Microchip MCP101T-450I/TT: A Comprehensive Technical Overview

In the realm of system management and power supervision, robust and reliable voltage monitoring is paramount. The Microchip MCP101T-450I/TT stands as a quintessential component in this category, offering a straightforward yet highly effective solution for ensuring system integrity in a wide array of embedded applications. This article provides a detailed technical examination of this supervisory circuit.

The MCP101T-450I/TT is a microprocessor reset monitor designed to keep a system in a known state during unpredictable events, primarily power-related issues. Its core function is to monitor the Vdd supply voltage. When this voltage dips below a predefined threshold, the device asserts a reset signal to the connected microprocessor or microcontroller. This prevents code execution errors, data corruption, and system lock-ups that can occur when a processor operates outside its specified voltage range.

A key feature of this device is its factory-programmed, fixed voltage threshold of 4.50V. This precision-set threshold eliminates the need for external components to set the trip point, simplifying board design, reducing the bill of materials (BOM), and enhancing overall system reliability. The device is available in various threshold voltages, but the `-450` suffix specifically denotes the 4.50V variant, making it ideal for 5V systems where a safety margin is required.

The MCP101 series offers both active-low and active-high reset output options. The MCP101T-450I/TT features an active-low open-drain output, signified by the "T" in its part number. This open-drain configuration provides significant flexibility, as it allows the output to be pulled up to a voltage level different from the device's own Vdd, which is useful in mixed-voltage systems. The reset output remains asserted for a minimum of 350ms (typical) after Vdd has stabilized above the threshold, ensuring the connected processor has ample time to properly initialize.

Housed in a diminutive SOT-23-3 package, the device is engineered for space-constrained applications. Its extremely low supply current, typically just 4.5 µA, makes it perfectly suited for battery-powered and portable devices where power conservation is critical. The operational voltage range extends from 1.0V to 5.5V, covering a broad spectrum of use cases.

Typical applications are extensive, including:

Embedded systems and microcontroller-based boards.

Automotive electronics, industrial controls, and instrumentation.

Intelligent connected devices (IoT) and consumer electronics.

Computers, servers, and office equipment.

Any system requiring a reliable power-on-reset (POR) or brown-out detection mechanism.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip MCP101T-450I/TT is an exemplary voltage supervisor that delivers exceptional reliability and simplicity. Its fixed threshold, low power consumption, and compact form factor make it an indispensable component for designers seeking to enhance system stability and integrity with minimal design overhead.

Keywords:

Voltage Supervisor

Microprocessor Reset Monitor

Open-Drain Output

Brown-Out Detection

SOT-23 Package