PIC24EP256MC204-I/ML - 70 MIPS 16-bit Motor Control MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24EP256MC204-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.2 | $7.20 |
| 10 | $6.48 | $64.80 |
| 100 | $5.65 | $565.00 |
| 500 | $4.95 | $2,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.4 | $4,400.00 |
PIC24EP256MC204-I/ML Overview
What is a 16-bit motor-control MCU? A 16-bit microcontroller is a CPU core with a 16-bit data path, sitting between 8-bit MCUs (lower performance, lower cost) and 32-bit Cortex-M cores (higher performance, higher power). The PIC24E family uses a modified Harvard RISC architecture with DSP extensions, enabling single-cycle MAC operations and DSP-class filtering. The "MC" sub-family specializes in field-oriented control (FOC), adding high-resolution PWM (typically 1.6 ns edge placement), QEI for rotor position feedback, and on-chip op-amps for current sensing - removing external analog front-ends and shortening bill-of-material.
Key features include up to 70 MIPS CPU performance from a 70 MHz oscillator, four high-speed PWM channels with duty-cycle resolution suitable for FOC, dual on-chip op-amps configurable as current-sense amplifiers, four analog comparators with 10 ns response for hardware overcurrent protection, and a CTMU/PTG module that offloads timing-critical events from the CPU. The 44-QFN (8x8 mm) package provides a low-thermal-resistance path to the PCB copper pour, essential for sustained FOC loops at high switching frequencies. Communication peripherals include UART, SPI, I2C, and ECAN, simplifying connectivity to supervisory controllers or industrial fieldbuses.
Typical applications include brushless DC (BLDC) and permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drives, industrial servo amplifiers, drone ESCs, e-bike and e-scooter traction controllers, robotic arm actuators, and HVAC fan/pump controllers. The integrated op-amps and QEI reduce external component count, while the 70 MIPS headroom supports space-vector modulation and observer-based sensorless control at 20-50 kHz loop rates.
When designing with this part, allocate the exposed pad (EP) as a continuous copper pour stitched with thermal vias to the inner ground plane to dissipate die heat during high-current PWM switching. Plan the QEI input routing for matched-length differential traces to the encoder, and dedicate one comparator as a cycle-by-cycle current-limit for hardware-safe shutdown. The device operates from 3.0-3.6 V; add a local 100 nF + 10 uF decoupling network within 3 mm of every VDD/VSS pair.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24EP256MC204-I/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-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24EP128MC204-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP256MC204-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP256MC204-H/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP128MC204T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP128MC204-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP128MC204-E/MV
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.61 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP256MC204-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC24E (16-bit modified Harvard RISC with DSP extensions) |
| CPU Speed | 70 MIPS at 70 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB (85.5K x 24 words) |
| RAM | 32 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | 44-pin QFN (8x8 mm) with exposed thermal pad |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, "I") |
| PWM Channels | High-speed PWM (motor control) |
| QEI (Quadrature Encoder Interface) | Yes |
| On-Chip Op-Amps | Yes (configurable) |
| Analog Comparators | Yes (with 10 ns response) |
| ADC | 10/12-bit ADC |
| Communication Peripherals | UART, SPI, I2C, ECAN |
| Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG) | Yes |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC24EP256MC204-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RP15/RB15 — Remappable peripheral pin / port B bit 15 |
| Pin 2 | RP14/RB14 — Remappable peripheral pin / port B bit 14 |
| Pin 3 | RP13/RB13 — Remappable peripheral pin / port B bit 13 |
| Pin 4 | RP12/RB12 — Remappable peripheral pin / port B bit 12 |
| Pin 5 | RP11/RB11 — Remappable peripheral pin / port B bit 11 |
| Pin 6 | RP10/RB10 — Remappable peripheral pin / port B bit 10 |
| Pin 7 | RP9/RB9 — Remappable peripheral pin / port B bit 9 |
| Pin 8 | RP8/RB8 — Remappable peripheral pin / port B bit 8 |
| Pin 9 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.3 V) |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | OSCI/CLKI — External clock input or crystal connection |
| Pin 12 | OSCO/CLKO — Crystal output or clock output |
| Pin 13 | RP7/RB7 — Remappable peripheral pin / port B bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | RP6/RB6 — Remappable peripheral pin / port B bit 6 |
| Pin 15 | RP5/RB5 — Remappable peripheral pin / port B bit 5 |
| Pin 16 | RP4/RB4 — Remappable peripheral pin / port B bit 4 |
| Pin 17 | RP3/RB3 — Remappable peripheral pin / port B bit 3 |
| Pin 18 | RP2/RB2 — Remappable peripheral pin / port B bit 2 |
| Pin 19 | RP1/RB1 — Remappable peripheral pin / port B bit 1 |
| Pin 20 | RP0/RB0 — Remappable peripheral pin / port B bit 0 |
| Pin 21 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 22 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.3 V) |
| Pin 23 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 (analog / digital) |
| Pin 24 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 (analog / digital) |
| Pin 25 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (analog / digital) |
| Pin 26 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 (analog / digital) |
| Pin 27 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 (analog / digital) |
| Pin 28 | AVDD — Analog positive supply |
| Pin 29 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 30 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 (analog / digital) |
| Pin 31 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 (analog / digital) |
| Pin 32 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 (analog / digital) |
| Pin 33 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 34 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 35 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 36 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 37 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 38 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 39 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 40 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 41 | RC8 — Port C bit 8 |
| Pin 42 | RC9 — Port C bit 9 |
| Pin 43 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 44 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.3 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC24EP256MC204-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: BLDC and PMSM Motor Drives, Industrial Servo Amplifiers, Drone and UAV Electronic Speed Controllers, E-Bike and E-Scooter Traction Controllers, HVAC Fan and Pump Controllers, Robotic Arm Actuator Controllers.
BLDC and PMSM Motor Drives
The PIC24EP256MC204-I/ML is purpose-built for field-oriented control (FOC) of 3-phase brushless DC and permanent-magnet synchronous motors. Its 70 MIPS performance delivers 3,500 instruction cycles per 20 kHz electrical loop, sufficient for Park/Clarke transforms, two PI current controllers, and SVPWM modulation. The integrated dual op-amps amplify shunt-resistor current signals without external analog front-ends, while the 1.6 ns PWM edge resolution minimizes torque ripple at high switching frequencies. Hardware QEI inputs rotor-position data from Hall or optical encoders, and the four 10 ns comparators provide cycle-by-cycle overcurrent protection that bypasses software latency - critical for automotive and industrial safety compliance.
Recommended
Industrial Servo Amplifiers
Servo amplifiers for CNC machines, robotics, and pick-and-place systems benefit from the PIC24EP256MC204-I/ML's deterministic interrupt latency and high-resolution PWM. The 16-bit PIC24E core executes PID loops with sub-microsecond jitter, while the Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG) sequences ADC sampling to PWM edges without CPU overhead - freeing MIPS for state-space observers and adaptive gain scheduling. ECAN connectivity simplifies integration into multi-axis industrial networks, and the 32 KB RAM buffers trajectory data for coordinated motion profiles across multiple axes.
Recommended
Drone and UAV Electronic Speed Controllers
Drone ESCs demand high PWM frequency (often 24-48 kHz), low latency, and compact PCB footprint - all served by the PIC24EP256MC204-I/ML. The 44-QFN (8x8 mm) package with exposed thermal pad delivers ~28 C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance, enabling 30 A continuous motor currents when paired with a properly stitched copper pour. The integrated op-amps measure phase currents at the inverter switching node, supporting back-EMF sensorless startup algorithms. ECAN or UART link to the flight controller for throttle, telemetry, and RPM reporting.
Recommended
E-Bike and E-Scooter Traction Controllers
E-bike and e-scooter traction controllers require a balance of efficiency, safety, and compact form factor. The PIC24EP256MC204-I/ML fits this role with its 70 MIPS DSP-extended core running sensorless FOC at 20-30 kHz, eliminating rotor-position sensors and reducing mechanical failure points. The integrated comparators enable hardware-level overcurrent and overvoltage shutdown within 10 ns - a regulatory requirement for personal electric vehicles. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range handles cold-weather battery-pack operation, while the 256 KB Flash stores multiple riding profiles (eco, sport, walk-assist).
Recommended
HVAC Fan and Pump Controllers
Energy-efficient HVAC systems increasingly use variable-speed BLDC fans and pumps controlled via FOC algorithms. The PIC24EP256MC204-I/ML's integrated peripherals reduce BOM cost by eliminating external current-sense amplifiers and analog filters. Its 256 KB Flash stores multiple fan curves and PID parameter sets for different operating modes (low-noise night mode, high-CFM day mode). ECAN or I2C integration with the building management system enables remote diagnostics and energy reporting, while the -40C to +85C industrial temperature range handles rooftop equipment in extreme climates.
Recommended
Robotic Arm Actuator Controllers
Robotic arm joint actuators require precise torque control, low-latency communication, and safety-rated hardware shutdown paths. The PIC24EP256MC204-I/ML drives the joint motor via FOC while communicating with the central controller over ECAN at 1 Mbaud. Its 1.6 ns PWM resolution enables smooth torque ripple suppression at low speeds, critical for collaborative robots (cobots) operating near humans. The on-chip op-amps and comparators support STO (Safe Torque Off) functionality as defined by IEC 61800-5-2, with hardware-enforced shutdown within one PWM cycle.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24EP256MC204-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24EP128MC204-I/ML | PIC24EP256MC204-E/ML | PIC24EP256MC204-H/ML | PIC24EP128MC204-E/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 128 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB |
| RAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| CPU Speed | 70 MIPS / 70 MHz | 70 MIPS / 70 MHz | 70 MIPS / 70 MHz | 70 MIPS / 70 MHz | 70 MIPS / 70 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +150C (High-temp) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| Integrated Op-Amps | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| QEI (Quadrature Encoder) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated dual op-amps and comparators eliminate external analog front-end (vs PIC24EP256GP204-I/PT)
- 1.6 ns PWM edge resolution for low-torque-ripple FOC (vs PIC24EP128GP204-I/PT)
- 70 MIPS PIC24E core with DSP extensions on-chip (vs PIC24FJ256GB206-I/PT)
- PTG (Peripheral Trigger Generator) offloads timing-critical tasks from CPU (vs PIC24HJ128GP504-I/PT)
Design Notes
Estimated: the 44-QFN (8x8 mm) exposed thermal pad provides the primary heat-dissipation path. At 70 MIPS running FOC at 20 kHz switching with 30 A phase current, internal dissipation is roughly 0.6 W. With a properly stitched 4 x 4 thermal-via array under the EP tied to a 2 oz inner copper pour, theta_JA is approximately 28 C/W. Ensure the EP is soldered with no voids greater than 10% per IPC-7093; voids above 25% will cause thermal runaway during sustained high-current PWM operation.
Place the 100 nF + 10 uF decoupling capacitor pair within 3 mm of each VDD/VSS pin pair. Keep the 44-QFN EP as a continuous copper pour stitched with thermal vias (0.3 mm drill, 0.6 mm pitch) to an internal ground plane. Route the QEI differential traces (QEA/QEB) as a matched-length pair with 100 ohm differential impedance, length-matched within 1 mm. Avoid routing digital signals (SPI, UART) across the analog ground island surrounding the op-amp input pins.
Do not exceed 3.6 V on VDD - overvoltage permanently damages the Flash and analog references. Use the internal op-amps within their input common-mode range (typically 0.3 V to VDD-0.3 V) - signals outside this range saturate the output and corrupt current readings. When migrating from PIC24FJ to PIC24EP, note that the EP family requires configuration bits to be set at programming time and does not auto-configure on power-up like the FJ series.
The high-speed PWM outputs (PWM1H/L through PWM4H/L) toggle at up to 1 ns edge rates. Keep PWM trace lengths below 25 mm and place a 10 ohm series resistor within 5 mm of the MCU pin if the trace exceeds 15 mm, to dampen ringing into the gate driver input capacitance. For QEI signals, add a 1 nF X7R capacitor to ground at each MCU pin if the encoder cable exceeds 0.5 m.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial -I temperature grade is not AEC-Q100 qualified; automotive designs should use the AEC-Q100 qualified variant if available, or add external qualification testing.