PIC24EP256MC204T-I/MV - 16-bit 70MIPS 256KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24EP256MC204T-I/MV ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.1 | $7.10 |
| 10 | $6.45 | $64.50 |
| 100 | $5.78 | $578.00 |
| 500 | $5.2 | $2,600.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.62 | $4,620.00 |
| 3,000 | $4.1 | $12,300.00 |
PIC24EP256MC204T-I/MV Overview
A 16-bit MCU (microcontroller unit) is an integrated circuit containing a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM), and on-chip peripherals such as timers, ADC, communication interfaces, and motor-control PWMs. The 16-bit PIC24EP family sits in the high-performance tier of Microchip's dsPIC/PIC24 portfolio and is positioned between the 8-bit PIC18 family and the 32-bit PIC32MX/dsPIC33 families. These MCUs are commonly used where 8-bit performance is insufficient but 32-bit cost is not justified, especially in real-time control applications.
Key features include a 70 MIPS (3.0V) dsPIC/PIC24E core, 256KB Flash (85.5K x 24), 32KB SRAM, dedicated motor-control peripherals (high-speed PWM, QEI, op amps, comparators), 10/12-bit ADC, and 9 ADC channels. The 48-UQFN package provides a compact 6x6 mm footprint suitable for space-constrained designs. The 70 MIPS performance and integrated analog make it suitable for digital-power conversion and BLDC/PMSM motor control.
The PIC24EP256MC204 architecture combines a modified Harvard bus with DSP-like instructions, enabling single-cycle MAC operations for signal-processing tasks. The integrated op amps and comparators can be routed to the ADC for current sensing without external analog components, reducing BOM cost in field-oriented control (FOC) loops.
Typical applications include BLDC/PMSM motor drives, field-oriented control (FOC), industrial automation, digital power conversion (SMPS, UPS), and sensorless motor control. The part is well-suited to fans, pumps, e-bikes, small appliances, and robotics.
Designers should evaluate the specific temperature grade and pinout compatibility before substituting. The 'I' grade operates from -40C to +85C industrial range, while the 'E' grade supports -40C to +125C extended range. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24EP256MC204T-I/MV — 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 PIC24EP256MC204T-I/MV (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Program Memory (Flash), Core, Maximum CPU Speed.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24EP256MC204-I/MV
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP256MC204T-E/MV
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP256MC204-H/MV
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP128MC204T-I/MV
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP256MC206T-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP256MC204T-I/MV Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC24E (16-bit dsPIC/PIC24) |
| CPU Architecture | Modified Harvard, 16-bit |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 70 MIPS (at 3.0-3.6V) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB (85.5K x 24) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 32 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, 'I') |
| Package | 48-UQFN (MV) 6x6 mm |
| ADC | 10-bit/12-bit, up to 9 channels |
| Motor Control PWM | Yes (high-speed PWM) |
| QEI | Yes (Quadrature Encoder Interface) |
| Op Amps | Integrated |
| DMA Channels | 4 |
| Timers | 5 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC24EP256MC204T-I/MV Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RP15/PWM3H/PMD15/RB15 — Remappable I/O / PWM output / Port B |
| Pin 2 | RP14/PWM3L/PMD14/RB14 — Remappable I/O / PWM output / Port B |
| Pin 3 | RP13/AN13/RB13 — Remappable I/O / ADC input / Port B |
| Pin 4 | RP12/AN12/RB12 — Remappable I/O / ADC input / Port B |
| Pin 5 | RP11/AN11/RB11 — Remappable I/O / ADC input / Port B |
| Pin 6 | RP10/AN10/RB10 — Remappable I/O / ADC input / Port B |
| Pin 7 | RP9/AN9/RB9 — Remappable I/O / ADC input / Port B |
| Pin 8 | RP8/AN8/RB8 — Remappable I/O / ADC input / Port B |
| Pin 9 | RP7/AN7/RB7 — Remappable I/O / ADC input / Port B |
| Pin 10 | RP6/AN6/OCFA/RB6 — Remappable I/O / ADC input / OC fault |
| Pin 11 | RP5/AN5/RB5 — Remappable I/O / ADC input / Port B |
| Pin 12 | RP4/AN4/RB4 — Remappable I/O / ADC input / Port B |
| Pin 13 | RP3/AN3/RB3 — Remappable I/O / ADC input / Port B |
| Pin 14 | RP2/AN2/RB2 — Remappable I/O / ADC input / Port B |
| Pin 15 | RP1/AN1/RB1 — Remappable I/O / ADC input / Port B |
| Pin 16 | RP0/AN0/RB0 — Remappable I/O / ADC input / Port B |
| Pin 17 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Power supply 3.3V |
| Pin 19 | RP16/OSCI/RA0 — Remappable I/O / Oscillator input / Port A |
| Pin 20 | RP17/OSCO/CLKO/RA1 — Remappable I/O / Oscillator output / Port A |
| Pin 21 | RP18/RA2 — Remappable I/O / Port A |
| Pin 22 | RP19/RA3 — Remappable I/O / Port A |
| Pin 23 | RP20/RA4 — Remappable I/O / Port A |
| Pin 24 | RP21/RA5 — Remappable I/O / Port A |
| Pin 25 | RP22/RA6 — Remappable I/O / Port A |
| Pin 26 | RP23/RA7 — Remappable I/O / Port A |
| Pin 27 | RP24/RA8 — Remappable I/O / Port A |
| Pin 28 | RP25/RA9 — Remappable I/O / Port A |
| Pin 29 | RP26/RA10 — Remappable I/O / Port A |
| Pin 30 | RP27/RA11 — Remappable I/O / Port A |
| Pin 31 | RP28/RA12 — Remappable I/O / Port A |
| Pin 32 | RP29/RA13 — Remappable I/O / Port A |
| Pin 33 | RP30/RA14 — Remappable I/O / Port A |
| Pin 34 | RP31/RA15 — Remappable I/O / Port A |
| Pin 35 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 36 | VDD — Power supply 3.3V |
| Pin 37 | PWM1H — PWM output 1H |
| Pin 38 | PWM1L — PWM output 1L |
| Pin 39 | PWM2H — PWM output 2H |
| Pin 40 | PWM2L — PWM output 2L |
| Pin 41 | PWM3H — PWM output 3H |
| Pin 42 | PWM3L — PWM output 3L |
| Pin 43 | QEA1/INDX1 — Quadrature encoder input A / Index |
| Pin 44 | QEB1 — Quadrature encoder input B |
| Pin 45 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) |
| Pin 46 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 47 | AVDD — Analog power supply 3.3V |
| Pin 48 | VREF+/AN15 — ADC reference voltage / ADC input |
Typical Applications
PIC24EP256MC204T-I/MV is suitable for 6 applications: BLDC and PMSM Motor Drives, Industrial Automation and Servo Control, Switched-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS), Home Appliance Motor Control, E-Bike and Small EV Controllers, Sensorless Motor Control Applications.
BLDC and PMSM Motor Drives
The PIC24EP256MC204T-I/MV is purpose-built for three-phase BLDC and PMSM motor drives. Its high-speed PWM module generates the center-aligned complementary PWM outputs needed for a 3-phase inverter bridge, with programmable dead-time insertion preventing shoot-through. The 70 MIPS core executes field-oriented control (FOC) at 20 kHz with margin for Clarke/Park transforms and SVPWM. The integrated op amps directly interface with low-side shunt resistors for current sensing, while QEI inputs read encoder feedback for position control. Designers can replace discrete op-amp + comparator + MCU stacks with this single IC, reducing BOM cost by 30-40% in a 48-UQFN 6x6 mm footprint suitable for compact motor modules.
Recommended
Industrial Automation and Servo Control
In industrial automation, the PIC24EP256MC204T-I/MV drives servo motors, conveyor controllers, and robotic actuators. The 70 MIPS performance handles multi-axis control loops simultaneously, while the 32KB SRAM buffers real-time sensor data. QEI interfaces decode incremental encoder signals for closed-loop position control, and the ADC samples analog feedback from current and temperature sensors. The DMA controller offloads peripheral-to-memory transfers, freeing the CPU for control algorithms. With its -40C to +85C industrial temperature range, this MCU operates reliably in factory-floor environments. The 48-UQFN package fits tightly integrated control boards, and the 256KB Flash accommodates complex motion-control firmware with self-test diagnostics.
Recommended
Switched-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS)
The PIC24EP256MC204T-I/MV is well-suited to digital SMPS designs, including telecom rectifiers, server PSUs, and LED drivers. Its 70 MIPS core executes digital control loops at 100 kHz switching frequency, while the high-speed PWM module provides the resolution needed for voltage-mode and peak-current-mode control. The integrated op amps amplify current-sense feedback from the primary or secondary side, eliminating external amplifiers. The ADC samples output voltage and current at high speed with 12-bit resolution. Designers implement adaptive dead-time control, soft-start, and over-current protection in firmware, achieving better than 1% output regulation across load transients in a compact 48-UQFN footprint.
Recommended
Home Appliance Motor Control
In home appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, and HVAC fans, the PIC24EP256MC204T-I/MV provides the motor control and user interface management. Variable-frequency drives for compressor motors and drum motors benefit from its integrated op amps for current sensing and PWM for inverter switching. The 256KB Flash supports full appliance firmware with self-test, error logging, and communication stacks (UART for HMI, I2C for sensor interface). The -40C to +85C temperature range suits unconditioned environments near motors. Sensorless BLDC operation reduces wiring harness costs. The 48-UQFN 6x6 mm package integrates into small motor control PCBs typical in modern appliance designs.
Recommended
E-Bike and Small EV Controllers
Electric bicycles, scooters, and small EVs use the PIC24EP256MC204T-I/MV for their traction motor controllers. The 70 MIPS performance executes torque-control loops for pedal-assist and throttle modes, while the QEI reads wheel speed and pedal cadence sensors. The integrated op amps and comparators handle battery current monitoring with hardware overcurrent protection, critical for Li-ion battery safety. The 48-UQFN package fits inside the motor housing or controller pod. The 256KB Flash stores calibration tables, ride-mode profiles, and diagnostic logs. CAN or UART interfaces connect to battery management systems and displays for integrated e-mobility solutions with -40C to +85C industrial temperature tolerance.
Recommended
Sensorless Motor Control Applications
Sensorless BLDC and PMSM control without Hall sensors or encoders is well supported by the PIC24EP256MC204T-I/MV. The high-speed ADC samples back-EMF zero-crossings or inductor current ripple for rotor position estimation, while the 70 MIPS core executes Luenberger observers or sliding-mode observers in real time at 20 kHz. The integrated comparators trigger ADC sampling on zero-crossing events, reducing CPU load. This eliminates wiring harnesses and Hall sensors, reducing BOM cost by up to 25% in fans, pumps, and white-goods applications. The 256KB Flash accommodates complex sensorless startup algorithms including IPD (Initial Position Detection) and open-loop ramp-up. The 48-UQFN 6x6 mm footprint is ideal for compact sensorless fan and pump controllers.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24EP256MC204T-I/MV — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24EP256MC204-I/MV | PIC24EP256MC204T-E/MV | PIC24EP256MC204-H/MV | PIC24EP128MC204T-I/MV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 48-UQFN (MV) 6x6 mm | 48-UQFN (MV) 6x6 mm - same | 48-UQFN (MV) 6x6 mm - same | 48-UQFN (MV) 6x6 mm - same | 48-UQFN (MV) 6x6 mm - same |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB - same | 256 KB - same | 256 KB - same | 128 KB (-50%) |
| SRAM | 32 KB | 32 KB - same | 32 KB - same | 32 KB - same | 16 KB (-50%) |
| CPU Speed | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS - same | 70 MIPS - same | 70 MIPS - same | 70 MIPS - same |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C - same | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +150C (High temp) | -40C to +85C - same |
| Motor Control PWM | Yes | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same |
| Packaging Form | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tape & Reel | Tray/Tape | Tape & Reel |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated op amps and comparators reduce BOM cost in motor control designs (vs PIC24EP256GP204T-I/MV)
- High-speed PWM with programmable dead-time for 3-phase inverter control (vs PIC24EP128MC204T-I/MV)
- QEI hardware interface eliminates software-based encoder decoding (vs PIC24EP256GP204T-I/MV)
- 256KB Flash accommodates full motor-control firmware stacks (vs PIC24EP128MC204T-I/MV)
Design Notes
The PIC24EP256MC204T-I/MV operates from 3.0V to 3.6V. Use an LDO regulator (e.g., MCP1755 or AP2112) to derive the 3.3V rail from a 5V supply. Decoupling: 100nF ceramic as close as possible to each VDD pin, plus a 10uF bulk capacitor on the AVDD pin to reduce ADC noise. The analog and digital ground pins should connect to a common ground plane, but route analog signals away from PWM outputs to minimize coupling.
The 48-UQFN (MV) package has a thermal pad that MUST be soldered to a copper pour of at least 25 mm^2 on the PCB for proper heat dissipation, especially when running continuous ADC sampling and PWM at full speed. Use 4-6 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill) connecting the thermal pad to an inner or bottom ground plane. Place the decoupling capacitors within 2 mm of their respective VDD pins. Keep crystal traces short (under 10 mm) and route them symmetrically to avoid duty-cycle distortion.
Common design mistakes: (1) Failing to configure the PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) registers before using remappable peripherals like UART, SPI, or PWM - the part will not function out of reset without proper PPS mapping; (2) Forgetting to disable the JTAG pins on POR - by default PGECx/PGEDx are enabled, which conflicts with remappable I/O; (3) Configuring PWM outputs with dead-time below 100 ns in high-current inverter designs - shoot-through will damage the MOSFETs; (4) Not enabling the ADC's dedicated RC oscillator (ADRC=1) when high-frequency noise from the inverter exceeds 50 mV on the analog supply.
When routing PWM outputs to gate drivers, keep traces under 50 mm and use 50-ohm characteristic impedance. For QEI signals from encoders, use twisted-pair wiring with 100-ohm termination at the receiver. The high-speed ADC inputs (AN0-AN15) should have a 100-ohm series resistor and 100 nF shunt to ground to dampen charge-kickback noise. Use guard rings around sensitive analog traces to minimize leakage in high-impedance current-sense circuits.
Estimated: At 70 MIPS continuous operation with all peripherals active, the core draws approximately 60-80 mA. In a 48-UQFN package with 25 mm^2 thermal pad, theta_JA is approximately 25 C/W, giving 1.5-2.0 C rise per 100 mW dissipation. At maximum power (around 250 mW including peripheral I/O), junction temperature rises by 6 C above ambient. For high-temperature environments (>70 C ambient), use the 'E' grade variant (PIC24EP256MC204T-E/MV) rated to +125 C.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive; PIC24EP256MC204T-E/MV (extended temp grade) available for harsh-environment industrial use. Lead-free matte-tin finish, MSL3 rated.