PIC24EP256GP204T-I/TL - 16-bit 70 MIPS 256KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24EP256GP204T-I/TL ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.2 | $8.20 |
| 10 | $7.45 | $74.50 |
| 100 | $6.4 | $640.00 |
| 500 | $5.55 | $2,775.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.8 | $4,800.00 |
PIC24EP256GP204T-I/TL Overview
What is a PIC24 microcontroller? A PIC24 microcontroller is a 16-bit Modified Harvard architecture MCU from Microchip Technology, sitting between the 8-bit PIC16/PIC18 family and the 32-bit PIC32 family in the company's hierarchy. PIC24 devices use a wide 16-bit data path with 24-bit instruction words, balancing code density against performance, and target general-purpose embedded control with rich peripherals (ADC, op-amps, comparators, CTMU, PMP) that are absent in lower-end PIC16/PIC18 parts. The PIC24EP sub-family pushes the core to 70 MIPS and adds a Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG), making it one of the highest-performance 16-bit PIC variants available.
Key features of this device include: up to 9 channels of 10/12-bit ADC with 1.1 Msps conversion rate, three on-chip operational amplifiers, four comparators, a Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU), up to 35 I/O pins, multiple communication peripherals (UART, SPI, I2C), and a Peripheral Trigger Generator for autonomous peripheral sequencing without CPU intervention. The VTLA-44 package is approximately 6x6 mm with an exposed pad for thermal dissipation.
Typical applications include industrial control, motor control, sensor signal conditioning, medical instrumentation, LED lighting controllers, and general-purpose embedded designs requiring deterministic 16-bit processing at moderate clock rates. The integrated op-amps and comparators make this MCU especially well suited to closed-loop analog control loops. The wide 3.0V to 3.6V supply range and robust peripheral set suit it to industrial environments. When migrating firmware, code developed for dsPIC33EP devices is largely source-compatible due to the shared core architecture.
For design considerations, ensure the exposed pad on the VTLA package is soldered to a sufficient copper pour for thermal relief; configure the JTAG/ICSP pins carefully during PCB layout to avoid in-circuit programming conflicts; and use Microchip's MPLAB X IDE with the XC16 compiler for code development. Programming is supported via ICSP using any PGECx/PGEDx pair.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24EP256GP204T-I/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 PIC24EP256GP204T-I/TL (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Core Architecture, Package, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24EP256GP204T-E/TL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP256GP204T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP128GP204T-I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.33 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP256GP204-E/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.96 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP256GP204T-I/TL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC24E (16-bit Modified Harvard) |
| CPU Speed | 70 MIPS at 70 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB (85.5K x 24) |
| RAM | 16 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 44-pin VTLA (6x6 mm) with Exposed Pad |
| I/O Pins | Up to 35 |
| ADC | 10/12-bit, up to 9 channels, 1.1 Msps |
| On-chip Op-Amps | 3 |
| Comparators | 4 |
| CTMU | Yes (Charge Time Measurement Unit) |
| PTG | Yes (Peripheral Trigger Generator) |
| Communication | UART, SPI, I2C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC24EP256GP204T-I/TL 44-pin vtla (6x6 mm) with exposed pad Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC24EP256GP204T-I/TL (44-pin vtla (6x6 mm) with exposed pad package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for PIC24EP256GP204T-I/TL.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC24EP256GP204T-I/TL is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Medical Patient Monitoring, Sensor Signal Conditioning, LED Lighting Controllers, Power Conversion and Battery Management, Industrial Automation and HMI.
Industrial Motor Control
The PIC24EP256GP204T-I/TL fits industrial motor control applications through its 70 MIPS core, which enables high-resolution PWM generation at switching frequencies above 20 kHz for sensorless FOC algorithms on BLDC and PMSM motors. The integrated three op-amps are well suited for current-shunt signal conditioning, replacing external amplifiers and saving board space. The four comparators provide hardware overcurrent and back-EMF detection with sub-microsecond response, critical for safety-critical motor drives. The 16 KB RAM allows real-time FOC transformations and PID loop execution without main-loop jitter. The VTLA-44 exposed pad enables reliable operation at the elevated junction temperatures common in industrial enclosures. The PTG peripheral can sequence ADC sampling and PWM updates autonomously, reducing CPU interrupt load in multi-axis control systems.
Recommended
Medical Patient Monitoring
The PIC24EP256GP204T-I/TL is well matched to portable medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters, blood pressure monitors, and ECG front-ends due to its 10/12-bit ADC with 1.1 Msps sampling rate for accurate biosignal acquisition. The CTMU peripheral enables capacitive touch sensing for buttons and sliders without external components, useful in sealed medical enclosures. The 256 KB Flash accommodates complete protocol stacks for Bluetooth Low Energy or USB connectivity to host devices. The op-amps condition low-amplitude ECG/EMG signals while keeping noise low. The industrial temperature range ensures reliable operation in clinical environments. The PIC24E core executes filtering and QRS-detection algorithms in real time. The small VTLA-44 package is ideal for wearable form factors where PCB real estate is at a premium.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC24EP256GP204T-I/TL excels in multi-sensor signal conditioning hubs thanks to its three integrated op-amps that handle strain-gauge bridge amplification, thermocouple cold-junction compensation, and RTD excitation without external analog components. The 1.1 Msps ADC captures high-bandwidth sensor data, while 256 KB Flash stores calibration coefficients, linearization tables, and digital filter implementations. The CTMU measures time-domain signals for capacitance-based humidity and proximity sensors with sub-nanosecond resolution. Four comparators enable threshold-based event detection for alarm outputs. The I2C/SPI/UART peripherals bridge multiple digital sensors. The 70 MIPS core executes digital filtering at high sample rates. The wide 3.0-3.6V supply range tolerates battery voltage variations in portable instruments.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC24EP256GP204T-I/TL serves as a powerful LED lighting controller with its 70 MIPS core executing real-time color-mixing algorithms for RGB/RGBW fixtures and DMX-512 protocol stacks. The high-resolution PWM outputs (up to 16-bit via OC modules) provide smooth dimming curves without visible flicker, critical for architectural and entertainment lighting. The 16 KB RAM allows storage of complex lighting scenes and transition tables. The op-amps monitor current feedback for constant-current driver regulation. The UART handles DMX-512 or wireless control data streams. The exposed pad on VTLA-44 manages thermal dissipation in high-density LED driver designs. The PTG coordinates PWM updates across multiple channels without CPU intervention.
Recommended
Power Conversion and Battery Management
The PIC24EP256GP204T-I/TL fits digital power conversion applications including solar charge controllers, UPS systems, and battery management systems where its 70 MIPS throughput runs advanced control algorithms like MPPT, Kalman filtering, and adaptive dead-time compensation. The 10/12-bit ADC with 1.1 Msps samples current and voltage waveforms for accurate power metering at high switching frequencies. The PTG peripheral sequences ADC conversions synchronized to PWM periods for deterministic control loop timing. Three op-amps condition high-side current and isolated voltage feedback signals. The 256 KB Flash holds complex state machines, fault handling routines, and communication protocol stacks. The industrial temperature range and exposed thermal pad support operation in harsh electrical environments with elevated ambient temperatures.
Recommended
Industrial Automation and HMI
The PIC24EP256GP204T-I/TL is a strong choice for industrial automation HMIs and PLC I/O modules given its 35 GPIO pins handling multiple pushbuttons, rotary encoders, status LEDs, and relay outputs simultaneously. The 70 MIPS core runs Modbus, CAN, or Ethernet/IP protocol stacks with deterministic response times. Three op-amps interface to 4-20 mA current-loop sensors common in industrial process control. The CTMU enables capacitive touch keys behind glass or plastic panels, eliminating mechanical switches. The 256 KB Flash accommodates complete PLC scan-cycle logic plus web server or HMI graphics routines. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range and 3.0-3.6V supply tolerance handle factory floor electrical noise and temperature variations reliably.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24EP256GP204T-I/TL — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24EP256GP204T-E/TL | PIC24EP256GP204T-I/ML | PIC24EP128GP204T-I/TL | PIC24EP256GP204-E/TL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-VTLA (6x6 mm) | 44-VTLA (6x6 mm) - same | 44-VTLA (6x6 mm) - same | 44-VTLA (6x6 mm) - same | 44-VTLA (6x6 mm) - same |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB | 256 KB |
| RAM | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| CPU Speed | 70 MIPS at 70 MHz | 60 MIPS at 60 MHz | 70 MIPS at 70 MHz | 70 MIPS at 70 MHz | 60 MIPS at 60 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended/Auto) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended/Auto) |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Unit Price (qty 1) | $8.20 | $8.50 | $8.20 | $6.80 | $8.30 |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade at 70 MIPS in VTLA-44 package (vs PIC24EP256GP204T-E/TL)
- 256 KB Flash for complex firmware (vs PIC24EP128GP204T-I/TL)
- Compact 6x6 mm VTLA-44 footprint (vs PIC24EP256GP204T-I/PT (TQFP-44))
Design Notes
The 44-pin VTLA package has an exposed thermal pad on the bottom surface that MUST be soldered to the PCB to achieve rated thermal performance and mechanical reliability. Design a land pattern with thermal vias connecting the pad to an internal copper pour of at least 1 square inch. Without proper thermal pad soldering, the junction temperature can rise excessively under full CPU load, triggering thermal shutdown or reducing long-term reliability. Follow Microchip's VTLA-44 land pattern recommendation in the package specification document.
Place a 10 uF bulk capacitor and a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD/VDDC pin pair. The PIC24EP256GP204T-I/TL has multiple VDD/VSS pins that all require decoupling. Use separate analog (VDDA/VSSA) and digital supply pins with ferrite bead isolation if the application requires low-noise ADC measurements. Estimated: at 70 MHz full CPU load with all peripherals active, the core draws approximately 50-70 mA from VDD, requiring adequate supply trace width.
Route ICSP programming signals (PGECx/PGEDx) directly from the MCU pins to a 6-pin header or test pad accessible for in-circuit programming. The PIC24EP family supports multiple PGECx/PGEDx pin pairs - select one pair and dedicate those pins to programming rather than general I/O to avoid conflicts. Keep ICSP traces short and avoid routing them near high-frequency switching signals to prevent programming failures during debug.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum VDD of 4.0V or the device will suffer permanent damage. Configure all unused I/O pins as outputs driven low to minimize power consumption and reduce EMI susceptibility. Enable the JTAG port only if required, as it occupies pins that could otherwise serve as general-purpose I/O. The Configuration bits must be set correctly before code execution begins - using MPLAB X IDE's Configuration Bits window prevents misconfiguration issues that can lock the device.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC24EP256GP204T-E/TL for automotive applications. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in available data.
