PIC24FJ256GA406-I/MR - 16-bit XLP MCU 256KB Flash 64-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC24FJ256GA406-I/MR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.92 | $5.92 |
| 10 | $5.33 | $53.30 |
| 100 | $4.74 | $474.00 |
| 500 | $4.27 | $2,135.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.79 | $3,790.00 |
PIC24FJ256GA406-I/MR Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and peripherals such as ADCs, timers, communication interfaces, and I/O controllers. The 16-bit class sits between 8-bit MCUs (typically used for simple control tasks) and 32-bit ARM Cortex-M parts (used for high-performance DSP and connectivity), offering a balanced mix of computational throughput, deterministic interrupt response, and low power consumption. The PIC24F family uses Microchip's modified Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing simultaneous instruction fetch and data access.
Key features of the PIC24FJ256GA406 include the integrated segmented LCD driver (up to 64 segments), which removes the need for an external LCD controller in display-based products, and the hardware crypto engine with intermediate code-guard security that protects intellectual property in deployed firmware. The XLP technology delivers deep-sleep currents in the nanoampere range and multiple power-saving modes such as Sleep, Idle, and Doze, enabling years of operation from a single coin cell. The 53 I/O pins are 5 V tolerant on many ports, allowing direct interfacing with legacy 5 V logic. Two UART/SPI/I2C peripherals, up to five 16-bit timers, and configurable remappable peripherals provide extensive design flexibility.
Architecturally, the device pairs the PIC24F modified Harvard CPU core with a wide peripheral set tuned for low-power embedded designs. The dual-partition Flash supports safe in-field firmware updates (one partition runs while the other is reprogrammed), and the on-chip 12-bit ADC reaches 500 ksps for sensor sampling. Hardware DSP extensions accelerate multiply-accumulate routines for sensor fusion or audio preprocessing. The combination of XLP power management, integrated crypto, segmented LCD, and dual-partition Flash is what differentiates this part from generic 16-bit MCUs without security or display support.
Typical applications include low-power human-interface products with LCD displays (thermostats, utility meters, medical infusion pumps, and weighing scales), secure IoT sensor nodes that require authenticated firmware and encrypted communications, battery-powered industrial data loggers, and portable consumer health monitors. The wide operating temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C supports both consumer and industrial environments.
When designing with the PIC24FJ256GA406, ensure the exposed thermal pad on the QFN-64 package is soldered to a sufficiently large copper pour on the PCB to meet the thermal resistance rating and provide a low-impedance ground return. Decouple VDD/VSS pairs with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed as close as possible to the respective pins, and follow Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and XC16 compiler toolchain for code development and debug via the integrated ICSP/ICD interface.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing tiers, drop-in alternatives from the PIC24F/XLP family, and practical design notes that complement (rather than restate) the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24FJ256GA406-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 PIC24FJ256GA406-I/MR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Core Architecture, LCD Driver, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24FJ256GA406-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GA406T-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.51 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GB406-I/MR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24FJ128GB406-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ128GA406-I/MR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24FJ1024GA606-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GA406-I/MR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC24F (16-bit modified Harvard) |
| Family | PIC24FJ256GA406 (XLP, integrated crypto) |
| CPU Speed (Max) | 32 MHz (16 MIPS @ 3.3 V) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB (85.5K × 24) |
| Data Memory (RAM) | 16 KB |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 53 |
| ADC | 10-bit and 12-bit, multi-channel |
| LCD Driver | Segmented LCD controller (up to 64 segments) |
| Security Module | Integrated crypto engine + code-guard security |
| Flash Partitions | Dual partition for live update |
| Communication | UART, SPI, I2C peripherals |
| Timers | Up to five 16-bit timers |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) |
| Package | 64-pin QFN (MR), 9 mm × 9 mm with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC24FJ256GA406-I/MR Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RP15/RB15 — Remappable I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 2 | RP14/RB14 — Remappable I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 3 | RP13/RB13 — Remappable I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 4 | RP12/RB12 — Remappable I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 5 | RP11/RB11 — Remappable I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 6 | RP10/RB10 — Remappable I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 7 | RP9/RB9 — Remappable I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 8 | RP8/RB8 — Remappable I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 9 | RP7/RB7 — Remappable I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 10 | RP6/RB6 — Remappable I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 11 | RP5/RB5 — Remappable I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 12 | RP4/RB4 — Remappable I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 13 | RP3/RB3 — Remappable I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 14 | RP2/RB2 — Remappable I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 15 | RP1/RB1 — Remappable I/O / LCD segment |
| Pin 16 | RP0/RB0 — Remappable I/O / LCD segment / PGED1 |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive supply (2.0 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | OSC1/CLKI — Crystal oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 20 | OSC2/CLKO — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 21 | RC1 — I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 22 | RC2 — I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 23 | RC3 — I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 24 | RC4 — I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 25 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 26 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 27 | RD1 — I/O port D bit 1 |
| Pin 28 | RD2 — I/O port D bit 2 |
| Pin 29 | RD3 — I/O port D bit 3 |
| Pin 30 | RD4 — I/O port D bit 4 |
| Pin 31 | RD5 — I/O port D bit 5 |
| Pin 32 | RD6 — I/O port D bit 6 |
| Pin 33 | RD7 — I/O port D bit 7 |
| Pin 34 | RE0 — I/O port E bit 0 |
| Pin 35 | RE1 — I/O port E bit 1 |
| Pin 36 | RE2 — I/O port E bit 2 |
| Pin 37 | RE3 — I/O port E bit 3 |
| Pin 38 | RE4 — I/O port E bit 4 |
| Pin 39 | RE5 — I/O port E bit 5 |
| Pin 40 | RE6 — I/O port E bit 6 |
| Pin 41 | RE7 — I/O port E bit 7 |
| Pin 42 | RF0 — I/O port F bit 0 |
| Pin 43 | RF1 — I/O port F bit 1 |
| Pin 44 | RF2 — I/O port F bit 2 |
| Pin 45 | RF3 — I/O port F bit 3 |
| Pin 46 | RF4 — I/O port F bit 4 |
| Pin 47 | RF5 — I/O port F bit 5 |
| Pin 48 | RF6 — I/O port F bit 6 |
| Pin 49 | RF7 — I/O port F bit 7 |
| Pin 50 | RG0 — I/O port G bit 0 |
| Pin 51 | RG1 — I/O port G bit 1 |
| Pin 52 | RG2 — I/O port G bit 2 |
| Pin 53 | RG3 — I/O port G bit 3 |
| Pin 54 | MCLR — Master clear (reset, active-low) |
| Pin 55 | RA0 — I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 56 | RA1 — I/O port A bit 1 |
| Pin 57 | RA2 — I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 58 | RA3 — I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 59 | RA4 — I/O port A bit 4 |
| Pin 60 | RA5 — I/O port A bit 5 |
| Pin 61 | RA6 — I/O port A bit 6 |
| Pin 62 | RA7 — I/O port A bit 7 |
| Pin 63 | RA9 — I/O port A bit 9 |
| Pin 64 | RA10 — I/O port A bit 10 |
Typical Applications
PIC24FJ256GA406-I/MR is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Utility Meter with LCD Display, Secure IoT Sensor Node with Authenticated Firmware, Medical Infusion Pump and Patient Monitor HMI, Industrial Weighing Scale with Calibration Security, Thermostat and HVAC Control Panel, Portable Consumer Health Monitor.
Battery-Powered Utility Meter with LCD Display
The PIC24FJ256GA406-I/MR is well-suited for battery-powered electricity, water, or gas meters that display consumption on a segmented LCD. Its integrated segmented LCD controller supports up to 64 segments without external driver ICs, reducing BOM cost. The eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology delivers nanoampere sleep currents, enabling 10+ year operation on a single lithium cell. The integrated crypto engine and code-guard security prevent meter tampering and protect calibration firmware. The 256 KB Flash stores application code, calibration tables, and rolling consumption logs, while 16 KB RAM buffers display refresh and communication frames.
Recommended
Secure IoT Sensor Node with Authenticated Firmware
For IoT sensor nodes requiring authenticated firmware updates, the PIC24FJ256GA406-I/MR provides a hardware crypto engine supporting AES, DES, and SHA, combined with code-guard security that prevents unauthorized Flash readback. The dual-partition Flash allows OTA firmware updates where one partition executes while the other is reprogrammed, eliminating downtime during deployment. The XLP architecture keeps sleep current below 1 microamp, extending battery life in remote sensor deployments. The 53 GPIO pins and multiple serial peripherals (UART, SPI, I2C) accommodate sensors for temperature, humidity, motion, and air quality in a single device.
Recommended
Medical Infusion Pump and Patient Monitor HMI
The PIC24FJ256GA406-I/MR fits medical infusion pumps and patient monitor human-machine interfaces that combine a segmented LCD with secure firmware. Its 12-bit ADC at 500 ksps accurately reads sensor inputs such as flow rate, pressure, and temperature, while the hardware crypto engine protects patient data and prevents unauthorized drug-delivery parameter changes. The 256 KB Flash accommodates graphical menus, drug libraries, and event logs required for medical device certification, and the wide -40 °C to +85 °C operating range supports clinical environments. The integrated segmented LCD removes the need for an external display controller, simplifying FDA documentation.
Recommended
Industrial Weighing Scale with Calibration Security
Industrial weighing scales demand secure calibration data and clear LCD readouts. The PIC24FJ256GA406-I/MR's hardware crypto engine protects calibration constants from tampering, while its code-guard security prevents unauthorized firmware modification. The integrated 12-bit ADC digitizes load cell signals with 0.01% resolution, and the segmented LCD controller drives weight, unit, and status displays without external drivers. The wide 2.0-3.6 V supply range accommodates battery or USB-powered installations, and the -40 °C to +85 °C range supports factory floor and outdoor weighing applications.
Recommended
Thermostat and HVAC Control Panel
The PIC24FJ256GA406-I/MR is ideal for wall-mounted thermostats and HVAC control panels that combine temperature sensing, schedule storage, and segmented LCD display. Its XLP architecture supports multi-year battery operation by maintaining RTC and schedule data in deep sleep, while the segmented LCD controller drives the temperature, mode, and status display. The integrated crypto engine protects manufacturer brand and configuration settings from cloning, and the 256 KB Flash stores weekly schedules, user preferences, and adaptive-control algorithms. Multiple UART/SPI/I2C interfaces connect to temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and Wi-Fi modules for smart thermostat designs.
Recommended
Portable Consumer Health Monitor
For portable consumer health monitors such as blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters, and glucose meters, the PIC24FJ256GA406-I/MR offers the integration, security, and display capability needed in compact battery-powered products. The 12-bit ADC captures pulse, SpO2, or blood-glucose sensor data, while the segmented LCD controller displays readings without external drivers. The hardware crypto engine protects personal health information and prevents counterfeit sensor calibration. XLP deep-sleep modes extend battery life across months of standby, and 256 KB Flash stores firmware, calibration tables, and measurement history.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24FJ256GA406-I/MR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24FJ256GA406-I/PT | PIC24FJ256GA406T-I/MR | PIC24FJ256GB406-I/MR | PIC24FJ128GB406-I/MR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 64-pin QFN (9x9) | 64-pin TQFP (different footprint) | 64-pin QFN (9x9) - same | 64-pin QFN (9x9) - same | 64-pin QFN (9x9) - same |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB (-50%) |
| RAM | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB (+100%) | 32 KB (+100%) |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| USB 2.0 FS | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto Engine | Yes (AES/DES/SHA) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Segmented LCD | Yes (up to 64 segments) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Supply 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 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated hardware crypto engine with code-guard security (vs PIC24FJ128GA006-I/MR)
- Dual-partition Flash for live firmware update (vs PIC24FJ256DA106-I/PT)
- XLP nanoampere sleep modes (vs PIC24EP64MC206-I/PT)
Design Notes
The 64-pin QFN package has an exposed thermal pad on the underside that must be soldered to a sufficiently large PCB copper pour (recommended at least 25 mm² connected to the ground plane) for thermal dissipation and ground reference. Use 0.1 mm (4 mil) thermal vias in a 1.2 mm pitch grid under the pad to conduct heat to internal ground planes. Decouple each VDD/VSS pair with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the supply pin.
Estimate: at 32 MHz / 3.3 V active, the PIC24FJ256GA406-I/MR draws approximately 15-20 mA depending on peripheral use; in deep sleep with RTC running, current drops below 1 µA. For battery-life estimation, account for the active duty cycle, ADC sampling current (~2 mA when active), and any external peripheral current. Use Sleep mode (CPU off, peripherals off) for lowest quiescent current, and Idle mode (CPU off, peripherals running) for wake-on-event designs.
Route the ICSP/ICD pins (PGEDx/PGECx) away from high-frequency switching traces and keep them accessible for in-circuit programming. Place the 32.768 kHz crystal close to the SOSCO/SOSCI pins with short traces and a guard ring to ground to minimize RTC drift. If the segmented LCD is used, route segment and common lines with care to avoid crosstalk; keep them on the same layer as the QFN device, and use the ground plane as a shield.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum VDD of 4.0 V; even brief over-voltage events can damage the part. The MCLR pin must have a pull-up resistor (typically 10 kΩ) for normal run mode, and the ICSP/ICD programming interface requires proper isolation from application circuitry to avoid contention during debug. When migrating code from PIC24FJ64/128 to PIC24FJ256, verify vector table offsets and remappable peripheral assignments because the larger Flash map differs.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial -40 °C to +85 °C temperature grade; not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive. Halogen-free per Microchip environmental compliance documentation.
