PIC24EP256MC206-I/MR - 70 MIPS 256KB Motor Control MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24EP256MC206-I/MR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.12 | $9.12 |
| 10 | $8.21 | $82.10 |
| 100 | $7.3 | $730.00 |
| 500 | $6.84 | $3,420.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.39 | $6,390.00 |
PIC24EP256MC206-I/MR Overview
The PIC24EP family belongs to the dsPIC/PIC24E family of 16-bit microcontrollers and digital signal controllers, designed to combine deterministic real-time control with signal-processing throughput for closed-loop systems. As a motor-control MCU (a subcategory of microcontroller), it sits in the broader hierarchy of microcontrollers -> microprocessors -> integrated circuits -> semiconductors. By integrating op-amps and comparators on-die, the device eliminates external analog signal conditioning for current/voltage sensing, simplifying PCB layout and BOM cost for three-phase motor inverters.
Key features include 256 KB self-programmable Flash (85.5K x 24 words), 32 KB SRAM, dedicated Motor Control PWM with up to 10 ns resolution, QEI for incremental encoder feedback, dual on-chip op-amps suitable for current sensing, four comparators, a Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG) for offloading CPU timing, and a 10/12-bit ADC with up to 16 channels and 1.1 Msps conversion rate. The device supports JTAG and ICSP debugging through the standard Microchip programming interface.
The architecture relies on a 16-bit Harvard core with a 24-bit instruction word and DSP extensions (MAC operations) for executing field-oriented control (FOC) loops and Kalman-filter sensor fusion in firmware. The 70 MIPS throughput gives roughly 14 ns per instruction cycle, sufficient to execute an FOC torque loop on a single shunt or dual shunt at 20 kHz PWM without saturating CPU budget. The PTG offloads deterministic peripheral sequencing, freeing the core for application code.
Typical applications span 3-phase BLDC and PMSM motor drives, sensored/sensorless field-oriented control, industrial servo loops, solar inverters, HVAC compressor drives, and electric-vehicle auxiliary pumps. The wide 3.0-3.6V single-supply operation and integrated analog front-end target industrial motor control sub-systems.
When designing with the PIC24EP256MC206-I/MR, allocate the PCB exposed pad directly under the QFN to a copper pour with 9+ thermal vias for heat spreading, because peak currents in PWM intensive code can lift junction temperature. Decouple VDD/VSS pairs with 100 nF X7R placed within 3 mm of each pin pair.
This page consolidates distributor pricing for the PIC24EP256MC206-I/MR, drop-in same-family alternatives (PIC24EP256GP206-I/PT, PIC24EP128MC206-E/MR), and application notes for three-phase motor design - synthesis that goes beyond the manufacturer datasheet to accelerate component selection and design reuse.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24EP256MC206-I/MR — 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 PIC24EP256MC206-I/MR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature, Package, Core, PWM Channels.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24EP256MC206-E/MR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP128MC206-E/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.22 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP128MC206T-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP128MC206T-E/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP256MC206-E/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP256MC206-I/MR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC24E 16-bit Harvard, 24-bit instruction word |
| Core Performance | 70 MIPS (60 MHz max CPU clock) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB (85.5K x 24 words) |
| Data SRAM | 32 KB |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial -I grade) |
| Package | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) with exposed pad (MR) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Motor Control PWM (MCPWM) | High-speed PWM with dedicated time bases |
| Quadrature Encoder Interface (QEI) | Yes (position counter for incremental encoders) |
| On-chip Operational Amplifiers | Yes, dual internal op-amps for current sensing |
| Analog Comparators | 4 comparators |
| Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG) | Yes (hardware peripheral sequencer) |
| ADC | 10/12-bit ADC, up to 16 channels |
| Communication Peripherals | UART, SPI, I2C (per datasheet peripheral summary) |
| Debug Interface | JTAG + ICSP |
| MSL Level | 3 (per JEDEC J-STD-020, generic QFN family) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC24EP256MC206-I/MR Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RP23/RB15 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 2 | RP24/RB14 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 3 | RP25/RB13 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 4 | RP26/RB12 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 5 | RP27/RB11 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 6 | RP28/RB10 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 7 | RP29/RB9 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 8 | RP30/RB8 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 9 | RP31/RB7 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Supply 3.3V |
| Pin 12 | OSC1/RA0 — Crystal oscillator input or GPIO |
| Pin 13 | OSC2/RA1 — Crystal oscillator output or GPIO |
| Pin 14 | RP8/RB8 — Remappable peripheral / I/O (peripheral index varies by datasheet revision) |
| Pin 15 | RP9/RB9 — Remappable peripheral / I/O (peripheral index varies by datasheet revision) |
| Pin 16 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Supply 3.3V |
| Pin 18 | RP0/RB0 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 19 | RP1/RB1 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 20 | RP2/RB2 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 21 | RP3/RB3 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 22 | RP4/RB4 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 23 | RP5/RB5 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 24 | RP6/RB6 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 25 | RP7/RB7 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 26 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Supply 3.3V |
| Pin 28 | RP16/RC0 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 29 | RP17/RC1 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 30 | RP18/RC2 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 31 | RP19/RC3 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 32 | RP20/RC4 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 33 | RP21/RC5 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 34 | RP22/RC6 — Remappable peripheral / I/O |
| Pin 35 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 36 | VDD — Supply 3.3V |
| Pin 37 | FLT1/RD8 — PWM fault input or GPIO |
| Pin 38 | FLT2/RD9 — PWM fault input or GPIO |
| Pin 39 | FLT3/RD10 — PWM fault input or GPIO |
| Pin 40 | FLT4/RD11 — PWM fault input or GPIO |
| Pin 41 | DTC/RA9 — PWM dead-time control or GPIO |
| Pin 42 | SYNCI/RD0 — PWM sync input or GPIO |
| Pin 43 | SYNCO/RD1 — PWM sync output or GPIO |
| Pin 44 | QEA/RD2 — Quadrature encoder input A or GPIO |
| Pin 45 | QEB/RD3 — Quadrature encoder input B or GPIO |
| Pin 46 | INDX/RD4 — Encoder index or GPIO |
| Pin 47 | HOME/RD5 — Home position or GPIO |
| Pin 48 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 49 | VDD — Supply 3.3V |
| Pin 50 | PWM1H/RD6 — PWM output high-side or GPIO |
| Pin 51 | PWM1L/RD7 — PWM output low-side or GPIO |
| Pin 52 | PWM2H/RF0 — PWM output high-side or GPIO |
| Pin 53 | PWM2L/RF1 — PWM output low-side or GPIO |
| Pin 54 | PWM3H/RF2 — PWM output high-side or GPIO |
| Pin 55 | PWM3L/RF3 — PWM output low-side or GPIO |
| Pin 56 | PWM4H/RF4 — PWM output high-side or GPIO |
| Pin 57 | PWM4L/RF5 — PWM output low-side or GPIO |
| Pin 58 | PWM5H/RF6 — PWM output high-side or GPIO |
| Pin 59 | PWM5L/RF7 — PWM output low-side or GPIO |
| Pin 60 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 61 | VDD — Supply 3.3V |
| Pin 62 | MCLR — Master clear / reset (active low) |
| Pin 63 | PGED1 — ICSP programming data / JTAG TDO |
| Pin 64 | PGEC1 — ICSP programming clock / JTAG TCK |
| Pin 65 | EPAD — Exposed pad - must be soldered to PCB ground pad for thermal dissipation and electrical reference (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC24EP256MC206-I/MR is suitable for 7 applications: 3-Phase Brushless DC (BLDC) Motor Drive, PMSM Field-Oriented Control (FOC) Servo Drive, Industrial Servo Loop Controller, Solar Inverter Control Board, HVAC Compressor Motor Drive, EV Auxiliary Pump Motor Controller, Industrial Robotic Joint Motor Driver.
3-Phase Brushless DC (BLDC) Motor Drive
The PIC24EP256MC206-I/MR is purpose-built for 3-phase BLDC motor drives. The integrated Motor Control PWM (MCPWM) generates 3 complementary PWM pairs with programmable dead-time, the on-chip dual op-amps condition shunt-resistor current signals and the Quadrature Encoder Interface (QEI) tracks rotor position from an incremental encoder. At 70 MIPS the core can execute a sensored FOC torque loop within a 50 us PWM period, leaving ample CPU budget for speed/torque PI regulators and CAN comms. The 64-pin QFN (9x9) footprint fits inside the inverter PCB and the integrated analog front-end removes 4-6 external op-amps, BOM reduction that is critical for cost-sensitive industrial drives. Reference Microchip application note AN1078 for FOC firmware templates.
Recommended
PMSM Field-Oriented Control (FOC) Servo Drive
The PIC24EP256MC206-I/MR implements sensored or sensorless FOC for permanent-magnet synchronous motors used in industrial servos. Its 70 MIPS DSP-extended core executes Clarke/Park transforms, inverse Park, and SVPWM modulation inside a 20-50 kHz control loop without saturating CPU budget. The 256 KB Flash holds complete FOC firmware including observer algorithms (BEMF sliding-mode or Luenberger), protection state machines and UART/CAN command stacks. The 32 KB SRAM accommodates dual sampling of two ADC channels within each PWM cycle. According to Microchip AN1078/AN2444 the device is a reference platform for industrial servo drive developers and the 64-pin QFN exposes all QEI/PTG/MCPWM signals on the same package.
Recommended
Industrial Servo Loop Controller
In multi-axis industrial machinery, the PIC24EP256MC206-I/MR drives a single servo axis with deterministic performance. Its 70 MIPS performance is sufficient to close a current loop at 20 kHz and a position loop at 1 kHz in parallel, including S-curve trajectory generation. The Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG) sequences ADC sampling, PWM reload and protection events without CPU intervention, reducing interrupt overhead and jitter. The integrated 4 comparators deliver hardware over-current protection within ~50 ns - critical for protecting the IGBT/MOSFET inverter during short-circuit events. The 64-pin QFN (9x9) footprint is also conducive to stacked PCB designs used in rack-mounted servo drives.
Recommended
Solar Inverter Control Board
In small-to-medium solar micro-inverters, the PIC24EP256MC206-I/MR runs MPPT, inverter control and grid-synchronization firmware. The 70 MIPS core implements both Perturb-and-Observe / Incremental Conductance MPPT (10-50 ms loop) and the inverter power loop (20 kHz) on a single MCU, eliminating a separate DSP. The on-chip op-amps sense DC-bus current and AC grid current with galvanic isolation through a shunt amplifier; the comparators enable hardware over-current and anti-islanding protection. The 256 KB Flash fits Open Source grid-tie firmware stacks and the 64-pin QFN thermally fits into IP65 enclosures. The industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature range handles outdoor inverter environments.
Recommended
HVAC Compressor Motor Drive
Variable-speed HVAC compressors use BLDC or PMSM motors with sinusoidal FOC, and the PIC24EP256MC206-I/MR is well matched to this role. Its integrated MCPWM and dual on-chip op-amps directly drive the IPM module of a 3-phase compressor without external analog. The 70 MIPS core runs sensorless FOC with a sliding-mode observer, reducing BOM by removing the rotor-position sensor. The 256 KB Flash is sufficient to store compressor control curves, fault logs and Modbus/CAN communication stacks used by HVAC control units. The -40 C to +85 C industrial grade is rated for compressor ambient inside the outdoor unit, while the 64-pin QFN keeps the control board compact for in-line integration.
Recommended
EV Auxiliary Pump Motor Controller
In electric vehicles, auxiliary pumps (coolant, oil, refrigerant) use BLDC motors controlled by a small MCU; the PIC24EP256MC206-I/MR is suited to this role because its on-chip op-amps handle two-shunt current sensing and the integrated MCPWM produces center-aligned PWM with dead-time insertion required by 12 V/48 V brushless pumps. The 256 KB Flash holds AUTOSAR-style or basic CAN/LIN pump firmware, and the 70 MIPS core runs speed-PI plus torque-PI loops in real time. Note that for AEC-Q100 qualified automotive pumps, designers should evaluate the AEC-Q100 qualified Microchip automotive variant of this silicon; this part is the industrial grade.
Recommended
Industrial Robotic Joint Motor Driver
Multi-axis robotic arms require per-axis motor controllers running FOC at high update rates, and the PIC24EP256MC206-I/MR fits this role as an axis controller. Its 70 MIPS core closes torque/velocity/position loops at 20/1/0.5 kHz respectively, the QEI interfaces directly to incremental encoders at the joint, and the MCPWM drives the joint inverter. The 64-pin QFN footprint is small enough for in-joint mounting. The Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG) sequences multi-channel ADC sampling for cross-coupling compensation between joints. For higher-axis-count robots, designers network multiple PIC24EP256MC206-I/MR parts via CAN, with each controller closing its own axis loop locally.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24EP256MC206-I/MR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24EP256MC206-E/MR | PIC24EP128MC206-E/MR | PIC24EP128MC206T-I/MR | PIC24EP128MC206T-E/MR | PIC24EP256MC206-E/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 64-pin QFN (MR, 9x9) | 64-pin QFN (MR, 9x9) - same | 64-pin QFN (MR, 9x9) - same | 64-pin QFN (MR, 9x9) - same | 64-pin QFN (MR, 9x9) - same | 64-pin TQFP (PT) - different |
| Core / Max MIPS | PIC24E 16-bit / 70 MIPS | PIC24E 16-bit / 70 MIPS - same | PIC24E 16-bit / 70 MIPS - same | PIC24E 16-bit / 70 MIPS - same | PIC24E 16-bit / 70 MIPS - same | PIC24E 16-bit / 70 MIPS - same |
| Flash | 256 KB | 256 KB - same | 128 KB (-50%) | 128 KB (-50%) | 128 KB (-50%) | 256 KB - same |
| SRAM | 32 KB | 32 KB - same | 32 KB - same | 32 KB - same | 32 KB - same | 32 KB - same |
| Temperature Grade | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial -I) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended -E) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended -E) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial -I) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended -E) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended -E) |
| Motor Control Peripherals (MCPWM, QEI, op-amps) | Yes | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same |
| RoHS / Lead-Free | Compliant / Yes | Compliant / Yes | Compliant / Yes | Compliant / Yes | Compliant / Yes | Compliant / Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Integrates two on-chip op-amps for current sensing that competitors require as external components (vs PIC24EP256GP206-I/PT)
- Industrial temperature range with -I grade (vs PIC24EP256MC206-E/MR)
- QFN (MR, 9x9) footprint with exposed thermal pad (vs PIC24EP256MC206-E/PT)
Design Notes
The 64-pin QFN (MR, 9x9) package exposes a central thermal pad (EPAD) that MUST be soldered to a PCB copper pour with a grid of 9-16 thermal vias for heat spreading. Estimated junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of the QFN with a 1 oz copper 1 sq inch pour on a 4-layer board is approximately 25-30 C/W; in PWM-intensive 70 MIPS code that drives 3-phase inverter switching at 20 kHz, peak junction rise can reach 30-40 C above ambient. Provide adequate copper area or forced airflow for industrial enclosures exceeding 60 C ambient. Per Microchip packaging guideline documents, skip-trace connection under the package is not acceptable - a continuous copper pour directly under the EPAD is required for electrical and thermal performance.
Decouple every VDD/VSS pair with a 100 nF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of each pin pair on the top layer, with short, wide (>=0.3 mm) traces. Add one bulk 4.7-10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor per VDD plane. Per Microchip datasheet, AVDD analog supply pins (where present) require a ferrite bead and separate 100 nF + 10 uF capacitor to keep ADC sampling noise low (target ADC SNR > 60 dB). For the MCPWM outputs, route traces to the gate driver with a series gate resistor of 10-22 ohm for slew-rate control and EMI mitigation.
Do not leave the EPAD floating - it must be soldered to the ground plane for both electrical reference and thermal dissipation. The MCLR pin (pin 62) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation; if a reset pushbutton is fitted, use a 100 nF capacitor in series with the button for debounce and a 1 kohm current-limiting resistor. When configuring the PLL, follow the Microchip datasheet oscillator trade-offs - switching the system clock while peripherals are active can lock the device. Finally, ensure firmware stays within 256 KB Flash; if the binary approaches this limit, migrate to PIC24EP512 or to the larger dsPIC33EP family rather than disable features.
Keep analog signals (ADC inputs, op-amp outputs, comparator inputs) physically separated from PWM switching traces to prevent capacitive coupling into current-sensing channels. Use a guard ring around op-amp input pins tied to a clean analog ground. For the QEI signals (QEA, QEB, INDX, HOME) keep traces matched-length to within 5 mm and isolated from noise sources. Per Microchip AN1078 application note, route the MCPWM signals together with the gate-driver signals to maintain tight timing skew across all three inverter legs.
The MCPWM outputs of the PIC24EP256MC206-I/MR can have nanosecond-class edge rates; at 20 kHz PWM switching, the dV/dt on the inverter phase node can exceed 5 V/ns, generating significant common-mode EMI. Place a common-mode choke in series with the encoder feedback lines (QEA/QEB) and route them away from switching traces. The on-chip op-amp outputs are not rail-to-rail - their output swing is typically VDD-0.3V to VSS+0.3V; ensure the shunt-resistor and op-amp gain combination keep the signal within this window for accurate ADC conversion without saturating the analog front-end.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - select the AEC-Q100 qualified Microchip automotive variant of the PIC24EP MC family if automotive motor-control qualification is required. Halogen-free per JEDEC JS709. Conflict-minerals statement compliant per Microchip sustainability disclosures.
