PIC24FJ16GA004-I/ML - 16-bit MCU, 16KB Flash, 44-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC24FJ16GA004-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.18 | $5.18 |
| 10 | $4.66 | $46.60 |
| 100 | $4.14 | $414.00 |
| 500 | $3.62 | $1,810.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.11 | $3,110.00 |
PIC24FJ16GA004-I/ML Overview
A 16-bit microcontroller (MCU) is an embedded processing device with a 16-bit data path, sitting between 8-bit MCUs (lower cost, simpler peripherals) and 32-bit MCUs (higher performance, more memory). The PIC24FJ16GA004-I/ML belongs to the broader PIC24F family known for low power consumption, integrated peripherals, and C-compiler-friendly architecture, targeting general-purpose embedded applications from consumer to industrial.
Key features include: up to 16 MIPS performance at 32MHz, 17x17 single-cycle hardware multiplier, 32-bit x 16-bit hardware divider, internal oscillator support from 31kHz to 8MHz (up to 32MHz with 4X PLL), on-chip LDO voltage regulator, JTAG boundary scan and flash programming, and 35 digital I/O pins. The 44-QFN package offers a compact 8x8 mm footprint suitable for space-constrained designs.
Architecturally, the PIC24FJ16GA004-I/ML uses a modified Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing simultaneous instruction fetch and data access. The C-compiler-optimized instruction set enables efficient code generation, while peripherals such as the Real-Time Clock/Calendar (RTCC) and multiple PWM/CCP modules support motor control, sensor interfaces, and display driving.
Typical applications include industrial control systems, sensor signal processing, USB device interfaces, medical portable devices, and general-purpose embedded platforms. The wide peripheral set and ample I/O count make it suitable for human-machine interface (HMI) controllers and battery-powered instruments.
When designing with this device, evaluate total I/O count against application needs (35 I/O available). For USB applications, pair with an external USB transceiver or select the PIC24FJ64GB004 family variant. The on-chip LDO simplifies power tree design but limits maximum supply voltage to 3.6V on the core.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, optimized for engineers selecting a 16-bit MCU for general-purpose embedded designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24FJ16GA004-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 PIC24FJ16GA004-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory (Flash), ADC, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24FJ16GA004-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ32GA004-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24FJ64GA004-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.91 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ16GA002-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ16GA004-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC24F 16-bit |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB (5.5K x 24 instructions) |
| RAM | 4 KB |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 35 |
| Communication Interfaces | UART, SPI, I2C |
| Package | 44-pin QFN (8x8 mm) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Hardware Multiplier | 17 x 17 single-cycle |
| Hardware Divider | 32-bit / 16-bit |
| On-chip LDO | Yes |
| JTAG Support | Yes (boundary scan + Flash programming) |
| Internal Oscillator | 31 kHz to 8 MHz; up to 32 MHz with 4X PLL |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC24FJ16GA004-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | OSC1 — Crystal/oscillator input |
| Pin 11 | OSC2 — Crystal/oscillator output |
| Pin 12 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 14 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 15 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 16 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 17 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 (digital I/O, PGEDx programming) |
| Pin 18 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 (digital I/O, PGECx programming) |
| Pin 19 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 21 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 22 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 23 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 24 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 25 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 26 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 27 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 28 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 (analog/digital I/O, TX) |
| Pin 29 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 (analog/digital I/O, RX) |
| Pin 30 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 31 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 32 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 33 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 34 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 35 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 36 | RD4 — Port D bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 37 | RD5 — Port D bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 38 | RD6 — Port D bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 39 | RD7 — Port D bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 40 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 41 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 42 | MCLR — Master clear (reset) input |
| Pin 43 | RE0 — Port E bit 0 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 44 | RE1 — Port E bit 1 (analog/digital I/O) |
Typical Applications
PIC24FJ16GA004-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Hub, Battery-Powered Portable Instrument, Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Controller, Motor Control and PWM Driver, Medical Portable Monitoring Device, Automotive Body Electronics Module.
Industrial Sensor Hub
The PIC24FJ16GA004-I/ML's combination of 16 MIPS performance, 35 I/O pins, and integrated 10-bit ADC makes it well-suited for industrial sensor aggregation nodes. The 16 KB Flash accommodates protocol stacks such as Modbus RTU or IO-Link while the 4 KB RAM supports buffering of sensor samples before forwarding. Multiple UART/SPI/I2C interfaces allow direct connection to digital temperature, pressure, and flow sensors without external glue logic. The 2.0V to 3.6V supply range matches 3.3V industrial rails, and the -40C to +85C operating range covers most factory floor environments. On-chip LDO simplifies power tree design by eliminating the need for an external regulator when running from a 3.6V max source.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Instrument
The PIC24FJ16GA004-I/ML's low-power PIC24F architecture and 2.0V minimum supply voltage enable portable designs powered by 2x AA cells or single Li-ion batteries. The wide operating voltage range (2.0V to 3.6V) accommodates battery discharge curves without requiring a boost converter. The internal oscillator (31 kHz to 8 MHz, up to 32 MHz with 4X PLL) eliminates external crystals in cost-sensitive designs. With 16 MIPS performance, the MCU can perform signal processing on sensor data while maintaining low average current consumption through sleep modes. The 44-QFN package keeps the PCB footprint under 100 mm² including decoupling capacitors.
Recommended
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Controller
The PIC24FJ16GA004-I/ML provides 35 I/O pins, ample for driving 4x4 keypad matrices, character LCD displays, and status LEDs simultaneously. The 16 MIPS CPU executes debounce algorithms and menu state machines without timing pressure. Hardware PWM channels support LED dimming and buzzer tone generation for audio feedback. The integrated RTCC (Real-Time Clock Calendar) maintains wall-clock time for scheduling and event logging without external RTC IC. JTAG boundary scan enables in-system programming and production test access, reducing manufacturing cost. The 16 KB Flash accommodates graphical menu libraries and localization strings for internationalized products.
Recommended
Motor Control and PWM Driver
The PIC24FJ16GA004-I/ML's multiple PWM/CCP (Capture/Compare/PWM) channels support brushed DC motor speed control, servo positioning, and small BLDC commutation tasks. The 16 MIPS performance enables closed-loop PID control at 10 kHz update rates for responsive motion control. Hardware quadrature encoder interfaces simplify position feedback from incremental encoders. The 35 I/O count accommodates direction signals, brake outputs, and fault monitoring alongside the PWM channels. The 10-bit ADC provides current sensing through shunt amplifiers for overload protection. For stepper motors, the part can drive up to 2 axes simultaneously with microstepping look-up tables stored in 16 KB Flash.
Recommended
Medical Portable Monitoring Device
The PIC24FJ16GA004-I/ML is suitable for Class B medical device sub-assemblies such as patient monitors, infusion pump controllers, and portable diagnostic tools where 16 MIPS performance and 35 I/O pins are sufficient. The integrated 10-bit ADC digitizes sensor signals from ECG, SpO2, or temperature front-ends. Low-power sleep modes extend battery life in wearable designs. The hardware multiplier accelerates DSP-style filtering of biomedical signals. Note: This part is NOT medical-grade certified by default; medical device manufacturers must perform their own IEC 60601-1 compliance validation at the system level. The wide operating temperature range supports disinfection and storage requirements.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics Module
The PIC24FJ16GA004-I/ML is recommended by Microchip for automotive design applications including body control modules, lighting controllers, and accessory interfaces. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature range covers most cabin environments, though under-hood applications require AEC-Q100 grade parts. The 16-bit architecture handles CAN-style message processing and LIN bus slave communications via UART. Multiple PWM channels drive LED lighting and small motor loads. For full automotive qualification, designers should order the part with the automotive-grade suffix code. The 44-QFN package provides vibration resistance superior to leaded packages in harsh automotive environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24FJ16GA004-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24FJ16GA004-I/PT | PIC24FJ32GA004-I/ML | PIC24FJ64GA004-I/ML | PIC24FJ16GA002-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) | 44-TQFP (different footprint) | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 28-QFN (smaller) |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB | 16 KB |
| RAM | 4 KB | 4 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 4 KB |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS |
| I/O Pins | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 21 |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0V to 3.6V | 2.0V to 3.6V | 2.0V to 3.6V | 2.0V to 3.6V | 2.0V to 3.6V |
| USB Support | No | No | No | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- Larger Flash and RAM than the 002 variant in same 44-QFN footprint (vs PIC24FJ16GA002-I/ML)
- Compact 44-QFN package enables dense PCB layouts (vs PIC24FJ16GA004-I/PT)
- On-chip LDO simplifies power tree design (vs PIC24FJ16GA002-I/ML)
Design Notes
The PIC24FJ16GA004-I/ML integrates an on-chip LDO regulator that derives the core 1.8V from the external VDD supply (2.0V to 3.6V). Decouple VDD pins (pins 21, 31, 41) with 100nF ceramic capacitors placed within 3 mm of each pin, plus a 10uF bulk capacitor near the MCU. Connect all VDD pins together on the PCB even if some appear unused in your design. Estimated: total quiescent current at 32 MHz with all peripherals enabled is approximately 25 mA; sleep current drops to <1 uA with RTCC running.
The 44-pin QFN package exposes a center thermal pad (EP) on the underside that MUST be soldered to a ground plane for both electrical grounding and thermal dissipation. Per Microchip QFN layout guidelines, the EP land should use an array of thermal vias (0.3 mm drill, 0.5 mm pitch) connecting to an internal ground plane. Incomplete EP soldering can cause 30-50% reduction in thermal performance and intermittent ground reference issues. Use no-clean flux and follow the manufacturer's reflow profile with peak temperature not exceeding 260C.
Route the MCLR reset line away from high-frequency switching nodes to avoid spurious resets. According to Microchip application note TB087, place a 10 kohm pull-up resistor on MCLR and a 100nF capacitor to ground for debouncing. Keep analog signals (Port A, Port E, VREF+) separated from digital switching traces by at least 3x the trace width or use a ground plane guard ring. The internal oscillator eliminates crystal layout constraints but may exhibit higher jitter than an external crystal for USB-bound applications.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Halogen-free per GlobalSpec listing. The standard /ML industrial variant is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified; automotive-grade ordering codes required for AEC-Q100 compliance. Recommended for automotive design per Microchip product page when ordered with appropriate automotive suffix.