DSPIC33EP256MC506-I/PT - 16-Bit 70 MIPS DSC 64-TQFP | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33EP256MC506-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.9 | $6.90 |
| 10 | $6.25 | $62.50 |
| 100 | $5.6 | $560.00 |
| 500 | $5.1 | $2,550.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.65 | $4,650.00 |
DSPIC33EP256MC506-I/PT Overview
A digital signal controller combines the computational architecture of a digital signal processor (DSP) with the peripheral set and ease of use of a microcontroller (MCU). Within the power-management hierarchy of embedded systems, the DSC sits above general-purpose MCUs for control loops that demand fast math execution, and below dedicated DSPs where a full real-time operating environment is not required. The dsPIC33E family is Microchip's 16-bit DSC platform for high-performance embedded control.
Key features of the DSPIC33EP256MC506-I/PT include the 70 MIPS dsPIC DSC core with integrated DSP engine (barrel shifter, single-cycle MAC, dual operand fetch), 256 KB of self-programmable Flash, 32 KB of RAM, four DMA channels for peripheral-to-memory transfers without CPU intervention, and five timers. Integrated high-performance op amps and advanced analog, together with high-speed PWM peripherals, reduce external component count in power-conversion designs.
The architecture provides multiple internal bus arrangements and boundary scan (JTAG) support for production test. Code is compatible with existing dsPIC33FJ devices, and Microchip states that 32-256 KB dsPIC33EP devices are feature and pin compatible, enabling straightforward migration within the family without PCB respin.
Typical applications include precision motor control (BLDC, PMSM, ACIM drives for e-mobility vehicles such as e-bikes, scooters, and electric cars), digital power supplies, and industrial automation systems where fast PWM generation, on-chip analog, and DSP math run in tight control loops.
A key design consideration: the core can be clocked up to 60 MHz (delivering the headline 70 MIPS via the PLL), so supply decoupling, PCB grounding, and Flash wait-state configuration should follow the manufacturer datasheet to achieve full rated performance.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing context, verified drop-in family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single citable reference for the DSPIC33EP256MC506-I/PT.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33EP256MC506-I/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 DSPIC33EP256MC506-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture, Supply Voltage, Packaging.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33EP256MC506-E/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP256MC506-H/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP256MC504-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP128MC506-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33EP512MC506-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP256MC506-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | dsPIC33E 16-bit DSC core |
| Max CPU Speed | 70 MIPS |
| Clock Frequency | 60 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 256 KB (85.5K x 24) Flash |
| RAM Size | 32 KB |
| Data Bus Width | 16 bit |
| DMA Channels | 4 |
| Timers | 5 |
| On-Chip Op Amps | Yes (integrated high-performance op-amps) |
| DSP Features | Barrel shifter, DSP engine, boundary scan |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (I grade) |
| Package | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Package JESD-30 Code | S-PQFP-G64 |
| Terminal Pitch | 0.50 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Family Compatibility | Code compatible with dsPIC33FJ; dsPIC33EP 32-256KB devices feature and pin compatible |
DSPIC33EP256MC506-I/PT s-pqfp-g64 Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for DSPIC33EP256MC506-I/PT (s-pqfp-g64 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 DSPIC33EP256MC506-I/PT.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
DSPIC33EP256MC506-I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Precision Motor Control (FOC), Digital Power Supplies, Industrial Automation, E-Mobility Vehicles, Sensor Signal Processing, Embedded Control Upgrade from dsPIC33FJ.
Precision Motor Control (FOC)
Field-oriented control of BLDC, PMSM, and AC induction motors is the flagship application for the dsPIC33EP MC series. The 70 MIPS core with its DSP engine executes the Clarke/Park transforms and PI current loops fast enough for multi-kHz PWM switching frequencies, while up to 6 advanced motor-control PWM outputs with dead-time insertion drive the inverter bridge directly. Integrated on-chip op amps amplify shunt-current feedback without external amplifiers, and four DMA channels move ADC results to memory without CPU overhead. Per Microchip, this family explicitly targets e-mobility from e-bikes and scooters to electric cars and trucks.
Recommended
Digital Power Supplies
The DSPIC33EP256MC506-I/PT suits digitally controlled AC-DC and DC-DC converters where a fast control loop and high-resolution PWM are required. The high-speed PWM module supports complementary outputs, dead-time control, and fault shutdown, while the DSP core runs voltage-mode or current-mode compensators at sampling rates beyond what general-purpose MCUs achieve. On-chip op amps condition current-sense signals, and DMA transfers ADC samples with deterministic latency. The 256 KB Flash accommodates soft-start, protection, and communication firmware (PMBus-style telemetry) in a single device, reducing BOM cost versus a discrete controller plus supervisory MCU.
Recommended
Industrial Automation
In industrial automation nodes, the DSPIC33EP256MC506-I/PT combines control, sensing, and communication in one 64-TQFP chip. Five timers and the 70 MIPS core handle coordinated motion sequencing, while the DSP engine accelerates filtering of encoder and sensor data. The rich peripheral multiplexing of the 64-pin package exposes multiple UART, SPI, and I2C channels for PLC-style I/O, drives, and HMI links. Boundary scan (JTAG) support simplifies production test of dense boards. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade matches factory-floor and outdoor equipment requirements without component derating analysis.
Recommended
E-Mobility Vehicles
Microchip positions the dsPIC33 family as a flexible and robust solution for e-mobility vehicles, ranging from e-bikes and scooters to electric cars and trucks. In these platforms the DSPIC33EP256MC506-I/PT can serve as the traction-motor controller, running sensorless or sensored FOC with the on-chip op amps reading phase currents and the high-speed PWM generating inverter gate commands. The 256 KB Flash stores parametric firmware for multiple motor profiles, and the DSP core headroom supports field-weakening and MTPA algorithms. The MA330028 PIM on MCLV-2/MCHV-2 boards enables rapid algorithm validation before custom hardware.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Processing
With integrated op amps, an advanced analog front end, and a DSP engine capable of single-cycle MAC operations, the DSPIC33EP256MC506-I/PT implements FIR/IIR filtering, FFT-based analysis, and charge-time measurement (the family's CTMU supports temperature and touch sensing) directly on raw sensor signals. The four DMA channels stream ADC samples to the 32 KB SRAM without CPU intervention, keeping the 70 MIPS core free for algorithm processing. This makes the device suitable for condition-monitoring nodes, acoustic analysis, and precision measurement front ends that would otherwise require a separate analog signal-conditioning stage.
Recommended
Embedded Control Upgrade from dsPIC33FJ
For existing dsPIC33FJ-based designs that need more performance or memory headroom, the DSPIC33EP256MC506-I/PT offers a low-risk upgrade path: Microchip states the dsPIC33EP core is code compatible with existing dsPIC33FJ devices, and 32-256 KB dsPIC33EP devices are feature and pin compatible within matching packages. Existing PCBs using 64-pin dsPIC33FJ TQFP parts can typically adopt this device with firmware recompilation and re-verification of timing-critical code. The DSP performance uplift and larger peripheral DMA capability then enable added features such as advanced motor-control algorithms without a hardware redesign.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33EP256MC506-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33EP256MC506-E/PT | DSPIC33EP256MC506-H/PT | DSPIC33EP256MC504-I/PT | DSPIC33EP128MC506-I/PT | DSPIC33EP512MC506-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core Speed | 70 MIPS (60 MHz) | 70 MIPS (60 MHz) | 70 MIPS (60 MHz) | 70 MIPS (60 MHz) | 70 MIPS (60 MHz) | 70 MIPS (60 MHz) |
| Program Flash | 256 KB (85.5K x 24) | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB | 512 KB |
| Peripheral Set | Full MC-series: high-speed PWM, op amps, 4 DMA, 5 timers | Identical (same die) | Identical (same die) | Reduced option set - verify used peripherals | Same peripheral set | Same peripheral set |
Key Differentiators
- Extended-temperature sibling available without respin (vs DSPIC33EP256MC506-E/PT)
- Full MC-series peripheral density in 64 pins (vs DSPIC33EP256MC504-I/PT)
- Balanced memory for FOC firmware (vs DSPIC33EP128MC506-I/PT)
Design Notes
For a 64-TQFP running at 60 MHz, place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor at each VDD/VSS pair as close to the pins as possible, plus bulk capacitance (4.7-10 uF) near the device. The 0.50 mm terminal pitch and 10x10 mm body permit fan-out on a standard 4-layer board with via-in-pad-free dog-bone escapes; keep the analog AVDD/AVSS pins on a quiet island with a ferrite bead from the digital rail. Exposed JTAG test pads ease boundary-scan production test.
Do not assume all MC504/MC506 variants expose identical peripheral counts - verify the PWM channel, op-amp, and DMA assignments your firmware uses against the specific ordering code's datasheet before a substitution. Also confirm supply-voltage range when substituting -H/PT variants, since the suffix denotes a different operating window. Finally, when migrating code from dsPIC33FJ devices, re-check Flash wait states, PLL configuration, and timing loops rather than assuming cycle-identical behavior.
When driving an inverter bridge from the high-speed PWM outputs, keep PWM traces short and away from analog sense lines feeding the on-chip op amps; switching edges coupling into ADC inputs cause current-loop jitter in FOC applications. Route shunt amplifier inputs as differential pairs with Kelvin connections to the shunt resistors. Use the DMA-driven ADC scanning mode to sample at PWM-cycle boundaries for deterministic loop latency.
Compliance Information
Compliance status must be confirmed from the Microchip product page or distributor material declarations; the verified web data for this part did not include explicit RoHS/REACH statements.
