DSPIC33EP256GM304-E/PT - 16-bit 60 MIPS DSC 256KB | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33EP256GM304-E/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.63 | $6.63 |
| 10 | $6.3 | $63.00 |
| 100 | $5.97 | $597.00 |
| 500 | $5.67 | $2,835.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.39 | $5,390.00 |
DSPIC33EP256GM304-E/PT Overview
A digital signal controller combines the computational architecture of a microcontroller with the math acceleration of a digital signal processor. Within the power-management hierarchy of embedded systems, the dsPIC33E family sits between general-purpose MCUs and dedicated DSPs: it runs a Harvard-architecture 16-bit dsPIC core with integrated DSP instruction support, making it a natural fit for control loops that require both fast arithmetic and flexible peripherals in a single power-management-oriented chip.
Key features include the 16-bit dsPIC33EP core with DSP engine, 256KB self-programming Flash, 16KB on-chip RAM, operation from a 3.3V supply, and automotive AEC-Q100 qualification implied by the -E extended temperature grade. The integrated peripheral set of the GM304 variant includes motor-control PWM, op amps, ADCs, and multiple serial interfaces, enabling precision motor control systems on a single chip.
Architecturally, the device uses pipelined instruction execution with hardware multiply-accumulate (MAC) support, letting a single-cycle DSP multiply feed FIR filters, PI/PID control loops, and field-oriented motor control algorithms. Clock generation is handled by an on-chip PLL that scales from the oscillator input up to the 60 MIPS (60 MHz internal) operating point documented by distributors such as Microchip USA and DigiKey.
Typical applications include brushless DC and PMSM motor control, digital power supplies (PFC, LLC), sensor signal conditioning with the on-chip analog front end, and industrial automation nodes requiring deterministic real-time response.
When designing, pair the part with Microchip's ICSP programming via any PGECx/PGEDx pin pair (ICSPCLK and ICSPDAT must come from the same pair) and connect all VDD/VSS pins; the on-chip op amps can offset external analog stage cost but require careful layout around the ADC reference.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, with pricing verified as of 2026-09-24.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33EP256GM304-E/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 DSPIC33EP256GM304-E/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Supply Voltage Range, Package, Packaging, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33EP256GM304-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.76 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP256GM304-E/PF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP256GM304-E/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | dsPIC33EP, 16-bit Harvard |
| Max CPU Speed | 60 MIPS (60 MHz) |
| Family Rating | 70 MIPS (dsPIC33E family) |
| Program Memory | 256KB (85.5K x 24) Flash |
| Data RAM | 16KB |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Package | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Pin Count | 44 |
| Terminal Pitch | 0.8 mm |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) |
| Qualification | Automotive, AEC-Q100 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tray |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (PGECx/PGEDx pairs) |
| Integrated Peripherals | Motor-control PWM, op amps, ADC, serial interfaces |
DSPIC33EP256GM304-E/PT 44-tqfp (10x10 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for DSPIC33EP256GM304-E/PT (44-tqfp (10x10 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 DSPIC33EP256GM304-E/PT.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
DSPIC33EP256GM304-E/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Brushless DC / PMSM Motor Control, Digital Power Supplies (PFC / LLC), Sensor Signal Conditioning, Automotive Body and Auxiliary Control, Industrial Automation Nodes, Audio and DSP Signal Processing.
Brushless DC / PMSM Motor Control
The DSPIC33EP256GM304-E/PT is purpose-built for precision motor control: its 60 MIPS 16-bit dsPIC33EP core executes field-oriented control (FOC) loops with single-cycle MAC instructions, while the integrated motor-control PWM outputs complementary, dead-time-inserted drive signals for three-phase inverters. On-chip op amps condition shunt-resistor current feedback directly into the ADC, removing external amplifier stages and improving current-loop bandwidth. In a typical FOC implementation, the current loop closes at 10-20 kHz and the speed loop at 1 kHz, both comfortably within the 60 MIPS budget. The -40C to +125C E-grade rating suits under-hood and industrial drive environments where board-level ambient temperatures exceed commercial limits.
Recommended
Digital Power Supplies (PFC / LLC)
In digital power conversion, the DSPIC33EP256GM304-E/PT replaces analog control ICs with a firmware-defined control loop: the 60 MIPS core and fast ADC support switching frequencies and control bandwidths typical of PFC and LLC converters, while high-resolution PWM phase control enables ZVS timing in LLC topologies. The 256KB Flash accommodates soft-start, burst-mode, fault management, PMBus-style communication, and adaptive tuning algorithms simultaneously, plus a bootloader for field firmware updates. The -E extended temperature grade and automotive positioning address telecom and industrial power environments where ambient temperatures near heatsinks reach +85C to +105C, keeping junction margins within the +125C rating.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning
The on-chip op amps and ADCs of the DSPIC33EP256GM304-E/PT make it a compact analog front end for bridge and differential sensors such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, and current sensors. The DSP engine applies digital filtering (IIR/FIR) and calibration math in real time at 60 MIPS, correcting offset and gain drift that analog chains cannot remove without precision references. The 256KB Flash stores multi-point calibration tables and communication firmware, and the -40C to +125C operating range matches the harsh environments - engine bays, industrial ovens, outdoor enclosures - in which the sensors themselves are deployed, eliminating the need for a separate precision amplifier IC in many designs.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Auxiliary Control
The DSPIC33EP256GM304-E/PT is listed as an automotive-grade dsPIC by distributor data, and its -40C to +125C E-grade rating targets automotive auxiliary systems such as pump control, blower and HVAC motor drives, lighting ballasts, and actuator control. The 16-bit core delivers deterministic interrupt latency for time-critical PWM and diagnostics, while the Flash self-programming capability supports field-updatable firmware. Multiple serial interfaces (UART/SPI/I2C) and LIN-capable UARTs integrate with vehicle networks. Designers should verify the exact AEC-Q100 qualification level with Microchip for their program, and should use the -E grade rather than the -I grade wherever under-hood or enclosure temperatures can exceed +85C.
Recommended
Industrial Automation Nodes
As an industrial automation node controller, the DSPIC33EP256GM304-E/PT combines real-time control and protocol handling on one chip: the 60 MIPS core runs PLC-style logic, PID loops, and motion profiles while UART, SPI, and I2C interfaces connect to drives, encoders, HMIs, and industrial sensors. The 256KB Flash supports protocol stacks, recipes, and logging buffers, and 16KB RAM handles control-state data without external memory. The 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) package with 0.8 mm pitch fits dense DIN-rail-mounted boards. The -E temperature grade tolerates cabinet environments without forced-air cooling, and the ICSP interface allows firmware updates in the field via any PGECx/PGEDx pair.
Recommended
Audio and DSP Signal Processing
The dsPIC33EP core's single-cycle multiply-accumulate and hardware DSP engine allow the DSPIC33EP256GM304-E/PT to run real-time audio algorithms - filters, compressors, tone generation, and active noise cancellation - at 60 MIPS. The fast ADC digitizes microphone or line-level inputs (with external biasing), and the integrated op amps can buffer signals before conversion. The 256KB Flash holds substantial coefficient tables and multiple presets, letting a single chip switch between product configurations in the field. For consumer and industrial audio products exposed to elevated ambient temperatures, the +125C E-grade rating exceeds typical requirements, providing generous margin at low cost relative to dedicated audio DSPs while retaining general-purpose control I/O.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33EP256GM304-E/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33EP256GM304-I/PT | DSPIC33EP256GM304-E/PF | DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256KB (85.5K x 24) | 256KB | 256KB | 128KB |
| Data RAM | 16KB | 16KB | 16KB | 16KB |
| CPU Speed | 60 MIPS | 60 MIPS | 60 MIPS | 60 MIPS |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) |
| Automotive Grade | Yes (automotive / E-grade) | No (industrial grade) | Yes (E-grade) | No (industrial grade) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C automotive-grade temperature rating (vs DSPIC33EP256GM304-I/PT)
- Full 256KB Flash without code-size compromise (vs DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/PT)
- Integrated analog front end (op amps + ADC) (vs DSPIC33EP256GM304-I/PT)
Design Notes
Connect every VDD and VSS pin pair - the dsPIC33EP family will not reliably program or run with a floating supply pin. Place a 100nF ceramic capacitor directly at each VDD/VSS pair plus one bulk 4.7uF-10uF capacitor per supply rail. Keep the VCAP/VDDCORE capacitor on the recommended net close to the pin with a low-ESR capacitor as specified in the datasheet, since the internal 1.8V core regulator depends on it for stability.
The device has multiple PGECx/PGEDx pin pairs for ICSP. You may use any single pair, but ICSPCLK and ICSPDAT must come from the same pair (e.g., PGEC2 with PGED2); mixing pairs is a very common bring-up failure. Route the chosen pair to a programming header with MCLR through a suitable series resistor, and do not load the PGD/PGC pins with heavy pull-downs or LEDs that can corrupt programming timing, per Microchip programming documentation and NSDSP support notes.
When using the on-chip op amps with shunt-resistor current sensing for motor control, route the shunt kelvin connections differentially and directly to the op-amp input pins; keep the PWM switching nodes away from analog traces and place the ADC reference decoupling adjacent to the VREF pins. Estimated: for a 10 mOhm shunt at 20 A peak, the sense signal is only 200 mV, so ground-bounce of even 20 mV introduces 10% error - layout discipline directly determines measurement accuracy.
Compliance Information
Distributor listings (findic.us, globalspec) describe this part as Automotive / AEC-Q100 dsPIC 33EP. RoHS/REACH/lead-free status not explicitly stated in the provided data - verify on the Microchip product page.