PIC24FJ128GB204-I/ML - 16-bit XLP MCU 128KB Flash USB 44-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC24FJ128GB204-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.42 | $5.42 |
| 10 | $4.89 | $48.90 |
| 100 | $4.36 | $436.00 |
| 500 | $3.92 | $1,960.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.51 | $3,510.00 |
PIC24FJ128GB204-I/ML Overview
A PIC microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable embedded processor that integrates CPU core, non-volatile Flash memory, SRAM, and peripherals (timers, ADC, communication blocks) on a single die. The PIC24F family is Microchip's 16-bit segment sitting above the 8-bit PIC16/PIC18 lines, offering higher throughput, larger address space (24-bit instruction word), and richer peripherals such as USB, crypto accelerators, and capacitive touch sensing. The eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology adds deep-sleep modes down to nanoamp-level standby current, expanding the hierarchy: PIC24FJ -> PIC24F family -> 16-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor.
Key features of the PIC24FJ128GB204 include hardware AES-128 encryption, a true random number generator, secure key storage in OTP Flash, integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver (host, device, OTG), up to 32 MHz operation (16 MIPS), 128KB Flash, 8KB SRAM, a 10-bit ADC with up to 200 ksps, multiple UART/SPI/I2C peripherals, and a real-time clock calendar (RTCC) with battery backup. The combination of crypto, USB, and XLP extends the application envelope beyond general-purpose microcontrollers into secure connected devices.
Architecturally, the PIC24FJ128GB204 uses a modified Harvard architecture with a 16-bit data path and 24-bit instruction word, plus a peripheral bus that offloads DMA transfers. The hardware crypto engine runs AES-128 in hardware without CPU intervention, accelerating secure boot and TLS handshake operations. The integrated USB PHY eliminates external transceiver components, reducing BOM cost in HID, CDC, and mass-storage designs.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes with secure firmware updates, USB peripherals (HID, CDC, mass storage), secure access control, smart energy metering, low-power wireless sensor hubs, medical telemetry, and consumer devices with secure boot requirements. The XLP nanoWatt technology supports multi-year battery life in sleep-dominated duty cycles.
When designing, ensure that VDD decoupling follows the 100 nF + 1 uF + 10 uF rule per Microchip's recommended layout, and route the USB DP/DM pair as a 90-ohm differential with controlled impedance. The crypto module requires secure boot firmware flow to expose its full capability.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes beyond what is in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24FJ128GB204-I/ML — 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 PIC24FJ128GB204-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Core Architecture, Timers, Maximum CPU Speed.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24FJ128GB204-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24FJ128GB202-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24FJ128GB204-E/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ128GB204-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 16-bit |
| Family | PIC24F GB2 (XLP) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 128 KB (43K x 24) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 8 KB |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Integrated USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (Host/Device/OTG) |
| Hardware Crypto Engine | AES-128 with secure key storage |
| Random Number Generator | True hardware RNG |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 200 ksps |
| Communication Peripherals | UART, SPI, I2C |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP nanoWatt |
PIC24FJ128GB204-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RP10/RX/DT/PMD5/INT0/RB10 — Remappable I/O / UART RX / INT0 |
| Pin 2 | RP11/TX/CK/PMD6/RB11 — Remappable I/O / UART TX |
| Pin 3 | RP12/PMD7/RB12 — Remappable I/O / PMD7 |
| Pin 4 | RP13/PMD8/RB13 — Remappable I/O / PMD8 |
| Pin 5 | RP14/PMD9/RB14 — Remappable I/O / PMD9 |
| Pin 6 | RP15/PMD10/RB15 — Remappable I/O / PMD10 |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 9 | RP0/PMD0/RA0 — Remappable I/O / PMD0 / AN0 |
| Pin 10 | RP1/PMD1/RA1 — Remappable I/O / PMD1 / AN1 |
| Pin 11 | RP2/PMD2/RA2 — Remappable I/O / PMD2 / AN2 |
| Pin 12 | RP3/PMD3/RA3 — Remappable I/O / PMD3 / AN3 |
| Pin 13 | RP4/PMD4/RA4 — Remappable I/O / PMD4 / AN4 |
| Pin 14 | RP5/RA5 — Remappable I/O / AN5 |
| Pin 15 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 17 | SOSCI/RP6/PMD5/RA6 — Secondary oscillator / Remappable I/O |
| Pin 18 | SOSCO/RP7/PMD6/RA7 — Secondary oscillator output / Remappable I/O |
| Pin 19 | RP8/SCL1/RB8 — Remappable I/O / I2C1 SCL |
| Pin 20 | RP9/SDA1/RB9 — Remappable I/O / I2C1 SDA |
| Pin 21 | D+ — USB D+ data line |
| Pin 22 | D- — USB D- data line |
| Pin 23 | VBUS — USB VBUS sense input |
| Pin 24 | VUSB — USB transceiver supply (3.3V) |
| Pin 25 | MCLR — Master Clear / Reset input |
| Pin 26 | OSC1 — Primary oscillator input |
| Pin 27 | OSC2 — Primary oscillator output |
| Pin 28 | RA8 — General I/O / AN8 |
| Pin 29 | RA9 — General I/O / AN9 |
| Pin 30 | RA10 — General I/O / AN10 |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 33 | RB0/AN12 — General I/O / AN12 |
| Pin 34 | RB1/AN13 — General I/O / AN13 |
| Pin 35 | RB2/AN14 — General I/O / AN14 |
| Pin 36 | RB3/AN15 — General I/O / AN15 |
| Pin 37 | RB4 — General I/O |
| Pin 38 | RB5 — General I/O |
| Pin 39 | RB6/PGEC1 — General I/O / ICD clock |
| Pin 40 | RB7/PGED1 — General I/O / ICD data |
| Pin 41 | RA14 — General I/O |
| Pin 42 | RA15 — General I/O |
| Pin 43 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 44 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC24FJ128GB204-I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: IoT Sensor Node with Secure OTA Firmware Update, USB HID Peripheral (Keyboard / Mouse / Custom HID), Secure Access Control Reader, Industrial Smart Meter (Gas / Water / Heat), Wearable Health Monitor, USB Mass Storage / CDC Bridge Device, Smart Home Sensor Hub.
IoT Sensor Node with Secure OTA Firmware Update
The PIC24FJ128GB204-I/ML's hardware AES-128 engine, secure key storage, and true hardware RNG make it well-suited for IoT sensor nodes requiring authenticated firmware updates. Operating at 32 MHz delivering 16 MIPS, the device decrypts OTA images via the integrated crypto engine without CPU overhead, freeing the 16-bit core for sensor aggregation. The XLP nanoWatt sleep modes (nanoamp-level standby current) extend battery life in duty-cycled applications like wireless environmental sensors. USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver supports tethered provisioning during factory provisioning or field maintenance. According to the Microchip datasheet DS30005009C, the device operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V, fitting single-cell Li-Ion or two-cell alkaline battery chemistries common in remote sensor deployments.
Recommended
USB HID Peripheral (Keyboard / Mouse / Custom HID)
The PIC24FJ128GB204-I/ML's integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver with on-chip PHY eliminates external transceiver ICs, lowering BOM cost in USB HID peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and custom HID devices. The 128 KB Flash comfortably accommodates USB HID class drivers, custom report descriptors, and user application code. The 8 KB SRAM supports HID report buffering and USB endpoint configuration. Hardware AES-128 enables secure firmware authentication against counterfeit devices. According to the Microchip datasheet, the USB module supports device, embedded host, dual-role, and On-The-Go operations with internal pull-up resistors. The 44-QFN (8x8 mm) package provides a compact footprint suitable for space-constrained HID peripherals.
Recommended
Secure Access Control Reader
The PIC24FJ128GB204-I/ML is a strong fit for secure access control readers where authenticated firmware, tamper detection, and encrypted credential storage are required. The hardware AES-128 engine with secure key storage in OTP Flash prevents key extraction, while the true hardware RNG generates unpredictable session tokens. Operating at 32 MHz, the device performs AES decryption and key derivation without software overhead. The 128 KB Flash supports complex credential schemas and audit logging. According to the Microchip datasheet DS30005009C, the integrated RTCC with battery backup tracks time-based access permissions. The 1.8 V to 3.6 V range supports low-power reader designs with battery or PoE-derived rails.
Recommended
Industrial Smart Meter (Gas / Water / Heat)
The PIC24FJ128GB204-I/ML's combination of 16-bit performance, hardware crypto, and low sleep current makes it suitable for industrial smart meters in gas, water, and heat measurement. The 10-bit ADC with up to 200 ksps captures analog sensor outputs at high accuracy, while the XLP nanoWatt technology supports multi-year battery life with duty-cycled measurement intervals. Hardware AES-128 protects meter readings against tampering during wireless transmission. The integrated USB enables field technician tethered reads and firmware updates. According to the Microchip datasheet, the RTCC with battery backup tracks consumption intervals even through main power loss.
Recommended
Wearable Health Monitor
The PIC24FJ128GB204-I/ML fits wearable health monitors where low power, secure data logging, and compact size converge. XLP nanoWatt technology keeps sleep current at nanoamp levels, extending battery life in continuous-wear applications like heart-rate monitors and pulse oximeters. The 128 KB Flash stores health logs and BLE/USB stack firmware, while the 8 KB SRAM buffers real-time sensor data. Hardware AES-128 ensures HIPAA-relevant patient data is encrypted at rest and during transmission. The 44-QFN (8x8 mm) package enables sub-20 mm wearable designs. According to the Microchip datasheet, the device operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V, supporting Li-Ion coin cells.
Recommended
USB Mass Storage / CDC Bridge Device
The PIC24FJ128GB204-I/ML's integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver supports CDC (communication device class) bridges for UART-to-USB, SPI-to-USB, or GPIO-to-USB applications. The 128 KB Flash accommodates USB class stacks and user protocols, while the 8 KB SRAM buffers USB endpoint traffic. Hardware AES-128 secures firmware and command channels against unauthorized access. The 44-QFN (8x8 mm) package fits compact dongle form factors for industrial adapters. According to the Microchip datasheet, the USB module's internal pull-up resistors and integrated PHY minimize external component count, supporting BOM-optimized designs.
Recommended
Smart Home Sensor Hub
The PIC24FJ128GB204-I/ML is a strong choice for smart home sensor hubs aggregating multiple low-power wireless sensors via USB-attached bridges or direct GPIO interfaces. The 32 MHz operation processes sensor data aggregation at 16 MIPS, while the 128 KB Flash stores edge-processing algorithms and communication protocols. Hardware AES-128 encrypts sensor traffic to the cloud gateway, meeting smart-home privacy requirements. According to the Microchip datasheet, the device's XLP technology enables always-on hubs powered by USB wall adapters with sub-watt standby. The 44-QFN package enables compact hub enclosures suitable for tabletop deployment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24FJ128GB204-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24FJ128GB204-I/PT | PIC24FJ128GB202-I/ML | PIC24FJ128GB204-E/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-QFN (ML) 8x8 mm | 64-TQFP (PT) 10x10 mm | 44-QFN (ML) 8x8 mm | 64-TQFP (PT) 10x10 mm |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 128 KB | 128 KB | 64 KB (-50%) | 128 KB |
| SRAM | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB |
| Maximum Clock | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Hardware AES-128 Crypto | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Integrated USB 2.0 | Yes (Full-Speed) | Yes (Full-Speed) | Yes (Full-Speed) | Yes (Full-Speed) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C |
| 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 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated hardware AES-128 with secure key storage (vs PIC24FJ128GA705)
- Integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver with on-chip PHY (vs PIC24FJ128GA106)
- XLP nanoWatt technology for nanoamp-level sleep current (vs PIC24FJ128DA106)
Design Notes
Apply the Microchip recommended decoupling scheme with a 100 nF ceramic on every VDD pin, a 1 uF bulk near the regulator, and a 10 uF tantalum or aluminum polymer for transient load steps. Place the 100 nF capacitors within 2 mm of each VDD pin with wide traces to the thermal pad and ground plane. The USB transceiver draws additional current during bus activity; ensure bulk capacitance handles the worst-case 100 mA peak at VUSB.
Route the USB DP/DM pair as a 90-ohm differential with no splits in the ground plane beneath it, and keep length matching within 150 mil. The 44-QFN thermal pad must be soldered to a thermal via array (at least 9 vias in a 3x3 grid) connecting to a bottom-layer copper pour. Keep high-speed USB traces away from switching regulator nodes to minimize EMI coupling.
Configure the FOSC, FPLL, and FBSLIM CONFIG registers before applying the USB clock, or the USB module will fail to enumerate at full speed. The RTCC battery backup domain requires VBAT tie configuration - do not leave it floating. When using the crypto engine, lock the CONFIG3 register to prevent unauthorized disabling of secure boot, and never store raw AES keys in application Flash without OTP locking.
The 44-QFN package dissipates up to 0.5 W with the thermal pad soldered to a 1 square inch 2-layer copper pour, enabling roughly 30 C/W theta_JA. In enclosed IoT enclosures with limited airflow, consider placing the device near the enclosure wall for additional cooling. Estimated: with VIN=3.3 V, IOUT=50 mA full USB active, and ambient 25 C, junction temperature rise is approximately 8-12 C above ambient, well within the 125 C maximum.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C); AEC-Q100 automotive variants typically use -E or -EP suffix parts. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in provided data.