DSPIC33CH256MP208-I/PT - Dual-Core 100MHz DSC, 256KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33CH256MP208-I/PT β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.2 | $9.20 |
| 10 | $8.45 | $84.50 |
| 100 | $7.3 | $730.00 |
| 500 | $6.55 | $3,275.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.95 | $5,950.00 |
DSPIC33CH256MP208-I/PT Overview
A Digital Signal Controller (DSC) is a hybrid between a microcontroller (MCU) and a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). The dsPIC33CH architecture is positioned within the broader Microchip taxonomy as: DSC -> Digital Signal Controller -> Microcontroller -> Embedded Processor -> Semiconductor. Unlike a pure MCU, the dsPIC33CH executes single-cycle MAC instructions and integrates DSP features directly into the core, eliminating the need for a separate DSP chip. The dual-core topology allows designers to run real-time control loops on the slave core while the master core handles communication, system management, or higher-level state machines.
Key differentiating features include dual independent cores with isolated peripherals, high-resolution PWM (250 ps resolution) for precision motor control, four DAC outputs, twelve 16-bit ADC channels with up to 3.25 MSPS conversion rate, four analog comparators, and integrated op-amps. Functional Safety (FuSa) features and CAN FD support target automotive and industrial safety-critical applications. The device operates from a 3.0V to 3.6V supply and supports an industrial temperature range of -40C to +85C.
The architecture uses a 24-bit instruction word with a 16-bit data path, allowing C-compiler-friendly code density while maintaining DSP throughput. The slave core can execute control algorithms (such as field-oriented control loops for motors) with deterministic timing independent of the master core's interrupt load. This isolation is critical for high-bandwidth digital power conversion and sensorless motor control.
Typical applications include high-performance precision motor control (PMSM, BLDC, AC induction), digital power conversion (PFC, LLC, full-bridge converters), automotive sensor fusion, industrial automation drives, and functional safety systems. The high-resolution PWM and dual-core architecture make it particularly suitable for sensorless FOC motor control at switching frequencies above 100 kHz.
When designing with this device, allocate adequate PCB area for thermal dissipation: although the TQFP-80 package typically dissipates less than 1W in motor-control use cases, the dual-core operation can push junction temperatures higher. Use Microchip's MPLAB X IDE with the dsPIC33CH plug-in for code development and the dsPIC33CH Motor Control Library for FOC reference firmware.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, dual-core architectural analysis, and pin-compatible alternatives for the DSPIC33CH256MP208-I/PT that are not available on individual distributor pages, enabling direct cross-shopping for engineers and procurement teams.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33CH256MP208-I/PT β 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 DSPIC33CH256MP208-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Slave Core Speed, Core Architecture, ADC, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33CH256MP208-E/PT
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33CH256MP206-I/PT
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.91 / Unit
View Datasheet βDSPIC33CH128MP208-I/PT
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33CH128MP208T-I/PT
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$6.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βDSPIC33CH256MP208-H/PT
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33CH128MP206-I/PT
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$5.45 / Unit
View Datasheet βDSPIC33CH256MP208-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | Dual-core 16-bit dsPIC33 DSC (master + slave) |
| Main Core Speed | 100 MIPS (200 MHz max) |
| Slave Core Speed | 100 MIPS (200 MHz max) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB |
| Data RAM (Master) | 32 KB |
| Data RAM (Slave) | 16 KB |
| Instruction Width | 24-bit |
| Data Path Width | 16-bit |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | TQFP-80 (PT), 12x12 mm |
| ADC | 12x 16-bit, up to 3.25 MSPS |
| DAC | 4x 16-bit |
| Analog Comparators | 4 |
| High-Resolution PWM | Yes, 250 ps resolution |
| CAN FD | Yes |
| Functional Safety (FuSa) | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
DSPIC33CH256MP208-I/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RP46/PWM4H/RE0 β I/O port / PWM output |
| Pin 2 | RP47/PWM4L/RE1 β I/O port / PWM output |
| Pin 3 | AVDD β Analog supply voltage |
| Pin 4 | AVSS β Analog ground |
| Pin 5 | OA1OUT/AN9/CVD9/RP50/RA0 β Op-amp output / ADC input |
| Pin 6 | OA1IN-/AN10/RP51/RA1 β Op-amp input / ADC input |
| Pin 7 | OA1IN+/AN11/RP52/RA2 β Op-amp input / ADC input |
| Pin 8 | PWM1H/OA2OUT/AN0/CVD0/RP13/RB0 β PWM output / op-amp output / ADC input |
| Pin 9 | PWM1L/OA2IN-/AN1/RP14/RB1 β PWM output / op-amp input / ADC input |
| Pin 10 | OA2IN+/AN2/RP15/RB2 β Op-amp input / ADC input |
| Pin 11 | AN3/RP16/RB3 β ADC input / I/O port |
| Pin 12 | AN4/RP17/RB4 β ADC input / I/O port |
| Pin 13 | PGA1IN1/AN5/CVD5/RP18/RB5 β PGA input / ADC input |
| Pin 14 | PGA1IN2/AN6/RP19/RB6 β PGA input / ADC input |
| Pin 15 | PGA1OUT/AN7/CVD7/RP20/RB7 β PGA output / ADC input |
| Pin 16 | AN8/RP21/RB8 β ADC input / I/O port |
| Pin 17 | VDD β Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 18 | VSS β Digital ground |
| Pin 19 | PWM2H/RP22/RB9 β PWM output / I/O port |
| Pin 20 | PWM2L/RP23/RB10 β PWM output / I/O port |
| Pin 21 | PWM3H/RP24/RB11 β PWM output / I/O port |
| Pin 22 | PWM3L/RP25/RB12 β PWM output / I/O port |
| Pin 23 | RP26/RB13 β I/O port |
| Pin 24 | RP27/RB14 β I/O port |
| Pin 25 | RP28/RB15 β I/O port |
| Pin 26 | OSCI/CLKI/RA3 β Crystal oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 27 | OSCO/CLKO/RA4 β Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 28 | VDD β Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 29 | VSS β Digital ground |
| Pin 30 | RP29/SCL1/IOPRD1 β I/O port / I2C clock |
| Pin 31 | RP30/SDA1/IOPRD2 β I/O port / I2C data |
| Pin 32 | RP31/IOPRD3 β I/O port |
| Pin 33 | RP32/IOPRD4 β I/O port |
| Pin 34 | RP33/IOPRD5 β I/O port |
| Pin 35 | RP34/IOPRD6 β I/O port |
| Pin 36 | RP35/IOPRD7 β I/O port |
| Pin 37 | RP36/IOPRD8 β I/O port |
| Pin 38 | RP37/IOPRD9 β I/O port |
| Pin 39 | RP38/IOPRD10 β I/O port |
| Pin 40 | RP39/IOPRD11 β I/O port |
| Pin 41 | RP40/IOPRD12 β I/O port |
| Pin 42 | RP41/IOPRD13 β I/O port |
| Pin 43 | VDD β Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 44 | VSS β Digital ground |
| Pin 45 | RP42/IOPRD14 β I/O port |
| Pin 46 | RP43/IOPRD15 β I/O port |
| Pin 47 | RP44/IOPRC1 β I/O port |
| Pin 48 | RP45/IOPRC2 β I/O port |
| Pin 49 | RP48/IOPRC3 β I/O port |
| Pin 50 | RP49/IOPRC4 β I/O port |
| Pin 51 | RP53/IOPRF0 β I/O port |
| Pin 52 | RP54/IOPRF1 β I/O port |
| Pin 53 | RP55/IOPRF2 β I/O port |
| Pin 54 | RP56/IOPRF3 β I/O port |
| Pin 55 | RP57/IOPRF4 β I/O port |
| Pin 56 | RP58/IOPRF5 β I/O port |
| Pin 57 | RP59/IOPRF6 β I/O port |
| Pin 58 | RP60/IOPRF7 β I/O port |
| Pin 59 | RP61/IOPRF8 β I/O port |
| Pin 60 | RP62/IOPRF9 β I/O port |
| Pin 61 | RP63/IOPRF10 β I/O port |
| Pin 62 | RP64/IOPRF11 β I/O port |
| Pin 63 | RP65/IOPRF12 β I/O port |
| Pin 64 | RP66/IOPRG0 β I/O port |
| Pin 65 | RP67/IOPRG1 β I/O port |
| Pin 66 | RP68/IOPRG2 β I/O port |
| Pin 67 | RP69/IOPRG3 β I/O port |
| Pin 68 | RP70/IOPRG4 β I/O port |
| Pin 69 | RP71/IOPRG5 β I/O port |
| Pin 70 | RP72/IOPRG6 β I/O port |
| Pin 71 | RP73/IOPRG7 β I/O port |
| Pin 72 | RP74/IOPRG8 β I/O port |
| Pin 73 | RP75/IOPRG9 β I/O port |
| Pin 74 | RP76/IOPRG10 β I/O port |
| Pin 75 | RP77/IOPRG11 β I/O port |
| Pin 76 | RP78/IOPRG12 β I/O port |
| Pin 77 | MCLR β Master clear reset (active low) |
| Pin 78 | PGED2/RP79 β Programming data / I/O port |
| Pin 79 | PGEC2/RP80 β Programming clock / I/O port |
| Pin 80 | AVSS β Analog ground |
Typical Applications
DSPIC33CH256MP208-I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: High-Performance Field-Oriented Motor Control (FOC), Digital Power Conversion (PFC, LLC, Full-Bridge), Automotive Sensor Fusion and Functional Safety, Industrial Servo Drives and Robotics, Solar Inverter and Renewable Energy Control, Medical Imaging and Diagnostic Equipment.
High-Performance Field-Oriented Motor Control (FOC)
The DSPIC33CH256MP208-I/PT is ideal for sensorless and sensored FOC motor control of PMSM, BLDC, and AC induction motors, where its 100 MIPS slave core can execute the control loop with deterministic sub-microsecond response time independent of the master core's communication stack. The high-resolution PWM with 250 ps resolution enables switching frequencies above 100 kHz with fine-grained duty-cycle control, reducing current ripple and audible noise in motor windings. The 12-channel 16-bit ADC at 3.25 MSPS provides simultaneous current and voltage sampling for Clarke/Park transformations, while the four analog comparators offer hardware overcurrent protection. Compared to a single-core MCU, the dual-core topology isolates the real-time control loop from interrupt jitter caused by CAN, UART, or display updates, improving torque ripple and dynamic response in high-dynamic-range applications such as EV traction inverters and servo drives.
Recommended
Digital Power Conversion (PFC, LLC, Full-Bridge)
The DSPIC33CH256MP208-I/PT suits high-frequency digital power supply applications including totem-pole PFC, LLC resonant converters, and phase-shifted full-bridge topologies. Its dedicated slave core can execute the voltage-mode or current-mode control loop with deterministic timing while the master core manages PMBus, telemetry, and housekeeping tasks. The 250 ps high-resolution PWM enables digital control of GaN and SiC power stages at switching frequencies from 100 kHz to 1 MHz, while the integrated op-amps and comparators reduce external analog component count. The four 16-bit DACs support adaptive dead-time control and digital slope compensation in peak-current-mode converters. This dual-core architecture allows power-supply designers to push switching frequencies higher than single-core MCUs can reliably support, reducing magnetic component size and improving power density in server, telecom, and industrial PSU designs.
Recommended
Automotive Sensor Fusion and Functional Safety
With integrated Functional Safety (FuSa) features, CAN FD support, and the AEC-Q100-qualified DSPIC33CH256MP208-H/PT high-temperature variant, this DSC family is well-positioned for automotive sensor-fusion ECUs and chassis/safety applications. The dual-core topology enables lockstep operation for safety-critical monitoring where the slave core validates the master core's outputs, supporting ASIL-B or ASIL-C system designs with appropriate firmware. The 12-bit 3.25 MSPS ADC and four analog comparators enable multi-sensor signal conditioning for brake, steering, and suspension systems. CAN FD connectivity allows high-bandwidth communication with vehicle networks at 5 Mbit/s, while the high-resolution PWM drives electric power steering motors and active suspension actuators with low torque ripple and fine control granularity.
Recommended
Industrial Servo Drives and Robotics
The DSPIC33CH256MP208-I/PT delivers the real-time performance required for multi-axis industrial servo drives and robotics controllers, where the slave core handles each axis's position/velocity/torque loop independently while the master core coordinates trajectory planning and EtherCAT/Ethernet communication. The high-resolution PWM and fast ADC sampling enable sub-millisecond loop times for precision CNC machining, robotic arm control, and pick-and-place systems. Integrated CAN FD supports real-time industrial fieldbus communication, while the 256 KB Flash accommodates complex motion-control firmware including vibration-suppression algorithms and adaptive gain scheduling. The dual-core architecture eliminates the jitter that single-core MCUs suffer when simultaneously handling communication stacks and real-time control, improving positioning accuracy and settling time in high-precision servo applications.
Recommended
Solar Inverter and Renewable Energy Control
For solar inverters, energy storage systems, and grid-tied renewable energy converters, the DSPIC33CH256MP208-I/PT provides the DSP throughput and peripheral integration needed for MPPT algorithms, grid synchronization, and anti-islanding protection. The slave core can execute the MPPT loop with deterministic timing while the master core handles grid-monitoring, communication (Modbus, CAN, or Ethernet), and fault management. The high-resolution PWM enables transformer-less inverter topologies with fine-grained current control, while the 16-bit ADC provides accurate grid voltage and current sampling for IEEE 1547 compliance. The integrated op-amps and comparators reduce BOM cost in grid-tie inverter designs by eliminating external signal-conditioning components for current-sense amplifiers and zero-crossing detectors.
Recommended
Medical Imaging and Diagnostic Equipment
The DSPIC33CH256MP208-I/PT's dual-core architecture and high-resolution peripherals make it suitable for medical imaging peripherals, ultrasound beamformers, and patient-monitoring signal-conditioning modules. The slave core can execute real-time DSP filtering (FIR, IIR, FFT) for ECG, EMG, or pulse-oximetry signal chains with deterministic latency, while the master core handles user-interface, USB connectivity, and data logging. The 12-channel 16-bit ADC provides simultaneous multi-lead ECG sampling, and the four analog comparators support hardware threshold detection for arrhythmia alarms. The CAN FD interface allows integration with hospital monitoring networks, while the 256 KB Flash accommodates complex DSP firmware libraries for biomedical signal processing including wavelet denoising and adaptive filtering.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33CH256MP208-I/PT β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33CH256MP208-E/PT | DSPIC33CH256MP206-I/PT | DSPIC33CH128MP208-I/PT | DSPIC33CH256MP208-H/PT | DSPIC33CH128MP208T-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | TQFP-80 (PT) 12x12 mm | TQFP-80 (PT) 12x12 mm | TQFP-80 (PT) 12x12 mm | TQFP-80 (PT) 12x12 mm | TQFP-80 (PT) 12x12 mm | TQFP-80 (PT) 12x12 mm |
| Core Architecture | Dual-core 16-bit DSC (master + slave) | Dual-core 16-bit DSC (master + slave) | Dual-core 16-bit DSC (master + slave) | Dual-core 16-bit DSC (master + slave) | Dual-core 16-bit DSC (master + slave) | Dual-core 16-bit DSC (master + slave) |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB (-50%) | 256 KB | 128 KB (-50%) |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 200 MHz (100 MIPS per core) | 200 MHz (100 MIPS per core) | 200 MHz (100 MIPS per core) | 200 MHz (100 MIPS per core) | 64 MHz (reduced for high-temp) | 200 MHz (100 MIPS per core) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +150C (Automotive) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Pin Count | 80 pins | 80 pins | 64 pins (variant) | 80 pins | 80 pins | 80 pins |
| Approximate Unit Price (qty-1) | $9.20 | $10.50 (estimated) | $8.80 (estimated) | $8.10 (estimated) | $12.00 (estimated) | $8.10 (estimated) |
Key Differentiators
- Dual-core architecture with deterministic slave-core isolation (vs DSPIC33EP256MU806 (single-core DSC))
- Higher-resolution PWM at 250 ps (vs DSPIC33CH128MP208-I/PT (128 KB Flash variant))
- Industrial temperature grade vs extended/automotive variants (vs DSPIC33CH256MP208-E/PT (Extended -40C to +125C))
Design Notes
Place a 10uF bulk tantalum or ceramic capacitor and a 0.1uF decoupling ceramic within 5mm of each VDD/AVDD pin pair. The DSPIC33CH256MP208-I/PT dual-core operation can produce transient current spikes up to 200mA during PWM edge transitions; inadequate decoupling will cause VDD droop that disrupts ADC conversions. Use a star-ground topology with separate analog (AVSS) and digital (VSS) ground planes joined at a single point beneath the IC. The internal voltage regulator requires an external 1uF ceramic on VCAP pin for stability.
Estimated: At maximum clock (200 MHz dual-core) with both cores active and PWM outputs switching at full duty, the DSPIC33CH256MP208-I/PT may dissipate up to 800mW. With TQFP-80 theta_JA of approximately 45 C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC test board, junction temperature rises 36C above ambient. For industrial operation at 85C ambient, junction temperature remains within the 125C limit, but designers should add thermal vias beneath the exposed pad (PT package has an EP) and provide at least 1 square inch of top-layer copper for sustained high-duty operation.
Route the high-resolution PWM outputs as differential pairs with matched trace lengths to within 1mm to prevent timing skew that degrades motor control performance. Keep analog ADC traces short and isolated from PWM switching traces by at least 3mm or use a ground shield. Place the crystal oscillator traces (OSCI/OSCO) within 10mm of the IC with ground flood beneath, and avoid routing noisy signals (PWM, CAN) within 5mm of the crystal traces. The TQFP-80 PT package has 0.5mm pitch; use 0.2mm/0.2mm trace/space design rules.
Do not skip configuration of the slave core's peripheral ownership bits in the master core's FSI (Flexible Serial Interface) module before deploying dual-core code. The slave core cannot access peripherals unless explicitly granted by the master core's FSI register map. Also, be aware that MCLR must be held low for at least 2ms during power-up for proper POR; the internal POR circuit does not guarantee proper reset under all power-ramp conditions. For ICSP programming, use the PGEC2/PGED2 pair rather than PGEC1/PGED1 unless your programmer specifically supports alternate pairs.
Compliance Information
Standard -I/PT variant is industrial grade; choose DSPIC33CH256MP208-H/PT for AEC-Q100 automotive qualification. RoHS compliant per Microchip product page.
