DSPIC33EP256MC502-H/SO - 16-Bit DSC 256KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33EP256MC502-H/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.85 | $6.85 |
| 10 | $6.16 | $61.60 |
| 100 | $5.48 | $548.00 |
| 500 | $4.93 | $2,465.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.38 | $4,380.00 |
DSPIC33EP256MC502-H/SO Overview
A digital signal controller is a hybrid device that combines the real-time control capabilities of a microcontroller with the mathematical throughput of a digital signal processor. In the product hierarchy, the dsPIC33EP256MC502 sits within the dsPIC33E family of DSCs, which itself belongs to the broader class of 16-bit microcontrollers and digital signal controllers. Unlike a general-purpose MCU, a DSC executes DSP instructions such as single-cycle multiply-accumulate (MAC) and barrel shifting, enabling deterministic control loops for motor drive and power conversion.
Key features include a 70 MIPS core, 256 KB Flash, 32 KB SRAM, high-speed PWM modules, up to three op-amp/comparator pairs with direct ADC connection, and a 10-bit/12-bit ADC configurable for 1.1 Msps with four sample-and-hold channels. The device supports 4 DMA channels, 5 timers, and 3 external interrupts, and includes boundary scan and low-power modes.
The dsPIC33EP256MC502 is designed for precision motor control, digital power conversion, and automotive sensorless field-oriented control (FOC). Its high-speed PWM and integrated analog peripherals reduce external component count, while the 70 MIPS core provides headroom for complex control algorithms such as PID, Clarke/Park transforms, and space-vector modulation.
Typical applications include brushless DC (BLDC) motor drives, automotive pumps and fans, industrial servo control, and switched-mode power supplies. The AEC-Q100 qualification and extended temperature range make it suitable for under-hood automotive electronics.
When designing with this device, ensure the ICSP programming pins (PGECx/PGEDx) are accessible and correctly paired, and provide adequate decoupling on all VDD/VSS pins. The 28-pin SOIC package offers a balance between pin count and board space for compact motor-control designs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, providing engineers with a single reference for selection and replacement decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33EP256MC502-H/SO — 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 DSPIC33EP256MC502-H/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Flash Program Memory, SRAM.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33EP256MC502-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP256MC502-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP256MC502T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP128MC502-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.29 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP256MC502-H/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 16-bit dsPIC DSC |
| Core Speed | 70 MIPS |
| Program Memory | 256 KB Flash |
| RAM | 32 KB |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (0.295 in / 7.50 mm) |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit / 12-bit |
| ADC Sampling Rate | 1.1 Msps (10-bit, 4 S&H) / 500 ksps (12-bit, 1 S&H) |
| Analog Inputs | 6 (28-pin devices) |
| Op Amp / Comparators | Up to 3 with direct ADC connection |
| DMA Channels | 4 |
| Timers | 5 |
| External Interrupts | 3 |
| PWM | High-Speed PWM |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +150C (H suffix) |
| Qualification | AEC-Q100 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
DSPIC33EP256MC502-H/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master clear (reset) input |
| Pin 2 | VDD — Power supply |
| Pin 3 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 4 | PGED1/AN0 — Programming data / analog input 0 |
| Pin 5 | PGEC1/AN1 — Programming clock / analog input 1 |
| Pin 6 | AN2 — Analog input 2 |
| Pin 7 | AN3 — Analog input 3 |
| Pin 8 | AN4 — Analog input 4 |
| Pin 9 | AN5 — Analog input 5 |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Power supply |
| Pin 12 | PGED2/PWM1H — Programming data / PWM output 1H |
| Pin 13 | PGEC2/PWM1L — Programming clock / PWM output 1L |
| Pin 14 | PWM2H — PWM output 2H |
| Pin 15 | PWM2L — PWM output 2L |
| Pin 16 | PWM3H — PWM output 3H |
| Pin 17 | PWM3L — PWM output 3L |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Power supply |
| Pin 20 | OSC1 — Primary oscillator input |
| Pin 21 | OSC2 — Primary oscillator output |
| Pin 22 | VDD — Power supply |
| Pin 23 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 24 | PGED3/AN6 — Programming data / analog input 6 |
| Pin 25 | PGEC3/AN7 — Programming clock / analog input 7 |
| Pin 26 | AN8 — Analog input 8 |
| Pin 27 | AN9 — Analog input 9 |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Power supply |
Typical Applications
DSPIC33EP256MC502-H/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive BLDC Motor Control, Industrial Servo and Motion Control, Digital Power Conversion, Automotive Sensorless FOC, Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS), Robotics and Actuator Control.
Automotive BLDC Motor Control
The DSPIC33EP256MC502-H/SO is purpose-built for sensorless field-oriented control (FOC) of brushless DC motors in automotive pumps, fans, and actuators. Its 70 MIPS dsPIC core executes Clarke/Park transforms and PID loops in real time, while the high-speed PWM module generates complementary outputs with dead-time insertion for three-phase inverter bridges. The integrated 10-bit/12-bit ADC samples phase currents at up to 1.1 Msps with four sample-and-hold channels, enabling simultaneous current sensing without external multiplexing. Up to three on-chip op amps and comparators connect directly to the ADC, eliminating external signal-conditioning components and reducing BOM cost. The AEC-Q100 qualification and -40C to +150C range ensure reliable operation in under-hood environments. A typical implementation uses the PWM module to drive a six-step or sinusoidal commutation scheme, with the ADC triggered synchronously to the PWM period for accurate current reconstruction.
Recommended
Industrial Servo and Motion Control
In industrial servo drives, the DSPIC33EP256MC502-H/SO provides deterministic real-time control with its 70 MIPS core and single-cycle MAC unit. The device executes position, velocity, and current loops at high update rates, while the high-speed PWM generates precise gate-drive signals for IGBT or MOSFET power stages. The 12-bit ADC at 500 ksps with one sample-and-hold, or 10-bit at 1.1 Msps with four S&H, supports accurate feedback from encoders, resolvers, and current shunts. Integrated op amps and comparators enable overcurrent and fault detection without external circuitry. The 28-pin SOIC package suits compact servo modules where board space is constrained. Designers typically use the DMA channels to transfer ADC results to RAM without CPU intervention, preserving MIPS for control algorithm execution. The 256 KB Flash accommodates complex motion profiles and communication stacks such as CAN or Modbus.
Recommended
Digital Power Conversion
The DSPIC33EP256MC502-H/SO is well suited to digital power conversion topologies such as DC-DC converters, PFC stages, and inverters. Its high-speed PWM module supports high-resolution duty-cycle control for synchronous buck, boost, and full-bridge converters, while the 70 MIPS core runs voltage and current control loops with minimal latency. The 10-bit/12-bit ADC with multiple sample-and-hold channels enables simultaneous sensing of input voltage, output voltage, and inductor current. On-chip comparators provide cycle-by-cycle current limiting for protection. The device's 256 KB Flash and 32 KB RAM allow implementation of advanced control algorithms including digital compensators and adaptive control. The AEC-Q100 qualification supports automotive power electronics such as on-board chargers and DC-DC converters. Designers benefit from the integrated analog peripherals, which reduce external component count and improve noise immunity in switching environments.
Recommended
Automotive Sensorless FOC
Sensorless field-oriented control eliminates position sensors, reducing cost and improving reliability in automotive pumps and compressors. The DSPIC33EP256MC502-H/SO implements sensorless FOC using back-EMF observers or sliding-mode observers running on the 70 MIPS core. The high-speed PWM and fast ADC enable accurate current sampling synchronized to the PWM cycle, which is critical for observer convergence at low speeds. The integrated op amps amplify shunt signals, while comparators detect zero-crossing events. The -40C to +150C range and AEC-Q100 qualification ensure operation in harsh under-hood conditions. The 28-pin SOIC package fits compact motor-control PCBs. Designers typically implement a three-phase inverter with six PWM outputs, using the ADC to sample two phase currents and reconstruct the third. The 256 KB Flash provides ample space for observer algorithms and CAN communication.
Recommended
Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS)
The DSPIC33EP256MC502-H/SO enables fully digital control of switched-mode power supplies, including AC-DC PFC and isolated DC-DC stages. The high-speed PWM module generates gate-drive signals with fine duty-cycle resolution, while the 70 MIPS core executes voltage-mode or current-mode control loops at switching frequencies up to hundreds of kHz. The 10-bit ADC at 1.1 Msps with four sample-and-hold channels allows simultaneous sampling of multiple feedback signals, and the integrated comparators provide fast overcurrent protection. The device's 256 KB Flash supports complex soft-start sequences, fault handling, and communication protocols such as PMBus. The AEC-Q100 qualification makes it suitable for automotive on-board chargers and DC-DC converters. Designers can use the DMA to move ADC results directly to RAM, minimizing CPU overhead and improving loop jitter. The 28-pin SOIC package is compact enough for dense power-supply layouts.
Recommended
Robotics and Actuator Control
In robotics and actuator control, the DSPIC33EP256MC502-H/SO provides real-time motor control with integrated analog feedback. The 70 MIPS core handles inverse kinematics, trajectory planning, and current loops, while the high-speed PWM drives multiple motor phases. The 12-bit ADC and on-chip op amps process encoder and current-sense signals, and the comparators enable fast fault detection for safe actuator operation. The 28-pin SOIC package suits compact joint controllers and distributed actuator nodes. The device's 4 DMA channels and 5 timers support multi-axis coordination, and the 256 KB Flash accommodates communication stacks such as CANopen or EtherCAT. The AEC-Q100 qualification and extended temperature range make it suitable for automotive robotics and harsh industrial environments. Designers can implement sensorless or sensored control, using the integrated analog peripherals to reduce board size and improve reliability.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33EP256MC502-H/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33EP256MC502-I/SO | DSPIC33EP256MC502-E/SO | DSPIC33EP256MC502T-I/SO | DSPIC33EP128MC502-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (0.295 in) | 28-pin SOIC (0.295 in) - same | 28-pin SOIC (0.295 in) - same | 28-pin SOIC (0.295 in) - same | 28-pin SOIC (0.295 in) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core Speed | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS |
| Program Memory | 256 KB Flash | 256 KB Flash | 256 KB Flash | 256 KB Flash | 128 KB Flash |
| RAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +150C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| AEC-Q100 Qualification | Qualified | Not qualified | Not qualified | Not qualified | Not qualified |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit / 12-bit | 10-bit / 12-bit | 10-bit / 12-bit | 10-bit / 12-bit | 10-bit / 12-bit |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| DMA Channels | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Key Differentiators
- AEC-Q100 automotive qualification with -40C to +150C range (vs DSPIC33EP256MC502-I/SO)
- 256 KB Flash and 32 KB RAM in a compact 28-pin SOIC (vs DSPIC33EP128MC502-I/SO)
- Integrated op amps and comparators with direct ADC connection (vs DSPIC33EP256MC502-E/SO)
- 70 MIPS dsPIC DSC core with DSP engine (vs DSPIC33EP128MC502-I/SO)
Design Notes
Decouple every VDD pin with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed as close to the pin as possible, plus a bulk 10 uF capacitor on the 3.3 V rail. The DSPIC33EP256MC502-H/SO has multiple VDD/VSS pairs (pins 2/3, 11/10, 19/18, 22/23, 28) that must all be connected. Inadequate decoupling causes ADC noise and erratic operation, especially in motor-control designs where switching transients are present.
Route the ICSP programming pins (PGECx/PGEDx) to a header for in-circuit programming and debugging. The device has multiple PGECx/PGEDx pairs; any pair may be used, but PGEC and PGED must be used as a matched pair (e.g., PGEC2 with PGED2). Keep the programming traces short and avoid routing them near the PWM outputs to prevent noise coupling during debug.
Estimated: at 3.3 V and 70 MIPS, the core current is typically in the tens of milliamps, so power dissipation is well under 0.5 W and the 28-pin SOIC package does not require a heatsink. However, in automotive under-hood applications where ambient can reach +125C, ensure the PCB copper area around the device is sufficient to keep junction temperature below +150C. Use thermal vias if the board is densely populated.
For ADC accuracy in motor-control designs, use separate analog and digital ground planes connected at a single point. Route analog input traces away from PWM and clock lines, and place the ADC sampling capacitors close to the analog input pins. The 10-bit/12-bit ADC with four sample-and-hold channels benefits from a low-impedance source; add an RC filter (e.g., 100 ohm + 1 nF) at each analog input to limit noise bandwidth.
Do not leave the MCLR pin floating; connect it to VDD through a 10 kOhm resistor for reliable reset operation. Ensure the oscillator configuration matches the selected clock source (internal FRC or external crystal). The device supports low-power modes; if unused, disable unused peripherals to reduce current consumption. Always verify the AEC-Q100 grade (-H) is used for automotive designs, as the -I grade is not qualified for under-hood temperatures.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 qualified per distributor listing (Hotenda). RoHS compliant. Halogen-free status not confirmed in provided data.
