DSPIC33EP256GM304T-I/PT - 16-bit 70 MIPS DSC 256KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33EP256GM304T-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.12 | $6.12 |
| 10 | $5.55 | $55.50 |
| 100 | $4.98 | $498.00 |
| 500 | $4.52 | $2,260.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.1 | $4,100.00 |
DSPIC33EP256GM304T-I/PT Overview
A digital signal controller combines the computational strengths of a microcontroller (MCU) with the DSP capability of a digital signal processor in a single core. Within the power-management hierarchy, the dsPIC33EP family sits in the broader category of embedded microcontrollers and digital signal processors, targeting control loops that require both fast multiply-accumulate arithmetic and rich on-chip peripherals. The 16-bit Harvard-architecture dsPIC DSC core executes most instructions in a single cycle, making deterministic real-time control practical.
Key features of this device include 12 channels of Motor Control PWM (MCPWM), 8 input capture and 8 output compare channels, two quadrature encoder interfaces (QEI), four on-chip operational amplifiers, a Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) for capacitive touch and precision timing, and a Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG) for autonomous peripheral sequencing. These peripherals dramatically offload the CPU in motor-control and digital-power applications.
Technically, the device operates from a 3.0V to 3.6V supply at up to 70 MIPS (60 MHz internal clock, two instructions per clock via PLL), with the -I temperature grade covering -40C to +85C. The CMOS process, integrated DSP engine (single-cycle MAC, dual operand fetch), and zero-overhead loop support enable efficient execution of PID filters, transforms, and sensor-fusion algorithms. Five 16-bit timers, multiple UART/SPI/I2C serial ports, and a 10/12-bit ADC with simultaneous multi-channel sampling complete the signal chain.
Typical applications include BLDC and PMSM motor drives, digital power supplies (LLC, totem-pole PFC), induction heating, sensor signal conditioning using the four on-chip op-amps, and general-purpose embedded control requiring DSP math.
When designing with this part, budget the ADC sampling and PWM dead-time configuration early, as the rich MCPWM module offers many timing modes; also ensure 0.1uF decoupling on every VDD/VSS pair for the 70 MIPS core.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33EP256GM304T-I/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 DSPIC33EP256GM304T-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Packaging, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Supply Voltage Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33EP256GM304-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.76 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP256MC304T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP256GP304T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP256GM304T-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | dsPIC 33EP 16-bit DSC core |
| Core Size | 16-bit |
| Maximum Performance | 70 MIPS |
| Program Memory Size | 256KB (85.5K x 24) Flash |
| RAM Size | 16KB |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (I grade) |
| Package | 44-TQFP (10x10x1 mm), 0.8 mm pitch |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MCPWM Channels | 12 |
| Input Capture / Output Compare | 8 / 8 |
| Quadrature Encoder Interfaces | 2 QEI |
| On-chip Operational Amplifiers | 4 |
| Charge Time Measurement Unit | CTMU |
| Peripheral Trigger Generator | PTG |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T) |
| Architecture | Harvard, CMOS, integrated DSP engine |
DSPIC33EP256GM304T-I/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master clear reset / programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0/VREF+/CN2 — Analog input 0 / positive ADC reference / change notification |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1/VREF-/CN3 — Analog input 1 / negative ADC reference / change notification |
| Pin 4 | RB0/AN2/SS1/CN4/PGD — Analog input 2 / SPI slave select / programming data |
| Pin 5 | RB1/AN3/C2IN-/CN5/PGC — Analog input 3 / comparator 2 input / programming clock |
| Pin 6 | RB2/AN4/C2IN+/CN6 — Analog input 4 / comparator 2 input / change notification |
| Pin 7 | RB3/AN5/C1IN-/CN7 — Analog input 5 / comparator 1 input / change notification |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA2/OSC1/CLKI/CN11 — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | RA3/OSC2/CLKO/CN12 — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive power supply (3.0V-3.6V) |
| Pin 12 | RB4/AN9/RP32/CN9 — Analog input 9 / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 13 | RB5/AN11/RP33/CN10 — Analog input 11 / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive power supply |
| Pin 15 | RB6/AN12/RP34/CN13 — Analog input 12 / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 16 | RB7/AN13/RP35/CN14 — Analog input 13 / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 17 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 18 | RB8/AN14/RP36/CN15 — Analog input 14 / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 19 | RB9/AN15/RP37/CN16 — Analog input 15 / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 20 | RB10/PMA0/RP38 — Parallel master address 0 / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 21 | RB11/PMA1/RP39 — Parallel master address 1 / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 22 | VDD — Positive power supply |
| Pin 23 | RB12/AN6/RP40 — Analog input 6 / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 24 | RB13/AN7/RP41 — Analog input 7 / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 25 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 26 | RB14/AN8/RP42 — Analog input 8 / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 27 | RB15/AN10/RP43 — Analog input 10 / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 28 | RC1/RP44 — Port C / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 29 | RC2/RP45 — Port C / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 30 | RC3/RP46 — Port C / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 31 | RC4/RP47 — Port C / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 32 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 33 | RC13/RP48 — Port C / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 34 | RC14/RP49 — Port C / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 35 | VDD — Positive power supply |
| Pin 36 | RD0/RP50 — Port D / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 37 | RD1/RP51 — Port D / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 38 | RD2/RP52 — Port D / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 39 | RD3/RP53 — Port D / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 40 | RD4/RP54 — Port D / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 41 | RD5/RP55 — Port D / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 42 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 43 | RD6/RP56 — Port D / remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 44 | RD7/RP57 — Port D / remappable peripheral pin |
Typical Applications
DSPIC33EP256GM304T-I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: BLDC / PMSM Motor Control, Digital Power Supplies (LLC / PFC), Sensor Signal Conditioning, Induction Heating and Lighting Control, Industrial Automation and Networking Nodes, Portable and Embedded Instrumentation.
BLDC / PMSM Motor Control
The DSPIC33EP256GM304T-I/PT fits sensorless and sensored BLDC and PMSM drives because its 12 MCPWM channels provide complementary PWM with programmable dead time, while two QEI modules decode incremental encoder feedback directly. Field-oriented control (FOC) loops at 70 MIPS execute fast enough for industrial servo rates, and the on-chip DSP engine performs single-cycle MAC operations for Park/Clarke transforms and PI tuning. In a typical drive, the four integrated op-amps amplify shunt-resistor current signals ahead of the ADC, removing external amplifier ICs and reducing BOM cost. Designers should allocate ADC trigger points synchronized to PWM centers to sample current at minimal-ripple instants; the trade-off versus higher-end DSCs is lower ADC throughput, adequate for most sub-kilowatt drives.
Recommended
Digital Power Supplies (LLC / PFC)
In digitally controlled LLC converters, totem-pole PFC stages, and synchronous buck/boost supplies, the DSC's high-resolution MCPWM phase control and fast ADC sampling enable closed-loop regulation with firmware-configurable compensation. The 70 MIPS core and DSP engine execute proportional-integral and proportional-resonant compensators deterministically, while the PTG autonomously sequences ADC triggers and PWM updates with minimal CPU intervention, reducing loop jitter. The CTMU can also assist with precision timing measurements for ZVS detection. Compared with analog controllers, this DSC allows adaptive dead-time, burst mode, and telemetry over UART/CAN, at the cost of firmware development effort. Designers must budget core headroom so control ISR execution stays well below the PWM period at full switching frequency.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning
With four on-chip operational amplifiers, the DSPIC33EP256GM304T-I/PT directly conditions low-level signals from pressure bridges, thermocouples, and current shunts before its 10/12-bit ADC, eliminating discrete amplifier stages in compact sensor nodes. The CTMU supports precise capacitive sensing and time-domain measurements, useful for level and touch interfaces, while the DSP engine applies digital filtering and calibration math in real time. Multiple UART, SPI, and I2C ports stream processed results to host systems. This integration is most valuable in space-constrained industrial transmitters where board area and component count dominate cost; the trade-off is that the on-chip op-amps have fixed bandwidth limits, so very high-frequency signals still require external amplification ahead of the converter inputs.
Recommended
Induction Heating and Lighting Control
Resonant induction-heating cooktops and high-intensity HID/LED drivers require precisely phased half-bridge PWM with frequency sweeping - a task the MCPWM module's complementary outputs, dead-time insertion, and fault shutdown inputs handle directly. The 70 MIPS core monitors phase current and adjusts resonant frequency in closed loop, while the ADC's synchronized sampling captures tank current at controlled phase offsets. The PTG can automate repeated sweep sequences without CPU overhead. The part's -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade suits appliance environments. Compared with dedicated resonant-controller ASICs, this DSC offers full firmware flexibility for multi-power-level recipes and safety logging, at the cost of requiring qualified firmware development and careful EMI-aware PCB layout around the power stage.
Recommended
Industrial Automation and Networking Nodes
As a factory-floor node, the DSPIC33EP256GM304T-I/PT combines deterministic control with multiple serial interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C) for MODBUS RTU, sensor hubs, and PLC I/O modules. The 256KB Flash accommodates protocol stacks plus application logic with room for field firmware updates, and 16KB RAM buffers communication frames and control history. Input capture channels timestamp external events for sequencing and diagnostics, while peripheral pin select lets designers route functions to optimal PCB traces. The industrial -40C to +85C grade and mature Microchip toolchain reduce qualification effort. Relative to larger PIC32 or ARM parts, this 16-bit DSC trades raw processing for lower cost, lower EMI, and simpler single-supply 3.3V design with predictable real-time behavior.
Recommended
Portable and Embedded Instrumentation
Handheld meters, battery testers, and embedded instruments benefit from the DSC's single 3.0V-3.6V supply, integrated op-amps for front-end conditioning, and CTMU-based precision charge measurement. The 70 MIPS DSP engine performs RMS computation, FFT-based spectrum display, and calibration correction in firmware, while the 44-TQFP 10x10 mm footprint keeps two-layer board designs feasible. UART and SPI links offload results to displays or wireless modules. The I-grade temperature range and tape-and-reel supply support mid-volume manufacturing. Against battery-specific MCUs, this part adds real signal-processing capability; the trade-off is quiescent consumption typical of a 70 MIPS DSC, so deep-sleep duty cycling and peripheral gating should be implemented to meet battery-life targets.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33EP256GM304T-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33EP256GM304-I/PT | DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/PT | DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/ML | DSPIC33EP256MC304T-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-TQFP (10x10x1 mm) | 44-TQFP - same | 44-TQFP - same | 44-QFN (8x8) - different footprint | 44-TQFP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core Performance | 16-bit dsPIC33EP, 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS |
| Flash Memory | 256KB (85.5K x 24) | 256KB | 128KB (-50%) | 128KB (-50%) | 256KB |
| RAM | 16KB | 16KB | 16KB | 16KB | 16KB |
| MCPWM Channels | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T) | Tray | Tape & Reel (T) | Tape & Reel (T) | Tape & Reel (T) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Maximum Flash in the 44-pin GM family (vs DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/PT)
- Tape-and-reel supply for automated assembly (vs DSPIC33EP256GM304-I/PT)
- General-purpose analog mix with four op-amps (vs DSPIC33EP256MC304T-I/PT)
Design Notes
Provide one 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitor per VDD/VSS pin pair, placed within 2 mm of the pins, plus a single 4.7uF-10uF bulk capacitor near the device. At 70 MIPS the dsPIC33EP core draws transient current spikes that can cause brown-out resets if decoupling is weak. The 3.0V-3.6V supply should come from a low-impedance 3.3V LDO or buck regulator; check the Microchip application notes on dsPIC33E power supply design for brown-out (BOR) configuration guidance.
The 44-TQFP 0.8 mm pitch favors a standard Gull-wing land pattern per IPC-SM-782 style footprints; use 0.55-0.6 mm wide pads with 1.5 mm pitch-matching centers. Route analog inputs (AN0-AN15, VREF+/VREF-) away from MCPWM switching traces, and place a ground plane under the package. For 70 MIPS operation, keep the OSC1/OSC2 crystal traces short with guard ground. Use Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) configuration freedom to place digital functions on traces with best routing - take advantage during schematic capture, not layout rework.
Three common pitfalls: (1) MCLR must be pulled up (4.7k-10k) and never left floating, or spurious resets occur - this pin also doubles as the ICSP programming voltage pin. (2) The 'T' suffix is tape-and-reel; ordering the tray variant by mistake breaks SMT line feeding. (3) Flash endurance is finite - avoid runtime self-write logging in tight loops; use EEPROM emulation per Microchip's application notes with wear-leveling. Also confirm ADC input impedance requirements: the SAR converter needs low source impedance or an RC settle budget per the datasheet's acquisition-time equations.
Estimated: the dsPIC33EP256GM304 at 70 MIPS draws on the order of tens of mA from a 3.3V rail (well under 0.5 W worst case with all peripherals active), so the 44-TQFP with exposed copper pour dissipates without a heatsink. For exact IDD figures use the datasheet typical/max current tables for your clock configuration. Verify junction temperature stays below 125C absolute maximum with your ambient; a 1-oz copper pour of 1 square inch is a low-cost safety margin for enclosure-restricted products.
Compliance Information
RoHS-compliant lead-free surface-mount packaging consistent with Microchip's current dsPIC33EP offering; REACH/halogen-free declarations to be confirmed on Microchip's compliance portal.
