PIC24EP32GP203T-I/TL - 70 MIPS 32KB Flash 16-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24EP32GP203T-I/TL ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.21 | $4.21 |
| 10 | $3.78 | $37.80 |
| 100 | $3.36 | $336.00 |
| 500 | $2.94 | $1,470.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.55 | $2,550.00 |
PIC24EP32GP203T-I/TL Overview
What is a 16-bit MCU? A 16-bit microcontroller is an embedded computing device with a 16-bit data path, instruction word, and register file, sitting hierarchically between 8-bit MCUs (lower cost, simpler) and 32-bit MCUs (higher performance, more memory). PIC24E devices fill the high-performance 16-bit niche, offering DSP-class instructions, hardware multipliers, and code density advantages over 32-bit Cortex-M0+ parts at similar clock rates.
Key features of the PIC24EP32GP203T-I/TL include a 10-bit ADC with up to 500 ksps conversion rate, multiple communication peripherals (UART, SPI, I2C), enhanced PWM/Capture/Compare timers, and Microchip's Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG) for sequencing hardware events without CPU intervention. The device operates from 3.0 V to 3.6 V, supports an industrial temperature range of -40C to +85C, and includes CTMU (Charge Time Measurement Unit) for capacitive touch and precise time-based measurements.
Architecturally, the PIC24E core uses a modified Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, a 24-bit instruction word, and a 16-bit data path. The wide instruction bus improves code density by allowing many operations to be encoded in a single word, while the Peripheral Trigger Generator and hardware DMA channels offload repetitive I/O tasks from the CPU, enabling deterministic real-time response.
Typical applications include industrial sensor nodes, low-cost motor control (BLDC/PMSM FOC entry points), building automation, medical point-of-care instrumentation, USB device peripherals, and general-purpose embedded control in space-constrained designs. The wide peripheral set and CTMU simplify touch-button or flow-meter front-ends without additional analog ICs.
When designing with this part, pay attention to the VTLA-36 land pattern - it requires microvia-compatible PCB fabrication and a thermal pad for proper power dissipation. For firmware development, Microchip's MPLAB X IDE with the XC16 compiler and the free dsPIC33/PIC24E Peripheral Library provide a complete toolchain, with hardware debug via MPLAB ICD 4 or PICkit 4.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives from the PIC24E family, and practical PCB-layout notes not duplicated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24EP32GP203T-I/TL — 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 PIC24EP32GP203T-I/TL (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Core Architecture, Package, Program Memory (Flash), CPU Performance.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24EP32GP203-I/TL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP32GP203T-E/TL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP64GP203T-I/TL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.49 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP32GP202T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →dsPIC33EP32GP203T-I/TL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP32GP203T-I/TL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC24E 16-bit modified Harvard |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 70 MIPS (70 MHz core clock) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB (10.7K x 24 instruction words) |
| Data RAM | 4 KB |
| Operating Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 500 ksps |
| Communication Peripherals | UART, SPI, I2C (multiple instances) |
| Timers | Enhanced PWM, Input Capture, Output Compare |
| I/O Pins | 25 general-purpose I/O |
| Special Features | CTMU, Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG), Op Amps |
| Package | 36-pin VTLA (5x5 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Temperature Grade | I (Industrial) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC24EP32GP203T-I/TL 36-pin vtla (5x5 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC24EP32GP203T-I/TL (36-pin vtla (5x5 mm) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for PIC24EP32GP203T-I/TL.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC24EP32GP203T-I/TL is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Hub, Building Automation Controller, Medical Point-of-Care Device, USB Device Peripheral, Capacitive Touch User Interface, Low-Cost BLDC Fan Controller.
Industrial Sensor Hub
The PIC24EP32GP203T-I/TL fits industrial sensor hubs because its 70 MIPS core executes multi-sensor fusion and filtering at high sample rates without saturating the CPU. The CTMU integrates capacitive and time-based measurements directly on-chip, eliminating a separate analog IC. With 32 KB Flash supporting small RTOS layers like FreeRTOS or MPLAB Harmony, and the Peripheral Trigger Generator chaining ADC-DMA conversions off-CPU, the device reliably handles up to 8 sensor streams at 1 kHz each in a compact 5x5 mm VTLA footprint suitable for DIN-rail or panel-mount housings.
Recommended
Building Automation Controller
In HVAC, lighting, and access-control panels, the PIC24EP32GP203T-I/TL provides multiple UART, SPI, and I2C buses needed to bridge Modbus, BACnet, and wireless sub-modules on a single chip. Its 25 GPIOs handle keypad scanning, relay drive, and triac interfacing while the 70 MIPS throughput runs scheduling logic with sub-millisecond response. The industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) tolerates equipment-room heat. Compared to a discrete 8-bit MCU plus external peripherals, this part reduces BOM by roughly 30 percent and board area by half.
Recommended
Medical Point-of-Care Device
Portable diagnostic instruments such as glucose meters or pulse oximeters benefit from the PIC24EP32GP203T-I/TL's 10-bit ADC at 500 ksps combined with the CTMU for photodiode current measurement. The wide 3.0 V to 3.6 V supply allows direct battery connection via a 3.3 V LDO, minimizing quiescent draw in handheld enclosures. Hardware MAC instructions accelerate FIR filters for biosignal conditioning, while 32 KB Flash accommodates IEC 62304 Class B firmware with self-test routines. The compact 36-pin VTLA package keeps the PCB footprint under 25x25 mm.
Recommended
USB Device Peripheral
The PIC24EP32GP203T-I/TL pairs with an external USB transceiver such as the MCP2200 or PIC18F USB stack to implement USB HID, CDC, or vendor-class peripherals. Its high-throughput 70 MIPS core handles USB enumeration and interrupt-driven endpoints with comfortable margin, freeing CPU time for application logic. The flexible 25-GPIO count supports keyboards, custom HID devices, and instrumentation interfaces. JTAG and ICSP programming ports enable in-system firmware updates without exposing the MCU to external test fixtures.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interface
Capacitive touch keypads and slider controls rely on the PIC24EP32GP203T-I/TL's integrated CTMU to measure charge time on each electrode with sub-nanosecond resolution, eliminating external timing ICs. The CTMU supports both self-capacitance and mutual-capacitance topologies, enabling through-glass touch detection for appliance and industrial panels. With hardware averaging and DMA, the device scans 16 electrodes in under 500 microseconds. The Peripheral Trigger Generator sequences scans without CPU intervention, reducing active-mode current draw by up to 60 percent compared to polled approaches.
Recommended
Low-Cost BLDC Fan Controller
Although the PIC24E GP family is not optimized for FOC motor control, the PIC24EP32GP203T-I/TL adequately drives simple BLDC fan or pump applications using six-step commutation. The enhanced PWM module generates complementary drive signals with programmable dead-time, and the 500 ksps ADC samples back-EMF for sensorless commutation at moderate speeds. At $2.55 in 1k quantities, the device undercuts dedicated motor-control MCUs while providing 32 KB Flash for custom ramp-up profiles. Designers needing higher performance should evaluate the PIC24EP32MC family with 12-bit ADC and high-resolution PWM.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24EP32GP203T-I/TL — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24EP32GP203-I/TL | PIC24EP32GP203T-E/TL | PIC24EP64GP203T-I/TL | dsPIC33EP32GP203T-I/TL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 36-VTLA (5x5 mm) | 36-VTLA (5x5 mm) - same | 36-VTLA (5x5 mm) - same | 36-VTLA (5x5 mm) - same | 36-VTLA (5x5 mm) - same |
| Core Speed (MIPS) | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS (with DSP) |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB (+100%) | 32 KB |
| RAM | 4 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Automotive) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| DSP Engine | No | No | No | No | Yes (single-cycle MAC) |
| Automotive Qualified | No | No | Yes (AEC-Q100) | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- 70 MIPS PIC24E core with integrated CTMU and PTG (vs dsPIC33EP32GP203T-I/TL)
- Industrial temperature grade with full automotive sibling available (vs PIC24EP32GP203T-E/TL)
- Compact 5x5 mm VTLA-36 footprint (vs Larger TQFP-44 PIC24EP32GP204-I/PT)
Design Notes
The VTLA-36 (5x5 mm) package requires microvia-compatible PCB fabrication. Use 0.4 mm pitch microvias (or laser-drilled blind vias) for the inner-row pads, and 0.2 mm to 0.25 mm drill for outer pads. The center thermal pad must be soldered to a flooded copper plane with thermal vias (0.3 mm drill, 1 mm pitch grid) to keep junction temperature within spec. Without proper thermal vias, peak current loads cause thermal shutdown at high ambient.
Place one 0.1 uF X7R decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin pair, plus a single 10 uF X5R bulk capacitor near the MCU. For the analog AVDD rail, add a ferrite bead and 10 uF plus 0.1 uF decoupling to isolate ADC noise from digital switching. According to Microchip's PIC24E hardware design checklist, failing to decouple AVDD can degrade ADC SNR by 6-10 dB. Estimated: total BOM cost increase for proper decoupling is approximately $0.05.
Keep the 32 kHz crystal traces short (<5 mm) and symmetric; route both traces over a continuous ground plane and avoid crossing any digital switching signals. For high-speed 70 MHz operation, the system clock trace must be less than 10 mm with controlled impedance. According to Microchip's hardware checklist, improper crystal layout causes intermittent oscillator failure, especially at -40C cold-start. A series resistor (Rs) of 100-470 ohm on the XTAL2 pin damps overdrive harmonics.
Do not exceed 3.6 V on any VDD pin; over-voltage latches up the MCU and requires power cycling to recover. Avoid hot-plugging the device with VDD already present on I/O pins - use a power sequencing circuit that ensures VDD rises before any input voltage on I/O. The PGECx/PGEDx programming pins must not be pulled low during reset, or the MCU enters the debugger-stuck state. Always verify ICSP connections before programming.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; choose PIC24EP32GP203T-E/TL variant for automotive applications. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip environmental compliance statements.
