Fake MCP1700 experience - insufficient current for esp12f
Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2019 9:04 amIn case this saves someone else time. I bought some MCP1700s from ebay, chinese seller to power an esp12f from batteries in a monitoring project. Had heaps of trouble getting the esp running reliably for long, just about working with 1000uF across the esp power inputs but not for long. Finally testing the MCP1700 in isolation I saw it struggling to deliver 100mA although the spec is 250mA max.
This put me onto the possibility of fakes https://www.microchip.com/forums/m1016224.aspx
The ones I had showed the same issues with the date code looking wrong, should start with the last digit of the year then a 2 digit week number. Fake example in pic.
Bought some more from a local electronics supplier and presto, is capable of delivering 250mA and esp is working perfectly with no large scale caps. (with wifi connected its drawing about 80mA)
I suppose my lesson is always to test components in isolation first including to the performance specs you need. Plus of course being aware of possible quality problems with ebay china components.
This put me onto the possibility of fakes https://www.microchip.com/forums/m1016224.aspx
The ones I had showed the same issues with the date code looking wrong, should start with the last digit of the year then a 2 digit week number. Fake example in pic.
Bought some more from a local electronics supplier and presto, is capable of delivering 250mA and esp is working perfectly with no large scale caps. (with wifi connected its drawing about 80mA)
I suppose my lesson is always to test components in isolation first including to the performance specs you need. Plus of course being aware of possible quality problems with ebay china components.