DSPIC33CH256MP508-I/PT - Dual-Core 100MHz DSC, 256KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33CH256MP508-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.1 | $9.10 |
| 10 | $8.21 | $82.10 |
| 100 | $7.32 | $732.00 |
| 500 | $6.55 | $3,275.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.84 | $5,840.00 |
DSPIC33CH256MP508-I/PT Overview
A Digital Signal Controller (DSC) is a hybrid architecture that merges the deterministic real-time control attributes of a microcontroller (MCU) with the computational throughput of a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). Within the broader taxonomy, this part sits at the hierarchy: dsPIC33CH DSC -> DSC -> MCU/DSP hybrid -> microcontroller family -> semiconductor. The dual-core dsPIC33CH architecture enables designers to separate time-critical control loops (main core) from housekeeping, communications, and safety monitoring tasks (slave core), a key advantage over single-core dsPIC33CK/CJ devices.
Key features include 100 MHz main core operation (200 MIPS with dual-issue DSP), a 12-bit ADC with up to 3.5 MSPS throughput, 8 DMA channels, multiple communication interfaces (CAN-FD, I2C, SPI, UART), and high-resolution PWM outputs with 250 ps resolution. The integrated op-amps and comparators support advanced analog front-ends for field-oriented control (FOC) of BLDC, PMSM, and ACIM motors. Functional-safety features targeting IEC 61508 and ISO 26262 are built into the silicon.
The main core typically runs the high-speed motor-control or digital-power loop, while the slave core manages communication stacks (CAN-FD, UART), housekeeping, or secondary control loops. The inter-core peripheral sharing mechanism allows the slave to access main-core peripherals and vice versa via a dedicated mailbox and shared RAM, eliminating the need for an external companion MCU in many functional-safety designs. The 80-pin TQFP (12x12 mm) package provides 69 usable I/O pins for extensive peripheral routing.
Typical applications include high-performance BLDC/PMSM motor drives (e.g., e-bikes, drones, appliances), digital switch-mode power supplies, photovoltaic inverters, and industrial servo drives. Designers can also leverage the device in safety-critical systems that benefit from the dual-core lockstep-style architecture. The CAN-FD peripheral suits automotive and industrial networking, and the high-resolution PWM supports silicon-carbide (SiC) and gallium-nitride (GaN) power-converter gate drive.
When designing with the DSPIC33CH256MP508-I/PT, allocate the main-core interrupt budget to the control loop and ensure the slave-core mailbox response time is bounded to avoid blocking main-core reads. Decoupling VDD/VBAT with 100 nF + 10 uF ceramic capacitors as close as practical to the pins is recommended. The /PT TQFP package supports hand-solderable debug but for high-volume assembly a 4-layer PCB with thermal vias under the exposed pad is preferred.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design considerations for the DSPIC33CH256MP508-I/PT, supplementing the manufacturer datasheet with curated selection guidance.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33CH256MP508-I/PT — 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 DSPIC33CH256MP508-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, High-Resolution PWM, Slave Core Speed, Core Architecture, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33CH256MP508T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33CH256MP508-E/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33CH256MP208-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33CH128MP508-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33CH256MP506T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$5.7 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33CH256MP508-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | dsPIC33CH dual-core 16-bit DSC |
| Main Core Speed | 100 MHz (100 MIPS) |
| Slave Core Speed | 90 MIPS |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB |
| Data RAM | 32 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 3.5 MSPS |
| DMA Channels | 8 |
| High-Resolution PWM | Yes, 250 ps resolution |
| CAN-FD | Yes |
| Communication Interfaces | CAN-FD, I2C, SPI, UART, I2S |
| Timers | 5 |
| I/O Pins | 69 |
| Package | TQFP-80 (PT) 12x12 mm |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
DSPIC33CH256MP508-I/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RP44/RB12 — Remappable I/O / PWM |
| Pin 2 | RP45/RB13 — Remappable I/O / PWM |
| Pin 3 | RP46/RB14 — Remappable I/O / PWM |
| Pin 4 | RP47/RB15 — Remappable I/O / PWM |
| Pin 5 | VDD — Supply voltage 3.3V |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 7 | OSCI — External oscillator input |
| Pin 8 | OSCO — External oscillator output |
| Pin 9 | MCLR — Master clear (reset) |
| Pin 10 | PGEC1 — ICSP clock 1 |
| Pin 11 | PGED1 — ICSP data 1 |
| Pin 12 | PGEC2 — ICSP clock 2 |
| Pin 13 | PGED2 — ICSP data 2 |
| Pin 14 | RB0 — Port B I/O |
| Pin 15 | RB1 — Port B I/O |
| Pin 16 | RB2 — Port B I/O |
| Pin 17 | RB3 — Port B I/O |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Supply voltage 3.3V |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 20 | RA0 — Port A I/O |
| Pin 21 | RA1 — Port A I/O |
| Pin 22 | RA2 — Port A I/O |
| Pin 23 | RA3 — Port A I/O |
| Pin 24 | RA4 — Port A I/O |
| Pin 25 | RA5 — Port A I/O |
| Pin 26 | RA6 — Port A I/O |
| Pin 27 | RA7 — Port A I/O |
| Pin 28 | RB4 — Port B I/O |
| Pin 29 | RB5 — Port B I/O |
| Pin 30 | RB6 — Port B I/O |
| Pin 31 | RB7 — Port B I/O |
| Pin 32 | RB8 — Port B I/O |
| Pin 33 | RB9 — Port B I/O |
| Pin 34 | RB10 — Port B I/O |
| Pin 35 | RB11 — Port B I/O |
| Pin 36 | VCAP — Internal regulator output (1.2V core) |
| Pin 37 | VDD — Supply voltage 3.3V |
| Pin 38 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 39 | RC0 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 40 | RC1 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 41 | RC2 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 42 | RC3 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 43 | RC4 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 44 | RC5 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 45 | RC6 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 46 | RC7 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 47 | RC8 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 48 | RC9 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 49 | RC10 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 50 | RC11 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 51 | RC12 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 52 | RC13 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 53 | RC14 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 54 | RC15 — Port C I/O |
| Pin 55 | RD0 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 56 | RD1 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 57 | RD2 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 58 | RD3 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 59 | RD4 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 60 | RD5 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 61 | RD6 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 62 | RD7 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 63 | RD8 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 64 | RD9 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 65 | RD10 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 66 | RD11 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 67 | RD12 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 68 | RD13 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 69 | RD14 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 70 | RD15 — Port D I/O |
| Pin 71 | RE0 — Port E I/O |
| Pin 72 | RE1 — Port E I/O |
| Pin 73 | RE2 — Port E I/O |
| Pin 74 | RE3 — Port E I/O |
| Pin 75 | RE4 — Port E I/O |
| Pin 76 | RE5 — Port E I/O |
| Pin 77 | RE6 — Port E I/O |
| Pin 78 | RE7 — Port E I/O |
| Pin 79 | RF0 — Port F I/O |
| Pin 80 | RF1 — Port F I/O |
Typical Applications
DSPIC33CH256MP508-I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: BLDC / PMSM Motor Control (Field-Oriented Control), Digital Switch-Mode Power Supply (SMPS), Functional-Safety Industrial Servo Systems, Photovoltaic (PV) Microinverters and Solar Optimizers, Automotive Electric Power Steering (EPS) and Pumps, Industrial Robotics and CNC Servo Drives.
BLDC / PMSM Motor Control (Field-Oriented Control)
The DSPIC33CH256MP508-I/PT is purpose-built for BLDC and PMSM motor control using Field-Oriented Control (FOC) algorithms. The 100 MIPS main dsPIC core runs the FOC loop with adequate headroom for sensorless observers and space-vector PWM, while the 250 ps high-resolution PWM provides the switching precision that minimizes torque ripple at low speeds. The 12-bit 3.5 MSPS ADC samples phase currents synchronously to the PWM cycle, and integrated op-amps condition the current-sense signals without external amplifiers. The slave core handles CAN-FD communication, fault monitoring, and housekeeping tasks in parallel. Designers using this part for FOC benefit from Microchip's MPLAB X IDE with motorBench development suite, which generates production-ready FOC firmware targeting this exact device family.
Recommended
Digital Switch-Mode Power Supply (SMPS)
The DSPIC33CH256MP508-I/PT delivers the deterministic control loop and DSP performance required for digital switch-mode power supplies, including totem-pole PFC, LLC resonant converters, and Phase-Shifted Full-Bridge topologies. The 100 MIPS main core runs average-current-mode control, adaptive dead-time compensation, and cycle-by-cycle peak currents at multi-hundred kHz switching frequencies. The high-resolution PWM enables digital control of SiC and GaN power stages where narrow pulse widths are critical. The 12-bit ADC provides sub-1% output voltage regulation accuracy when paired with external precision references. The slave core supervises the system, manages PMBus or I2C telemetry, and runs background housekeeping without disturbing the main control loop timing.
Recommended
Functional-Safety Industrial Servo Systems
For industrial servo drives targeting IEC 61508 SIL 2/3, the DSPIC33CH256MP508-I/PT provides dual-core architecture that supports safety functions such as STO (Safe Torque Off), SBC (Safe Brake Control), and SS1 (Safe Stop 1). The main core executes the high-speed position/velocity/torque loop, while the slave core performs independent diagnostics, watchdog monitoring, and cross-check computation. Built-in memory BIST and ECC on Flash/SRAM enable fault detection on the silicon itself. The CAN-FD peripheral supports industrial protocols like CANopen Safety, while the high-resolution PWM ensures safe gate-driver shutoff within microseconds. Designers can pair this part with isolated gate drivers such as the MCP14A0901 to meet galvanic isolation requirements.
Recommended
Photovoltaic (PV) Microinverters and Solar Optimizers
The DSPIC33CH256MP508-I/PT powers photovoltaic microinverters and module-level power optimizers where dual-core separation of grid-synchronization and MPPT control improves reliability. The main core runs MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) at the PV panel level while the slave core manages anti-islanding, grid-synchronization PLL, and Modbus/POWERBUS communication. Its CAN-FD peripheral enables high-speed communication between optimizers and the inverter aggregator. High-resolution PWM drives the boost or interleaved flyback stage at 100 kHz+ switching frequencies with high efficiency. The 256 KB Flash accommodates complex grid-code compliance firmware including VDE-AR-N 4105 and IEEE 1547 logic.
Recommended
Automotive Electric Power Steering (EPS) and Pumps
For automotive electric power steering (EPS) and water/oil pumps, the DSPIC33CH256MP508-I/PT provides the dual-core architecture and CAN-FD communication needed in modern vehicles. The main core runs the EPS assist-torque control loop with FOC, while the slave core manages CAN-FD stack, torque overlay, and diagnostic services per UDS (Unified Diagnostic Services). High-resolution PWM produces quiet motor operation at low speeds - critical for EPS where acoustic noise directly affects cabin refinement. Extended temperature grade variants (DSPIC33CH256MP508-E/PT) support under-hood mounting up to +125C. The functional-safety features assist with ISO 26262 ASIL-B/C compliance paths when properly integrated.
Recommended
Industrial Robotics and CNC Servo Drives
The DSPIC33CH256MP508-I/PT targets industrial robotics and CNC servo drives where deterministic multi-axis coordination is essential. The main core runs position-loop FOC at kHz update rates, while the slave core handles EtherCAT or CAN-FD slave-stack communication and dual-loop position feedback. High-resolution PWM enables sub-micron positioning accuracy at low feed rates. The integrated op-amps and comparators reduce BOM by eliminating external signal-conditioning ICs. Built-in safety features support PROFIdrive and CIP Safety protocol stacks when paired with appropriate external transceivers. Designers can leverage Microchip's dsPIC33CH motor-control library for rapid prototyping.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33CH256MP508-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33CH256MP508T-I/PT | DSPIC33CH256MP508-E/PT | DSPIC33CH256MP208-I/PT | DSPIC33CH128MP508-I/PT | DSPIC33CH256MP506T-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TQFP-80 (PT) 12x12 mm | TQFP-80 (PT) 12x12 mm - same | TQFP-80 (PT) 12x12 mm - same | TQFP-80 (PT) 12x12 mm - same | TQFP-80 (PT) 12x12 mm - same | TQFP-80 (PT) 12x12 mm - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB (-50%) | 256 KB |
| RAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB (-50%) | 32 KB |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended, +47% range) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| CAN-FD | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Main Core Speed | 100 MIPS | 100 MIPS | 100 MIPS | 100 MIPS | 100 MIPS | 100 MIPS |
| Carrier Packaging | Tray (119 pcs) | Tape & Reel (1000 pcs) | Tray | Tray | Tray | Tape & Reel (1000 pcs) |
| Unit Price (qty-1, approx) | $9.10 | $9.10 (same) | $11.50 (+26%) | $8.20 (-10%) | $7.40 (-19%) | $9.10 (same) |
Key Differentiators
- Dual-core dsPIC33C architecture in TQFP-80 package (vs Single-core dsPIC33EP DSC)
- Higher Flash and RAM density in same package (vs DSPIC33CH128MP508-I/PT)
- Industrial vs Extended temperature grade options (vs DSPIC33CH256MP508-E/PT)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD pins with 100 nF X7R ceramic capacitors placed as close as practical to each VDD/VSS pair, plus a single 10 uF bulk capacitor per supply plane. The DSPIC33CH256MP508-I/PT has multiple VDD/VSS pairs (typically 5 pairs on the TQFP-80) to minimize switching-current loop inductance. Estimated: with 4-layer PCB (1 oz copper) and standard land pattern, target impedance <50 mOhm across the 1 MHz to 100 MHz range using the manufacturer reference schematic as the baseline.
The TQFP-80 (PT) 12x12 mm package does NOT have an exposed thermal pad - the die is cooled through the lead frame to the PCB copper. For motor-drive applications where the device dissipates 0.5-1 W continuously, route continuous copper pours under all GND leads and connect them to a large ground plane. Estimated: theta_JA of the TQFP-80 on a 4-layer PCB with a 1 oz ground pour is approximately 35-45 C/W, allowing up to 1 W dissipation at 85C ambient without thermal throttling.
Place the analog 12-bit ADC input traces away from PWM switching traces to minimize coupling noise. Use a dedicated AVSS/AGND connection with a ferrite bead or 0-ohm resistor to isolate noisy digital GND from quiet analog GND at the device. Keep the VCAP capacitor (internal regulator output) within 5 mm of the VCAP pin with a 1 uF X7R ceramic and short, wide traces. The 250 ps high-resolution PWM outputs require matched trace lengths if driving parallel power MOSFET gates.
DO NOT leave the MCLR pin floating - it must be pulled up to VDD via a 10 kOhm resistor, with a 100 nF capacitor to ground for noise immunity. The ICSP pins PGEC1/PGED1 and PGEC2/PGED2 are used as a pair (e.g., PGEC2 must be paired with PGED2). Per the dsPIC33CH family datasheet, configuring mismatched pairs will prevent in-circuit programming. Avoid 5 V signals on any I/O pin - the DSPIC33CH is a 3.3 V part and 5 V tolerance is NOT guaranteed on most pins.
When routing the high-speed CAN-FD bus, maintain 120-ohm differential impedance with twisted-pair or edge-coupled microstrip. Place a common-mode choke near the connector and add TVS diodes rated for the automotive or industrial surge profile. For the high-resolution PWM outputs driving external gate drivers, use controlled-impedance traces (typically 50-ohm single-ended) and add a small series gate resistor (10-33 ohm) to dampen ringing at the gate-drive stage.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial (-I) grade is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for AEC-Q100 automotive applications consult Microchip automotive-grade dsPIC33CH variants. Halogen-free and lead-free per Microchip environmental compliance documentation.
