DSPIC33EP256MC204-H/PT - 16-bit DSC, 256KB Flash, 44-TQFP | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33EP256MC204-H/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.1 | $6.10 |
| 10 | $5.55 | $55.50 |
| 100 | $4.95 | $495.00 |
| 500 | $4.45 | $2,225.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.98 | $3,980.00 |
DSPIC33EP256MC204-H/PT Overview
A digital signal controller combines the computational architecture of a microcontroller with the DSP engine of a digital signal processor. In the embedded control hierarchy, the dsPIC33EP sits between general-purpose MCUs and dedicated DSPs: it executes single-cycle MAC and DSP instructions while retaining deterministic interrupt-driven control peripherals, making it the preferred class of device for closed-loop control systems that also need signal processing such as filtering, transforms, or sensor fusion.
Key features include the 256 KB self-programmable Flash (85.5K x 24-bit instruction words per distributor listings), 32 KB of on-chip SRAM, five 16-bit timers, and four direct memory access (DMA) channels that offload peripheral data transfers from the CPU. The MC suffix denotes the motor-control variant, integrating high-speed PWM modules, a 12-bit/500 ksps or 10-bit/1.1 Msps ADC with flexible trigger sources, comparators, and on-chip op amps with direct ADC connection for current-sense amplification in motor drives.
Technically, the dsPIC33E core is a modified Harvard architecture executing most instructions in a single cycle, with hardware loop support and X/Y data buses that feed the DSP multiply-accumulate unit. The advanced analog front end allows current shunt signals to be amplified internally and sampled precisely at PWM-centered trigger instants, minimizing noise and reducing external component count in FOC (field-oriented control) motor systems.
Typical applications include brushless DC (BLDC) and permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drives, power factor correction and digital power supplies, and industrial automation nodes requiring deterministic control plus DSP math. The 44-pin TQFP provides enough I/O for multiple PWM phases, encoder quadrature inputs, and communication peripherals.
Design consideration: the -H/PT ordering code denotes the automotive/AEC-Q100 qualified, 44-TQFP packaged option; verify supply voltage (3.0 V to 3.6 V nominal core family range), programming pair selection for PGECx/PGEDx in-circuit serial programming, and decoupling of all VDD/VSS pin pairs per the family data sheet.
This page synthesizes verified distributor data, same-family drop-in alternatives, pricing tiers, FAQs, and motor-control design notes not consolidated on the manufacturer product page alone.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33EP256MC204-H/PT — 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 DSPIC33EP256MC204-H/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Communication Interfaces, Core Architecture, Program Memory (Flash), RAM.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33EP256MC204-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP256MC204-E/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP128MC204-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.67 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP64MC204-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP128GP204-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP256MC204-H/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 16-bit dsPIC DSC core |
| Core Performance | 70 MIPS (DSP instruction rate) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 60 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB |
| Instruction Words | 85.5K x 24 |
| SRAM | 32 KB |
| Timers | 5 |
| DMA Channels | 4 |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit (1.1 Msps) or 12-bit (500 ksps) |
| Op Amps / Comparators | Up to 3 op amp/comparator modules |
| High-Speed PWM | Yes (motor-control MC variant) |
| Package | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Qualification | Automotive, AEC-Q100 |
| Series | dsPIC 33EP Series |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP (multiple PGECx/PGEDx pairs) |
DSPIC33EP256MC204-H/PT 44-tqfp (10x10 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for DSPIC33EP256MC204-H/PT (44-tqfp (10x10 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 DSPIC33EP256MC204-H/PT.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
DSPIC33EP256MC204-H/PT is suitable for 6 applications: BLDC / PMSM Motor Control, Digital Power Conversion, Automotive Body and Auxiliary Systems, Industrial Automation and Robotics, Sensor Signal Processing and Data Acquisition, Audio and Signal Generation.
BLDC / PMSM Motor Control
The DSPIC33EP256MC204-H/PT fits brushless DC and permanent-magnet synchronous motor drives through its MC-variant peripheral set: high-speed PWM outputs for three-phase inverter switching, a 12-bit 500 ksps ADC with PWM-synchronized trigger sources for mid-shunt current sampling, and up to three on-chip op amp/comparator modules that amplify shunt signals without external amplifiers. The 70 MIPS DSP core executes field-oriented control loops with single-cycle MAC instructions, sustaining high control-loop rates even with transforms and PI compensation. The AEC-Q100 qualified -H grade makes it suitable for automotive electric pumps, fans, and traction auxiliaries. Performance consideration: the 44-pin budget limits I/O expansion, so verify encoder, communication, and fault-pin requirements fit before committing to this pin count.
Recommended
Digital Power Conversion
In switch-mode power supplies, PFC stages, and DC-DC converters, the DSPIC33EP256MC204-H/PT provides the deterministic control needed for peak-current-mode and average-current-mode schemes. The high-speed PWM supports complementary outputs with dead-time control and fault clamping, while the 12-bit 500 ksps ADC samples output voltage and inductor current precisely at PWM boundaries, minimizing switching-noise corruption of readings. The 70 MIPS core leaves ample headroom for nonlinear control laws and adaptive compensation. Its 256 KB Flash supports rich diagnostics and communication stacks on the same die. Design trade-off: as with any digital controller, ADC trigger alignment with the PWM period is the dominant performance factor - configure the flexible trigger system to sample away from switching edges for cleanest feedback.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Auxiliary Systems
The AEC-Q100 qualification of the -H/PT ordering code positions this device for automotive auxiliary electronic modules such as pump controllers, HVAC actuators, lighting ballasts, and valve drives operating in harsh under-hood or cabin environments. Beyond qualification, the 256 KB Flash accommodates AUTOSAR-style firmware layers plus LIN/CAN communication stacks, and the five timers plus four DMA channels offload time-critical tasks from the CPU. On-chip comparators support hardware fault trips independent of software latency, an important safety consideration. Performance consideration: confirm the specific ambient temperature range and AEC grade level required by your OEM against Microchip qualification data, since -H denotes the automotive option but detailed temperature ceilings should be checked in the current datasheet revision before design freeze.
Recommended
Industrial Automation and Robotics
For factory automation nodes - servo drives, actuator controllers, and sensor-intelligent endpoints - the DSPIC33EP256MC204-H/PT combines quadrature encoder interface capability with the DSP throughput for position and velocity loop closure. The four DMA channels stream ADC results without CPU intervention, freeing the 70 MIPS core for trajectory planning and protocol handling. The 32 KB SRAM holds filtering buffers and state machines typical of motion applications. Its deterministic interrupt architecture ensures control-loop jitter stays low, which directly translates to smoother motion and lower audible noise. Performance consideration: at 44 pins, multiple motor axes or extensive sensor fan-out may exceed available I/O; use the part for single-axis intelligence and pair it with communication peripherals for multi-axis coordination.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Processing and Data Acquisition
The integrated analog front end makes the DSPIC33EP256MC204-H/PT effective as a smart sensor node: up to three op amps condition small differential or single-ended signals on-chip, and the 12-bit 500 ksps ADC digitizes them with flexible, independent trigger sources. The 70 MIPS DSP engine then applies FIR/IIR filtering, FFT analysis, or thresholding in firmware, producing decision-ready outputs over UART, SPI, or I2C. With 256 KB Flash, calibration tables, compensation curves, and even simple logging fit on-chip. The 32 KB SRAM buffers multi-channel capture windows. Performance consideration: the ADC's 1.1 Msps mode is 10-bit, so choose resolution versus speed deliberately per channel rather than assuming both maxima are available simultaneously.
Recommended
Audio and Signal Generation
Leveraging its DSP MAC instructions, the DSPIC33EP256MC204-H/PT can implement audio effects processing, tone generation, ultrasonic drivers, and active filter execution in embedded products where a full audio DSP is unjustified. The PWM peripherals double as cost-free DAC outputs after RC filtering, and DMA keeps sample rates stable without CPU-driven timing jitter that would otherwise create artifacts. The 256 KB Flash retains effect libraries and lookup tables while 32 KB SRAM provides delay-line buffers for reverb and echo algorithms. Performance consideration: PWM-as-DAC limits achievable signal-to-noise ratio versus a true codec, so this topology suits alerting, control-audio, and lower-fidelity applications rather than hi-fi playback chains.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33EP256MC204-H/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33EP256MC204-I/PT | DSPIC33EP256MC204-E/PT | DSPIC33EP128MC204-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB |
| SRAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| Core Performance | 70 MIPS / 60 MHz | 70 MIPS / 60 MHz | 70 MIPS / 60 MHz | 70 MIPS / 60 MHz |
| Qualification Grade | Automotive, AEC-Q100 (-H) | Industrial (-I) | Extended temperature (-E) | Industrial (-I) |
| Motor-Control Peripherals | HS PWM, op amps, comparators (MC) | Same (MC variant) | Same (MC variant) | Same (MC variant) |
Key Differentiators
- Automotive AEC-Q100 qualification in a 44-pin footprint (vs DSPIC33EP256MC204-I/PT)
- Full 256 KB Flash headroom (vs DSPIC33EP128MC204-I/PT)
- Integrated motor-control analog (op amps + comparators + HS PWM) (vs DSPIC33EP128GP204-I/PT)
Design Notes
Ordering-code discipline matters more than usual on this part: -H/PT (automotive AEC-Q100), -I/PT (industrial) and -E/PT (extended) share one die and footprint, so purchasing can silently substitute grades during shortages. For automotive production, locking the -H/PT code in the BOM and on purchase orders protects qualification coverage. Also note the ICSP rule from the family documentation: the device offers multiple PGECx/PGEDx pairs, and ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT must come from the same pair - mismatched pairs across programming headers are a frequent bring-up failure.
Decouple every VDD/VSS pin pair with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed within a few millimeters of the pins, and add bulk capacitance near the device per the family data sheet DS70000657 supply recommendations. Route the PWM outputs to gate drivers with ground return paths that do not cross analog signal traces, because motor-control switching transients couple readily into the shared analog domain. Keep the op-amp input traces (current shunt sense) short, differential where possible, and away from PWM and crystal routing to preserve ADC accuracy at 500 ksps.
Synchronize ADC sampling to the PWM cycle using the flexible trigger system rather than free-running sampling: in motor drives, sampling at the PWM center (when low-side switches conduct) avoids measuring switching-edge ringing and substantially lowers current-ripple error in FOC loops. When using the on-chip op amps to amplify shunt voltages, respect the amplifier bandwidth and settle time versus your PWM frequency; if the amplifier cannot settle within the sample window at your switching frequency, reduce PWM frequency or move to lower-gain external amplification.
Compliance Information
Automotive, AEC-Q100 qualification per Hotenda product listing for the -H grade. RoHS/REACH/lead-free status not stated in the provided source data - verify on the Microchip product page.
