PIC24FJ128GL406-E/MR - 16-bit 128KB Flash MCU with LCD & USB | Microchip
MPN: PIC24FJ128GL406-E/MR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.4 | $6.40 |
| 10 | $5.76 | $57.60 |
| 100 | $5.12 | $512.00 |
| 500 | $4.58 | $2,290.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.1 | $4,100.00 |
PIC24FJ128GL406-E/MR Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (Flash/RAM), and peripherals. The PIC24F 'GL4' family specifically targets ultra-low-power embedded applications, combining a 16-bit modified Harvard architecture with sleep currents in the few-hundred-nA range while retaining RAM. This hierarchy places it as: microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> ultra-low-power MCU -> 16-bit PIC -> PIC24FJ GL4 family. Compared with 8-bit MCUs, PIC24F devices deliver higher MIPS-per-mW and richer CIP (Core Independent Peripherals) such as the segmented LCD driver and USB.
Key features include 128KB (128K x 8) ECC Flash with Dual Partition for live Over-The-Air firmware updates, 32KB RAM, 60 I/O pins (from the 64-pin package), and integrated peripherals: USB 2.0 full-speed, segmented LCD controller, multiple UART/SPI/I2C, 12-bit ADC, and CIPs that offload tasks from the CPU. The 'GL4' family supports EEPROM emulation and animation features for the LCD driver, useful in user-interface-heavy IoT nodes.
The device operates across -40C to +125C (E = Extended temperature grade), supports 2.0V-3.6V, and uses a 32 MHz internal oscillator with PLL. Hardware math acceleration, DMA, and configurable logic cells (CLC) enable efficient peripheral interconnection. Security features include Flash code-protect and a unique device ID.
Typical applications include IoT sensor hubs, home automation controllers, medical glucose/patient monitors with LCD, industrial HMI, USB-CDC/HID peripherals, and battery-powered metering. The dual-partition OTA Flash is particularly attractive for field-deployed firmware upgrades.
Design with this MCU by budgeting the 32KB RAM across the LCD frame buffer, USB descriptors, and application heap; use ECC Flash for safe OTA rollback. Place a 1uF + 100nF decoupling pair near each VDD/VSS pin pair and route the 32 kHz secondary oscillator traces short to avoid RTC drift.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative MPNs from Microchip's PIC24F GL4 family, and PCB layout guidance not collated on the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24FJ128GL406-E/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 PIC24FJ128GL406-E/MR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, ADC, LCD Controller, Program Flash.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24FJ128GL406-I/MR
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$4.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GL406T-I/MR
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View Datasheet →PIC24FJ128GB406-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ128GL405-I/PT
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$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ128GL303-I/M5
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ128GL406-E/MR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC24F 16-bit modified Harvard |
| Core Size | 16-Bit |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Program Memory | 128KB (128K x 8) ECC Flash |
| Dual-Partition Flash | Yes (live OTA updates) |
| EEPROM Emulation | Yes (in Flash) |
| RAM | 32 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 60 (from 64-pin package) |
| Package | 64-QFN (9x9 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (-40C to +125C) |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 Full-Speed, I2C, SPI, UART/USART, LINbus |
| Peripherals | Segmented LCD Controller, DMA, 12-bit ADC, CLC, RTCC |
| Sleep Current | Few-hundred nA (with RAM retention) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Halogen-Free | Yes |
PIC24FJ128GL406-E/MR Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RB0/AN0 — GPIO RB0 / Analog input AN0 |
| Pin 2 | RB1/AN1 — GPIO RB1 / Analog input AN1 |
| Pin 3 | RB2/AN2 — GPIO RB2 / Analog input AN2 |
| Pin 4 | RB3/AN3 — GPIO RB3 / Analog input AN3 |
| Pin 5 | RB4/AN4 — GPIO RB4 / Analog input AN4 |
| Pin 6 | RB5/AN5 — GPIO RB5 / Analog input AN5 |
| Pin 7 | RB6/AN6/PGEC1 — GPIO RB6 / Analog AN6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 8 | RB7/AN7/PGED1 — GPIO RB7 / Analog AN7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 9 | RC0 — GPIO RC0 |
| Pin 10 | RC1 — GPIO RC1 |
| Pin 11 | RC2 — GPIO RC2 |
| Pin 12 | RC3 — GPIO RC3 |
| Pin 13 | RC4 — GPIO RC4 |
| Pin 14 | RC5 — GPIO RC5 |
| Pin 15 | RC6 — GPIO RC6 |
| Pin 16 | RC7 — GPIO RC7 |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Digital supply (2.0-3.6V) |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 19 | RD0 — GPIO RD0 |
| Pin 20 | RD1 — GPIO RD1 |
| Pin 21 | RD2 — GPIO RD2 |
| Pin 22 | RD3 — GPIO RD3 |
| Pin 23 | RD4 — GPIO RD4 |
| Pin 24 | RD5 — GPIO RD5 |
| Pin 25 | RD6 — GPIO RD6 |
| Pin 26 | RD7 — GPIO RD7 |
| Pin 27 | RE0 — GPIO RE0 |
| Pin 28 | RE1 — GPIO RE1 |
| Pin 29 | RE2 — GPIO RE2 |
| Pin 30 | RE3 — GPIO RE3 |
| Pin 31 | RE4 — GPIO RE4 |
| Pin 32 | RE5 — GPIO RE5 |
| Pin 33 | RE6 — GPIO RE6 |
| Pin 34 | RE7 — GPIO RE7 |
| Pin 35 | RF0 — GPIO RF0 |
| Pin 36 | RF1 — GPIO RF1 |
| Pin 37 | RF2 — GPIO RF2 |
| Pin 38 | RF3 — GPIO RF3 |
| Pin 39 | RF4 — GPIO RF4 |
| Pin 40 | RF5 — GPIO RF5 |
| Pin 41 | RF6 — GPIO RF6 |
| Pin 42 | RF7 — GPIO RF7 |
| Pin 43 | RG0 — GPIO RG0 |
| Pin 44 | RG1 — GPIO RG1 |
| Pin 45 | RG2/D+ — GPIO RG2 / USB D+ |
| Pin 46 | RG3/D- — GPIO RG3 / USB D- |
| Pin 47 | RG6 — GPIO RG6 |
| Pin 48 | RG7 — GPIO RG7 |
| Pin 49 | RG8 — GPIO RG8 |
| Pin 50 | RG9 — GPIO RG9 |
| Pin 51 | RA0 — GPIO RA0 |
| Pin 52 | RA1 — GPIO RA1 |
| Pin 53 | RA2 — GPIO RA2 |
| Pin 54 | RA3 — GPIO RA3 |
| Pin 55 | RA4 — GPIO RA4 |
| Pin 56 | RA5 — GPIO RA5 |
| Pin 57 | RA6 — GPIO RA6 |
| Pin 58 | RA7 — GPIO RA7 |
| Pin 59 | RA9 — GPIO RA9 |
| Pin 60 | RA10 — GPIO RA10 |
| Pin 61 | VDD — Digital supply (2.0-3.6V) |
| Pin 62 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 63 | OSC1/CLKI — Crystal oscillator input or external clock |
| Pin 64 | OSC2/CLKO — Crystal oscillator output |
Typical Applications
PIC24FJ128GL406-E/MR is suitable for 6 applications: IoT Sensor Hub with OTA Updates, Medical Glucose/Patient Monitor with LCD, Industrial HMI Controller, USB HID / CDC Data-Acquisition Dongle, Battery-Powered Smart Meter, Home Automation / Smart-Home Gateway Node.
IoT Sensor Hub with OTA Updates
The PIC24FJ128GL406-E/MR is engineered for battery-powered IoT sensor hubs thanks to its dual-partition 128KB ECC Flash that supports live Over-The-Air firmware swaps without service interruption, plus few-hundred-nA sleep current with full 32KB RAM retention per the Microchip PIC24FJ GL4 datasheet. It integrates USB 2.0 full-speed for tethered provisioning, segmented LCD for local status display, and 60 GPIO for sensor fan-out. Designers can run an RTOS or Microchip's MPLAB Harmony at 16 MIPS / 32 MHz and wake on peripheral events via the RTCC and CLC (Configurable Logic Cell) CIPs to keep average current under 50 uA.
Recommended
Medical Glucose/Patient Monitor with LCD
In medical glucose meters, pulse oximeters, and patient wearables, the PIC24FJ128GL406-E/MR drives the segmented LCD directly (up to 64 segments, 1/8 duty) without an external driver IC, shrinking BOM and lowering quiescent draw. ECC Flash protects patient log integrity, while the 12-bit ADC and CIPs handle sensor conditioning. The Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade supports IEC 60601-1 environmental tests, and the few-hundred-nA sleep enables coin-cell operation across multi-month dosing logs.
Recommended
Industrial HMI Controller
The PIC24FJ128GL406-E/MR serves as the HMI controller for industrial panels where a 64-segment segmented LCD plus capacitive-touch buttons via the CLC and 12-bit ADC replace mechanical keys. The DMA engine streams LCD frame-buffer updates from the 32KB RAM without CPU intervention, freeing the 16 MIPS core for Modbus or CANopen logic via UART. The 64-QFN (9x9) package suits high-vibration mounting where leaded parts would fatigue.
Recommended
USB HID / CDC Data-Acquisition Dongle
Engineers select the PIC24FJ128GL406-E/MR for USB-CDC/HID data-acquisition dongles because the on-chip USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver, 16-MIPS throughput, and 32KB RAM eliminate an external PHY and support high-speed bulk transfers. DMA moves ADC samples directly into USB endpoint RAM while the CIPs sustain timing. USB bus-powered operation is straightforward via the internal 3.3V regulator, and 128KB Flash accommodates multi-protocol firmware stacks.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Smart Meter
Battery-powered electricity, water, and gas meters benefit from the PIC24FJ128GL406-E/MR's segmented LCD (for kWh digits and icons), few-hundred-nA sleep with RAM retention, and 16 MIPS core for metrology math. The RTCC with 32 kHz crystal domain keeps time-of-use tariffs accurate while the MCU sleeps, and the integrated 12-bit ADC handles sensor inputs. OTA via dual-partition Flash enables regulatory tariff updates without site visits.
Recommended
Home Automation / Smart-Home Gateway Node
As a smart-home node, the PIC24FJ128GL406-E/MR aggregates sensor data over I2C/SPI/UART, exposes a USB-CDC provisioning port, and displays status on its integrated segmented LCD. The 32KB RAM hosts a small TCP/IP stack via the on-chip peripheral set, while 128KB Flash accommodates Matter, Zigbee, or proprietary stacks. The Extended temperature grade ensures reliability in unheated attics or basements.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24FJ128GL406-E/MR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24FJ128GL406-I/MR | PIC24FJ256GL406T-I/MR | PIC24FJ128GB406-I/MR | PIC24FJ128GL405-I/PT | PIC24FJ128GL303-I/M5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-QFN (9x9 mm) | 64-QFN (9x9 mm) - same | 64-QFN (9x9 mm) - same | 64-QFN (9x9 mm) - same | 64-TQFP - same pin count, different leaded package | 36-VTLA - smaller footprint change |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash | 128KB ECC | 128KB ECC | 256KB ECC | 128KB | 128KB ECC | 128KB |
| 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 |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed | USB 2.0 Full-Speed | USB 2.0 Full-Speed | USB 2.0 Full-Speed | USB 2.0 Full-Speed | No USB |
| LCD Segments | Up to 64 segments | Up to 64 segments | Up to 64 segments | No LCD controller | Up to 64 segments | Up to 36 segments |
| Temperature Grade | Extended -40C to +125C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C |
| Dual-Partition OTA | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated segmented LCD controller with 64 segments (vs PIC24FJ128GB406-I/MR)
- Live OTA via Dual-Partition ECC Flash (vs PIC24FJ128GA006-I/PT)
- eXtreme Low-Power sleep with RAM retention (vs PIC24EP64MC206-I/PT)
Design Notes
Power the PIC24FJ128GL406-E/MR from a clean 2.0-3.6 V supply with a 1 uF + 100 nF decoupling pair within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pin. For battery-powered designs, the internal 3.3V LDO can supply the core from a single Li-ion cell; verify that peak USB inrush (per USB 2.0 spec) does not sag VDD below 2.7V or USB enumeration fails. Place a 4.7 uF bulk cap on VBUS when running USB bus-powered.
Keep the 32.768 kHz secondary oscillator traces under 5 mm and guard them with a ground ring to avoid RTC drift in metering designs. Route the USB D+/D- pair as a 90-ohm differential with length matching within 2 mm, and place the USB series ferrite near the connector. Expose the exposed pad of the 64-QFN package with at least 8 thermal vias to a 1 oz copper pour for ground and thermal dissipation.
Do not exceed VDD 3.6 V or the on-chip brown-out reset may mis-trigger. Configure unused I/O as outputs (not inputs) to avoid shoot-through in sleep mode. When using dual-partition Flash OTA, always validate the new image's CRC32 in the bootloader before swapping partitions, otherwise a corrupted OTA can brick the device in the field.
Estimated: at 32 MHz / 3.3 V active, the PIC24FJ128GL406-E/MR core draws around 8-15 mA typical; the 64-QFN 9x9 mm package with 8-via thermal pad holds theta_JA near 30 C/W. At 85C ambient the junction rises 20-30C, well within the +125C Extended limit. For sealed enclosures, derate by 10-15%.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive use select AEC-Q100-graded PIC24F variants or pair with external ASIL-rated supervisor. REACH compliant per Microchip statement.
