DSPIC33EP256GM304-H/PT - 70 MIPS DSC, 256KB Flash, TQFP-44 | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33EP256GM304-H/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.2 | $6.20 |
| 10 | $5.55 | $55.50 |
| 100 | $4.9 | $490.00 |
| 500 | $4.45 | $2,225.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.05 | $4,050.00 |
DSPIC33EP256GM304-H/PT Overview
A digital signal controller combines the computational power of a DSP (MAC, barrel shifter, DSP instruction set) with the ease of use of a microcontroller, positioning it above a general-purpose MCU in the control hierarchy: microcontroller -> DSC -> dedicated DSP. The dsPIC33E family is Microchip's flagship 16-bit DSC platform for precision motor control, digital power conversion and sensing applications.
Key features include the dsPIC33E core operating up to 70 MIPS, 256 KB (85.5K x 24) of self-programming Flash with ECC, up to 12 MCPWM channels, 8 input capture and 8 output compare channels, 2 quadrature encoder interfaces (QEI), and 4 integrated operational amplifiers for motor current sensing. Peripherals include I2C, SPI, UART/IrDA, CTMU (charge time measurement unit) and PTG (peripheral trigger generator).
The GM304 variant with on-chip op amps eliminates external amplification for shunt-current measurement in motor drives, reducing BOM cost and board area. The 44-pin TQFP offers 35 I/O pins, sufficient for BLDC/PMSM drives with encoder feedback, and suits surface-mount reflow assembly on standard PCB processes.
Typical applications include sensorless and sensored FOC motor control, digital SMPS/LED drivers, solar inverters, and industrial sensing nodes using the CTMU for capacitive or analog measurement.
Design considerations: all VDD/VSS and independent AVDD/AVSS pins must be connected per the manufacturer datasheet; the internal core regulator requires a VCAP capacitor pin. Debug/programming uses any matched PGECx/PGEDx pair via ICSP.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33EP256GM304-H/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-H/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Packaging, Supply Voltage Range, Operating Temperature.
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/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.39 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP256GM304T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP512GM304-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$7.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP64GM304-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP256MC504-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP256GM304-H/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 16-bit dsPIC33E DSC (Harvard) |
| Max CPU Speed | 70 MIPS |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB (85.5K x 24) |
| RAM | 32 KB |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V minimum logic; 3.0 V to 3.6 V operation, nominal 3.3 V |
| I/O Pins | 35 |
| Package | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm), 0.8 mm pitch |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MCPWM Channels | 12 |
| Input Capture / Output Compare | 8 / 8 |
| Quadrature Encoder Interfaces | 2 |
| On-chip Op Amps | 4 |
| Communication Interfaces | I2C, SPI, UART/IrDA, USART |
| CTMU | Yes (Charge Time Measurement Unit) |
| PTG | Yes (Peripheral Trigger Generator) |
| Max Current Draw | 60 mA (per Microchip USA product page) |
| Programming/Debug | ICSP via PGECx/PGEDx pairs |
DSPIC33EP256GM304-H/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master clear reset / programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | AN0/VREF+/CN3/RB0 — Analog input 0 / ADC positive reference / change notification / port B |
| Pin 3 | AN1/VREF-/CN2/RB1 — Analog input 1 / ADC negative reference / port B |
| Pin 4 | AN2/SS1/CN4/RB2 — Analog input 2 / SPI slave select 1 / port B |
| Pin 5 | AN3/INDX/CN5/RB3 — Analog input 3 / QEI index / port B |
| Pin 6 | AN4/QEA/IC7/CN6/RB4 — Analog input 4 / QEI phase A / input capture 7 / port B |
| Pin 7 | AN5/QEB/IC8/CN7/RB5 — Analog input 5 / QEI phase B / input capture 8 / port B |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI/CN12/RA2 — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO/RC15 — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 12 | RF2/U1RX/SDI1 — UART1 receive / SPI1 data in |
| Pin 13 | RF3/U1TX/SDO1 — UART1 transmit / SPI1 data out |
| Pin 14 | RG0/INT0 — External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 15 | RD8 — General purpose I/O port D |
| Pin 16 | RD9 — General purpose I/O port D |
| Pin 17 | RD10 — General purpose I/O port D |
| Pin 18 | RD11 — General purpose I/O port D |
| Pin 19 | RG1 — General purpose I/O port G |
| Pin 20 | RG8/SCL1 — I2C1 clock |
| Pin 21 | RG7/SDA1 — I2C1 data |
| Pin 22 | RG6 — General purpose I/O port G |
| Pin 23 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 24 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 25 | RG9 — General purpose I/O port G |
| Pin 26 | VCAP/VDDCORE — CPU core voltage regulator capacitor connection |
| Pin 27 | AN6/OC1/RA3 — Analog input 6 / output compare 1 |
| Pin 28 | AN7/OC2/RB6 — Analog input 7 / output compare 2 |
| Pin 29 | AN8/OC3/RB7 — Analog input 8 / output compare 3 |
| Pin 30 | AN9/OC4/RB8 — Analog input 9 / output compare 4 |
| Pin 31 | AN10/OC5/RB9 — Analog input 10 / output compare 5 |
| Pin 32 | AN11/OC6/RB10 — Analog input 11 / output compare 6 |
| Pin 33 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 34 | AN12/OC7/RB11 — Analog input 12 / output compare 7 |
| Pin 35 | AN13/OC8/RB12 — Analog input 13 / output compare 8 |
| Pin 36 | AN14/CN1/RB13 — Analog input 14 / change notification / port B |
| Pin 37 | AN15/CN0/RB14 — Analog input 15 / change notification / port B |
| Pin 38 | AVDD — Analog positive supply (must be connected independently) |
| Pin 39 | AVSS — Analog ground (must be connected independently) |
| Pin 40 | VBUS/RB15 — Port B / VBUS sense function |
| Pin 41 | RF4/IC1 — Input capture 1 |
| Pin 42 | RF5/IC2 — Input capture 2 |
| Pin 43 | RF0/U2TX — UART2 transmit |
| Pin 44 | RF1/U2RX — UART2 receive |
Typical Applications
DSPIC33EP256GM304-H/PT is suitable for 6 applications: FOC Motor Control (PMSM/BLDC), Digital Power Conversion (SMPS / Inverters), Industrial Sensing and Capacitive Measurement, Automotive-Grade Control Modules, Embedded Audio and Signal Processing, Robotics and Motion Control.
FOC Motor Control (PMSM/BLDC)
The DSPIC33EP256GM304-H/PT is purpose-built for field-oriented control of PMSM and BLDC motors. Its 70 MIPS DSP core executes single-cycle MAC operations for fast Clarke/Park transforms and PI current loops, while 12 MCPWM channels with dead-time insertion drive the three-phase inverter. The 4 integrated op amps amplify shunt currents for phase-current sampling without external amplifiers, and 2 QEI modules decode encoder feedback for sensored operation. Typical FOC loop rates of 10-20 kHz fit comfortably within the core budget. Placed at the center of the drive board with the PWM outputs routed to gate drivers, the device delivers a complete digital motor controller in one 44-TQFP footprint, reducing BOM count versus discrete op-amp front ends.
Recommended
Digital Power Conversion (SMPS / Inverters)
Digital switched-mode power supplies and solar micro-inverters benefit from the GM304's high-speed PWM capability and DSP throughput. The 70 MIPS core supports average-current-mode control and MPPT algorithms, while the PTG (Peripheral Trigger Generator) automates ADC triggering synchronized to the PWM period with minimal CPU intervention. The 12 MCPWM channels allow multi-phase interleaved converters with phase-shifted control. Because the DSC adds no switching noise of its own and provides hardware dead-time control, it replaces analog PWM controllers while enabling adaptive, parameter-tunable control laws. The CTMU also supports precision timing measurements for resonant converters, making the device a single-chip digital power platform.
Recommended
Industrial Sensing and Capacitive Measurement
The CTMU (Charge Time Measurement Unit) on the DSPIC33EP256GM304-H/PT enables precise time- and charge-based measurements for capacitive sensing, resistance and time-domain measurements in industrial nodes. Combined with 256 KB of Flash for protocol stacks and 32 KB RAM for buffering, the device serves as a smart sensor hub acquiring data via its I2C, SPI and UART/IrDA interfaces and pushing results over industrial links. The 4 op amps condition analog signals locally, and the 35 I/O lines interface limit switches and actuators. Its 3.3 V supply and -H temperature grade suit factory-floor environments where ambient temperatures rise above standard consumer limits, keeping sensing electronics stable across shifts and seasons.
Recommended
Automotive-Grade Control Modules
Distributor data (Jotrin) classifies the DSPIC33EP256GM304-H/PT in an automotive-suitable flow, and the -H temperature grade supports the elevated ambient temperatures found in under-hood and near-engine modules. Typical uses include electric power steering assist logic, pump/fan control, and auxiliary actuator controllers, where the 12 MCPWM channels drive H-bridges and the QEI modules read position sensors. The 256 KB Flash accommodates diagnostics stacks and flash OTA-style field updates through self-programming. Designers should still verify the specific qualification level (e.g., AEC-Q100 grade) required by their program in the Microchip qualification documentation before releasing this MPN into automotive production drawings.
Recommended
Embedded Audio and Signal Processing
With a 16-bit DSP engine offering single-cycle MAC and a barrel shifter, the GM304 executes FIR/IIR filtering, FFTs and audio effects at sample rates up to tens of kHz in small embedded products. The 256 KB Flash stores codec firmware and lookup tables, while the 32 KB RAM buffers audio frames. UART/IrDA, SPI and I2C interfaces connect external audio codecs and EEPROMs, and the 35 I/O pins handle user controls. Although it is not an audio-specific DSC, the dsPIC33E core delivers predictable real-time DSP behavior with microcontroller-style peripherals, making it attractive for compact voice, intercom and alert-sound products where a separate DSP would be overkill.
Recommended
Robotics and Motion Control
Multi-axis robotic motion boards use the DSPIC33EP256GM304-H/PT to run per-axis control loops: the 2 QEI modules track two encoders simultaneously, the 8 input captures timestamp hall or index events, and the 12 MCPWM channels drive DC or stepper bridges. The 70 MIPS core closes position/velocity/current cascades with headroom for trajectory interpolation and CAN-style communication over UART/SPI bridges. The 3.3 V, 60 mA-typical supply eases integration into shared robot power rails, and the 10x10 mm 44-TQFP keeps the controller compact on distributed joint boards. Flash self-programming supports on-robot firmware updates without swapping the controller.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33EP256GM304-H/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33EP256GM304-I/PT | DSPIC33EP256GM304-E/PT | DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/PT | DSPIC33EP512GM304-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB (85.5K x 24) | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB | 512 KB |
| RAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB | 48 KB |
| Max CPU Speed | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 60 MIPS (per DigiKey listing) | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS |
| MCPWM / QEI / Op Amps | 12 / 2 / 4 | 12 / 2 / 4 | 12 / 2 / 4 | 12 / 2 / 4 | 12 / 2 / 4 |
| Temperature Grade | -H (high temperature) | -I: -40C to +85C | -E: extended range | -I: -40C to +85C | -I: -40C to +85C |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V (nominal 3.3 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
- Four on-chip op amps eliminate external current-sense amplifiers (vs DSPIC33EP256MC504-I/PT)
- High-temperature -H grade in a widely stocked footprint (vs DSPIC33EP256GM304-I/PT)
- Complete motor-control peripheral set in 44 pins (vs DSPIC33EP256GM304-E/PT)
Design Notes
Per datasheet DS70000689D, all VDD/VSS pairs must be connected, and AVDD/AVSS must be wired independently of the ADC reference source - never tie AVSS to a shared digital ground through long traces. Decouple each VDD pin with 100 nF ceramic placed within 2 mm of the pin, plus bulk 10 uF per rail. The VCAP/VDDCORE pin (pin 26) requires the datasheet-specified low-ESR capacitor for the internal core regulator; omitting it or using the wrong value is the most common cause of startup failure on dsPIC33EP designs.
The device offers multiple PGECx/PGEDx pairs for ICSP. You must use one pair as a matched set - e.g., PGEC2 for ICSPCLK with PGED2 for ICSPDAT; mixing pairs from different sets prevents programming. Route the chosen pair plus MCLR to a 5-pin header before layout sign-off, since in-circuit rework of TQFP-44 traces is impractical. When switching between -H, -I and -E grades in production, re-verify the configuration-word clock settings, as oscillator calibration and PLL limits should be confirmed against the specific grade's datasheet tables.
For motor-control use, keep the op-amp input traces (shunt sense) as short, matched differential pairs routed over a quiet ground, away from the 12 MCPWM switching lines. Star-ground the analog section around AVSS and place a small RC filter at the op-amp inputs to suppress switching ripple before ADC sampling triggered by the PTG/PWM sync. Estimated: with 3.3 V at 60 mA typical load, core-plus-IO dissipation is under 0.2 W, so the 44-TQFP needs no heatsinking - thermal design attention should go to the power stage, not the DSC.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not explicitly stated in the provided verified data. Jotrin describes the -H/PT as an automotive-classified part; verify AEC qualification level and RoHS/REACH declarations on the official Microchip product page before release.
