DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/ML - 70 MIPS DSC 128KB Flash 44-QFN | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/ML β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.1 | $6.10 |
| 10 | $5.49 | $54.90 |
| 100 | $4.65 | $465.00 |
| 500 | $4.05 | $2,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.62 | $3,620.00 |
DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/ML Overview
A digital signal controller combines the compute architecture of a digital signal processor (DSP) with the peripheral integration and ease of use of a microcontroller (MCU). Within the power-management hierarchy of embedded systems, a DSC such as the dsPIC33EP family member sits between general-purpose MCUs and full DSPs, offering deterministic single-cycle MAC, barrel-shifter DSP instructions alongside standard control-flow peripherals. This makes the dsPIC 33EP series a natural fit for closed-loop control applications where both math throughput and rich timing peripherals are required.
Key differentiating features of this GM304 variant include 12 motor-control PWM (MCPWM) channels, 8 input capture and 8 output compare channels, 2 quadrature encoder interfaces (QEI), and four integrated operational amplifiers that offload external analog signal conditioning. The Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) supports capacitive touch and precision time measurement, while the Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG) automates peripheral sequencing with minimal CPU intervention.
Technically, the device runs a 16-bit modified Harvard architecture core at up to 70 MIPS from a 60MHz clock source, in CMOS technology. Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) allows flexible remapping of digital peripherals to physical pins, greatly easing PCB routing. Operating temperature is the industrial range of -40C to +85C (denoted by the I suffix). The T suffix denotes tape-and-reel delivery for automated assembly.
Typical applications include precision motor control (BLDC, PMSM, stepper), digital power supplies and power-factor-correction converters, and industrial sensing and instrumentation leveraging the on-chip op-amps and CTMU.
Design consideration: budget the 3.0V to 3.6V rail carefully and use the exposed pad as the primary ground path for thermal and signal-integrity performance; verify PPS assignments early in layout.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing context, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/ML β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33EP256GM304T-I/ML
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP64GM304T-I/ML
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP128GM604T-I/ML
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$4.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βDSPIC33EP128GP304T-I/ML
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP128MC304T-I/ML
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 16-bit dsPIC33E DSC core |
| Max CPU Speed | 70 MIPS |
| Clock Frequency | 60 MHz |
| Program Memory | 128KB (43K x 24) FLASH |
| Data RAM | 16 KB |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Package | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) Exposed Pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Motor Control PWM Channels | 12 MCPWM |
| Input Capture / Output Compare | 8 IC / 8 OC |
| Quadrature Encoder Interfaces | 2 QEI |
| On-Chip Op-Amps | 4 |
| Charge Time Measurement Unit | CTMU |
| Peripheral Trigger Generator | PTG |
| Peripheral Pin Select | PPS supported |
| Technology | CMOS |
| Packaging | Tape and Reel (T suffix) |
DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/ML 44-qfn (8x8 mm) exposed pad Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/ML (44-qfn (8x8 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 DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/ML.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Precision BLDC/PMSM Motor Control, Digital Power Supplies and PFC, Industrial Sensing and Instrumentation, Capacitive Touch and HMI Panels, Embedded Connectivity Gateways, Robotics and Motion Subsystems.
Precision BLDC/PMSM Motor Control
The DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/ML fits precision motor control because its 70 MIPS DSP core executes field-oriented control (FOC) loops with single-cycle MAC instructions, while 12 MCPWM channels generate complementary or independent PWM outputs with dead-time control. The 2 quadrature encoder interfaces (QEI) decode position feedback from incremental encoders, and the 4 on-chip op-amps amplify shunt-resistor current signals before the ADC, removing external amplifier ICs. In a typical PMSM drive, the DSC closes current loops at 10-20 kHz and a speed loop at 1 kHz with deterministic interrupt latency. Because the motor-control PWM, ADC, and op-amps are tightly coupled on-chip, feedback-loop jitter is minimized compared to discrete analog front ends. PPS further lets designers route PWM and capture signals to the pins that best fit the inverter layout.
Recommended
Digital Power Supplies and PFC
Digital power conversion benefits directly from the DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/ML's high-speed PWM and fast analog path. The 12 MCPWM channels support phase-shifted and peak-current-mode topologies, and output-compare channels provide auxiliary timing. Using the on-chip op-amps to condition current-shunt signals and the ADC to sample voltage and current, control loops for buck, boost, or power-factor-correction stages close at switching frequencies in the hundreds of kilohertz with the 70 MIPS core computing PID compensation every cycle. The PTG (Peripheral Trigger Generator) sequences ADC sampling and PWM updates with minimal CPU load, keeping loop timing deterministic. Compared to fixed-function controllers, firmware-based control lets one board serve multiple output ratings. Ensure the 3.0V-3.6V digital rail is isolated or referenced correctly relative to the power stage ground.
Recommended
Industrial Sensing and Instrumentation
The GM304's analog integration makes it a strong fit for industrial sensing nodes. The 4 operational amplifiers buffer and amplify sensor outputs such as pressure bridges or thermocouple front ends, while the CTMU (Charge Time Measurement Unit) enables precision capacitance and time-interval measurement for level, proximity, or touch interfaces. The 70 MIPS core performs filtering and linearization (look-up tables, piecewise interpolation) in firmware, and 128KB FLASH accommodates substantial compensation and communication stacks. Multiple UART/SPI/I2C instances - remappable anywhere via PPS - connect the node to Modbus, CAN, or proprietary industrial buses. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature rating matches factory-floor environments. Because signal conditioning, conversion, computation, and communication live on one chip, BOM count and board area shrink versus multi-chip analog chains.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch and HMI Panels
The CTMU on the DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/ML provides charge-time-based capacitive touch measurement without a dedicated touch controller. Up to 44 I/O-capable pins can serve as touch channels within the 8x8 mm QFN footprint, and the 70 MIPS core runs drift-compensation and debounce algorithms in the background while a state machine drives the UI. The 16KB RAM supports framebuffer segments for segment-LCD or LED-matrix interfaces, and remappable UART/SPI peripherals connect to display drivers. Integrated op-amps can also condition ambient-light or proximity sensors for adaptive backlighting. Since touch sensing, application logic, and communication coexist on one 3.3V chip, panel designs gain reliability and cost advantages over discrete touch-IC plus MCU architectures. Microchip application notes cover electrode layout and CTMU calibration practices.
Recommended
Embedded Connectivity Gateways
With multiple remappable serial peripherals (UART, SPI, I2C) via PPS and 70 MIPS of headroom, the DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/ML works well as a protocol-conversion gateway in industrial and building systems. Typical deployments translate Modbus RTU on RS-485 to CAN for machine networks, or bridge proprietary SPI sensor streams to UART telemetry. The 128KB FLASH holds multiple protocol stacks plus a bootloader for field updates, and 16KB RAM buffers message queues. DSP instructions accelerate CRC computation and filtering. The 44-QFN (8x8) exposed-pad package keeps the footprint compact while the exposed pad provides a low-inductance ground for signal integrity on long cable-connected nodes. The -40C to +85C rating supports unconditioned enclosures.
Recommended
Robotics and Motion Subsystems
Robot joint and axis controllers exploit nearly every peripheral of the GM304: 12 MCPWM channels drive multiple half-bridges or servos, 8 input captures timestamp hall or encoder edges, and 2 QEI modules track two axes of position feedback simultaneously. The 70 MIPS core runs cascaded position/velocity/current loops, and on-chip op-amps condition motor phase currents before ADC sampling. The PTG offloads repetitive ADC/PWM trigger sequences from the CPU, freeing MIPS for trajectory planning. With 128KB FLASH there is room for kinematics, communication (CAN/UART), and safety-limit firmware on one die. Deterministic interrupt structure and PPS signal routing simplify multi-axis board design. The industrial temperature range and QFN thermal pad support sealed actuator housings with limited airflow.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/ML β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33EP256GM304T-I/ML | DSPIC33EP64GM304T-I/ML | DSPIC33EP128GM604T-I/ML | DSPIC33EP128GP304T-I/ML | DSPIC33EP128MC304T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) Exposed Pad | 44-QFN (8x8) - same | 44-QFN (8x8) - same | 44-QFN (8x8) - same | 44-QFN (8x8) - same | 44-QFN (8x8) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Program Memory | 128KB (43K x 24) | 256KB (86K x 24) | 64KB (22K x 24) | 128KB (43K x 24) | 128KB (43K x 24) | 128KB (43K x 24) |
| Data RAM | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| Max CPU Speed | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS |
| Motor Control PWM | 12 MCPWM | 12 MCPWM | 12 MCPWM | Extended GM6 high-speed PWM set | None (general purpose) | 12 MCPWM |
| On-Chip Op-Amps | 4 | 4 | 4 | GM6 analog set | None | None |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
Key Differentiators
- Largest standard FLASH option in the GM304 footprint family (vs DSPIC33EP64GM304T-I/ML)
- Integrated analog front end (vs DSPIC33EP128MC304T-I/ML)
- Motor-control specialization retained (vs DSPIC33EP128GP304T-I/ML)
Design Notes
Supply the DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/ML from a single 3.0V-3.6V rail (nominal 3.3V). Decouple each VDD/VDDCORE pin pair with 0.1uF ceramic capacitors placed within 2 mm of the pins, plus 4.7-10uF bulk capacitance. The internal core regulator requires the datasheet-specified external capacitor on the VCAP pin - do not load this pin externally. Estimated: at 70 MIPS with typical toggle activity, core current is on the order of tens of mA; size the 3.3V rail budget including I/O sink/source current before selecting the upstream LDO or buck converter.
The exposed pad of the 44-QFN (8x8) package is the primary ground connection - solder it to a solid ground plane with a 3x3 via array to minimize ground inductance and improve thermal relief (VSS return and thermal path are shared on QFN packages). Route the VCAP capacitor first, then VDD decoupling, then crystal/oscillator traces short and guarded. Use PPS to place high-frequency PWM outputs away from analog op-amp input pins to reduce crosstalk on the 8x8 mm body.
Two frequent issues: (1) forgetting that the T suffix part ships only in tape-and-reel min quantities - prototype with the tray-shipped non-T DSPIC33EP128GM304-I/ML if needed; (2) assuming fixed pin functions - on dsPIC33EP devices most digital peripherals are assigned via Peripheral Pin Select (PPS), so a firmware pin map error silently leaves peripherals unconnected. Also verify debug-clock settings: an incorrect FRC/PLL config can lock out ICSP programming until the part is erased. Configure the oscillator (60MHz clock source) per datasheet 70000689d Section on Oscillator.
Compliance Information
Microchip dsPIC33EP devices in -I packages are RoHS-compliant and lead-free per standard Microchip green packaging; REACH and halogen-free status should be confirmed from the official Microchip product page environmental data.
