PIC24F04KL101-I/MQ - 16-bit 32MHz 4KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24F04KL101-I/MQ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.1698 | $0.17 |
| 10 | $0.155 | $1.55 |
| 100 | $0.142 | $14.20 |
| 500 | $0.128 | $64.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.115 | $115.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.098 | $294.00 |
PIC24F04KL101-I/MQ Overview
A 16-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable processor that uses a 16-bit data path and instruction set, offering higher computational throughput, larger linear addressing, and richer peripherals than 8-bit MCUs while remaining more power-efficient and easier to use than 32-bit Cortex-M parts. Within the semiconductor hierarchy, 16-bit MCUs sit between 8-bit microcontrollers and 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0/M4 devices and are commonly used in cost-sensitive embedded control applications. The PIC24F family in particular targets low-power, low-cost general-purpose designs.
Key features of this part include 4KB self-programmable Flash with ECC, 512 bytes SRAM, 256 bytes of EEPROM-like data Flash, 32 kHz to 32 MHz operation with internal 8 MHz and 32 kHz oscillators, a 9-channel 12-bit ADC with automated channel scan, two analog comparators, an 8-bit parallel master port on selected variants, and nanoWatt XLP sleep currents as low as 20 nA in deep sleep. The MSSP supports both I2C (including SMBus) and SPI master/slave modes, and the CCP/ECCP module supports PWM, capture, and compare.
The architecture uses a modified Harvard bus with separate program and data paths, a 16-bit-wide datapath, and a 24-bit instruction set, which keeps code density high while allowing C-compiler-friendly operation. The wide operating voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) and ultra-low sleep currents make it well suited for battery-powered systems with intermittent wake-up duty cycles. The part is supported by MPLAB X IDE, MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC), and the XC16 compiler toolchain.
Typical applications include low-cost sensor nodes, portable medical devices, IoT end-point nodes, battery-powered remote controls, home automation peripherals, LED lighting controllers, and small appliance user interfaces. The combination of low power, modest Flash, and migrated PIC18 peripherals lets designers replace older 8-bit PIC designs with a 16-bit upgrade without rewriting most peripheral drivers.
When designing with this device, keep the supply within 1.8 V to 3.6 V and place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor close to VDD. Unused I/O should be configured as outputs and tied low to minimize current draw in sleep modes; the nW XLP sleep currents assume properly terminated I/O. Programming is via ICSP using PGEDx/PGECx pins reserved for debugging.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible drop-in alternatives within the PIC24F family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single reference for sourcing, replacement, and BOM risk mitigation.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24F04KL101-I/MQ — 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 PIC24F04KL101-I/MQ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24F04KL101-E/MQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24F04KL100-E/MQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24F04KL101-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24F04KA201-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24F04KL101-I/MQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC24F 16-bit RISC (modified Harvard) |
| Family | PIC® XLP™ 24F (KL series) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 4 KB (1.375K x 24 instruction words) |
| Data SRAM | 512 bytes |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 12-bit, 9-channel (SAR) with auto-scan |
| Comparators | 2 analog comparators |
| Communication Peripherals | MSSP (I2C/SPI), UART (IrDA, LIN), EUSART |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 1 CCP + 1 ECCP |
| Timers | Timer1 (16-bit RTCC), Timer2/3 (16-bit) |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP (deep-sleep <1 uA typical) |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz HFINTOSC + 31 kHz LFINTOSC |
| Package | 20-pin VQFN (5x5 mm, MQ designation) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial -I) |
| MSL Level | 1 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Programming/Debug | ICSP via PGEDx/PGECx (4-wire) |
PIC24F04KL101-I/MQ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — Digital I/O / analog input AN0 (per datasheet) |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — Digital I/O / analog input AN1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog input AN2 / CVREF |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Digital I/O / analog input AN3 |
| Pin 5 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | RA4 — Digital I/O / analog input AN4 / OSC1 |
| Pin 8 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog input AN5 / OSC2 |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | RA7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB0 — Digital I/O / INT0 / ECCP PWM |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — Digital I/O / analog input AN6 |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — Digital I/O / analog input AN7 |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Digital I/O / analog input AN8 |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Digital I/O / SDA / SCL remappable |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — Digital I/O / PGED3 (programming data) |
| Pin 17 | RB6 — Digital I/O / PGEC3 (programming clock) |
| Pin 18 | RB7 — Digital I/O / PGED1 / PGEC1 (ICSP) |
| Pin 19 | MCLR — Master clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference (also exposed thermal pad) |
Typical Applications
PIC24F04KL101-I/MQ is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered Wireless Sensor Node, IoT Edge Endpoint and Smart Home Sensor, Portable Medical and Wellness Device, LED Lighting and Backlight Controller, Low-Cost Industrial Sensor and Appliance User Interface, Remote Control, Toy, and Hobby Electronics, Energy-Harvesting Power Management Controller.
Battery-Powered Wireless Sensor Node
The PIC24F04KL101-I/MQ is well suited to battery-powered wireless sensor nodes because of its nanoWatt XLP ultra-low-power sleep current and 1.8 V to 3.6 V wide operating range. The 12-bit 9-channel ADC with automated channel scan can directly interface thermistors, PIR sensors, or strain-gauge bridges without external signal conditioning. The MSSP provides an SPI master port for an external LoRa, Sub-GHz, or BLE radio module, and the UART supports command/response links. Compared with 8-bit PIC16 designs, the 32 MHz 16 MIPS CPU handles small RTOS kernels or lightweight TLS stacks with margin. The 5x5 mm VQFN footprint also allows the entire MCU to fit under a coin-cell battery footprint, enabling ultra-compact wearables.
Recommended
IoT Edge Endpoint and Smart Home Sensor
For IoT end-points and smart home sensors the PIC24F04KL101-I/MQ offers the right balance of compute, low power, and integration. The CCP/ECCP module can drive PWM outputs for dimmable LED chains or motor control valves, while the analog comparators provide low-latency fault detection on supply or temperature lines. The 4 KB Flash is sufficient for BLE/Zigbee network provisioning stacks and basic OTA-bootloader logic, and 512 bytes of SRAM supports small packet buffers. The industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature grade lets the part operate in outdoor enclosures, plenums, and unheated meter housings. The 5x5 VQFN footprint is also small enough for in-fixture mounting behind wall switches.
Recommended
Portable Medical and Wellness Device
In portable medical and wellness devices the PIC24F04KL101-I/MQ provides 12-bit ADC resolution suitable for pulse oximeter, heart-rate, or temperature front-ends, while keeping nanoWatt XLP sleep currents low enough to support multi-month battery life on a CR2032 cell. The MSSP running in I2C mode can address medical-grade accelerometers and bio-sensor analog front-ends, and the dedicated comparators allow continuous battery-voltage monitoring without waking the CPU. The 1.8 V to 3.6 V range supports direct Li-ion/Li-poly chemistry without a boost converter. The compact 5x5 mm VQFN package also enables ultra-thin patch-style form factors.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Backlight Controller
The PIC24F04KL101-I/MQ can act as a low-cost LED lighting and backlight controller thanks to its 16-bit PWM resolution and 32 MHz CPU. The ECCP module can generate multiple PWM channels for RGB or warm-white dimming, while the 12-bit ADC reads ambient light sensors for closed-loop brightness control. The MSSP drives SPI-addressable LED strips or DotStar pixels for entertainment lighting. Compared with 8-bit PIC16 parts, the 16-bit math gives smoother dimming curves and reduces flicker artifacts at low duty cycles. The 5x5 VQFN package is small enough to fit inside MR16 spot lamp bases or LCD backlight driver boards.
Recommended
Low-Cost Industrial Sensor and Appliance User Interface
For low-cost industrial sensors and appliance user interfaces, the PIC24F04KL101-I/MQ provides sufficient GPIO, ADC, and PWM for HMI front panels, fan control, and pump monitoring. The analog comparators can monitor motor current or supply brown-out without using the ADC. The MSSP and UART support MODBUS over RS-485 via external transceivers, and the 16 MIPS CPU handles debouncing, key matrix scanning, and small PID loops. The industrial temperature grade supports unheated enclosures. The 5x5 mm VQFN footprint also survives high-vibration environments better than fine-pitch QFP packages.
Recommended
Remote Control, Toy, and Hobby Electronics
The PIC24F04KL101-I/MQ fits remote control, toy, and hobby electronics with its 32 MHz 16 MIPS CPU, low-cost Flash, and nanoWatt XLP sleep that extends battery life on coin or AAA cells. The CCP/ECCP can drive hobby servos or small brushed DC motor PWM, and the MSSP in SPI mode interfaces to nRF24-style or simple RFM modules. The 4 KB Flash stores gesture tables or sound patterns, while 512 bytes RAM suffices for short protocol frames. The compact VQFN-20 also shrinks the PCB to fit inside handheld enclosures. Compared with PIC16F parts, firmware development is friendlier under MPLAB X with the free XC16 compiler.
Recommended
Energy-Harvesting Power Management Controller
In energy-harvesting systems the PIC24F04KL101-I/MQ benefits from nanoWatt XLP sleep currents that stay below 1 uA in deep sleep, waking only on interrupt from an analog comparator or pin change. The 1.8 V minimum supply aligns with typical solar-cell or thermal-harvester output after a small boost capacitor. The 12-bit ADC monitors the energy buffer voltage and load current, while the MSSP/I2C port queries an external fuel-gauge or coulomb counter. The 32 MHz CPU can then perform peak-power tracking and load shedding in firmware. The 5x5 mm VQFN minimizes PCB area inside harvesters where every square millimeter competes with the harvester itself.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24F04KL101-I/MQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24F04KL101-E/MQ | PIC24F04KL100-E/MQ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-VQFN (5x5, MQ) | 20-VQFN (5x5, MQ) - same | 20-VQFN (5x5, MQ) - same |
| CPU Core | 16-bit PIC24F, 32 MHz (16 MIPS) | 16-bit PIC24F, 32 MHz | 16-bit PIC24F, 32 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 4 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB |
| SRAM | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) |
| ADC | 12-bit, 9-channel | 12-bit, 9-channel | 12-bit, fewer channels |
| Low-Power Tech | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP |
Key Differentiators
- 5x5 mm VQFN footprint with full nanoWalt XLP support (vs PIC24F04KA201-I/SS)
- Industrial -I temperature grade as standard for compact SMD (vs PIC24F04KL100T-I/ST (TSSOP-20 tape-and-reel))
- KL1 sub-family with full ADC and comparator set (vs PIC24F04KL100-E/MQ)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 5) of the PIC24F04KL101-I/MQ. A bulk 1 uF to 10 uF capacitor on the same rail improves transient response during CCP PWM switching. For nanoWatt XLP deep-sleep currents under 1 uA typical, ensure unused I/O pins are configured as outputs and tied low, not left floating. Configure the MCLR pin with its internal pull-up enabled if not externally driven; otherwise the part may reset spuriously.
The 20-pin VQFN (5x5) package exposes a thermal pad on the underside that MUST be soldered to a 2.5x2.5 mm or larger copper pour tied to VSS. This pad is the primary heat-dissipation path for the MCU and also improves electrical grounding. Keep high-speed digital traces (PGEDx/PGECx for ICSP) short and route them away from analog ANx inputs to minimize digital-to-analog crosstalk. Provide a separate analog ground island if your ADC readings are noisy.
Estimated: at 32 MHz and 3.3 V, the typical IDD run current of the PIC24F04KL101-I/MQ is in the low-mA range, but always refer to the DS39996 datasheet electrical characteristics table before thermal budgeting. Common pitfalls include: (1) attempting to run the ADC at 32 MHz without sufficient VDD headroom (use 3.0 V+ for full-spec ADC operation), (2) leaving unused comparators enabled in deep sleep, and (3) forgetting to enable the peripheral pin-select (PPS) lock for remappable pins to prevent accidental remapping at runtime.
Route the ICSP signals PGEDx and PGECx as a matched pair to a 4-pin header or Tag-Connect footprint for in-circuit programming and debugging. Keep the MCLR trace short to avoid picking up EMI that could trigger unwanted resets. For analog signals, route ANx traces over a continuous ground plane and avoid routing them under digital switching lines; the 12-bit ADC has limited PSRR above 100 kHz.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; industrial -I grade for general commercial/industrial use. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip material declarations.
