PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT - 256KB Flash 16-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.2 | $8.20 |
| 10 | $7.45 | $74.50 |
| 100 | $6.58 | $658.00 |
| 500 | $5.92 | $2,960.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.35 | $5,350.00 |
PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT Overview
A 16-bit microcontroller is a microprocessor whose data path and arithmetic logic unit operate on 16-bit words, providing a balance between computational throughput and code density. Within the broader microcontroller taxonomy, a PIC24F sits in the mid-performance tier of Microchip's PIC family (8-bit PIC16/PIC18 -> 16-bit PIC24F/dsPIC33 -> 32-bit PIC32MX/SAM), and is itself classified as an MCU -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC. The "FJ" sub-family specifically adds dual-partition Flash with Live Update, allowing the application to swap between two firmware images at runtime for fail-safe field upgrades.
Key features include a 16 MIPS core at 32 MHz, dual-partition Flash with Live Update (essential for in-field firmware upgrades without downtime), 32 KB RAM, a 12-bit ADC, USB 2.0 full-speed OTG support, and Microchip's eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology. The device also offers a Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) system, which remappable peripherals to any digital I/O pin - a feature dramatically simplifying PCB layout.
Technically, the PIC24FJ256GA606 employs a modified Harvard architecture with separate instruction and data buses, achieving single-cycle MAC operations. The dual-partition Flash divides the 256 KB into two independent 128 KB blocks, enabling background firmware updates. The integrated AES hardware accelerator and cryptographic features provide hardware-level security, while the 8 DMA channels reduce CPU overhead in data-intensive applications.
Typical applications include industrial control and HMI displays, low-power IoT sensor nodes, USB peripherals, automotive body controllers, and battery-powered portable devices. The Live Update feature particularly suits applications requiring fail-safe OTA firmware updates in industrial or medical equipment.
When designing with this device, ensure the dual-partition Flash feature is correctly configured in the linker for OTA updates, and verify that any peripheral using PPS is mapped to a pin that supports the chosen digital function.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative recommendations, and practical design notes drawn from Microchip's datasheet and reference designs - information not consolidated on distributor product pages.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT — 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 PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, ADC, Operating Temperature, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24FJ256GA606-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GA606T-E/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24FJ256GA606-E/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.73 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC24F (16-bit modified Harvard) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB (85.5K x 24 instruction words), dual-partition |
| SRAM | 32 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 53 |
| Timers | 9 |
| PWM Channels | 6 |
| Analog Comparators | 3 |
| DMA Channels | 8 |
| ADC | 12-bit (16 channels, per datasheet) |
| Package | 64-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Extended, "E" suffix) |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| AES Hardware Accelerator | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RP15/RF3 — Remappable I/O / RF signal input |
| Pin 2 | RP14/RF2 — Remappable I/O / RF signal input |
| Pin 3 | RP13/RF1 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 4 | RP12/RF0 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 5 | RP0/RB0 — Remappable I/O / programming PGEC |
| Pin 6 | RP1/RB1 — Remappable I/O / programming PGED |
| Pin 7 | RP2/RB2 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 8 | RP3/RB3 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 9 | RP4/RB4 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 10 | RP5/RB5 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 11 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 12 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 13 | RP6/RB6 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 14 | RP7/RB7 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 15 | RP8/RB8 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 16 | RP9/RB9 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 17 | RP10/RB10 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 18 | RP11/RB11 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 21 | RA0 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 22 | RA1 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 23 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 24 | RA3 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 25 | RA4 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 26 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 27 | RA6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 28 | RA7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 29 | RA8 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 30 | RA9 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 31 | RA10 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 32 | RA11 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 33 | RA12 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 34 | RA13 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 35 | RA14 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 36 | RA15 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 37 | OSC1/RC12 — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 38 | OSC2/RC13 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 39 | RC14 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 40 | RC15 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 41 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 42 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 43 | RD0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 44 | RD1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 45 | RD2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 46 | RD3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 47 | RD4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 48 | RD5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 49 | RD6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 50 | RD7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 51 | RD8 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 52 | RD9 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 53 | RD10 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 54 | RD11 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 55 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 56 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 57 | RF4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 58 | RF5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 59 | RF6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 60 | RF7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 61 | RF8 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 62 | VUSB — USB 3.3V regulator output |
| Pin 63 | D+ — USB D+ data line |
| Pin 64 | D- — USB D- data line |
Typical Applications
PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial HMI Displays, Low-Power IoT Sensor Nodes, USB Peripherals and HID Devices, Automotive Body Controllers, Battery-Powered Portable Devices, Fail-Safe Industrial Control with OTA.
Industrial HMI Displays
The PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT fits industrial HMI applications because its 53 remappable I/O pins (via PPS) directly interface segment LCDs, keypads, and LED indicators while its 256 KB Flash stores graphical assets and configuration data. The 32 KB SRAM supports local framebuffers for small monochromatic panels without external memory. Its 32 MIPS throughput drives menu state machines at 60 Hz refresh, and PPS eliminates pin-routing conflicts during PCB layout revisions. Unlike smaller PIC24FJ256GA406 parts, the 606's 64-pin TQFP leaves room for expanded peripheral sets.
Recommended
Low-Power IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT's XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology and 2.0 V operation make it suitable for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes that must run for years on a single cell. Its 16 MIPS throughput handles sensor fusion algorithms while sleep currents below 1 uA preserve battery life. The 256 KB dual-partition Flash with Live Update lets nodes receive OTA firmware updates without service interruption - critical for remote industrial installations. PPS remaps peripherals to optimize PCB antenna placement for wireless co-located designs.
Recommended
USB Peripherals and HID Devices
The PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT integrates USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG, making it a strong choice for USB peripherals such as HID controllers, CDC virtual COM ports, MSD storage, and vendor-class instruments. The 256 KB Flash accommodates USB class drivers, while the 32 KB SRAM buffers USB endpoints efficiently. PPS routes USB D+/D- to any pair of pins, simplifying PCB routing for compact dongles. The 16 MIPS core services USB 1 ms polling intervals with significant processing headroom.
Recommended
Automotive Body Controllers
The PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT is well-suited for non-safety automotive body modules where its AEC-Q100-style extended -40C to +125C temperature range handles cabin and under-hood thermal stress. The 53 I/O pins drive LED arrays, switches, and LIN/CAN-bus transceivers for body control domains. Its 8 DMA channels service multi-channel ADC and PWM traffic without CPU intervention. For new automotive designs, however, Microchip recommends the newer PIC24FJ256GB610 family; the 606 is now NRND.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Devices
The PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT is appropriate for portable medical or fitness devices that demand moderate compute and long battery life. Its XLP technology drops consumption below 1 uA in deep sleep, while the 2.0 V minimum supply allows single-cell Li-ion or dual-AA operation without boost converters. The 12-bit ADC, DMA, and 9 timers synchronize sensor sampling in fitness bands. The 64-pin TQFP provides ample I/O for display, buttons, and BLE module interfaces.
Recommended
Fail-Safe Industrial Control with OTA
The PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT's signature Live Update dual-partition Flash enables industrial controllers to receive OTA firmware without process interruption - critical for SCADA nodes, PLCs, and remote telemetry. The 16-bit CPU runs control loops deterministically, while PPS routes UART, SPI, I2C, and PWM to any available pin, simplifying panel wiring. The extended temperature grade supports outdoor enclosures. Combined with AES hardware, it also supports secure boot and authenticated OTA updates.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24FJ256GA606-I/PT | PIC24FJ256GA606T-E/PT | PIC24FJ256GA606-E/MR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) | 64-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-pin QFN - different footprint, NOT pin-compatible |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB dual-partition | 256 KB dual-partition - same | 256 KB dual-partition - same | 256 KB dual-partition - same |
| SRAM | 32 KB | 32 KB - same | 32 KB - same | 32 KB - same |
| Max CPU Frequency | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) | 32 MHz - same | 32 MHz - same | 32 MHz - same |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C - same | -40C to +125C - same |
| I/O Pins | 53 | 53 - same | 53 - same | 53 - same |
| Live Update (Dual Flash) | Yes | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same |
Key Differentiators
- 256 KB dual-partition Flash with Live Update (vs PIC24FJ128GA606-I/PT)
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade (vs PIC24FJ256GA606-I/PT)
- AES hardware accelerator and crypto features (vs PIC24FJ256GA406-I/MR)
Design Notes
Route decoupling capacitors (100 nF and 1 uF ceramic) within 5 mm of every VDD/VSS pair (pins 12-11, 20-19, 42-41, 56-55). For USB applications, place a 0.1 uF capacitor on VUSB (pin 62) and a 90 ohm differential impedance-matched trace for D+/D- to the connector. Connect unused pins to VSS through 10 kohm resistors or leave floating per datasheet; never leave unused pins undefined, as floating inputs draw excess current and may oscillate.
When using Live Update dual-partition Flash, the linker script must place the application code into the active partition and the inactive partition must be erased before programming. Mistakenly overwriting the running partition corrupts the bootloader and bricks the device. Microchip's MPLAB X project templates handle this automatically; custom build systems must implement the partition table explicitly. Also note that the E (extended) vs I (industrial) grade differs only in temperature range, but Microchip's parametric tables sometimes mislabel the operating range - always cross-check the datasheet marking before programming.
PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) allows remapping of digital peripherals (UART, SPI, I2C, PWM) to almost any digital I/O pin, but it does NOT remap analog peripherals (ADC inputs, comparators) or oscillator pins. When laying out boards with mixed analog/digital signals, keep analog traces away from PPS-routed PWM outputs and place analog grounds in a star configuration tied to a single VSS point. Estimated: PPS routing flexibility can shorten PCB traces by 30-50% compared to fixed-pin PIC16 designs but requires careful review of the locked peripherals in the device datasheet.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 qualification not explicitly stated in datasheet - extended temperature grade suggests automotive suitability but formal AEC-Q100 status should be confirmed with Microchip for new automotive designs.
