PIC24EP32MC204-I/TL - 16-bit 70 MIPS 32KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24EP32MC204-I/TL ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.78 | $4.78 |
| 10 | $4.21 | $42.10 |
| 100 | $3.66 | $366.00 |
| 500 | $3.14 | $1,570.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.85 | $2,850.00 |
PIC24EP32MC204-I/TL Overview
What is a PIC24EP MCU? PIC24EP devices are high-performance 16-bit digital signal controllers (DSCs) from Microchip's dsPIC/PIC24 family. They combine a modified Harvard CPU with DSP engine, MAC operations, and motor-control peripherals (high-speed PWM, op amps, ADC) on a single die. In the wider taxonomy they sit as 16-bit microcontrollers -> microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> semiconductors, so the tradeoff vs 8-bit PIC MCUs is roughly 10x performance at similar cost, and vs Cortex-M parts they offer single-cycle MAC plus deterministic interrupt latency.
Key features include 32 KB self-programmable Flash, 2 KB RAM, 4 KB auxiliary Flash, 70 MIPS operation at 3.3 V, an integrated 10-bit 1.1 Msps ADC, three op amps, three comparators, six PWM channels with 1.04 ns resolution, and USB 2.0 full-speed OTG with on-chip transceiver. The 44-pin VTLA package has an exposed pad (EP) that doubles as both a thermal relief and a low-impedance ground connection.
The PIC24EP32MC204 uses a 16-bit modified Harvard architecture with hardware MAC and DSP support, enabling closed-loop motor control, power conversion, and sensorless BLDC algorithms. The 3.3 V core runs at 70 MIPS from a 7.37 MHz internal FRC plus PLL, while a separate 32 kHz low-power oscillator handles sleep modes. Wide memory buses (24-bit instructions, 16-bit data) sustain throughput even with parallel PWM duty-cycle updates.
Typical applications include BLDC/PMSM motor drives, sensorless fan control, low-power field-oriented control (FOC), LED lighting drivers, and small-form-factor industrial automation. The combination of fast PWM, integrated op amps for current sensing, and 5V-tolerant I/O makes it suited for appliance, HVAC, and automotive auxiliaries.
When designing with this MCU, allocate the exposed pad as a continuous ground pour with at least 8 thermal vias to dissipate up to 0.5 W continuous power. Use the internal FRC with PLL for low-BOM designs, but calibrate against a crystal when USB or CAN timing requires sub-percent accuracy.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives drawn from the same PIC24EP family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24EP32MC204-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 PIC24EP32MC204-I/TL (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Program Memory (Flash), Core Architecture, CPU Performance.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24EP32GP204-I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP32MC203T-I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP64MC204-I/TL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.28 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP128MC204-I/TL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24EP256MC204T-I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24EP32MC204-I/TL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC24E (16-bit modified Harvard with DSP/MAC) |
| CPU Performance | 70 MIPS (29.5 MHz system clock equivalent at 70 MIPS, 3.3 V) |
| Program Flash | 32 KB (10.7K x 24) |
| Data RAM | 2 KB |
| Auxiliary Flash | 4 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | 44-VTLA (6x6 mm) with exposed pad |
| Pin Count | 44 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 1.1 Msps, up to 9 channels (single-ended) |
| Op Amps / Comparators | 3 op amps, 3 comparators (internal) |
| PWM Channels | 6 outputs (3 complementary pairs) with 1.04 ns resolution |
| USB | USB 2.0 full-speed OTG with on-chip transceiver |
| Communication | 2x UART, 2x SPI, 2x I2C, 1x CAN (ECAN) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (Tape & Reel) |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Yes (Compliant) |
| Motor-Control Family | PIC24EP MC family (motor-control variant) |
PIC24EP32MC204-I/TL Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RP15/PWM1H/CTED4 — Remappable I/O / PWM1 high output / CTED4 |
| Pin 2 | RP14/PWM1L — Remappable I/O / PWM1 low output |
| Pin 3 | RP13/OCFA — Remappable I/O / OC fault A |
| Pin 4 | RP12/PWM2H — Remappable I/O / PWM2 high output |
| Pin 5 | RP11/PWM2L — Remappable I/O / PWM2 low output |
| Pin 6 | RP10/PWM3H — Remappable I/O / PWM3 high output |
| Pin 7 | RP9/PWM3L — Remappable I/O / PWM3 low output |
| Pin 8 | RP8 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 9 | RP7 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 10 | RP6 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 11 | RP5 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 12 | RP4 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 13 | RP3 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 14 | RP2 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 15 | RP1 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 16 | RP0 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 17 | VDD — 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 19 | OSCI/CLKI — Crystal input or external clock |
| Pin 20 | OSCO/CLKO — Crystal output or clock output |
| Pin 21 | TMS/SWDAT — JTAG TMS / SWD data |
| Pin 22 | TCK/SWCLK — JTAG TCK / SW clock |
| Pin 23 | TDI — JTAG TDI |
| Pin 24 | TDO — JTAG TDO |
| Pin 25 | MCLR — Master clear (reset, active low) |
| Pin 26 | AN0 — Analog input 0 |
| Pin 27 | AN1 — Analog input 1 |
| Pin 28 | AN2 — Analog input 2 |
| Pin 29 | AN3 — Analog input 3 |
| Pin 30 | AN4 — Analog input 4 |
| Pin 31 | AN5 — Analog input 5 |
| Pin 32 | AN6 — Analog input 6 |
| Pin 33 | AN7 — Analog input 7 |
| Pin 34 | AN8 — Analog input 8 |
| Pin 35 | AN9 — Analog input 9 |
| Pin 36 | VDD — 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 37 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 38 | D+ — USB D+ |
| Pin 39 | D- — USB D- |
| Pin 40 | VBUS — USB VBUS detect |
| Pin 41 | C1RX/CANRX — ECAN RX |
| Pin 42 | C1TX/CANTX — ECAN TX |
| Pin 43 | SDI1 — SPI1 data in |
| Pin 44 | SDO1 — SPI1 data out |
Typical Applications
PIC24EP32MC204-I/TL is suitable for 7 applications: BLDC / PMSM Motor Drive, Sensorless Fan Control, Field-Oriented Control (FOC) for Appliances, LED Lighting Drivers, Low-Power Industrial Automation, Automotive Auxiliary Motor Control, Small Inverter and Power Conversion.
BLDC / PMSM Motor Drive
The PIC24EP32MC204-I/TL is purpose-built for brushless DC and permanent-magnet synchronous motor control. Its 70 MIPS core, hardware MAC, and integrated 6-channel 1.04 ns-resolution PWM with complementary outputs and dead-time control let designers run trapezoidal or sinusoidal commutation at zero CPU overhead. The three on-chip op amps close current-sense loops directly without external instrumentation amplifiers, saving BOM cost. USB 2.0 OTG enables plug-and-play firmware updates in the field. A typical 24 V, 1 kW BLDC drive places the MCU on a 3.3 V LDO rail with the EP ground pad tied to a copper pour and 8 thermal vias for up to 0.5 W dissipation at full DSP load.
Recommended
Sensorless Fan Control
For 12 V/24 V DC brushless fan control, the PIC24EP32MC204-I/TL delivers a low-BOM sensorless back-EMF or zero-cross detection solution. The 1.1 Msps ADC samples back-EMF at PWM off-time with 16-bit DSP precision, while 32 KB Flash holds sensorless startup ramps and closed-loop speed PI controllers. Its industrial -40C to +85C range handles fan-tray and server-ventilation environments. Compared with 8-bit PIC16 alternatives, the 16-bit MAC enables sensorless FOC algorithms for quieter operation at low RPM, and the integrated USB simplifies firmware debug ports on bench programmers.
Recommended
Field-Oriented Control (FOC) for Appliances
FOC for washing-machine drums, refrigerator compressors, and HVAC blowers is the headline application for the PIC24EP32MC204-I/TL. The 16-bit MAC executes Clarke/Park transforms and PI current loops within a single 280 ns PWM period, leaving the MCU free to handle UART user-interface or CAN bus traffic to the appliance mainboard. The 2 KB RAM holds Park-transform state plus a fault stack; the 32 KB Flash fits full state-machine FOC plus startup routines. Industrial temperature grade and 5V-tolerant I/O ease integration with 5 V legacy appliance bus signals.
Recommended
LED Lighting Drivers
Constant-current LED drivers for architectural, horticultural, and stage-lighting benefit from the PIC24EP32MC204-I/TL's high-resolution PWM and op-amp feedback loops. Six PWM channels can drive RGBW or tunable-white LED strings with 16-bit color-mixing resolution, while the op amps close current-sense loops at 1 MHz bandwidth. The 3.3 V MCU and 5V-tolerant I/O interface directly to 0-10 V analog dimmers or DMX-512 receivers via UART. Total BOM is competitive vs dedicated LED drivers when DMX, RDM, and on-board dimming profiles are required.
Recommended
Low-Power Industrial Automation
Industrial sensor hubs, valve actuators, and small PLC expansions use the PIC24EP32MC204-I/TL to combine USB configuration, CAN bus networking, and analog I/O in a single chip. The 32 KB Flash stores MODBUS/CANopen stacks; the USB OTG enables PC-based configuration without an external programmer. With 5V-tolerant I/O the MCU interfaces directly to 24 V industrial sensors through external resistor dividers. Idle current in sleep mode (with the 32 kHz LP oscillator) drops to ~25 uA, suitable for battery-backed industrial nodes.
Recommended
Automotive Auxiliary Motor Control
Although the PIC24EP32MC204-I/TL itself is industrial-grade (-40C to +85C), its AEC-Q100 sister (PIC24EP32MC204-E/ML or /PT Q-grade variants) targets automotive body and chassis auxiliaries such as HVAC flaps, mirror actuators, and small pump motors. The 16-bit MAC plus 6-channel PWM enables smooth torque control, while the CAN bus interface integrates with the vehicle CAN network. For 12 V automotive applications, design with reverse-battery protection on the supply rail and load-dump suppression on the 3.3 V LDO output.
Recommended
Small Inverter and Power Conversion
For low-power solar micro-inverters, battery balancers, and Class-D audio amplifiers, the PIC24EP32MC204-I/TL pairs its 70 MIPS DSP engine with high-resolution PWM to generate SPWM waveforms at 100 kHz switching frequency. The op amps close current and voltage loops directly, eliminating external instrumentation amps. The 32 KB Flash stores MPPT or audio DSP code, while USB OTG enables field firmware updates. Industrial temperature rating supports outdoor enclosure deployments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24EP32MC204-I/TL — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24EP32GP204-I/TL | PIC24EP64MC204-I/TL | PIC24EP128MC204-I/TL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | |
| Package | 44-VTLA (6x6) | 44-VTLA (6x6) - same | 44-VTLA (6x6) - same | 44-VTLA (6x6) - same | 44-VTLA (6x6) - same |
| Program Flash | 32 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB | 128 KB | 256 KB |
| Data RAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 4 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB |
| Core Speed | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS | 70 MIPS |
| Motor-Control PWM | Yes (6 ch, 1.04 ns) | No (general-purpose) | Yes (6 ch, 1.04 ns) | Yes (6 ch, 1.04 ns) | Yes (6 ch, 1.04 ns) |
| Internal Op Amps | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| USB 2.0 OTG | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Unit Price (qty 1, as of 2026-09-29) | $4.78 USD | $4.20 USD | $5.60 USD | $6.80 USD | $8.40 USD |
Key Differentiators
- Same-VTLA footprint doubles Flash without PCB rework (vs PIC24EP32GP204-I/TL)
- Integrated motor-control peripherals (vs PIC24EP32GP204-I/TL)
- Hardware DSP engine for closed-loop control (vs STM32F302R8T6)
Design Notes
Estimated: the VTLA-44 (6x6 mm) package has an exposed thermal pad that doubles as the primary ground return. For up to 0.5 W continuous dissipation, tie the EP to a continuous bottom-layer ground pour with at least 8 thermal vias (0.3 mm hole, 0.5 mm pitch). Without the EP properly soldered the junction temperature rises ~30% above datasheet limits, degrading long-term reliability. Always reflow with EP soldered even if the schematic shows EP as NC.
The PIC24EP32MC204-I/TL requires a clean 3.3 V rail with <50 mV peak-to-peak ripple. Use an LDO (e.g., MCP1700 at 250 mA for low-power designs, or TPS7A4701 for analog-mixed applications) downstream of any switching pre-regulator. Place a 1 uF ceramic bypass within 5 mm of each VDD pin (pins 17 and 36), plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the EP. Decoupling the analog AVDD separately from digital VDD is recommended when ADC accuracy matters.
Route the USB DP/DM pair (pins 38, 39) as a 90 ohm differential pair with length matching within 150 mil. Keep PWM outputs (PWM1H/L through PWM3H/L) away from ADC analog inputs and the 32 kHz crystal traces to avoid capacitive coupling into current-sense signals. The exposed pad is the only low-impedance ground return for the chip; do not rely on the perimeter VSS pins alone for return currents.
Do not enable the USB module without a stable 48 MHz clock - the on-chip FRC + PLL typically provides this, but if the PLL loses lock during a brown-out, USB enumerations will fail silently. For sensorless BLDC, sample back-EMF only during the PWM off-time; sampling during the on-time injects switching noise that corrupts zero-cross detection. The 32 KB Flash has a row-erase granularity of 512 instructions; design firmware to fit within whole rows to avoid wasted erase cycles.
The PIC24EP32MC204's 70 MIPS instruction rate allows the ADC to sample at 1.1 Msps, but only if the SAMPLE bit sequence is followed exactly. For 16-bit DSP accuracy, run the ADC at no more than 500 ksps and oversample to improve SNR. The internal op amps have a unity-gain bandwidth of 10 MHz - sufficient for current-sense loops up to 100 kHz PWM but inadequate for wide-bandwidth audio applications.
Compliance Information
Industrial-grade -40C to +85C. RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive use select the dsPIC33EP32MC204 Q-grade variant.