PIC24FJ128GL306T-I/MR - 128KB Flash 16-bit XLP MCU w/ LCD | Microchip
MPN: PIC24FJ128GL306T-I/MR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.2 | $4.20 |
| 10 | $3.78 | $37.80 |
| 100 | $3.4 | $340.00 |
| 500 | $3.05 | $1,525.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.75 | $2,750.00 |
| 2,600 | $2.5 | $6,500.00 |
PIC24FJ128GL306T-I/MR Overview
An MCU (microcontroller) is a single-chip computer integrating a CPU core, Flash program memory, SRAM, and a rich mix of peripherals (timers, ADC, communication controllers, GPIOs). The PIC24F core is a 16-bit modified Harvard architecture from Microchip's PIC24 family, sitting hierarchically above 8-bit PIC MCUs and below the 32-bit PIC32MX/dsPIC33 families. The 'GL' suffix designates the Low-Power LCD family, characterized by Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) that offload display animation, contrast management via charge pump, and sensor scanning from the CPU, allowing the device to remain in a low-power state while the LCD continues to update.
Key features include up to 256 LCD segments (8 commons and 32 segments), an autonomous animation engine supporting alternating dual display, blinking and blanking, an integrated LCD charge pump for contrast in battery-powered applications, six UART, three I2C and three SPI interfaces, a 12-bit ADC, and multiple capture/compare PWM modules. Sleep current is specified in the few-hundreds-of-nA range while retaining complete RAM and full LCD operation, dramatically extending battery life versus general-purpose PIC24F devices.
The architecture combines a 16-bit MIPS-style CPU with hardware CIP blocks (CLC, SCCP, RTCC, DMA) to enable autonomous event handling without CPU wake-up, reducing average power consumption by orders of magnitude. The 128KB ECC Flash provides single-bit error correction and dual-bit error detection for increased reliability in safety-sensitive applications.
Typical applications include battery-powered glucose and patient monitors, utility metering displays, handheld industrial instruments, electronic shelf labels, home automation thermostats/HMI panels, and any portable product requiring an always-on LCD with multi-year battery life. The wide temperature range (-40C to +85C industrial grade) supports both indoor and outdoor deployments.
When designing with this device, allocate PCB area for the LCD bias and charge-pump capacitors as specified in the family datasheet, and verify that your chosen segment count (up to 256) stays within the 8x32 common/segment matrix. Use the integrated RTCC with external 32.768 kHz crystal for timekeeping down to sub-microamp sleep currents.
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same PIC24FJ GL family, application examples and design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet and distributor product pages.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24FJ128GL306T-I/MR — 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 PIC24FJ128GL306T-I/MR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, ADC, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24FJ128GL306-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GL306T-I/MR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24FJ128GL406-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ128GB606-I/MR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ128GA006-I/MR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ128GL306T-I/MR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 16-bit (PIC24F) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 128 KB (128K x 8) with ECC |
| RAM | 8 KB |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | 64-pin QFN 9x9 mm |
| LCD Segments | Up to 256 (8 commons x 32 segments) |
| LCD Charge Pump | Integrated |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CLC, SCCP, RTCC, DMA |
| ADC | 12-bit |
| UART | 6 |
| I2C | 3 |
| SPI | 3 |
| Sleep Current | Few hundreds of nA (with full RAM retention) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 3 |
| Family | PIC24FJ GL Low-Power LCD |
| ECC Support | Flash ECC (1-bit correction, 2-bit detection) |
PIC24FJ128GL306T-I/MR Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — PORTA I/O / analog input / LCD segment |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — PORTA I/O / analog input / LCD segment |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — PORTA I/O / analog input / LCD segment |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — PORTA I/O / analog input / LCD segment |
| Pin 5 | VDD — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 7 | RA4 — PORTA I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 8 | RA5 — PORTA I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — PORTA I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 10 | RA7 — PORTA I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 11 | RB0 — PORTB I/O / analog / LCD segment |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — PORTB I/O / analog / LCD segment |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — PORTB I/O / analog / LCD segment |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — PORTB I/O / analog / LCD segment |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — PORTB I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — PORTB I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 17 | RB6 — PORTB I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 18 | RB7 — PORTB I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 19 | RC0 — PORTC I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 20 | RC1 — PORTC I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 21 | RC2 — PORTC I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 22 | RC3 — PORTC I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 23 | RC4 — PORTC I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 24 | RC5 — PORTC I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 25 | RC6 — PORTC I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 26 | RC7 — PORTC I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 27 | RD0 — PORTD I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 28 | RD1 — PORTD I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 29 | RD2 — PORTD I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 30 | RD3 — PORTD I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 31 | RD4 — PORTD I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 32 | RD5 — PORTD I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 33 | RD6 — PORTD I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 34 | RD7 — PORTD I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 35 | RE0 — PORTE I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 36 | RE1 — PORTE I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 37 | RE2 — PORTE I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 38 | RE3 — PORTE I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 39 | RE4 — PORTE I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 40 | RE5 — PORTE I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 41 | RE6 — PORTE I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 42 | RE7 — PORTE I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 43 | RF0 — PORTF I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 44 | RF1 — PORTF I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 45 | RF2 — PORTF I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 46 | RF3 — PORTF I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 47 | RF4 — PORTF I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 48 | RF5 — PORTF I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 49 | RF6 — PORTF I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 50 | RF7 — PORTF I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 51 | RG0 — PORTG I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 52 | RG1 — PORTG I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 53 | RG2 — PORTG I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 54 | RG3 — PORTG I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 55 | RG6 — PORTG I/O |
| Pin 56 | RG7 — PORTG I/O |
| Pin 57 | RG8 — PORTG I/O |
| Pin 58 | RG9 — PORTG I/O |
| Pin 59 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 60 | OSCI — Primary oscillator input |
| Pin 61 | OSCO — Primary oscillator output |
| Pin 62 | SOSCI/RPxx — Secondary oscillator (32.768 kHz) input |
| Pin 63 | SOSCO/RPxx — Secondary oscillator output |
| Pin 64 | AVDD — Analog supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC24FJ128GL306T-I/MR is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Glucose Meter, Electronic Shelf Label (ESL), Home Thermostat / HMI Panel, Utility / Smart Meter Display, Portable Patient Monitor, Industrial Handheld Instrument.
Battery-Powered Glucose Meter
The PIC24FJ128GL306T-I/MR fits battery-powered glucose meters because its few-hundred-nA sleep current with full RAM retention enables multi-year coin-cell operation, while the integrated 256-segment LCD controller and charge pump drive the always-on display without external bias components. The 12-bit ADC accurately reads electrochemical test strips, and 128KB ECC Flash stores patient logs with single-bit error correction. Placed on a compact PCB with a CR2032 holder, an RTC crystal, and a strip connector, it extends service life well beyond general-purpose MCUs that draw tens of microamps in sleep mode.
Recommended
Electronic Shelf Label (ESL)
The PIC24FJ128GL306T-I/MR is well-matched to electronic shelf labels because its Core Independent Peripherals handle LCD refresh autonomously, allowing the CPU to remain in deep sleep for >99% of the time. The 256-segment LCD controller with charge pump eliminates external boost components, and the few-hundred-nA sleep current supports multi-year battery life on a single CR2032. Six UARTs and three SPI interfaces accommodate RF transceiver modules (e.g., sub-GHz or BLE) for wireless price updates, while 128KB Flash stores product data and screen templates.
Recommended
Home Thermostat / HMI Panel
For wall-mounted thermostats and HMI panels, the PIC24FJ128GL306T-I/MR drives a 256-segment segmented LCD (or similar dot matrix via external segments) with always-on temperature, humidity, and time display. The integrated charge pump maintains contrast across the full 2.0V-3.6V supply range as the backup batteries discharge. Six UARTs support Wi-Fi or sub-GHz modules, three I2C buses interface environmental sensors (BME280, SHT31), and the integrated RTCC with 32.768 kHz crystal provides accurate timekeeping down to sub-microamp currents during overnight sleep.
Recommended
Utility / Smart Meter Display
The PIC24FJ128GL306T-I/MR suits electricity, water, and gas meter displays because its integrated LCD controller eliminates external drivers, and the few-hundred-nA sleep current allows the display to remain active for the meter's full 15-20 year operational lifetime on a primary lithium cell. ECC Flash protects accumulated billing data against bit errors, and the RTCC tracks time-of-use billing schedules with sub-microamp standby consumption. UART and SPI peripherals communicate with metrology front-ends and wireless M-Bus or wM-Bus modules.
Recommended
Portable Patient Monitor
Medical-grade portable patient monitors benefit from the PIC24FJ128GL306T-I/MR's ultra-low sleep current, integrated LCD for vital-sign display, and ECC Flash for protecting patient measurement logs. The 12-bit ADC captures pulse-oximetry and ECG front-end signals, six UARTs link wireless telemetry (BLE/Wi-Fi) modules, and the 32 MHz core runs FFT or peak-detection algorithms at 16 MIPS. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) supports clinical and field-emergency environments.
Recommended
Industrial Handheld Instrument
Industrial handheld multimeters, gas detectors, and calibration tools leverage the PIC24FJ128GL306T-I/MR for its ultra-low sleep current (extending battery life on AA packs), integrated LCD for numeric/bargraph display, and 12-bit ADC for sensor measurements. Three SPI buses accommodate external Flash for data logging, three I2C buses interface digital sensors, and six UARTs support RS-232/RS-485 transceivers. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade handles outdoor and factory-floor environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24FJ128GL306T-I/MR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24FJ128GL306-I/MR | PIC24FJ256GL306T-I/MR | PIC24FJ128GL406-I/MR | PIC24FJ128GB606-I/MR | PIC24FJ128GA006-I/MR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) - same | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) - same | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) - same | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) - same | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 128 KB ECC | 128 KB ECC | 256 KB ECC | 128 KB ECC | 128 KB ECC | 128 KB ECC |
| RAM | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB |
| 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 |
| LCD Controller | 256 segments + charge pump | 256 segments + charge pump | 256 segments + charge pump | 512 segments + charge pump | None (no LCD) | None (no LCD) |
| Sleep Current (typ.) | Few hundred nA (RAM retention) | Few hundred nA | Few hundred nA | Few hundred nA | Higher (GB family) | Higher (GA family) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tray | Tray |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 256-segment LCD controller with autonomous animation engine (vs PIC24FJ128GA006-I/MR)
- Few-hundred-nA sleep current with full RAM and RTCC retention (vs PIC24FJ128GB606-I/MR)
- 128KB ECC Flash protects program memory against bit errors (vs PIC24FJ128GB204-E/PT)
- 256-segment LCD support with 8 commons and 32 segments (vs PIC24FJ128GL406-I/MR)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 3.0V VDD and 32 MHz active operation, the PIC24FJ128GL306T-I/MR draws roughly 8 mA active current. In sleep mode with full RAM retention and RTCC running on a 32.768 kHz crystal, current drops into the few-hundred-nA range. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the VDD pin, plus a bulk 1 uF or 10 uF capacitor near the supply entry point. The AVDD pin (pin 64) requires its own 100 nF + 10 uF decoupling network to keep the 12-bit ADC reference stable during ADC conversions.
Route the 32.768 kHz crystal traces (SOSCI/SOSCO) as short as possible, ideally under 5 mm, and surround them with a ground guard ring to reduce coupling from switching nodes. Place the LCD bias and charge-pump capacitors (C1, C2 for charge pump per datasheet section on LCD) close to their respective pins. Expose the QFN thermal pad to a continuous ground plane on the top layer with at least 8 thermal vias to the inner ground plane; this reduces die thermal resistance and improves long-term reliability.
Do not skip the decoupling capacitors on VDD/VSS - even though the PIC24FJ GL family is low power, missing decoupling causes ADC noise and reset instability. The MCLR pin (pin 59) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF capacitor to ground if hardware reset is used; if not used, MCLR can be tied directly to VDD but a pull-up is recommended for noise immunity. When using the LCD charge pump, ensure VLCD does not exceed the absolute maximum rating; the integrated charge pump is designed for the GL family's LCD bias network only and must not be used to power external loads.
Estimated: for QFN-64 layout, use a 4-layer stackup with the top layer dedicated to signal traces, an inner ground plane directly below, a power plane on layer 3, and a bottom signal layer. The exposed thermal pad must be soldered to a pad that covers at least 50% of the package footprint, with thermal vias in a 0.4 mm pitch grid (typically 9-12 vias) stitching to the ground plane. Segmented LCD traces should be kept away from switching signals and routed on the bottom layer under a continuous ground pour to minimize coupling into the high-impedance LCD bias network.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page; lead-free matte-tin finish. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C, 'I' suffix). Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this part targets consumer, medical, and industrial applications; for automotive, consult Microchip for AEC-Q100 variants in the same family.
