PIC24FJ128GU406-I/MR - 16-Bit 32MHz 128KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24FJ128GU406-I/MR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.95 | $6.95 |
| 10 | $6.32 | $63.20 |
| 100 | $5.55 | $555.00 |
| 500 | $4.95 | $2,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.42 | $4,420.00 |
PIC24FJ128GU406-I/MR Overview
What is a 16-bit microcontroller? A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, memory (Flash/RAM), peripherals, and I/O. 16-bit MCUs like the PIC24F balance higher computational throughput than 8-bit parts (e.g. PIC16) with lower cost and power than 32-bit MCUs (e.g. PIC32, ARM Cortex-M). Within Microchip's taxonomy, PIC24FJ belongs to the eXtreme Low-Power family (F-core), which emphasizes low active and sleep current consumption for battery-powered and always-on applications.
Key features include dual-partition Flash supporting real-time Over-The-Air (OTA) firmware updates with EEPROM emulation, a segment LCD controller with up to 60 segments, a full-speed USB 2.0 full-speed (12 Mbps) device/host/OTG transceiver, and 53 digital I/O pins. The device also integrates multiple Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) such as Configurable Logic Cells (CLC), Multiple Output Capture/Compare/PWM (MCCP/SCCP), 32-bit timers, a 12-bit 200 ksps ADC, and multiple UART/SPI/I2C interfaces that offload tasks from the CPU.
The architecture uses a 16-bit modified Harvard bus, hardware Multiply/Divide for DSP-style operations, and an 8-deep programmable software stack. Wide on-chip peripherals let the device perform sensor fusion, LCD driving, USB communication, and OTA firmware updates without external logic, reducing BOM cost and PCB area in space-constrained designs.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes with USB-C charging and OTA updates, low-power medical devices with LCD displays (glucose meters, infusion pumps), industrial HMI panels with segmented LCDs, USB human-interface devices (HID) such as keyboards and mice, e-metering / smart utility metering, and portable consumer electronics with always-on displays.
When designing with this device, plan the dual-partition Flash carefully: the two partitions allow safe OTA updates by writing to the inactive partition, then atomically switching the boot pointer. For LCD designs, allocate sufficient bias resistor network and consider eXtreme Low-Power sleep modes (Deep Sleep, Sleep, Idle) to extend battery life to microamp-level standby currents.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing for the PIC24FJ128GU406-I/MR, validated drop-in alternative part numbers within the PIC24FJ family, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24FJ128GU406-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 PIC24FJ128GU406-I/MR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, USB, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24FJ256GU406-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ512GU406-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.88 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ128GL406-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ128GU405-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ128GB606-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ128GU406-I/MR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC24F (16-bit modified Harvard RISC) |
| Family | PIC24FJ 'GU4' eXtreme Low-Power |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Program Flash Memory | 128 KB (128K x 8) with ECC |
| RAM | 32 KB |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Digital I/O Pins | 53 |
| Package | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm), 'MR' designator |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| LCD Controller | Segment LCD, up to 60 segments |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps) Device/Host/OTG |
| ADC | 12-bit, 200 ksps |
| Dual-Partition Flash | Yes, OTA update support |
| Qualification | Automotive AEC-Q100 grade supported by family |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC24FJ128GU406-I/MR 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 |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 / analog input |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 / oscillator input |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 / oscillator input |
| Pin 9 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 |
| Pin 10 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 11 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 12 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 14 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 15 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 |
| Pin 16 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 24 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 25 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 26 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 27 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 |
| Pin 28 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 29 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 30 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 |
| Pin 31 | RD4 — Port D bit 4 |
| Pin 32 | RD5 — Port D bit 5 |
| Pin 33 | RD6 — Port D bit 6 |
| Pin 34 | RD7 — Port D bit 7 |
| Pin 35 | RE0 — Port E bit 0 |
| Pin 36 | RE1 — Port E bit 1 |
| Pin 37 | RE2 — Port E bit 2 |
| Pin 38 | RE3 — Port E bit 3 |
| Pin 39 | RE4 — Port E bit 4 |
| Pin 40 | RE5 — Port E bit 5 |
| Pin 41 | RE6 — Port E bit 6 |
| Pin 42 | RE7 — Port E bit 7 |
| Pin 43 | RF0 — Port F bit 0 |
| Pin 44 | RF1 — Port F bit 1 |
| Pin 45 | RF2 — Port F bit 2 |
| Pin 46 | RF3 — Port F bit 3 |
| Pin 47 | RF4 — Port F bit 4 |
| Pin 48 | RF5 — Port F bit 5 |
| Pin 49 | RF6 — Port F bit 6 |
| Pin 50 | RF7 — Port F bit 7 |
| Pin 51 | RG0 — Port G bit 0 |
| Pin 52 | RG1 — Port G bit 1 |
| Pin 53 | RG2 — Port G bit 2 |
| Pin 54 | RG3 — Port G bit 3 |
| Pin 55 | RG6 — Port G bit 6 / USB D- |
| Pin 56 | RG7 — Port G bit 7 / USB D+ |
| Pin 57 | RG8 — Port G bit 8 |
| Pin 58 | RG9 — Port G bit 9 |
| Pin 59 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 60 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 61 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 62 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 63 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 64 | EP — Exposed pad (thermal/ground) |
Typical Applications
PIC24FJ128GU406-I/MR is suitable for 6 applications: IoT Sensor Nodes with USB and OTA Updates, Battery-Powered Medical Devices with Segment LCD, Industrial HMI Panels with Segmented LCDs, USB HID Devices (Keyboards, Mice, Game Controllers), Smart Utility / e-Metering Designs, Portable Consumer Electronics with Always-On Display.
IoT Sensor Nodes with USB and OTA Updates
The PIC24FJ128GU406-I/MR fits IoT sensor nodes because it integrates USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG (12 Mbps) with on-chip PHY, eliminating external PHY components, and its dual-partition 128 KB Flash supports real-time Over-The-Air firmware updates without bricking the device. With 53 GPIO and a 12-bit 200 ksps ADC, the MCU can interface multiple analog sensors (temperature, humidity, pressure) while the LCD controller drives a local display. At 2.0-3.6V operation, it runs directly from a single Li-ion cell, drawing microamp currents in Deep Sleep mode for multi-year battery life in remote sensor deployments. Recommended companions: a LoRaWAN or sub-GHz transceiver module for long-range uplink, and a USB-C connector for charging and configuration. The CLC and MCCP/SCCP peripherals can wake the CPU only on qualified events, further reducing average power.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Medical Devices with Segment LCD
Medical devices such as glucose meters, infusion pumps, and pulse oximeters benefit from the PIC24FJ128GU406-I/MR's integrated segment LCD controller capable of driving up to 60 segments directly, with on-chip charge pump and bias resistor network that reduces external components. The 2.0-3.6V operating range runs directly from two AA cells, and the eXtreme Low-Power Sleep modes preserve battery life between measurements. The 12-bit 200 ksps ADC digitizes sensor signals (photodiode current for SpO2, electrochemical for glucose) with sufficient accuracy, while hardware CIP peripherals (CLC, timers) handle waveform generation without CPU intervention. The 32 KB RAM buffers sensor history locally before wireless transmission, supporting compliance with medical data integrity requirements.
Recommended
Industrial HMI Panels with Segmented LCDs
Industrial human-machine-interface (HMI) panels, control keypads, and instrumentation displays benefit from the PIC24FJ128GU406-I/MR's segment LCD controller (60 segments), 53 GPIO for keypad matrix scanning, and Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) such as CLC and MCCP/SCCP that handle display refresh and key debouncing without CPU load. The 32 MHz CPU (16 MIPS) executes Modbus RTU or proprietary protocol stacks over UART while updating the LCD in real time. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature range supports factory and outdoor deployments, and the 2.0-3.6V operation tolerates 24V industrial rails via simple LDO drop-downs. The 128 KB Flash accommodates local UI graphics, multi-language strings, and calibration tables.
Recommended
USB HID Devices (Keyboards, Mice, Game Controllers)
USB Human Interface Devices such as keyboards, mice, and game controllers are well-served by the PIC24FJ128GU406-I/MR because it integrates a USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps) transceiver with device/host/OTG support and on-chip pull-up resistor, eliminating external PHY cost. The 32 KB RAM buffers HID report descriptors and key-press history, while 53 GPIO handle 5x8 or larger key-matrix scanning. Hardware CIP timers and CLCs offload key debouncing and LED PWM control, leaving MIPS for wireless link management or RGB effects in gaming peripherals. The dual-partition Flash supports field firmware upgrades via USB bootloader without external programmer.
Recommended
Smart Utility / e-Metering Designs
Smart electricity, water, and gas meters benefit from the PIC24FJ128GU406-I/MR's eXtreme Low-Power sleep modes (drawing microamp currents), integrated segment LCD for in-home readout of consumption data, and 12-bit ADC for analog front-end measurement. The 128 KB dual-partition Flash enables Over-The-Air firmware updates mandated by utility smart-meter programs, while the 32 KB RAM buffers hourly/daily consumption logs. The 2.0-3.6V operation runs from battery backup during outages, and the -40C to +85C range handles outdoor meter housings. Hardware RTC with 32 kHz oscillator enables accurate time-of-use billing.
Recommended
Portable Consumer Electronics with Always-On Display
Portable consumer products such as fitness bands, wireless earbud cases, and smart remote controls benefit from the PIC24FJ128GU406-I/MR's segment LCD controller (up to 60 segments) for always-on status displays, USB Full-Speed for charging and firmware updates, and eXtreme Low-Power Sleep modes that extend battery life to months. The 53 GPIO supports battery fuel-gauge I2C interface, button matrix, and LED drivers via CLC peripherals. The 2.0-3.6V operation accommodates single-cell Li-ion directly. Compact 9x9 mm QFN-64 package suits space-constrained wearable designs where every square millimeter of PCB matters.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24FJ128GU406-I/MR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24FJ256GU406-I/MR | PIC24FJ512GU406-I/MR | PIC24FJ128GL406-I/PT | PIC24FJ128GU405-I/PT | PIC24FJ128GB606-I/MR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) 'MR' | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) 'MR' | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) 'MR' | 64-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) 'PT' | 64-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) 'PT' | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) 'MR' |
| Flash Memory | 128 KB | 256 KB | 512 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB |
| RAM | 32 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| 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) |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 FS OTG (on-chip PHY) | USB 2.0 FS OTG (on-chip PHY) | USB 2.0 FS OTG (on-chip PHY) | No USB (GL4 family) | USB 2.0 FS (reduced pins) | No USB (GB6 family) |
| Segment LCD Controller | Yes, up to 60 segments | Yes, up to 60 segments | Yes, up to 60 segments | Yes, up to 60 segments | Yes, up to 60 segments | Yes, segments supported |
| 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 |
| Dual-Partition OTA Flash | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (older family) |
| GPIO Count | 53 | 53 | 53 | 53 | 53 | 53 |
Key Differentiators
- Dual-Partition Flash with safe OTA updates (vs PIC24FJ128GB606-I/MR)
- Full-Speed USB OTG with on-chip PHY (vs PIC24FJ128GL406-I/PT)
- Drop-in upgrade path to 256 KB Flash (vs PIC24FJ128GB606-I/MR)
Design Notes
The PIC24FJ128GU406-I/MR supports multiple eXtreme Low-Power Sleep modes: Sleep (CPU halted, peripherals running), Deep Sleep (most peripherals off, RTCC running) and extreme Deep Sleep with retention. For battery-powered applications, prefer Deep Sleep + RTCC wakeup for sub-10 uA standby current. Per the Microchip datasheet, configure unused peripherals in PMD (Peripheral Module Disable) registers to minimize dynamic power in active mode. The 2.0-3.6V supply range enables direct Li-ion or 2xAA operation without LDO, simplifying BOM.
The 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) package has an exposed thermal pad (EP) on pin 64 that must be soldered to a ground pad on the PCB for mechanical reliability and thermal dissipation. Per Microchip QFN layout guidelines, place at least 9 thermal vias in the EP pad to inner ground planes. Decouple VDD pins (17, 62) with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed within 3 mm of the pin. For USB designs, route D+/D- (RG7/RG6) as a 90-ohm differential pair with matched length, and place the USBLC6 ESD array within 5 mm of the connector.
When configuring the dual-partition Flash for OTA updates, ensure the Inactive Partition is write-protected in production to prevent accidental corruption. Per the Microchip datasheet, the FSEC (Flash Security) configuration bits should be set to lock the bootloader region. Do not exceed 32 MHz system clock when VDD < 2.5V - use the internal 8 MHz FRC instead, or boost VDD above 2.5V first. The MCLR pin (pin 59) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD; leaving it floating causes intermittent reset behavior.
Place the 32.768 kHz crystal as close as possible to the SOSC0/SOSCI pins to minimize parasitic capacitance and ensure accurate RTC operation. Route analog ADC inputs (RA0-RA5) away from digital switching signals to avoid coupling; per Microchip layout guidelines, ground the analog ground plane separately and join at a single point near the VSS pin. For LCD designs, route segment and common lines on a separate plane with appropriate spacing from high-frequency digital signals to avoid display ghosting.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Family supports AEC-Q100 automotive grade variants (designators with -VAO suffix). Lead-free and conflict-minerals compliant per Microchip supplier declarations.
