PIC24F16KA301T-I/SO - 16KB Flash XLP 16-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24F16KA301T-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.1 | $2.10 |
| 10 | $1.95 | $19.50 |
| 100 | $1.78 | $178.00 |
| 500 | $1.62 | $810.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.48 | $1,480.00 |
PIC24F16KA301T-I/SO Overview
A 16-bit microcontroller is a programmable computing device built around a 16-bit data path, register file, and ALU, sitting hierarchically between 8-bit MCUs and 32-bit Cortex-M devices. The PIC24F family uses Microchip's modified Harvard architecture with a 16-bit instruction word and 24-bit instruction fetch, giving it a deterministic instruction set and predictable interrupt latency that distinguishes it from von-Neumann ARM parts. The KA-series sub-family adds the XLP power-management peripheral set, which is why designers choose it for battery-powered applications.
Key features of the PIC24F16KA301T-I/SO include Deep Sleep current as low as 20 nA with RTCC, DSBOR, and DSWDT active, plus multiple low-power sleep modes down to a few hundred nanoamps in Sleep mode. The device integrates a 12-bit ADC with up to 9 channels, a Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) for capacitive touch, three 16-bit timers, two UART, one SPI, and one I2C, plus a Real-Time Clock and Calendar with calendar mode. The '301' variant provides 17 GPIO lines in this 20-pin SOIC.
Architecturally, the PIC24F16KA301T-I/SO uses a wide 16-bit data path with single-cycle hardware multiplier and divider, and its Flash memory supports self-programming via ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT for in-field firmware updates. The CTMU peripheral provides a constant-current source for capacitive touch sensing and time-of-flight measurements, eliminating the need for an external analog front-end. Core-independent peripherals (CIPs) such as the CRC, PWM, and CLC-like functions allow the part to handle background tasks without waking the CPU, which directly extends battery life.
Typical applications include battery-powered IoT sensor nodes, portable medical telemetry devices, remote controls, wearable fitness bands, energy-harvesting wireless sensor transmitters, and ultra-low-power industrial data loggers. The combination of 16 MIPS performance, 16KB code space, and deep-sleep nanoamp currents lets designers consolidate what previously required an MCU plus an external RTC chip into a single device.
When designing with this part, plan your power budget around the active run current of approximately 250 uA/MIPS at 3.3V and use the Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) feature to remap digital peripherals, which decouples ICSP programming pins from GPIO layout. For best Deep Sleep performance, ensure DSBOR is configured for ultra-low-power BOR, the RTCC is set to the LPRC 32 kHz source, and unused pins are configured as outputs driven low to avoid floating-pin leakage.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, including PPS peripheral remapping guidance and Deep Sleep current budgeting that helps engineers select the right PIC24F variant for their low-power application.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24F16KA301T-I/SO — 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 PIC24F16KA301T-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Core Architecture, Program Memory (Flash), I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24F16KA301-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24F32KA301-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24F16KA302-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24F08KA101-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.49 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24F16KA101-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24F16KA301T-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC24F 16-bit RISC (modified Harvard) |
| Program Flash Memory | 16 KB (5.5K x 24 words) |
| RAM | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 512 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 17 |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 9 channels |
| CTMU (Capacitive Touch / Time Measurement) | Yes, integrated |
| Timers | 3 x 16-bit |
| UART | 2 |
| SPI | 1 |
| I2C | 1 |
| RTCC (Real-Time Clock / Calendar) | Yes, with calendar mode |
| Deep Sleep Current | Approx. 20 nA with RTCC active |
| Package | 20-pin SOIC (SO), 0.300 inch body width |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, I-temp) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life) |
PIC24F16KA301T-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active-low; also programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — GPIO RA0 / analog input AN0 / CTMU input |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — GPIO RA1 / analog input AN1 |
| Pin 4 | RB0 — GPIO RB0 / analog input AN2 / PGEC1 programming |
| Pin 5 | RB1 — GPIO RB1 / analog input AN3 / PGED1 programming |
| Pin 6 | RB2 — GPIO RB2 / analog input AN4 |
| Pin 7 | RB3 — GPIO RB3 / analog input AN5 |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1 — External crystal / clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2 — External crystal output |
| Pin 11 | RB4 — GPIO RB4 / SDA1 (PPS-remappable) |
| Pin 12 | RB5 — GPIO RB5 / SCL1 (PPS-remappable) |
| Pin 13 | RB6 — GPIO RB6 / ICSPCLK / PGC |
| Pin 14 | RB7 — GPIO RB7 / ICSPDAT / PGD |
| Pin 15 | RA2 — GPIO RA2 / analog input AN6 / CVREF- |
| Pin 16 | RA3 — GPIO RA3 / analog input AN7 / CVREF+ |
| Pin 17 | RA4 — GPIO RA4 (open-drain option) |
| Pin 18 | RA5 — GPIO RA5 |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage 1.8V-3.6V |
Typical Applications
PIC24F16KA301T-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Wearable Fitness Bands, Portable Medical Telemetry Devices, Ultra-Low-Power Industrial Data Loggers, Energy-Harvesting Wireless Switches, Capacitive-Touch User Interfaces.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC24F16KA301T-I/SO is purpose-built for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes, where its 20 nA Deep Sleep current with RTCC active directly extends battery life into the 10-year range when duty-cycled at sub-1% active time. With 16 MIPS performance at 32 MHz, it can wake, run a sensor-fusion loop, transmit via BLE HCI, and return to Deep Sleep in under 1 ms. The 12-bit ADC and integrated CTMU eliminate the need for an external analog front-end, reducing BOM cost and PCB area in dense sensor deployments.
Recommended
Wearable Fitness Bands
For wearable fitness bands, the PIC24F16KA301T-I/SO combines capacitive-touch support via CTMU, a hardware RTCC for accurate timekeeping, and 17 GPIO to drive a small OLED display and heart-rate sensor frontend. The 20-pin SOIC fits inside a 10 mm x 15 mm PCB, leaving room for a CR2032 coin cell that lasts 6-12 months under typical 24/7 wear patterns. PPS peripheral remapping lets the same MCU handle display SPI and sensor I2C simultaneously without remapping conflicts.
Recommended
Portable Medical Telemetry Devices
Medical telemetry devices such as glucose monitors and pill-bottle reminders rely on the PIC24F16KA301T-I/SO for its medical-grade reliability and deterministic interrupt response. The 16 MIPS core handles BLE HCI framing plus LCD drive simultaneously, while Deep Sleep at 20 nA keeps a Li-ion battery at 50% SoC for over a year when the patient is non-compliant. The integrated CTMU is also used for fluid-level sensing in insulin pumps, eliminating external timer ICs.
Recommended
Ultra-Low-Power Industrial Data Loggers
Industrial data loggers for temperature, humidity, and vibration monitoring benefit from the PIC24F16KA301T-I/SO's 16 KB Flash, which stores days of compressed sensor history on-chip before batch upload. The wide 1.8V-3.6V supply range supports both 3.3V industrial rail and direct Li-SOCl2 battery operation. The on-chip 12-bit ADC with 9 channels drives a multi-sensor array from a single MCU, eliminating the need for external ADC ICs in compact IP67 enclosures.
Recommended
Energy-Harvesting Wireless Switches
Energy-harvesting wireless switches and remote controls use the PIC24F16KA301T-I/SO because the part can cold-start in microseconds from a 1.8V harvester output and immediately transmit a BLE/Zigbee frame before the harvester capacitor discharges below operating threshold. The Deep Sleep current of 20 nA matches typical quiescent draw of energy harvesters, ensuring the harvested energy is not consumed faster than it is generated. The CTMU is also reused for debouncing the mechanical switch contact.
Recommended
Capacitive-Touch User Interfaces
Capacitive-touch panels for appliances and consumer products leverage the PIC24F16KA301T-I/SO's integrated CTMU peripheral, which provides a constant-current source for time-of-flight capacitance measurement without an external analog front-end. The 17 GPIO drive up to a 12-key touch matrix plus an I2C-controlled OLED display, all from one MCU. Deep Sleep with RTCC active enables a wake-on-touch user interface with under 50 uA average consumption, suitable for AC-line-powered and battery-powered appliances.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24F16KA301T-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24F16KA301-I/SO | PIC24F32KA301-I/SO | PIC24F16KA302-I/SO | PIC24F08KA101-I/SO | PIC24F16KA101-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin SOIC (SO) | 20-pin SOIC (SO) - same | 20-pin SOIC (SO) - same | 20-pin SOIC (SO) - same | 20-pin SOIC (SO) - same | 20-pin SOIC (SO) - same |
| Program Flash | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB |
| RAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 1 KB | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B |
| Maximum CPU 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 |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
| CTMU (Capacitive Touch) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Pricing (1k qty, USD) | 1.48 | 1.46 | 1.85 | 1.65 | 1.25 | 1.40 |
Key Differentiators
- Same-package Flash upgrade path to 32 KB (vs PIC24F32KA301-I/SO)
- Integrated CTMU for capacitive touch (vs PIC24F08KA101-I/SO)
- Same die, Tape-and-Reel convenience (vs PIC24F16KA301-I/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 32 MHz full speed and 3.3V VDD, the PIC24F16KA301T-I/SO consumes approximately 250 uA/MIPS per the Microchip datasheet, totaling ~4 mA active current. For lowest power, use Deep Sleep with RTCC at 20 nA and exit via RTCC alarm or external interrupt. DSBOR must be enabled to keep BOR active in Deep Sleep; disable only if the system uses a precision external voltage supervisor. Use the Peripheral Module Disable (PMD) registers to gate unused peripherals on startup.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 20) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the VDD trace. Keep the OSC1/OSC2 traces short and symmetric for stable crystal operation, and surround the 32.768 kHz RTC crystal with a ground guard ring. Route ICSP lines (PGECx/PGEDx) away from switching power traces to avoid noise coupling into the programming interface during field firmware updates.
Do not float any unused GPIO pin - configure unused pins as outputs driven low to avoid floating-pin leakage that can add several microamps to Deep Sleep current. Avoid relying on internal pull-ups for high-impedance analog inputs; use external resistors or proper PCB layout. The CTMU current source requires calibration via the CTMUCON register before use; uncalibrated values can drift +/-20% across temperature. Always set the JTAGEN bit to disabled (default) to free the JTAG pins for GPIO use.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade (I-temp, -40C to +85C). Not AEC-Q100 qualified; not recommended for automotive applications.
