PIC24F16KA301-I/P - 16-bit XLP MCU 16KB Flash 20-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC24F16KA301-I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.08 | $30.80 |
| 100 | $2.61 | $261.00 |
| 500 | $2.3 | $1,150.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.05 | $2,050.00 |
PIC24F16KA301-I/P Overview
A 16-bit MCU (microcontroller unit) is an embedded processor that integrates CPU, memory, peripherals, and I/O on a single die. PIC24F devices sit in Microchip's 16-bit MCU hierarchy above PIC16F and below dsPIC33/PIC32, using a modified Harvard architecture with a 24-bit instruction word. Within power-constrained embedded systems, the PIC24F16KA301-I/P occupies the XLP tier that emphasizes nanoWatt sleep currents over raw MHz performance.
Key differentiating features include 16 MIPS performance at 32 MHz, integrated 12-bit ADC with CTMU (Charge Time Measurement Unit) for capacitive touch sensing, and 18 general-purpose I/O pins. The device supports up to 9 channels of 10-bit PWM, I2C, SPI, and UART peripherals. The 16 KB Flash provides approximately 5.5K single-word instructions, sufficient for typical sensor-fusion, motor-control, and display-driver firmware. The 20-pin PDIP package simplifies breadboard prototyping and hand-soldered prototypes compared to QFN alternatives.
Architecturally, the PIC24F16KA301-I/P uses an internal oscillator eliminating external crystal components, includes a configurable 16-bit timer, and supports In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) for in-field firmware updates. The CTMU peripheral enables cost-effective capacitive touch interfaces without dedicated touch controllers, ideal for appliances and user-interface panels. According to the Microchip datasheet, the XLP technology achieves sub-1 µA current in Deep Sleep mode with RTCC active.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, low-power wireless sensor hubs, smart thermostats, wearable health monitors, and home automation controllers. The combination of 16-bit performance and XLP sleep currents makes it well suited for solar-powered and Energy Harvesting applications where average current budgets fall below 100 µA.
When designing with this part, leverage the DSBOR and DSWDT peripherals for unattended battery operation, and use the RTCC's 1-second alarm to wake from Deep Sleep on a scheduled basis rather than polling. This pattern reduces average system current by 1-2 orders of magnitude compared to continuous-loop firmware designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24F16KA301-I/P — 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 PIC24F16KA301-I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Program Memory (Flash), ADC, Operating Temperature Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24F16KA301-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24F08KL200-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.16 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24F04KL100-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24F16KA101-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24F08KA101-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24F08KL301-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24F16KA301-I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 16-bit PIC24F (modified Harvard) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB (5.5K x 24 instructions) |
| RAM Size | 2 KB |
| EEPROM Size | 512 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| ADC | 12-bit, with CTMU |
| Package | 20-PDIP (0.300 in, 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Oscillator | Internal |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP (eXtreme Low Power) |
| Deep Sleep Peripherals | DSBOR, DSWDT, RTCC |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC24F16KA301-I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — GPIO / analog input AN0 / CVREF |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — GPIO / analog input AN1 |
| Pin 4 | RB0 — GPIO / analog input AN2 / PGED1 |
| Pin 5 | RB1 — GPIO / analog input AN3 / PGEC1 |
| Pin 6 | RB2 — GPIO / analog input AN4 |
| Pin 7 | RB3 — GPIO / analog input AN5 |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSCI — External oscillator input (or GPIO) |
| Pin 10 | OSCO — External oscillator output (or GPIO) |
| Pin 11 | RB4 — GPIO / analog input AN6 |
| Pin 12 | RB5 — GPIO / analog input AN7 |
| Pin 13 | RB6 — GPIO / analog input AN8 / PGEC2 |
| Pin 14 | RB7 — GPIO / analog input AN9 / PGED2 |
| Pin 15 | VDD — Positive supply 1.8-3.6 V |
| Pin 16 | RA2 — GPIO / analog input AN10 / VREF- |
| Pin 17 | RA3 — GPIO / analog input AN11 / VREF+ |
| Pin 18 | RA4 — GPIO / analog input AN12 |
| Pin 19 | RA5 — GPIO / analog input AN13 |
| Pin 20 | RA6 — GPIO / analog input AN14 / RTCC |
Typical Applications
PIC24F16KA301-I/P is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Capacitive Touch User Interfaces, Wearable Health Monitors, Smart Thermostats and HVAC Controllers, Home Automation Controllers, Solar-Powered Remote Sensing, Industrial Sensor Transmitters.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC24F16KA301-I/P fits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because of its XLP Deep Sleep current below 1 µA with RTCC running and its 1.8 V minimum supply that runs directly from a single Li-ion or two AA cells. With 16 MIPS performance, the device can wake periodically to sample sensors, perform local filtering, transmit via a connected radio module, and return to Deep Sleep within milliseconds. The integrated 12-bit ADC and CTMU support direct capacitive humidity and proximity sensing without external components. Designers typically achieve multi-year battery life on a 2,400 mAh cell by using a 0.1% duty cycle and the DSWDT watchdog.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interfaces
The PIC24F16KA301-I/P's integrated CTMU (Charge Time Measurement Unit) and 12-bit ADC enable cost-effective capacitive touch sensing for buttons, sliders, and proximity sensors in appliances and industrial control panels. The CTMU measures capacitance with femtofarad resolution using a constant-current source and timing reference, eliminating the need for dedicated touch controllers. Combined with 16 MIPS performance, the MCU can scan 12+ touch electrodes at 100 Hz while running display-refresh and communication tasks. Designers pair the device with segmented LED or OLED displays to build complete human-machine interfaces for under $5 BOM.
Recommended
Wearable Health Monitors
The PIC24F16KA301-I/P suits wearable health monitors due to its 1.8-3.6 V supply range, sub-1 µA Deep Sleep with RTCC, and small 20-PDIP form factor for prototype wearable bands. The 12-bit ADC samples photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors for heart rate and SpO2 measurement, while the CTMU enables capacitive touch for button and gesture detection on the wearable surface. With firmware duty-cycling, average current budgets fall below 50 µA, enabling 2-3 weeks of operation on a 100 mAh lithium-polymer cell. The 32 MHz core runs real-time heart-rate variability algorithms without offloading to a companion radio MCU.
Recommended
Smart Thermostats and HVAC Controllers
The PIC24F16KA301-I/P drives smart thermostats by combining its 16 MIPS performance to run PID control loops for HVAC actuators, its 12-bit ADC to read multiple temperature sensors (NTC thermistors, RTDs), and its XLP sleep modes to reduce standby power. The 18 GPIO pins drive relay outputs for fan, compressor, and heat-call stages, while I2C/SPI connect to Wi-Fi modules and OLED displays. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range covers basement and attic installations. The RTCC enables 7-day programmable scheduling without external RTC chips, lowering BOM cost by approximately $0.50 per unit.
Recommended
Home Automation Controllers
The PIC24F16KA301-I/P fits home automation hubs that bridge Zigbee, Z-Wave, or sub-GHz radios with Wi-Fi backhaul. Its 32 MHz performance runs the application stack while UART/SPI interfaces to radio modules, and its 16 KB Flash holds complete ZCL or proprietary protocol stacks. The XLP Deep Sleep with RTCC enables battery-powered door/window sensors that last 5+ years on a CR2032 cell. The 20-PDIP package simplifies through-hole assembly for low-volume smart-home products where SMT lines are not yet cost-justified. Designers also use the CTMU for glass-break detection and proximity wake-up.
Recommended
Solar-Powered Remote Sensing
The PIC24F16KA301-I/P enables solar-powered remote sensing for agricultural, environmental, and infrastructure monitoring. Its 1.8 V minimum supply draws directly from a single-cell Li-ion or LiFePO4 battery charged by a small solar panel, eliminating boost converters. The XLP Deep Sleep with RTCC draws under 1 µA, allowing the device to operate from harvested energy with duty cycles below 0.01%. The 12-bit ADC reads soil moisture, temperature, and solar irradiance sensors, while the 32 MHz core compresses data for transmission. Typical deployment uses a 1 W solar panel and 2,400 mAh Li-ion cell, yielding indefinite operation in temperate climates.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitters
The PIC24F16KA301-I/P serves 4-20 mA loop-powered and wirelessHART sensor transmitters in industrial process control. Its 16 MIPS performance executes linearization, calibration, and HART protocol stacks, while its 12-bit ADC reads bridge sensors, RTDs, and thermocouples at industrial accuracy. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature range covers plant-floor environments, and the 1.8-3.6 V supply operates from loop current with low-dropout regulation. The CTMU enables local pushbutton calibration without opening the transmitter enclosure, reducing field-service cost by approximately 30% versus sealed designs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24F16KA301-I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24F16KA301-E/P | PIC24F08KL200-I/P | PIC24F04KL100-I/P | PIC24F16KA101-I/P | PIC24F08KA101-I/P | PIC24F08KL301-E/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-PDIP (0.300 in) | 20-PDIP (0.300 in) - same | 20-PDIP (0.300 in) - same | 20-PDIP (0.300 in) - same | 20-PDIP (0.300 in) - same | 20-PDIP (0.300 in) - same | 20-PDIP (0.300 in) - same |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB (-50%) | 4 KB (-75%) | 16 KB | 8 KB (-50%) | 8 KB (-50%) |
| RAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 1 KB (-50%) | 0.5 KB (-75%) | 1.5 KB (-25%) | 1.5 KB (-25%) | 1 KB (-50%) |
| Maximum Speed | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS |
| CTMU (Capacitive Touch) | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty-1000) | $2.05 | ~$2.40 | ~$1.85 | ~$1.65 | ~$1.95 | ~$1.75 | ~$2.15 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated CTMU for capacitive touch (vs PIC24F08KL200-I/P)
- Industrial temperature grade with cost-effective PDIP (vs PIC24F16KA301-E/P)
- Larger 2 KB RAM for buffering (vs PIC24F16KA101-I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC24F16KA301-I/P achieves sub-1 µA Deep Sleep current with RTCC running. Configure the DSBOR and DSWDT peripherals to remain active in Deep Sleep, and use the RTCC 1-second alarm as the wake source rather than polling timers. For sensor nodes, design the firmware so the MCU spends >99% of its time in Deep Sleep, awakening only briefly to sample sensors and transmit. This pattern typically yields 5+ year battery life on a 2,400 mAh AA cell, compared to days or weeks for always-on firmware.
Estimated: The internal LDO regulates VDDCORE from the 1.8-3.6 V VDD rail. If your design uses an unregulated source above 3.6 V (such as a 5 V rail or USB VBUS), add an external LDO or series diode before VDD; otherwise the device may latch up. Always check that the MCLR pin has a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD to prevent spurious resets during power-up; leaving MCLR floating is a common cause of intermittent start-up failures. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin.
For the 20-PDIP package, use a standard 0.300-inch (7.62 mm) DIP socket or through-hole footprint with 2.54 mm (0.1 in) row spacing. The PDIP is breadboard-compatible, simplifying prototype iteration. For production, consider migrating to the 20-SOIC (PIC24F16KA301-I/SO) variant to reduce board area by approximately 70%. Place the ICSP programming header (PGED1/PGEC1 on pins 4/5) at the board edge to allow in-system programming without disassembling the enclosure.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade; not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose AEC-Q100 variants for automotive.
