PIC24EP256GU814T-I/PH - 16-bit 60 MIPS 256KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24EP256GU814T-I/PH ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $11.2 | $11.20 |
| 10 | $10.05 | $100.50 |
| 100 | $8.95 | $895.00 |
| 500 | $7.84 | $3,920.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.95 | $6,950.00 |
| 3,000 | $6.12 | $18,360.00 |
PIC24EP256GU814T-I/PH Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and peripheral interfaces on one silicon die. The 16-bit class sits between 8-bit MCUs (PIC16, PIC18, AVR) and 32-bit MCUs (Cortex-M, PIC32) and is widely used for motor control, digital signal processing front-ends, and industrial communication stacks where 8-bit throughput is insufficient but 32-bit cost and complexity are not justified.
Key features include a 16-bit modified Harvard architecture with deterministic interrupt response, up to 83 general-purpose I/O pins, nine 16-bit timers plus nine input-capture/output-compare/PWM channels, four UART/SPI/I2C modules, and an 8-bit Parallel Master Port for graphics interfaces. The integrated USB 2.0 full-speed On-The-Go controller with dedicated DMA simplifies connection to PCs and embedded hosts without an external PHY.
Architecturally, the PIC24E core uses a 24-bit instruction word with 16-bit data paths, single-cycle hardware multiply, and a 7-stage pipeline that sustains 60 MIPS at 120 MHz system clock. The 12-bit ADC includes a dedicated 1.024V internal reference, hardware oversampling to 16-bit effective resolution, and a 32-word result buffer that offloads the CPU during high-rate sampling.
Typical applications include industrial motor control (BLDC/PMSM), CAN-bridged sensor nodes, USB Human Interface Devices (HID), graphical user interfaces driving TFT displays via PMP, and digital power conversion using the high-speed PWM module with 1.04 ns PWM resolution.
When designing with this device, route the two VDD/VSS pairs separately, keep the VCAP pin trace under 0.25 inch, and verify the ADC analog supply (AVDD) decoupling network; improper grounding is the most common source of noise on PIC24E ADC readings.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the PIC24 family, and PCB design guidance beyond what the manufacturer datasheet provides.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24EP256GU814T-I/PH — 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 PIC24EP256GU814T-I/PH (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, RAM.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24EP512GU814-I/PH
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP128GU814-I/PH
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP256GU810-I/PH
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP256GU814T-I/PL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP512GU810-I/PH
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP256GU814T-I/PH Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC24E (16-bit modified Harvard) |
| Instruction Set | 24-bit instruction, 16-bit data path |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 70 MIPS |
| System Clock Frequency | Up to 120 MHz (60 MIPS sustained) |
| Program Flash Memory | 256 KB (85.5K x 24) |
| RAM | 32 KB |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 83 |
| ADC | 12-bit, 500 ksps, up to 24 channels |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG with dedicated DMA |
| CAN | 2x ECAN modules |
| UART/SPI/I2C | 4x serial interfaces |
| Timers | 9x 16-bit + 9x input capture/output compare/PWM |
| Parallel Master Port | 8-bit PMP for graphics interfaces |
| Package | 144-pin TQFP (PH), 16x16 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| AEC-Q100 Automotive | Not qualified for this part number |
PIC24EP256GU814T-I/PH 144-pin tqfp (ph), 16x16 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC24EP256GU814T-I/PH (144-pin tqfp (ph), 16x16 mm 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 PIC24EP256GU814T-I/PH.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC24EP256GU814T-I/PH is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control (BLDC/PMSM), CAN-Bridged Industrial Sensor Hub, USB Human Interface Device (HID), Graphical TFT User Interface, Digital Power Conversion (SMPS), Medical Instrumentation.
Industrial Motor Control (BLDC/PMSM)
The PIC24EP256GU814T-I/PH is well suited to BLDC and PMSM motor control thanks to its 70 MIPS PIC24E core, nine high-speed PWM channels with 1.04 ns edge resolution, and a 12-bit 500 ksps ADC with hardware oversampling. The PIC24E family includes a dedicated Motor Control PWM (MCPWM) module with complementary outputs, dead-time insertion, and fault shutdown - critical for driving three-phase inverters. The 256 KB Flash accommodates field-oriented control (FOC) libraries from Microchip AN1078, while 32 KB RAM holds estimator state and ADC buffers. In a typical FOC design the part samples three phase currents at 20 kHz and updates PWM duty cycles deterministically within 25 us, leaving ample CPU headroom for the speed/torque PI loops.
Recommended
CAN-Bridged Industrial Sensor Hub
The PIC24EP256GU814T-I/PH integrates two ECAN 2.0B modules, making it ideal for industrial sensor hubs that aggregate CANopen or DeviceNet traffic and forward it to a higher-level controller. Combined with the 12-bit ADC and 83 I/O pins, a single part can read up to 24 analog sensors, process them in firmware, and bridge the data onto two isolated CAN buses at 1 Mbit/s. The 32 KB RAM holds CAN message buffers plus the sensor state machine. According to Microchip AN1245, the ECAN DMA reduces CPU load by 60% versus polled CAN, freeing cycles for sensor processing. This combination is widely used in PLC distributed I/O and building automation gateways.
Recommended
USB Human Interface Device (HID)
The PIC24EP256GU814T-I/PH's integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG controller with dedicated DMA enables it to act as a USB HID device - keyboard, mouse, game controller, or custom control surface - without an external PHY. The 256 KB Flash easily holds the Microchip USB stack (about 18 KB) plus application code, while 32 KB RAM supports HID report buffers and key debounce state. The 12-bit ADC can read analog controls such as joysticks or pressure sensors. According to Microchip AN1212, the USB DMA runs independently of the CPU, leaving the 70 MIPS core free for application logic, which is essential for low-latency HID response under 1 ms.
Recommended
Graphical TFT User Interface
The PIC24EP256GU814T-I/PH includes an 8-bit Parallel Master Port (PMP) that can drive small TFT displays up to QVGA (320x240) at 30 fps without an external graphics controller. The 70 MIPS core can refresh a 320x240 RGB565 framebuffer at 30 Hz using on-chip RAM as a partial buffer, with the remainder paged from Flash. The high-resolution PWM can also backlight-dim the display using a single MOSFET. The 256 KB Flash stores fonts, icons, and Microchip's Graphics library (approximately 35 KB). This combination is widely used in appliance HMI panels, medical instrument front panels, and industrial touchscreen displays where a Linux-class processor would be over-spec.
Recommended
Digital Power Conversion (SMPS)
The PIC24EP256GU814T-I/PH's high-speed PWM module, 12-bit ADC, and 70 MIPS performance make it suitable for digital control of switch-mode power supplies including PFC, LLC, and full-bridge converters. The PIC24E PWM can run at 1 ns edge resolution, allowing switching frequencies above 1 MHz. The 12-bit ADC with dedicated 1.024 V reference samples feedback at 500 ksps, well matched to multi-loop control. The 256 KB Flash stores state-space control algorithms and PID parameter sets, while 32 KB RAM holds running ADC averages and duty-cycle history. Microchip AN1427 provides reference firmware for a 500 W digital PFC stage using this device class.
Recommended
Medical Instrumentation
The PIC24EP256GU814T-I/PH's 12-bit ADC with 16-bit effective resolution via hardware oversampling, USB connectivity for PC-side data logging, and 70 MIPS performance make it applicable to medical instrumentation such as portable pulse oximeters, blood-pressure monitors, and bench-top analyzers. The 256 KB Flash stores firmware plus patient-record templates, while the 32 KB RAM holds waveform capture buffers. The industrial temperature grade (-40 C to +85 C) supports portable device environments. The USB OTG port allows direct PC connectivity for clinician review without a separate bridge chip. Note: medical designs require IEC 60601 compliance which is a system-level certification, not a per-component rating.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24EP256GU814T-I/PH — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24EP512GU814-I/PH | PIC24EP128GU814-I/PH | PIC24EP256GU810-I/PH | PIC24EP256GU814T-I/PL | PIC24EP512GU810-I/PH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 144-TQFP (PH) 16x16 mm | 144-TQFP (PH) 16x16 mm - same | 144-TQFP (PH) 16x16 mm - same | 144-TQFP (PH) 16x16 mm - same | 144-LQFP (PL) - same footprint | 144-TQFP (PH) 16x16 mm - same |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 512 KB | 128 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 512 KB |
| RAM | 32 KB | 48 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 48 KB |
| Maximum MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS |
| USB OTG | Yes (USB 2.0 FS OTG) | Yes (USB 2.0 FS OTG) | Yes (USB 2.0 FS OTG) | No USB | Yes (USB 2.0 FS OTG) | No USB |
| CAN Modules | 2x ECAN 2.0B | 2x ECAN 2.0B | 2x ECAN 2.0B | 1x ECAN 2.0B | 2x ECAN 2.0B | 1x ECAN 2.0B |
| I/O Pins | 83 | 83 | 83 | 83 | 83 | 83 |
| ADC | 12-bit, 500 ksps, 24-ch | 12-bit, 500 ksps, 24-ch | 12-bit, 500 ksps, 24-ch | 12-bit, 500 ksps, 24-ch | 12-bit, 500 ksps, 24-ch | 12-bit, 500 ksps, 24-ch |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated USB 2.0 OTG with DMA (vs PIC24EP256GU810-I/PH)
- Dual ECAN 2.0B vs single ECAN (vs PIC24EP256GU810-I/PH)
- Largest memory in 144-TQFP GU family (vs PIC24EP128GU814-I/PH)
Design Notes
Connect both VDD/VSS pairs (VDD1/VDD2 with corresponding VSS1/VSS2) and decouple each pair with a 100 nF ceramic plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pins. The PIC24E core draws burst currents during Flash erase/write; insufficient bulk capacitance on VDD will cause core brownouts. The VCAP pin requires a 10 uF low-ESR ceramic - do not use tantalum. Estimated: a single 256 KB Flash page erase draws approximately 30 mA for 30 ms, so the bulk capacitor must sustain this without VDD droop below 3.0 V.
Route the USB D+ and D+ lines as a 90 ohm differential pair with ground reference on both sides, length-matched to within 0.5 mm. Place the 15 kohm pull-down on D- and the 1.5 kohm pull-up on D+ (or on VBUS via the internal pull-up) within 5 mm of the MCU. Keep the pair away from switching nodes and PWM traces. For the dual CAN buses, route CANH/CANL as a 120 ohm differential pair with the bus termination resistor within 10 mm of the pin.
Do not leave the VCAP pin floating - the internal 1.8 V regulator will not start and the device will appear dead. Do not connect JTAG pins (TMS, TCK, TDI, TDO) to test points without series 100 ohm resistors or the device can be reset by ESD strikes. The RTCC (Real-Time Clock Calendar) requires a 32.768 kHz crystal on SOSCO/SOSCI with load capacitors sized per the crystal CL parameter - common fault is using 12 pF caps with a 6 pF crystal, which prevents oscillator start.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade -40 C to +85 C. Not AEC-Q100 qualified for this part number; use PIC24EP variants with /VAO or /VBG suffixes for automotive.
