MCP73831
Single-cell Li-Ion/Li-Polymer charge management controller with programmable current, thermal regulation, and tiny SOT-23-5 package.
Product Overview
Description
The MCP73831 is a fully integrated linear charge management controller for single-cell lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries. It provides precise charge control with programmable charge current up to 500mA.
The device features automatic preconditioning of deeply discharged cells, constant-current/constant-voltage charge algorithm, and automatic charge termination. Thermal regulation prevents overheating during charging.
The tiny SOT-23-5 package and minimal external components (just one resistor) make it ideal for space-constrained portable applications.
Product Series
MCP
Primary Application
Portable electronics
Key Features
- Programmable charge current
- Thermal regulation
- Preconditioning of depleted cells
- Automatic charge termination
- Charge status output
- Tiny SOT-23-5 package
Specifications
| Charge Current | 15-500mA (programmable) |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage | 3.75V - 6V |
| Charge Voltage | 4.2V ±0.5% |
| Trickle Charge | 10% of fast charge |
| Termination | C/10 or timer |
| Standby Current | 2μA typical |
| Package | SOT-23-5 |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C |
| Architecture | Linear Charger |
Applications
Portable electronics
Electronic system design
Bluetooth headsets
Electronic system design
GPS devices
Electronic system design
Medical devices
Medical electronics
Wearable technology
Electronic system design
FAE Expert Insights
"The MCP73831 is my go-to charger for single-cell Li-Ion applications. The programmable current allows optimization of charge time vs. thermal constraints. The tiny SOT-23-5 package is perfect for wearable devices. I appreciate the thermal regulation feature that automatically reduces charge current if the IC gets too hot - this allows maximizing charge current without thermal risk."
Tiny SOT-23-5 package with programmable charge current and thermal regulation
— Tom Anderson, BeiLuo
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set the charge current for MCP73831?
The charge current is set by a resistor (RPROG) connected between the PROG pin and ground. The formula is: ICHARGE = 1000V / RPROG. For example, a 2kΩ resistor sets 500mA, 10kΩ sets 100mA. The resistor should be 1% tolerance for accurate current setting. Minimum recommended is 2kΩ (500mA max).
Use 2kΩ for 500mA fast charge; use 10kΩ for 100mA slow/thermal-limited charge.