PIC24EP256MC206-I/PT - 70 MIPS 16-bit Motor Control MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24EP256MC206-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.92 | $7.92 |
| 10 | $7.13 | $71.30 |
| 100 | $6.42 | $642.00 |
| 500 | $5.78 | $2,890.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.21 | $5,210.00 |
PIC24EP256MC206-I/PT Overview
A 16-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a microprocessor-class device with a 16-bit data path, register width, and ALU, paired with on-chip Flash, RAM, and peripherals. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC24EP belongs to the microcontroller hierarchy: MCU -> 16-bit MCU -> DSC (Digital Signal Controller) -> PIC24E family -> Motor Control sub-family. This places it above 8-bit PIC MCUs in compute density but below 32-bit ARM Cortex-M parts in raw throughput, making it ideal for cost-sensitive, deterministic real-time control.
Key features include 256 KB (85.5K x 24) Flash, 32 KB SRAM, 4 KB EEPROM emulation, up to 53 I/O pins, and communication peripherals including I2C, SPI, UART, IrDA, and LIN. The integrated op-amps and high-resolution PWM make it suitable for field-oriented control (FOC) and trapezoidal commutation of BLDC, PMSM, and ACIM motors. The 70 MIPS core supports high-frequency control loops with deterministic latency, essential for sensorless FOC algorithms operating above 20 kHz PWM.
Architecturally, the PIC24E core combines a modified Harvard architecture with a 16-bit data path and 24-bit instruction word for superior code density. The dual sample-and-hold 10-bit ADC allows simultaneous current sensing on two motor phases, removing the dead-time between samples. Internal op-amps (configurable as gain stages or comparators) eliminate external analog signal conditioning, reducing BOM cost in compact motor drive designs.
Typical applications include BLDC motor control for drones and appliances, automotive cooling fans and pumps, industrial servo drives, and HVAC blowers. Designers choose the PIC24EP256MC206-I/PT for cost-optimized variable-frequency drives where integrated analog and motion-control peripherals reduce PCB complexity.
When designing with this part, evaluate operating temperature range (-40 C to +85 C for the -I grade), external crystal requirements for CAN or USB if needed, and ensure the 64-pin TQFP footprint is compatible with motor-drive PCBs that often require 600 V+ isolation clearances.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24EP256MC206-I/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 PIC24EP256MC206-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture, MSL Level.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24EP256MC204-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.66 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP256GP206-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP128MC206-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP256GU810-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSPIC33EP256MC506-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP256MC206-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC24E (16-bit modified Harvard) |
| Core Size | 16-bit |
| Program Memory | 256 KB (85.5K x 24) Flash |
| RAM | 32 KB |
| EEPROM | 4 KB (emulated) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 70 MIPS (at 3.0-3.6 V) |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 64-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| I/O Pins | 53 |
| ADC | 10-bit, dual sample-and-hold |
| PWM Channels | High-speed PWM (motor control dedicated) |
| Connectivity | I2C, IrDA, LIN, QEI, SPI, UART/USART |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect/Reset, DMA, Motor Control PWM, Op-Amps |
| Oscillator | Internal 7.37 MHz / external crystal supported |
| MSL Level | 3 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC24EP256MC206-I/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RP15/RX1/DAC1/AN15/RC15 — I/O / UART1 RX / DAC1 output / ADC analog input |
| Pin 2 | RP8/SCL1/INT0/RA8 — I/O / I2C1 clock / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 3 | RP9/SDA1/RA9 — I/O / I2C1 data |
| Pin 4 | RP10/RA10 — I/O port |
| Pin 5 | RP11/RA11 — I/O port |
| Pin 6 | RP12/RA12 — I/O port |
| Pin 7 | RP13/RA13 — I/O port |
| Pin 8 | RP14/RA14 — I/O port |
| Pin 9 | VDD — Digital supply voltage (3.3V) |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 11 | OSC1/CLKI/RA1 — Crystal oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 12 | OSC2/CLKO/RA2 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 13 | MCLR — Master clear (reset) input |
| Pin 14 | PGED3/RP7/RB7 — Programming data / I/O port |
| Pin 15 | PGEC3/RP6/RB6 — Programming clock / I/O port |
| Pin 16 | PGED1/RP5/RB5 — Programming data / I/O port |
| Pin 17 | PGEC1/RP4/RB4 — Programming clock / I/O port |
| Pin 18 | PGED2/RP3/RB3 — Programming data / I/O port |
| Pin 19 | PGEC2/RP2/RB2 — Programming clock / I/O port |
| Pin 20 | AN21/RP1/RB1 — ADC analog input / I/O port |
| Pin 21 | AN20/RP0/RB0 — ADC analog input / I/O port |
| Pin 22 | AN19/RA7 — ADC analog input / I/O port |
| Pin 23 | AN18/RA6 — ADC analog input / I/O port |
| Pin 24 | AN17/RA5 — ADC analog input / I/O port |
| Pin 25 | AN16/RA4 — ADC analog input / I/O port |
| Pin 26 | AN15/RA3 — ADC analog input / I/O port |
| Pin 27 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 28 | AVDD — Analog supply voltage (3.3V) |
| Pin 29 | AN14/RP14/RB14 — ADC analog input / I/O port |
| Pin 30 | AN13/RP13/RB13 — ADC analog input / I/O port |
| Pin 31 | AN12/RP12/RB12 — ADC analog input / I/O port |
| Pin 32 | AN11/RP11/RB11 — ADC analog input / I/O port |
| Pin 33 | AN10/RP10/RB10 — ADC analog input / I/O port |
| Pin 34 | AN9/RP9/RB9 — ADC analog input / I/O port |
| Pin 35 | AN8/RP8/RB8 — ADC analog input / I/O port |
| Pin 36 | AN7/RP7/RB7 — ADC analog input / I/O port |
| Pin 37 | AN6/RP6/RB6 — ADC analog input / I/O port |
| Pin 38 | AN5/RP5/RB5 — ADC analog input / I/O port |
| Pin 39 | AN4/RP4/RB4 — ADC analog input / I/O port |
| Pin 40 | AN3/RP3/RB3 — ADC analog input / I/O port |
| Pin 41 | AN2/RP2/RB2 — ADC analog input / I/O port |
| Pin 42 | AN1/RP1/RB1 — ADC analog input / I/O port |
| Pin 43 | AN0/RP0/RB0 — ADC analog input / I/O port |
| Pin 44 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 45 | VDD — Digital supply voltage (3.3V) |
| Pin 46 | PWM1H/RP15/RB15 — PWM output high / I/O port |
| Pin 47 | PWM1L/RP14/RB14 — PWM output low / I/O port |
| Pin 48 | PWM2H/RP13/RB13 — PWM output high / I/O port |
| Pin 49 | PWM2L/RP12/RB12 — PWM output low / I/O port |
| Pin 50 | PWM3H/RP11/RB11 — PWM output high / I/O port |
| Pin 51 | PWM3L/RP10/RB10 — PWM output low / I/O port |
| Pin 52 | QEA/RP9/RB9 — QEI phase A input / I/O port |
| Pin 53 | QEB/RP8/RB8 — QEI phase B input / I/O port |
| Pin 54 | INDX/RP7/RB7 — QEI index input / I/O port |
| Pin 55 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 56 | VDD — Digital supply voltage (3.3V) |
| Pin 57 | RP6/RB6 — I/O port |
| Pin 58 | RP5/RB5 — I/O port |
| Pin 59 | RP4/RB4 — I/O port |
| Pin 60 | RP3/RB3 — I/O port |
| Pin 61 | RP2/RB2 — I/O port |
| Pin 62 | RP1/RB1 — I/O port |
| Pin 63 | RP0/RB0 — I/O port |
| Pin 64 | REFO/RA0 — Reference output / I/O port |
Typical Applications
PIC24EP256MC206-I/PT is suitable for 7 applications: BLDC Motor Control for Drones, Industrial Servo Drives, HVAC Variable-Speed Blowers, Automotive Cooling Pumps and Fans, White Goods and Appliance Motor Control, Power Tools and Cordless Drills, Robotics and Small Motor Actuators.
BLDC Motor Control for Drones
The PIC24EP256MC206-I/PT is well-suited to electronic speed controller (ESC) designs for drone BLDC motors, where its 70 MIPS core, integrated high-speed PWM, dual sample-and-hold 10-bit ADC, and QEI interface deliver deterministic field-oriented control (FOC) loops above 20 kHz. The 256 KB Flash accommodates full sensorless FOC observer libraries plus telemetry and battery management code, while the on-chip op-amps remove the need for external current-sense conditioning, reducing ESC PCB area and BOM cost. Compared with general-purpose MCUs, the motor-control-dedicated peripherals (PWM, ADC, QEI, op-amps) eliminate software overhead and timing jitter critical for high-RPM propeller safety.
Recommended
Industrial Servo Drives
In industrial servo drive systems the PIC24EP256MC206-I/PT runs precision torque, velocity, and position loops with deterministic latency thanks to its 70 MIPS performance and dual sample-and-hold ADC that simultaneously samples two phase currents. The integrated op-amps (configurable as gain stages) interface directly to shunt-resistor current sensors, removing external analog signal conditioning and shrinking the analog front-end. Its 256 KB Flash holds FOC, profile generator, and Modbus/EtherCAT slave protocols; the 32 KB SRAM accommodates multi-axis command buffers. Designers select this MCU for cost-optimized sub-1 kW servo drives where the motor-control peripherals simplify hardware and shorten time-to-market.
Recommended
HVAC Variable-Speed Blowers
The PIC24EP256MC206-I/PT drives variable-speed HVAC blower and fan motors using sensorless or sensored FOC to meet energy-efficiency standards (SEER, ErP) while reducing audible switching noise. Its high-resolution PWM enables quiet commutation at low RPM, while the 10-bit ADC with dual sample-and-hold captures motor current synchronously with PWM edges for accurate torque control. The industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature grade and integrated peripherals make it a strong fit for compressor and blower control boards installed in attics or outdoor condensing units where ambient temperatures swing widely.
Recommended
Automotive Cooling Pumps and Fans
The PIC24EP256MC206-I/PT (industrial -I grade) is suitable for non-safety automotive auxiliary loads like coolant pumps and radiator fans where AEC-Q100 is not required. Its integrated high-speed PWM, dual sample-and-hold ADC, and QEI simplify brushless DC drive design, while 256 KB Flash supports LIN slave communication plus application firmware. For safety-critical or AEC-Q100 automotive applications, designers should move to the PIC24EP256MC206-E automotive grade variant or qualified dsPIC33EP family. The motor-control-dedicated peripherals reduce PCB area in space-constrained under-hood modules.
Recommended
White Goods and Appliance Motor Control
Washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerator compressors use the PIC24EP256MC206-I/PT to drive variable-speed BLDC or PMSM motors that meet EU energy-label and US ENERGY STAR requirements. The integrated op-amps, dual sample-and-hold ADC, and high-resolution PWM deliver the torque ripple and acoustic performance needed for quiet appliance operation, while 256 KB Flash holds user-interface protocols plus inverter firmware. The MCU's low BOM cost (gate driver plus external passives) makes it the right balance of compute density and bill-of-materials in price-sensitive consumer appliances.
Recommended
Power Tools and Cordless Drills
The PIC24EP256MC206-I/PT is a fit for sensorless or sensored BLDC motor control in cordless power tools where high torque-per-amp and battery efficiency are critical. Its 70 MIPS core and integrated motor-control peripherals (PWM, ADC, QEI, op-amps) enable compact PCB designs inside tool housings, while 256 KB Flash holds torque-limiting, current-foldback, and trigger-profile algorithms. The MCU operates directly from a regulated 3.3 V rail derived from the 18-20 V battery pack via a buck converter, supporting peak current demands during stall conditions with deterministic loop times.
Recommended
Robotics and Small Motor Actuators
Small robotics platforms and hobby servo drives use the PIC24EP256MC206-I/PT for multi-axis BLDC control where the 70 MIPS core runs multiple current loops, the QEI interfaces to incremental encoders, and the integrated op-amps condition shunt-resistor feedback. The 64-pin TQFP package gives 53 I/O pins, enough for 2-3 axes plus UART/SPI communication to a host controller or CAN bus. Designers benefit from the MCU's deterministic interrupt latency and dual sample-and-hold ADC which removes phase-current measurement dead-time, enabling smoother torque ripple at low speeds.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24EP256MC206-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24EP256GP206-I/PT | PIC24EP128MC206-I/PT | dsPIC33EP256MC506-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 64-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) | 64-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) - same |
| Core | PIC24E 16-bit (70 MIPS) | PIC24E 16-bit (70 MIPS) | PIC24E 16-bit (70 MIPS) | dsPIC33E 16-bit DSC (70 MIPS + DSP) |
| Flash | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB (-50%) | 256 KB |
| RAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB (-50%) | 32 KB |
| Motor Control PWM | Yes (dedicated) | No (general-purpose) | Yes (dedicated) | Yes (dedicated) |
| DSP Engine | No | No | No | Yes (MAC, barrel-shifter) |
| Integrated Op-Amps | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated motor-control op-amps eliminate external analog front-end (vs PIC24EP256GP206-I/PT)
- 256 KB Flash supports full FOC sensorless observer plus communication stack (vs PIC24EP128MC206-I/PT)
- Cost-optimized vs DSP-class performance trade-off (vs dsPIC33EP256MC506-I/PT)
Design Notes
The PIC24EP256MC206-I/PT operates from a single 3.0-3.6 V supply; design a regulated 3.3 V rail using an LDO (MCP1700 or MCP1755) post-buck or post-LDO from the motor-drive bus. Decouple VDD/AVDD pairs with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of each supply pin, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic. Tie all VSS/AVSS pins to a low-impedance ground plane to avoid ADC reference drift during high-current switching events.
At 70 MIPS the PIC24EP256MC206-I/PT draws approximately 40-60 mA from VDD; the 64-pin TQFP package has a theta_JA around 50 C/W. Estimated junction rise is 3 C at room temperature, well below the 125 C limit, but designers should still connect the thermal pad (if present in variant) to a ground copper pour for headroom. For enclosed motor-drive enclosures above 60 C ambient, verify junction temperature with worst-case operating current.
Keep the analog (AVDD/AVSS) ground plane physically separated from the digital ground and join only at one point near the MCU. Route PWM outputs (PWMxH/L) as differential pairs with matched length to the gate driver inputs to avoid duty-cycle skew between high-side and low-side FETs. Place the crystal oscillator traces within 5 mm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins and guard them with a ground ring to attenuate noise injection from switching nodes.
Do NOT exceed 3.6 V on any I/O pin or permanent damage will occur. For 5 V signals, add a series resistor (1-10 kohm) or external level-shifter. Always include a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR to prevent spurious resets. When using the internal op-amps, configure the analog input pins as analog (not digital I/O) to avoid contention with the digital input buffer on the same pin.
Compliance Information
Industrial grade (-I, -40 C to +85 C) only; AEC-Q100 qualified variants require -EPT ordering suffix per Microchip product family ordering information. RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page. MSL Level 3 per JEDEC J-STD-020.
