DSPIC33EP256MC204T-I/MV - 16-Bit 70 MIPS DSC 256KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33EP256MC204T-I/MV ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.12 | $5.12 |
| 10 | $4.61 | $46.10 |
| 100 | $4.12 | $412.00 |
| 500 | $3.71 | $1,855.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.34 | $3,340.00 |
DSPIC33EP256MC204T-I/MV Overview
A digital signal controller combines the computational capability of a digital signal processor with the peripheral integration and interrupt architecture of a microcontroller. Within the power-management hierarchy of embedded systems, a DSC sits between general-purpose MCUs and dedicated DSPs, making it the dominant controller class for closed-loop motor control, digital power conversion, and sensor signal processing where deterministic math and rich analog peripherals must coexist.
Key differentiating features include the MCPWM (Motor Control PWM) module with complementary outputs and dead-time insertion, a Quadrature Encoder Interface (QEI) for position feedback, integrated operational amplifiers and high-speed comparators that feed directly into the ADC, and a PTG (Programmable Timing Generator) peripheral. The ADC is configurable as 10-bit at 1.1 Msps with four sample-and-hold circuits or 12-bit at 500 ksps with one sample-and-hold.
Architecturally, the device uses a modified Harvard, 16-bit pipelined core with DSP engine (single-cycle MAC, 40-bit accumulators), 4 DMA channels, 5 timers, and connectivity including I2C, SPI, UART/USART, IrDA, and LINbus. Up to three op amp/comparator channels with programmable 32-point references enable compact analog front ends without external amplifiers.
Typical applications include brushless DC and PMSM motor drives, digital power supplies and solar inverters, and industrial automation nodes requiring encoder feedback and precise PWM timing. The industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C) suits factory-floor environments.
Design consideration: the core requires the VCAP pin to be connected to a low-ESR capacitor for the internal 2.5V regulator; omitting it prevents startup. Budget 3.0V to 3.6V supply rails.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33EP256MC204T-I/MV — 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 DSPIC33EP256MC204T-I/MV (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, RAM, Operating Temperature, Core, Flash Program Memory.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33EP256MC204T-E/MV
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP128MC204T-I/MV
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP256MC204-I/MV
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP64MC204T-I/MV
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP32MC204T-I/MV
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.66 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP256MC204T-I/MV Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Size | 16-bit dsPIC33E |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 70 MIPS (core clock) |
| Operating Frequency | 60 MHz (per device listing) |
| Flash Program Memory | 256KB (85.5K x 24) |
| RAM | 32KB |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | 48-UQFN (6x6 mm), MV |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, I suffix) |
| ADC Resolution / Speed | 10-bit 1.1 Msps (4 S&H) or 12-bit 500 ksps (1 S&H) |
| PWM Module | MCPWM (Motor Control PWM) |
| Quadrature Encoder Interface | Yes (QEI) |
| Integrated Op Amps / Comparators | Up to 3 op amp/comparator channels |
| DMA Channels | 4 |
| Timers | 5 |
| Connectivity | I2C, SPI, UART/USART, IrDA, LINbus |
| External Interrupts | 3 |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T suffix) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per distributor listing) |
| Programming Interface | In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP), 2-wire (PGD/PGC) |
DSPIC33EP256MC204T-I/MV Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master clear reset / programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | AN0/VREF+/CN2/RB3 — Analog input 0 / positive ADC reference / CN2 / port RB3 |
| Pin 3 | AN1/VREF-/CN3/RB2 — Analog input 1 / negative ADC reference / CN3 / port RB2 |
| Pin 4 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 5 | VDD — Positive supply (3.0V-3.6V) |
| Pin 6 | AN2/SS1/CN4/RB4 — Analog input 2 / SPI slave select 1 / port RB4 |
| Pin 7 | AN3/C1IN1-/CN5/RB5 — Analog input 3 / comparator 1 inverting input / port RB5 |
| Pin 8 | VCAP/VDDCORE — Internal core regulator capacitor (connect low-ESR capacitor to VSS) |
| Pin 9 | PGD/EMUD1/RP1/CN1/RB1 — Programming data / RP1 peripheral pin / port RB1 |
| Pin 10 | PGC/EMUC1/RP0/CN0/RB0 — Programming clock / RP0 peripheral pin / port RB0 |
| Pin 11 | AN4/C1IN1+/RP2/RG6 — Analog input 4 / comparator 1 non-inverting input / RP2 |
| Pin 12 | AN5/RP3/RG7 — Analog input 5 / RP3 peripheral pin |
| Pin 13 | AN6/RP4/RG8 — Analog input 6 / RP4 peripheral pin |
| Pin 14 | AN7/RP5/RG9 — Analog input 7 / RP5 peripheral pin |
| Pin 15 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 16 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 17 | PWM1L/RP6/RE0 — MCPWM1 low output / RP6 / port RE0 |
| Pin 18 | PWM1H/RP7/RE1 — MCPWM1 high output / RP7 / port RE1 |
| Pin 19 | PWM2L/RP8/RE2 — MCPWM2 low output / RP8 / port RE2 |
| Pin 20 | PWM2H/RP9/RE3 — MCPWM2 high output / RP9 / port RE3 |
| Pin 21 | PWM3L/RP10/RE4 — MCPWM3 low output / RP10 / port RE4 |
| Pin 22 | PWM3H/RP11/RE5 — MCPWM3 high output / RP11 / port RE5 |
| Pin 23 | FLT1/RP12/RE6 — PWM fault input / RP12 / port RE6 |
| Pin 24 | FLT2/RP13/RE7 — PWM fault input / RP13 / port RE7 |
| Pin 25 | RP14/RF0 — RP14 peripheral pin / port RF0 |
| Pin 26 | RP15/RF1 — RP15 peripheral pin / port RF1 |
| Pin 27 | RP16/RF2 — RP16 peripheral pin (UART/SDA remap) / port RF2 |
| Pin 28 | RP17/RF3 — RP17 peripheral pin / port RF3 |
| Pin 29 | RP18/RF4 — RP18 peripheral pin / port RF4 |
| Pin 30 | RP19/RF5 — RP19 peripheral pin / port RF5 |
| Pin 31 | AVDD — Analog supply (filter separately from VDD) |
| Pin 32 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 33 | AN8/RP20/RF6 — Analog input 8 / RP20 / port RF6 |
| Pin 34 | AN9/RP21/RF7 — Analog input 9 / RP21 / port RF7 |
| Pin 35 | AN10/RP22/RF8 — Analog input 10 / RP22 / port RF8 |
| Pin 36 | AN11/RP23/RF13 — Analog input 11 / RP23 / port RF13 |
| Pin 37 | OSC1/CLKI/RP24/RA2 — Oscillator input / external clock / RP24 / port RA2 |
| Pin 38 | OSC2/CLKO/RC15 — Oscillator output / RC15 |
| Pin 39 | RP25/RA3 — RP25 peripheral pin / port RA3 |
| Pin 40 | AN12/RP26/RB12 — Analog input 12 / RP26 / port RB12 |
| Pin 41 | AN13/RP27/RB13 — Analog input 13 / RP27 / port RB13 |
| Pin 42 | AN14/RP28/RB14 — Analog input 14 / RP28 / port RB14 |
| Pin 43 | AN15/C2IN1-/RP29/RB15 — Analog input 15 / comparator 2 inverting input / RP29 / port RB15 |
| Pin 44 | C2OUT/AN16/RP30/RB8 — Comparator 2 output / analog input 16 / RP30 / port RB8 |
| Pin 45 | C1OUT/AN17/RP31/RB9 — Comparator 1 output / analog input 17 / RP31 / port RB9 |
| Pin 46 | TCK/RA1 — Port RA1 |
| Pin 47 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 48 | VSS — Ground |
Typical Applications
DSPIC33EP256MC204T-I/MV is suitable for 6 applications: BLDC / PMSM Motor Control, Digital Power Supplies and Inverters, Industrial Automation and Motion Control, Sensor Signal Processing and Data Acquisition, Automotive Auxiliary Systems, Portable Instrumentation and Handheld Test Tools.
BLDC / PMSM Motor Control
The MCPWM module with complementary outputs, programmable dead-time, and fault inputs directly drives three-phase inverter gate drivers, while the QEI decodes encoder feedback for FOC (field-oriented control) loops. The integrated op amps and high-speed comparators allow in-line or low-side current sensing without external amplifier ICs, feeding the 12-bit 500 ksps ADC with flexible trigger sources synchronized to PWM cycles. Running at 70 MIPS, a full current/velocity control loop executes at switching frequencies typical of industrial drives. Placing the DSC between the encoder and the gate-driver stage consolidates sensing, control, and PWM generation in one 6x6 mm chip, reducing BOM count and loop latency versus discrete controller-plus-DSP designs.
Recommended
Digital Power Supplies and Inverters
High-frequency switch-mode power supplies, PFC stages, and solar micro-inverters need precisely timed, phase-shifted PWM with fast current-limit protection - exactly what the MCPWM module provides with its dead-time and trigger-synchronization features. The 10-bit 1.1 Msps ADC with four sample-and-hold circuits can sample input voltage, output voltage, and inductor current within one switching cycle, enabling average-current-mode control at converter frequencies well above 100 kHz. The DSP engine's single-cycle MAC accelerates compensator computations (PID or 2P2Z) without floating-point overhead. Integrated comparators provide cycle-by-cycle overcurrent trip independent of software, meeting safety requirements for grid-connected power conversion hardware.
Recommended
Industrial Automation and Motion Control
Factory automation nodes benefit from the combination of QEI position decoding, LINbus/IrDA-capable UARTs, I2C and SPI interfaces, and three external interrupt sources for safety interlocks. The 32KB RAM and 256KB Flash accommodate protocol stacks, trajectory tables, and OTA-style field upgrades, while 4 DMA channels offload UART and ADC transfers to keep interrupt latency low for deterministic motion control. Typical deployments include servo step/direction translators, conveyor positioning, and stepper microstepping controllers. The industrial -40C to +85C rating matches control-cabinet environments, and the 6x6 mm UQFN allows dense multi-axis boards where a TQFP would consume excessive area.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Processing and Data Acquisition
The up-to-three integrated op amps and comparators with programmable 32-point references build a compact analog front end for bridges, pH probes, thermistors, and microphone inputs. Signals are amplified on-chip and converted by the 12-bit 500 ksps ADC, then filtered and analyzed with the DSP engine's MAC unit - useful for RMS computation, digital filtering, or simple spectral analysis. Four DMA channels stream ADC results to RAM without CPU intervention, maximizing throughput for continuous waveform capture. Compared with an MCU plus external amplifier/ADC chain, this single-chip approach shortens the analog path, reduces noise pickup on the 6x6 mm UQFN, and lowers per-channel BOM cost in multi-sensor nodes.
Recommended
Automotive Auxiliary Systems
For non-safety-critical automotive subsystems - seat positioners, pump controllers, HVAC actuators, lighting ballasts - the extended-temperature DSPIC33EP256MC204T-E/MV sibling of this part offers -40C to +125C operation, and the same die is qualified per Microchip's automotive programs (refer to Microchip for current qualification status). The MCPWM module drives brushed or BLDC actuator bridges with hardware dead-time, QEI reads position sensors, and LINbus-native UARTs connect to vehicle body networks. Software watchdog and brown-out supervision plus comparator-based fault trips provide the self-monitoring expected in vehicular environments. Designers can develop on the I-grade part and freeze the E-grade for production without board changes.
Recommended
Portable Instrumentation and Handheld Test Tools
Handheld meters, battery testers, and portable analyzers use the DSP engine for real-time computation while the low-power modes (idle, doze) stretch battery life between 3.3V cell stacks. The 256KB Flash holds rich UI firmware, calibration tables, and logging buffers in the 32KB RAM; USB-serial or UART bridges offload data to PCs. The UQFN-48's 6x6 mm footprint suits slim probe electronics, though hand assembly is harder than TQFP - reflow assembly is recommended. Integrated op amps condition probe inputs directly, and the flexible ADC trigger system synchronizes sampling to measured events, giving these instruments lab-grade capture quality at consumer-tool cost points.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33EP256MC204T-I/MV — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33EP256MC204T-E/MV | DSPIC33EP128MC204T-I/MV | DSPIC33EP64MC204T-I/MV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 48-UQFN (6x6 mm) MV | 48-UQFN (6x6 mm) - same | 48-UQFN (6x6 mm) - same | 48-UQFN (6x6 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 256KB (85.5K x 24) | 256KB | 128KB | 64KB |
| RAM | 32KB | 32KB | 32KB | 16KB (per family memory map) |
| Max CPU Speed | 70 MIPS / 60 MHz | 70 MIPS / 60 MHz | 70 MIPS / 60 MHz | 70 MIPS / 60 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) |
| MCPWM + QEI Peripherals | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T) | Tape & Reel (T) | Tape & Reel (T) | Tray/Tube (no T) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature option on identical die (vs DSPIC33EP256MC204T-E/MV)
- Cost optimization path on same footprint (vs DSPIC33EP128MC204T-I/MV)
- Integrated analog front end (vs DSPIC33EP64MC204T-I/MV)
Design Notes
The on-chip 2.5V core regulator requires a low-ESR capacitor (typically 10uF tantalum or ceramic per Microchip family datasheet guidance) on the VCAP/VDDCORE pin (pin 8). Omitting it or using a high-ESR part prevents oscillation of the regulator and the device will not start. Supply VDD at 3.0-3.6V with 0.1uF ceramics at every VDD pin plus one bulk 4.7-10uF cap. Filter AVDD through an RC (e.g., 10 ohm + 1uF) from VDD for best 12-bit ADC accuracy.
Keep PWM output traces (PWM1L/H through PWM3H, pins 17-22) short and routed away from analog inputs and the VCAP net to limit coupling into the ADC front end. Place the AVDD filter close to pin 31 and return analog currents to AVSS without sharing digital ground returns. Expose MCLR, PGD, and PGC on a 5-pin header or test pads - the UQFN-48 offers no post-assembly access to internal balls, and rework on a 0.5 mm pitch QFN is difficult.
Peripheral pin select (PPS) must be configured before UART/SPI/PPS-mapped functions work; unconfigured RP pins default to GPIO and can waste debugging hours. Comparator/op amp inputs share pins with AN channels - configure ANSEL-equivalent register bits to analog for clean reads. Also verify package suffix on assembly files: the MV (UQFN-48) footprint is NOT compatible with the PT (TQFP-44) variant of the same die, despite identical silicon.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance indicated by distributor listings (DigiKey, RS). The -E temperature variant is referenced by Microchip USA in an AEC-Q100 context; this I-grade industrial part is not itself AEC-Q100 qualified.
