DSPIC33EP256GP504-E/ML - 16-Bit DSC 60MIPS 256KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33EP256GP504-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
DSPIC33EP256GP504-E/ML Overview
A digital signal controller combines the computational architecture of a digital signal processor with the peripheral integration and ease of use of a microcontroller. Within the power-management hierarchy of embedded systems, the DSC sits between a general-purpose MCU and a dedicated DSP, offering deterministic interrupt latency, DSP-grade multiply-accumulate instructions, and rich analog peripherals on a single die.
Key features include the dsPIC33E core with DSP instruction support, high-speed PWM modules suited for digital power conversion, integrated operational amplifiers, comparators, a Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU), CAN 2.0B communication, and a Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG) for autonomous task scheduling. According to the Microchip product page, this general-purpose (GP) family offers superior ADC performance and enhanced CAN communication.
Architecturally, the dsPIC33EP256GP504 uses a modified Harvard pipeline executing from 24-bit instruction word Flash (85.5K x 24 organization per DigiKey), with hardware DSP support for fractional and integer math. The extended-temperature E-grade suffix guarantees operation from -40C to +125C, making the part suitable for harsh environments; the operating supply range is 3.0V to 3.6V per the family data sheet (DS70000657).
Typical applications include digital power supplies and LED drivers exploiting the high-speed PWM, motor control drives using the op amps and comparators for current sensing, CAN-based industrial and automotive-adjacent nodes, and sensor fusion systems using the PTG for low-overhead coordination.
When designing with this device, keep the 3.0V to 3.6V supply constraint in mind: a 5V system requires an LDO or buck regulator, and analog peripheral accuracy depends on clean AVDD decoupling and a low-impedance VDD/AVDD split.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing context, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, providing information gain for selection engineers.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33EP256GP504-E/ML — 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 DSPIC33EP256GP504-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, CTMU, Core Architecture, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33EP256GP504-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP256MC504-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP256GM604-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP128GP504-E/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.28 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP64GP504-E/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP256GP504-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 16-bit dsPIC33E DSC |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 60 MIPS (60 MHz) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB (85.5K x 24) |
| RAM | 32 KB |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| CAN | Yes (CAN 2.0B) |
| Integrated Op Amps | Yes |
| Comparators | Yes |
| CTMU | Yes (Charge Time Measurement Unit) |
| Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG) | Yes |
| High-Speed PWM | Yes |
DSPIC33EP256GP504-E/ML 44-qfn (8x8 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for DSPIC33EP256GP504-E/ML (44-qfn (8x8 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 DSPIC33EP256GP504-E/ML.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
DSPIC33EP256GP504-E/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Digital Power Supplies, Motor Control Drives, CAN Industrial Networking Nodes, LED Lighting and Ballasts, Sensor Systems and Measurement, Portable and Battery-Powered Instrumentation.
Digital Power Supplies
The DSPIC33EP256GP504-E/ML fits digitally controlled AC-DC and DC-DC converters because its high-speed PWM module provides fine duty-cycle and dead-time resolution, while the 60 MIPS dsPIC33E core executes current- and voltage-loop compensation at switching frequencies of hundreds of kHz. The on-chip comparators support cycle-by-cycle overcurrent protection without CPU intervention, and the 12-bit ADC can sample inductor current synchronized to PWM events. Placed as the sole controller, it replaces analog compensation networks, enabling firmware-adjustable output voltage and telemetry via CAN or UART. The trade-off versus analog control is firmware complexity, but the E-grade -40C to +125C rating suits industrial power supplies in sealed enclosures.
Recommended
Motor Control Drives
For BLDC, PMSM, and ACIM drives, the DSPIC33EP256GP504-E/ML combines center-aligned high-speed PWM with integrated operational amplifiers that amplify low-side shunt currents, cutting BOM count and board area versus external op amps. The 60 MIPS core runs field-oriented control with headroom for sensorless observers, while comparators provide hardware overcurrent trips with microsecond response. The extended -40C to +125C temperature grade allows mounting near motors or in enclosed drives where ambient rises. Design consideration: for dedicated motor-control peripheral mapping, the same-footprint DSPIC33EP256MC504-E/ML may reduce firmware effort, so compare MC vs GP peripheral sets before layout freeze.
Recommended
CAN Industrial Networking Nodes
With an integrated CAN 2.0B controller, the DSPIC33EP256GP504-E/ML serves industrial field nodes - sensors, actuators, and gateways - without an external CAN controller. The 60 MIPS core handles application logic and protocol filtering simultaneously, and the Peripheral Trigger Generator can automate ADC sampling and timing sequences, reducing interrupt jitter in deterministic networks. The E-grade temperature range of -40C to +125C covers unconditioned cabinets and rooftop equipment. Typical design pairs the CAN TX/RX pins with a 3.3V-capable transceiver and a 120-ohm termination strategy; the 256 KB Flash leaves generous room for protocol stacks plus application firmware and OTA-style field update code.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Ballasts
Digital LED drivers benefit from the high-speed PWM of the DSPIC33EP256GP504-E/ML, whose resolution supports both constant-current regulation and dimming at frequencies above audible range. The 60 MIPS core implements adaptive current control, power-factor correction, and fault management in one chip, while the ADC samples output current synchronized to PWM edges for low-ripple measurement. The -40C to +125C E grade suits enclosed luminaires and streetlight drivers exposed to solar gain. The integrated op amps buffer current-sense signals, and CAN enables networked lighting control. Trade-off: at 3.0V to 3.6V supply, a small buck or LDO from the bulk rail is required for the controller domain.
Recommended
Sensor Systems and Measurement
The CTMU (Charge Time Measurement Unit) of the DSPIC33EP256GP504-E/ML enables capacitive sensing and precise time-interval measurement, while the integrated op amps condition sensor signals on-chip. The 60 MIPS DSP engine applies filtering - FIR/IIR - directly on sampled data, and the 256 KB Flash holds calibration tables and compensation routines. The Peripheral Trigger Generator orchestrates ADC sampling autonomously for low-jitter multi-channel acquisition. The extended -40C to +125C range fits outdoor meters and industrial transmitters. Design note: keep analog inputs away from PWM traces and use the VDD/AVDD split with ferrite filtering to preserve ADC accuracy in mixed-signal layouts.
Recommended
Portable and Battery-Powered Instrumentation
In handheld instruments, the DSPIC33EP256GP504-E/ML provides DSP-grade signal processing with single-chip analog integration that reduces board area. Low-power modes of the dsPIC33E family allow sleep currents suitable for battery budgets, while wake-on-interrupt from comparators or CTMU supports event-driven sampling that extends battery life. The 32 KB RAM buffers waveform captures, and 256 KB Flash stores multiple instrument firmware profiles. The 44-QFN (8x8 mm) 0.5 mm-pitch footprint is reflow-assemblable without exotic processes. Constraint: the 3.0V to 3.6V operating window means a single-cell Li-ion supply needs an LDO or buck to hold regulation across the discharge curve; verify sleep-mode current in the family data sheet for your power budget.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33EP256GP504-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33EP256GP504-I/ML | DSPIC33EP256MC504-E/ML | DSPIC33EP256GM604-E/ML | DSPIC33EP128GP504-E/ML | DSPIC33EP64GP504-E/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| CPU Speed | 60 MIPS | 60 MIPS | 60 MIPS | 60 MIPS | 60 MIPS | 60 MIPS |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB | 64 KB |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C |
| Peripheral Emphasis | General purpose (PWM, op amps, CAN, PTG, CTMU) | General purpose (identical GP set) | Motor control (MC PWM/ADC mapping) | GM-series power conversion peripherals | General purpose (identical GP set) | General purpose (identical GP set) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade (vs DSPIC33EP256GP504-I/ML)
- Integrated op amps and comparators reduce external BOM (vs DSPIC33EP256GM604-E/ML)
- Balanced general-purpose peripheral set (vs DSPIC33EP256MC504-E/ML)
Design Notes
The dsPIC33EP256GP504 operates from 3.0V to 3.6V per the family data sheet, so a 5V or 24V system needs a local 3.3V regulator. Estimated: an MCP1700-class LDO dropping 5V to 3.3V at an estimated 60 mA active load dissipates about 102 mW, acceptable in most enclosures; from a 24V rail, prefer a buck converter because the LDO would dissipate roughly 1.24 W. Separate AVDD from VDD through a ferrite bead with 100 nF plus 10 uF decoupling per pin pair to protect ADC and op-amp accuracy.
The 44-QFN (8x8 mm) package has a central exposed thermal pad that must be soldered to a grounded copper pour for both heat dissipation and ground integrity - do not leave it floating. Use a via array (estimated 5x5 grid of 0.3 mm vias) under the pad to tie internal ground planes. Keep the 0.5 mm-pitch perimeter traces short for high-speed PWM and oscillator nets; route crystal or internal-FRC decisions early since the EC/XTAL pins share functions with general-purpose I/O.
Do not substitute the -/ML footprint across GP, MC, and GM subfamilies without a peripheral audit: register maps and pin-function mappings differ even though the 44-pin footprint matches, so firmware written for the GP will not run unchanged on the MC504 or GM604. Also verify the E vs I temperature suffix against your product's worst-case ambient plus internal self-heating - an E-grade part is safe at +125C, but an I-grade substitution derates the design to +85C. Configure unused I/O as outputs driving low to reduce EMI and prevent floating-input oscillation.
For PWM outputs driving gate drivers, add small series resistors (estimated 22-47 ohm, tune per layout) at the DSC pins to slow edge rates and reduce ring-back into the controller, and keep PWM traces away from analog sense lines feeding the op-amp and ADC pins. The CTMU and comparator inputs are high-impedance; guard-ring or ground-shield sensitive traces. When using CAN, keep the transceiver within a few centimeters of the CANTX/CANRX pins and route the pair as a short, matched run.
Compliance Information
Compliance status was not stated in the provided web data. Microchip dsPIC33EP parts in current production are generally Pb-free/RoHS, but this must be confirmed from the manufacturer product page or datasheet before claiming compliance.