DSPIC33EP256GP502-H/SO - 16-Bit DSC, 256KB Flash, 60 MIPS | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33EP256GP502-H/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
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DSPIC33EP256GP502-H/SO Overview
A digital signal controller combines the architecture of a 16-bit microcontroller with the computational blocks of a digital signal processor. In the product hierarchy, the DSC sits between a general-purpose MCU and a dedicated DSP: it executes C-optimized 16-bit instructions with a modified Harvard architecture, while adding DSP-style multiply-accumulate, high-speed PWM, and analog integration on a single chip.
Key features include the dsPIC33E core with 24-bit wide instructions, 16x16 integer multiply and 32/16 divide operations, on-chip op amps and advanced analog peripherals, CTMU (Charge Time Measurement Unit), Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG), and enhanced CAN communication. The wide operating range of 3.0V to 3.6V covers standard 3.3V industrial supplies.
The dsPIC33E core achieves the family's maximum 70 MIPS at -40C to +85C; the -H grade, which includes this SOIC part, is specified to operate from -40C to +125C. Per the operating conditions table, at -40C to +125C the device runs from DC to 60 MIPS, and the SOIC package is offered in this -H variant with AEC-Q100 automotive qualification noted by distributors.
Typical applications include motor control (FOC and sensored BLDC), digital power conversion, automotive body and control modules, and general-purpose embedded control with DSP workloads. The high-speed PWM plus op amps combination fits digital power and motor drive particularly well.
Design consideration: verify that your application clock plan stays within the 60 MIPS limit of the -40C to +125C operating corner, and decouple VDD/VDDCORE per the datasheet power requirements including the VCAP capacitor on the internal regulator output.
This page synthesizes verified distributor data, same-family drop-in alternatives, and design guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33EP256GP502-H/SO — 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 DSPIC33EP256GP502-H/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, ADC, CAN.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33EP256GP502-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP256GP502-E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP128GP502-H/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.36 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP128GP502-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP32GP502-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP256GP502-H/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 16-bit modified Harvard, dsPIC33E DSC core |
| Max CPU Speed (-H grade, -40C to +125C) | DC to 60 MIPS |
| Max CPU Speed (-40C to +85C) | DC to 70 MIPS |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256KB (85.5K x 24) |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature Range (-H) | -40C to +125C |
| Package | 28-SOIC (0.295 in / 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Data Path Width | 16-bit data, 24-bit instructions |
| Arithmetic Units | 16x16 integer multiply, 32/16 and 16/16 divide |
| Analog Features | Op Amps, Advanced Analog, CTMU |
| PWM | High-Speed PWM |
| Communication | Enhanced CAN, Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG) |
| Qualification | Automotive, AEC-Q100 (per distributor data) |
DSPIC33EP256GP502-H/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master clear reset input / programming voltage pin (VPP during ICSP) |
| Pin 2 | AN0/VREF+/CN2/RB0 — Analog input 0 / ADC positive reference / change notification / GPIO B0 |
| Pin 3 | AN1/VREF-/CN3/RB1 — Analog input 1 / ADC negative reference / change notification / GPIO B1 |
| Pin 4 | PGD1/AN2/SS1/CN4/RB2 — In-circuit debug data / analog input 2 / SPI slave select / GPIO B2 |
| Pin 5 | PGC1/AN3/C1IN+/CN5/RB3 — In-circuit debug clock / analog input 3 / comparator input / GPIO B3 |
| Pin 6 | AN4/C2IN-/CN6/RB4 — Analog input 4 / comparator 2 input / GPIO B4 |
| Pin 7 | AN5/C2IN+/CN7/RB5 — Analog input 5 / comparator 2 input / GPIO B5 |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI/AN8/CN12/RA2 — Oscillator crystal input / external clock in / analog input 8 / GPIO A2 |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO/CN13/RC15 — Oscillator crystal output / clock out / GPIO C15 |
| Pin 11 | PGD3/AN9/RB6 — Debug data channel 3 / analog input 9 / GPIO B6 |
| Pin 12 | PGC3/AN10/RB7 — Debug clock channel 3 / analog input 10 / GPIO B7 |
| Pin 13 | VDD — Positive supply (3.0 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 14 | AN11/RB8 — Analog input 11 / GPIO B8 |
| Pin 15 | AN12/RB9 — Analog input 12 / GPIO B9 |
| Pin 16 | AN13/RB10 — Analog input 13 / GPIO B10 |
| Pin 17 | AN14/RB11 — Analog input 14 / GPIO B11 |
| Pin 18 | AN15/RB12 — Analog input 15 / GPIO B12 |
| Pin 19 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 20 | AVDD — Analog supply |
| Pin 21 | RB13 — General-purpose I/O / peripheral pin B13 |
| Pin 22 | RB14 — General-purpose I/O / peripheral pin B14 |
| Pin 23 | RB15 — General-purpose I/O / peripheral pin B15 (secondary oscillator function on some muxes) |
| Pin 24 | VCAP/VDDCORE — Internal core regulator output - connect stabilizing capacitor to ground, do not drive externally |
| Pin 25 | RF3/RTCC — General-purpose / peripheral pin F3 (RTCC-related mux function) |
| Pin 26 | RF2/U1RX/SDI1 — Peripheral pin F2 / UART1 receive / SPI1 data in |
| Pin 27 | RF8/RP-pin — Peripheral pin F8 / remappable I/O (verify exact mux in latest datasheet revision) |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply (3.0 V to 3.6 V) |
Typical Applications
DSPIC33EP256GP502-H/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Digital Motor Control (BLDC / PMSM FOC), Digital Power Conversion (SMPS / PFC), Automotive Body and Control Modules, Industrial Sensing and Signal Conditioning, Audio and Signal Processing Embedded Systems, General-Purpose Embedded Control with Legacy Code.
Digital Motor Control (BLDC / PMSM FOC)
The DSPIC33EP256GP502-H/SO fits motor-control designs because its High-Speed PWM module generates complementary or independent drive outputs with dead-time control, while the DSP core executes 16x16 multiply-accumulate operations for field-oriented-control current loops. On-chip op amps can amplify shunt-current sense signals, shortening the analog front-end and lowering BOM count, and the CTMU plus ADC support position-sensor interfacing. Typical use: place the DSC as the sole control IC on a 3.3V gate-drive board, triggering ADC conversions from the PWM boundary; the deterministic 60 MIPS core keeps the current loop within sub-10us cycles, and the 256KB Flash leaves room for sensorless observer algorithms. Trade-off: the -H grade limits speed to 60 MIPS at +125C, sufficient for most FOC loops but worth verifying against the tightest loop budgets.
Recommended
Digital Power Conversion (SMPS / PFC)
In digital power supplies, the DSPIC33EP256GP502-H/SO closes voltage- and current-mode loops digitally using its High-Speed PWM with fine edge control, ADC with simultaneous sampling, and hardware divide for PI compensator math. The 3.0V-3.6V supply suits isolated-side controllers driven from an auxiliary bias winding, and the Peripheral Trigger Generator automates the ADC-sample-to-PWM-update chain, minimizing loop latency. With 256KB of Flash, engineers can store multiple compensation profiles, soft-start state machines, and PMBus-style communication firmware on one die. The on-chip op amps buffer feedback signals without an external amplifier. Design consideration: at -40C to +125C the controller runs at 60 MIPS, which comfortably covers switching frequencies up to the hundreds of kHz typical for server and telecom power stages.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Control Modules
Distributor data lists the DSPIC33EP256GP502-H/SO as automotive, AEC-Q100 qualified, making it a candidate for body-control nodes, pump and fan controllers, and sensor-conditioning modules that see -40C to +125C under-hood-adjacent temperatures. The enhanced CAN peripheral integrates directly into vehicle networks, while the CTMU enables capacitive-touch or time-based sensor measurement without extra components. The 60 MIPS limit at the -H corner is generous for body-electronics workloads, and the 256KB Flash accommodates UDS-style diagnostics alongside the application. Using the -H/SO instead of an -I grade removes the risk of marginal operation in high-ambient enclosures. Always confirm the specific qualification level and PPAP availability with Microchip before releasing an automotive production program.
Recommended
Industrial Sensing and Signal Conditioning
The advanced analog integration of the DSPIC33EP256GP502-H/SO - on-chip op amps, CTMU, and a 12-bit-class ADC - makes it well suited for industrial transmitters, load-cell front ends, and condition-monitoring nodes. The DSP instruction set computes RMS, filtering, and FFT-style diagnostics in firmware, while 256KB Flash holds compensation tables and calibration data across product variants. The Peripheral Trigger Generator can sequence conversions autonomously, keeping sample timing deterministic even while the CPU handles communication. Its 3.0V-3.6V rail matches standard 3.3V industrial logic, and the -H temperature grade covers sealed enclosures exposed to solar loading. For 4-20mA loops, the DSC typically drives an external DAC/V-to-I stage; the on-chip op amps condition the bridge signal, cutting analog component count on the PCB.
Recommended
Audio and Signal Processing Embedded Systems
Because the dsPIC33E core provides hardware multiply-accumulate with DSP addressing modes, the DSPIC33EP256GP502-H/SO handles moderate audio and vibration signal-processing workloads: biquad filters, AGC, tone generation, and acoustic diagnostics in appliances, intercoms, and industrial alarms. The 60 MIPS core at the -H temperature corner processes single-channel audio filtering with margin, and the 256KB Flash stores filter coefficient sets and event-driven application logic together. The on-chip op amps can bias microphone or line-level inputs, while hardware divide assists envelope calculations. This part suits products that previously mixed a small MCU plus an external DSP codec-lite path - consolidating both roles reduces board area and firmware complexity. Check instruction-cycle budgets carefully if adding dual-channel real-time filtering at high sample rates.
Recommended
General-Purpose Embedded Control with Legacy Code
For products migrating from PIC24 or older dsPIC33 designs, the DSPIC33EP256GP502-H/SO offers a straightforward upgrade: same C toolchain (MPLAB X + XC16), same ICSP programming pins, and a modified Harvard core with 24-bit instructions that executes existing 16-bit code largely unmodified. The 256KB Flash provides headroom for feature growth, OTA-style field-update bootloaders, and multiple communication stacks (CAN, UART, SPI, I2C) concurrently. Its 28-SOIC footprint suits hand-assembly and rework-friendly industrial boards. Compared with moving to a 32-bit MCU, this part preserves prior firmware investment and deterministic interrupt behavior. The key check is whether your timing-critical routines tolerate the 60 MIPS -H ceiling at +125C; if the product stays indoors below +85C, the -I/SO variant unlocks the full 70 MIPS on the identical footprint.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33EP256GP502-H/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33EP256GP502-I/SO | DSPIC33EP256GP502-E/SO | DSPIC33EP128GP502-H/SO | DSPIC33EP128GP502-I/SO | DSPIC33EP32GP502-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC (7.50mm) | 28-SOIC (7.50mm) - same | 28-SOIC (7.50mm) - same | 28-SOIC (7.50mm) - same | 28-SOIC (7.50mm) - same | 28-SOIC (7.50mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Program Memory | 256KB (85.5K x 24) | 256KB (85.5K x 24) | 256KB (85.5K x 24) | 128KB | 128KB | 32KB |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (-H grade) | -40C to +85C | Extended (above +125C) | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Family Max MIPS (industrial range) | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS |
| Operating 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
- Widest usable temperature ceiling in the same footprint (vs DSPIC33EP256GP502-I/SO)
- Full 256KB Flash with no cost of a package change (vs DSPIC33EP128GP502-H/SO)
- No true cross-brand drop-in exists (vs STM32F3 / NXP alternatives)
Design Notes
The device integrates an internal 1.8V-class core regulator; its output appears on the VCAP/VDDCORE pin (pin 24 on the 28-SOIC) and must be bypassed to ground with the low-ESR capacitor value specified in the datasheet power section. Never drive or load this pin externally. Supply VDD with a clean 3.0-3.6V rail, decouple each VDD pin with 0.1uF ceramic placed within a few millimeters, and route AVDD/AVSS to a quiet analog supply island since the on-chip op amps and ADC performance depend on it.
Keep the crystal (if used on OSC1/OSC2) close to the IC with short traces and correct load capacitors per the crystal vendor's CL specification; route guard ground around it. Reserve ICSP access by routing MCLR, PGC1, and PGD1 to a 5-pin header - these are shared with RB2/RB3 analog functions, so plan pin multiplexing before layout. Add series resistance on high-current PWM outputs driving long harnesses to control EMI; the High-Speed PWM edges are fast enough to need attention even on 28-pin boards.
Two frequent mistakes with this part: (1) running 70 MIPS code compiled for industrial-grade parts inside the -40C to +125C corner - at that corner the -H grade is limited to 60 MIPS per the datasheet operating conditions, so set your oscillator configuration accordingly; (2) forgetting that analog-capable RB pins default to analog mode - clear ANSB/ANSA bits in firmware before using them as digital I/O, or inputs will read low. Also verify MCLR pull-up and the reset supervisor timing to avoid spurious resets during supply ramp.
Compliance Information
Distributor listings (DigiKey, Hotenda) label the DSPIC33EP256GP502-H/SO as 'Automotive, AEC-Q100'. RoHS/REACH/lead-free status for this specific ordering code was not captured in the verified web data - confirm via the Microchip product page compliance documents.
