PIC24EP256MC204-E/ML - 60 MIPS 16-bit Motor Control MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24EP256MC204-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.42 | $8.42 |
| 10 | $7.58 | $75.80 |
| 100 | $6.74 | $674.00 |
| 500 | $5.89 | $2,945.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.21 | $5,210.00 |
PIC24EP256MC204-E/ML Overview
A DSC is a hybrid between a microcontroller and a digital signal processor: it combines deterministic interrupt-driven control loops with hardware multiply-accumulate, single-cycle MAC, and DSP-oriented addressing modes. Within the broader hierarchy, the PIC24EP256MC204 sits under: DSC -> 16-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. The 'MC' in the part number designates the Motor Control sub-family with high-resolution PWM, quadrature encoder interfaces, and on-chip operational amplifiers for current sensing.
Key features include 70 MIPS peak performance (60 MIPS at this temperature grade), 4 on-chip op-amps for current shunt amplification, a 10-bit ADC with up to 16 channels and 1.1 Msps conversion rate, 6 PWM channels with 7.14 ns resolution, dual CAN 2.0B controllers, USB 2.0 full-speed OTG, and a Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG) for offloading timing-critical tasks. The device also integrates a 32-bit CRC, a Parallel Master Port (PMP), and JTAG/ICSP programming/debug interfaces.
Architecturally the PIC24EP uses a modified Harvard bus with separate instruction and data paths to the Flash and SRAM, plus a tightly-coupled DMA engine that streams data between peripherals and memory without CPU intervention. The enhanced core extends the dsPIC instruction set with DSP intrinsics, dual- operand fetches and DO/REPEAT zero-overhead loops, enabling real-time vector and torque calculations in Field-Oriented Control (FOC) loops within a single PWM cycle.
Typical applications include industrial BLDC and PMSM motor drives, field-oriented control (FOC) inverter stages, automotive HVAC blowers, e-bike traction controllers, servo drives and robotics. The on-chip op-amps, ADC, and PWM make it well-suited for sensorless or sensored motor control with sub-microsecond current-loop bandwidth.
Designers should note that the -E temperature grade is rated to +125C; the -I variant runs to +85C with 70 MIPS. The exposed pad on the QFN package must be soldered to a thermal via array for adequate heat dissipation in continuous full-load PWM applications. The 8x8 mm 44-QFN footprint is shared across the PIC24EP256MC family, enabling PCB reuse between temperature grades.
This page synthesises distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes that are not collected in any single manufacturer document, giving procurement engineers and firmware developers a consolidated decision resource.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24EP256MC204-E/ML — 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 PIC24EP256MC204-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Package, PWM Channels.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24EP256MC204-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP256GP204-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP256GP204T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP128MC204-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP128GP204-E/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP128GP204T-I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.33 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP256MC204-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 16-bit dsPIC/PIC24E DSC (modified Harvard) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB (85.5K x 24 instructions) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 32 KB |
| Operating Frequency | 60 MIPS (max at this grade) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V (3.3 V nominal) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (automotive grade) |
| AEC-Q100 Qualification | Qualified |
| Package | 44-pin QFN (8x8 mm) with exposed pad |
| PWM Channels | 6 (3 complementary pairs, 7.14 ns resolution) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 16 channels, 1.1 Msps |
| On-chip Op-Amps | 4 |
| Comparators | 4 |
| Communication | 2x CAN 2.0B, USB 2.0 FS OTG, 4x UART, 3x SPI, 2x I2C |
| DMA Channels | 8 |
| Timers | 16-bit Timer x 5, 32-bit Timer x 2 |
| JTAG/ICSP Debug | Yes |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC24EP256MC204-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RPn1/RB0 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO port B bit 0 |
| Pin 2 | RPn2/RB1 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO port B bit 1 |
| Pin 3 | RPn3/RB2 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO port B bit 2 |
| Pin 4 | RPn4/RB3 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO port B bit 3 |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | VDD — Positive supply 3.3V |
| Pin 7 | RPn5/RB4 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO port B bit 4 |
| Pin 8 | RPn6/RB5 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO port B bit 5 |
| Pin 9 | RPn7/RB6 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO port B bit 6 |
| Pin 10 | RPn8/RB7 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO port B bit 7 |
| Pin 11 | RPn9/RB8 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO port B bit 8 |
| Pin 12 | RPn10/RB9 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO port B bit 9 |
| Pin 13 | RPn11/RB10 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO port B bit 10 |
| Pin 14 | RPn12/RB11 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO port B bit 11 |
| Pin 15 | RPn13/RB12 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO port B bit 12 |
| Pin 16 | RPn14/RB13 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO port B bit 13 |
| Pin 17 | RPn15/RB14 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO port B bit 14 |
| Pin 18 | RPn16/RB15 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO port B bit 15 |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply 3.3V |
| Pin 21 | AN0/RA0 — Analog input 0 / GPIO port A bit 0 |
| Pin 22 | AN1/RA1 — Analog input 1 / GPIO port A bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | AN2/RA2 — Analog input 2 / GPIO port A bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | AN3/RA3 — Analog input 3 / GPIO port A bit 3 |
| Pin 25 | AN4/RA4 — Analog input 4 / GPIO port A bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | AN5/RA5 — Analog input 5 / GPIO port A bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 28 | AVDD — Analog 3.3V supply |
| Pin 29 | MCLR — Master clear reset (active low) |
| Pin 30 | OSC1/RC12 — Crystal oscillator input / GPIO |
| Pin 31 | OSC2/RC15 — Crystal oscillator output / GPIO |
| Pin 32 | SOSCI/RC13 — Secondary oscillator input / GPIO |
| Pin 33 | SOSCO/RC14 — Secondary oscillator output / GPIO |
| Pin 34 | PGED1/AN6/RP17 — Programming data / Analog input 6 / remappable peripheral |
| Pin 35 | PGEC1/AN7/RP18 — Programming clock / Analog input 7 / remappable peripheral |
| Pin 36 | PGED2/AN8/RP19 — Programming data alt / Analog input 8 / remappable peripheral |
| Pin 37 | PGEC2/AN9/RP20 — Programming clock alt / Analog input 9 / remappable peripheral |
| Pin 38 | AN10/RP21 — Analog input 10 / remappable peripheral |
| Pin 39 | AN11/RP22 — Analog input 11 / remappable peripheral |
| Pin 40 | AN12/RP23 — Analog input 12 / remappable peripheral |
| Pin 41 | AN13/RP24 — Analog input 13 / remappable peripheral |
| Pin 42 | AN14/RP25 — Analog input 14 / remappable peripheral |
| Pin 43 | AN15/RP26 — Analog input 15 / remappable peripheral |
| Pin 44 | VDD — Positive supply 3.3V |
Typical Applications
PIC24EP256MC204-E/ML is suitable for 7 applications: BLDC / PMSM Motor Control, Automotive HVAC Blower Control, Industrial Servo Drives, E-Bike and Light Electric Vehicle Controllers, Solar Inverter / MPPT Stages, Drone ESC (Electronic Speed Controller), Appliance Motor Control (Washing Machines, Dishwashers).
BLDC / PMSM Motor Control
The PIC24EP256MC204-E/ML is purpose-built for Field-Oriented Control (FOC) of brushless DC and permanent-magnet synchronous motors. Its 6 high-resolution PWM outputs (7.14 ns edge resolution) drive a three-phase inverter at 20 kHz with 0-100% duty cycle while leaving CPU headroom. The 4 on-chip op-amps amplify shunt-resistor currents directly into the 10-bit 1.1 Msps ADC, closing the current loop inside a single 50 us PWM period. This integration cuts BOM cost by removing external current-sense amplifiers. The 256 KB Flash fits Microchip's MPLAB X generated FOC libraries with sensorless startup routines.
Recommended
Automotive HVAC Blower Control
The AEC-Q100 qualified PIC24EP256MC204-E/ML with -40C to +125C operating range targets under-hood automotive HVAC blower and cooling fan applications. Its enhanced PWM module supports synchronous rectification and freewheeling modes that improve inverter efficiency by 3-5% over scalar control, reducing MOSFET thermal stress in sealed engine compartments. The dual CAN 2.0B controllers interface with the vehicle CAN bus for torque/speed commands, while the on-chip op-amps read phase currents without external amplifiers. QFN package withstands automotive vibration profiles when the exposed pad is soldered to a thermal via array.
Recommended
Industrial Servo Drives
Industrial servo amplifiers and robotics joint controllers use the PIC24EP256MC204-E/ML for closed-loop position, velocity and current control. The Quadrature Encoder Interface (QEI) module directly reads incremental encoders up to 2 MHz with index pulse support, while the Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG) synchronises ADC sampling to PWM edges for deterministic current measurement. The 32 KB SRAM accommodates large FOC lookup tables and observer state variables for sensorless startup. Extended temperature grade and 3.3V single-supply operation simplify cabinet integration alongside 24V industrial bus rails.
Recommended
E-Bike and Light Electric Vehicle Controllers
Battery-powered e-bike traction controllers, scooter drives and small EV auxiliary pumps leverage the PIC24EP256MC204-E/ML to deliver smooth torque from low-RPM startup through high-speed cruising. Its 32 KB SRAM supports adaptive flux-weakening algorithms, while the USB 2.0 FS OTG interface enables firmware updates and CAN-bus diagnostics for dealer servicing. The 3.0-3.6V supply range aligns directly with a single Li-ion cell regulated rail. Operating efficiency above 95% in FOC mode extends battery range by 10-15% compared with six-step trapezoidal commutation on the same hardware.
Recommended
Solar Inverter / MPPT Stages
Micro-inverters and string-inverter MPPT stages deploy the PIC24EP256MC204-E/ML as the primary control DSP for DC-DC boost and DC-AC inverter power stages. The high-resolution PWM with 7.14 ns edge placement is critical for synchronous-rectifier dead-time control in 100 kHz hard-switched topologies, while dual CAN or UART links report telemetry to the system controller. Its 256 KB Flash holds MPPT (Perturb & Observe or Incremental Conductance) plus grid-synchronisation code, and the AEC-Q100 grade qualifies designs for outdoor PV combiner boxes operating from -40C to +125C ambient.
Recommended
Drone ESC (Electronic Speed Controller)
Multirotor drone ESCs use the PIC24EP256MC204-E/ML to drive four or six BLDC motors at 24-48 kHz PWM with active freewheeling, achieving ultra-low torque ripple essential for stable flight control. The 60 MIPS throughput executes sinusoidal FOC plus RPM-filter state estimation within 12 us loop periods, leaving CPU time for DShot/OneShot protocol decoding on UART. The small 8x8 mm QFN footprint suits compact 20-30 A ESC PCBs, and its 125C junction rating tolerates high-current bursts at low air pressure. Dual CAN or UART enables ESC telemetry back to the flight controller.
Recommended
Appliance Motor Control (Washing Machines, Dishwashers)
White-goods direct-drive washing-machine and dishwasher motor controllers use the PIC24EP256MC204-E/ML to replace traditional AC induction motor starters with variable-frequency inverter drives, achieving 20-30% energy savings under partial load. The 256 KB Flash holds full FOC plus vibration-detection and unbalanced-load compensation algorithms, while the 4 op-amps sense both motor phase currents and AC-mains voltage for power-factor correction. The -40C to +125C grade and QFN package withstand the high-humidity, high-vibration environment of laundry appliance cabinets, with the exposed pad conducting heat to a copper pour heatsink.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24EP256MC204-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24EP256MC204-I/ML | PIC24EP256GP204-I/ML | PIC24EP256GP204T-I/ML | PIC24EP128MC204-E/ML | PIC24EP128GP204-E/PT | PIC24EP128GP204T-I/TL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB |
| SRAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| Max Frequency | 60 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 60 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C |
| AEC-Q100 | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Motor-Control PWM | Yes (6 ch, 7.14 ns) | Yes | No (GP family) | No (GP family) | Yes | No (GP family) | No (GP family) |
| On-chip Op-Amps | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
Key Differentiators
- AEC-Q100 qualified at 60 MIPS for automotive motor control (vs PIC24EP256MC204-I/ML)
- On-chip operational amplifiers for current sensing (vs PIC24EP256GP204-I/ML)
- High-resolution 7.14 ns PWM for precision motor drive (vs PIC24EP128GP204-E/PT)
Design Notes
The 44-QFN 8x8 mm package exposes a thermal pad beneath the IC that must be soldered to a 5x5 via-array thermal copper pour (typical 0.3 mm via diameter on 0.8 mm pitch) for heat extraction. At 60 MIPS and 3.3V supply, typical core dissipation is 80-100 mW; in continuous PWM switching applications with the on-chip op-amps active, total package dissipation can reach 250-350 mW. Without the thermal pad soldered to the PCB copper, junction temperature can exceed 125C and trigger thermal shutdown. Estimated: theta_JA of 28 C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC test board, allowing 250 mW dissipation at 25C ambient.
Place 100 nF decoupling ceramic capacitors as close as physically possible to every VDD/VSS pin pair (pins 6/5, 20/19, 28/27, 44/GND), plus a single 10 uF bulk capacitor near the package. The AVDD/AVSS analog supply pins (28/27) should be filtered with a 10 ohm ferrite bead and 100 nF + 10 uF capacitor network to keep ADC sampling noise below 1 LSB. Power-up sequencing is not required as VDD and AVDD can rise together, but the MCLR pin must be held low until VDD reaches its operating range to avoid spurious code execution.
Route the PWM output traces (PWM1H/L through PWM3H/L) as short matched-length differential pairs to the gate driver, keeping them away from analog signal traces. The CAN bus traces require 120 ohm termination at each end of the bus segment, with the optional split-termination capacitor (4.7 nF) on each CANH/CANL pair to reduce common-mode emissions. The USB D+/D- traces must be 90 ohm differential with length matching within 150 mil; route over a continuous ground plane and avoid vias.
Keep the analog signal traces (AN0-AN15 for current-shunt amplifier outputs) within a guard-ring of ground copper, and route them perpendicular to digital switching traces. The crystal oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2) should be kept under 5 mm total length with a ground copper shield, and the load capacitors placed within 2 mm of the IC pins. Position the programming/debug header (PGED1/PGEC1) at the board edge to allow in-circuit programming without removing the heatsink.
Do not confuse PIC24EP256MC204-E/ML (44-QFN automotive grade, 60 MIPS) with PIC24EP256MC204-I/ML (44-QFN industrial grade, 70 MIPS) or PIC24EP256MC204-E/PT (44-TQFP, different footprint). All three share the same silicon die but only the /ML suffix is the 44-QFN 8x8 mm land pattern - the /PT variant requires a 44-TQFP footprint that is NOT drop-in compatible. Also verify the on-chip op-amp gain-setting resistor values match the shunt-current range; misconfigured op-amp feedback will saturate the ADC and break the FOC current loop.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 qualified per Microchip product page. RoHS and REACH compliant per DigiKey and Mouser listings. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in provided web data - set to unknown.
