PIC24F08KL401-I/MQ - 16-Bit 32MHz XLP MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24F08KL401-I/MQ ✓ ActivePIC24F08KL401-I/MQ Overview
A microcontroller is a programmable semiconductor that integrates a processor core, memory, and peripherals into one device. The PIC24F family is based on a 16-bit architecture and belongs to the broader embedded-controller and power-management ecosystem. The KL401 device combines nanoWatt XLP low-power features with peripherals familiar from the PIC18 ecosystem, including MSSP communication and CCP/ECCP control capabilities.
The most important selection criteria are its 32 MHz maximum frequency, 8 KB Flash program memory, 1 KB data RAM, 10-bit ADC, and 20-pin VQFN package. The 512-byte on-chip data memory identified by the distributor listing provides additional nonvolatile storage. These resources suit compact control systems that need periodic sensing, actuator control, and serial communications without requiring a larger external-memory interface.
The 16-bit architecture provides a practical balance between processing capability, code efficiency, and embedded cost. MSSP hardware supports I2C or SPI-oriented peripheral integration, while CCP and ECCP modules support timing and pulse-control tasks. The 10-bit ADC enables analog measurement for industrial controls, consumer products, and compact sensing nodes. Exact conversion rates, timer resources, voltage limits, and current consumption require confirmation in the manufacturer datasheet.
Typical uses include low-cost sensor nodes, temperature controllers, compact motor-control systems, battery-operated instruments, and embedded communication modules. A design can use the ADC for analog inputs, MSSP for external sensors or displays, and CCP/ECCP for motor, switch, or waveform-control functions. The 5 x 5 mm VQFN also supports space-constrained products when careful PCB layout and exposed-pad thermal management are applied.
When designing a board, verify every VQFN-20 land pattern and pin function against the current Microchip documentation. Place the decoupling capacitor close to the supply pins and preserve the manufacturer’s recommended layout for the exposed pad. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade and exact operating voltage limits should be confirmed before releasing production hardware.
This product page combines the verified Microchip product information with distributor specifications, package identification, application guidance, and strict drop-in replacement analysis. It distinguishes confirmed drop-in options from related devices that require different packages or firmware, helping engineers make a defensible sourcing and design decision.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24F08KL401-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 PIC24F08KL401-I/MQ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC Resolution, Package.
PIC24F08KL401-E/MQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs UnverifiedContact for price
View Datasheet →PIC24F08KL401-I/MQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Microcontroller Family | PIC24F |
| Architecture | 16-bit |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Program Flash Memory | 8 KB (2.75K x 24) |
| Data RAM | 1 KB |
| On-Chip Data Memory | 512 bytes |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit |
| Supply Voltage | 3 V |
| Serial Peripheral | MSSP supporting I2C and SPI |
| Control Peripherals | CCP and ECCP |
| Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Package | 20-pin VQFN, 5 x 5 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial, -40C to +85C |
PIC24F08KL401-I/MQ 20-pin vqfn, 5 x 5 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC24F08KL401-I/MQ (20-pin vqfn, 5 x 5 mm package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for PIC24F08KL401-I/MQ.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC24F08KL401-I/MQ is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Temperature Sensor Node, Battery-Powered Monitoring Device, Compact Motor and Valve Controller, Communications Interface Module, Consumer Control and Interface Board, Medical or Diagnostic Sensor Interface.
Industrial Temperature Sensor Node
PIC24F08KL401-I/MQ fits compact industrial sensor nodes that require periodic analog measurement, local logic, and a low-power communication interface. Its 10-bit ADC can acquire sensor signals while the 16-bit, 32 MHz processor performs scaling, filtering, and threshold decisions. The 1 KB RAM and 8 KB Flash provide space for control code, while MSSP can connect a temperature sensor, ADC, or digital display over I2C or SPI. The -40C to +85C industrial grade is suitable for many indoor industrial environments. Compared with a larger MCU, the 5 x 5 mm VQFN reduces board area, although the exposed-pad layout and decoupling require careful PCB execution.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Monitoring Device
PIC24F08KL401-I/MQ is suitable for battery-powered monitoring devices because the PIC24F family supports nanoWant XLP low-power operation and the device combines measurement, control, and serial communications in one compact package. A portable condition-monitoring product can use the 10-bit ADC for a battery or environmental sensor, MSSP for a low-power digital sensor, and timers or CCP functions for periodic sampling. The 32 MHz operating frequency permits responsive event handling without requiring a higher-complexity processor. The 1 KB RAM limit means buffering and communication tasks must remain compact, while the 8 KB Flash program space requires disciplined firmware organization.
Recommended
Compact Motor and Valve Controller
PIC24F08KL401-I/MQ can control compact motors, valves, relays, or actuators where deterministic pulse timing and analog feedback are needed. Its CCP and ECCP peripherals support timer-based control functions, while the 10-bit ADC can monitor a current, position, or pressure signal for closed-loop behavior. The 16-bit architecture and 32 MHz maximum frequency provide more arithmetic headroom than an 8-bit controller without requiring a large processor package. Designers should size external transistors, flyback protection, and power paths separately because the microcontroller does not directly replace power-stage components.
Recommended
Communications Interface Module
PIC24F08KL401-I/MQ fits small protocol-conversion or embedded communication modules that need a flexible host MCU and MSSP connectivity. The controller can operate as an I2C or SPI master for sensors, transceivers, or configuration devices, then process data and manage requests through its 16-bit CPU core. At 32 MHz, the device supports protocol overhead, state management, and diagnostics while retaining a modest 8 KB Flash and 1 KB RAM budget. The 20-pin VQFN footprint also makes the controller practical for compact gateway hardware. Production designs should validate protocol timing, interrupt latency, and peripheral pin multiplexing against the current datasheet.
Recommended
Consumer Control and Interface Board
PIC24F08KL401-I/MQ can serve as the controller on compact consumer accessory, keypad, or appliance-interface boards. The 10-bit ADC supports analog buttons, potentiometers, or simple sensing networks, while MSSP connects displays, sensors, or expansion devices. Its 16-bit instruction set and 32 MHz operating speed support responsive menu handling, state-machine control, and communication servicing within the limited 8 KB Flash and 1 KB RAM budgets. The 5 x 5 mm VQFN package helps reduce board area in space-sensitive products. Firmware should account for the small RAM footprint by avoiding large local buffers and using external serial storage when richer assets are required.
Recommended
Medical or Diagnostic Sensor Interface
PIC24F08KL401-I/MQ can be used in a small diagnostic or medical-sensor interface where a 10-bit ADC, serial peripheral, and deterministic embedded control are needed. It can acquire a conditioned analog signal, apply calibration and filtering, and transfer results through I2C or SPI to a higher-level controller. The 16-bit PIC24F architecture is efficient for fixed-point calculations, while the 32 MHz clock rate supports time-critical sampling and control tasks. The device does not provide medical certification by itself, so clinical use requires validated hardware, risk controls, quality processes, and regulatory review. Input protection and analog grounding must be designed around the actual sensor and amplifier requirements.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24F08KL401-I/MQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24F08KL401-E/MQ |
|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-pin VQFN (5 x 5 mm) | 20-pin VQFN (5 x 5 mm) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Architecture | 16-bit PIC24F | 16-bit PIC24F |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Program Flash Memory | 8 KB | 8 KB |
| Data RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| Supply Voltage | 3 V | 3 V |
Key Differentiators
- Compact 20-pin VQFN implementation of a 16-bit PIC24F controller (vs PIC24F08KL401-I/SO)
- 32 MHz processing with a 10-bit ADC and MSSP peripherals in one device (vs PIC24F08KL401-E/MQ)
- Industrial-temperature suffix for embedded designs (vs PIC24F08KL401-E/MQ)
Design Notes
Use the Microchip land pattern and exposed-pad guidance for the 20-pin VQFN rather than generating a footprint from package height alone. Place the required supply-decoupling capacitor close to the corresponding power pins, keep high-current return paths compact, and provide adequate ground-plane area beneath the exposed pad. The verified snippets identify the 5 x 5 mm VQFN but do not include the land pattern or exposed-pad dimensions, so those details must be taken directly from the current package drawing.
Design the 3 V power path around the device’s verified operating limits, which were not included in the supplied distributor snippets. Confirm minimum and maximum VDD, startup behavior, brownout settings, and current consumption in the manufacturer datasheet before selecting capacitors or regulators. For battery-powered products, calculate average current from the selected XLP mode, active processing time, ADC sampling rate, and MSSP activity; the processor frequency alone is insufficient for estimating battery life.
Do not treat the PIC24F08KL401-I/SO variant as a drop-in replacement for the -MQ device because it uses a 20-pin SOIC package rather than the 20-pin 5 x 5 mm VQFN footprint. Likewise, larger PIC24FJ devices may provide more memory but can require different pins, peripherals, and firmware. Validate any alternate temperature-grade suffix, programming configuration, exposed-pad requirement, and board outline before authorizing substitution.
Separate analog, digital, and communication paths as appropriate for the selected application. Keep the ADC input route short and away from switching nodes and MSSP edges, provide a stable ground reference, and use the recommended bypass network. The 10-bit ADC and MSSP can coexist in this small package, but poor partitioning can introduce noise and timing errors that are difficult to correct in firmware.
Compliance Information
The supplied verified snippets do not state RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, conflict-minerals, or automotive qualification status. AEC-Q100 is recorded as not applicable because this is an industrial-temperature microcontroller rather than an explicitly automotive-qualified AEC-Q100 variant.
