DSPIC33CH128MP203-I/M5 - 100MHz Dual-Core DSC | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33CH128MP203-I/M5 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.2 | $6.20 |
| 10 | $5.55 | $55.50 |
| 100 | $4.92 | $492.00 |
| 500 | $4.4 | $2,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.85 | $3,850.00 |
DSPIC33CH128MP203-I/M5 Overview
A Digital Signal Controller (DSC) is a hybrid device that merges the deterministic real-time control capabilities of a microcontroller (MCU) with the computational throughput of a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). Within the broader embedded taxonomy, a DSC sits between a general-purpose MCU and a high-end DSP, providing single-cycle MAC operations, hardware-accelerated control loops, and deterministic interrupt response. The dsPIC33CH family in particular pioneers the dual-core architecture, allowing one core to execute the application code while the second core handles time-critical control loops in isolation, simplifying the development of complex power-conversion topologies.
The DSPIC33CH128MP203-I/M5 features high-resolution PWM (typically 250 ps resolution) with up to 8 PWM channels, dual 12-bit ADCs with up to 3.5 MSPS sampling rate, four operational amplifiers for in-line current sensing, CAN FD support, and configurable logic cells. The dual-core design enables the master core to run communication and housekeeping tasks while the slave core executes the dedicated high-speed control loop without contention. Hardware safety features include dual-watchdog timers, Flash Error Correction Code (ECC), and functional-safety support.
Architecturally, the device uses a modified Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, a DSP engine that performs single-cycle MAC operations on 16-bit data, and a wide variety of peripherals mapped to dedicated DMA channels. The slave core (referred to as the auxiliary or "control" core) shares access to peripherals but operates as an independent thread of execution, ideal for closed-loop digital power control running at hundreds of kHz switching frequency. The wide VDD range of 3.0 V to 3.6 V and industrial -40C to +85C operating temperature make the part suitable for consumer, industrial, and mild-automotive applications.
Typical applications include wireless power charging transmitters, digital switch-mode power supplies (PFC + LLC/Totem-Pole), drone ESC motor control, server VRM and DC-DC conversion, Class-D audio amplifiers, LED drivers, and sensor fusion front-ends. The dsPIC33CH family's split-core architecture simplifies code certification for functional-safety targets because the time-critical control algorithm can run in isolation on the slave core.
Designers should pay close attention to PCB layout: the 5x5 mm UQFN package requires thermal vias under the exposed pad, and the four integrated op-amps should be routed with guard traces to minimise leakage. Firmware must configure the slave core's SFRs independently; both cores boot from the same Flash but use separate reset and interrupt vectors. Decoupling requires 100 nF + 1 uF capacitors per VDD pin placed within 2 mm of the package.
This page synthesises verified distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from Microchip's own dsPIC33CH family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33CH128MP203-I/M5 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with DSPIC33CH128MP203-I/M5 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, ADC, Core Architecture, Main Core Speed.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33CH128MP203-E/M5
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.61 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33CH128MP202-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33CH128MP203-E/M5
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.61 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33CH128MP203-I/M5 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | 16-bit dsPIC dual-core DSC |
| Core Count | 2 (main core + slave control core) |
| Main Core Speed | 100 MHz (max) |
| Slave Core Speed | 100 MHz (max) |
| Program Flash | 128 KB |
| RAM | 16 KB + 4 KB |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial grade) |
| Package | 36-pin UQFN (5x5 mm) |
| PWM Channels | Up to 8 high-resolution (250 ps) |
| ADC | Dual 12-bit, up to 3.5 MSPS |
| Operational Amplifiers | 4 integrated |
| CAN | CAN FD |
| Configurable Logic Cells | Yes (CLC) |
| DMA Channels | 8 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
DSPIC33CH128MP203-I/M5 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | OSCI/CLKI — Crystal oscillator input or external clock input |
| Pin 2 | OSCO/CLKO — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 3 | VDD — Core supply voltage (3.3V) |
| Pin 4 | PWM1L — PWM channel 1 low-side output |
| Pin 5 | PWM1H — PWM channel 1 high-side output |
| Pin 6 | PWM2L — PWM channel 2 low-side output |
| Pin 7 | PWM2H — PWM channel 2 high-side output |
| Pin 8 | PWM3L — PWM channel 3 low-side output |
| Pin 9 | PWM3H — PWM channel 3 high-side output |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 11 | AN0 — Analog input 0 / ADC input |
| Pin 12 | AN1 — Analog input 1 / ADC input |
| Pin 13 | AN2 — Analog input 2 / ADC input |
| Pin 14 | AN3 — Analog input 3 / ADC input |
| Pin 15 | OA1OUT — Op-amp 1 output |
| Pin 16 | OA1IN- — Op-amp 1 inverting input |
| Pin 17 | OA1IN+ — Op-amp 1 non-inverting input |
| Pin 18 | VDD — I/O supply voltage (3.3V) |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 20 | RB0 — I/O port B bit 0 |
| Pin 21 | RB1 — I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 22 | RB2 — I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 23 | RB3 — I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 24 | RB4 — I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 25 | RB5 — I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 26 | RB6 — I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 27 | RB7 — I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 28 | RC0 — I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 29 | RC1 — I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 30 | RC2 — I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 31 | RC3 — I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 32 | CAN1TX — CAN FD transmit line |
| Pin 33 | CAN1RX — CAN FD receive line |
| Pin 34 | MCLR — Master clear (reset) input, active-low |
| Pin 35 | PGED1 — Programming/debug data line 1 |
| Pin 36 | PGEC1 — Programming/debug clock line 1 |
Typical Applications
DSPIC33CH128MP203-I/M5 is suitable for 6 applications: Wireless Power Charging Transmitter, Digital Switch-Mode Power Supply (PFC + LLC), Drone BLDC/PM Motor Control (ESC), EV On-Board Charger / Auxiliary DC-DC Converter, Server / Data Center VRM, Class-D Audio Amplifier.
Wireless Power Charging Transmitter
The DSPIC33CH128MP203-I/M5 is purpose-built by Microchip for Qi-standard wireless power transmitters and resonant converter topologies. Its 100 MHz dual-core DSC architecture dedicates the slave core to the real-time inverter control loop running at hundreds of kHz, achieving nanosecond-class dead-time control and zero-voltage switching accuracy. The high-resolution PWM (250 ps) and 3.5 MSPS ADCs enable precise current sensing and foreign-object detection, while the master core handles Qi protocol stack, FOD calibration, and host communication. The integrated four op-amps accept direct current-shunt signals without external instrumentation stages.
Recommended
Digital Switch-Mode Power Supply (PFC + LLC)
For server and telecom SMPS designs targeting Titanium-grade efficiency, the DSPIC33CH128MP203-I/M5's dual-core architecture is ideal. The slave core runs the average-current-mode PFC loop and the LLC resonant half-bridge control at switching frequencies up to 500 kHz, while the master core handles housekeeping, PMBus telemetry, and AC-line brownout detection. Eight high-resolution PWM channels provide the dead-band accuracy needed for totem-pole PFC, and dual 12-bit ADCs sample both input current and output voltage within the same switching cycle for sub-1% line regulation.
Recommended
Drone BLDC/PM Motor Control (ESC)
Drone electronic speed controllers demand deterministic, microsecond-class commutation while the flight controller manages IMU fusion, radio link, and mission logic. The DSPIC33CH128MP203-I/M5's slave core runs sensorless FOC commutation at 32 kHz PWM with sub-microsecond dead-time insertion, leaving the master core free to run PID loops for attitude control. The four integrated op-amps interface directly to phase current shunts, eliminating external amplifier ICs and reducing BOM cost. The 36-pin UQFN's 5x5 mm footprint fits the dense ESC layouts required by multi-rotor drones.
Recommended
EV On-Board Charger / Auxiliary DC-DC Converter
The DSPIC33CH128MP203-I/M5 dual-core DSC supports onboard chargers (OBC) and high-voltage-to-12V DC-DC converters found in electric vehicles. The slave core drives the CLLC resonant tank and the digital PFC stage with hardware-accelerated DSP math (single-cycle MAC) for accurate current-mode control, while the master core runs CAN FD diagnostics and ISO 26262-compatible supervisory tasks. The on-chip op-amps interface with isolated Hall-effect current sensors, and the high-resolution PWM enables zero-voltage switching across the full battery SoC range from 250 V to 450 V.
Recommended
Server / Data Center VRM
48V-to-Point-of-Load VRMs in hyperscale data centers require multi-phase digital control with sub-millivolt regulation accuracy. The DSPIC33CH128MP203-I/M5's dual-core architecture drives 6+1 phase buck topologies using the slave core for per-phase current balancing and adaptive voltage positioning, while the master core executes PMBus and AVSBus telemetry stacks. High-resolution PWM enables clean transition between PWM and PFM modes at light loads, achieving the 95%+ peak efficiency required by 80 PLUS Titanium targets.
Recommended
Class-D Audio Amplifier
The DSPIC33CH128MP203-I/M5 can implement a high-end Class-D amplifier with DSP-driven feedback and speaker-protection algorithms. The slave core runs the 384 kHz PWM modulator and the closed-loop feedback loop with single-cycle latency, achieving THD+N below 0.005% at full power. The master core handles input-stream decoding (I2S/TDM), volume control, and thermal/over-current protection. The high-resolution PWM stage produces a clean carrier that filters out with a small output LC network, eliminating the need for a separate audio DSP IC.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33CH128MP203-I/M5 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33CH128MP203-E/M5 | DSPIC33CH128MP202-I/SS | DSPIC33CH128MP203-E/M5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 36-pin UQFN (5x5 mm) | 36-pin UQFN (5x5 mm) - same | 28-pin SSOP - different | 36-pin UQFN (5x5 mm) - same |
| Program Flash | 128 KB | 128 KB | 64 KB | 128 KB |
| RAM | 16 KB + 4 KB | 16 KB + 4 KB | 16 KB + 4 KB | 16 KB + 4 KB |
| Core Count | 2 (dual-core DSC) | 2 (dual-core DSC) | 2 (dual-core DSC) | 2 (dual-core DSC) |
| Main Core Speed | 100 MHz | 100 MHz | 100 MHz | 100 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C |
| CAN FD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Dual-core architecture with dedicated slave core for control loops (vs Single-core dsPIC33CK256MP506)
- Four integrated operational amplifiers (vs External op-amp solution)
- 250 picosecond PWM resolution (vs dsPIC33EP64GS506)
Design Notes
The 36-pin UQFN package dissipates approximately 500 mW worst-case (100 MHz, both cores active, peripherals enabled). The exposed thermal pad on the bottom of the package must be soldered directly to a PCB ground plane with at least 9 thermal vias in a 3x3 array to keep junction temperature within the -40C to +85C industrial range. Without thermal vias, expect a 20-30C junction temperature rise.
Decoupling requires 100 nF X7R ceramic capacitors on every VDD pin, placed within 2 mm of the package, plus a single 4.7 uF bulk capacitor on the main supply rail. The four integrated op-amps have high-impedance inputs and must be guarded with grounded copper traces to prevent leakage paths. Keep analog and digital return paths separated using a star-ground topology at the package VSS pin.
Estimated: route the oscillator traces (OSCI/OSCO) over a continuous ground pour with length < 5 mm to minimise jitter. Use impedance-controlled 50 ohm routing for CAN1TX/CAN1RX lines. The PWM traces (PWM1L-PWM3H) should be matched within 1 mm to prevent duty-cycle skew between high-side and low-side outputs.
Common design pitfalls with the DSPIC33CH128MP203 include: (1) forgetting to enable the slave core's clock and SFRs in firmware before issuing an inter-core interrupt, (2) configuring PWM dead-time to zero instead of the datasheet minimum 20 ns, which causes MOSFET shoot-through, (3) omitting the 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR, leaving the device in reset, and (4) using the same DMA channel from both cores simultaneously, causing data corruption.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. The -I/M5 suffix indicates industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C), not AEC-Q100 qualified. For AEC-Q100 applications, choose the DSPIC33CH128MP503-E/M5 or related automotive-grade variant.
