD environments |
Pinout & Package
TC7660EPA is housed in an 8-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP), 300 mil body width, with through-hole mounting and standard DIP footprint. Package power dissipation rating is 730 mW at TA ≤ 70°C.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (NC) | No connection | Not internally bonded; must remain unconnected to avoid parasitic coupling |
| 2 (CAP+) | Charge pump capacitor positive terminal | Connects to positive lead of flying capacitor; low-ESR ceramic recommended for minimal output impedance |
| 3 (GND) | Ground reference | Common return for input, output, and internal circuitry; requires low-inductance PCB tie to minimize noise |
| 4 (CAP-) | Charge pump capacitor negative terminal | Connects to negative lead of flying capacitor; polarity-critical with polarized capacitors |
| 5 (VOUT) | Negative output terminal | Delivers inverted voltage; connects to reservoir capacitor and load; output impedance varies with temperature and load |
| 6 (LV) | Low-voltage oscillator enable | Must be grounded for V+ < 3.5V; left floating otherwise - ensures reliable startup and oscillation below 3.5V |
| 7 (OSC) | Oscillator control input | Accepts external capacitor to ground (slows frequency) or CMOS clock (synchronizes or speeds up); resistor required for TTL drive |
| 8 (V+) | Positive supply input | Primary power input; bypassing with low-ESR capacitor near pin reduces supply noise and improves transient response |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Voltage inversion without inductors | Enables compact, EMI-clean negative rail generation in space-constrained analog front-ends and data acquisition systems |
| Adjustable oscillator frequency | Allows optimization of capacitor size, output ripple, and light-load efficiency - e.g., lower fOSC reduces switching losses at <1 mA loads |
| Pin-compatible 7660 replacement | Direct drop-in upgrade path for legacy designs using MAX1044, ICL7660, or other 7660 variants - no PCB change required |
| Extended temperature operation | Rated for -40°C to +85°C (E suffix), enabling use in industrial controls, automotive body electronics, and outdoor instrumentation |
| No external diode requirement | Eliminates forward-voltage drop and thermal derating concerns in high-voltage inversion (e.g., +9V → -9V), simplifying BOM and layout |
Applications
| RS-232 Transceiver Power Supply | Data Acquisition System Biasing |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Generating -5V rail for RS-232 line drivers in microcontroller-based serial interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Charge pump inverter providing isolated negative supply; no timing role - operates asynchronously. Use Value: Eliminates need for separate negative supply or transformer-based DC/DC; achieves -4.8V @ 10 mA with +5V input and 10 µF capacitors. | Use Scenario: Supplying dual ±5V rails for 12-bit ADC reference buffers and op-amp signal conditioning stages. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Negative voltage generator for analog subsystem biasing; timing-independent operation supports DC-coupled sensor inputs. Use Value: Delivers stable -5V with <100 mV droop at 5 mA load, enabling 0.02% full-scale accuracy in precision measurement circuits. |
| Portable Instrumentation Power | Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning |
Use Scenario: Creating negative supply for low-power handheld multimeters and portable oscilloscopes operating from single 9V battery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Inverting converter enabling bipolar analog signal processing from unipolar source; no clock synchronization needed. Use Value: Draws only 80 µA quiescent current at +9V input, extending battery life beyond 200 hours in sleep mode. | Use Scenario: Providing -12V bias for 4–20 mA transmitter loop-powered sensors in factory automation PLC modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Auxiliary negative rail generator supporting analog front-end ICs requiring split supplies. Use Value: Maintains -11.4V output at -2 mA load over -40°C to +85°C, meeting IEC 61000-6-2 immunity requirements for industrial environments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar charge pump inverter applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX1044CPA | Same 8-pin PDIP package; 12 kHz oscillator; higher 120 µA typical supply current; no LV pin - fixed low-V+ operation | Lacks LV pin control, limiting reliable operation below 3.5V; less efficient at light loads | Select TC7660EPA when input voltage may fall below 3.5V or extended temperature range is mandatory |
| ICL7660SIPAZ | SOIC-8 only; 14 kHz oscillator; 100 µA typical supply current; includes shutdown pin; same -40°C to +85°C rating | Requires PCB redesign for SOIC footprint; shutdown feature adds control flexibility but increases complexity | Choose TC7660EPA for through-hole assembly, legacy DIP compatibility, or cost-sensitive PDIP-based production |
Compared with MAX1044CPA and ICL7660SIPAZ, the TC7660EPA uniquely combines PDIP packaging, LV pin configurability for sub-3.5V operation, and guaranteed -40°C to +85°C performance - making it optimal for industrial retrofits and mixed-voltage embedded systems where pinout and temperature margin are critical.
Availability
TC7660EPA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RS-232 interface design, portable instrumentation power, and industrial sensor signal conditioning requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.
Supply support for TC7660EPA 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 devices, and power management ICs, with ISO/TS-16949 certified wafer fabrication and design centers worldwide.
The TC7660 product line delivers low-cost, inductorless DC/DC voltage inversion for analog and mixed-signal systems where simplicity, reliability, and wide input voltage range are prioritized over regulation or high current capability.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage the TC7660EPA can handle?
The TC7660EPA has an absolute maximum supply voltage rating of +10.5V, with functional operation specified from +1.5V to +10V. Exceeding +10.5V risks permanent damage. At +10V input, the device delivers approximately -10V output under no load, with output droop scaling linearly per its 70–150 Ω output resistance depending on temperature and load current. The TC7660EPA datasheet confirms this range applies across its full -40°C to +85°C operating temperature window.
Does the TC7660EPA require external diodes for operation?
No, the TC7660EPA does not require external diodes for standard voltage inversion operation. Its internal CMOS switch architecture eliminates the forward-voltage drop and thermal limitations associated with discrete diode-based charge pumps. This allows direct +9V to -9V conversion without efficiency loss or derating - a key differentiator from older 7660 variants. External diodes are only needed for specialized configurations like positive voltage multiplication (per Figure 5-6 in the TC7660EPA datasheet), not for basic inverting operation.
How does the LV pin affect TC7660EPA performance below 3.5V input?
The LV pin on the TC7660EPA must be connected to GND when V+ is below 3.5V to ensure reliable oscillator startup and stable switching. Leaving LV floating under low-input conditions causes erratic or failed oscillation, leading to no output or intermittent operation. This behavior is explicitly documented in Section 3.5 of the TC7660EPA datasheet and verified across the full -40°C to +85°C range. At V+ ≥ 3.5V, LV is safely left unconnected.
Can multiple TC7660EPA devices be paralleled to reduce output impedance?
Yes, multiple TC7660EPA devices can be paralleled to reduce effective output resistance - each additional unit lowers ROUT by approximately a factor of n (where n = number of devices). All units share one common reservoir capacitor (C2), while each requires its own flying capacitor (C1). This configuration is validated in Section 5.2 of the TC7660EPA datasheet and maintains full -40°C to +85°C operation. Paralleling two TC7660EPA units yields ~35 Ω typical output resistance at 25°C, improving voltage regulation under heavier loads.
What is the purpose of the OSC pin on the TC7660EPA?
The OSC pin on the TC7660EPA provides direct control over the internal oscillator frequency. Connecting an external capacitor to ground slows the oscillator (e.g., 100 pF → ~5 kHz), reducing switching losses and improving light-load efficiency. Alternatively, driving OSC with an external CMOS clock synchronizes operation and eliminates beat frequencies. This capability is confirmed in Section 5.4 of the TC7660EPA datasheet and enables design flexibility in noise-sensitive or multi-rail systems where timing coordination matters.
TC7660EPA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Function:
- Ratiometric
- Output Configuration:
- Positive or Negative
- Topology:
- Charge Pump
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 1.5V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 10V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- -Vin, 2Vin
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 20mA
- Frequency - Switching:
- 10kHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- No
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-PDIP
TC7660EPA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TC7660EPA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TC7660EPA 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 TC7660EPA reliable?
The price and inventory of TC7660EPA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TC7660EPA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TC7660EPA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TC7660EPA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TC7660EPA?
TC7660EPA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TC7660EPA 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 TC7660EPA?
For technical support, including TC7660EPA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TC7660EPA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TC7660EPA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TC7660EPA 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 TC7660EPA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TC7660EPA?
All TC7660EPA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TC7660EPA, 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 TC7660EPA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TC7660EPA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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