MCP1402T-E/OT vs IR2110 Gate Driver ICs: Component Comparison
Quick verdict
For simple low-side MOSFET or IGBT drive where board space and simplicity are paramount, the MCP1402T-E/OT wins due to its compact SOT-23-5 package and adequate 500mA drive current. For half-bridge applications requiring independent high- and low-side drive with bootstrap capability and higher peak currents (2A), the IR2110 is the better choice despite its larger through-hole package and higher logic input thresholds.
Spec comparison table
| Spec | MCP1402T-E/OT | IR2110 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel type | Single | Independent (High + Low side) | IR2110 offers half-bridge drive with two independent outputs; MCP1402T-E/OT is single channel. |
| Peak output source/sink current | 500mA / 500mA | 2A / 2A | IR2110 provides 4x higher peak current, enabling faster switching of larger MOSFETs/IGBTs. |
| Driven configuration | Low-Side | Half-Bridge | IR2110 supports full half-bridge topologies; MCP1402T-E/OT only low-side drive. |
| Gate type | IGBT, MOSFET (N-Channel, P-Channel) | IGBT, MOSFET (N-Channel) | MCP1402T-E/OT supports both N- and P-channel devices; IR2110 only N-channel MOSFET/IGBT. |
| Input type | Non-Inverting | Non-Inverting | Equal |
| Logic voltage V_IL / V_IH | 0.8V / 2.4V | 6V / 9.5V | MCP1402T-E/OT supports low-voltage logic inputs (e.g. 3.3V MCU); IR2110 requires higher logic voltage, limiting compatibility. |
| Voltage supply range | 4.5V ~ 18V | 3.3V ~ 20V | IR2110 supports slightly wider supply range and lower minimum voltage. |
| Rise / Fall time (typ) | 19ns / 15ns | 25ns / 17ns | MCP1402T-E/OT is faster on rise time, slightly faster fall time; faster switching reduces losses. |
| Operating temperature range | -40°C to 150°C (TJ) | -40°C to 150°C (TJ) | Equal |
| Mounting type | Surface Mount (SOT-23-5) | Through Hole (14-DIP) | MCP1402T-E/OT better for compact, automated assembly; IR2110 easier for prototyping and manual assembly. |
| Number of drivers | 1 | 2 | IR2110 integrates high- and low-side drivers; MCP1402T-E/OT a single driver. |
| Package case | SC-74A, SOT-753 (SOT-23-5) | 14-DIP (7.62mm) | MCP1402T-E/OT is much smaller footprint and lower profile. |
| High-side voltage max bootstrap | N/A | 500 V | IR2110 supports bootstrap high-side drive up to 500 V, enabling high-voltage half-bridge designs. |
| Digikey programmable | Not Verified | Not Verified | No programmable features on either device. |
Design trade-offs
The MCP1402T-E/OT is a minimalistic, single-channel low-side driver optimized for compact designs where a single switch drive is needed. Its 500mA peak current capability is sufficient for driving small to mid-size MOSFETs or IGBTs with moderate gate charge. The SOT-23-5 package drastically reduces PCB area and improves thermal dissipation via copper pours, but the small package limits absolute power dissipation compared to larger packages.
The IR2110, by contrast, is designed for half-bridge topologies with integrated high- and low-side drivers and bootstrap capability up to 500 V. Its 2A peak drive current allows faster charging and discharging of large MOSFET gate capacitances, reducing switching losses, but this comes with increased complexity in layout and gate drive circuitry. The higher input logic voltage thresholds (6V minimum, 9.5V guaranteed) restrict direct interfacing with 3.3V logic without additional level shifting, which adds BOM complexity and latency in timing-critical applications.
Thermally, the IR2110’s DIP package has poorer thermal conduction compared to the MCP1402T-E/OT’s small surface mount package with thermal vias. However, the IR2110’s higher current drive means switching losses can be reduced at high frequencies, which may offset thermal limitations in some designs.
From a layout perspective, the MCP1402T-E/OT’s simple pinout and small size simplify routing, but it only drives a single low-side transistor, so a half-bridge requires two devices. The IR2110 integrates both drivers but requires careful attention to bootstrap capacitor layout, high-side floating ground referencing, and isolation to prevent cross-coupling and noise injection. This makes the IR2110 more sensitive to layout quality and increases design iteration time.
Cost-wise, MCP1402T-E/OT tends to be significantly cheaper per unit in volume due to its simplicity and small package, while the IR2110, being a more complex and larger device, commands a higher price and may require additional BOM components (bootstrap diode/capacitor, level shifters).
Use-case fit
Choose MCP1402T-E/OT when…
- You need a compact, low-cost low-side driver for single MOSFET or IGBT switches in DC-DC converters or motor drivers.
- Your logic supply is 3.3V or 5V, and you want direct drive without additional level shifting.
- Board space is constrained and surface mount assembly is preferred.
- Your gate charge requirements are moderate, and 500mA peak current is sufficient.
- You want simpler layout and minimal external components.
Choose IR2110 when…
- Designing half-bridge or full-bridge topologies requiring independent high- and low-side drive signals.
- Driving large MOSFETs or IGBTs with high gate charge at switching frequencies where 2A peak drive current reduces switching losses and EMI.
- Operating at voltages up to 500 V on the high side, utilizing bootstrap circuitry.
- You can supply 10V or higher logic-level signals or provide level shifting for the inputs.
- Prototype or low-volume production where through-hole mounting eases debugging and rework.
Drop-in compatibility
These two devices are neither pin-compatible nor footprint-compatible. The MCP1402T-E/OT uses a 5-pin SOT-23-5 package for a single low-side driver with low-voltage logic inputs, while the IR2110 is a 14-pin DIP device integrating high- and low-side drivers, bootstrap functionality, and requiring additional external components. Substituting one for the other requires significant schematic and PCB redesign, including power supply, input logic levels, and gate drive wiring. No direct drop-in replacement is possible based on the provided data.
Alternatives to consider
- MIC4452: A high-speed, 3A peak single low-side gate driver in a small SOIC package, offering higher current than MCP1402T-E/OT with compact size.
- UCC37322 (Texas Instruments): A dual low-side driver with 9A peak current capability in SOIC, suitable for high-speed and high-current MOSFET switching.
- IRS2181 (Infineon): A half-bridge driver with bootstrap for high-side drive, similar to IR2110 but in a smaller SOIC package, improving layout and thermal performance.