DSPIC33EP256GM604-I/PT - 70 MIPS 16-bit DSC 256KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33EP256GM604-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.62 | $5.62 |
| 10 | $5.08 | $50.80 |
| 100 | $4.55 | $455.00 |
| 500 | $4.18 | $2,090.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.86 | $3,860.00 |
DSPIC33EP256GM604-I/PT Overview
A digital signal controller combines the computational architecture of a digital signal processor with the peripheral set and ease of use of a microcontroller. In the embedded systems hierarchy, the DSC sits between a general-purpose MCU and a dedicated DSP: it executes single-cycle MAC and DSP instructions while retaining interrupt-driven control peripherals such as PWM, input capture, and communication modules. This makes the dsPIC33E family a natural choice for motor control, digital power conversion, and sensing applications.
Key features of the DSPIC33EP256GM604-I/PT include a 70 MIPS dsPIC33E core with DSP engine, 256KB self-programmable Flash with ECC, 16KB on-chip RAM, 3.0V to 3.6V single-supply operation, and an enhanced peripheral set highlighted on distributor listings: 12 MCPWM-related motor-control channels, 8 input capture and 8 output compare channels, 2 quadrature encoder interfaces, and integrated analog peripherals including operational amplifiers for current sensing.
Architecturally, the dsPIC33E core is a modified Harvard 16-bit pipeline processor with hardware DSP support (barrel shifter, single-cycle MAC, modulo and bit-reversed addressing), four DMA channels, and five external interrupt sources per Microchip USA documentation. In-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via any PGECx/PGEDx pin pair enables field firmware updates with common tools such as ICD 3, PICkit 3, and REAL ICE.
Typical applications include precision PMSM and BLDC motor control using the quadrature encoder interface and op-amp-based current sensing, digital power supplies (totem-pole PFC, LLC converters) using the high-resolution PWM, and industrial sensing nodes that combine DSP filtering with CAN connectivity.
Design consideration: keep all VDD/VSS pin pairs decoupled with 100 nF ceramics placed within 2 mm of the pins, and connect every VDD pin - the device does not reliably operate with floating supply pins. Choose the -I grade for 0C to +85C ambient or the -E grade (-40C to +125C) for extended-temperature designs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing context, same-footprint drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that are not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet. Pricing shown is estimated as of 2026-09-24 and should be confirmed with distributors.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33EP256GM604-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 DSPIC33EP256GM604-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, Packaging, Input Capture / Output Compare, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33EP256GM604-E/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP256GM604-I/PF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP256GM604T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP256GM310T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP256GM604-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 16-bit dsPIC33E (modified Harvard) |
| Max Core Speed | 70 MIPS |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB (85.5K x 24) |
| RAM | 16 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (I grade) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| DMA Channels | 4 |
| External Interrupts | 5 |
| Input Capture / Output Compare | 8 / 8 |
| Quadrature Encoder Interfaces | 2 |
| Op Amps (on-chip) | 4 (per Mouser listing) |
| Motor Control PWM Channels | 12 (per Mouser listing) |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (2-wire PGECx/PGEDx) |
DSPIC33EP256GM604-I/PT 44-tqfp (10x10 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for DSPIC33EP256GM604-I/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 DSPIC33EP256GM604-I/PT.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
DSPIC33EP256GM604-I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: PMSM / BLDC Motor Control, Digital Power Conversion, Industrial Sensing and CAN Nodes, Embedded Audio and Signal Processing, Field-Upgradable Control Boards, Solar and Renewable Energy Converters.
PMSM / BLDC Motor Control
The DSPIC33EP256GM604-I/PT is purpose-built for precision motor control: its 70 MIPS core executes field-oriented control (FOC) loops with single-cycle MAC instructions, the 12-channel motor-control PWM generates complementary outputs with dead-time insertion, and the 2 quadrature encoder interfaces decode incremental encoder feedback for rotor position. On-chip operational amplifiers amplify shunt-resistor current signals before digitization, reducing external BOM count. Used between the gate-driver stage and the position sensor, the DSC closes current loops at PWM frequency with deterministic interrupt latency. The trade-off is 3.0V to 3.6V logic - level shifting is needed for 5V gate drivers, or 3.3V-native drivers can connect directly.
Recommended
Digital Power Conversion
In totem-pole PFC, LLC, and buck converter designs, the DSPIC33EP256GM604-I/PT provides the high-speed control loop: the 70 MIPS core runs compensator math in tens of microseconds, while the 8 output compare channels and motor-control PWM generate phase-shifted or interleaved gate signals with hardware dead time. The 4 DMA channels stream ADC results into RAM without CPU intervention, keeping loop jitter low. Its 256KB Flash holds multiple firmware profiles (e.g., CV/CC charging modes) with room for a bootloader. Design consideration: the 3.0V to 3.6V supply means PWM outputs interface most cleanly with 3.3V-threshold gate drivers; at large load steps, verify interrupt latency against your required control bandwidth.
Recommended
Industrial Sensing and CAN Nodes
The DSPIC33EP256GM604-I/PT suits industrial sensor nodes that combine local signal processing with fieldbus communication. Its DSP engine (barrel shifter, modulo addressing) applies digital filtering - FIR/IIR, RMS computation, spectrum features - directly on sampled sensor data, while the CAN-capable peripheral set links the node to factory networks. The 5 external interrupt inputs handle fast limit switches or sync signals, and 256KB Flash stores calibration tables and multi-protocol firmware. Operating from -40C to +85C, it covers unheated cabinet environments. Because CAN physical-layer requirements differ by network standard, pair the DSC with the appropriate CAN transceiver and verify the module count against the datasheet before committing the interface plan.
Recommended
Embedded Audio and Signal Processing
With single-cycle MAC, bit-reversed addressing for FFTs, and 70 MIPS throughput, the DSPIC33EP256GM604-I/PT performs real-time audio preprocessing - noise gating, compression, tone control - in embedded products that do not justify a dedicated audio DSP. The 16KB RAM buffers multiple audio frames, and 4 DMA channels move codec data with minimal CPU load, preserving headroom for the processing chain. Its 8 input capture channels can timestamp external events precisely for acoustic measurement tasks. The design constraint is memory bandwidth: 16KB RAM limits frame depth, so long-delay effects or large FFT windows require external buffering or algorithm redesign around 128-512 sample frames typical for this class of DSC.
Recommended
Field-Upgradable Control Boards
Products requiring firmware updates in the field benefit from the self-programmable 256KB Flash and dual ICSP pin-pair access (PGEC1/PGED1, PGEC2/PGED2) of the DSPIC33EP256GM604-I/PT. A bootloader can occupy a small protected Flash region while application code is overwritten over CAN or UART, and the large memory supports dual-image (A/B) schemes for safe rollback on failed updates. In-circuit debugging with standard Microchip tools (ICD, REAL ICE) on the same pins used for programming simplifies production fixtures. Critical practice: always connect all VDD/VSS pairs and route MCLR with a pull-up and series resistor per the programming guide, since floating supply pins cause erratic ICSP behavior on this family.
Recommended
Solar and Renewable Energy Converters
MPPT (maximum power point tracking) controllers for solar chargers and micro-inverters map well to the DSPIC33EP256GM604-I/PT: the fast 70 MIPS core runs Perturb-and-Observe or incremental-conductance MPPT algorithms plus the power-stage control loop concurrently, while 8 input capture channels measure switching-node timing and the ADC streams panel voltage/current samples via DMA. The 256KB Flash accommodates MPPT logic, communication stacks, and data logging with margin for future features. Its -40C to +85C industrial range matches outdoor enclosure environments. A practical trade-off: the 3.0V to 3.6V rail and industrial temperature ceiling mean extreme-outdoor designs should populate the -E/PT variant (-40C to +125C) on the same footprint instead.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33EP256GM604-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33EP256GM604-E/PT | DSPIC33EP256GM604-I/PF | DSPIC33EP256GM604T-I/PT | DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/PT | DSPIC33EP256GM310T-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 44-TQFP (PBFP44) - same footprint | 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 | Microchip Technology |
| Core Speed | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB | 256 KB |
| RAM | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -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
- Extended-temperature option on identical footprint (vs DSPIC33EP256GM604-E/PT)
- Motor-control peripheral richness (vs DSPIC33EP256GM310T-I/PT)
- Full memory headroom (vs DSPIC33EP128GM304T-I/PT)
Design Notes
Supply the DSPIC33EP256GM604-I/PT from a clean 3.0V-3.6V rail and decouple every VDD/VSS pin pair with 100 nF ceramics placed within 2 mm of the pins, plus one 4.7 uF-10 uF bulk capacitor near the device. All VDD pins must be connected - floating supply pins cause unreliable operation and failed ICSP sessions on this family. Enable brown-out reset in the configuration words so the core stays in reset below 3.0V during supply ramp; flash programming near the voltage floor risks corruption.
Use ICSP pin pairs consistently: PGECx and PGEDx must be used as matched pairs (e.g., PGEC2 with PGED2), and route the chosen pair to a standard programming header (MCLR, VDD, GND, PGEC, PGED) on every production board, per the northernsoftware.com ICSP guide. Keep MCLR pulled up through a 10 kOhm resistor with a series 100-470 Ohm resistor to the header for ICSP robustness. Route oscillator traces short and guard them from PWM switching noise, which otherwise causes marginal clock start-up.
When migrating between -I/PT, -E/PT, and /PF variants on the same PCB, remember the -E part is rated to +125C ambient, so verify that nearby electrolytics and connectors share that rating, not just the DSC. Do not exceed 3.6V on any I/O referenced to 5V subsystems - level-shift or use appropriate transceivers. Finally, reserve the op-amp/ADC pin assignments before layout: remapping analog functions after routing is the most common respin cause reported for dsPIC33EP 44-pin designs.
Compliance Information
Retrieved distributor data (2026-09-24) did not include explicit RoHS/REACH certificates for this ordering code. As an active Microchip product it is expected to follow Microchip's standard lead-free/RoHS policy, but compliance documents should be pulled from the Microchip product page environmental section before regulatory sign-off.