Microchip Halves the Power Required to Measure How Much Power Portable Devices Consume
Rhea-AI Summary
Microchip (Nasdaq: MCHP) introduced two low-power digital power monitors, the PAC1711 (12-bit) and PAC1811 (16-bit), that consume about half the power of comparable solutions at 1024 samples per second. Both devices sense bus voltages from 0–42V, provide real-time out-of-limit alerts, a patent-pending step-alert for changes in running averages, and an optional slow-sample mode that samples every 8 seconds to further conserve energy. The parts are available in VDFN-8 and VDFN-10 packages compatible with SOT23-8 footprints. Pricing starts at $0.58 each in 10,000-unit quantities; the evaluation Click board is $15.00.
Positive
- Power use halved at 1024 samples per second
- Supports 0–42V bus sensing
- Price begins at $0.58 in 10,000-unit quantities
Negative
- PAC1711 is a single-channel monitor
- Slow-sample option delays sampling to every 8 seconds
Insights
Microchip launched two low-power digital monitors that halve monitoring energy at 1024 SPS and target battery-conscious designs.
These devices function as autonomous power-monitoring peripherals, reducing MCU active time and lowering system monitoring energy. The PAC1711 (12-bit) and PAC1811 (16-bit) accept bus voltages up to
The primary dependency for realizing value is adoption by design teams who must integrate the device, driver and board-level layout; availability of the Linux driver, generic C library and a Click evaluation board reduces this friction. Risks include whether the stated "half the power" metric versus comparable solutions holds across target use cases and sample rates, and whether pin/footprint compatibility with SOT23-8 simplifies second-sourcing in practice. Monitor immediate adoption signals such as design-win announcements, volume pricing trends, and driver/popular MCU examples over the next 3–12 months.
Power- and battery-conscious designs can operate longer under typical conditions through more accurate and energy-efficient power monitoring
CHANDLER, Ariz., Dec. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Battery-operated devices and energy-restricted applications must track and monitor power consumption without wasting power in the process. To solve this challenge, Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) today announces two digital power monitors that consume half the power of comparable solutions based on typical operating conditions at 1024 samples per second. The PAC1711 and PAC1811 power monitors achieve this efficiency milestone while also providing real-time system alerts for out-of-limit power events and a patent-pending step-alert function for identifying variations in long-running averages.
The 42V, 12-bit single-channel PAC1711 and 16-bit PAC1811 monitors are housed in 8- and 10-pin Very Thin Dual Flat, No-Lead (VDFN) packages, respectively, that are pin- and footprint-compatible with the popular Small Outline Transistor (SOT23)-8 package. This compatibility simplifies second-sourcing for developers, while streamlining upgrades and integration into existing systems.
“Until now, portable devices and a variety of energy-constrained applications have needed to burn a significant amount of valuable power to measure how much they are consuming,” said Keith Pazul, vice president of Microchip’s mixed-signal linear business unit. “Unlike many existing solutions, Microchip’s power monitors function as independent ‘watchdog’ peripherals, eliminating the need for the MCU to handle power monitoring tasks. These monitors allow the MCU or host processor to remain dormant until a significant power event occurs such as needing an LCD screen to power on.”
The PAC1711 and PAC1811 power monitors’ step-alert capability keeps a running average of voltage and current values. If there is a significant, user-defined variation, it will notify the MCU to act on it. The devices keep a rolling average, and any new sample can trigger an alert. A slow-sample pin option is available, which can delay the power usage sampling to every eight seconds and further conserve power.
An accumulator register in the power monitor can be used to manage logistical items, track system battery aging or time to recharge, and provide the short-term historical data for long-term power usage that the MCU can be programmed to act on. Both current monitor integrated circuits sense bus voltages from 0 to 42 volts and can communicate over an I2C® interface. They are well-suited for first- or second-source options in computing, networking, AI/ML and E-Mobility applications.
Development Tools
The evaluation board is a Click board™ compatible with the MikroElektronika's mikroBUS™ standard for host motherboard sockets. The Click board is used to evaluate the features and performance of the devices. Additionally, a Linux® driver can be found on the product pages, providing the basic functionality and access to commonly used registers for making power measurements. Microchip also provides a generic C library for the PAC1711 and PAC1811 which includes examples of how they can be used with different MCUs from Microchip.
Pricing and Availability
The PAC1711 is available now in VDFN-8 (PAC1711T-1E/3P) or VDFN-10 (PAC1711T-2E/9Q) packages. The PAC1811 is available now in VDFN-8 (PAC1811T-1E/3P) or VDFN-10 (PAC1811T-2E/9Q) packages. Pricing begins at
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/54931331357/sizes/o/
- PAC1711 video: https://youtu.be/OnERFQFlmhE
- PAC1811 video: https://youtu.be/8sp-qkIiYaA
About Microchip Technology:
Microchip Technology Inc. is a broadline supplier of semiconductors committed to making innovative design easier through total system solutions that address critical challenges at the intersection of emerging technologies and durable end markets. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio supports customers throughout the design process, from concept to completion. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support and delivers solutions across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.
Note: The Microchip name and logo and the Microchip logo 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.
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This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.
FAQ
What power savings do PAC1711 and PAC1811 offer compared with similar monitors (MCHP)?
What voltage range do the PAC1711 and PAC1811 monitors support (MCHP)?
When will Microchip PAC1711 and PAC1811 be available and what is the price (MCHP)?
What sampling options do PAC1711 and PAC1811 provide for low-power designs (MCHP)?
Do the PAC1711 and PAC1811 support I2C communication for system integration (MCHP)?
