DSPIC33CH512MP208-I/PT - 100MHz Dual-Core DSC | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33CH512MP208-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.95 | $12.95 |
| 10 | $11.66 | $116.60 |
| 100 | $10.36 | $1,036.00 |
| 500 | $9.32 | $4,660.00 |
| 1,000 | $8.55 | $8,550.00 |
DSPIC33CH512MP208-I/PT Overview
What is a dual-core DSC? A Digital Signal Controller combines a microcontroller's deterministic control peripherals with a DSP's mathematical throughput on a single die. The dsPIC33CH family extends this concept by partitioning the workload: the master core runs the application, communication stacks, and supervisory tasks, while the slave core executes deterministic real-time loops (motor commutation, power conversion) with its own dedicated peripheral set. Compared with single-core DSCs, dual-core devices reduce interrupt latency, decouple firmware certification boundaries, and enable parallel development of safety-critical and application code.
Key features include high-resolution 250 ps PWM with 8 independent outputs, CAN FD, three UART/SPI/I2C pairs per core, and 16 timers. The dual-core architecture supports Functional Safety (FuSa) partitioning where the slave core runs safety functions independently of the main application, and on-chip interconnect enables shared memory for inter-core messaging. Integrated op-amps, comparators, and 12-bit ADC with 40 Msps capability make it suited to high-bandwidth feedback systems.
The device is fabricated on a CMOS process, supports operating temperatures from -40 C to +85 C (industrial grade -I), and is housed in a 12x12 mm TQFP-80 package with 0.50 mm pitch. Programming is supported through MPLAB X IDE, MPLAB XC-DSC compiler, and the dsPIC33CH Curiosity development board, with on-chip trace and dual trace/ICE debug paths.
Typical applications include field-oriented control (FOC) of PMSM and BLDC motors, digital power conversion (PFC + LLC), advanced LED lighting with adaptive dimming, and industrial drives requiring functional safety. The slave core is well suited to running the safety routine independently while the master core handles the user interface.
Designers should pay close attention to pin assignment when using both cores' peripherals, since most signals are multiplexed. Use the Microchip Motor Control Application Framework (MCAF) as a starting point to avoid race conditions in inter-core messaging via the MSI (Master-Slave Interface) shared RAM.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33CH512MP208-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 DSPIC33CH512MP208-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, ADC, Slave Core Speed, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33CH512MP208T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33CH256MP208-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33CH128MP208T-I/PT
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$6.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33CH512MP508-I/PT
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View Datasheet →DSPIC33CH512MP208-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | dsPIC33CH dual-core 16-bit DSC |
| Master Core Speed | 90 MIPS (max 100 MHz) |
| Slave Core Speed | 100 MIPS (max 100 MHz) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 512 KB |
| Data RAM | 64 KB |
| DMA Channels | 8 |
| Package | TQFP-80 (PT) 12x12 mm, 0.50 mm pitch |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| PWM Resolution | 250 ps (high-resolution) |
| PWM Outputs | 8 high-resolution |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 40 Msps |
| Communication | CAN FD, 3x UART, 3x SPI, 3x I2C (per core) |
| Timers | 16 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
DSPIC33CH512MP208-I/PT tqfp-80 (pt) 12x12 mm, 0.50 mm pitch Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for DSPIC33CH512MP208-I/PT (tqfp-80 (pt) 12x12 mm, 0.50 mm pitch package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for DSPIC33CH512MP208-I/PT.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
DSPIC33CH512MP208-I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Field-Oriented Control (FOC) of PMSM/BLDC Motors, Digital Power Conversion (PFC + LLC), Functional Safety (FuSa) Industrial Drives, Advanced LED Lighting and Adaptive Dimming, Solar Inverter MPPT Control, Automotive Sensor Fusion and ECU.
Field-Oriented Control (FOC) of PMSM/BLDC Motors
The DSPIC33CH512MP208-I/PT's dual-core architecture and 250 ps high-resolution PWM make it ideal for field-oriented control of permanent-magnet synchronous and brushless DC motors. The 100 MIPS slave core runs the FOC current loop at 20-50 kHz with deterministic interrupt latency, while the 90 MIPS master core handles speed/torque control loops, communication (CAN FD, UART), and application state machines. The 12-bit 40 Msps ADC samples phase currents with sub-microsecond latency, supporting high-bandwidth torque control. The 250 ps PWM resolution eliminates audible switching noise at low motor speeds by enabling silent commutation. Microchip's Motor Control Application Framework (MCAF) provides ready-made sensorless FOC libraries for this part.
Recommended
Digital Power Conversion (PFC + LLC)
The DSPIC33CH512MP208-I/PT excels in digital power supply designs such as totem-pole PFC and LLC resonant converters. Its 250 ps high-resolution PWM enables high-frequency switching (up to 2 MHz) with precise duty-cycle control for efficiency above 96%. The slave core executes the tight voltage-mode and current-mode control loops at fixed cycle rates, while the master core supervises housekeeping, telemetry, and PMBus/I2C communication with the host system. The integrated op-amps (up to 4) and high-speed comparators (10 ns) close most current-sense and voltage-sense feedback paths without external analog components, reducing BOM cost and PCB area.
Recommended
Functional Safety (FuSa) Industrial Drives
For industrial drives requiring IEC 61508 SIL 2/3 or ISO 26262 ASIL-B functional safety, the DSPIC33CH512MP208-I/PT's dual-core architecture enables partitioned safety and non-safety firmware. The slave core runs the certified safety function (STO, SLS, or SOS) independently with its own peripherals, while the master core runs the application code. The 512 KB Flash allows the slave core to hold its own independent firmware image with a separate CRC signature, supporting robust dual-image storage. Microchip's Functional Safety Ready documentation and pre-certified libraries (IEC 61508 SIL 3) accelerate certification. The integrated CAN-FD enables SafetyBus communication with the host controller.
Recommended
Advanced LED Lighting and Adaptive Dimming
The DSPIC33CH512MP208-I/PT's high-resolution PWM and DSP capability suit professional LED drivers with adaptive dimming and color-mixing requirements. The 250 ps PWM resolution supports flicker-free dimming down to 0.1% duty cycle, critical for studio and architectural lighting applications. The slave core can manage individual LED channel control loops while the master core handles DALI-2, DMX512, or wireless commissioning interfaces. The integrated op-amps and comparators enable closed-loop current control of each LED string without external analog ICs, reducing solution cost and improving reliability.
Recommended
Solar Inverter MPPT Control
The DSPIC33CH512MP208-I/PT is well suited for solar inverter maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control in residential and small-commercial string inverters. The 100 MIPS slave core executes perturb-and-observe or incremental-conductance MPPT at kHz rates, while the master core manages grid-tie synchronization, anti-islanding, and Modbus/CAN communication. The 12-bit 40 Msps ADC accurately samples PV string voltage and current, enabling high-bandwidth power tracking. The dual-core partitioning allows the safety-critical grid-synchronization function (anti-islanding) to be isolated on the slave core with its own independent firmware image, supporting UL 1741 and IEC 62116 grid-code compliance.
Recommended
Automotive Sensor Fusion and ECU
The DSPIC33CH512MP208-I/PT's dual-core architecture and CAN FD make it suitable for automotive ECUs combining sensor fusion and actuator control. The slave core processes time-critical sensor data (encoder, resolver) while the master core runs higher-level state machines, diagnostics, and CAN FD communication with the vehicle network. The integrated op-amps and comparators condition analog sensor inputs directly, eliminating external analog front-end ICs. The industrial temperature grade (-I) supports under-hood applications up to 85 C; for higher-temperature environments, the -E variant (125 C) is recommended.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33CH512MP208-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33CH512MP208T-I/PT | DSPIC33CH256MP208-I/PT | DSPIC33CH128MP208T-I/PT | DSPIC33CH512MP508-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| 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 |
| Architecture | dsPIC33CH dual-core 16-bit DSC | dsPIC33CH dual-core 16-bit DSC | dsPIC33CH dual-core 16-bit DSC | dsPIC33CH dual-core 16-bit DSC | dsPIC33CH dual-core 16-bit DSC |
| Master Core Speed | 90 MIPS (100 MHz) | 90 MIPS (100 MHz) | 90 MIPS (100 MHz) | 90 MIPS (100 MHz) | 90 MIPS (100 MHz) |
| Flash Memory | 512 KB | 512 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB | 512 KB |
| RAM | 64 KB | 64 KB | 48 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB |
| PWM Resolution | 250 ps (high-resolution) | 250 ps | 250 ps | 250 ps | 250 ps |
| CAN FD Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Higher memory capacity for dual independent firmware images (vs DSPIC33CH256MP208-I/PT)
- Identical die with T&R packaging variant available (vs DSPIC33CH512MP208T-I/PT)
- Larger Flash than entry-level 128 KB variant (vs DSPIC33CH128MP208T-I/PT)
Design Notes
When using the dual-core architecture, the slave core uses alternative S1MCLRx pins for debugging rather than the standard MCLR used by the master core. It may be necessary to add a pull-up resistor on the S1MCLR pin to successfully access the slave core via the debugger. Additionally, ICSP write inhibition can be configured to permanently lock the device - once enabled, the dsPIC33CH512MP208 cannot be re-programmed. Plan your security fuses carefully before programming the part in production.
TQFP-80 with 0.50 mm pitch requires careful PCB layout: use 0.20 mm trace/space rules, fan-out from the package edges with dog-bone or via-in-pad for ground returns, and place all VDD/VSS decoupling capacitors within 2 mm of their respective pins. The dsPIC33CH family has separate AVDD/AVSS analog supply pins that must be filtered with ferrite beads and 10 uF + 100 nF decoupling to ensure clean ADC operation. Avoid routing high-speed PWM signals adjacent to analog input pins to minimize coupling.
Inter-core messaging via the Master-Slave Interface (MSI) shared RAM requires careful synchronization using spinlocks or interrupt-driven semaphores. Race conditions in shared memory access can cause data corruption that is difficult to debug. Microchip's MCAF framework provides helper functions for inter-core message queues; use them rather than rolling your own synchronization primitives. For Functional Safety applications, the slave-core firmware image must be independently verifiable with its own CRC signature - allocate separate Flash regions for each core's code and data.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial -I temperature grade only (not AEC-Q100 qualified); for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q100, Microchip offers qualified variants in the dsPIC33CH family. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip environmental compliance documentation.
