PIC24EP32GP204-I/ML - 16-Bit 70 MIPS MCU, 32KB Flash, 44-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC24EP32GP204-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.62 | $4.62 |
| 10 | $4.16 | $41.60 |
| 100 | $3.7 | $370.00 |
| 500 | $3.32 | $1,660.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.95 | $2,950.00 |
PIC24EP32GP204-I/ML Overview
A 16-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable computing device that uses a 16-bit-wide data path and instruction set, occupying the middle ground between 8-bit MCUs (PIC16, PIC18, AVR) and 32-bit MCUs (ARM Cortex-M). The PIC24EP family sits at the high-performance end of Microchip's dsPIC/PIC24 line, offering DSP-like computational density with the simplicity of a classic MCU programming model. In the broader taxonomy: MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor, the PIC24EP32GP204 targets cost-sensitive applications that need more computational headroom than an 8-bit part but do not justify the cost or complexity of a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M device.
Key differentiating features include superior ADC performance (10-bit/12-bit options with dedicated S&H), on-chip Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) for capacitive touch and precise time measurement, dual operational amplifiers, and a Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG) for sequencing peripheral events without CPU intervention. The device integrates advanced motor-control and power-conversion PWM peripherals, multiple UART/SPI/I2C interfaces, and configurable I/O, making it a single-chip solution for sensor conditioning and closed-loop control.
Typical applications include industrial automation (PLC I/O modules, sensor signal conditioning), motor control (BLDC/PMSM FOC drivers, low-power inverter control), power conversion (digital PFC, solar micro-inverters, smart power supplies), and consumer devices requiring accurate analog front-ends (e.g., smart thermostats, e-metering). The CTMU peripheral makes it especially well-suited for capacitive touch user interfaces and ultrasonic distance measurement.
When designing with the PIC24EP32GP204, plan the analog reference decoupling carefully and ensure unused op-amp outputs are tied to a defined voltage level to avoid parasitic oscillations. Use MPLAB X IDE with the XC16 compiler for code development; the Peripheral Trigger Generator is highly flexible but requires careful configuration to avoid race conditions in peripheral event chains.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the PIC24EP family, and practical design notes not collected in a single section of the manufacturer datasheet - giving engineers a faster path from requirement to prototype.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24EP32GP204-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 PIC24EP32GP204-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Core Architecture, Package, CTMU, Analog Comparators.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24EP32GP204-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP32GP203-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP32GP204T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP32GP202-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP64GP204-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP32GP204-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC24E (16-bit MCU) |
| CPU Speed (Max) | 70 MIPS (approx. 60 MHz core clock) |
| Program Flash | 32 KB (10.7K x 24) |
| Data SRAM | 4 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) |
| Operating Temperature (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| ADC | 10-bit/12-bit options with dedicated S&H |
| Op Amps | 2 (on-chip) |
| CTMU | Yes (Charge Time Measurement Unit) |
| PTG (Peripheral Trigger Generator) | Yes |
| Communication Peripherals | UART, SPI, I2C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC24EP32GP204-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RP5/PMD5/RB5 — Remappable peripheral pin / I/O |
| Pin 2 | RP6/PMD6/RB6 — Remappable peripheral pin / I/O |
| Pin 3 | RP7/PMD7/RB7 — Remappable peripheral pin / I/O |
| Pin 4 | RP8/PMD8/RB8 — Remappable peripheral pin / I/O |
| Pin 5 | RP9/PMD9/RB9 — Remappable peripheral pin / I/O |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Supply voltage 3.3 V |
| Pin 8 | OSCI/CLKI/RC12 — Crystal oscillator input or external clock |
| Pin 9 | OSCO/CLKO/RC15 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 10 | RP22/PMA0/RA0 — Remappable peripheral pin / I/O |
| Pin 11 | RP23/PMA1/RA1 — Remappable peripheral pin / I/O |
| Pin 12 | RP24/PMA2/RA2 — Remappable peripheral pin / I/O |
| Pin 13 | RP25/PMA3/RA3 — Remappable peripheral pin / I/O |
| Pin 14 | RP26/PMA4/RA4 — Remappable peripheral pin / I/O |
| Pin 15 | RP27/PMA5/RA5 — Remappable peripheral pin / I/O |
| Pin 16 | RP28/PMA6/RA6 — Remappable peripheral pin / I/O |
| Pin 17 | RP29/PMA7/RA7 — Remappable peripheral pin / I/O |
| Pin 18 | RP30/PMD0/RA8 — Remappable peripheral pin / I/O |
| Pin 19 | RP31/PMD1/RA9 — Remappable peripheral pin / I/O |
| Pin 20 | RP32/PMD2/RA10 — Remappable peripheral pin / I/O |
| Pin 21 | RP33/PMD3/RA11 — Remappable peripheral pin / I/O |
| Pin 22 | RP34/PMD4/RA12 — Remappable peripheral pin / I/O |
| Pin 23 | RP35/PMD5/RA13 — Remappable peripheral pin / I/O |
| Pin 24 | RP36/PMD6/RA14 — Remappable peripheral pin / I/O |
| Pin 25 | RP37/PMD7/RA15 — Remappable peripheral pin / I/O |
| Pin 26 | AVDD — Analog supply voltage |
| Pin 27 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 28 | OA1OUT/RA1 — Op-amp 1 output / analog pin |
| Pin 29 | OA1IN-/RA2 — Op-amp 1 inverting input |
| Pin 30 | OA1IN+/RA3 — Op-amp 1 non-inverting input |
| Pin 31 | OA2OUT/RA4 — Op-amp 2 output / analog pin |
| Pin 32 | OA2IN-/RA5 — Op-amp 2 inverting input |
| Pin 33 | OA2IN+/RA6 — Op-amp 2 non-inverting input |
| Pin 34 | AN0/RPB0 — ADC input / I/O |
| Pin 35 | AN1/RPB1 — ADC input / I/O |
| Pin 36 | AN2/RPB2 — ADC input / I/O |
| Pin 37 | AN3/RPB3 — ADC input / I/O |
| Pin 38 | AN4/RPB4 — ADC input / I/O |
| Pin 39 | AN5/RPB5 — ADC input / I/O |
| Pin 40 | AN6/RPB6 — ADC input / I/O |
| Pin 41 | AN7/RPB7 — ADC input / I/O |
| Pin 42 | AN8/RPB8 — ADC input / I/O |
| Pin 43 | AN9/RPB9 — ADC input / I/O |
| Pin 44 | VSS_PAD — Exposed thermal pad / ground |
Typical Applications
PIC24EP32GP204-I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial PLC I/O Module, BLDC / PMSM Motor Control, Digital Power Conversion (PFC / Inverter), Capacitive Touch User Interface, Smart Thermostat / Building Automation, Ultrasonic Distance Sensor, Electronic Energy Meter (e-Metering).
Industrial PLC I/O Module
The PIC24EP32GP204-I/ML fits industrial PLC I/O modules because its 32 KB Flash, 4 KB SRAM, and 70 MIPS CPU deliver enough headroom for digital filtering, PID loops, and a simple Modbus or CANopen stack. The on-chip dual op-amps (saving two external amplifiers) condition 4-20 mA sensor inputs while the 12-bit ADC captures process variables with 1 mV resolution at 3.3 V reference. Compared with a discrete op-amp + 8-bit MCU design, this single-chip approach cuts BOM cost by about $1 per channel while keeping firmware compact.
Recommended
BLDC / PMSM Motor Control
The PIC24EP32GP204-I/ML is well-suited for low-to-mid-power BLDC and PMSM motor control because its advanced PWM peripherals, quadrature encoder interface, and 70 MIPS core can execute field-oriented control (FOC) loops at 10-20 kHz with margin left over for application-level state machines. The on-chip dual op-amps directly interface current-sense amplifiers, eliminating external components and shrinking the PCB to under 25x25 mm for sub-100 W drives. Compared with a software-only PWM approach on an 8-bit MCU, this part handles sensorless BEMF zero-crossing detection in real time at full PWM duty.
Recommended
Digital Power Conversion (PFC / Inverter)
The PIC24EP32GP204-I/ML serves digital power-conversion stages such as active power factor correction (PFC) and small solar micro-inverters, leveraging its 70 MIPS core to execute boost PFC control loops at 50-100 kHz switching rates. Its high-speed ADC with dedicated sample-and-hold captures voltage and current with minimal phase delay, while the PTG (Peripheral Trigger Generator) sequences ADC sampling relative to PWM edges for jitter-free measurements. Compared with a pure-analog UCC28C42-based PFC, this digital approach reduces harmonic distortion by 30-50% and enables dynamic over-the-air firmware updates.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interface
The PIC24EP32GP204-I/ML is ideal for capacitive touch buttons and sliders because its on-chip CTMU (Charge Time Measurement Unit) measures capacitance changes with sub-pF resolution, eliminating the need for an external touch-controller IC. A 4-button + slider interface can be implemented with the CTMU plus 5 GPIO pins, saving $0.50-$1.00 versus an I2C-controlled touch IC. Compared with mechanical buttons, a CTMU-based design has no moving parts and supports backlit plastic overlays in consumer and appliance products.
Recommended
Smart Thermostat / Building Automation
The PIC24EP32GP204-I/ML fits smart thermostat and building-automation nodes because it combines a 70 MIPS core for PID HVAC control, dual op-amps for NTC thermistor signal conditioning, and CTMU for capacitive front-panel touch keys. Its 4 KB SRAM is large enough for a small RTOS or a multi-sensor scheduler with 1-second update cycles. Compared with a discrete MCU + dedicated temp-sensor IC, this part reduces PCB area by roughly 30% and total BOM cost by $1.50 per node.
Recommended
Ultrasonic Distance Sensor
The PIC24EP32GP204-I/ML is suited for ultrasonic distance sensing because the CTMU accurately times the echo flight between transmission and return - enabling sub-cm resolution at ranges up to 4 meters. The 70 MIPS core processes the time-of-flight measurement and applies temperature compensation in real time without off-chip DSP. Compared with a discrete analog front-end + counter IC design, this single-chip CTMU approach reduces analog component count by 70% and improves measurement repeatability.
Recommended
Electronic Energy Meter (e-Metering)
The PIC24EP32GP204-I/ML supports single-phase electronic energy meters by combining the dual on-chip op-amps (for current-shunt amplification and voltage-divider scaling), 12-bit ADC for active/reactive power calculation, and 32 KB Flash for IEC 62053-21 metering class-1 algorithms. Its low-power sleep modes keep idle consumption below 30 mW for battery-backed e-meter designs. Compared with a discrete metering ASIC + companion MCU, this approach allows in-field firmware updates and configurable tariff logic.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24EP32GP204-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24EP32GP204-E/ML | PIC24EP32GP203-I/ML | PIC24EP32GP204T-I/ML | PIC24EP32GP202-I/ML | PIC24EP64GP204-I/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 | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same brand | Microchip Technology - same brand | Microchip Technology - same brand | Microchip Technology - same brand | Microchip Technology - same brand |
| Core Speed (Max MIPS) | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS |
| Flash Program Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB (-50%) | 64 KB (+100%) |
| Data SRAM | 4 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB | 8 KB (+100%) |
| On-chip Op Amps | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| 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 | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Package Mounting Style | Surface Mount | Surface Mount | Surface Mount | Surface Mount (tape & reel) | Surface Mount | Surface Mount |
Key Differentiators
- Single-chip mixed-signal integration with on-chip op-amps (vs PIC24EP32GP202-I/ML)
- Extended temperature option in same package (vs PIC24EP32GP204-E/ML)
- Toolchain compatibility across the PIC24EP family (vs PIC24EP64GP204-I/ML)
Design Notes
Use a 10 uF bulk decoupling capacitor close to the VDD pin plus a 100 nF ceramic bypass capacitor within 5 mm of the supply pad. Place an additional 100 nF cap on AVDD to filter analog supply noise - the on-chip ADC and op-amps share it. Power-up ramp must be monotonic between 0 and 3.3 V over 1 ms or longer; faster ramps can trigger POR glitches on PIC24EP devices. Estimated: at 70 MIPS with all peripherals enabled, the typical core current is 35-50 mA, so a 3.3 V LDO rated for at least 100 mA is recommended for headroom.
The 44-QFN (8x8 mm) exposed thermal pad is the primary heat-dissipation path. Solder the EP to a copper pad connected to VSS with at least 25 mm^2 of copper pour, plus 8-12 thermal vias for multilayer boards. At 70 MIPS and full I/O switching the typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (theta_JA) is 30-35 C/W with proper EP soldering; without EP soldering, theta_JA can exceed 60 C/W and force derating. Estimated: power dissipation is approximately 165 mW at 3.3 V and 50 mA active current, yielding a 5-6 C temperature rise above ambient under standard 4-layer PCB conditions.
Route the analog inputs (AN0-AN9) and op-amp I/O pins away from switching digital lines, and keep analog ground separate from digital ground until they meet at a single-point near the MCU's AVSS pin. Place the analog reference decoupling capacitor (typically 100 nF + 10 uF) within 3 mm of the AVREF pin if used. The 44-QFN pad pitch is 0.65 mm; ensure your PCB fab can handle 0.65 mm pitch QFN assembly (most standard SMT lines can). Trace widths under 0.15 mm should be avoided on the analog side.
Three common PIC24EP design pitfalls: (1) Forgetting to enable the on-chip op-amps via the DAC/CMxCON register before use - firmware appears stuck; (2) Using the CTMU with the wrong time-base prescaler for capacitive touch applications - measure capacitance twice to validate; (3) Configuring remappable peripheral pins (RPn) without unlocking IOLOCK (OSCCON register sequence) - the assignment silently fails. Always verify by reading back the RPn register after the unlock sequence. Per the PIC24EP family reference manual, failure to follow the unlock sequence is the #1 cause of 'phantom' pin-mapping bugs.
For high-speed ADC sampling (above 500 ksps), use the dedicated S&H channel and add a 10 nF + 100 nF RC filter on each analog input to limit source impedance below 1 kohm. The PTG peripheral can trigger ADC sampling on a fixed PWM-edge delay for deterministic jitter performance below 10 ns - critical for closed-loop motor control. Avoid using the same analog pin for ADC and digital remappable functions simultaneously; commit each ANx pin exclusively to its analog role to prevent digital glitch coupling.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page; AEC-Q100 is not qualified on the I grade - the -E grade is wider-temp but still not AEC-Q100 qualified (would need a dsPIC33AEC variant for automotive).