DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/MM - 16-Bit 70 MIPS DSC 256KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/MM ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.1 | $6.10 |
| 10 | $5.55 | $55.50 |
| 100 | $4.8 | $480.00 |
| 500 | $4.25 | $2,125.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.9 | $3,900.00 |
| 3,000 | $3.55 | $10,650.00 |
DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/MM Overview
A digital signal controller combines the computational engine of a microcontroller with the DSP multiply-accumulate hardware of a digital signal processor. Within the power-management hierarchy of embedded systems, the DSC sits at the top of the MCU taxonomy, adding single-cycle MAC, barrel shifter, and dual operand fetch to standard RISC microcontroller peripherals, making it the preferred control element for fast feedback loops such as power conversion and motion control.
Key features include high-speed PWM modules with dead-time control, integrated operational amplifiers (op amps) for current-shunt amplification, a Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) for capacitive touch and timing measurements, an Enhanced CAN 2.0B peripheral, and a Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG) that automates peripheral sequencing and offloads the CPU.
On the analog side, the dsPIC33EP256GP502 offers a high-speed 10-bit ADC with multiple sample-and-hold inputs, enabling simultaneous sampling of motor phase currents at high conversion rates. The 3.3V operating rail, wide -40C to +125C extended temperature option (E suffix), and AEC-Q100 qualification per distributor data make this tape-and-reel variant suitable for automotive and industrial build volumes.
Typical applications include brushless DC and PMSM motor control, switch-mode power supplies and power factor correction, automotive body modules, digital lighting ballasts, and sensor signal conditioning where the integrated op amps remove external amplification stages.
For design, decouple VDD and VCAP per the manufacturer datasheet, and reserve the RPxx remappable pin scheme early in the schematic since Peripheral Pin Select drives most digital I/O allocation decisions. Verify thermal relief on the exposed pad for extended-temperature operation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, with pricing as of 2026-09-24.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/MM — 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 DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/MM (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Program Memory Size, RAM Size, Packaging.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33EP256GP502-E/MM
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP256GP502T-I/MM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP128GP502T-E/MM
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.36 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP64GP502T-E/MM
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP128MC202T-E/MM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/MM Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Type | dsPIC33E 16-bit DSC |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 70 MIPS |
| Core Rated Speed (Distributor) | 60 MIPS |
| Program Memory Size | 256 KB (85.5K x 24) Flash |
| RAM Size | 16K x 16 |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 70 MHz |
| Package | 28-QFN-S (6x6 mm), exposed pad |
| Pin Count | 28 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T suffix) |
| Qualification | AEC-Q100 (automotive) |
| Key Peripherals | Hi-Speed PWM, Op Amps, CTMU, Enhanced CAN, PTG |
| ADC | High-speed 10-bit |
| Series | dsPIC 33EP |
| Application Segment | Automotive, Industrial |
DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/MM Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply for I/O and core (3.3V) |
| Pin 2 | MCLR — Master clear reset, external reset input and programming voltage pin |
| Pin 3 | AN0/VREF+/PGED3 — Analog input 0 / positive ADC voltage reference / programming data pin |
| Pin 4 | AN1/VREF-/PGEC3 — Analog input 1 / negative ADC voltage reference / programming clock pin |
| Pin 5 | AN2/SS1/PGED1 — Analog input 2 / SPI slave select 1 / programming data pin |
| Pin 6 | AN3/PGEC1 — Analog input 3 / programming clock pin |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | AN4/C1IN-/OC1 — Analog input 4 / comparator 1 inverting input / output compare 1 |
| Pin 9 | AN5/C1IN+/OC4 — Analog input 5 / comparator 1 non-inverting input / output compare 4 |
| Pin 10 | VCAP — Connect internal core regulator capacitor (per datasheet requirement) |
| Pin 11 | RP15/OC2 — Remappable digital I/O pin 15 / output compare 2 |
| Pin 12 | RP14/OC3 — Remappable digital I/O pin 14 / output compare 3 |
| Pin 13 | RP13/CTPLS — Remappable digital I/O pin 13 / CTMU pulse output |
| Pin 14 | RP12/T2CK — Remappable digital I/O pin 12 / Timer 2 external clock |
| Pin 15 | RP11/T1CK — Remappable digital I/O pin 11 / Timer 1 external clock |
| Pin 16 | RP10/INT0 — Remappable digital I/O pin 10 / external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive supply (second VDD pin) |
| Pin 18 | RP37/PMA0 — Remappable digital I/O pin 37 / parallel master port address 0 |
| Pin 19 | RP36/PMA1 — Remappable digital I/O pin 36 / parallel master port address 1 |
| Pin 20 | RP35/SOSCI/T2CK — Remappable digital I/O 35 / secondary oscillator input / Timer 2 clock |
| Pin 21 | VSS — Ground reference (second VSS pin) |
| Pin 22 | RP34/SOSCO/T1CK — Remappable digital I/O 34 / secondary oscillator output / Timer 1 clock |
| Pin 23 | RP33/RTCC — Remappable digital I/O pin 33 / RTCC alarm output |
| Pin 24 | RP32/OSC2 — Remappable digital I/O 32 / primary oscillator output |
| Pin 25 | RP31/OSC1 — Remappable digital I/O 31 / primary oscillator input |
| Pin 26 | RP30/PGED3 — Remappable digital I/O pin 30 / programming data |
| Pin 27 | RP29/PGEC3 — Remappable digital I/O pin 29 / programming clock |
| Pin 28 | RP28/PGED2 — Remappable digital I/O pin 28 / programming data |
Typical Applications
DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/MM is suitable for 6 applications: Brushless DC and PMSM Motor Control, Switch-Mode Power Supplies and PFC, Automotive Body and Lighting Modules, Sensor Signal Conditioning and Precision Measurement, Digital Audio and Signal Processing Nodes, Industrial Automation and CAN Networking Nodes.
Brushless DC and PMSM Motor Control
The DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/MM fits motor-control applications because its high-speed PWM modules provide complementary outputs with programmable dead time, while the integrated op amps amplify shunt-resistor phase-current signals without external amplifiers. Running at 70 MIPS with DSP MAC instructions, the core executes field-oriented control loops at fast update rates on a 3.3V rail. Place the device between the current-sense shunts and gate drivers: the 10-bit ADC samples phase currents while the PTG triggers conversions synchronized to the PWM period, reducing CPU overhead. The trade-off is that heavy computations must fit within 256 KB of Flash, which is ample for most sensorless FOC algorithms.
Recommended
Switch-Mode Power Supplies and PFC
For digital power supplies and power factor correction, the DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/MM offers high-resolution PWM with dead-time control, fast 10-bit ADC sampling of output voltage and inductor current, and DSP instructions for compensator math. The Peripheral Trigger Generator automates ADC triggering synchronized to PWM events, achieving deterministic control-loop timing critical for loop stability at 3.3V logic levels. Designers typically run voltage/current loops at tens of kHz using PI or 2p2z compensators in firmware. The extended -40C to +125C temperature grade and AEC-Q100 qualification make this tape-and-reel part viable for automotive onboard chargers and industrial telecom rectifiers where high ambient temperatures occur.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Lighting Modules
The DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/MM suits automotive body electronics because it combines AEC-Q100 qualification, a -40C to +125C E temperature grade, and an Enhanced CAN 2.0B peripheral for in-vehicle network communication. In headlamp ballasts and LED lighting modules, the high-speed PWM drives current-regulated LED strings with high resolution, while the CTMU supports capacitive-touch user interfaces on dash panels. Operating from the vehicle's regulated 3.3V domain with 256 KB Flash, one controller can run both CAN protocol stacks and lighting control firmware. The 28-QFN-S (6x6) exposed-pad package aids thermal dissipation in sealed enclosures with limited airflow.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning and Precision Measurement
The integrated op amps and CTMU of the DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/MM make it a compact signal-conditioning hub: shunt or bridge sensor outputs can be amplified on-chip and digitized by the high-speed 10-bit ADC, eliminating external amplifier ICs and board area in a 6x6 mm footprint. The CTMU adds precision charge-based time measurement for ultrasonic time-of-flight, capacitance sensing, and ratiometric measurements. With 16K x 16 RAM at 70 MIPS, DSP filtering (IIR/FIR) runs on-device before results are transmitted via UART, SPI, or I2C through remappable pins. The extended temperature option supports industrial field instruments and HVAC sensor nodes.
Recommended
Digital Audio and Signal Processing Nodes
With DSP multiply-accumulate hardware executing single-cycle MAC operations at 70 MIPS, the DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/MM handles real-time audio filtering, effects, and gain control in cost-sensitive consumer and industrial audio products. The 256 KB Flash holds algorithm libraries plus multiple preset tables, and the 16K x 16 RAM buffers audio blocks for FFT-based processing. Its remappable RPxx pins configure I2S-adjacent SPI/UART links to audio codecs without PCB changes. While it lacks a dedicated audio codec, pairing it with a codec over SPI yields a complete embedded processing channel. The 3.3V operation simplifies integration in mixed-signal consumer boards.
Recommended
Industrial Automation and CAN Networking Nodes
In factory automation, the DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/MM serves as an intelligent CAN node combining local control and network connectivity: the Enhanced CAN 2.0B module handles industrial fieldbus frames while the PTG autonomously sequences sensor sampling, freeing CPU cycles for protocol handling. The extended -40C to +125C temperature range survives cabinet-mounted environments, and 256 KB Flash accommodates communication stacks plus application logic with room for field firmware updates. Its 70 MIPS core executes PID loops for actuators at rates unachievable by general-purpose MCUs. The 28-QFN-S (6x6) package with exposed pad mounts on compact I/O daughterboards.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/MM — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33EP256GP502-E/MM | DSPIC33EP256GP502T-I/MM | DSPIC33EP128GP502T-E/MM | DSPIC33EP128MC202T-E/MM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-QFN-S (6x6 mm), exposed pad | 28-QFN-S (6x6) - same | 28-QFN-S (6x6) - same | 28-QFN-S (6x6) - same | 28-QFN-S (6x6) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Program Memory | 256 KB (85.5K x 24) | 256 KB (85.5K x 24) | 256 KB (85.5K x 24) | 128 KB | 128 KB |
| Core Speed | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) |
| Qualification | AEC-Q100 | AEC-Q100 | AEC-Q100 | AEC-Q100 | AEC-Q100 |
| Family Peripherals | Hi-Speed PWM, Op Amps, CTMU, CAN, PTG (GP family) | Identical (GP family) | Identical (GP family) | Identical (GP family) | MC family: motor-control PWM emphasis, different peripheral balance |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel (T suffix) | Tube/Tray | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature with full 256 KB Flash (vs DSPIC33EP256GP502T-I/MM)
- Maximum program memory in the 28-pin GP family (vs DSPIC33EP128GP502T-E/MM)
- General-purpose analog integration (op amps + CTMU) (vs DSPIC33EP128MC202T-E/MM)
Design Notes
The dsPIC33EP256GP502 integrates an on-chip core regulator; the VCAP pin (pin 10) must connect the low-ESR capacitor value specified in the Microchip family datasheet - omitting it causes brown-out and erratic execution. Supply the I/O rails with 3.3V and place 0.1 uF ceramics at each VDD/VSS pair plus one bulk capacitor. Estimated: a 70 MIPS core with all peripherals active draws in the tens-of-mA range; budget the 3.3V regulator headroom accordingly and verify against the datasheet IDD tables for your clock configuration.
The 28-QFN-S (6x6) exposed pad must be soldered to a grounded thermal land for mechanical integrity and heat dissipation, especially at the -40C to +125C E-grade limits. Use an array of thermal vias (typical practice: 4-9 vias) from the exposed-pad land to the internal ground plane. Route the VCAP capacitor directly adjacent to pin 10 with a short, wide trace. Keep the MCLR programming trace accessible to a programming header even in dense layouts, since in-circuit serial programming is the standard production flow.
Most digital functions are assigned through Peripheral Pin Select on RPxx pins, so lock your pin map early and treat AN0-AN5 as scarce analog resources - once a pin is committed to analog sensing it cannot double as PWM output. For the Enhanced CAN peripheral, route the CAN transceiver connections away from the PWM lines driving gate drivers, and keep the secondary oscillator (SOSCI/SOSCO) crystal traces short and guarded for RTCC accuracy. Unused analog inputs should be grounded or driven to avoid floating-node noise injection.
A frequent error is confusing the -E/MM extended-grade part with the -I/MM industrial-grade sibling: only the E grade is guaranteed beyond +85C, so designs targeting automotive enclosures must not substitute the I variant. Another pitfall is exceeding the specified core-regulator capacitor tolerance on VCAP. Finally, remember the DSCI core is rated up to 70 MIPS by Microchip family data while some distributor listings state 60 MIPS as the operating figure - verify your clock configuration (FRC, XTAL, or PLL multiplier) before finalizing timing budgets.
Compliance Information
Distributor listings (Hotenda, Microchip USA) identify the part as AEC-Q100 qualified and automotive-grade. RoHS/REACH/lead-free status not stated in provided data - verify on the Microchip product page.
