PIC24FJ16MC101-I/P - 16-bit MCU, 16KB Flash, 20-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC24FJ16MC101-I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.1 | $3.10 |
| 10 | $2.79 | $27.90 |
| 100 | $2.45 | $245.00 |
| 500 | $2.18 | $1,090.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.92 | $1,920.00 |
PIC24FJ16MC101-I/P Overview
What is a 16-bit microcontroller? A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, volatile and non-volatile memory, and programmable I/O peripherals. The 16-bit class bridges 8-bit parts (PIC16, AVR) and 32-bit Cortex-M devices, offering a better MIPS-per-mA and richer DSP math than 8-bit MCUs while staying cheaper and easier than 32-bit ARM. Within this hierarchy, the PIC24F family sits in Microchip's "low-power 16-bit" tier, with the MC subset adding dedicated motor-control peripherals.
Key features include up to 16 MIPS at 32 MHz CPU clock, a Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) for capacitive touch and current measurement, six enhanced PWM channels with dedicated fault inputs, Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible remapping of digital peripherals, a 10-bit ADC up to 500 ksps with up to 9 channels, two UART/I2C/SPI modules, and five 16-bit timers. The 20-pin PDIP package offers generous creepage and is breadboard-friendly for prototypes and educational use.
The PIC24FJ16MC101 uses a modified Harvard architecture with a 16-bit wide data path, hardware multiply, and a C-friendly instruction set optimized for the MPLAB XC16 compiler. Its 16 MIPS throughput enables deterministic field-oriented control loops for small three-phase BLDC and stepper motors, while CTMU enables cap-touch user interfaces on the same chip.
Typical applications include small DC and BLDC motor drives for fans, pumps, appliances, drones, and toys; capacitive touch user interfaces; sensor nodes; and low-cost industrial control. The wide 3.0-5.5 V supply range simplifies integration with 3.3 V sensors or legacy 5 V logic.
When designing with this device, ensure the Vcap pin receives the 10 uF/470 nF decoupling pair required by the internal voltage regulator. Use PPS to route peripherals to convenient pins and verify that no analog pins are reused as digital outputs inadvertently. The 20-pin PDIP eliminates reflow constraints but limits high-speed signal integrity at >10 MHz.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, and design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, giving engineers a complete BOM-ready reference.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24FJ16MC101-I/P — 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 PIC24FJ16MC101-I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Mounting Type, Package, Program Memory (Flash), Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24FJ32MC101-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ16MC102-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24FJ32MC102-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24FJ16MC101-E/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ16MC101-I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC24F (16-bit modified Harvard) |
| CPU Speed | 16 MIPS (32 MHz FOSC max) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB (5.5K x 24 instructions) |
| RAM | 1 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Package | 20-pin PDIP (P) |
| Pin Count | 20 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 500 ksps, up to 9 channels |
| PWM Channels | 6 (Motor Control PWM with dedicated fault input) |
| Timers | 5 x 16-bit |
| Communication | 2 x UART/SPI/I2C |
| CTMU | Yes (Charge Time Measurement Unit) |
| PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, "I") |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| MSL Level | 1 (not applicable for through-hole) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC24FJ16MC101-I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low; connect to VDD via 10 kohm resistor |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 4 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 / analog input / ICSP programming data (PGED1) |
| Pin 5 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 / analog input / ICSP programming clock (PGEC1) |
| Pin 6 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 7 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSCI — Crystal oscillator input or external clock |
| Pin 10 | OSCO — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 12 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 13 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 14 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 15 | VSS — Ground reference (second VSS pin) |
| Pin 16 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 17 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 18 | Vcap — Internal 2.5V regulator output; 10uF bulk + 470nF ceramic required |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply 3.0V to 5.5V |
Typical Applications
PIC24FJ16MC101-I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Brushed DC Motor Control, Capacitive Touch User Interface, Small BLDC / Fan Control, Appliance Control Board, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Educational / Hobby Robotics.
Brushed DC Motor Control
The PIC24FJ16MC101-I/P's six MCPWM channels with fault inputs are ideal for brushed DC motor drives used in small appliances, toys, and linear actuators. Its 16 MIPS throughput easily handles a 1 kHz PI speed loop, while CTMU enables current sensing via a shunt resistor. The 20-pin PDIP allows hand-solderable prototypes for hobby robotics and STEM education platforms where cost dominates over PCB density.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interface
With integrated CTMU and PPS, the PIC24FJ16MC101-I/P replaces a separate touch-sensing IC by timing the charge of button and slider pads through a controlled current source. The 16 MIPS core debounces and filters touches in firmware while running an LED driver on the same chip. The 3.0-5.5 V supply simplifies direct connection to 5 V LED backlights in white goods and IoT control panels.
Recommended
Small BLDC / Fan Control
The PIC24FJ16MC101-I/P drives sensorless BLDC fans and pumps up to about 50 W using back-EMF zero-crossing detection on its 10-bit ADC. The MCPWM generates complementary 3-phase switching at 25 kHz, leaving CPU headroom for a closed-loop RPM controller. Through-hole PDIP is favored for service-replaceable fan controllers in HVAC and PC cooling where field-replacement matters more than PCB area.
Recommended
Appliance Control Board
Household appliances such as coffee machines, slow cookers, and washing-machine sub-modules use the PIC24FJ16MC101-I/P to consolidate user I/O, sensor reads, and heater/pump timing on one MCU. The wide 3.0-5.5 V supply eliminates a separate regulator for 5 V relays and triacs, while CTMU handles cap-touch front panels. Industrial -I temperature grade meets IEC 60335 household appliance requirements.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC24FJ16MC101-I/P's nanoWatt XLP sleep modes and 3.0 V minimum supply allow multi-year battery life for remote sensor nodes reading temperature, humidity, or vibration. Sleep current in the microamp range combined with CTMU wake-on-touch makes it a candidate for door/window sensors and smart-home buttons. UART or I2C links to an external radio module such as MRF24J40 for sub-GHz mesh networking.
Recommended
Educational / Hobby Robotics
Universities and makers favor the 20-pin PDIP PIC24FJ16MC101-I/P because it is breadboard-friendly and inexpensive yet powerful enough to teach real-time motor control, ADC sampling, and interrupt-driven firmware. The MPLAB X IDE plus XC16 compiler is free and supports C, while the PICkit 4 programmer clips directly to the ICSP pins. It is a natural step up from PIC16F84A for students who have outgrown 8-bit parts.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24FJ16MC101-I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24FJ32MC101-I/P | PIC24FJ16MC102-I/P | PIC24FJ32MC102-I/P | PIC24FJ16MC101-E/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin PDIP | 20-pin PDIP - same | 20-pin PDIP - same | 20-pin PDIP - same | 20-pin PDIP - same |
| Program Flash | 16 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB |
| RAM | 1 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 1 KB |
| CPU Speed | 16 MIPS | 16 MIPS | 16 MIPS | 16 MIPS | 16 MIPS |
| MCPWM Channels | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| CTMU | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated Motor-Control PWM with fault input (vs PIC24FJ16GA002-I/SP)
- On-chip CTMU for capacitive touch (vs PIC24FJ32MC104-I/PT)
- Same-family scalability without PCB rework (vs PIC24FJ16MC101-I/SO (SOIC))
Design Notes
The PIC24FJ16MC101-I/P requires a 10 uF bulk capacitor plus a 470 nF ceramic capacitor on the Vcap pin (pin 18) to stabilize the internal 2.5 V core regulator. Use X5R or X7R ceramic dielectrics; Y5V loses 80% capacitance at 5 V and may cause brownouts under load transients. Place both capacitors within 3 mm of the Vcap pad with a short trace to the device's exposed pad (none on PDIP), and do not route noisy digital signals under them.
The 20-pin PDIP is forgiving for hand soldering, but the high-current motor traces and the ICSP programming pins (PGEC1/PGED1, pins 4 and 5) should not cross. Add a 100 nF decoupling cap directly on VDD (pin 20) to ground (pin 19) plus a 10 uF bulk near the supply pin. Keep the analog AVdd/AVss (shared with digital on this device) away from PWM switching nodes by at least 5 mm to avoid ADC noise coupling.
When using PPS, peripherals default to specific pins and remapping must be unlocked by writing to the IOLOCK bit. A common pitfall is forgetting to relock IOLOCK after configuration, leaving the part vulnerable to accidental pin-map changes via errant firmware writes. Also note that pins RB0/RB1 serve dual duty as ICSP programming data/clock - if these are pulled low at reset, the MCU enters debug mode rather than running the application firmware.
Route the MCPWM outputs as differential pairs to the gate driver inputs and keep the fault input (FLTA) trace short and direct to the comparator output. Place the shunt resistor for current sensing within 10 mm of the ADC pin to minimize ground-loop noise, and use a Kelvin connection across the shunt to avoid parasitic resistance. If the design uses CTMU for capacitive touch, guard traces with GND on both sides of each touch pad to prevent false triggers.
