Microchip MCP111T-290E/TT: A 90V Voltage Supervisor for Enhanced System Reliability

In the realm of electronic system design, ensuring consistent and reliable operation under unpredictable power conditions is a fundamental challenge. Voltage supervisors, or reset ICs, play a critical role as silent guardians, monitoring the power supply rail and initiating a system reset to prevent malfunctions, data corruption, or hardware damage during power-up, power-down, or brownout events. The Microchip MCP111T-290E/TT stands out in this category by offering a unique combination of high-voltage tolerance and ultra-low power consumption, making it an ideal solution for a wide array of demanding applications.

This device is specifically engineered to monitor voltages as high as 90V, a feature that immediately distinguishes it from standard supervisors typically limited to 5V or 10V rails. This exceptional 90V operating capability allows designers to place it directly on higher voltage industrial buses or automotive systems without the need for additional, external voltage scaling components. This not only simplifies the bill of materials (BOM) and reduces board space but also enhances overall system robustness by minimizing potential failure points.

The MCP111T-290E/TT is configured as a voltage detector with a fixed, factory-trimmed threshold of 2.90V. This precision ensures accurate monitoring for microcontrollers (MCUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), and other logic circuits that require a stable reset signal until their core supply voltage has risen to a sufficient and stable level. Its operation is straightforward: the RESET output remains asserted (active-low) when the monitored VDD supply is below the threshold, holding the downstream processor in a safe reset state. Once VDD rises above the 2.90V threshold and remains stable, the RESET signal is de-asserted after a fixed delay time, allowing the processor to begin execution in a known valid state.

A key advantage of this supervisor is its remarkably low quiescent current of just 4.5 µA (typical). This ultra-low power drain is crucial for battery-powered and energy-sensitive applications, such as wireless sensors, utility metering, or portable medical devices, where every microamp of current conservation directly translates to extended operational life.

Housed in a space-saving SOT-23-3 package, the MCP111T-290E/TT is designed for high-density PCB layouts. Its wide operating temperature range of -40°C to +125°C further qualifies it for use in harsh environments, including industrial automation, automotive electronics, and outdoor equipment.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip MCP111T-290E/TT is a highly specialized voltage supervisor that delivers critical reliability for systems exposed to high voltages and unstable power sources. Its integration of 90V monitoring capability, a precise fixed threshold, and minimal power consumption in a tiny package provides designers with a simple, robust, and efficient solution to safeguard their electronic systems against power-related failures.

Keywords: Voltage Supervisor, 90V Operating Voltage, System Reliability, Ultra-Low Power Consumption, Reset IC.