Advanced PMIC for High-Performance AI, Industrial Computing and Data Center Applications

Rhea-AI Summary

Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) has announced the MCP16701, an advanced Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) designed for high-performance AI, industrial computing, and data center applications. The device integrates eight 1.5A buck converters, four 300 mA internal Low Dropout Voltage Regulators (LDOs), and a controller for external MOSFETs.

Key features include:

• 48% area reduction and 60% fewer components compared to discrete solutions
• 8mm × 8mm VQFN package for space-constrained applications
• I2C communication interface
• Operating temperature range of -40°C to +105°C
• Dynamic Vout level adjustment in 12.5 mV/25 mV increments

The MCP16701 is priced at $3.00 per unit in 10,000-unit quantities and is supported by the EV23P28A Evaluation Board and GUI for development.

Positive

• 48% area reduction and 60% fewer components compared to discrete solutions
• High integration level with eight 1.5A buck converters and four 300 mA LDOs
• Dynamic voltage output adjustment capability for enhanced efficiency
• Competitive pricing at $3.00 per unit for 10k quantities

Negative

• None.

Insights

Semiconductor Industry Analyst

Microchip's new MCP16701 PMIC represents a meaningful addition to their power management portfolio with significant integration advantages targeting the high-growth AI and data center segments. The $3.00 price point in volume is competitive for this class of device, especially considering the integrated functionality that replaces multiple discrete components.

The product's 48% area reduction and 60% lower component count compared to discrete solutions delivers tangible benefits to hardware designers facing space constraints in increasingly dense computing applications. This integration trend aligns perfectly with industry demands for more efficient power delivery in compact form factors.

What's particularly noteworthy is the strategic alignment with Microchip's own PIC64-GX MPUs and PolarFire FPGAs, creating an ecosystem play that could drive adoption across their product lines. The flexible voltage regulation capabilities (with 12.5mV/25mV increments) provide precision power delivery required by modern AI accelerators and high-performance computing applications.

While this isn't necessarily groundbreaking technology, it represents solid execution in expanding Microchip's addressable market in the rapidly growing power management segment for AI applications. The product reinforces Microchip's competitive position in industrial and data center markets where power efficiency and thermal management are becoming increasingly critical differentiators.

Power Electronics Engineer

The MCP16701 demonstrates thoughtful integration engineering with its eight paralleable 1.5A buck converters, four 300mA LDOs, and external MOSFET controller in an 8mm × 8mm VQFN package. This level of integration targets a clear pain point for designers working with high-performance MPUs and FPGAs where multiple power rails with different voltage and current requirements must be accommodated in board space.

The technical implementation offers meaningful advantages beyond just consolidation. The ability to dynamically adjust output voltages in fine-grained 12.5mV/25mV steps provides the precision required for advanced semiconductor power management, particularly for applications where dynamic voltage scaling can improve energy efficiency. The I²C interface simplifies system integration in complex designs.

Most competing solutions either offer fewer channels or require larger footprints, giving this product a competitive edge for space-constrained AI accelerator cards and compute modules. The operating temperature range of -40°C to +105°C makes it suitable for industrial environments without requiring special thermal management.

The paralleling capability of the buck converters is particularly valuable, allowing system designers to scale current delivery for power-hungry components while maintaining high efficiency. This flexibility means the PMIC can address a wider range of applications with a single device, simplifying inventory and design reuse for Microchip's customers in the industrial computing and data center markets.

Microchip’s MCP16701 integrates buck converters, Low Dropout Voltage Regulators (LDOs) and a controller

CHANDLER, Ariz., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The rapid integration of AI into industrial, computing and data center applications is fueling a growing demand for more efficient and advanced power management solutions. Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) today announces the MCP16701, a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) designed to meet the needs of high-performance MPU and FPGA designers. The MCP16701 integrates eight 1.5A buck converters that can be paralleled, four 300 mA internal Low Dropout Voltage Regulators (LDOs) and a controller to drive external MOSFETs.

This highly integrated device can result in a 48% area reduction with less than 60% of the component count of a discrete solution. The MCP16701 is in a small-form-factor 8 mm × 8 mm VQFN package to offer a compact and flexible power management solution for space-constrained applications. The MCP16701 meets diverse power needs and supports Microchip’s PIC64-GX MPU and PolarFire® FPGAs with a configurable feature set.

"With the introduction of the MCP16701, Microchip is setting a new standard in PMIC technology by offering an unprecedented level of integration and flexibility,” said Rudy Jaramillo, vice president of Microchip’s analog power and interface division. “This advanced PMIC is designed specifically for high-performance applications, enabling our customers to streamline their design process.”

The MCP16701 features an I²C communication interface to simplify and enhance communication efficiency between the PMIC and other system components. The device operates within a temperature range of TJ −40°C to +105°C for reliable performance in diverse environmental conditions.

A key feature of the MCP16701 is its ability to dynamically change Vout levels for all converters in 12.5 mV/25 mV increments. This maximum flexibility allows designers to fine-tune power delivery to meet specific application requirements, helping enhance overall system efficiency and performance.

The MCP16701 joins a family of Microchip PMIC products—including the MCP16502, MCP16501 and others—that are used to power high-performance MPU applications targeting industrial computing, data centers, IoT and edge AI. To learn more, visit Microchip’s power management products web page.

Development Tools

The MCP16701 PMIC is supported by the EV23P28A Evaluation Board and GUI to help developers evaluate their design.

Pricing and Availability

The MCP16701 device is available for $3.00 each in 10,000-unit quantities. For additional information and to purchase, contact a Microchip sales representative, authorized worldwide distributor or visit Microchip’s Purchasing and Client Services website, www.microchipdirect.com.

Resources

High-res images available through Flickr or editorial contact (feel free to publish):
• Application image: www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/54349270613/sizes/l

About Microchip Technology:
Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control and processing solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs which reduce risk while lowering total system cost and time to market. The company’s solutions serve over 100,000 customers across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.

Note: The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo, PolarFire are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

Editorial Contact:	Reader Inquiries:
Kim Dutton	1-888-624-7435
480-792-4386
kim.dutton@microchip.com

FAQ

What are the key features of Microchip's new MCP16701 PMIC?

The MCP16701 features eight 1.5A buck converters, four 300mA LDOs, I2C interface, -40°C to +105°C operating range, and dynamic Vout adjustment in 12.5/25mV increments, all in an 8x8mm package.

How much space reduction does the MCHP MCP16701 PMIC achieve?

The MCP16701 achieves a 48% area reduction with less than 60% of the component count compared to discrete solutions.

What is the price of Microchip's MCP16701 PMIC?

The MCP16701 is priced at $3.00 per unit in 10,000-unit quantities.

What applications is the MCHP MCP16701 PMIC designed for?

The MCP16701 is designed for high-performance AI, industrial computing, and data center applications, specifically supporting PIC64-GX MPU and PolarFire FPGAs.

What development tools are available for the MCHP MCP16701?

The MCP16701 is supported by the EV23P28A Evaluation Board and GUI for development purposes.