DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/SS - 16-bit DSC, 70 MIPS, 256KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.12 | $6.12 |
| 10 | $5.55 | $55.50 |
| 100 | $4.86 | $486.00 |
| 500 | $4.32 | $2,160.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.94 | $3,940.00 |
DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/SS Overview
A digital signal controller combines the deterministic control of a microcontroller with the mathematical throughput of a DSP. Within the power-management hierarchy of embedded systems, a DSC sits between a general-purpose MCU and a dedicated DSP: it runs C code for state machines and communication stacks while simultaneously executing MAC-class instructions and servicing high-speed PWM loops for digital power conversion, motor control, and sensor conditioning.
Key features include the dsPIC33E 16-bit core with DSP engine and two 40-bit accumulators, up to 70 MIPS execution from Flash, enhanced CAN 2.0B, two UARTs with IrDA and LIN support, two SPI and two I2C modules, and DMA on all major peripherals. Analog capability is unusually rich for a 28-pin part: a 10-bit 1.1 Msps ADC with up to 6 external channels, two on-chip op amps, three comparators, a Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU), and a 5V-tolerant-capable peripheral ecosystem driven from a 3.3V supply.
Architecturally, the dsPIC33EP core pairs a 16-bit modified Harvard pipeline with zero-overhead loops, modulo and bit-reversed addressing, and a Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG) that lets hardware events chain ADC conversions and PWM updates without CPU intervention - a decisive advantage in digitally controlled power supplies where loop latency must be bounded.
Typical applications include digital power supplies (power factor correction, LLC, buck converters), sensored and sensorless BLDC/PMSM motor drives, solar micro-inverters, automotive body and comfort nodes (the E-temperature, AEC-Q100-qualified variant family), and industrial sensing front ends leveraging the on-chip op amps and CTMU.
Design consideration: derive the internal PLL from an 7.37 MHz or 8 MHz crystal using the FRC+PLL fallback if oscillator loss is unacceptable, and budget the ECAN module's DMA channels early - RAM DMA arbitration can degrade ADC throughput if mis-prioritized.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, pinout data, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/SS — 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/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Supply Voltage, Core, Op Amps.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33EP256GP502T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP256GP502-E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP128GP502-E/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP16GS202T-E/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33CK64MC102T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33CK64MC103T-I/M5
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.58 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 16-bit dsPIC33E DSC |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 70 MIPS |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB (85.5K x 24) |
| RAM | 32 KB (16K x 16) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V (3.3 V nominal) |
| Package | 28-SSOP (0.209 in, 5.30 mm width) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E, extended) |
| ADC Resolution / Speed | 10-bit, up to 1.1 Msps, 6 external channels |
| Op Amps | 2 on-chip |
| Comparators | 3 |
| CAN | ECAN 2.0B |
| UART / I2C / SPI | 2 UART (LIN, IrDA) / 2 I2C / 2 SPI |
| PWM | High-speed PWM, complementary outputs |
| Special Peripherals | CTMU, PTG, DMA |
| Qualification | AEC-Q100 qualified (automotive) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master clear reset, programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | AN0/VREF+/CN2/RB0 — Analog input 0, positive voltage reference, change notification |
| Pin 3 | AN1/VREF-/CN3/RB1 — Analog input 1, negative voltage reference |
| Pin 2 | AN0/VREF+/CN2/RB0 — Analog input 0, positive voltage reference |
| Pin 4 | AN2/SS1/CN4/RB2 — Analog input 2, SPI slave select 1 |
| Pin 5 | AN3/INDX/CN5/RB3 — Analog input 3, quadrature encoder index |
| Pin 6 | AN4/C1IND/PGD3/CN6/RB4 — Analog input 4, comparator 1 inverting input, programming data |
| Pin 7 | AN5/C1INC/PGC3/CN7/RB5 — Analog input 5, comparator 1 inverting input, programming clock |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Digital power supply (3.0-3.6 V) |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 10 | OSC1/CLKI/CN12/RA2 — Crystal oscillator input or external clock input |
| Pin 11 | OSC2/CLKO/RC15 — Crystal oscillator output or clock output |
| Pin 12 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 13 | AVDD — Analog power supply |
| Pin 14 | SDA1/SDI1/INT0/RP40/RC0 — I2C data 1, SPI data in 1, external interrupt 0, remappable pin |
| Pin 15 | SCL1/SDO1/RP41/RC1 — I2C clock 1, SPI data out 1, remappable pin |
| Pin 16 | RP42/RC2 — Remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 17 | RP43/RC3 — Remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 18 | RP44/RC4 — Remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 19 | RP45/RC5 — Remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 20 | RP46/RC6 — Remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 21 | PGD2/RP47/RC7 — Programming data 2, remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 22 | PGC2/RP48/RC8 — Programming clock 2, remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 23 | RP49/RC9 — Remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 24 | RP32/RB8 — Remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 25 | RP33/RB9 — Remappable peripheral pin |
| Pin 26 | TMS/RB10 — JTAG test mode select, port pin |
| Pin 27 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Digital power supply |
Typical Applications
DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Digital Power Supplies (PFC, LLC, Buck), BLDC / PMSM Motor Control, Automotive Body and Comfort Nodes, Solar Micro-Inverters and Power Conversion, Industrial Sensing and Condition Monitoring, Test and Measurement Instruments.
Digital Power Supplies (PFC, LLC, Buck)
The DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/SS fits digitally controlled switch-mode power supplies because its 70 MIPS DSP core closes voltage-mode or average-current-mode loops with bounded latency, while the high-speed PWM module provides complementary outputs with programmable dead time and nanosecond-class resolution. The 10-bit, 1.1 Msps ADC can sample inductor current and output voltage every switching cycle at 100-500 kHz, and the Peripheral Trigger Generator chains ADC conversion directly to PWM update without CPU intervention, removing software jitter from the control loop. Placed as the standalone controller on the secondary-side or primary-side control board, it replaces dedicated digital power ASICs with fully customizable firmware; the trade-off is that the 3.0-3.6V supply requires a small LDO and gate-drive buffering for the power stage.
Recommended
BLDC / PMSM Motor Control
Field-oriented control of brushless DC and permanent-magnet synchronous motors maps naturally onto this DSC: the 70 MIPS core executes Clarke/Park transforms and PI current loops with single-cycle MAC instructions, the 1.1 Msps ADC captures three-phase currents, and the high-speed PWM generates six complementary outputs with dead-time insertion. On-chip comparators support hardware-based overcurrent trip and sensorless back-EMF zero-cross detection, while the CTMU or external hall inputs handle commutation feedback. The ECAN module connects the drive to industrial fieldbuses (CANopen, J1939). Because the E-grade variant is AEC-Q100 qualified with -40C to +125C operation, the same design serves automotive pumps and fans; the main consideration is that the 28-pin count limits parallel encoder interfaces, favoring sensorless or UART/SPI-attached absolute encoders.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Comfort Nodes
The AEC-Q100 qualification and extended -40C to +125C temperature rating make the DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/SS suitable for automotive body electronics: door modules, seat controllers, lighting nodes, and wiper systems. ECAN 2.0B provides the in-vehicle network interface with hardware message buffering and DMA offload, while LIN support on the UARTs covers sub-networks for motors and sensors in the same node. The on-chip op amps condition resistive or inductive load-current feedback into the 10-bit ADC, and comparators implement fault trip points without external ICs. Software-only changes adapt the same PCB across model variants because the 256KB Flash holds multiple configuration sets. Designers must derate Flash endurance and use the internal brown-out and windowed watchdog per the automotive functional-safety practices of their program.
Recommended
Solar Micro-Inverters and Power Conversion
In a solar micro-inverter, the DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/SS runs maximum power point tracking and grid-synchronization (phase-locked loop) algorithms simultaneously; the 70 MIPS core and 32KB RAM comfortably host MPPT state machines, grid monitoring, and communication stacks. The high-speed PWM drives interleaved boost and H-bridge stages, the 1.1 Msps ADC samples panel voltage/current and grid waveforms each cycle, and comparators plus hardware fault inputs implement anti-islanding and overcurrent protection at hardware speed. The ECAN or UART links to panel-level monitoring gateways. The 256KB Flash leaves headroom for grid-code tables across regions. Key design consideration: galvanic isolation means the DSC sits on the low-voltage secondary, so gate-drive signals must cross an isolator, and the controller supply must be derived from an isolated bias rail.
Recommended
Industrial Sensing and Condition Monitoring
For industrial sensors and predictive-maintenance nodes, the two on-chip op amps amplify bridge or coil signals directly, the CTMU measures precise time charges (capacitance, resistance, time-of-flight), and the 10-bit 1.1 Msps ADC performs oversampling for effective 12-14 bit resolution. The 70 MIPS DSP core applies FFT-based vibration analysis locally, so the ECAN, UART, or SPI link can send condensed feature data rather than raw waveforms, reducing bus load. Extended -40C to +125C operation survives panel-mounted electronics near motors. The 256KB Flash accommodates FFT tables, calibration curves, and a Modbus or CANopen stack together. Constraint to plan around: with only 6 external ADC channels on the 28-pin package, multi-channel arrays need an external analog multiplexer or delta-sigma front end.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instruments
Handheld meters, battery analyzers, and bench accessories benefit from this DSC's analog integration: the CTMU provides precise charge-injection timing for capacitance and continuity measurement, on-chip op amps build programmable-gain front ends, and the fast ADC sweeps signals at 1.1 Msps. The 70 MIPS core computes true-RMS, peak-hold, and filtering in real time while a UART drives displays or PC software, and SPI/I2C handle calibration EEPROM and precision references. The ECAN interface supports automotive diagnostic tools reading J1939/OBD traffic. The extended temperature range suits shop-floor instruments. Design tip: the Peripheral Pin Select lets one PCB layout support multiple instrument SKUs by rerouting digital functions in firmware, cutting inventory across product lines; reserve the PGC/PGD programming pins with resistors on production boards.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33EP256GP502T-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33EP256GP502T-I/SS | DSPIC33EP256GP502-E/SS | DSPIC33EP128GP502-E/SS | DSPIC33EP16GS202T-E/SS | DSPIC33CK64MC102T-I/SS | DSPIC33CK64MC103T-I/M5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core Speed | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 100 MIPS | 100 MIPS |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB | 16 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (E, extended) | -40C to +85C (I, industrial) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T suffix) | Tape & Reel | Tube / Tray (no T suffix) | Tube / Tray | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel |
| Firmware Compatibility | Baseline (dsPIC33EP) | Identical binary | Identical binary | Recompile for smaller Flash | Different analog set, port required | Different core, port required | Different core, port required |
Key Differentiators
- Largest Flash in the pin-compatible 28-SSOP dsPIC33 family on this footprint (vs DSPIC33EP128GP502-E/SS)
- Extended -40C to +125C automotive grade vs industrial variant (vs DSPIC33EP256GP502T-I/SS)
- Mature dsPIC33EP ecosystem vs newer dsPIC33CK core (vs DSPIC33CK64MC102T-I/SS)
Design Notes
The dsPIC33EP256GP502 requires a single 3.0-3.6V rail with separate AVDD/AVSS filtering for the ADC. Place a ferrite bead plus 100 nF + 10 uF decoupling on AVDD (pin 13), and identical bulk decoupling on both VDD pins (8, 28). Estimated: at 70 MIPS the core draws roughly 45-60 mA, so a 100 mA LDO with 100 mV headroom at 3.3V suffices, but add margin for I/O drive of 20 mA-class loads. Do not power AVDD from a noisy switching rail without filtering - ADC ENOB degrades measurably.
Pins 6/7 (PGD3/PGC3) and 21/22 (PGD2/PGC2) are shared with in-circuit programming and debugging. If these nets drive external circuitry or connectors, add series resistors (470 ohm typical) so a programmer can overdrive them without contention. Also remember Peripheral Pin Select must be configured before UART/SPI pins behave as expected - undefined RP mapping is the most common bring-up failure on 28-pin dsPIC33EP designs. Finally, set configuration bits (FSEC, FOSC) deliberately; default FRC startup masks crystal faults until code configures OSCCON.
For ECAN designs, the CANTX/CANRX pins route through a transceiver such as the ATA6563; keep stub lengths under 30 cm on the PCB and place the transceiver within 20 mm of the MCU. For the 1.1 Msps ADC, sample-and-hold aperture is small, but source impedance above 2.5 kohm on AN0-AN5 still increases acquisition error - buffer high-impedance sensors with the on-chip op amps in unity gain, or add a 1 nF charge-reservoir capacitor at the pin so the S/H capacitor draws transient charge locally rather than through long traces.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 qualification and automotive applicability per Microchip USA and Hotenda listings for the DSPIC33EP256GP502 family. RoHS/lead-free per Microchip standard SSOP packaging; REACH and halogen-free status not stated in provided data.
