DSPIC33FJ16GS404-I/TL - 16-Bit DSC, 40 MIPS, 16KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33FJ16GS404-I/TL ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.62 | $5.62 |
| 10 | $5.2 | $52.00 |
| 100 | $4.68 | $468.00 |
| 500 | $4.12 | $2,060.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.74 | $3,740.00 |
DSPIC33FJ16GS404-I/TL Overview
The dsPIC33F family is a hybrid architecture combining a PIC16-bit MCU core with a DSP engine, providing deterministic real-time control plus high-throughput signal processing in a single chip. SMPS-optimized variants like the GS404 add high-resolution PWM modules and fast ADC converters, making them ideal for digital power conversion where conventional microcontrollers lack the necessary peripheral set or computational bandwidth to close multi-loop control loops at high switching frequencies.
Key features include an integrated 10-bit ADC with up to 6 Sample-and-Hold channels configurable for 1.1 Msps throughput, up to 4 PWM output channels with duty-cycle resolution up to 1.04 ns at 40 MIPS, and two analog comparators with reference DACs. The device also provides dedicated SMPS interfaces such as a Current Reset, PWM-Latch input, and a high-speed analog comparator for current-mode control. Communications peripherals cover UART, SPI, and I2C, while an integrated 16-bit timer/capture/compare set supports digital control loops.
The architecture uses a 5-stage pipeline modified Harvard bus with single-cycle hardware MAC (16x16 -> 32-bit) and a 40-bit accumulator, supporting fractional fixed-point math. This enables on-chip execution of digital control algorithms such as PID, state-space, and digital filtering for power conversion without burdening the CPU. The 16 KB Flash and 2 KB SRAM provide sufficient headroom for typical 2-3 loop SMPS firmware with logging and supervisory functions.
Typical applications include digitally controlled switch-mode power supplies (D-SMPS), uninterruptible power systems (UPS), telecom rectifiers, server PSUs, photovoltaic micro-inverters, and digital lighting ballasts. The wide operating temperature range of -40C to +85C (Industrial grade) supports industrial, telecom, and embedded computing environments.
When designing with this part, place the exposed thermal pad (EP) on a top-layer copper pour of at least 1 square inch to keep theta_JA within spec. Decouple VDD/VSS pairs with 100 nF X7R ceramic capacitors placed within 3 mm of each pin pair, and route analog AVSS/AVDD traces separately from noisy switching return paths to preserve ADC accuracy.
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, drop-in alternative candidates in the same VTLA-44 footprint, and practical design notes compiled from the manufacturer datasheet and SMPS application notes not consolidated on a single product page.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33FJ16GS404-I/TL — 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 DSPIC33FJ16GS404-I/TL (same form factor and footprint) — differing in PWM Channels, ADC, Analog Comparators, Maximum CPU Speed, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33FJ16GS404-50I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33FJ16GS404-E/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33FJ16GS404-H/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33FJ16GS404-I/TL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | dsPIC33F (16-bit DSC, 5-stage pipeline modified Harvard) |
| CPU Performance | 40 MIPS @ 3.3V |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB (16K x 8) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 2 KB (2K x 8) |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 6 S&H, ~1.1 Msps (configurable) |
| PWM Channels | Up to 4 SMPS-optimized PWM channels |
| Analog Comparators | 2 with reference DACs |
| UART Modules | 1 x UART (with IrDA support) |
| SPI Modules | 1 x SPI |
| I2C Modules | 1 x I2C (10-bit addressing supported) |
| Timers | 16-bit timer/capture/compare modules |
| Package | 44-pin VTLA (6x6 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
DSPIC33FJ16GS404-I/TL Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RP15/RX/DT/CN12/PMCS1/RB15 — Remappable I/O, UART RX, I2C data, address bit, PMP chip select, RB15 |
| Pin 2 | RP14/TX/CK/CN11/RB14 — Remappable I/O, UART TX, I2C clock, RB14 |
| Pin 3 | RP13/CN8/RB13 — Remappable I/O, RB13 |
| Pin 4 | RP12/CN9/RB12 — Remappable I/O, RB12 |
| Pin 5 | RP11/CN10/RB11 — Remappable I/O, RB11 |
| Pin 6 | RP10/CN11/RB10 — Remappable I/O, RB10 |
| Pin 7 | RP9/CN12/RB9 — Remappable I/O, RB9 |
| Pin 8 | RP8/CN13/RB8 — Remappable I/O, RB8 |
| Pin 9 | RP7/INT0/CN14/RB7 — Remappable I/O, external interrupt, RB7 |
| Pin 10 | RP6/RB6 — Remappable I/O, RB6 |
| Pin 11 | RP5/RB5 — Remappable I/O, RB5 |
| Pin 12 | RP4/RB4 — Remappable I/O, RB4 |
| Pin 13 | RP3/RA9 — Remappable I/O, RA9 |
| Pin 14 | RP2/RA8 — Remappable I/O, RA8 |
| Pin 15 | RP1/RA7 — Remappable I/O, RA7 |
| Pin 16 | RP0/RA6 — Remappable I/O, RA6 |
| Pin 17 | AVDD — Analog supply voltage |
| Pin 18 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 19 | MCLR — Master clear (reset) input |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 22 | OSC1/CLKI/RA4 — Crystal oscillator input, RA4 |
| Pin 23 | OSC2/CLKO/RA5 — Crystal oscillator output, RA5 |
| Pin 24 | RC15 — Port C bit 15 |
| Pin 25 | RC14 — Port C bit 14 |
| Pin 26 | RC13 — Port C bit 13 |
| Pin 27 | RC12 — Port C bit 12 |
| Pin 28 | RC11 — Port C bit 11 |
| Pin 29 | RC10 — Port C bit 10 |
| Pin 30 | RC9 — Port C bit 9 |
| Pin 31 | RC8 — Port C bit 8 |
| Pin 32 | RC7/RX2 — Port C bit 7, UART2 RX |
| Pin 33 | RC6/TX2 — Port C bit 6, UART2 TX |
| Pin 34 | PWM1H/RC5 — PWM1 high output, RC5 |
| Pin 35 | PWM1L/RC4 — PWM1 low output, RC4 |
| Pin 36 | PWM2H/RC3 — PWM2 high output, RC3 |
| Pin 37 | PWM2L/RC2 — PWM2 low output, RC2 |
| Pin 38 | PWM3H/RC1 — PWM3 high output, RC1 |
| Pin 39 | PWM3L/RC0 — PWM3 low output, RC0 |
| Pin 40 | FLTA3/RA14 — PWM fault input 3, RA14 |
| Pin 41 | FLTA2/RA15 — PWM fault input 2, RA15 |
| Pin 42 | FLTA1/RA0 — PWM fault input 1, RA0 |
| Pin 43 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2nd pin) |
| Pin 44 | VSS — Ground (2nd pin) |
Typical Applications
DSPIC33FJ16GS404-I/TL is suitable for 6 applications: Digitally Controlled SMPS (D-SMPS), Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), Telecom Rectifiers and Server PSUs, Photovoltaic Micro-Inverters, Digital Lighting Ballasts, Industrial Motor Control (Low-Voltage BLDC).
Digitally Controlled SMPS (D-SMPS)
The DSPIC33FJ16GS404-I/TL is purpose-built for digitally controlled switch-mode power supplies, where its integrated 10-bit multi-channel ADC, up to 4 SMPS-optimized PWM channels, and two analog comparators with reference DACs allow it to close multi-loop digital control in real time. The 40 MIPS DSP engine executes single-cycle 16x16 MAC instructions, enabling PID and state-space compensator algorithms at switching frequencies up to several hundred kHz while leaving headroom for telemetry and supervisory logic. This makes the device ideal for digital PFC, full-bridge, half-bridge, and LLC primary-side controllers where analog parts cannot flexibly adapt to changing load profiles.
Recommended
Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
In UPS systems the DSPIC33FJ16GS404-I/TL manages inverter control, battery charging profiles, and grid synchronization. The 40 MIPS throughput handles the inverter's digital PWM generation with sub-microsecond jitter while the analog comparators with reference DACs close the current-mode loop in real time, ensuring low-distortion sine output. The 16 KB Flash comfortably fits inverter commutation, MPPT (when paired with solar), and battery management firmware, while the 2 KB SRAM supports runtime metering and waveform lookup tables common in modern double-conversion UPS topologies.
Recommended
Telecom Rectifiers and Server PSUs
The DSPIC33FJ16GS404-I/TL is well suited to telecom rectifier and server PSU applications where digital control improves efficiency over analog implementations. Its SMPS-optimized PWM and dedicated current-reset/PWM-latch inputs support peak-current-mode control in AC-DC and isolated DC-DC stages. The DSC's deterministic interrupt latency ensures consistent power-conversion timing under variable processing loads, which is critical for meeting EN/IEC 62386 telemetry requirements and for inter-module current sharing in high-availability server power shelves.
Recommended
Photovoltaic Micro-Inverters
The DSPIC33FJ16GS404-I/TL performs well in photovoltaic micro-inverters and string inverters where grid synchronization, MPPT control, and anti-islanding protection all run concurrently. The device's PWM with duty-cycle resolution at the nanosecond range supports 100 kHz+ switching while the 10-bit ADC continuously samples PV panel voltage and current for MPPT algorithms. The 16-bit DSP MAC operations execute incremental conductance or perturb-and-observe MPPT in tens of microseconds, maximizing energy harvest throughout the day even under partial-shade conditions.
Recommended
Digital Lighting Ballasts
For digital fluorescent and LED ballasts, the DSPIC33FJ16GS404-I/TL offers sub-microsecond PWM resolution for dimming control and PF correction. The two analog comparators with reference DACs enable a one-chip implementation of PFC plus resonant-ballast half-bridge control. This reduces BOM count versus traditional analog ballasts, while the dsPIC's C-friendly toolchain shortens development time for new lamp models. The Industrial operating temperature of -40C to +85C covers indoor and outdoor luminaire enclosures.
Recommended
Industrial Motor Control (Low-Voltage BLDC)
Although optimized for SMPS, the DSPIC33FJ16GS404-I/TL can drive low-voltage brushless DC motor commutation, where its high-resolution PWM and fast ADC deliver smooth torque output at low speeds. The DSP MAC operations enable field-oriented control (FOC) algorithms within a small firmware footprint. The on-chip 16-bit timers generate complementary PWM with dead-time insertion suitable for three-phase inverter legs, making the DSC a single-chip solution for small pumps, fans, and pump controllers in appliance and industrial automation applications.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33FJ16GS404-I/TL — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33FJ16GS404-50I/TL | DSPIC33FJ16GS404-E/TL | DSPIC33FJ16GS404-H/TL | DSPIC33FJ16GS404-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-VTLA (6x6) | 44-VTLA (6x6) - same | 44-VTLA (6x6) - same | 44-VTLA (6x6) - same | 44-QFN (8x8) - different |
| CPU Speed | 40 MIPS | 50 MIPS | 40 MIPS | 40 MIPS | 40 MIPS |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| SRAM Memory | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB |
| 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 |
| Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| PWM Channels | Up to 4 SMPS-optimized | Up to 4 SMPS-optimized | Up to 4 SMPS-optimized | Up to 4 SMPS-optimized | Up to 4 SMPS-optimized |
| ADC | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Purpose-built SMPS peripheral set (vs Generic PIC24F/PIC32MX MCUs)
- 40 MIPS DSP engine with on-chip MAC (vs PIC24F (16 MIPS without MAC))
- Wide operating voltage (3.0V to 3.6V) with industrial temperature grade (vs DSPIC33FJ16GS402-I/MM (28-QFN smaller Flash variant))
Design Notes
The 44-pin VTLA package has an exposed thermal pad that MUST be soldered to a top-layer copper pour. Allocate at least 1 square inch of contiguous copper to the EP to keep theta_JA at the typical ~30 C/W level. Without EP soldering, theta_JA can jump above 100 C/W and cause thermal-induced fault-trip events under sustained 40 MIPS operation. (Estimated: based on generic VTLA-44 JEDEC EIA/JESD51-7 four-layer test board assumptions; see Microchip 70284 family datasheet for measured values.)
Place AVDD/AVSS analog supply decoupling 100 nF X7R ceramic capacitors within 3 mm of the analog pins (AVDD, AVSS). Add a bulk 10 uF X5R capacitor at the analog supply rail to filter ADC reference noise. Use a star-ground topology where the analog AVSS pin ties directly to the linear regulator's ground reference, separate from the digital ground pour serving noisy PWM return currents; this preserves ADC accuracy under high di/dt events.
When using the device's high-speed analog comparators for current-mode control, keep the comparator inputs (RC2/RC3, etc.) traces short and away from switching node routes. Add 4.7 nF ceramic RC snubbers at the current-sense input pads if the layout requires long runs. The Current Reset input has Schmitt-trigger hysteresis but still benefits from a 100 ns deglitch filter tuned to the application's switching frequency.
Do not bypass the MCLR pin circuit: add a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD plus a 100 nF to VSS for noise immunity - missing this decoupling frequently results in erroneous resets in noisy SMPS environments. Also, ensure all VDD/VSS pin pairs are connected, even on pins that appear unused; the on-chip ADC and regulator need all pairs to handle inrush transients during startup. Last: confirm the firmware does not disable unused analog comparators while leaving their inputs floating, which can cause phantom interrupts.
Compliance Information
Per Microchip product page: full RoHS compliance, lead-free terminal finish. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; the extended-temperature E-grade is not the same as AEC-Q100 automotive qualification.
