on October 15th 10,226

MCP1700 Low Dropout Voltage Regulator Overview

The MCP1700 is a low dropout (LDO) voltage regulator that helps you efficiently manage power in your low-power devices. It delivers up to 250 mA of current while using very little energy, making it ideal for battery-powered applications. In this article, we'll explore the MCP1700’s features, how it works, and where it’s commonly used, so you can see how it fits into your projects.

Catalog

MCP1700 Overview

The MCP1700 is a family of CMOS low dropout (LDO) voltage regulators designed to deliver up to 250 mA of current while consuming just 1.6 µA of quiescent current. It is well-suited for low-power applications due to its efficient power regulation.

The MCP1700 operates with a low input-to-output voltage differential, offering 250 mA with only 178 mV of dropout (VOUT = 2.8V). It also ensures accurate voltage regulation, with a typical tolerance of ±0.4% at 25°C and a maximum of ±3% across temperatures from -40°C to +125°C. Output voltages range from 1.2V to 5.0V.

MCP1700 Pin Configuration

MCP1700 CAD Models: Symbol, Footprint, and 3D

MCP1700 Symbol

MCP1700 Footprint

MCP1700 3D Model

MCP1700 Voltage Regulator Specifications

Type	Parameter
Factory Lead Time	10 Weeks
Mount	Surface Mount
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
Package / Case	TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
Number of Pins	3
Operating Temperature	-40°C~125°C
Packaging	Tape & Reel (TR)
Published	2003
JESD-609 Code	e3
Pbfree Code	Yes
Part Status	Active
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)
Number of Terminations	3
ECCN Code	EAR99
Terminal Finish	Matte Tin (Sn)
Packing Method	TR
Max Power Dissipation	369.6mW
Terminal Position	DUAL
Terminal Form	GULL WING
Peak Reflow Temperature (Celsius)	260
Number of Functions	1
Terminal Pitch	0.95mm
Time @ Peak Reflow Temperature (Max)	40 s
Base Part Number	MCP1700
Pin Count	3
Number of Outputs	1
Voltage - Input (Max)	6V
Output Voltage	2.5V
Output Type	Fixed
Max Output Current	250mA
Nominal Supply Current	4μA
Output Configuration	Positive
Quiescent Current	4μA
Accuracy	2%
Output Voltage 1	2.5V
Number of Regulators	1
Min Input Voltage	2.3V
Protection Features	Over Current, Over Temperature, Short Circuit
Voltage Dropout (Max)	0.35V @ 250mA
PSRR	44dB (100Hz)
Dropout Voltage	178mV
Dropout Voltage 1 - Nom	0.178V
Min Output Voltage	2.5V
Voltage Tolerance - Max	3%
Nominal Output Voltage	2.5V
Input Bias Current	1.6μA
Output Voltage Accuracy	2%
Height	950μm
Length	2.9mm
Width	1.3mm
REACH SVHC	No SVHC
Radiation Hardening	No
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Lead Free	Lead Free

MCP1700 Alternative Parts with Similar Specifications

Part Number	MCP1700T-2502E/TT	MCP1702T-1802E/CB	MCP1703T-3002E/CB	MCP1703T-2502E/CB
Manufacturer	Microchip Technology	Microchip Technology	Microchip Technology	Microchip Technology
Package / Case	TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3	TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3	TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3	TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
Number of Pins	3	3	3	3
Number of Outputs	1	1	1	1
Max Output Current	250 mA	250 mA	250 mA	250 mA
Min Input Voltage	2.3 V	2.7 V	2.7 V	2.7 V
Voltage - Input (Max)	6V	16V	13.2V	-
Min Output Voltage	2.5 V	2.5 V	1.8 V	3 V
Nominal Output Voltage	2.5 V	2.5 V	1.8 V	3 V
Output Voltage	2.5 V	2.5 V	1.8 V	3 V
Accuracy	2%	2%	2%	2%

Key Features of MCP1700 Low Dropout Regulator

The MCP1700 offers a variety of features that make it ideal for low-power and battery-operated applications. Each feature is described in detail below:

AEC-Q100 Qualified and PPAP Support

The MCP1700 meets the AEC-Q100 standard, ensuring reliable performance in automotive environments. It also supports PPAP (Production Part Approval Process), helping meet specific production and quality standards. These certifications ensure that the MCP1700 can be trusted in automotive and other demanding environments.

Extremely Low Quiescent Current: 1.6 µA Typical

With a quiescent current of just 1.6 µA (typical), the MCP1700 is ideal for battery-powered applications. This low power draw means the device consumes very little energy when in idle or low-load states, helping to extend battery life.

Wide Input Voltage Range: 2.3V to 6.0V

The MCP1700 supports input voltages ranging from 2.3V to 6.0V, allowing it to work with a variety of power sources. This wide input range makes it suitable for use with different battery types, including lithium-ion cells, AA batteries, and regulated power supplies.

Fixed Output Voltage Options: 1.2V to 5.0V

The MCP1700 is available in fixed output voltage options from 1.2V to 5.0V, allowing you to select the right voltage for your project without needing extra components for adjustment.

Supports 250 mA Output Current for ≥ 2.5V

When the output voltage is 2.5V or higher, the MCP1700 can provide up to 250 mA of current, which is suitable for powering small loads like microcontrollers and communication modules.

Supports 200 mA Output Current for < 2.5V

For output voltages below 2.5V, the MCP1700 delivers up to 200 mA of current, making it useful for low-voltage circuits that still require a steady supply of power.

Low Dropout Voltage: 178 mV Typical at 250 mA (VOUT = 2.8V)

The MCP1700 operates with a very low dropout voltage, maintaining regulation even with a minimal difference between input and output voltages. This helps improve efficiency and reduce heat, especially when input voltage is close to the output.

Tight Output Voltage Tolerance: ±0.4% Typical

The MCP1700 ensures accurate voltage regulation with a typical tolerance of ±0.4%, providing consistent output for circuits that need precise power management.

Multiple Standard Output Voltage Options

Available output voltage options for the MCP1700 include 1.2V, 1.8V, 2.5V, 2.8V, 2.9V, 3.0V, 3.3V, and 5.0V. This range of choices allows you to select the voltage you need without requiring external voltage dividers.

Stable with 1.0 µF Ceramic Capacitor

The MCP1700 is stable with a 1.0 µF ceramic output capacitor. Ceramic capacitors are low-cost and provide good performance for filtering out noise, making them an excellent choice for compact designs.

Built-in Short Circuit Protection

The MCP1700 includes short circuit protection to prevent damage in case of a short, protecting both the regulator and the connected circuits. This feature helps ensure long-term reliability in various applications.

Over-temperature Protection

The MCP1700 has thermal shutdown protection to prevent overheating. If the regulator gets too hot, it will automatically shut down and resume normal operation once the temperature drops to a safe level, preventing permanent damage.

MCP1700 Internal Block Diagram

MCP1700 Applications: Common Uses for This Low Dropout Regulator

The MCP1700 is suitable for many low-power applications due to its efficient voltage regulation and low quiescent current. Below are some common ways this regulator can be used:

Powering Battery-Operated Devices

The MCP1700’s low quiescent current makes it perfect for extending battery life in devices like sensors, wearables, and handheld electronics. By minimizing energy usage, it helps these devices run longer between charges.

Battery-Powered Alarm Systems

With its efficient voltage regulation and low dropout voltage, the MCP1700 works well in battery-powered alarm circuits. It ensures reliable power for fire alarms, security systems, and other devices where long standby times are required.

Smoke Detectors

The MCP1700 is great for smoke detectors, which need to operate for long periods on a single battery. Its low power draw ensures the device remains functional even when battery levels are low.

CO2 Detectors

CO2 detectors also benefit from the MCP1700’s low power consumption. It ensures these devices can operate efficiently for extended periods, even on limited battery power.

Pagers and Mobile Phones

The MCP1700 is an excellent choice for communication devices like pagers and mobile phones. It provides stable voltage regulation with minimal power usage, helping to extend the battery life of these portable devices.

Power Management in Smart Battery Packs

In smart battery packs, the MCP1700 can regulate power for different subsystems. Its low dropout voltage and built-in protection features ensure efficient power management, keeping the system safe and reliable.

Voltage Reference for Low-Power Circuits

If you need a low-power, stable voltage reference for circuits like analog-to-digital converters, the MCP1700 delivers precise voltage regulation without using much energy.

Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)

PDAs can benefit from the MCP1700’s efficient regulation, which helps provide a stable power supply to processors and memory components, while keeping battery usage low for extended operation.

Digital Camera Power Supply

Digital cameras in standby mode can benefit from the MCP1700’s low power consumption, ensuring the camera is always ready to use without draining the battery too quickly.

Microcontroller Power Supply

The MCP1700 is commonly used to supply stable power to microcontrollers in embedded systems. Its wide input range and low power consumption make it ideal for systems that rely on battery power.

MCP1700 Application Circuit: Typical Uses

The MCP1700 is commonly used as a voltage regulator in battery-powered circuits. Its low quiescent current and low dropout voltage make it ideal for these applications. Below is an example of a typical application circuit for the MCP1700:

MCP1700 Package Information

Microchip Technology: Manufacturer of the MCP1700

Microchip Technology is a well-established provider of embedded control solutions. The company offers a wide range of products and development tools to support the creation of smart, connected, and secure designs. Microchip serves various industries, including automotive, consumer electronics, aerospace, and more. Based in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip is known for providing reliable products and top-notch customer support.

Datasheet PDF

MCP1700 Datasheet:

MCP1700.pdf

MCP1700.pdf

MCP1703T-1802E-MB Datasheet:

MCP1703.pdf

MCP1702T-3602E-MB Datasheet:

MCP1702.pdf

MCP1700T-3002E-TT Datasheet:

MCP1700.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]

1. What is the MCP1700?

The MCP1700 is a CMOS low dropout (LDO) voltage regulator that provides up to 250 mA of current while using just 1.6 µA of quiescent current. It works efficiently even with a small difference between input and output voltages. For instance, when set to output 2.8V, it only requires a 178 mV difference between the input and output. Available output voltages range from 1.2V to 5.0V.

2. How is the MCP1700 typically used?

The MCP1700 is commonly used as a voltage regulator in battery-powered devices. Its low power consumption and ability to operate with minimal input-to-output voltage differences make it great for applications where extending battery life is a priority, such as portable electronics.

3. What is the maximum continuous operating junction temperature of the MCP1700?

The MCP1700 can operate continuously at a maximum junction temperature of +125°C. It functions well across a broad temperature range from -40°C to +125°C, ensuring reliable performance in various conditions.