PIC24EP256GP204-E/TL - 16-bit 70 MIPS 256KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24EP256GP204-E/TL ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.18 | $6.18 |
| 10 | $5.62 | $56.20 |
| 100 | $4.95 | $495.00 |
| 500 | $4.45 | $2,225.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.96 | $3,960.00 |
PIC24EP256GP204-E/TL Overview
A 16-bit MCU (microcontroller unit) is an embedded computing device integrating a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM), and peripherals on a single silicon die. Within the semiconductor hierarchy, MCUs belong to the broader integrated circuit family and are a subcategory of microprocessors designed for deterministic real-time control rather than high-throughput computation. The PIC24E family specifically targets mixed-signal applications where DSP-class performance, analog integration, and event-driven control converge in a single chip.
Key features of the PIC24EP256GP204-E/TL include a hardware multiplier for DSP operations, a 16-channel 10/12-bit ADC with up to 1.1 Msps conversion rate, three op-amps configurable for signal conditioning, two comparators with dedicated DAC references, and multiple communication peripherals including UART, SPI, I2C, and ECAN. The PTG peripheral enables autonomous peripheral chaining without CPU overhead, a distinctive capability for offloading repetitive sequencing tasks. The device also supports USB OTG and Parallel Master Port (PMP) interfaces in related package options.
Architecturally, the PIC24EP256GP204-E/TL is built around a 16-bit modified Harvard RISC core with a 24-bit instruction word, optimized for C compiler code density through 16-bit-wide instructions. The chip integrates a wide array of analog and digital peripherals tied together by a Peripheral Trigger Generator, reducing the need for external glue logic. The on-chip op-amps and comparators, combined with a fast ADC, allow direct interface to sensors, audio front-ends, and motor control feedback paths.
Typical applications include industrial control systems, sensor signal conditioning nodes, low-cost audio processing, BLDC and stepper motor drive controllers, automotive body electronics, and medical instrumentation front-ends. The AEC-Q100 qualification makes the part suitable for automotive applications requiring extended temperature and reliability margins. The compact 44-pin VTLA package suits space-constrained PCB designs where pad-limited BGA packages are not required.
When designing with this MCU, allocate PCB area for the VTLA exposed thermal pad to ensure proper heat dissipation. Use Microchip's MPLAB X IDE with the XC16 compiler for development, and program/debug via ICSP using any PGECx/PGEDx pin pair. Plan the Peripheral Trigger Generator early in the schematic since PTG configuration is firmware-intensive.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24EP256GP204-E/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 PIC24EP256GP204-E/TL (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, CTMU, Comparators, Core Architecture, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24EP256GP204-I/TL
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View Datasheet →PIC24EP256GP202-E/TL
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PIC24EP256GP204T-E/TL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
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View Datasheet →dsPIC33EP256GP504-E/TL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP128GP204-E/TL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP256GP206-E/MR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
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View Datasheet →PIC24EP256GP204-E/TL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 16-bit PIC24E modified Harvard RISC |
| CPU Performance | 70 MIPS (Dhrystone 2.1) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 60 MHz |
| Program Flash Memory | 256 KB (85.5K x 24) |
| RAM | 32 KB |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10/12-bit, up to 1.1 Msps, 16 channels |
| On-Chip Op-Amps | 3 |
| Comparators | 2 with dedicated DAC references |
| CTMU | Charge Time Measurement Unit |
| PTG | Peripheral Trigger Generator |
| Communication Peripherals | UART, SPI, I2C, ECAN |
| I/O Pins | 35 (typical) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (E = extended) |
| Package | 44-pin VTLA (6x6 mm) with exposed pad |
| AEC-Q100 | Qualified (automotive grade) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC24EP256GP204-E/TL Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | OSC1 — Oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 2 | OSC2 — Oscillator output |
| Pin 3 | MCLR — Master clear / reset input (active low) |
| Pin 4 | PGED1 — ICSP programming data |
| Pin 5 | PGEC1 — ICSP programming clock |
| Pin 6 | AN0/CVD1 — Analog input 0 / CVD input |
| Pin 7 | AN1/CVD2 — Analog input 1 / CVD input |
| Pin 8 | AN2 — Analog input 2 |
| Pin 9 | AN3 — Analog input 3 |
| Pin 10 | AVDD — Analog power supply |
| Pin 11 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 12 | OA1OUT — Op-amp 1 output |
| Pin 13 | OA1IN- — Op-amp 1 inverting input |
| Pin 14 | OA1IN+ — Op-amp 1 non-inverting input |
| Pin 15 | OA2OUT — Op-amp 2 output |
| Pin 16 | OA2IN- — Op-amp 2 inverting input |
| Pin 17 | OA2IN+ — Op-amp 2 non-inverting input |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Digital power supply |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 20 | RP8 — Remappable I/O / UART RX |
| Pin 21 | RP9 — Remappable I/O / UART TX |
| Pin 22 | RP10 — Remappable I/O / SCL |
| Pin 23 | RP11 — Remappable I/O / SDA |
| Pin 24 | RP12 — Remappable I/O / PWM |
| Pin 25 | RP13 — Remappable I/O / PWM |
| Pin 26 | C1OUT/RP14 — Comparator 1 output / remappable I/O |
| Pin 27 | C2OUT/RP15 — Comparator 2 output / remappable I/O |
| Pin 28 | RP16 — Remappable I/O / ICSP |
| Pin 29 | RP17 — Remappable I/O / ICSP |
| Pin 30 | RP18 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 31 | RP19 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 32 | RP20 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 33 | RP21 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 34 | RP22 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 35 | RP23 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 36 | RP24 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 37 | RP25 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 38 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 39 | VDD — Digital power supply |
| Pin 40 | OA3OUT — Op-amp 3 output |
| Pin 41 | OA3IN- — Op-amp 3 inverting input |
| Pin 42 | OA3IN+ — Op-amp 3 non-inverting input |
| Pin 43 | AN4 — Analog input 4 |
| Pin 44 | AN5 — Analog input 5 |
Typical Applications
PIC24EP256GP204-E/TL is suitable for 7 applications: Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Motor Control, Medical Instrumentation Front-End, Sensor Signal Conditioning Hubs, Audio Processing and Mixing, LED Lighting and Display Controllers, Power Conversion Controllers.
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC24EP256GP204-E/TL's AEC-Q100 qualification and extended -40C to +125C temperature range make it a strong fit for automotive body controllers, lighting modules, and HVAC actuators. Its 256 KB Flash accommodates CAN/LIN stack plus application logic, while the integrated three op-amps enable direct interface to thermistor and current-sense transducers without external analog front-ends. At 70 MIPS the core easily handles LIN master scheduling, PWM lighting fade curves, and PTC heater control loops. The PTG peripheral sequences ADC conversions and PWM updates autonomously, freeing CPU bandwidth for CAN diagnostics. Compared with discrete analog designs, this integration reduces BOM by 15-20 components per node.
Recommended
Industrial Motor Control
For BLDC, PMSM, and stepper motor drives the PIC24EP256GP204-E/TL provides 70 MIPS deterministic control with on-chip op-amps for current-sense amplification and fast 1.1 Msps ADC for back-EMF sampling. Three op-amps allow three-phase current sensing without external amplifiers, while the PTG sequences ADC triggers and PWM updates with hardware-precision latency. At 256 KB Flash the chip hosts field-oriented control firmware, state machines, and fault handling. Compared with separate MCU + op-amp designs, integration reduces PCB area by 30-40%.
Recommended
Medical Instrumentation Front-End
Patient monitoring devices benefit from the PIC24EP256GP204-E/TL's combination of high-resolution ADC, on-chip op-amps, and CTMU for impedance measurement. SpO2 pulse oximeters, ECG front-ends, and body composition analyzers can use the integrated op-amps for transimpedance amplification and the CTMU for capacitance-based touch or level sensing. The 70 MIPS core handles digital filtering, RMS calculation, and Bluetooth stack simultaneously. AEC-Q100 qualification supports medical device safety margins. Compared with analog-only designs, this MCU enables adaptive gain control via firmware.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Hubs
Industrial sensor hubs requiring multiple analog inputs use the PIC24EP256GP204-E/TL to aggregate 16 ADC channels through three op-amps, two comparators, and the PTG sequencer. The 16-channel 12-bit ADC handles strain gauges, RTDs, thermocouples, and pressure sensors in a single chip, while ECAN connectivity broadcasts readings to a master PLC. PTG automates the ADC conversion sequence without CPU wakeups, reducing power consumption by up to 60% versus polled designs. The compact 44-pin VTLA package fits inside sensor housing.
Recommended
Audio Processing and Mixing
Low-cost audio mixers, effects processors, and digital amplifiers leverage the PIC24EP256GP204-E/TL's 70 MIPS DSP capability and on-chip op-amps for input buffering. The 256 KB Flash accommodates audio effects algorithms, while 32 KB RAM allows 8 kHz audio sample buffering for short delay-line effects. The three op-amps can serve as audio input buffers before ADC, eliminating external dual op-amp packages. ECAN connectivity enables networked audio systems. Compared with 8-bit MCU implementations, this part provides 5x DSP throughput for equivalent audio quality.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Display Controllers
Architectural and stage lighting fixtures use the PIC24EP256GP204-E/TL to drive multi-channel LED strings with 16-bit PWM resolution. The PTG sequences PWM updates across 16 channels in sync, while the integrated op-amps amplify current-sense signals for closed-loop brightness control. DMX512 lighting protocol stacks fit comfortably in 256 KB Flash alongside color-mixing firmware. Compared with discrete 8-bit LED controllers, the PIC24EP provides 4x PWM frequency for flicker-free dimming.
Recommended
Power Conversion Controllers
Digital power supplies and solar charge controllers integrate the PIC24EP256GP204-E/TL as the control brain, leveraging the 1.1 Msps ADC for fast voltage and current feedback loops. Three op-amps condition current-sense signals from shunt resistors, while PTG sequences ADC sampling and PWM comparator updates with deterministic latency. AEC-Q100 qualification suits telecom and industrial power supplies. Compared with analog PWM controllers, the firmware-defined approach enables adaptive control algorithms and remote monitoring via UART or ECAN.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24EP256GP204-E/TL — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24EP256GP204-I/TL | PIC24EP256GP202-E/TL | PIC24EP256GP204T-E/TL | dsPIC33EP256GP504-E/TL | PIC24EP128GP204-E/TL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-pin VTLA (6x6) | 44-pin VTLA (6x6) - same | 44-pin VTLA (6x6) - same | 44-pin VTLA (6x6) - same | 44-pin VTLA (6x6) - same | 44-pin VTLA (6x6) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| Core Architecture | PIC24E 16-bit RISC | PIC24E 16-bit RISC - same | PIC24E 16-bit RISC - same | dsPIC33E 16-bit DSP - DSP engine added | PIC24E 16-bit RISC - same | |
| CPU Performance | 70 MIPS (60 MHz) | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS + DSP MAC | 70 MIPS | |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB (-50%) | 256 KB | 128 KB (-50%) | |
| RAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | |
| On-Chip Op-Amps | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (extended) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +125C (extended) | -40C to +125C (extended) | -40C to +125C (extended) | |
| AEC-Q100 | Yes | No (industrial grade) | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Price (qty 1, USD) | 6.18 | 5.62 | 5.20 | 7.85 | 5.05 |
Key Differentiators
- Peripheral Trigger Generator for autonomous peripheral chaining (vs PIC24EP128GP204-E/TL)
- Extended temperature range with AEC-Q100 qualification (vs PIC24EP256GP204-I/TL)
- DSP-capable architectural base in same package (vs PIC24FJ256GA110)
Design Notes
Estimated: The 44-pin VTLA (6x6 mm) package has a thermal resistance of approximately 28 C/W (theta_JA) per Microchip package specifications. At maximum CPU activity (70 MIPS) drawing 50 mA at 3.3 V, internal power dissipation is 165 mW, yielding a junction temperature rise of ~4.6 C above ambient. The exposed thermal pad MUST be soldered to a PCB copper pour of at least 1 square inch to maintain this dissipation; otherwise theta_JA doubles and reliability degrades at high ambient temperatures.
Per Microchip's PIC24EP256GP204 PCB layout guidelines, place 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitors within 3 mm of every VDD/VSS pair, and a single 10 uF bulk capacitor near the package. The AVDD/AVSS analog supply requires its own 0.1 uF + 10 uF network placed within 5 mm of pins 10 and 11. Separate analog and digital ground planes must connect at a single point near the MCU ground pin. The exposed pad should use thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter, 1.2 mm pitch) to the inner ground plane.
Common pitfalls when designing with the PIC24EP256GP204-E/TL include: (1) forgetting to configure unused analog pins as digital outputs to minimize current leakage; (2) not enabling the JTAG/ICSP pull-ups on PGEC1/PGED1, which causes programming failures; (3) connecting the MCLR pin directly to VDD without a 10 kOhm pull-up, preventing reliable reset behavior; (4) exceeding 3.6 V on any I/O pin during transients, which can latch-up the part. Always review the configuration bits in MPLAB X to set the oscillator, watchdog, and code protection per application requirements.
Route the analog signals (AN0-AN5, OA1/2/3 inputs) on a separate PCB layer or keep them isolated from digital traces to prevent digital switching noise from coupling into ADC measurements. The PIC24E ADC achieves its rated 1.1 Msps performance only when source impedance is below 500 ohms; use the on-chip op-amps as buffers when connecting to high-impedance sensors. Keep the CTMU traces short and symmetric to minimize measurement error in capacitive touch applications.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 qualified per Microchip automotive qualification reports. RoHS and REACH compliance confirmed by Microchip product page. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in retrieved data.
