DSPIC33FJ256GP506A-E/PT - 16-bit DSC 40MIPS 256KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: DSPIC33FJ256GP506A-E/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.8 | $9.80 |
| 10 | $8.85 | $88.50 |
| 100 | $7.95 | $795.00 |
| 500 | $7.2 | $3,600.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.6 | $6,600.00 |
DSPIC33FJ256GP506A-E/PT Overview
A digital signal controller combines the computational throughput of a DSP with the ease of use and peripheral integration of a microcontroller. In the embedded control hierarchy, the dsPIC33F sits between general-purpose MCUs (such as PIC24) and dedicated DSPs, executing digital filter algorithms and fast control loops while retaining standard MCU tooling, which makes the dsPIC33F family a common choice where control and signal processing coexist.
Key features include the 16-bit modified Harvard core with DSP instruction extensions (multiply-accumulate, MAC, and dual operand fetch), up to 40 MIPS operation, 256 KB self-programming Flash with ECC-equivalent errata mitigations, and seamless code migration options to PIC24 MCUs and dsPIC30F DSCs in similar packages. Integrated peripherals cover a high-speed ADC, PWM motor-control outputs, and multiple serial interfaces, reducing external component count.
Architecturally, the device pairs the 40 MIPS core with a zero-overhead DSP loop engine and fractional/integer arithmetic units, targeting high-speed precision digital control loops and digital audio and speech processing as described by Microchip. Pipelined execution of MAC-class instructions allows FIR/IIR filtering to run deterministically alongside the main control loop.
Typical applications include industrial automation, motor control (BLDC/PMSM FOC drives), and power conversion systems such as digital SMPS and solar inverters, where fast ADC sampling and PWM synchronization are essential.
When designing with this device, connect all VDD/VSS pairs and place the VCAP decoupling capacitor on VDDCORE close to the package; use a matched PGECx/PGEDx pair for ICSP programming.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, pinout data, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPIC33FJ256GP506A-E/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 DSPIC33FJ256GP506A-E/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Peripherals, Series, Supply Voltage.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPIC33FJ256GP506A-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33FJ256GP506AT-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33FJ128GP506A-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33FJ128GP506AT-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33FJ256GP506-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$5.33 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33FJ256GP506A-E/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | 16-bit dsPIC33F DSC (DSP + MCU) |
| Max CPU Speed | 40 MIPS |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 30 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) |
| Package | 64-pin TQFP (PT), 10x10 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Instruction Set | dsPIC33F RISC with DSP MAC extensions |
| Peripherals | ADC, PWM (motor control), UART, SPI, I2C |
| Programming Interface | ICSP via PGECx/PGEDx pairs (2-wire) |
| Series | dsPIC33FJ256GP506A |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lifecycle Status | In Production (per Microchip) |
| Data Bus Width | 16 bit |
| Package Qty / Packing | Tray |
DSPIC33FJ256GP506A-E/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | AN0/VREF+/CN2/RB0 — Analog input 0 / positive ADC reference / change notification / port B |
| Pin 2 | AN1/VREF-/CN3/RB1 — Analog input 1 / negative ADC reference / change notification / port B |
| Pin 3 | AN2/SS1/CN4/RB2 — Analog input 2 / SPI1 slave select / port B |
| Pin 4 | AN3/INDX/CN5/RB3 — Analog input 3 / encoder index / port B |
| Pin 5 | AN4/QEA/IC7/CN6/RB4 — Analog input 4 / encoder phase A / capture 7 / port B |
| Pin 6 | AN5/QEB/IC8/CN7/RB5 — Analog input 5 / encoder phase B / capture 8 / port B |
| Pin 7 | MCLR — Master clear reset (active low), programming voltage input |
| Pin 8 | AN6/OCFA/RB6 — Analog input 6 / PWM fault A input / port B |
| Pin 9 | AN7/PGD/UPDN/RB7 — Analog input 7 / programming data / port B |
| Pin 10 | AN8/RB8 — Analog input 8 / port B |
| Pin 11 | AN9/RB9 — Analog input 9 / port B |
| Pin 12 | AN10/RB10 — Analog input 10 / port B |
| Pin 13 | AN11/RB11 — Analog input 11 / port B |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | VDD — 3.0V to 3.6V supply |
| Pin 16 | AN12/RB12 — Analog input 12 / port B |
| Pin 17 | AN13/RB13 — Analog input 13 / port B |
| Pin 18 | AN14/RB14 — Analog input 14 / port B |
| Pin 19 | AN15/RB15 — Analog input 15 / port B |
| Pin 20 | PGEC3/AN16/SOSCI/T2CK/RC1 — ICSP clock pair 3 / analog 16 / secondary oscillator in / port C |
| Pin 21 | PGED3/AN17/SOSCO/T1CK/RC0 — ICSP data pair 3 / analog 17 / secondary oscillator out / port C |
| Pin 22 | PGEC1/AN18/U1CTS/SDO1/RC2 — ICSP clock pair 1 / UART1 CTS / SPI1 data out / port C |
| Pin 23 | PGED1/AN19/U1RTS/SDI1/RC3 — ICSP data pair 1 (primary) / UART1 RTS / SPI1 data in / port C |
| Pin 24 | PGEC2/AN20/SCK1/RC4 — ICSP clock pair 2 / SPI1 clock / port C |
| Pin 25 | PGED2/AN21/C1RX/RC5 — ICSP data pair 2 / CAN1 receive / port C |
| Pin 26 | AVSS — Analog ground reference |
| Pin 27 | AVDD — Analog supply (3.0V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 28 | AN22/C2RX/RC6 — Analog input 22 / CAN2 receive / port C |
| Pin 29 | AN23/C2TX/RC7 — Analog input 23 / CAN2 transmit / port C |
| Pin 30 | DA/RD0 — Port D |
| Pin 31 | C1TX/RD1 — CAN1 transmit / port D |
| Pin 32 | U2RX/SDA1/RD2 — UART2 receive / I2C1 data / port D |
| Pin 33 | U2TX/SCL1/RD3 — UART2 transmit / I2C1 clock / port D |
| Pin 34 | SCK2/RD4 — SPI2 clock / port D |
| Pin 35 | SDI2/RD5 — SPI2 data in / port D |
| Pin 36 | SDO2/RD6 — SPI2 data out / port D |
| Pin 37 | U3RX/RD7 — UART3 receive / port D |
| Pin 38 | U3TX/RD8 — UART3 transmit / port D |
| Pin 39 | SS2/RD9 — SPI2 slave select / port D |
| Pin 40 | RF0 — Port F |
| Pin 41 | RF1 — Port F |
| Pin 42 | RF2 — Port F |
| Pin 43 | RF3 — Port F |
| Pin 44 | RF4 — Port F |
| Pin 45 | RF5 — Port F |
| Pin 46 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 47 | VDD — 3.0V to 3.6V supply |
| Pin 48 | RF6 — Port F |
| Pin 49 | RF7 — Port F |
| Pin 50 | RF8 — Port F |
| Pin 51 | RG0 — Port G |
| Pin 52 | RG1 — Port G |
| Pin 53 | RG2 — Port G |
| Pin 54 | RG3 — Port G |
| Pin 55 | OSC1/CLKI/RC12 — Primary oscillator input / external clock input / port C |
| Pin 56 | OSC2/CLKO/RC13/RC15 — Primary oscillator output / clock output / port C |
| Pin 57 | VCAP/VDDCORE — CPU core supply - connect external VCAP capacitor per datasheet |
| Pin 58 | VDD — 3.0V to 3.6V supply |
| Pin 59 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 60 | RG6 — Port G |
| Pin 61 | RG7 — Port G |
| Pin 62 | RG8 — Port G |
| Pin 63 | RG9 — Port G |
| Pin 64 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
DSPIC33FJ256GP506A-E/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation, Motor Control (BLDC/PMSM FOC), Digital Power Conversion (SMPS, Inverters), Data Acquisition Systems, Digital Audio and Speech Processing, Embedded Control Migration from dsPIC30F/PIC24.
Industrial Automation
The DSPIC33FJ256GP506A-E/PT fits industrial automation nodes that must run deterministic control loops while handling digital signal processing, thanks to its 40 MIPS 16-bit core with hardware MAC instructions and 256 KB of Flash for protocol stacks plus application logic. In a factory I/O module, the integrated ADC samples analog sensor channels while UART, SPI, and I2C interfaces communicate with displays, memory, and higher-level controllers. The 3.0V to 3.6V supply matches standard industrial 3.3V rails, and the extended -40C to +125C E-grade rating tolerates hot cabinets near drives. Using a single DSC instead of MCU-plus-DSP reduces BOM count, and the dsPIC33F-to-PIC24 migration path protects long-term product maintainability.
Recommended
Motor Control (BLDC/PMSM FOC)
For field-oriented control of brushless DC and permanent-magnet synchronous motors, the DSPIC33FJ256GP506A-E/PT offers the classic combination Microchip designed this family for: motor-control PWM peripherals synchronized to a fast on-chip ADC, plus a 40 MIPS core executing MAC-heavy FOC loops. The 256 KB Flash accommodates sensorless observer algorithms, compensation tables, and communications. Because ADC-trigger-to-PWM-update latency is deterministic, current-loop bandwidth is predictable across operating conditions. The extended temperature rating suits drive electronics mounted near motors, and 3.3V logic eases interfacing with gate drivers. Designers should synchronize ADC sampling to the PWM center to avoid switching-noise-corrupted current readings, a pattern documented in Microchip's motor-control application notes for the dsPIC33F family.
Recommended
Digital Power Conversion (SMPS, Inverters)
In digitally controlled switch-mode power supplies, solar micro-inverters, and PFC stages, the DSPIC33FJ256GP506A-E/PT closes high-frequency voltage and current loops using its high-speed ADC and PWM peripherals with fine duty-cycle resolution. The 40 MIPS core with DSP multiply-accumulate throughput implements proportional-integral and predictive control laws within single switching periods at tens of kHz, while 256 KB Flash holds soft-start sequencing, fault handling, and communication. The E-grade -40C to +125C range covers power-electronics ambient conditions. For highest PWM-resolution demands, Microchip's GS-series dsPIC33FJ16GS504 is the power-supply-specialized sibling; both share the same toolchain (MPLAB), letting teams reuse code between main control and auxiliary conversion stages in one product platform.
Recommended
Data Acquisition Systems
The DSPIC33FJ256GP506A-E/PT serves as the acquisition and processing heart of industrial data loggers: its on-chip ADC digitizes sensor channels, the 40 MIPS DSP core performs filtering and spectral analysis (FFT/FIR) on the fly, and 30 KB SRAM buffers records while 256 KB Flash stores firmware, calibration tables, and lookup data. Distributor listings (e.g., Alibaba trade data for this exact part) describe its use in high-reliability data acquisition applications. The extended temperature grade supports unattended outdoor and machinery-mounted installations, and serial links (UART/SPI/I2C) upload data to gateways. Designers should sample with the ADC in burst mode synchronized to timers to maintain uniform timestamps, then apply the DSP engine's MAC instructions for in-situ noise reduction before transmission.
Recommended
Digital Audio and Speech Processing
Microchip designed the 40 MIPS dsPIC33F core specifically to execute digital audio and speech processing - the DSP extensions (fractional MAC, dual operand fetch, zero-overhead loops) run filters, codecs, and echo cancellers in real time. The DSPIC33FJ256GP506A-E/PT's 256 KB Flash leaves generous space for codec tables, sample-rate converters, and multiple voice prompts, while the ADC and PWM-capable output pins support audio capture and playback paths in intercoms, PA systems, and speech-controlled industrial devices. Deterministic single-cycle MAC throughput avoids the scheduling jitter of software-DSP on slower MCUs. Keep the analog domain clean by separating AVDD/AVSS routing from digital returns; the device provides dedicated analog supply pins on the 64-TQFP precisely for this purpose.
Recommended
Embedded Control Migration from dsPIC30F/PIC24
Microchip explicitly offers seamless migration options between the dsPIC33FJ256GP506A, PIC24 MCUs, and dsPIC30F DSCs in similar packages, making this part the natural upgrade path for legacy designs outgrowing older controllers. A design transitioning from a dsPIC30F for more performance, or consolidating an MCU-plus-DSP two-chip solution, retains peripheral concepts and development tooling (MPLAB X, compilers, programmers) while gaining 40 MIPS and 256 KB Flash. The 64-pin TQFP (PT) footprint is common across family members, so a single PCB can carry the 256 GP, 128 GP, or MC variants depending on final requirements - valuable for product families sharing one board. Verify errata differences between the non-A and A silicon revisions before porting, as Microchip documents them separately.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPIC33FJ256GP506A-E/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPIC33FJ256GP506A-I/PT | DSPIC33FJ256GP506AT-I/PT | DSPIC33FJ128GP506A-I/PT | DSPIC33FJ128GP506AT-I/PT | DSPIC33FJ256GP506-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-TQFP (PT), 10x10 mm | 64-TQFP (PT) - same | 64-TQFP (PT) - same | 64-TQFP (PT) - same | 64-TQFP (PT) - same | 64-TQFP (PT) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 256 KB |
| Max CPU Speed | 40 MIPS | 40 MIPS | 40 MIPS | 40 MIPS | 40 MIPS | 40 MIPS |
| SRAM | 30 KB | 30 KB | 30 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 30 KB |
| 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 |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) |
| Packing | Tray | Tray | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tape & Reel | Tray |
| Silicon Revision | A revision (enhanced) | A revision | A revision | A revision | A revision | Original (check errata) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature range for harsh environments (vs DSPIC33FJ256GP506A-I/PT)
- Full 256 KB Flash for complex firmware (vs DSPIC33FJ128GP506A-I/PT)
- A-revision silicon errata cleanup (vs DSPIC33FJ256GP506-I/PT)
- Trade-off: premium pricing for tray packing (vs DSPIC33FJ256GP506AT-I/PT)
Design Notes
The device runs from a single 3.0V to 3.6V supply with a nominal 3.3V rail, but pin 57 (VCAP/VDDCORE) requires an external low-ESR capacitor to stabilize the internal core regulator - connect it close to the pin and do not drive this pin externally. Connect every VDD/VSS pair on the 64-TQFP; omitting a pair is a common cause of brown-out during Flash write operations. Power AVDD from a filtered 3.3V rail (ferrite bead plus 0.1uF plus 1uF) to preserve ADC accuracy.
Per NorthernSoftware's device support notes, the dsPIC33FJ256GP506A has multiple PGECx/PGEDx pairs, and they must be used as matched pairs: if PGEC2 carries ICSPCLK, ICSPDAT must connect to PGED2. Routing a debugger header across unmatched PGEC/PGED pins will prevent programming. Additionally, review Microchip's silicon errata for the dsPIC33FJ256GP506 family (published separately from the datasheet) before freezing the design, since errata workarounds sometimes mandate specific clock or peripheral configuration.
For motor-control and digital-power loops, route PWM outputs away from ADC analog inputs (AN0-AN23 share port B pins) and synchronize ADC sampling to the PWM period center, where switching transitions are quietest, to minimize current-sense error. Keep the crystal or oscillator traces on OSC1/OSC2 short and guarded with ground. Decouple all VDD pins with 0.1uF ceramics placed within 2 mm of the pin plus one bulk 4.7uF to 10uF capacitor per supply domain.
Estimated: the 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) with theta_JA on the order of 40-50 C/W over a standard 4-layer board (per typical Microchip TQFP-64 data - confirm exact value in the datasheet thermal table) dissipating roughly 150-250 mW at 40 MIPS with 3.3V supply yields only a 6-12 C junction rise. Thermal design is thus rarely limiting, but the E-grade rating to +125C ambient requires verifying that local cabinet temperature in drive enclosures stays within the rating.
Compliance Information
Part is In Production per Microchip product page. RoHS/lead-free status consistent with current Microchip TQFP offering; verify certificate from Microchip's compliance portal for REACH details.
