DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-I/ML - 16-bit 40MIPS 16KB Flash SMPS DSC | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.42 | $5.42 |
| 10 | $4.88 | $48.80 |
| 100 | $4.36 | $436.00 |
| 500 | $3.81 | $1,905.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.4 | $3,400.00 |
DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-I/ML Overview
A dsPIC33F DSC (Digital Signal Controller) is a hybrid device that combines a 16-bit MCU with a single-cycle DSP engine and SMPS-optimized peripherals in one silicon die, occupying the position of digital power controller in the product hierarchy: dsPIC33F DSC > digital signal controller > microcontroller > semiconductor. The "GS" series specifically targets switched-mode power supplies, digital lighting, power conversion and motor control with high-resolution PWM (typically 1.04 ns resolution at 50 MHz) and integrated analog resources such as 4 S&H, 4 comparators and an op-amp. This integration eliminates the need for an external DSP while providing deterministic interrupt latency critical for closed-loop power control.
Key features include: 16 KB Flash (16K x 8), 2048 bytes SRAM, 40 MIPS at 3.0-3.6V, 16-bit data path, 24-bit instruction word, integrated op-amp/comparator, 4-channel high-speed PWM (1.04 ns edge resolution), 10-bit ADC with up to 500 ksps, I2C/SPI/UART interfaces, JTAG/ICSP debug, and an industrial -40°C to +85°C operating temperature range. The QFN-44 (8x8 mm) package with exposed thermal pad enables efficient heat dissipation in compact power designs.
Architecturally, the device uses a modified Harvard bus with single-cycle MAC, a barrel shifter, and 16 working registers, while dedicated SMPS peripherals (high-speed ADC with 4 S&H, high-resolution PWM with 1.04 ns edge placement, integrated op-amp and analog comparators) offload the CPU from real-time power-control loop tasks. The 40 MIPS throughput is sufficient for voltage-mode, current-mode and PFC control loops running at typical 50-200 kHz switching frequencies with margin for housekeeping and communications.
Typical applications include digital switch-mode power supplies (SMPS), uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), power factor correction (PFC) front stages, digital LED lighting ballasts, solar micro-inverters, DC-DC converters (buck/boost/SEPIC), battery chargers, and motor control for low-voltage BLDC fans. The industrial temperature range and AEC-Q100-style qualification of the GS family make it suitable for demanding industrial environments.
When designing with the DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-I/ML, ensure the exposed pad of the QFN-44 package is soldered to a sufficient copper pour for thermal dissipation, since the device may dissipate 0.5-1 W in active digital-power loops. Use the on-chip op-amp for current sensing and the high-speed comparator for peak-current-mode control, leaving the CPU free for supervisory tasks. Decouple VDD/VSS pairs with 100 nF + 10 µF ceramic capacitors placed as close as possible to the pins.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, comparison parameters and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-I/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-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Package, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-50I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33FJ16GS404-50I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33FJ16GS404-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33FJ16GS402-I/MM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | dsPIC33F 16-bit DSC (modified Harvard) |
| CPU Speed | 40 MIPS |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 50 MHz (internal, FRC) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB (16K x 8) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 2 KB (2048 bytes) |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 500 ksps, 4 S&H channels |
| High-Speed PWM | 4 channels, 1.04 ns edge resolution |
| Analog Comparators | 4 |
| Operational Amplifiers | 1 integrated |
| Communication | I2C, SPI, UART |
| Instruction Width | 24-bit |
| Data Path | 16-bit |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C (Industrial) |
| Package | 44-pin QFN (8x8 mm) with EP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Debug Interface | JTAG / ICSP |
| DMA Channels | 8 |
DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | OSC1/RA0 — Crystal/clock input or GPIO |
| Pin 2 | OSC2/RA1 — Crystal/clock output or GPIO |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — GPIO |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — GPIO |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — GPIO |
| Pin 6 | AVDD — Analog supply voltage |
| Pin 7 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 8 | AN0/RB0 — Analog input 0 / GPIO |
| Pin 9 | AN1/RB1 — Analog input 1 / GPIO |
| Pin 10 | AN2/RB2 — Analog input 2 / GPIO |
| Pin 11 | AN3/RB3 — Analog input 3 / GPIO |
| Pin 12 | AN4/RB4 — Analog input 4 / GPIO |
| Pin 13 | AN5/RB5 — Analog input 5 / GPIO |
| Pin 14 | AN6/RB6 — Analog input 6 / GPIO |
| Pin 15 | AN7/RB7 — Analog input 7 / GPIO |
| Pin 16 | PWM1H — PWM 1 high-side output |
| Pin 17 | PWM1L — PWM 1 low-side output |
| Pin 18 | PWM2H — PWM 2 high-side output |
| Pin 19 | PWM2L — PWM 2 low-side output |
| Pin 20 | PWM3H — PWM 3 high-side output |
| Pin 21 | PWM3L — PWM 3 low-side output |
| Pin 22 | PWM4H — PWM 4 high-side output |
| Pin 23 | PWM4L — PWM 4 low-side output |
| Pin 24 | VDD — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 25 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 26 | RC0 — GPIO / UART1 TX |
| Pin 27 | RC1 — GPIO / UART1 RX |
| Pin 28 | RC2 — GPIO |
| Pin 29 | RC3 — GPIO |
| Pin 30 | RC4 — GPIO / SDA1 |
| Pin 31 | RC5 — GPIO / SCL1 |
| Pin 32 | RC6 — GPIO / SCK1 |
| Pin 33 | RC7 — GPIO / SDO1 |
| Pin 34 | RC8 — GPIO / SDI1 |
| Pin 35 | RC9 — GPIO |
| Pin 36 | MCLR — Master clear reset (active low) |
| Pin 37 | PGED1 — ICSP data / JTAG TMS |
| Pin 38 | PGEC1 — ICSP clock / JTAG TCK |
| Pin 39 | PGED2 — ICSP data 2 / JTAG TDO |
| Pin 40 | PGEC2 — ICSP clock 2 / JTAG TDI |
| Pin 41 | INT0/RD0 — External interrupt 0 / GPIO |
| Pin 42 | RD1 — GPIO |
| Pin 43 | VDD — Digital supply voltage (second) |
| Pin 44 | VSS — Digital ground (second) |
Typical Applications
DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Digital Switch-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) Controller, Power Factor Correction (PFC) Front Stage, Digital LED Lighting Ballast, Solar Micro-Inverter / DC-DC Optimizer, Battery Charger Controller, BLDC Motor / Fan Control, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Controller.
Digital Switch-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) Controller
The DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-I/ML is the central controller for digital SMPS designs, where its integrated high-speed PWM (1.04 ns edge resolution) and 10-bit ADC with 4 S&H channels perform closed-loop control without external analog ICs. According to Microchip datasheet 70000318G, the 40 MIPS throughput handles voltage-mode or peak-current-mode control loops at switching frequencies up to ~2 MHz, with CPU headroom for soft-start, slope compensation, and PMBus communication. The integrated op-amp and four analog comparators eliminate the need for external current-sense amplifiers in peak-current-mode PFC and DC-DC converters.
Recommended
Power Factor Correction (PFC) Front Stage
In PFC boost front stages, the DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-I/ML executes average-current-mode control with 4-channel simultaneous sampling, keeping total harmonic distortion (THD) below 5 % at full load. The dedicated PWM with 1.04 ns edge resolution supports interleaved PFC topologies, while the integrated op-amp conditions the current-sense signal directly. Industrial -40 °C to +85 °C operation makes the part suitable for telecom rectifiers and server PSUs where the PF stage operates in a hot environment.
Recommended
Digital LED Lighting Ballast
The DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-I/ML drives digital LED ballasts with dimming control, temperature feedback and constant-current regulation. Its 16 KB Flash accommodates the dimming algorithm and DMX-512 / DALI protocol stack, while the high-speed PWM channels provide flicker-free dimming down to 1 % duty. The 3.3 V single-supply operation simplifies power design; for higher-current LED strings, an external buck or boost stage is gated by the DSC's PWM outputs.
Recommended
Solar Micro-Inverter / DC-DC Optimizer
In solar micro-inverter or DC-DC optimizer topologies, the DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-I/ML executes MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) algorithms with sub-millisecond response, maximizing energy harvest under partial-shade conditions. The integrated DSP engine performs single-cycle MAC operations on the current and voltage waveforms, while the 4-channel S&H ADC synchronizes these measurements within 25 ns. QFN-44 packaging allows the inverter to fit inside the PV junction box at the module level.
Recommended
Battery Charger Controller
The DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-I/ML implements CC/CV (constant-current/constant-voltage) charge profiles for Li-ion, lead-acid and NiMH chemistries with cell balancing control. The integrated op-amp monitors charge current with high accuracy, while the 10-bit ADC reads cell voltages at 500 ksps for fast safety cutoff. Industrial temperature range supports outdoor EV supply equipment (EVSE) and renewable-energy storage applications.
Recommended
BLDC Motor / Fan Control
For low-voltage brushless DC (BLDC) fans and pumps, the DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-I/ML executes sensorless Field-Oriented Control (FOC) or trapezoidal commutation using its DSP engine and high-resolution PWM. The integrated comparators detect back-EMF zero-crossings for sensorless startup, while the 4-channel S&H ADC samples phase currents synchronously. The compact QFN-44 (8x8) footprint fits inside the motor housing for integration with the impeller assembly.
Recommended
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Controller
In UPS systems, the DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-I/ML controls the inverter stage that converts battery DC to AC mains-equivalent output, while supervising battery health. The DSP engine computes the SPWM or SVPWM waveform in real time, the integrated op-amp monitors battery current, and the 16 KB Flash stores the inverter control plus battery-management firmware. The industrial temperature range and 3.3 V operation simplify the auxiliary power supply of the UPS module.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-50I/ML | DSPIC33FJ16GS404-50I/ML | DSPIC33FJ16GS404-I/ML | DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-E/ML | DSPIC33FJ16GS402-I/MM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - different |
| CPU Speed | 40 MIPS | 50 MIPS | 50 MIPS | 40 MIPS | 40 MIPS | 40 MIPS |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| SRAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C (Industrial) | -40°C to +85°C | -40°C to +85°C | -40°C to +85°C | -40°C to +125°C (Extended) | -40°C to +85°C |
| PWM Channels | 4 (HRPWM 1.04 ns edge) | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 500 ksps, 4 S&H | 10-bit, 500 ksps, 4 S&H | 10-bit, 500 ksps, 4 S&H | 10-bit, 500 ksps, 4 S&H | 10-bit, 500 ksps, 4 S&H | 10-bit, 500 ksps, 2 S&H |
| Supply 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 | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
Key Differentiators
- Single-cycle DSP engine with integrated SMPS peripherals (vs DSPIC33FJ16GS402-I/MM (28-QFN))
- 40 MIPS in industrial temperature range (vs DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-50I/ML)
- Integrated op-amp and 4 comparators (vs DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-E/ML (extended temperature))
Design Notes
The QFN-44 (8x8 mm) package of the DSPIC33FJ16GS404T-I/ML dissipates up to ~0.5-1 W when the CPU runs at 40 MIPS with all peripherals active. Estimate: at VDD=3.3V, IDD=20mA core + 30mA peripherals + ADC current, total power is ~0.16 W. To keep the junction temperature below 125°C at industrial ambient 85°C, the exposed pad must be soldered to a ground copper pour of at least 1 square inch with thermal vias. Without the exposed pad soldered, thermal resistance rises sharply and the device may overheat in closed enclosures.
Place 100 nF + 10 µF ceramic decoupling capacitors as close as possible to every VDD/VSS pin pair. For the analog supply AVDD/AVSS, add a ferrite bead or small inductor (e.g., BLM18AG601SN1) to isolate analog from digital noise, with a separate 10 µF + 100 nF on the AVDD pin. Route the crystal traces (OSC1/OSC2) short and symmetric, with a ground guard ring, to avoid jitter on the 50 MHz internal oscillator reference.
When configuring the high-speed PWM module, the PWM time base must be clocked faster than the switching frequency / 2 to avoid skipped pulses. The integrated op-amp has a finite input offset (typically ±3 mV); for high-precision current sensing in PFC applications, calibrate the offset in software at startup. The MCLR pin must NOT be left floating - tie to VDD through a 10 kΩ resistor to prevent spurious resets during power-up.
Keep analog input traces (AN0-AN9) short and away from PWM switching traces to minimize noise coupling. The PWM output traces should be wide (≥0.5 mm) to handle peak currents and routed with a ground return path. Place the exposed pad (EP) of the QFN on a single continuous ground pour; thermal vias should be on a 1.0-1.2 mm grid in the EP area.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial -40°C to +85°C operating range. The -E (Extended) variant offers -40°C to +125°C for harsher environments. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose dsPIC33F AEC-Q100 variants (separate ordering code) for automotive.
