PIC24EP32MC203-E/M5 - 60 MIPS 16-bit Motor Control MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24EP32MC203-E/M5 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.62 | $3.62 |
| 10 | $3.27 | $32.70 |
| 100 | $2.85 | $285.00 |
| 500 | $2.56 | $1,280.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.21 | $2,210.00 |
PIC24EP32MC203-E/M5 Overview
What is a 16-bit motor-control MCU? A 16-bit microcontroller is a single-chip processor with a 16-bit data path and instruction word, sitting between 8-bit MCUs (PIC16, PIC18) and 32-bit Cortex-M devices in performance and code density. A motor-control variant integrates high-resolution PWMs, fast ADCs, op-amps for current sensing, and analog comparators that close the current/torque feedback loop without external components. In the broader taxonomy: MCU -> 16-bit MCU -> DSP-enhanced MCU (dsPIC) -> motor-control MCU -> embedded controller, the PIC24EP occupies the sweet spot where deterministic PWM, modest DSP, and low BOM cost converge for sub-1 kW drive applications.
Key features include up to six PWM channels with complementary outputs and dead-band control, dual op-amps with programmable gain for current shunt amplification, three analog comparators for back-EMF and fault detection, a 10-bit ADC with up to 1.1 Msps conversion, and the Peripheral Trigger Generator that coordinates ADC-PWM timing without CPU intervention. The 60 MIPS core executes a 70 MHz instruction cycle and supports DSP intrinsics, enabling Park/Clarke transforms for sensorless FOC.
Typical applications include BLDC/PMSM motor drives for automotive auxiliary pumps, HVAC blowers, e-bike controllers, drone ESCs, industrial servo drives, and small appliances. When designing with this part, allocate the VTLA exposed pad as the primary thermal dissipation path; the small 5x5 mm package concentrates heat from the internal op-amps under sustained 100% duty-cycle operation, so route 4-6 thermal vias directly under the EP to the inner power plane.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24EP32MC203-E/M5 — 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 PIC24EP32MC203-E/M5 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, PWM Channels, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24EP32MC203-I/M5
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP32MC203-E/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP32GP203-I/M5
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP32MC202-E/M5
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP32MC203-E/M5 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC24E 16-bit MCU |
| Instruction Cycle | 70 MHz |
| MIPS | 60 MIPS |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB (10.7K x 24) |
| RAM | 4 KB |
| Package | 36-VTLA (5x5 mm) with Exposed Pad |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 1.1 Msps |
| PWM Channels | Up to 6 with complementary outputs and dead-band |
| On-chip Op-Amps | 2 (programmable gain) |
| Comparators | 3 |
| AEC-Q100 | Qualified |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC24EP32MC203-E/M5 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RP5/PMD5/RB5 — Remappable I/O / PWM output |
| Pin 2 | RP6/PMD6/RB6 — Remappable I/O / PWM output |
| Pin 3 | RP7/PMD7/RB7 — Remappable I/O / PWM output |
| Pin 4 | RP8/PMD8/RB8 — Remappable I/O / PWM output |
| Pin 5 | RP9/PMD9/RB9 — Remappable I/O / PWM output |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 7 | RP10/PMD10/RB10 — Remappable I/O / PWM output |
| Pin 8 | RP11/PMD11/RB11 — Remappable I/O / PWM output |
| Pin 9 | RP12/PMD12/RB12 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Power supply (3.0V-3.6V) |
| Pin 11 | RP13/PMD13/RB13 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 12 | RP14/PMD14/RB14 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 13 | RP15/PMD15/RB15 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 14 | OSC1/CLKI/RA0 — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKO/RA1 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 16 | AN0/CVD0/RA2 — Analog input 0 |
| Pin 17 | AN1/CVD1/RA3 — Analog input 1 |
| Pin 18 | AN2/CVD2/RA4 — Analog input 2 |
| Pin 19 | AN3/CVD3/RA5 — Analog input 3 |
| Pin 20 | VREF+/CVREF+/AN4/RA6 — ADC positive reference |
| Pin 21 | VREF-/CVREF-/AN5/RA7 — ADC negative reference |
| Pin 22 | AN6/RC0 — Analog input 6 |
| Pin 23 | AN7/RC1 — Analog input 7 |
| Pin 24 | AN8/RC2 — Analog input 8 |
| Pin 25 | AN9/RC3 — Analog input 9 |
| Pin 26 | AN10/RC4 — Analog input 10 |
| Pin 27 | AN11/RC5 — Analog input 11 |
| Pin 28 | AN12/RC6 — Analog input 12 |
| Pin 29 | AN13/RC7 — Analog input 13 |
| Pin 30 | AN14/RC8 — Analog input 14 |
| Pin 31 | AN15/RC9 — Analog input 15 |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Power supply (3.0V-3.6V) |
| Pin 33 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 34 | RP0/PWM1H/RC10 — PWM1 high-side output |
| Pin 35 | RP1/PWM1L/RC11 — PWM1 low-side output |
| Pin 36 | EP — Exposed pad (must be soldered to VSS ground plane) |
Typical Applications
PIC24EP32MC203-E/M5 is suitable for 6 applications: BLDC / PMSM Motor Drive (Sensorless FOC), Automotive Auxiliary Pumps & Fans, Industrial Servo and Stepper Drives, Drone and RC Electronic Speed Controllers (ESC), E-Bike and Personal Mobility Controllers, Small Appliance Motor Control.
BLDC / PMSM Motor Drive (Sensorless FOC)
The PIC24EP32MC203-E/M5's 60 MIPS core, on-chip dual op-amps for current shunt amplification, 3 analog comparators for back-EMF detection, and MCPWM with complementary outputs and dead-band enable single-chip sensorless field-oriented control of BLDC and PMSM motors. The 60 MIPS core executes Park/Clarke transforms and PI current loops within a 16 kHz PWM period, while the integrated op-amps eliminate external current-sense circuitry and reduce BOM cost. AEC-Q100 qualification allows deployment in automotive auxiliary pumps, HVAC blowers, and e-compressors where PCB area and component count must be minimized.
Recommended
Automotive Auxiliary Pumps & Fans
AEC-Q100 qualification and the -40C to +125C automotive temperature grade make the PIC24EP32MC203-E/M5 ideal for 12V automotive water pumps, oil pumps, and cooling fans. The integrated MCPWM drives three-phase brushless motors directly without external gate drivers below 1 A peak phase current, and the on-chip comparators provide over-current and stall protection in hardware. The 36-VTLA 5x5 mm package enables under-hood ECU miniaturization while the EP thermal pad dissipates op-amp heat into the chassis-grounded copper pour for sustained 100% duty operation.
Recommended
Industrial Servo and Stepper Drives
The PIC24EP32MC203-E/M5's 60 MIPS performance, 32 KB Flash for trajectory planning firmware, and on-chip peripherals (op-amps, comparators, ADC) close the position and current control loops of stepper and small servo drives. The Peripheral Trigger Generator coordinates ADC sampling to PWM center without CPU load, freeing cycles for HMI communication (UART, I2C). The 36-VTLA footprint fits compact DIN-rail stepper modules, and the -40C to +125C temperature range supports cabinet-free factory floor mounting where ambient temperatures vary widely.
Recommended
Drone and RC Electronic Speed Controllers (ESC)
Drone ESCs benefit from the PIC24EP32MC203-E/M5's compact 5x5 mm package, 60 MIPS core for fast throttle response, and MCPWM with dead-band generation that prevents MOSFET shoot-through at high PWM frequencies (24-48 kHz) used in multirotor applications. The on-chip op-amps amplify low-side current shunts directly, while the comparators trigger hardware over-current protection within microseconds to protect FETs from prop-stall transients. Low BOM count (one MCU + 6 FETs + 3 shunts) minimizes ESC weight, critical for flight-time optimization in racing and cinematography drones.
Recommended
E-Bike and Personal Mobility Controllers
E-bike torque controllers and electric scooter drives use the PIC24EP32MC203-E/M5 to deliver smooth torque assist via pedal-cadence FOC. The 60 MIPS core handles cadence sensing, torque vectoring, and battery current limiting while the MCPWM drives the wheel hub motor. AEC-Q100 qualification is overkill for personal mobility but provides long-term reliability headroom against vibration and temperature swings. Low quiescent current extends battery life when the e-bike is parked, and the 36-VTLA package fits inside IP67-sealed motor housings with constrained PCB real estate.
Recommended
Small Appliance Motor Control
Small appliances - washing machine drum motors, dishwasher pumps, refrigerator compressors, and range hood fans - leverage the PIC24EP32MC203-E/M5 for low-BOM single-chip variable-speed drives. The integrated MCPWM, op-amps, and comparators replace what would otherwise require a multi-chip solution (discrete op-amp + comparator IC + gate driver), reducing appliance controller cost by approximately 30-40%. The 32 KB Flash supports manufacturer-specific wash-cycle algorithms and capacitive touch UIs via the CTMU peripheral, while AEC-Q100 ensures long-term reliability across 10+ year appliance service lifetimes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24EP32MC203-E/M5 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24EP32MC203-I/M5 | PIC24EP32MC203-E/SP | PIC24EP32GP203-I/M5 | PIC24EP32MC202-E/M5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 70 MHz (60 MIPS) | 70 MHz (60 MIPS) | 70 MHz (60 MIPS) | 70 MHz (60 MIPS) | 70 MHz (60 MIPS) |
| Flash | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| RAM | 4 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB |
| MCPWM | Yes (with dead-band) | Yes (with dead-band) | Yes (with dead-band) | No (general-purpose CCP) | Yes (with dead-band) |
| On-chip Op-Amps | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +125C (E / AEC-Q100) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E / AEC-Q100) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E / AEC-Q100) |
| Approx. 1pc Price (USD) | $3.62 | $3.20 | $3.62 | $2.95 | $3.45 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated op-amps and comparators eliminate external analog ICs (vs PIC24EP32GP203-I/M5)
- AEC-Q100 automotive qualification vs industrial grade (vs PIC24EP32MC203-I/M5)
- MCPWM with hardware dead-band vs general-purpose PWM (vs Cortex-M0 motor MCUs)
Design Notes
Estimated: The PIC24EP32MC203-E/M5 in 36-VTLA 5x5 mm relies on the central exposed pad (EP) as its sole thermal path. At 70 MHz full-speed operation driving 3-phase PWM with on-chip op-amps active, junction-to-ambient thermal resistance is approximately 36 C/W with a 4-via EP thermal array. For continuous high-duty motor drive, place 4-6 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill, 0.6 mm pad) directly under the EP into an inner ground plane copper pour of at least 100 mm^2 to keep Tj below 110 C at 25 C ambient.
Place decoupling capacitors within 3 mm of the VDD pins: a 10 uF X7R bulk capacitor plus 0.1 uF and 0.01 uF ceramics. The ADC analog supply (AVDD) requires a separate ferrite bead and 1 uF + 0.1 uF decoupling to meet the 10-bit ADC SNR specification. Keep the high-current PWM traces (PWM1H/L) on the top layer with 0.5 mm trace width to handle peak phase currents without significant voltage drop.
Do not leave the exposed pad (EP) floating - it must be soldered to the ground plane both for electrical reference and thermal performance. The MCPWM complementary outputs require correct dead-band programming; incorrect values lead to FET shoot-through and catastrophic bridge damage. When migrating from PIC24EP32GP to PIC24EP32MC, verify firmware does not depend on CCP/ECCP-specific registers because the MCPWM uses a different SFR map.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 qualified per Microchip product page. RoHS and lead-free compliant. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in verified web data - marked unknown.
