DSPIC33EP256MC202-I/SP - 16-bit 70 MIPS DSC, 256KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33EP256MC202-I/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.31 | $6.31 |
| 10 | $5.68 | $56.80 |
| 100 | $5.05 | $505.00 |
| 500 | $4.54 | $2,270.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.12 | $4,120.00 |
DSPIC33EP256MC202-I/SP Overview
A digital signal controller combines the computational architecture of a microcontroller with the numeric acceleration of a DSP. In the product hierarchy, the dsPIC33EP sits between general-purpose 16-bit MCUs (such as PIC24) and dedicated DSPs, making it a power management IC-level solution for real-time embedded control where closed-loop algorithms must execute deterministically.
Key features include a 70 MIPS dsPIC core with DSP instruction support, motor control PWM (MCPWM) outputs, a quadrature encoder interface (QEI) for position feedback, two integrated operational amplifiers, three analog comparators, and a peripheral trigger generator (PTG). These on-chip analog and timing blocks reduce external component count in motor drive designs.
The dsPIC33E core uses an enhanced 16-bit architecture with 24-bit instruction words, hardware multiply-accumulate (MAC) support, and flexible peripheral pin select (PPS) for routing digital functions. This enables deterministic execution of field-oriented control (FOC) and sensorless algorithms without an external DSP.
Typical applications include brushless DC (BLDC) and permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) control, power conversion and digital power supplies, and industrial automation nodes. The MCPWM and QEI peripherals make it especially efficient for servo and traction systems.
Design consideration: the -I suffix specifies an industrial temperature range of -40C to +85C; for automotive profiles evaluate the -E variant. Decouple VDD with 0.1 uF ceramics close to each VDD pin.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, pin-compatible family variants, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone. Specifications reflect data verified as of 2026-09-24.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33EP256MC202-I/SP — 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 DSPIC33EP256MC202-I/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Product Family, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Programming Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33EP256MC202-H/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP256MC202-E/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP128MC202-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.94 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP64MC202-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP256GP202-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP256MC202-I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | 16-bit dsPIC DSC core |
| Maximum Performance | 70 MIPS |
| CPU Frequency (listed) | 60 MHz |
| Program Memory | 256 KB (85.5K x 24) Flash |
| SRAM | 32 KB |
| Package | 28-SPDIP |
| Pin Count | 28 |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| Peripherals | MCPWM, QEI, 2 OpAmps, 3 Comparators, PTG |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (I grade) |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP (two PGECx/PGEDx pairs available) |
| Product Family | dsPIC33EP (Motor Control family) |
| Debug Tool Support | MPLAB SNAP / ICD / ICSP |
DSPIC33EP256MC202-I/SP 28-spdip Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for DSPIC33EP256MC202-I/SP (28-spdip 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 DSPIC33EP256MC202-I/SP.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
DSPIC33EP256MC202-I/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Brushless DC Motor Control, Digital Power Supplies, PMSM Field-Oriented Control Servo Drives, Industrial Automation Nodes, Embedded Prototyping and Education, Sensor Signal Conditioning and Acquisition.
Brushless DC Motor Control
The DSPIC33EP256MC202-I/SP fits BLDC motor drives because its motor control PWM (MCPWM) peripheral generates complementary or independent PWM channels with dead-time control, while the quadrature encoder interface reads position feedback at hardware speed. The on-chip op-amps condition shunt-resistor current signals and the three comparators support cycle-by-cycle overcurrent protection without external amplifier ICs. In a typical sensorless or sensored BLDC topology, the 70 MIPS core executes the commutation or FOC loop in the main ISR, leaving margin for communication. The 28-pin SPDIP package suits drive boards up to a few hundred watts where through-hole reliability is preferred.
Recommended
Digital Power Supplies
For digitally controlled AC-DC and DC-DC converters, the DSPIC33EP256MC202-I/SP provides high-resolution PWM outputs, fast analog comparators for peak current-mode protection, and a 70 MIPS core able to run compensation loops at tens of kHz update rates. The integrated op-amps buffer voltage and current sense signals, cutting BOM cost versus a discrete MCU plus analog front end. Placed as the sole supervisory controller, it handles soft-start, fault management, and communication (UART/I2C/SPI via peripheral pin select) simultaneously, and its industrial -40C to +85C grade suits telecom and industrial power bricks.
Recommended
PMSM Field-Oriented Control Servo Drives
Permanent magnet synchronous motor servo drives benefit directly from this DSC: the QEI decodes incremental encoder A/B/Z signals without CPU intervention, the MCPWM module produces the three-phase SVPWM waveform with hardware dead time, and the dual op-amps plus comparators implement the current-sensing chain and fast overcurrent trip. At 70 MIPS the core sustains FOC current loops at 10-20 kHz and velocity loops at 1 kHz with C or assembly code, per Microchip's motor-control application frameworks. The 28-pin footprint keeps the control PCB compact for embedment inside servo housings or integrated motor modules.
Recommended
Industrial Automation Nodes
In factory automation, the DSPIC33EP256MC202-I/SP serves as an intelligent node handling sensor acquisition, local control, and serial communication. The PTG (peripheral trigger generator) automates ADC sampling sequences with minimal CPU load, while peripheral pin select routes UART, SPI, or I2C to any RPx pin, easing PCB layout constraints. The 256 KB Flash accommodates protocol stacks and firmware-update images simultaneously, and the industrial -40C to +85C operating range matches cabinet-mounted controllers. Through-hole SPDIP also simplifies rework and socket-based replacement in legacy equipment retrofits and low-volume industrial machinery.
Recommended
Embedded Prototyping and Education
The 28-pin SPDIP through-hole package makes this part exceptionally convenient for breadboarding, university labs, and one-off prototypes: it fits standard 0.3-inch DIP sockets, survives repeated insertion, and can be hand-soldered without hot air. ICSP programming requires only five connections (MCLR, VDD, VSS, PGECx, PGEDx) and works with low-cost MPLAB SNAP or NSDSP tools. Full support in the free MPLAB X IDE and XC16 compiler lowers the entry barrier. Students and engineers can exploit the same DSP and motor-control peripherals used in commercial drives, so prototype firmware ports directly to surface-mount production variants like the /SS or /MM packages.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning and Acquisition
With two on-chip operational amplifiers and three comparators, the DSPIC33EP256MC202-I/SP can amplify and threshold sensor signals internally, removing external op-amp ICs from the signal chain. Typical uses include bridge-sensor (pressure, load cell) conditioning where the op-amps provide gain and the ADC digitizes results, triggered by the PTG for deterministic sample timing. The 70 MIPS DSP engine applies digital filtering (FIR/IIR with MAC instructions) on-chip, and 256 KB Flash stores look-up tables and calibration data. The industrial temperature grade and through-hole package suit rugged sensor boards in field instrumentation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33EP256MC202-I/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33EP256MC202-H/SP | DSPIC33EP256MC202-E/SP | DSPIC33EP128MC202-I/SP | DSPIC33EP64MC202-I/SP | PIC24EP256GP202-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB (85.5K x 24) | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB | 64 KB | 256 KB |
| Maximum Performance | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS (per H grade spec) | 60 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS |
| Motor Control Peripherals (MCPWM/OpAmps/Comparators) | Yes / 2 / 3 | Yes / 2 / 3 | Yes / 2 / 3 | Yes / 2 / 3 | Yes / 2 / 3 | No (GP variant, no MC analog) |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +85C (I) | H grade (per Microchip grading) | Extended (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) |
| Drop-in on 28-SPDIP Footprint | Reference | Yes - pin-to-pin | Yes - pin-to-pin | Yes - pin-to-pin | Yes - pin-to-pin | Yes - pin-to-pin |
Key Differentiators
- Dedicated motor-control analog integration (vs PIC24EP256GP202-I/SP)
- Largest Flash in the 28-pin MC202 line (vs DSPIC33EP128MC202-I/SP)
- Through-hole SPDIP package (vs DSPIC33EP256MC202-I/MM)
Design Notes
The dsPIC33EP core requires an external low-ESR capacitor on the VCAP/VDDCORE pin to stabilize the internal 1.8 V core regulator; per Microchip datasheet guidance this must be a low-ESR ceramic of the value specified in DS70000657J. Decouple each VDD pin with 0.1 uF ceramic placed within a few millimeters. Estimated: budget total supply current using datasheet Idd at 70 MIPS plus per-peripheral loading (PWM, ADC, op-amps) for the regulator sizing - do not assume only core current.
For ICSP programming, connect MCLR with a pull-up resistor and series resistor per the programmer specification, and route one PGECx/PGEDx pair to a programming header. The device has multiple PGEC/PGED pairs - any pair works, but ICSPCLK and ICSPDAT must come from the same pair (for example PGEC2 with PGED2), as documented by Northern Software's compatibility notes. All VDD and VSS pins must be connected during debugging and programming or the device will not enter debug mode.
The -I (industrial) and -E (extended) suffix grades differ in maximum clock speed: the -E variant is specified at 60 MIPS versus 70 MIPS, so firmware written at 70 MIPS timing must be re-validated if a cross-grade substitution occurs. Also, this DSC is rated for industrial temperature only - it is not AEC-Q100 automotive qualified; for vehicle applications use the dedicated automotive-grade Microchip variants. When using peripheral pin select, verify that the chosen RPx pins do not conflict with analog functions needed by the op-amps and comparators.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not stated in the provided verified web data; confirm on the official Microchip product page or Microchip Direct before procurement. This device is a general industrial/commercial part and is not marketed as AEC-Q100 automotive qualified.
