DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-50I/ML - 16-bit 50MIPS SMPS DSC, 16KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-50I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.35 | $6.35 |
| 10 | $5.71 | $57.10 |
| 100 | $5.08 | $508.00 |
| 500 | $4.55 | $2,275.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.1 | $4,100.00 |
DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-50I/ML Overview
A Digital Signal Controller (DSC) is a hybrid MCU+DSP that combines a deterministic microcontroller core with a single-cycle MAC DSP engine. The dsPIC33FJ16GS404 specifically belongs to the GS sub-family, which adds high-resolution PWM (typically 1.0 ns duty-cycle resolution at 120 MHz PWM clock), high-speed comparators with DAC references, and a 10-bit ADC capable of up to 4 Msps (with simultaneous sampling via dedicated S/H) - features tuned for closed-loop digital control of power stages. In the broader product hierarchy, this places the DSC between general-purpose MCUs and dedicated DSPs, and the GS variant targets power-supply control loops above the GP (general-purpose) family and below the MC (motor-control) family.
Key features of the DSPIC33FJ16GS404 include 35 general-purpose I/O pins, 4 PWM channels with complementary outputs and programmable dead time, 4 high-speed analog comparators with 10-bit DAC references, an 8-channel 10-bit ADC, JTAG/ICSP in-circuit debugging, and an operating voltage range of 3.0 V to 3.6 V. The "-50I" speed/grade designation indicates 50 MIPS operation over the industrial temperature range of -40 C to +85 C. The QFN-EP package (JEDEC code S-PQCC-N44, 8 mm x 8 mm with exposed pad) provides low thermal resistance for high-power applications.
The architecture combines a modified Harvard 16-bit CPU with a DSP engine that supports dual 40-bit accumulators, single-cycle MAC operations, and barrel shifting, enabling advanced control algorithms such as predictive dead-time compensation, sliding-mode control, and digital filtering inside the PWM interrupt loop. The integrated high-speed comparator with sub-100 ns response provides cycle-by-cycle current limiting for peak-current-mode control without off-board analog components.
Typical applications include digital telecom rectifiers, solar micro-inverters, LED drivers with constant-current regulation, induction-cooking converters, and digitally-controlled BLDC motor drives. The 16 KB Flash and 2 KB RAM are sufficient for single-loop voltage-mode or peak-current-mode control with field-oriented control (FOC) disabled.
When designing with this DSC, place the exposed thermal pad on a continuous copper ground plane to dissipate the 1 W typical power budget, and route the high-speed comparator inputs as short, guarded traces to avoid false triggering from PWM edge noise.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-50I/ML — 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 DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-50I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Package, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33FJ16GS404-50I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33FJ16GS404-E/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-50I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | dsPIC33F (16-bit DSC, modified Harvard) |
| CPU Clock Speed | 50 MHz (max) |
| Performance | 50 MIPS |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB (16K x 8) |
| Data Memory (RAM) | 2 KB (2K x 8) |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, "I") |
| General-Purpose I/O | 35 pins |
| PWM Channels | 4 channels with complementary outputs and programmable dead time |
| PWM Resolution | 1.0 ns duty cycle (at 120 MHz PWM clock) |
| High-Speed Comparators | 4 (with 10-bit DAC references) |
| ADC | 8-channel, 10-bit, up to 4 Msps |
| Package | 44-pin QFN-EP (8 mm x 8 mm, JESD-30 S-PQCC-N44) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | MSL3 (per JEDEC J-STD-020, typical for QFN-EP) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Halogen-Free | Yes / Yes (per Microchip product page) |
| Debug Interface | JTAG + ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| Family / Sub-Family | dsPIC33F / GS (SMPS-optimized) |
DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-50I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RP15/PWM3H/AN15/CN11 — Remappable I/O / PWM3 high-side / analog input 15 |
| Pin 2 | RP14/PWM3L/AN14/CN10 — Remappable I/O / PWM3 low-side / analog input 14 |
| Pin 3 | RP13/PWM2H/AN13/CN9 — Remappable I/O / PWM2 high-side / analog input 13 |
| Pin 4 | RP12/PWM2L/AN12/CN8 — Remappable I/O / PWM2 low-side / analog input 12 |
| Pin 5 | RP11/PWM1H/AN11/CN7 — Remappable I/O / PWM1 high-side / analog input 11 |
| Pin 6 | RP10/PWM1L/AN10/CN6 — Remappable I/O / PWM1 low-side / analog input 10 |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Core logic supply 3.3 V |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/RA0 — Crystal oscillator input / GPIO |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/RA1 — Crystal oscillator output / GPIO |
| Pin 11 | RP5/PWM4H/CMP1A — Remappable I/O / PWM4 high / comparator 1 input A |
| Pin 12 | RP4/PWM4L/CMP1B — Remappable I/O / PWM4 low / comparator 1 input B |
| Pin 13 | RP3/CMP2A — Remappable I/O / comparator 2 input A |
| Pin 14 | RP2/CMP2B — Remappable I/O / comparator 2 input B |
| Pin 15 | RP1/CMP3A — Remappable I/O / comparator 3 input A |
| Pin 16 | RP0/CMP3B — Remappable I/O / comparator 3 input B |
| Pin 17 | RA4/CMP4A — GPIO / comparator 4 input A |
| Pin 18 | RA5/CMP4B — GPIO / comparator 4 input B |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Core logic supply 3.3 V |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 21 | AN0/CMP1C — Analog input 0 / comparator 1 input C |
| Pin 22 | AN1/CMP2C — Analog input 1 / comparator 2 input C |
| Pin 23 | AN2/CMP3C — Analog input 2 / comparator 3 input C |
| Pin 24 | AN3/CMP4C — Analog input 3 / comparator 4 input C |
| Pin 25 | AN4/CMP1D — Analog input 4 / comparator 1 input D |
| Pin 26 | AN5/CMP2D — Analog input 5 / comparator 2 input D |
| Pin 27 | AN6/CMP3D — Analog input 6 / comparator 3 input D |
| Pin 28 | AN7/CMP4D — Analog input 7 / comparator 4 input D |
| Pin 29 | AVDD — Analog supply 3.3 V |
| Pin 30 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 31 | TCK/RP7 — JTAG TCK / remappable GPIO |
| Pin 32 | TMS/RP8 — JTAG TMS / remappable GPIO |
| Pin 33 | TDI/RP9 — JTAG TDI / remappable GPIO |
| Pin 34 | TDO/RP6 — JTAG TDO / remappable GPIO |
| Pin 35 | MCLR — Master clear reset (active-low) |
| Pin 36 | PGEC1/RP16 — ICSP clock / remappable GPIO |
| Pin 37 | PGED1/RP17 — ICSP data / remappable GPIO |
| Pin 38 | PGEC2/RP18 — Auxiliary ICSP clock / remappable GPIO |
| Pin 39 | PGED2/RP19 — Auxiliary ICSP data / remappable GPIO |
| Pin 40 | RB0/INT0 — GPIO / external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 41 | RB1/INT1 — GPIO / external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 42 | RB2/INT2 — GPIO / external interrupt 2 |
| Pin 43 | RB3/INT3 — GPIO / external interrupt 3 |
| Pin 44 | RB4/INT4 — GPIO / external interrupt 4 |
Typical Applications
DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-50I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Digital Telecom Rectifier (AC/DC PFC + LLC), Solar Micro-Inverter / DC-DC Optimizer, Digitally-Controlled LED Driver (CC Buck/Boost), Industrial SMPS Module (24V to 5V/12V POL), Induction Cooktop / Resonant Heater, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) / Inverter, Wireless Charging / Inductive Power Transfer.
Digital Telecom Rectifier (AC/DC PFC + LLC)
The DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-50I/ML is purpose-built for digital telecom rectifier front ends combining Power Factor Correction (PFC) and isolated LLC stages. Its 50 MIPS 16-bit DSC core executes predictive PFC control loops and LLC frequency modulation within the 25 us switching period at 40 kHz. The 1.0 ns PWM duty-cycle resolution on the four PWM channels lets designers implement adaptive dead-time insertion to maximize efficiency above 96%, and the four sub-100 ns high-speed comparators with 10-bit DAC references enable cycle-by-cycle peak-current-mode control without external analog ICs. The 16 KB Flash stores the state machine, soft-start, and protection firmware, while 2 KB RAM is sufficient for the look-up tables and PID coefficients. Recommended companion parts: DSPIC33FJ16GS504 (LLC controller sibling) and MCP1700 (3.3 V LDO auxiliary).
Recommended
Solar Micro-Inverter / DC-DC Optimizer
The DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-50I/ML suits single-panel solar micro-inverter and module-level DC-DC optimizer designs where board space and BOM cost dominate. Its four high-speed comparators handle cycle-by-cycle current limiting, while the 10-bit 4 Msps ADC samples PV voltage and current at 100 kHz for accurate MPPT perturb-and-observe or incremental conductance. The 16-bit DSC core executes MPPT firmware in well under 5 us, leaving ample MIPS headroom for inverter anti-islanding checks and grid-synchronization phase-locked loops. The 35 GPIO pins drive gate drivers, relay controls, and a user-interface UART link. Recommended companion parts: MCP8024 (3-phase gate driver) and MCP1700 (low-Iq LDO).
Recommended
Digitally-Controlled LED Driver (CC Buck/Boost)
For high-brightness LED drivers requiring constant-current regulation with dimming, the DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-50I/ML offers precise PWM control and closed-loop current feedback. The four PWM channels can drive a synchronous buck or boost stage at 100 kHz to 1 MHz switching frequency with 1.0 ns duty-cycle granularity, supporting both analog dimming (via the 10-bit DAC reference) and PWM dimming (via the duty cycle itself). The 50 MIPS core runs the color-mixing and thermal-foldback algorithms, while the 16 KB Flash stores multiple dimming profiles. Recommended companion parts: MCP6L01 (current-sense op-amp) and MCP1700 (logic supply).
Recommended
Industrial SMPS Module (24V to 5V/12V POL)
Industrial point-of-load converters stepping 24 V industrial bus down to 5 V or 12 V rails benefit from the DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-50I/ML's SMPS peripherals. The four comparators with 10-bit DAC references enable peak-current-mode control of the buck stage without external analog components, and the 10-bit ADC reads both output voltage and current for telemetry over UART or CAN. The 35 GPIO pins accommodate enable, power-good, and fault flag signals. The industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature grade ensures reliability in factory-floor cabinets. Recommended companion parts: PIC18F25K80 (CAN companion) and MCP1700 (3.3 V LDO).
Recommended
Induction Cooktop / Resonant Heater
The DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-50I/ML is well-matched to resonant induction-heating controllers that operate at 20 kHz to 100 kHz with varying load. Its 1.0 ns PWM duty-cycle resolution and adaptive dead-time control keep ZVS (zero-voltage switching) losses low, while the high-speed comparators protect against tank-circuit overcurrent. The 50 MIPS DSC executes load-detection and frequency-tracking algorithms in real time. The 16 KB Flash stores cooking profiles (boil, simmer, warm) for induction cooktops, and the 35 GPIO pins handle keypad scanning, display driving, and buzzer feedback. Recommended companion parts: MCP8024 (gate driver) and MCP1700 (logic LDO).
Recommended
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) / Inverter
Line-interactive and online UPS systems use the DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-50I/ML to control the bidirectional inverter stage between battery and AC line. The DSC core runs a sinusoidal PWM algorithm at 50/60 Hz fundamental with carrier frequencies up to 20 kHz, generating low-THD output. The 4 high-speed comparators provide instantaneous overcurrent protection, while the 10-bit ADC samples output voltage and current for closed-loop regulation. The 16 KB Flash stores the inverter state machine, battery-charge profile, and transfer-switch logic. The QFN-EP package provides the thermal performance needed for continuous-operation UPS duty cycles. Recommended companion parts: PIC18F25K80 (HMI companion) and MCP1700 (aux LDO).
Recommended
Wireless Charging / Inductive Power Transfer
The DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-50I/ML can serve as the controller in Qi-compliant and proprietary wireless-charging transmitters, where coil-current zero-crossing detection is critical. The 4 high-speed comparators detect the LC tank resonance point and adjust PWM frequency for constant-current or constant-voltage output stages. The 1.0 ns PWM duty-cycle resolution tunes dead time and phase shift precisely, while the 10-bit ADC monitors coil current and rectifier output for foreign-object detection (FOD) algorithms. The 16 KB Flash hosts the Qi protocol stack and proprietary firmware extensions. Recommended companion parts: MCP6L01 (current-sense) and MCP1700 (logic LDO).
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-50I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33FJ16GS404-50I/ML | DSPIC33FJ16GS404-E/ML |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-pin QFN-EP (8x8 mm) | 44-pin QFN-EP (8x8 mm) - same | 44-pin QFN-EP (8x8 mm) - same |
| Core / Architecture | dsPIC33F 16-bit DSC | dsPIC33F 16-bit DSC | dsPIC33F 16-bit DSC |
| CPU Clock / MIPS | 50 MHz / 50 MIPS | 50 MHz / 50 MIPS | 50 MHz / 50 MIPS |
| Flash / RAM | 16 KB / 2 KB | 16 KB / 2 KB | 16 KB / 2 KB |
| PWM Channels | 4 (1.0 ns duty cycle) | 4 (1.0 ns duty cycle) | 4 (1.0 ns duty cycle) |
| High-Speed Comparators | 4 with 10-bit DAC refs | 4 with 10-bit DAC refs | 4 with 10-bit DAC refs |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) |
Key Differentiators
- Higher PWM duty-cycle resolution than general-purpose dsPIC33F (vs DSPIC33FJ16GP304 (general-purpose dsPIC33F))
- Four dedicated high-speed comparators with 10-bit DAC references (vs DSPIC33FJ16MC202 (motor-control dsPIC33F))
- Industrial -40 C to +85 C grade with tape-and-reel packaging (vs DSPIC33FJ16GS402-I/MM (28-pin QFN))
Design Notes
The 44-pin QFN-EP package dissipates up to 1 W typical through its exposed thermal pad. Solder the EP paddle directly to a continuous ground-plane copper pour of at least 1 square inch (645 mm^2) to keep junction temperature rise below 25 C at 50 MIPS full load. Without the EP connected, theta_JA exceeds 70 C/W and the part will throttle in industrial-temperature environments. Multiple thermal vias under the EP (0.3 mm drill, 1 mm pitch) are mandatory for high-duty-cycle power-converter applications.
Route high-speed comparator inputs (CMP1A through CMP4D on analog pins) as short, guarded traces away from PWM switching edges to avoid false triggering. Use a 4-layer PCB with a dedicated analog ground island tied to AVSS at a single point near the IC, and place the 0.1 uF + 10 uF decoupling capacitor pair within 3 mm of AVDD/AVSS. PWM outputs should be routed on the top layer only, never via any layer change, to preserve the 1.0 ns duty-cycle resolution.
Do not float the MCLR pin (pin 35) - tie it through a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and provide a tactile-reset pushbutton to ground, otherwise the device will not exit reset. The JTAG and ICSP pins are not 5 V tolerant; if a 5 V programmer is used, add series resistors to limit current. The 16 KB Flash is divided into two program pages - firmware that exceeds 8 KB must place interrupt vectors in the first page using the PSV (Program Space Visibility) window, otherwise interrupts will vector to incorrect addresses.
When using the high-speed comparators for peak-current-mode control, the comparator input filter (CFLTR) should be set to a 50 ns to 200 ns time constant to reject PWM switching noise without delaying protection response. A 1 nF + 100 ohm RC network on each comparator input is recommended. The 10-bit DAC reference must be reconfigured only when the PWM time base is disabled, otherwise the comparator threshold can glitch and cause a spurious PWM trip event.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (industrial grade only); choose DSPIC33FJ16GS404-E/ML for -40 C to +125 C extended-temperature operation.
