DSPIC33CK128MC103-E/M5 - 16-bit 128KB DSC, 100MHz | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33CK128MC103-E/M5 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.1 | $4.10 |
| 10 | $3.75 | $37.50 |
| 100 | $3.35 | $335.00 |
| 500 | $3.05 | $1,525.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.8 | $2,800.00 |
DSPIC33CK128MC103-E/M5 Overview
A Digital Signal Controller combines the computational architecture of a microcontroller with DSP capabilities. Sitting between general-purpose MCUs and dedicated DSPs in the embedded hierarchy, DSCs execute multiply-accumulate operations and control loops with deterministic timing, making them the preferred choice for digitally controlled power conversion, motor drive, and sensor-intensive systems. Microchip's dsPIC33 family is a widely adopted DSC platform supported by MPLAB X IDE, the XC16 compiler, and Configurator tooling.
Key features of the DSPIC33CK128MC103 include the 100 MHz dsPIC33CK core with DSP engine and barrel shifter, on-chip operational amplifiers that offload external analog signal conditioning, a 12-bit ADC for precision current and voltage sampling, and advanced PWM peripherals purpose-built for switch-mode power supplies and motor inverters. The 128 KB self-programmable FLASH supports field firmware updates, and 16 KB of RAM provides headroom for control-law state and communications buffers.
Architecturally, the dsPIC33CK generation is a single-core, high-performance evolution of the dsPIC33 family, with enhanced on-chip peripherals and improved interrupt latency that Microchip targets at digital power, motor control, advanced sensing, and general embedded control.
Typical applications include brushless DC and PMSM motor drives, digitally controlled AC-DC and DC-DC power supplies, solar micro-inverters, and battery charging systems, where fast ADC sampling and high-resolution PWM directly improve loop bandwidth and efficiency.
Designers should budget the UQFN (5x5 mm) thermal pad for heat dissipation at high core frequencies and follow Microchip's decoupling guidance for the analog op-amp and ADC rails.
This page adds value beyond the datasheet by consolidating distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, application pairings, and practical design notes in one AI-citable reference.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33CK128MC103-E/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 DSPIC33CK128MC103-E/M5 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, PWM, Program Memory Size, ADC Resolution.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33CK64MC103-E/M5
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33CK32MC103-E/M5
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33CK128MC103T-I/M5
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33CK64MC103-I/M5
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.24 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33CK128MC103-E/M5 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | dsPIC 16-bit DSC |
| Core Operating Frequency | 100 MHz |
| Program Memory (FLASH) | 128 KB (128K x 8) |
| RAM | 16 KB |
| ADC Resolution | 12 bit |
| Integrated Op Amps | Yes |
| PWM Peripherals | Yes (high-resolution PWM) |
| Package | 36-UQFN (5x5 mm) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
DSPIC33CK128MC103-E/M5 36-uqfn (5x5 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for DSPIC33CK128MC103-E/M5 (36-uqfn (5x5 mm) 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 DSPIC33CK128MC103-E/M5.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
DSPIC33CK128MC103-E/M5 is suitable for 6 applications: Brushless DC and PMSM Motor Control, Digitally Controlled Power Supplies, Solar Micro-Inverters and MPPT, Battery Charging and Management Systems, Industrial Sensing and Control Nodes, Digital Lighting and HID/LED Drivers.
Brushless DC and PMSM Motor Control
The DSPIC33CK128MC103-E/M5 fits motor control because its 100 MHz dsPIC33CK core executes field-oriented control (FOC) loops fast enough for high electrical-speed motors, while the 12-bit ADC samples phase currents synchronously with PWM events. The integrated op amps amplify low-side shunt currents directly, removing external amplifier stages and their offset/drift errors. High-resolution PWM peripherals generate complementary gate signals with dead-time control for three-phase inverters. In a typical BLDC/PMSM drive, the ADC completes a current conversion within one PWM cycle and the FOC current loop closes in a few microseconds, enabling bandwidths well above what conventional MCUs achieve. Trade-off: the UQFN (5x5 mm) thermal envelope limits gate-driver power, so use external drivers for inverters above roughly a few hundred watts.
Recommended
Digitally Controlled Power Supplies
For AC-DC and DC-DC converters, the DSPIC33CK128MC103-E/M5 provides the deterministic control platform digital power demands. The 12-bit ADC samples output voltage and inductor current with programmable triggers aligned to the PWM period, and the high-resolution PWM offers fine duty-cycle granularity that reduces output ripple compared with standard 8-bit PWM modules. The 100 MHz core computes PID or 2p2z compensators each switching cycle, supporting switching frequencies into the hundreds of kilohertz. Integrated op amps condition current-shunt signals for cycle-by-cycle limiting. Benefit: firmware-defined control laws allow adaptive mode switching (CCM/DCM) and soft-start without hardware redesign; the trade-off is that analog compensators respond faster than any sampled loop, so extreme-bandwidth converters may still need hybrid control.
Recommended
Solar Micro-Inverters and MPPT
Grid-tied micro-inverters need simultaneous fast current sampling, high-resolution PWM, and DSP-class math - exactly the DSPIC33CK128MC103-E/M5 profile. The 12-bit ADC continuously samples panel voltage/current for maximum-power-point-tracking (MPPT) while the same core handles grid-current control at the switching frequency. The high-resolution PWM drives interleaved boost and DC-AC stages with phase-shifted carriers that minimize input-current ripple. Integrated op amps amplify AC-line and shunt signals for zero-crossing detection and current shaping. Operating to +125C, the -E grade suits sealed outdoor enclosures where ambient temperatures climb. Design consideration: implement grid-synchronization (PLL) firmware carefully to meet harmonic-distortion requirements, and budget the 128 KB FLASH for utility-metering and safety-certification code.
Recommended
Battery Charging and Management Systems
Smart battery chargers benefit from the DSPIC33CK128MC103-E/M5's combination of precision analog and control PWM. The 12-bit ADC tracks battery voltage and current with the resolution needed for CC/CV termination accuracy, and integrated op amps condition shunt signals for charge-current regulation down to low milliamp levels. The PWM block implements a synchronous buck charging stage with cycle-by-cycle current limiting enforced in hardware comparators, protecting cells even if firmware faults. The -40C to +125C rating covers automotive bay and industrial charging environments. With 128 KB FLASH, charger firmware can include Li-ion, LiFePO4, and lead-acid profiles with state-of-charge estimation. Trade-off: for multi-cell stacks above the supply range, add an isolated front end; the DSC supervises rather than floats on the stack.
Recommended
Industrial Sensing and Control Nodes
In factory automation nodes, the DSPIC33CK128MC103-E/M5 merges DSP-grade signal processing with general-purpose control. The integrated op amps and 12-bit ADC acquire sensor signals (pressure, load, position) with fewer external components, while the 100 MHz core runs filtering (IIR/FIR) and feature extraction in firmware. Extended temperature operation to +125C permits mounting near motors, actuators, and heating elements without local cooling. The 128 KB FLASH accommodates communication stacks and local control logic; remaining I/O drives relays, indicators, and actuators through the PWM and GPIO. Practical note: route analog sensor traces away from PWM switching lines and use the ADC's synchronization with PWM to keep sampling noise out of conversions in electrically noisy cabinets.
Recommended
Digital Lighting and HID/LED Drivers
High-power LED drivers demand constant-current loops with fast transient response, which the DSPIC33CK128MC103-E/M5 delivers using its 12-bit ADC and high-resolution PWM. The ADC senses LED current via shunt, the core closes the regulation loop each cycle, and the PWM provides both switching control and low-frequency dimming (analog or PWM dimming to deep ratios). Integrated op amps condition the current-feedback signal, saving board area in compact lamp form factors. The -E temperature grade suits enclosed luminaires where ambient near the driver electronics can exceed 85C. A typical design runs a buck or buck-boost LED stage at 100-500 kHz with dimming resolution far finer than standalone switch-mode LED controllers, enabling flicker-free scene control in architectural and stage lighting.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33CK128MC103-E/M5 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33CK64MC103-E/M5 | DSPIC33CK32MC103-E/M5 | DSPIC33CK128MC103T-I/M5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 36-UQFN (5x5 mm) | 36-UQFN (5x5 mm) - same | 36-UQFN (5x5 mm) - same | 36-UQFN (5x5 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core Frequency | 100 MHz | 100 MHz | 100 MHz | 100 MHz |
| FLASH Memory | 128 KB | 64 KB | 32 KB | 128 KB |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C |
| ADC | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit |
| Integrated Op Amps | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Packaging Type | Tube | Tube | Tube | Tape & Reel |
Key Differentiators
- Maximum FLASH in the MC103 pin-compatible family (vs DSPIC33CK64MC103-E/M5)
- Extended temperature rating for harsh environments (vs DSPIC33CK128MC103T-I/M5)
- Integrated op amps reduce BOM in current-sense designs (vs DSPIC33CK32MC103-E/M5)
Design Notes
The 36-UQFN (5x5 mm) package includes an exposed pad that must be soldered to a ground plane, not left unsoldered. Use a well-defined thermal landing pattern with approximately 60-70% solder-paste coverage split into multiple small apertures to prevent voiding and tombstoning. Connect the exposed pad to at least a 3x3 via array down to the internal ground plane for both electrical return and heat spreading. Follow IPC-782A land-pattern guidance and Microchip's UQFN application note for the exact pad dimensions before finalizing the PCB footprint.
Decouple all VDD pins with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed within 2 mm of each pin, plus one bulk capacitor (4.7-10 uF) per rail. The integrated op amps and 12-bit ADC are sensitive to supply ripple: isolate AVDD with an RC or ferrite filter from digital VDD. When running the core at 100 MHz in digital power applications, keep the switch-node routing of the power stage physically separated from the DSC's analog front end to prevent PWM coupling into ADC inputs.
When substituting same-family variants, remember that FLASH sizes differ (32/64/128 KB) and RAM may also differ - recompile and inspect the memory map rather than assuming binary compatibility. The -E grade is rated to +125C while the -I grade stops at +85C; using an -I part in a hot enclosure is a silent reliability failure. Also verify configuration-bit settings (oscillator, watchdog, PWM polarity) after migrating code between dsPIC33CK family members, since peripheral instances can differ in count.
Compliance Information
Compliance statements were not included verbatim in the verified web data. Confirm RoHS/REACH status via Microchip's product page and Material Declaration Data Sheets.
