DSPIC33CK256MP203T-I/M5 - 100MHz 16-Bit DSC | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33CK256MP203T-I/M5 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.43 | $3.43 |
| 10 | $3.15 | $31.50 |
| 100 | $2.85 | $285.00 |
| 500 | $2.6 | $1,300.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.4 | $2,400.00 |
DSPIC33CK256MP203T-I/M5 Overview
A digital signal controller is a hybrid class of power-management IC that merges a microcontroller's ease of use with a digital signal processor's math throughput. Within the power-electronics taxonomy, the dsPIC33CK family sits between general-purpose microcontrollers (such as PIC16) and full DSPs, and it is optimized for closed-loop control of switching power converters, motor drives, and high-speed sensing systems.
Key features include DC-to-100 MIPS operation from a 3.0 V to 3.6 V supply, a high-resolution PWM with 250 ps effective resolution for fine duty-cycle control, and a CAN Flexible Data (CAN FD) module for industrial and automotive networking. The MP peripherals are particularly rich: 3 on-chip operational amplifiers, 3 comparators, and a Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG), reducing external component count in power supplies and motor control boards.
Technically, the dsPIC33C core delivers DSP multiply-accumulate performance with hardware divide, multiple interrupt priorities, and a 4-channel DMA controller for low-overhead data movement between ADC results and memory. The device operates from -40C to +85C (industrial, -I temperature grade) and supports the Functional Safety (FuSa) package classification, which aids compliance-driven designs.
Typical applications include digital power supplies (totem-pole PFC, LLC converters exploiting the 250 ps PWM resolution), BLDC and PMSM motor control using the integrated op amps for current sensing, and industrial CAN FD nodes for automation and telecom rectifiers.
A key design consideration: the 3.0-3.6 V operating range requires a clean 3.3 V rail, and the exposed pad must be soldered to a ground pour for thermal and signal-integrity reasons.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives across the dsPIC33CK family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33CK256MP203T-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 DSPIC33CK256MP203T-I/M5 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Packaging, Core, Operating Temperature, Peripherals.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33CK256MP203T-H/M5
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33CK256MP203T-E/M5
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33CK128MP203T-I/M5
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33CK64MP203T-I/M5
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33CK128MC503T-I/M5
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33CK256MP203T-I/M5 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | dsPIC33CK 16-bit DSC |
| Core Speed | 100 MHz (100 MIPS) |
| Flash Program Memory | 256 KB (256K x 8) |
| RAM | 24 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | 36-UQFN (5x5 mm) exposed pad |
| PWM Resolution | 250 ps |
| CAN | CAN FD |
| On-chip Op Amps | 3 |
| On-chip Comparators | 3 |
| Peripherals | Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG) |
| DMA Channels | 4 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T) |
| Functional Safety | FuSa classified |
DSPIC33CK256MP203T-I/M5 36-uqfn (5x5 mm) exposed pad Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for DSPIC33CK256MP203T-I/M5 (36-uqfn (5x5 mm) exposed pad 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 DSPIC33CK256MP203T-I/M5.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
DSPIC33CK256MP203T-I/M5 is suitable for 6 applications: Digital Power Supplies (LLC / Totem-Pole PFC), BLDC / PMSM Motor Control, Industrial CAN FD Nodes, Advanced Sensing and Signal Conditioning, Telecom Rectifier and Server Power Control, Functional Safety (FuSa) Control Systems.
Digital Power Supplies (LLC / Totem-Pole PFC)
The DSPIC33CK256MP203T-I/M5 fits digital power conversion because its high-resolution PWM provides 250 ps effective resolution, enabling fine duty-cycle and dead-time control in LLC resonant converters and totem-pole PFC stages. The 100 MHz dsPIC33C core executes the control loop and DSP compensation math with deterministic latency, while the 4-channel DMA streams ADC results into memory without CPU overhead. Used as the main controller between the voltage/current sense dividers and the gate-driver inputs, it replaces analog compensation networks with firmware, allowing adaptive burst mode, phase management, and telemetry over CAN FD. The trade-off is that firmware development and protection-in-software (fast overcurrent comparators should be wired to PWM fault inputs) must be designed in from the start.
Recommended
BLDC / PMSM Motor Control
For field-oriented control (FOC) of brushless DC and permanent-magnet synchronous motors, the DSPIC33CK256MP203T-I/M5 is an excellent fit: the three integrated operational amplifiers amplify shunt-resistor phase currents directly on-chip, the three comparators provide hardware overcurrent trip to the PWM fault logic, and the 250 ps PWM resolution gives smooth commutation at high electrical speeds. The 100 MIPS DSP core runs Clarke/Park transforms and PI loops with ample margin even at 20 kHz+ PWM frequencies. Used with a three-phase gate driver and MOSFET bridge, the DSC handles sensorless or encoder-based control entirely in firmware. Design consideration: layout the shunt-to-op-amp traces as short Kelvin connections to preserve the on-chip amplifier's accuracy, and use the exposed pad as the power ground reference.
Recommended
Industrial CAN FD Nodes
The integrated CAN Flexible Data module makes the DSPIC33CK256MP203T-I/M5 a strong choice for industrial automation nodes, telecom rectifier monitoring, and building-control gateways. CAN FD supports up to 64-byte payloads and faster data-phase bit rates than classical CAN, so a single DSC can both run a local control loop at 100 MHz and communicate rich telemetry without a separate communication MCU. In this role the PTG (Peripheral Trigger Generator) sequences ADC sampling autonomously, freeing CPU cycles for the protocol stack. Pair the DSC with a CAN FD transceiver and proper common-mode choke; keep the crystal/CAN layout short. Firmware can be updated in the field through the CAN interface using a bootloader, a common pattern in Microchip's digital-power reference designs.
Recommended
Advanced Sensing and Signal Conditioning
The MP peripheral set of the DSPIC33CK256MP203T-I/M5 - three op amps, three comparators, and a high-speed ADC with DMA - allows the chip to act as a complete analog signal-conditioning and acquisition system. Sensor outputs (current shunts, pressure bridges, thermistor dividers) can be buffered and gain-scaled by the on-chip amplifiers, thresholded by comparators, and digitized with results moved by DMA. The 100 MHz core then applies DSP filtering (IIR/FIR) with hardware multiply-accumulate support. This integration reduces BOM count versus an external op-amp front end plus a generic MCU. Consideration: op amp gain-bandwidth and ADC sampling specs in the family datasheet must be checked against the sensor bandwidth, and the 3.0-3.6 V supply defines the allowable input common-mode range.
Recommended
Telecom Rectifier and Server Power Control
In telecom -48 V rectifiers and server PSU modules, the DSPIC33CK256MP203T-I/M5 serves as the digital supervisory and control DSC: it manages power-stage sequencing, hot-swap inrush, output-voltage trimming via its high-resolution PWM, and PMBus/CAN FD telemetry to the shelf manager. The 256 KB Flash accommodates the control firmware plus a field-updatable bootloader and data logging in RAM/flash, and the industrial -40C to +85C rating covers outdoor telecom cabinets. The fast comparators provide hardware-level overvoltage/overcurrent shutdown independent of firmware, essential for power-supply safety. Efficiency tuning (dead-time optimization with 250 ps granularity) can raise peak efficiency by measurable margins compared to fixed analog dead-time generators.
Recommended
Functional Safety (FuSa) Control Systems
The DSPIC33CK256MP203T-I/M5 carries Microchip's Functional Safety (FuSa) classification (as noted in DigiKey's listing), which supports designers building IEC 61508-adjacent industrial controls by providing safety documentation packages, fault-injection guidance, and diagnostic-library availability. Typical use is as the main control channel in a safety-relevant drive, inverter, or power converter, where the hardware comparators implement an independent protection path and the CPU runs self-test diagnostics in parallel with the control loop. The 100 MHz core leaves margin for both the application and diagnostic code. Note: the FuSa package provides supporting collateral, not automatic certification - the end-system qualification remains the system integrator's responsibility per the applicable standard.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33CK256MP203T-I/M5 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33CK256MP203T-H/M5 | DSPIC33CK256MP203T-E/M5 | DSPIC33CK128MP203T-I/M5 | DSPIC33CK128MC503T-I/M5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 36-UQFN (5x5 mm) | 36-UQFN (5x5 mm) - same | 36-UQFN (5x5 mm) - same | 36-UQFN (5x5 mm) - same | 36-UQFN (5x5 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core Speed | 100 MHz (100 MIPS) | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 100 MHz | 100 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +150C | -40C to +125C (extended) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| CAN FD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Op Amps / Comparators | 3 / 3 | 3 / 3 | 3 / 3 | 3 / 3 | 0 / 3 (MC peripheral set) |
| PWM Resolution | 250 ps | 250 ps | 250 ps | 250 ps | 250 ps |
Key Differentiators
- Full 100 MHz speed grade with industrial temperature rating (vs DSPIC33CK256MP203T-H/M5)
- Double the Flash of the lower-memory sibling (vs DSPIC33CK128MP203T-I/M5)
- Integrated analog front end (3 op amps + PTG) (vs DSPIC33CK128MC503T-I/M5)
Design Notes
The 36-UQFN 5x5 mm package has an exposed pad on the bottom that is the primary ground and thermal path. Define a via-array (4x4 or larger) under the land pattern connecting to the internal ground plane, and solder-mask-open the pad window fully. Do not route signal traces under the exposed pad region on the top layer. Keep the 100 nF decoupling capacitors within 2 mm of each VDD pin and place a bulk 10 uF ceramic near the supply entry.
Supply range is 3.0 V to 3.6 V with 3.3 V nominal; full-speed 100 MHz operation draws roughly 42.5 mA maximum (family figure). Estimated: with a 3.3 V rail and 50 mA total load including I/O, dissipation in the DSC itself is about 0.17 W - trivially handled by the exposed pad, but budget the upstream LDO or buck accordingly and verify brown-out settings so a sagging 3.3 V rail triggers a clean reset rather than misfiring PWM outputs in power-conversion applications.
Peripheral pin select (PPS) applies on the dsPIC33CK: PWM, UART, and other digital functions must be mapped to physical pins in code before use - a blank schematic pin assignment that assumes fixed functions is the most common first-revision error. Also wire the comparators to the PWM fault inputs in hardware (not software) so overcurrent protection survives a firmware stall; software-only protection violates good practice for digital power designs per Microchip's digital-power reference design guidance.
At 100 MHz internal operation, keep the crystal/oscillator traces under 15 mm with guard ground, and route PWM outputs away from analog op-amp input traces feeding the on-chip amplifiers. Because the three op amps are internal, external shunt-to-pin traces carry high-di/dt signals in motor drives - use Kelvin connections directly at the shunt resistor and consider an RC filter (about 100 ohm / 1 nF) at the op-amp input pins to reject switching noise.
Compliance Information
RoHS-compliant lead-free surface-mount device per DigiKey/Mouser product listings. Obtain formal REACH and halogen-free declarations from Microchip's compliance portal for the exact MPN.
