DSPIC33EP256MC502-I/SS - 16-bit 70 MIPS DSC, 256KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33EP256MC502-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.86 | $5.86 |
| 10 | $5.29 | $52.90 |
| 100 | $4.72 | $472.00 |
| 500 | $4.25 | $2,125.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.88 | $3,880.00 |
DSPIC33EP256MC502-I/SS Overview
A digital signal controller combines the compute throughput of a DSP engine with the peripheral integration and deterministic control of a microcontroller. Within the power management hierarchy, a DSC sits above basic MCUs in the embedded control chain: MCU -> digital signal controller -> application-specific motor/speech processor, making the dsPIC33E family a common choice where a single chip must both run control loops and execute DSP mathematics.
Key features include the 16-bit dsPIC33E CPU core with DSP multiply-accumulate and barrel shifter, a 4-channel DMA controller that moves data without CPU intervention, and a motor-control PWM (MCPWM) module purpose-built for complementary and dead-time-weighted drive outputs. The device also integrates quadrature encoder interface (QEI) inputs, on-chip analog comparators, operational amplifiers, and a pseudo-terminal generator (PTG), reducing external component count in closed-loop designs.
Technically, the dsPIC33EP core runs from an internal PLL multiplying an external crystal or internal FRC oscillator to 60 MHz device operation (70 MIPS instruction throughput), and supports multiple interrupt vectors with automatic context save for low-latency, deterministic ISR response. Flash programming and in-circuit debugging use ICSP via PGECx/PGEDx pin pairs. The industrial temperature grade (I suffix, -40C to +85C) and CMOS process give robust operation on a 3.0V to 3.6V single supply.
Typical applications include precision brushless DC and PMSM motor control, digital power supplies (PFC, LLC), and embedded sensing and speech/audio processing, where the MCPWM, QEI, and DSP MAC units directly accelerate the control loop.
Design consideration: verify that your ICSP programmer uses the PGECx/PGEDx pair as a matched pair; mixing PGEC2 with PGED1 is a common bring-up error.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33EP256MC502-I/SS — 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-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core, RAM, Operating Temperature, Package, Core Speed.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33EP128MC502-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP256MC502-E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP256MC202-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.64 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP128MC202-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.44 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP64MC502-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP32MC502-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.99 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP256MC502-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | dsPIC33E, 16-bit DSC |
| Core Speed | 70 MIPS (60 MHz device clock) |
| Program Memory | 256 KB (85.5K x 24) Flash |
| RAM | 32 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (I grade) |
| Package | 28-SSOP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| DMA Channels | 4 |
| Timers | 5 |
| External Interrupts | 3 |
| PWM Module | Motor Control PWM (MCPWM) |
| Encoder Interface | QEI (Quadrature Encoder Interface) |
| Analog Features | Comparators, OpAmps, ADC, PTG |
| Connectivity | UART, SPI, I2C, CAN (per family feature list) |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (PGECx/PGEDx pairs) |
| Core Architecture | CMOS with DSP MAC and barrel shifter |
DSPIC33EP256MC502-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master clear reset, programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | AN0/VREF+/CN3/RB0 — Analog input 0 / ADC positive reference / change notification / PORTB |
| Pin 3 | AN1/VREF-/CN2/RB1 — Analog input 1 / ADC negative reference / change notification / PORTB |
| Pin 4 | AN2/SS1/CN4/RB2 — Analog input 2 / SPI slave select 1 / PORTB |
| Pin 5 | AN3/INDX/CN5/RB3 — Analog input 3 / QEI index input / PORTB |
| Pin 6 | AN4/RP32/PGD1/CN6/RB4 — Analog input 4 / PPS RP32 / programming data 1 / PORTB |
| Pin 7 | AN5/RP33/PGC1/CN7/RB5 — Analog input 5 / PPS RP33 / programming clock 1 / PORTB |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI/CN12/RA2 — Primary oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO/CN13/RC15 — Primary oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 11 | SOSCI/RP35/CN14/RC13 — Secondary oscillator input / PPS RP35 / PORTC |
| Pin 12 | SOSCO/T1CK/RP36/CN15/RC14 — Secondary oscillator output / Timer1 clock / PPS RP36 / PORTC |
| Pin 13 | VDD — Power supply 3.0V to 3.6V |
| Pin 14 | PGD3/EMUD3/AN6/RB6 — Programming data 3 / emulation / analog input 6 / PORTB |
| Pin 15 | PGC3/EMUC3/AN7/RB7 — Programming clock 3 / emulation / analog input 7 / PORTB |
| Pin 16 | AN8/RB8 — Analog input 8 / PORTB |
| Pin 17 | AN9/RB9 — Analog input 9 / PORTB |
| Pin 18 | PGD2/EMUD2/AN10/RB10 — Programming data 2 / emulation / analog input 10 / PORTB |
| Pin 19 | PGC2/EMUC2/AN11/RB11 — Programming clock 2 / emulation / analog input 11 / PORTB |
| Pin 20 | AN12/RB12 — Analog input 12 / PORTB |
| Pin 21 | AN13/RB13 — Analog input 13 / PORTB |
| Pin 22 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 23 | VDD — Power supply 3.0V to 3.6V |
| Pin 24 | AN14/RB14 — Analog input 14 / PORTB |
| Pin 25 | AN15/RB15 — Analog input 15 / PORTB |
| Pin 26 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 27 | AVDD — Analog power supply |
| Pin 28 | PGEC1/EMUC1/RP — Programming clock 1 / emulation / PPS remappable pin |
Typical Applications
DSPIC33EP256MC502-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Brushless DC / PMSM Motor Control, Digital Power Supplies (PFC, LLC, Buck), Industrial Sensing and Automation Nodes, Speech and Audio Processing, Embedded Motion and Robotics Controllers, Portable and Battery-Powered Instruments.
Brushless DC / PMSM Motor Control
The DSPIC33EP256MC502-I/SS is purpose-built for precision motor control: Microchip explicitly positions the dsPIC33E family for high-performance, precision motor control using its 70 MIPS core. The motor-control PWM (MCPWM) module generates complementary outputs with hardware dead-time insertion for three-phase inverters, while the quadrature encoder interface decodes position feedback without CPU overhead. On-chip comparators implement cycle-by-cycle current limiting, and the DSP multiply-accumulate engine runs field-oriented control loops fast enough for high dynamic performance. The 28-SSOP package and 4-channel DMA keep the driver board compact and the ISR load low.
Recommended
Digital Power Supplies (PFC, LLC, Buck)
Digital power conversion needs deterministic, high-frequency control loops, and the dsPIC33EP256MC502's 70 MIPS core plus high-speed PWM resources meet that requirement. The MCPWM module supports complementary and push-pull modes with programmable dead time, essential for LLC half-bridge stages, while ADC-triggered-from-PWM sampling keeps voltage/current loop sampling synchronized to the switching period. The 4-channel DMA moves conversion results to RAM without CPU intervention, and the DSP MAC accelerates 3P3Z (three-pole three-zero) compensator computation. On-chip op amps and comparators can close fast protection loops entirely in hardware, reducing software latency in fault conditions.
Recommended
Industrial Sensing and Automation Nodes
In factory automation, the dsPIC33EP256MC502-I/SS integrates enough analog and communication peripherals to act as a complete smart-sensor node. Its on-chip op amps condition sensor signals before the internal ADC, comparators provide threshold alarms in hardware, and the PTG (pseudo-terminal generator) can sequence simple measurement tasks autonomously. The CAN and UART peripherals link the node to industrial buses, while the I-grade -40C to +85C rating covers unconditioned cabinets. The 256 KB Flash accommodates calibration tables, DSP filtering, and protocol stacks simultaneously, and the 28-SSOP footprint suits dense DIN-rail or IO-module boards.
Recommended
Speech and Audio Processing
The dsPIC33E DSP engine - a single-cycle 16-bit multiplier, dual data fetch, and barrel shifter - executes speech codecs and audio filtering efficiently at 70 MIPS. The DSPIC33EP256MC502-I/SS devotes 32 KB of RAM to X and Y data spaces, supporting codec buffers and coefficient tables concurrently, and the 4-channel DMA streams ADC/PWM audio samples without CPU stalls. A PWM output can act as a low-cost Class-D audio output stage driver, while the QEI supports rotary volume encoders. The 3.0V to 3.6V supply integrates cleanly with standard 3.3V audio front ends in compact 28-SSOP consumer designs.
Recommended
Embedded Motion and Robotics Controllers
Robotics controllers combine high-speed position loops with encoder feedback, exactly the pairing of MCPWM and QEI offered by the dsPIC33EP256MC502-I/SS. The 70 MIPS core closes current and velocity loops in software while hardware comparators guard against motor stalls and over-current events with microsecond response. Three external interrupt lines capture limit-switch and homing signals with deterministic latency, and the 256 KB Flash holds trajectory planning code alongside firmware. Multiple PGECx/PGEDx pairs allow in-field firmware updates via ICSP without removing the controller from the robot assembly, and the industrial temperature grade suits shop-floor environments.
Recommended
Portable and Battery-Powered Instruments
Handheld instruments benefit from the dsPIC33EP256MC502-I/SS's low-power management modes and single 3.0V to 3.6V supply. The dsPIC33E family supports multiple sleep and idle modes that cut current dramatically between measurements while retaining RAM state, and the PTG can trigger periodic measurement sequences autonomously, letting the CPU sleep longer. The on-chip ADC, op amps, and comparators replace external analog components, shrinking the 28-SSOP-based board for handheld enclosures, and the 256 KB Flash supports LCD menus, DSP analysis routines, and data logging. UART and SPI interfaces connect to displays, storage, and PC tools.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33EP256MC502-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33EP128MC502-I/SS | DSPIC33EP256MC502-E/SS | DSPIC33EP256MC202-I/SS | DSPIC33EP64MC502-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 128 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 64 KB |
| Core Speed | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Motor Control PWM / QEI | MCPWM + QEI | MCPWM + QEI | MCPWM + QEI | Reduced peripheral set | MCPWM + QEI |
| Lifecycle Status | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Full 256 KB Flash in a 28-pin footprint (vs DSPIC33EP128MC502-I/SS)
- Extended temperature option in same footprint (vs DSPIC33EP256MC502-E/SS)
- Full motor-control peripheral complement (vs DSPIC33EP256MC202-I/SS)
Design Notes
For the 28-SSOP layout, place 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitors within 2 mm of each VDD pin (13, 23) and one at AVDD (27). Isolate AVDD from the digital rail with an RC filter (e.g., 10 ohm + 1uF) to preserve ADC accuracy in motor-drive environments. Route PWM and inverter gate-drive returns on a separate path from the analog ground island connected to AVSS (pin 26). Keep the crystal loop (pins 9-10) tight with guard ground. Verify all pin functions against the official Microchip datasheet before release.
A frequent bring-up failure is mismatching the ICSP programming pins: the dsPIC33EP256MC502 has multiple PGECx/PGEDx pairs and they must be used as matched pairs (PGEC2 with PGED2, etc.). Per the NSDSP support summary, any pair works, but only as a pair. Another pitfall is relying on 5V-tolerant assumptions for all I/O - confirm electrical ratings in the datasheet. Finally, ensure the power-on reset and MCLR network (pin 1) uses an appropriate pull-up and capacitor so a slow-rising 3.3V rail does not leave the core in a brown-out state.
Estimated: supply the part from a 3.3V regulator with at least 150-250 mA headroom. The core is dynamic-current dominant - current scales roughly with the 60 MHz clock and activity, and Flash erase/write operations create brief peak load steps on the rail. A regulator like the MCP1826 (500 mA LDO) or a small buck feeding 3.3V covers the controller plus modest peripheral load. If AVDD is filtered through an RC, account for the filter's dropout at the 3.0V minimum supply: with a 3.3V rail and 10 ohm series R, keep analog load below ~10 mA to stay above 3.2V at AVDD.
Compliance Information
Compliance data was not present in the verified web data. Microchip standard products are typically RoHS compliant, but confirm on the official product page before procurement.
