PIC24F16KL401T-I/MQ - 16KB Flash 32MHz 16-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24F16KL401T-I/MQ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.41 | $2.41 |
| 10 | $2.18 | $21.80 |
| 100 | $1.84 | $184.00 |
| 500 | $1.62 | $810.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.45 | $1,450.00 |
PIC24F16KL401T-I/MQ Overview
What is a 16-bit microcontroller? A 16-bit MCU is a single-chip processor with a 16-bit data path, sitting between 8-bit microcontrollers and 32-bit Cortex-M parts. It is widely used for cost-sensitive mixed-signal applications that need more performance, larger memory and richer peripherals than 8-bit parts but do not justify the BOM cost and power of a Cortex-M0/M4. PIC24F belongs to the Microchip PIC24 family -> 16-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processing hierarchy.
Key features include 16KB (5.5K x 24) Flash program memory, 1KB SRAM, 512B EEPROM-like data flash, 10-bit ADC with up to 9 or 12 channels (variant dependent), 5 CCP/ECCP channels, UART/I2C/SPI peripherals, and nanoWatt XLP sleep currents suitable for battery-powered designs. Operating voltage spans 1.8V to 3.6V.
Architecturally, the PIC24F16KL401T-I/MQ combines a 16-bit modified RISC core, an 8-channel hardware multiplier, a 16-bit wide instruction fetch path and dual oscillator options (internal FRC + external crystal/clock). The 'KL' family emphasizes low pin count (14, 20, 28 pin) with the PIC18 peripheral set migrated upward for code-reuse and easy migration from PIC18 designs.
Typical applications include portable consumer devices, electronic toys, low-cost medical disposables, safety/security peripherals, sensor interfaces, and battery-powered IoT nodes. The compact 5x5mm VQFN package suits space-constrained PCB layouts.
Design tip: Place a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor within 5mm of each VDD pin and a bulk 1uF to 10uF capacitor on the main rail. Use the internal FRC for BOM-cost sensitive designs; switch to an external oscillator only when precise UART baud rates are required. The 'T' suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging for production.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in 20-VQFN alternatives, and practical design notes not aggregated on a single datasheet page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24F16KL401T-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 PIC24F16KL401T-I/MQ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24F16KL401-I/MQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.91 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24F16KL401T-E/MQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24F08KL201T-I/MQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24F16KA101-I/MQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24F04KL101T-I/MQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.93 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24F16KL401T-I/MQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC24F 16-bit RISC |
| CPU Core | PIC24F (nanoWatt XLP) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB (5.5K x 24 words) |
| SRAM | 1 KB |
| Data EEPROM/Flash | 512 B |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | 20-VQFN (MQ) 5x5 mm with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial, -I) |
| Communication Peripherals | UART, I2C, SPI (MSSP) |
| PWM / CCP | CCP/ECCP, 5 channels per datasheet family |
| Timers | Timer1 (16-bit), Timer2/3 (16-bit), 8-bit option per datasheet |
| Packaging Suffix | T = Tape & Reel |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC24F16KL401T-I/MQ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 / analog input / reference |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 |
| Pin 6 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V-3.6V) |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | OSCI — Crystal oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 9 | OSCO — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 10 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 |
| Pin 11 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 12 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 13 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 14 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 15 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 16 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 / programming clock |
| Pin 17 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 / programming data |
| Pin 18 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 19 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 20 | MCLR — Master clear reset (active-low) |
Typical Applications
PIC24F16KL401T-I/MQ is suitable for 6 applications: Portable Consumer Electronics, Low-Cost Medical Disposables, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Safety and Security Peripherals, Industrial Control Modules, Hobby and Educational Development Boards.
Portable Consumer Electronics
The PIC24F16KL401T-I/MQ fits portable consumer electronics because its nanoWatt XLP architecture delivers microamp-range sleep currents, extending battery life in devices such as media players, GPS accessories and electronic toys. The 16-bit PIC24F core at 32 MHz (16 MIPS) handles UI rendering, button-debounce logic and simple audio cue playback without offloading to a host processor. Operating from 1.8V to 3.6V, the MCU runs directly from a single Li-ion or 2xAA cell. The 20-VQFN 5x5 mm footprint is small enough for wearable and pocketable form factors, and the integrated 10-bit ADC simplifies battery-voltage monitoring and analog sensor reads without an external ADC.
Recommended
Low-Cost Medical Disposables
The PIC24F16KL401T-I/MQ suits low-cost medical disposables (e.g., single-use testers, dispensers, inhalers) because it offers enough MIPS for measurement algorithms while consuming minimal current between sample events. The 10-bit ADC digitizes sensor bridge outputs, thermistor readings or simple colorimetric detectors with adequate resolution for screening applications. Industrial -40 C to +85 C operation covers clinical and home-use temperature ranges. The 20-VQFN package's small footprint allows integration into slim pen-style enclosures, while the 1.8V to 3.6V range supports coin-cell and primary Li-MnO2 chemistries used in disposable devices.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC24F16KL401T-I/MQ fits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because the nanoWatt XLP sleep mode plus 32 MHz active performance balance wake-and-transmit bursts with year-long battery life. The integrated 10-bit ADC supports analog environmental sensors (temperature, humidity, gas), and the MSSP drives I2C/SPI digital sensors without external glue logic. UART connectivity pairs with low-power RF modules (LoRa, sub-GHz transceivers) for wake-on-event architectures. The 20-VQFN's exposed thermal pad aids continuous-operation reliability in enclosed sensor housings, while the 1.8V minimum VDD allows operation from a single-cell alkaline or LiFePO4 battery.
Recommended
Safety and Security Peripherals
The PIC24F16KL401T-I/MQ fits safety and security peripherals (e.g., smoke detectors, glass-break sensors, PIR motion detectors, smart locks) because it combines low-power sleep with sufficient MIPS to run signal-conditioning and event-classification algorithms locally. The 10-bit ADC samples low-level analog signals from PIR, microwave-Doppler or acoustic transducers without external amplification for many designs. CCP/ECCP channels drive piezo buzzers or LED strobes for alarm annunciation. Industrial -40 C to +85 C operation supports garage, outdoor and unheated-attic installations. The 20-VQFN 5x5 mm package mounts on compact circular PCBs used in detector heads.
Recommended
Industrial Control Modules
The PIC24F16KL401T-I/MQ fits industrial control modules such as small PLCs, sensor conditioners and HVAC peripherals because the 16-bit core handles Modbus RTU stacks, PID loops and PWM actuator control at 32 MHz with headroom. UART enables RS-485 half-duplex comms with external transceivers, while MSSP drives I2C sensor hubs and SPI DACs for analog output. The industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature grade supports cabinet and unconditioned-shop environments. The 20-VQFN package is small enough for DIN-rail module faceplates, and 16KB Flash allows field-upgradeable firmware via bootloader routines.
Recommended
Hobby and Educational Development Boards
The PIC24F16KL401T-I/MQ fits hobby and educational development boards because the 16-bit PIC24 architecture is widely taught, supported by MPLAB X IDE, XC16 compiler and a rich library of code examples. The 32 MHz performance, 16KB Flash and 1KB SRAM are sufficient for teaching embedded C, peripheral driver development and simple RTOS concepts. The 20-VQFN (MQ) package can be broken out to 0.1 inch headers on a development PCB, exposing I2C/SPI/UART/ADC/PWM pins for student experimentation. Operating from 1.8V to 3.6V also makes them safe for classroom and lab environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24F16KL401T-I/MQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24F16KL401-I/MQ | PIC24F16KL401T-E/MQ | PIC24F08KL201T-I/MQ | PIC24F16KA101-I/MQ | PIC24F04KL101T-I/MQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | 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 | 20-VQFN (MQ) 5x5 mm - same |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB | 4 KB |
| SRAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 512 B |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating 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 |
| Temperature Grade | -40 C to +85 C (industrial, -I) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C (extended, -E) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| ADC | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP |
Key Differentiators
- 16 KB Flash in a 5x5 mm VQFN - higher density than 8-bit alternatives (vs PIC24F08KL201T-I/MQ (8 KB Flash in same footprint))
- Industrial temperature range with the same low-power features as extended-temp parts (vs PIC24F16KL401T-E/MQ (-40 C to +125 C extended))
- Pin-compatible upgrade path to the legacy PIC16KA family (vs PIC24F16KA101-I/MQ (KA generation, same 20-VQFN))
Design Notes
Estimated decoupling: place a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin and a bulk 1 uF to 10 uF aluminum-polymer or ceramic capacitor on the main 3.3 V rail. The PIC24F16KL401T-I/MQ's nanoWatt XLP architecture is sensitive to supply-rail noise; ensure the regulator (such as MCP1700) maintains <50 mV peak-peak ripple. For battery-powered designs, use Sleep + RTCC wake cycles and disable the ADC during long idle periods to enter the deepest low-power modes documented in the family datasheet.
The 20-VQFN (MQ 5x5) package has an exposed thermal pad on the underside that MUST be soldered to a grounded copper pour for mechanical reliability and thermal dissipation. Recommended footprint: 0.5 mm pitch, with the EP land matching the package outline. Microchip's package outline drawing in the family datasheet provides exact dimensions. Keep analog signal traces (ADC inputs, VREF+) short and away from digital switching lines to minimize ADC noise pickup. Place the crystal or external clock source within 5 mm of OSCI/OSCO.
Common pitfalls with the PIC24F16KL401T-I/MQ include: (1) leaving the MCLR pin floating - it must be pulled up to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation; (2) exceeding the 3.6 V absolute-maximum VDD - even brief overvoltage from a USB charger or inductive kickback can damage the MCU; (3) omitting the bulk decoupling capacitor and seeing brown-out resets during transmit bursts; (4) confusing the 'T' suffix (tape-and-reel) with a different silicon variant - it is the same die as the non-T part. Always configure the unused pins as outputs low to minimize current consumption per the unused-pin recommendation in the family datasheet.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page ordering information. AEC-Q100 standard automotive qualification not applicable for the industrial -I grade; the PIC24F16KL401T-E/MQ extended grade is not AEC-Q100 qualified either. For AEC-Q100 qualified PIC24F alternatives, look at the PIC24FxxKA Q1 family. Halogen-free per Microchip environmental compliance documentation.
