PIC24EP256MC204-E/PT - 16-Bit 60 MIPS MCU 256KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC24EP256MC204-E/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.45 | $5.45 |
| 10 | $4.91 | $49.10 |
| 100 | $4.36 | $436.00 |
| 500 | $3.85 | $1,925.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.42 | $3,420.00 |
PIC24EP256MC204-E/PT Overview
A 16-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a microprocessor that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM), and peripherals into a single IC. PIC24E MCUs use a modified Harvard RISC architecture with 16-bit instructions and 24-bit instructions for compact code. They belong to the broader category of embedded microcontrollers within power-aware semiconductor ICs used in motor control, industrial automation, and consumer electronics.
Key features include a 70 MIPS CPU performance, dual 40-bit accumulators, single-cycle MAC, hardware multiply/divide, integrated op-amps and 12-bit ADC with up to 500 ksps conversion rate, plus dedicated motor-control PWM with high-resolution edge placement. Communication peripherals cover UART, SPI, I2C, ECAN, and parallel ports for flexible system integration.
The PIC24EP256MC204-E integrates dedicated motor-control peripherals: high-speed PWM with 1.04 ns PWM resolution, quadrature encoder interface, and built-in operational amplifiers. The 60 MIPS core and DSP engine enable real-time closed-loop control algorithms (FOC, PID) without offloading to external DSPs, while the 256KB Flash supports substantial application code and self-programming for field updates.
Typical applications include 3-phase BLDC/PMSM motor drives for appliances, HVAC blower and compressor control, industrial servo control, ceiling fans, e-bike controllers, and drone ESCs. The PIC24E family also targets automotive body electronics, LED lighting drivers, and power conversion digital control when paired with external MOSFET/IGBT drivers.
Design considerations: this MCU operates from 3.0V to 3.6V; a regulated 3.3V rail is mandatory, not 5V-tolerant on most I/O. The -E suffix denotes extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C). Place 0.1uF decoupling capacitors near every VDD/VSS pair, and keep the analog AVSS/AVDD pair isolated with separate ferrite beads for clean ADC readings.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical motor-control design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24EP256MC204-E/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 PIC24EP256MC204-E/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Core Architecture, Maximum CPU Speed, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24EP128MC204-E/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP256GP204-E/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP256MC204-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.66 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP256MC204-E/MV
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP256GP204-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP256MC204-E/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC24E (16-bit dsPIC enhanced) |
| CPU Speed | 60 MIPS (70 MIPS at 3.3V) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB (85.5K x 24) |
| RAM | 32 KB |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (extended grade) |
| Package | 44-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 500 ksps |
| Op-Amps | Integrated (multiple) |
| PWM | High-speed PWM with 1.04 ns resolution |
| Communication | UART, SPI, I2C, ECAN |
| Quadrature Encoder Interface | Yes |
| DMA | Yes |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC24EP256MC204-E/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RP20/PMD0/OC1/RB0 — Remappable peripheral pin / PWM output / GPIO RB0 |
| Pin 2 | RP21/PMD1/OC2/RB1 — Remappable peripheral pin / PWM output / GPIO RB1 |
| Pin 3 | AN0/CMP1A/RP5/RB5 — Analog input 0 / comparator / GPIO RB5 |
| Pin 4 | AN1/CMP1B/RP6/RB6 — Analog input 1 / comparator / GPIO RB6 |
| Pin 5 | AN2/CMP2A/RP7/RB7 — Analog input 2 / comparator / GPIO RB7 |
| Pin 6 | AN3/CMP2B/RP8/RB8 — Analog input 3 / comparator / GPIO RB8 |
| Pin 7 | AN4/CMP3A/RP9/RB9 — Analog input 4 / comparator / GPIO RB9 |
| Pin 8 | AVDD — Analog supply voltage |
| Pin 9 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 10 | RP22/OC3/RB10 — Remappable peripheral / PWM output / GPIO RB10 |
| Pin 11 | RP23/OC4/RB11 — Remappable peripheral / PWM output / GPIO RB11 |
| Pin 12 | RP24/OC5/RB12 — Remappable peripheral / PWM output / GPIO RB12 |
| Pin 13 | RP25/OC6/RB13 — Remappable peripheral / PWM output / GPIO RB13 |
| Pin 14 | RP26/OC7/RB14 — Remappable peripheral / PWM output / GPIO RB14 |
| Pin 15 | RP27/OC8/RB15 — Remappable peripheral / PWM output / GPIO RB15 |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 17 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 18 | RA0 — GPIO RA0 |
| Pin 19 | RA1 — GPIO RA1 |
| Pin 20 | RA2 — GPIO RA2 |
| Pin 21 | RA3 — GPIO RA3 |
| Pin 22 | RA4 — GPIO RA4 |
| Pin 23 | RA5 — GPIO RA5 |
| Pin 24 | RA6 — GPIO RA6 |
| Pin 25 | RA7 — GPIO RA7 |
| Pin 26 | RC0 — GPIO RC0 |
| Pin 27 | RC1 — GPIO RC1 |
| Pin 28 | RC2 — GPIO RC2 |
| Pin 29 | RC3 — GPIO RC3 |
| Pin 30 | RC4 — GPIO RC4 |
| Pin 31 | RC5 — GPIO RC5 |
| Pin 32 | RC6 — GPIO RC6 |
| Pin 33 | RC7 — GPIO RC7 |
| Pin 34 | RC8 — GPIO RC8 |
| Pin 35 | RC9 — GPIO RC9 |
| Pin 36 | MCLR — Master clear reset input |
| Pin 37 | RP0/RD0 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO RD0 |
| Pin 38 | RP1/RD1 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO RD1 |
| Pin 39 | RP2/RD2 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO RD2 |
| Pin 40 | RP3/RD3 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO RD3 |
| Pin 41 | RP4/RD4 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO RD4 |
| Pin 42 | RP11/RD5 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO RD5 |
| Pin 43 | RP12/RD6 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO RD6 |
| Pin 44 | RP13/RD7 — Remappable peripheral / GPIO RD7 |
Typical Applications
PIC24EP256MC204-E/PT is suitable for 7 applications: BLDC / PMSM Motor Control, Industrial Servo and Stepper Control, Appliance Motor Control (Fans, Pumps, Compressors), Drone and E-Bike Electronic Speed Controllers, Digital Power Conversion Control, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Industrial Automation and Robotics.
BLDC / PMSM Motor Control
The PIC24EP256MC204-E/PT is purpose-built for 3-phase brushless DC and permanent magnet synchronous motor control. Its integrated high-speed PWM with 1.04 ns edge resolution paired with the 12-bit 500 ksps ADC enables precise sinusoidal commutation and field-oriented control at high switching frequencies. Built-in op-amps close the current-sense loop directly on-chip, eliminating external current-sense amplifiers. The 70 MIPS DSP core executes FOC, PI, and space-vector modulation in real time within the 44-pin TQFP package. Recommended companion devices are the MCP8026 3-phase gate driver, IRF7507 MOSFETs, and ACS712 current sensor.
Recommended
Industrial Servo and Stepper Control
The PIC24EP256MC204-E/PT drives closed-loop servo and stepper systems with its quadrature encoder interface, high-resolution PWM, and DSP-class CPU. The QEI module reads incremental encoder feedback directly, offloading cycle counting from the CPU for faster position-loop closure. The extended -40 C to +125 C temperature range allows deployment in factory floor enclosures without additional cooling. Combined with 256 KB Flash and 32 KB RAM, the MCU supports both trapezoidal and S-curve acceleration profiles plus custom homing routines. Recommended companions: SN65HVD75 RS-485 transceiver, TLP181 optocoupler, and DRV8711 stepper driver.
Recommended
Appliance Motor Control (Fans, Pumps, Compressors)
White goods such as washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, and HVAC blowers rely on the PIC24EP256MC204-E/PT for quiet, efficient variable-speed motor control. Sensorless FOC firmware available from Microchip eliminates Hall sensors, reducing BOM cost and improving reliability. The MCU's integrated op-amps interface directly with shunt resistors for current feedback. The 32 KB RAM accommodates both motor-control state machines and user-interface code for touch-button panels and UART command links to a host controller. Recommended companions: TK31N60W MOSFET, MCP1700 LDO, and AT24CM02 EEPROM.
Recommended
Drone and E-Bike Electronic Speed Controllers
The PIC24EP256MC204-E/PT is widely used in hobbyist and prosumer ESC designs thanks to its high-resolution PWM, fast ADC, and DSP engine. The 70 MIPS throughput runs sensorless FOC at PWM frequencies up to 50 kHz, supporting 6-step and sinusoidal commutation on the same firmware platform. The 256 KB Flash accommodates multiple motor profiles stored for different rotors, while 32 KB RAM buffers telemetry over UART to flight controllers. The compact 44-pin TQFP package fits inside small 20-30 A ESC housings. Recommended companions: SI8261 gate driver, STM32F0 (flight controller side), and MAX31855 thermocouple interface.
Recommended
Digital Power Conversion Control
Digitally controlled switch-mode power supplies and inverters use the PIC24EP256MC204-E/PT as a high-performance digital controller. The MCU executes digital PID loops, current-mode control, and adaptive dead-time compensation within tight cycle budgets. The high-speed ADC samples feedback at 500 ksps, enabling sub-microsecond control loop latency for multi-kW converters. Built-in op-amps interface with shunt and Hall-effect current sensors directly. The 256 KB Flash supports multiple operating modes and field upgradeable firmware via UART bootloader. Recommended companions: MCP16331 buck controller, Si8261 gate driver, and TLI4970 current sensor.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
Body controllers for HVAC blowers, seat positioners, mirror adjusters, and window lifts deploy the PIC24EP256MC204-E/PT in -40 C to +125 C environments. The extended temperature grade supports under-hood and cabin operation. Integrated ECAN peripheral enables communication with vehicle CAN bus at 1 Mbit/s alongside LIN/UART diagnostics. The 256 KB Flash supports layered firmware with bootloader and application partitions for field updates via CAN. The MCU is not AEC-Q100 qualified but is widely used in non-safety automotive subsystems. Recommended companions: TJA1050 CAN transceiver, MCP2515 stand-alone CAN, and LM5163 buck regulator.
Recommended
Industrial Automation and Robotics
Factory automation nodes, robotic actuators, and conveyor controllers leverage the PIC24EP256MC204-E/PT for combined motor control, sensor reading, and industrial bus communication. The integrated ECAN, UART, SPI, and I2C peripherals interface with sensors, HMIs, and higher-level PLCs. The DMA controller offloads peripheral data movement, freeing CPU cycles for control algorithms. The MCU's deterministic 60 MIPS performance supports real-time control loops without RTOS overhead in small deterministic systems. Recommended companions: MAX14819 IO-Link transceiver, ADXL345 IMU, and MCP2562 CAN transceiver.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24EP256MC204-E/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24EP128MC204-E/PT | PIC24EP256GP204-E/PT | PIC24EP256MC204-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) | 44-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 44-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 44-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) - same |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 128 KB (-50%) | 256 KB (same) | 256 KB (same) |
| RAM | 32 KB | 16 KB (-50%) | 32 KB (same) | 32 KB (same) |
| CPU Speed | 70 MIPS at 3.3V | 70 MIPS (same) | 70 MIPS (same) | 70 MIPS (same) |
| Motor-Control Peripherals | PWM + QEI + Op-Amps | PWM + QEI + Op-Amps (same) | General purpose (no PWM/QEI enhancements) | PWM + QEI + Op-Amps (same) |
| Temperature Grade | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty 1) | $5.45 | $4.20 (est., smaller Flash) | $5.10 (est., GP variant) | $5.30 (est., industrial grade) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated motor-control peripherals reduce BOM (vs PIC24EP256GP204-E/PT)
- Extended temperature grade for harsh environments (vs PIC24EP256MC204-I/PT)
- Largest memory in PIC24EP 44-pin TQFP family (vs PIC24EP128MC204-E/PT)
- Mature Microchip MPLAB X toolchain (vs Cortex-M3 alternatives (e.g. STM32F103))
Design Notes
The PIC24EP256MC204-E/PT requires a regulated 3.0 V to 3.6 V supply; 3.3 V nominal is standard. Use an LDO such as MCP1700 or a switching regulator with low ripple (<50 mV). Place 0.1 uF decoupling capacitors within 5 mm of every VDD/VSS pin pair, with one bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the main 3.3 V rail. The analog AVDD/AVSS pair should be isolated from digital VDD/VSS with a ferrite bead or small L-C filter for clean ADC readings. Total current draw including I/O can reach 60 mA at full CPU activity.
Route analog signals (AN0-AN4, op-amp inputs) away from PWM switching traces and the high-current motor phases. Use a ground pour on the top layer beneath the MCU and stitch with vias around the perimeter to suppress noise coupling into ADC readings. Place the crystal oscillator or external clock source within 10 mm of the OSCI/OSCO pins, with a guard ring tied to analog ground. The 44-pin TQFP requires standard 0.8 mm pitch routing - keep out under the package for thermal vias to a bottom-side copper pad.
Do not apply 5 V to any I/O pin - the PIC24EP256MC204-E/PT is NOT 5 V tolerant. Use level shifters (e.g. TXB0108) when interfacing to 5 V logic. Configure unused I/O as outputs driven low, not floating, to minimize current draw. Ensure the MCLR pin has the proper 10 kohm pull-up and decoupling capacitor per Microchip guidelines; missing MCLR hardware causes programming failure. When using the internal op-amps, configure the negative input pin function even if unused, to prevent floating-input shoot-through current.
Estimated: At 70 MIPS continuous operation with all peripherals enabled, internal power dissipation is approximately 80-120 mW (CPU + ADC + PWM + ECAN). Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance for the 44-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) is approximately 40 C/W with standard JEDEC test PCB. At 25 C ambient, junction temperature rise is ~5 C - well within the -40 C to +125 C operating envelope. For high-ambient (>85 C) enclosures, increase copper pour area on top and bottom layers to reduce theta_JA.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade is NOT equivalent to AEC-Q100 automotive qualification; this part is suitable for industrial and non-safety automotive body electronics but not for safety-critical automotive ECUs.