PIC24EP256GP204-I/PT - 70 MIPS 256KB Flash 16-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24EP256GP204-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.95 | $7.95 |
| 10 | $7.16 | $71.60 |
| 100 | $6.75 | $675.00 |
| 500 | $6.18 | $3,090.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.62 | $5,620.00 |
PIC24EP256GP204-I/PT Overview
A 16-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that combines a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM), and a rich set of on-chip peripherals on one die. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC24E belongs to the PIC24 (dsPIC) family -> 16-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. The 16-bit data path enables more efficient arithmetic on integers than 8-bit cores, while a Harvard architecture (separate program and data buses) keeps instruction fetches from stalling data accesses. The 'EP' family of PIC24 devices is Microchip's high-performance tier with instruction-cycle throughput approaching 1 instruction per clock at 70 MHz, well-suited to DSP-style math, motor control, and complex state machines.
Key features of this part include a 70 MIPS modified-Harvard CPU, 256 KB self-programmable Flash (85.5K x 24), 32 KB SRAM, dual 12-bit ADCs capable of up to 500 ksps aggregate throughput, two on-chip op amps usable for signal conditioning, CTMU support for capacitive touch and time measurement, an integrated Peripheral Trigger Generator, and 5 timers plus 4 DMA channels. Boundary-scan JTAG is included, alongside 3 external interrupts for low-latency GPIO response.
Typical applications include industrial control loops, motor control (BLDC/PMSM FOC), power conversion (digital PFC, UPS, solar inverters), advanced sensing front-ends, and human-machine interfaces that require both DSP-class throughput and deterministic interrupt behaviour. The 44-TQFP footprint supports hand-solderable prototypes and standard SMT assembly on 0.8 mm-pitch land patterns.
When designing with this device, ensure your PCB layout keeps the analog AVdd/AVss pair isolated from digital switching currents. Decoupling should include a 100 nF ceramic close to every Vdd pin and a bulk 4.7-10 uF near the regulator. The PTG and DMA must be configured before enabling them in user code, or unexpected peripheral triggers will occur.
This page synthesizes real distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same PIC24E family, comparison parameters, and engineering design notes not present on a single manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24EP256GP204-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 PIC24EP256GP204-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Core Architecture, Program Memory (Flash), CTMU.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24EP256GP204T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.99 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP256GP204-E/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP256GP204-H/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP256GP204-I/MR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP128GP204-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP256GP206-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP256GP204-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC24E (16-bit modified Harvard) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 70 MIPS @ 70 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB (85.5K x 24 words) |
| Data Memory (RAM) | 32 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 12-bit, dual, up to 500 ksps (10-bit/12-bit modes) |
| Timers | 5 (16/32-bit) |
| DMA Channels | 4 |
| External Interrupts | 3 |
| On-chip Op Amps | Yes (2x) |
| CTMU | Yes |
| Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG) | Yes |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 44-pin TQFP (PT), 10x10 mm, 0.80 mm pitch |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Boundary Scan / JTAG | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC24EP256GP204-I/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 / general digital I/O with peripheral remap (UART, SPI, PWM) |
| Pin 2 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 / general digital I/O with peripheral remap |
| Pin 3 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 / general digital I/O with peripheral remap |
| Pin 4 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 / general digital I/O with peripheral remap |
| Pin 5 | VDD — Digital supply voltage, 3.3 V nominal |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Digital ground reference |
| Pin 7 | OSC1/RC13 — Crystal oscillator input or general digital I/O |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/RC14 — Crystal oscillator output or general digital I/O |
| Pin 9 | RC15 — Port C bit 15 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | AN0/RB0 — Analog input 0 / Port B bit 0 |
| Pin 11 | AN1/RB1 — Analog input 1 / Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 12 | AN2/RB2 — Analog input 2 / Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 13 | AN3/RB3 — Analog input 3 / Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 14 | AN4/RB4 — Analog input 4 / Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 15 | AN5/RB5 — Analog input 5 / Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 16 | AVSS — Analog ground reference |
| Pin 17 | AVDD — Analog supply voltage, 3.3 V nominal |
| Pin 18 | MCLR — Master clear (reset) input, active-low |
| Pin 19 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 20 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 21 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 22 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 24 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 25 | VSS — Digital ground reference |
| Pin 26 | VDD — Digital supply voltage, 3.3 V nominal |
| Pin 27 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 28 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 29 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 30 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 31 | RD4 — Port D bit 4 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 32 | RD5 — Port D bit 5 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 33 | RD6 — Port D bit 6 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 34 | RD7 — Port D bit 7 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 35 | RF0 — Port F bit 0 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 36 | RF1 — Port F bit 1 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 37 | RF2 — Port F bit 2 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 38 | RF3 — Port F bit 3 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 39 | RF4 — Port F bit 4 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 40 | RF5 — Port F bit 5 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 41 | RF6 — Port F bit 6 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 42 | RF7 — Port F bit 7 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 43 | RG6 — Port G bit 6 / general digital I/O |
| Pin 44 | RG7 — Port G bit 7 / general digital I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC24EP256GP204-I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: BLDC/PMSM Motor Control (FOC), Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Digital Power Conversion (PFC, UPS, Solar), Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Controllers, Automotive Body and Chassis ECUs, Portable Medical and Wellness Devices.
BLDC/PMSM Motor Control (FOC)
The PIC24EP256GP204-I/PT is well matched to BLDC and PMSM motor control running field-oriented control (FOC) at high PWM rates. Its 70 MIPS core executes Park/Clarke transforms and space-vector modulation in real time, while the dual 12-bit ADCs sample two phase currents simultaneously at 500 ksps aggregate throughput for accurate vector reconstruction. The integrated Peripheral Trigger Generator sequences ADC-PWM-DMA transfers autonomously, lowering interrupt jitter to under 20 ns and freeing CPU cycles for control loops. Across a 1 kHz control update rate, the MCU retains ~50% CPU headroom for housekeeping, CAN messaging, or fault handling. The 32 KB RAM holds a sensorless observer state machine without external memory expansion.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
Industrial 4-20 mA loop, RTD, and bridge-sensor front-ends benefit from the PIC24EP256GP204-I/PT's on-chip op amps and CTMU. The two integrated op amps buffer low-level bridge signals directly at the pin, avoiding external instrumentation amplifiers in many cases and reducing BOM cost by 20-30%. The CTMU provides constant-current excitation for RTD measurements and time-based capacitive touch sensing with sub-pF resolution, supporting HMI keypads on the same PCB as the analog front end. Combined with the dual 12-bit ADCs (1 LSB ~0.8 mV at 3.3 V full-scale), the MCU delivers a complete industrial sensor conditioning pipeline in a single 44-TQFP device, suitable for PLC analog modules and process transmitters.
Recommended
Digital Power Conversion (PFC, UPS, Solar)
Digital power-factor correction (PFC), uninterruptible power supplies, and solar inverter control loops map naturally to the PIC24EP256GP204-I/PT. The 70 MIPS throughput runs average-current-mode PFC at 50 kHz switching frequency with margin to spare for housekeeping, while the high-resolution PWM module provides 1.04 ns edge resolution for precise duty-cycle control. The Peripheral Trigger Generator synchronizes ADC sampling to the PWM edges for clean input voltage and current measurements, eliminating software-induced jitter that degrades THD. For solar micro-inverters, the 256 KB Flash holds a full MPPT algorithm plus grid-synchronization code, and the CTMU supports input current monitoring across a wide dynamic range.
Recommended
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Controllers
The PIC24EP256GP204-I/PT drives small graphical HMI panels, capacitive-touch keypads, and segment-LCD interfaces in industrial control panels. The CTMU enables up to 32 capacitive-touch channels with hardware baseline tracking and noise-immune scan sequences, eliminating the need for an external touch controller. With 256 KB Flash the part stores full Unicode character tables and PNG/JPEG asset decoding for small OLED displays. The dual ADC channels sample rotary encoder feedback and panel temperature simultaneously, while the five timers drive PWM backlight dimming and buzzer frequencies. Industrial-grade -40C to +85C operation makes the part suitable for outdoor panel installations.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Chassis ECUs
For non-powertrain automotive ECUs (body controllers, HVAC, lighting, instrument clusters), the PIC24EP256GP204-I/PT provides sufficient compute, peripheral coverage, and AEC-Q100 sibling options. Designers typically migrate to the -E/PT or -H/PT temperature variants for AEC-Q100 grade 0/1 qualification while keeping the same 44-TQFP footprint. The dual CAN controllers support OBD-II and gateway routing at 1 Mbps, while the CTMU enables capacitive proximity sensors for door handles and kick-to-open tailgates. PWM-driven LED matrix controllers for adaptive lighting run directly off the timer peripherals with 16-bit resolution at up to 200 kHz.
Recommended
Portable Medical and Wellness Devices
Battery-powered medical and wellness devices (glucose meters, pulse oximeters, portable ECGs, fitness wearables) use the PIC24EP256GP204-I/PT for its 32 KB RAM and 70 MIPS throughput within a compact 44-TQFP. The 12-bit ADC samples photoplethysmography (PPG) waveforms at the 500 ksps rate needed for accurate SpO2 calculation, while the op amps condition reflective PPG sensor outputs at sub-milliamp power consumption. The CTMU drives capacitive-touch buttons on the device enclosure without extra components. With peripheral-remap flexibility the same part serves both wired (USB) and wireless (via companion radio) product SKUs, reducing firmware porting across an entire product family.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24EP256GP204-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24EP256GP204T-I/PT | PIC24EP256GP204-E/PT | PIC24EP256GP204-H/PT | PIC24EP128GP204-I/PT | PIC24EP256GP206-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-pin TQFP (PT) 10x10 mm | 44-pin TQFP (PT) 10x10 mm | 44-pin TQFP (PT) 10x10 mm | 44-pin TQFP (PT) 10x10 mm | 44-pin TQFP (PT) 10x10 mm | 44-pin TQFP (PT) 10x10 mm |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB | 256 KB |
| RAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| Max MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended / AEC-Q100) | -40C to +150C (High-temp / AEC-Q100) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Packaging Form | Tray | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tray | Tray | Tray |
| ADC | 12-bit, dual, 500 ksps | 12-bit, dual, 500 ksps | 12-bit, dual, 500 ksps | 12-bit, dual, 500 ksps | 12-bit, dual, 500 ksps | 12-bit, dual, 500 ksps (extra channel) |
| DMA Channels | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Key Differentiators
- Best balance of Flash density, MIPS throughput, and integrated analog peripherals in the PIC24E GP family (vs PIC24EP128GP204-I/PT)
- Industrial temperature grade without AEC-Q100 cost premium (vs PIC24EP256GP204-E/PT)
- PTG (Peripheral Trigger Generator) and CTMU on-chip, eliminating external companion ICs (vs PIC24F256GB110-I/PT)
Design Notes
Decoupling: place a 100 nF X7R ceramic capacitor within 3 mm of every Vdd/Vss pin pair, and one bulk 4.7-10 uF tantalum or ceramic near the regulator output. The PIC24E core draws short current spikes on each clock edge; inadequate decoupling results in brownouts during DMA or PTG activity. Route analog AVdd/AVss as a star connection back to the regulator, and avoid running digital return currents beneath the analog section.
Oscillator placement: keep the crystal (or external clock source) within 5 mm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins and surround it with a continuous ground pour. Use guard traces on both sides of the oscillator tracks and avoid routing high-speed digital signals (PWM, SPI) within 2 mm of the crystal. For HSE designs above 50 MHz, follow the datasheet's load-capacitor guidance explicitly - mismatched caps cause frequency error and PPM-level jitter.
ADC accuracy: drive analog inputs through a low-impedance buffer (op amp output stage, not a passive divider) when source impedance exceeds 500 ohm, because the internal ADC sample-and-hold requires <10 kohm to settle within 12-bit accuracy. Add a small RC filter (100 ohm + 100 pF) at each analog input to absorb glitches from digital cross-coupling. Calibrate the ADC offset and gain via the device's internal calibration registers at production test for best absolute accuracy.
Configuration bits: forget to program the configuration bits at the start of every firmware project, and the part will lock out debugging or default to an unusable oscillator mode. Always set FWDTEN, PLL config, JTAG enable, and the oscillator selection bits in code or via MPLAB X IDE before first programming. The PTG must be explicitly disabled in user code during bring-up, or peripheral events will trigger unexpectedly.
Power sequencing: apply Vdd before AVdd (or tie them together) and keep MCLR held low until the supply rails reach 3.0 V minimum. If you power the analog rail first, in-rush current through protection diodes can latch the part. Brown-out reset should be enabled in configuration bits and configured for a threshold slightly below the regulator's worst-case output (~2.7 V is typical).
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified in the -I/PT temperature grade; select -E/PT or -H/PT variants for AEC-Q100 grade 0/1 use. Halogen-free per Microchip environmental compliance datasheet.
