PIC24F04KA201T-I/MQ - 16-bit XLP MCU, 4KB Flash, 20-VQFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC24F04KA201T-I/MQ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.95 | $2.95 |
| 10 | $2.66 | $26.60 |
| 100 | $2.36 | $236.00 |
| 500 | $2.1 | $1,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.85 | $1,850.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.55 | $4,650.00 |
PIC24F04KA201T-I/MQ Overview
An MCU (Microcontroller Unit) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (Flash), working memory (RAM), data EEPROM, and a rich set of peripherals (timers, ADC, communication interfaces, GPIO) into one package. The PIC24F family sits at the entry of the 16-bit dsPIC/PIC24 line, targeting applications that have outgrown 8-bit PIC MCUs but do not require the DSP acceleration of dsPIC33 devices. The 'F' denotes Flash program memory, while 'XLP' (eXtreme Low Power) adds deep-sleep current as low as 20 nA, watchdog-timer-free idle modes, and ultra-low-power Real-Time Clock (RTCC) operation, positioning PIC24F XLP parts as direct competitors to ARM Cortex-M0+ low-power MCUs in battery-powered designs.
Key differentiating features include nanoWatt XLP deep-sleep current of approximately 20 nA with RTCC retention, ultra-low-power wake-up sources (WDT, RTCC, INT0), an integrated 10-bit ADC with up to 9 channels, two UART modules with IrDA support, an I2C module, and up to 4 PWM/CCP channels. The 16 MIPS core supports C-optimized instruction set with hardware multiply, and the device operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V. The 20-VQFN (MQ) package provides a low-profile 5x5 mm footprint suitable for space-constrained designs, and the device is supported by MPLAB X IDE with free XC16 compiler.
Architecturally, the PIC24F04KA201 uses a modified Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, 16-bit instruction words, and a vectored interrupt controller. The PIC24F family supports up to 4K eraseable Flash blocks, internal voltage regulation with on-chip FRC oscillator, and CTMU (Charge Time Measurement Unit) for capacitive touch sensing. The 16 MIPS performance at 32 MHz makes it suitable for sensor fusion, simple control loops, and low-bandwidth communication stacks.
Typical applications include battery-powered medical sensors (blood pressure monitors, glucose meters), remote control units, home automation sensor nodes, IoT edge devices, smart thermostats, energy harvesting systems, low-power wireless sensor nodes, and wearable health monitors. The XLP technology particularly suits applications where the MCU spends most of its life in deep sleep, waking only briefly for measurement and transmission.
When designing with this MCU, prioritize minimizing active mode time and use the deep-sleep modes between sensor measurements. Select the lowest-power oscillator configuration compatible with timing requirements, and use peripheral clock gating to disable unused peripherals. Always read-modify-write disable-on-wake configurations carefully in the datasheet to avoid unexpected peripheral activation after sleep-wake cycles.
This page synthesizes Microchip datasheet values, distributor inventory snapshots, drop-in alternative MPNs, and practical low-power design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet, providing a one-stop engineering reference for the PIC24F04KA201T-I/MQ.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24F04KA201T-I/MQ — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24F04KA201-I/MQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24F04KA200T-I/MQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24F08KA201T-I/MQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24F16KA101T-I/MQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24F04KA201T-I/MQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC24F 16-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 4 KB (1.375K x 24) |
| Data SRAM | 512 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | Up to 18 (varies by package) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 9 channels |
| UART Modules | 2 (with IrDA support) |
| I2C Modules | 1 |
| PWM / CCP Channels | Up to 4 |
| Timers | Five 16-bit timers |
| Deep Sleep Current (XLP) | 20 nA typical (RTCC retained) |
| RTCC | Yes (Real-Time Clock Calendar) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial grade, 'I') |
| Package | 20-pin VQFN (MQ) 5x5 mm with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (Tape & Reel, 'T' suffix) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Development Tools | MPLAB X IDE, XC16 Compiler, PICkit 3/4, Explorer 16/32 board |
PIC24F04KA201T-I/MQ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — Digital I/O / analog input AN0 / CVREF- |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — Digital I/O / analog input AN1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog input AN2 / VREF- |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Digital I/O / analog input AN3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Digital I/O / analog input AN4 / SOSCO (RTCC secondary) |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog input AN5 / SOSCI (RTCC secondary) |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — Digital I/O / analog input AN6 / OSCI |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Digital I/O / analog input AN7 / OSCO |
| Pin 9 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V - 3.6 V) |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | RB0 — Digital I/O / INT0 / CTED1 |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — Digital I/O / INT1 / CTED2 |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — Digital I/O / INT2 / SDA2 |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Digital I/O / INT3 / SCL2 |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Digital I/O / SDA1 |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — Digital I/O / SCL1 |
| Pin 17 | RB6 — Digital I/O / PGC (programming clock) |
| Pin 18 | RB7 — Digital I/O / PGD (programming data) |
| Pin 19 | VCAP — External filter capacitor for internal voltage regulator |
| Pin 20 | VSS (EP) — Exposed thermal pad - must be soldered to ground |
Typical Applications
PIC24F04KA201T-I/MQ is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered Medical Sensors, IoT Edge Sensor Nodes, Wearable Health Monitors, Home Automation Sensor Hubs, Energy Harvesting Systems, Remote Control Units, Industrial Sensor Transmitters.
Battery-Powered Medical Sensors
The PIC24F04KA201T-I/MQ fits battery-powered medical sensors such as blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, and pulse oximeters due to its 20 nA nanoWatt XLP deep-sleep current with RTCC retention, enabling multi-year battery life on a single CR2032 coin cell. The 10-bit ADC with up to 9 channels directly interfaces with analog front-ends for pressure, optical, and electrochemical sensors, while the 4 KB Flash supports firmware for calibration and measurement algorithms. The 1.8-3.6 V operating range accepts both 2x AA alkaline and single-cell Li-Ion chemistries without level shifting. Per the Microchip datasheet, wake-on-RTCC, WDT, and INT0 sources allow scheduled measurements without active CPU intervention, and the integrated I2C bus connects to peripheral sensors (temperature, accelerometer) over short distances. The 16 MIPS core handles algorithmic processing of biosignal data while idle modes minimize average power consumption.
Recommended
IoT Edge Sensor Nodes
The PIC24F04KA201T-I/MQ is ideal for IoT edge sensor nodes in smart home, environmental monitoring, and industrial telemetry applications, owing to its nanoWatt XLP technology that supports energy harvesting and battery-only operation. The integrated 32 MHz core delivering 16 MIPS processes sensor data and simple communication stacks (MQTT-SN, CoAP) before returning to deep sleep, while the 2 UART modules with IrDA support enable direct interfacing with sub-GHz radio modules like the MRF89XA for wireless transmission. The 4 KB Flash stores firmware for sensor calibration, data compression, and protocol handling, and the 512 B SRAM buffers measurement bursts before transmission. The 20-VQFN compact 5x5 mm footprint fits inside small sensor enclosures. Per the Microchip PIC24F04KA201 datasheet, the CTMU (Charge Time Measurement Unit) supports capacitive touch sensing for user input without additional ICs, lowering BOM cost for touch-based control panels.
Recommended
Wearable Health Monitors
The PIC24F04KA201T-I/MQ suits wearable health monitors such as fitness bands, smart watches, and medical wearables where ultra-low power and small package size are essential. The 20-VQFN 5x5 mm package occupies minimal PCB area, while the 20 nA deep-sleep current enables weeks-to-months of battery life between charges. The 1.8 V minimum supply voltage supports direct operation from small Li-Poly cells without boost converters, improving efficiency. The integrated 10-bit ADC with up to 9 channels reads multiple biosensors (heart rate, SpO2, skin temperature, galvanic skin response), and the PWM outputs drive haptic feedback actuators. Per the Microchip datasheet, the CTMU supports capacitive touch buttons for UI without additional hardware. The 16 MIPS performance handles step counting, sleep tracking, and basic signal processing while maintaining real-time responsiveness.
Recommended
Home Automation Sensor Hubs
The PIC24F04KA201T-I/MQ powers home automation sensor hubs including smart thermostats, occupancy sensors, and lighting controllers where low-power always-on operation is critical. The nanoWatt XLP technology with 20 nA deep-sleep current allows battery-powered sensors with 5-10 year operational life on standard AA cells, eliminating the need for mains wiring. The 4 KB Flash accommodates firmware for HVAC control algorithms and PIR/microwave radar occupancy detection, while the integrated ADC reads thermistor, photocell, and humidity sensors. Per the Microchip PIC24F04KA201 datasheet, the 2 UART modules support simultaneous connectivity to wired RS-485 networks and IrDA remote control receivers, while the I2C bus connects to environmental sensor ICs. The 16 MIPS performance handles protocol processing for Matter, Zigbee, or Thread gateway bridges in compact IoT devices.
Recommended
Energy Harvesting Systems
The PIC24F04KA201T-I/MQ is well-suited for energy harvesting systems including solar-powered wireless sensors, piezoelectric vibration harvesters, and thermoelectric generators, where nanoWatt XLP technology is essential for sustained operation from harvested micro-watt power. The 1.8 V minimum operating voltage enables direct connection to low-voltage solar cells and TEG outputs without boost conversion, improving overall system efficiency. The 20 nA deep-sleep current ensures that quiescent power consumption is negligible compared to harvested energy. Per the Microchip datasheet, the ADC and comparators provide built-in energy management by monitoring harvest voltage and switching loads only when sufficient energy is stored. The 4 KB Flash handles adaptive energy-aware firmware and energy budgeting algorithms, while the 16 MIPS performance executes control loops fast enough to harvest transient energy peaks.
Recommended
Remote Control Units
The PIC24F04KA201T-I/MQ fits remote control units for consumer electronics, automotive key fobs, and industrial RF remotes where battery replacement cost dominates total ownership. The nanoWatt XLP technology with 20 nA deep-sleep enables years of standby operation on a single CR2032 coin cell, and the wake-on-interrupt capability supports instant button-press response without active MCU monitoring. The integrated UART modules with IrDA support provide native compatibility with IrDA consumer remote protocols, while the 4 KB Flash stores button mapping, RF protocol stacks, and security codes. Per the Microchip datasheet, the CTMU enables capacitive touch buttons without mechanical switches, improving reliability. The 16 MIPS performance handles Manchester or FSK encoding/decoding in real-time, and the industrial -40C to +85C temperature range supports automotive cabin applications.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitters
The PIC24F04KA201T-I/MQ drives industrial 4-20 mA sensor transmitters, process meters, and field instrumentation where the -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade and 20-VQFN compact footprint are required. The 10-bit ADC with up to 9 channels reads multiple process variables (pressure, temperature, flow) simultaneously, while the 4 KB Flash holds calibration coefficients and linearization tables for each sensor type. The UART modules support HART protocol communication for legacy process instrumentation compatibility, while I2C connects to modern digital sensor front-ends. Per the Microchip PIC24F04KA201 datasheet, the nanoWatt XLP technology supports intrinsically-safe (IS) battery-powered transmitters with multi-year operation, and the 1.8-3.6 V operating range accepts both 4-20 mA loop power and battery configurations. The 16 MIPS performance executes PID control loops and digital filtering for noise-immune sensor output.
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Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24F04KA201T-I/MQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24F04KA201-I/MQ | PIC24F04KA200T-I/MQ | PIC24F08KA201T-I/MQ | PIC24F16KA101T-I/MQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-VQFN (MQ) 5x5 mm | 20-VQFN (MQ) 5x5 mm - same | 20-VQFN (MQ) 5x5 mm - same | 20-VQFN (MQ) 5x5 mm - same | 20-VQFN (MQ) 5x5 mm - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 4 KB | 4 KB (same) | 4 KB (same) | 8 KB (2x) | 16 KB (4x) |
| Data SRAM | 512 B | 512 B (same) | 256 B (-50%) | 1 KB (2x) | 1.5 KB (3x) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS (same) | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS (same) | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS (same) | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS (same) |
| Deep Sleep Current (XLP) | 20 nA typical | 20 nA (same) | 20 nA (same) | 20 nA (same) | 20 nA (same) |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (same) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (same) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (same) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (same) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (same) | -40C to +85C (same) | -40C to +85C (same) | -40C to +85C (same) |
| Price (qty-1, USD) | $2.95 | ~$2.85 (tray, slightly less) | ~$2.50 (no EEPROM, lower cost) | ~$3.30 (more Flash) | ~$3.95 (16 KB Flash) |
Key Differentiators
- Industry-leading 20 nA deep-sleep current with RTCC retention (vs PIC24F04KA200T-I/MQ)
- Compact 5x5 mm VQFN footprint with exposed thermal pad (vs PIC24F16KA101T-I/MQ)
- Industrial -40C to +85C operating temperature grade (vs PIC24F08KA201T-I/MQ (only available in E grade))
- Free MPLAB X IDE and XC16 compiler support (vs ARM Cortex-M0+ competitors)
Design Notes
Place a 10 uF X5R ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 9) and a 0.1 uF X7R ceramic directly at the VDD-VSS pair for high-frequency noise suppression. The PIC24F04KA201T's internal voltage regulator requires a 1 uF X7R capacitor on the VCAP pin (pin 19) - do not omit this part or skip the 10 uF bulk. Estimated: a typical low-power application with 99.9% deep-sleep duty cycle at 20 nA sleep current and 1 mA active at 3.3 V averages (0.999 x 20 nA + 0.001 x 1 mA) x 3.3 V ~ 3.3 uW - enabling 10+ years on a 1 Ah battery.
The 20-VQFN (MQ) package includes an exposed thermal pad (EP, pin 20) that MUST be soldered to a PCB copper pour for thermal dissipation and electrical ground connection. Minimum thermal pad area should be at least 25 mm^2 of 1 oz copper to maintain junction temperature within safe limits. Per the Microchip datasheet, the EP must connect to the VSS ground plane, not floating, to ensure proper device operation. In applications with frequent active mode operation, add thermal vias to inner planes to spread heat. The -40C to +85C industrial operating range assumes proper thermal pad soldering.
Common pitfalls when designing with the PIC24F04KA201T-I/MQ include: (1) Forgetting the VCAP bypass capacitor causes internal regulator instability; (2) Using ADC without the recommended 10 uF + 0.1 uF bulk + bypass combination introduces ADC measurement noise - place bypass capacitors within 5 mm of VDD pin; (3) Not configuring unused I/O pins as outputs or enabling internal pull-ups can increase deep-sleep current by 1-5 uA per pin; (4) Failing to disable unused peripherals (UART, ADC, I2C) before deep sleep wastes 100-500 uA; (5) Configuring the RTCC alarm without the RTCC clock source enables causes wake-on-alarm to fail. Per Microchip errata sheets, always check for device-specific silicon revisions and apply workarounds listed in the errata.
Route the ICSP signals PGC (RB6) and PGD (RB7) to a programming header or test pads accessible by the PICkit 3/4 programmer. The ICSP connections must be isolated from the application circuit to allow programming without affecting the design - a 4-pin header with MCLR, VDD, VSS, PGD, PGC is the standard Microchip ICSP pinout. For production programming, route the ICSP traces to a Tag-Connect or similar no-cost programming fixture. Place the ICSP connector away from high-current switching signals (PWM outputs, motor drivers) to avoid noise coupling during programming. The MCLR pin (typically shared with VPP) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF decoupling cap for proper reset operation.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Lead-free (Pb-free) reflow rated at 260C peak per JEDEC J-STD-020. AEC-Q100 not qualified - choose PIC24F04KA201-E/MQ for automotive extended temperature applications.
