PIC24EP256MC202-I/SO - 70 MIPS 256KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24EP256MC202-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.2 | $7.20 |
| 10 | $6.5 | $65.00 |
| 100 | $5.75 | $575.00 |
| 500 | $5.1 | $2,550.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.55 | $4,550.00 |
PIC24EP256MC202-I/SO Overview
A 16-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip processor with on-chip Flash program memory, SRAM, and peripherals designed for embedded real-time control. The PIC24EP family belongs to the broader dsPIC/PIC24 16-bit MCU family using a Modified Harvard architecture with a 16-bit datapath and DSP-friendly instructions. Compared with 8-bit MCUs, PIC24EP parts deliver higher throughput for closed-loop control loops; compared with 32-bit Cortex-M parts, they offer a deterministic instruction set with smaller code footprints for many real-time motor-control algorithms.
Key features of the PIC24EP256MC202-I/SO include 256 KB Flash (85.5K x 24), 32 KB SRAM, 70 MIPS at 60 MHz CPU clock, integrated dual 10-bit op-amps with programmable gain, two analog comparators, a 6-channel high-speed PWM (Motor Control PWM, MCPWM) module with up to 1 ns edge resolution, quadrature encoder interface (QEI), and a Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG). Communication peripherals include SPI, I2C, UART, and ECAN. The 28-SOIC package exposes 21 GPIO and supports 5 V tolerant inputs on many pins.
Architecturally, the device uses a Modified Harvard core with hardware multiply/divide and DSP instructions, achieving 70 MIPS at 60 MHz. On-chip analog (op-amps and comparators) eliminates external signal-conditioning components for current sensing in field-oriented control (FOC) loops, reducing BOM and PCB area in motor drives.
Typical applications include brushless DC (BLDC) motor control, permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drives, servo control, industrial fans and pumps, and low-end variable-frequency drives (VFDs). When designing, route analog op-amp inputs with short traces and a guard ring; place the MCPWM outputs away from analog inputs to minimize switching noise coupling into current-sense channels.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24EP256MC202-I/SO — 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 PIC24EP256MC202-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Package, ADC, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24EP256MC202-H/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.34 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP128MC202T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP256MC202-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.48 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP256MC202-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC24E (16-bit Modified Harvard) |
| CPU Speed | 70 MIPS at 60 MHz |
| Program Memory | 256 KB Flash (85.5K x 24) |
| Data Memory | 32 KB SRAM |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO) |
| GPIO | 21 |
| PWM Channels | 6 (Motor Control PWM, MCPWM) |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| On-chip Op-Amps | 2 (programmable gain) |
| Quadrature Encoder Interface | Yes (QEI) |
| Peripheral Trigger Generator | Yes (PTG) |
| Communication | SPI, I2C, UART, ECAN |
| ADC | 10-bit (per datasheet family) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC24EP256MC202-I/SO 28-pin soic (so) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC24EP256MC202-I/SO (28-pin soic (so) 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 PIC24EP256MC202-I/SO.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC24EP256MC202-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: BLDC Motor Field-Oriented Control (FOC), Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) Drive, Industrial Fans and Pumps Variable-Speed Drives, Servo Control and Robotics, Low-Power Inverter for Solar and Battery Systems, HVAC and White Goods Compressor Drives.
BLDC Motor Field-Oriented Control (FOC)
The PIC24EP256MC202-I/SO is purpose-built for BLDC and PMSM motor drives using field-oriented control. Its 70 MIPS core runs a 10-20 kHz FOC control loop with Park/Clarke transforms and PI regulators, while the 6-channel MCPWM with 1 ns edge resolution drives the three-phase inverter. The dual integrated op-amps amplify shunt-resistor current signals directly on-chip, removing external signal conditioning. The QEI accepts incremental encoder A/B/index signals up to several MHz. This integration enables a complete sensorless or sensored FOC BLDC drive on a single MCU, with PCB area below 25 x 25 mm.
Recommended
Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) Drive
For PMSM servo and industrial drives, the PIC24EP256MC202-I/SO combines enough MIPS to run a vector-control loop and supports sinusoidal commutation with torque-per-amp optimization. The on-chip op-amps and comparators handle current sensing and over-current protection in real time, enabling 50-100 us response time. The QEI and PTG (Peripheral Trigger Generator) reduce CPU load by offloading timing-critical ADC triggering and PWM sequencing. Industrial drives up to 1-2 kW can be controlled directly from this MCU with an external gate driver and power stage.
Recommended
Industrial Fans and Pumps Variable-Speed Drives
Variable-speed fans and pumps benefit from the PIC24EP256MC202-I/SO's MCPWM, op-amps, and low BOM count. A typical V/Hz or sensorless FOC implementation fits within 64-128 KB of the available 256 KB Flash. The integrated op-amps measure DC bus current and temperature, while the ECAN interface enables Modbus or CANopen fieldbus connectivity. The 28-SOIC industrial-grade operating range (-40C to +85C) suits fan/pump installations in enclosures. A complete 100 W sensorless fan drive can be implemented with one MCU, one gate driver, and one inverter stage.
Recommended
Servo Control and Robotics
Robotic servo and CNC axis controllers use the PIC24EP256MC202-I/SO to handle multiple motor axes via the MCPWM and QEI. Each axis typically consumes 4 PWM channels and 3 QEI signals; the MCU can drive 1-2 axes independently with cascade position/velocity/torque loops. The PTG module enables synchronized multi-axis timing without CPU intervention. With 70 MIPS of headroom, a single MCU can run 4 kHz current loops for two axes plus a host-side EtherCAT or CAN command interface, reducing the bill of materials for small robotic arm controllers.
Recommended
Low-Power Inverter for Solar and Battery Systems
Low-end solar micro-inverters and battery-powered motor controllers benefit from the PIC24EP256MC202-I/SO's 3.3 V supply and 16-bit ADC. The MCU can implement MPPT or battery current regulation alongside a single motor or PV stage. The integrated op-amps condition current and voltage sensors, and the ECAN port enables connection to a system-level energy-management bus. The 256 KB Flash supports safety-state machines and grid-tie firmware updates where applicable, while the 28-SOIC package enables compact PCB layouts in portable enclosures.
Recommended
HVAC and White Goods Compressor Drives
Compressor drives in HVAC and white-goods appliances use the PIC24EP256MC202-I/SO for sensorless or sensored FOC of the compressor motor. The integrated MCPWM drives the three-phase IPM (Intelligent Power Module), and the on-chip comparators provide fast hardware over-current protection independent of CPU latency. The 32 KB SRAM accommodates adaptive-control and self-tuning loops. Combined with the 28-SOIC footprint, this MCU enables compact inverter boards for refrigerator compressors, air-conditioner outdoor units, and heat-pump drives up to 1.5 kW.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24EP256MC202-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24EP256MC202-H/SO | PIC24EP128MC202T-I/SO | dsPIC33EP256MC202-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC (SO) | 28-SOIC (SO) | 28-SOIC (SO) | 28-SOIC (SO) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| CPU Speed | 70 MIPS (60 MHz) | 70 MIPS (60 MHz) | 70 MIPS (60 MHz) | 70 MIPS (60 MHz) |
| DSP Engine | No (PIC24 base) | No | No | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +150C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| On-chip Op-Amps | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated dual op-amps and dual comparators reduce external analog BOM (vs PIC24EP256GP202-I/SO)
- Motor-control-optimized PWM with 1 ns edge resolution (vs PIC24EP128GP202-I/SO)
- 256 KB Flash provides headroom for full FOC with adaptive control loops (vs PIC24EP128MC202T-I/SO)
Design Notes
Power the PIC24EP256MC202-I/SO from a regulated 3.3 V rail capable of at least 100 mA continuous current for the MCU core plus GPIO drive. A low-noise LDO (MCP1700 or equivalent) with 1 uF + 0.1 uF decoupling on VDD/VSS pin pairs is recommended. Place the 0.1 uF capacitor within 2-3 mm of each VDD pin to suppress switching transients from the MCPWM outputs, which can corrupt ADC readings if not bypassed.
At 60 MHz full activity, the PIC24EP256MC202-I/SO dissipates roughly 30-50 mW internally. In the 28-SOIC package (theta_JA approximately 70-80 C/W), this is well within the industrial -40C to +85C envelope without heatsinking. However, in enclosed designs with limited airflow or extended-temperature environments, derate by reducing CPU clock or enabling idle modes. Estimated: thermal resistance based on standard SOIC-28 JEDEC EIA/JESD51 layout.
Route analog op-amp inputs and current-sense traces as short differential pairs with a ground guard ring to avoid digital switching noise coupling into the ADC. Place the MCPWM outputs and their gate-driver traces on a different PCB layer from the analog inputs. Keep ADC reference decoupling (1 uF + 0.1 uF) within 5 mm of the AVSS pin. A four-layer PCB with a dedicated ground plane is recommended for high-side gate-drive switching currents above 10 A.
Do not connect MCLR (pin 1) directly to VDD without a 10 kohm pull-up resistor; leaving it floating may cause unintended resets. Ensure the oscillator crystal load capacitors match the crystal manufacturer's specification - typically 15-22 pF for 8 MHz fundamental mode crystals used with the PLL to synthesize 60 MHz. Finally, configure unused GPIO pins as outputs driven low rather than inputs to reduce current consumption and EMI.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade (I) covers -40C to +85C; -H grade is required for AEC-Q100-style automotive usage.
