PIC24EP128MC204T-I/PT - 70 MIPS 16-bit Motor Control MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24EP128MC204T-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.62 | $5.62 |
| 10 | $5.18 | $51.80 |
| 100 | $4.62 | $462.00 |
| 500 | $4.05 | $2,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.58 | $3,580.00 |
PIC24EP128MC204T-I/PT Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile working memory (RAM), and a rich set of peripherals on one die. In the broader taxonomy this part belongs to: microcontroller -> 16-bit MCU -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. Motor-control MCUs in the PIC24E family specifically add high-resolution PWM, op-amps and analog comparators on-chip so that field-oriented control (FOC) and trapezoidal BLDC commutation loops can be implemented without external analog components.
Key features include 128 KB (43K x 24) of self-programmable Flash with ECC, 16 KB SRAM, an 8-channel MCPWM with dedicated 16-bit timers, up to four on-chip operational amplifiers configurable for current sensing, four high-speed comparators for back-EMF detection, and communication peripherals covering I2C, SPI, UART and ECAN. The 44-pin TQFP footprint exposes a generous set of digital I/O, leaving headroom for encoder, Hall-sensor or UART peripherals in addition to the motor-control pins.
The PIC24E core uses a Harvard architecture with a 16-bit data path and a 24-bit instruction word, executing most instructions in one cycle. Built-in DSP instructions and a hardware multiply/divide accelerator provide deterministic loop times, which is critical when the control loop must complete within a single PWM period. The wide 3.0-3.6 V operating range and -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade support harsh industrial environments.
Typical applications include sensorless BLDC and PMSM motor drives, field-oriented control (FOC) of 3-phase motors, ceiling fans and pumps, e-bike controllers, drone ESCs, and small industrial servo drives. The integrated op-amps and comparators allow direct current-sense amplification and back-EMF zero-crossing detection without external analog stages, shrinking the BOM.
When designing with this part, place the MCU close to the gate-driver and current-sense resistors to minimize analog loop area, and use the on-chip op-amp outputs as the ADC input directly to avoid extra buffering. Programming is supported through Microchip's MPLAB X IDE with the MPLAB ICD 3/4 or PICkit 4 debugger.
This page synthesizes distributor stock levels, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24EP128MC204T-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 PIC24EP128MC204T-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Core, MSL Level, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24EP128MC204-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP128MC204-E/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP128MC204T-E/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP128MC204T-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC24E (16-bit data, 24-bit instruction) |
| CPU Performance | 70 MIPS |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 70 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 128 KB (43K x 24) |
| SRAM | 16 KB |
| Operating Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 44-pin TQFP (PT) 10x10 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Motor Control PWM (MCPWM) | Yes, dedicated 16-bit PWM module |
| On-chip Operational Amplifiers | Yes (configured for current sensing) |
| Analog Comparators | Yes (high-speed, for back-EMF detection) |
| Communication Peripherals | I2C, SPI, UART, ECAN |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| Halogen-Free | Yes |
| Family Series | PIC24EP |
PIC24EP128MC204T-I/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RP8/RB8 — Remappable I/O / Port B bit 8 |
| Pin 2 | RP9/RB9 — Remappable I/O / Port B bit 9 |
| Pin 3 | RP10/RB10 — Remappable I/O / Port B bit 10 |
| Pin 4 | RP11/RB11 — Remappable I/O / Port B bit 11 |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 6 | OSC1/RC12 — Crystal oscillator input / Port C bit 12 |
| Pin 7 | OSC2/RC13 — Crystal oscillator output / Port C bit 13 |
| Pin 8 | RP13/RB13 — Remappable I/O / Port B bit 13 |
| Pin 9 | RP14/RB14 — Remappable I/O / Port B bit 14 |
| Pin 10 | RP15/RB15 — Remappable I/O / Port B bit 15 |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply (3.0-3.6 V) |
| Pin 12 | RP0/RB0 — Remappable I/O / Port B bit 0 |
| Pin 13 | RP1/RB1 — Remappable I/O / Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 14 | RP2/RB2 — Remappable I/O / Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 15 | RP3/RB3 — Remappable I/O / Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 16 | RP4/RB4 — Remappable I/O / Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 17 | RP5/RB5 — Remappable I/O / Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply (3.0-3.6 V) |
| Pin 20 | AN0/CMP1A/RA0 — Analog input 0 / Comparator 1 output A / Port A bit 0 |
| Pin 21 | AN1/CMP1B/RA1 — Analog input 1 / Comparator 1 output B / Port A bit 1 |
| Pin 22 | AN2/CMP2A/RA2 — Analog input 2 / Comparator 2 output A / Port A bit 2 |
| Pin 23 | AN3/CMP2B/RA3 — Analog input 3 / Comparator 2 output B / Port A bit 3 |
| Pin 24 | AN4/CMP3A/RA4 — Analog input 4 / Comparator 3 output A / Port A bit 4 |
| Pin 25 | AVDD — Analog positive supply |
| Pin 26 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 27 | AN5/CMP3B/RA5 — Analog input 5 / Comparator 3 output B / Port A bit 5 |
| Pin 28 | AN6/RA6 — Analog input 6 / Port A bit 6 |
| Pin 29 | AN7/RA7 — Analog input 7 / Port A bit 7 |
| Pin 30 | VREF+/CVREF+/RA8 — Voltage reference input / Port A bit 8 |
| Pin 31 | VREF-/RA9 — Voltage reference input / Port A bit 9 |
| Pin 32 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 33 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 34 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 35 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 36 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 37 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 38 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 39 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 40 | RC8 — Port C bit 8 |
| Pin 41 | RC9 — Port C bit 9 |
| Pin 42 | RP6/PWM1H/RB6 — PWM1 high output / Port B bit 6 |
| Pin 43 | RP7/PWM1L/RB7 — PWM1 low output / Port B bit 7 |
| Pin 44 | MCLR — Master clear (reset) input, active low |
Typical Applications
PIC24EP128MC204T-I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Sensorless BLDC Motor Drive, PMSM Field-Oriented Control (FOC), Drone Electronic Speed Controller (ESC), Industrial Pump and Fan Control, Home Appliance Motor Control (Washing Machine / Refrigerator Compressor), Robotic Actuator and Servo Drive.
Sensorless BLDC Motor Drive
The PIC24EP128MC204T-I/PT is purpose-built for sensorless BLDC motor control, where its integrated on-chip operational amplifiers amplify phase currents, high-speed comparators detect back-EMF zero-crossings, and the 70 MIPS PIC24E core runs the commutation algorithm in real time. With 128 KB Flash and 16 KB SRAM, the part holds complete FOC state machines and sine tables without external memory. Its 8-channel MCPWM module generates the three-phase complementary PWM with programmable dead-time and fault input. Used in ceiling fans, pumps, and small appliances where Hall sensors must be eliminated to reduce BOM cost and improve reliability.
Recommended
PMSM Field-Oriented Control (FOC)
The PIC24EP128MC204T-I/PT runs Park/Clarke transforms and SVPWM at up to 70 MIPS, which is sufficient for FOC on PMSM motors at PWM frequencies up to 20 kHz. The 16 KB SRAM stores the FOC state variables and sine/cosine lookup tables, while the 128 KB Flash holds the full state machine and observer algorithm. Its built-in op-amps interface directly to current-sense shunt amplifiers, removing the need for external analog front ends. Engineers use this part in e-bike controllers, robotic servos, and small industrial drives that demand high efficiency and low acoustic noise.
Recommended
Drone Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)
The PIC24EP128MC204T-I/PT is suitable for drone ESCs where size, weight, and processing speed are all critical. Its integrated MCPWM module and comparators handle fast BLDC commutation, while the 70 MIPS core executes one-step and active freewheeling control algorithms at 24 kHz+. The 44-pin TQFP footprint is small enough for 4-in-1 ESC boards and exposes sufficient I/O for DShot and bidirectional-DShot protocol decoding. The 3.0-3.6 V supply is compatible with ESC voltage regulators fed from the battery bus.
Recommended
Industrial Pump and Fan Control
Industrial pumps and fans benefit from the PIC24EP128MC204T-I/PT's ability to run both sensorless and Hall-sensored BLDC commutation. The integrated op-amps condition pump current-sense signals, the comparators provide over-current and short-circuit protection, and the ECAN peripheral allows networked pump/fan control in industrial automation. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature rating covers factory floor environments. The 128 KB Flash allows on-board storage of fault logs, soft-start profiles, and energy-saving standby algorithms.
Recommended
Home Appliance Motor Control (Washing Machine / Refrigerator Compressor)
The PIC24EP128MC204T-I/PT powers variable-frequency compressor and drum-motor control in washing machines and refrigerators. Its integrated MCPWM and op-amps simplify direct-drive BLDC and PMSM motor designs, eliminating discrete analog stages. The 16 KB SRAM and 128 KB Flash support application code for soft-start, anti-pump, and energy-optimized V/f curves. With UART/SPI for HMI and sensor I/O, it serves as the single-chip motor-control MCU in white-goods applications.
Recommended
Robotic Actuator and Servo Drive
Robotic actuators and small servo drives use the PIC24EP128MC204T-I/PT for position and torque loop control. The 70 MIPS PIC24E core runs PID loops at 10-20 kHz while the MCPWM drives the 3-phase FET bridge. The integrated op-amps interface to current shunts and the on-chip ADC samples position sensors (encoder QEI, Hall). ECAN and UART peripherals expose the actuator to higher-level robot controllers, while the 44-pin TQFP provides the I/O density needed for multi-axis robotic joints.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24EP128MC204T-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24EP128MC204-I/PT | PIC24EP128MC204-E/PT | PIC24EP128MC204T-E/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-pin TQFP (PT) 10x10 mm | 44-pin TQFP (PT) - same | 44-pin TQFP (PT) - same | 44-pin TQFP (PT) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB |
| SRAM | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| CPU Performance | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Extended -40C to +125C | Extended -40C to +125C |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel (T suffix) | Tray | Tray | Tape & Reel |
| 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 |
| Motor Control PWM | Yes (8-channel MCPWM) | Yes (8-channel MCPWM) | Yes (8-channel MCPWM) | Yes (8-channel MCPWM) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated on-chip op-amps and comparators eliminate external analog front-end (vs PIC24EP128GP204-I/PT)
- 70 MIPS PIC24E core delivers deterministic real-time control loop performance (vs PIC24FJ64GA104-I/PT)
- 128 KB Flash + 16 KB SRAM enables full FOC state machine on-chip (vs PIC24EP128MC202T-I/SO)
Design Notes
Place decoupling capacitors (100 nF ceramic + 4.7 uF bulk) on every VDD/AVDD pin within 5 mm of the MCU, with vias to a continuous ground plane directly under the package. Keep high-current PWM traces and analog current-sense traces physically separated; route the on-chip op-amp inputs and outputs as differential pairs to reject common-mode noise from the FET bridge.
Although the PIC24EP128MC204T-I/PT consumes only ~40 mA active, the surrounding 3-phase gate driver and FETs dissipate the dominant power. Place a thermal pad under the bridge FETs and connect it to a large copper pour. Keep the MCU away from the hottest FETs; the -40C to +85C industrial rating depends on adequate PCB copper area to keep junction temperature below the 125C maximum.
The MCPWM outputs drive high-current gates; series gate resistors (10-22 ohm) damp ringing and reduce EMI. For back-EMF sensing on the comparators, add 1-10 kohm input resistors and a small RC filter on each comparator input to suppress switching noise. Keep the analog ground (AVSS) and digital ground (VSS) tied at a single point under the MCU.
Do not leave unused comparator or op-amp inputs floating - tie them to a defined voltage through a resistor to prevent shoot-through or unwanted PWM triggering. The MCLR pin must have a pull-up resistor (10 kohm) to VDD; otherwise the MCU will not exit reset. Ensure the ECAN bus has 120 ohm termination resistors at both ends of the network.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page; lead-free and halogen-free per PIC24EP family datasheet. Industrial temperature grade (not AEC-Q100 automotive); choose PIC24EP128MC204T-E/PT (extended temp) for under-hood automotive, or PIC24EP128MC204-H/PT for AEC-Q100-grade variants.