PIC24FJ256GA606-I/PT - 16-bit 32MHz 256KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24FJ256GA606-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.26 | $6.26 |
| 10 | $5.85 | $58.50 |
| 100 | $5.1 | $510.00 |
| 500 | $4.55 | $2,275.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.05 | $4,050.00 |
PIC24FJ256GA606-I/PT Overview
What is a PIC24F microcontroller? The PIC24F is a family of 16-bit modified Harvard RISC microcontrollers from Microchip's PIC24 lineup, positioned above the 8-bit PIC16/PIC18 families in performance and feature integration. They combine an 8-channel hardware multiplier, deterministic interrupt latency, a peripheral-rich architecture, and nanopower XLP (eXtreme Low Power) techniques. PIC24F parts are commonly used in cost-sensitive embedded designs that need more headroom than 8-bit MCUs without the cost of Cortex-M parts.
Key features include a 12-bit A/D converter with up to 16 input channels, multiple PWM outputs, 8 DMA channels, 7 timer modules, and support for USB, I2C, SPI, and UART peripherals. The dual-partition Flash with Live Update lets the firmware switch between two firmware images at runtime, enabling safe over-the-air (OTA) updates and bootloader-driven field upgrades without device downtime. Operating voltage is 2.0V to 3.6V, supporting both 2.5V and 3.3V rails typical in portable and battery-powered systems.
Architecturally, the PIC24FJ256GA606 uses a 16-bit modified Harvard core with separate program and data paths and a 17-bit x 17-bit hardware multiplier, achieving up to 16 MIPS at 32MHz. The integrated peripherals (12-bit ADC, comparators, CTMU, RTCC, PMP, and Crypto engine variants depending on family) reduce external component count. The device supports multiple low-power modes (Sleep, Doze, Idle, and Retention) that drop current draw to the nanoampere range, supporting long-battery-life designs.
Typical applications include industrial sensor nodes, USB-enabled human-interface devices (HIDs), portable medical and fitness monitors, battery-powered data loggers, home automation controllers, and graphics-enabled embedded consoles. The wide peripheral mix also fits motor control signal conditioning and remote sensor hubs.
When designing with this part, ensure all VDD/VSS pins are connected (even unused ones) for proper programming and operation. For ICSP, any PGECx/PGEDx pair must be used together, and decoupling must include a 0.1uF ceramic capacitor close to each VDD pin. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24FJ256GA606-I/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-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Program Memory (Flash), Package, Timers, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.35 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GA606T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24FJ128GA606-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256DA206-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.39 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GA406-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.79 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GA606-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC24 16-bit RISC |
| CPU Architecture | Modified Harvard, 17-bit x 17-bit hardware multiplier |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB (85.5K x 24) dual-partition with Live Update |
| Data SRAM | 32 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 16 channels |
| DMA Channels | 8 |
| Timers | 7 |
| PWM Outputs | Multiple PWM generators |
| Communication | USB, I2C, SPI, UART |
| Package | 64-pin TQFP (PT) 10x10 mm |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP (eXtreme Low Power) |
| Special Feature | Dual-partition Flash with Live Update |
PIC24FJ256GA606-I/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — I/O port A bit 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — I/O port A bit 4 |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — I/O port A bit 5 |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — I/O port A bit 6 |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — I/O port A bit 7 |
| Pin 9 | RB0 — I/O port B bit 0 |
| Pin 10 | RB1 — I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 11 | RB2 — I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 12 | RB3 — I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 14 | RB5 — I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 15 | RB6 — I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 16 | RB7 — I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 17 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 19 | RC0 — I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | RC1 — I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RC2 — I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RC3 — I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RC4 — I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 24 | RC5 — I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 25 | RC6 — I/O port C bit 6 |
| Pin 26 | RC7 — I/O port C bit 7 |
| Pin 27 | RD0 — I/O port D bit 0 |
| Pin 28 | RD1 — I/O port D bit 1 |
| Pin 29 | RD2 — I/O port D bit 2 |
| Pin 30 | RD3 — I/O port D bit 3 |
| Pin 31 | RD4 — I/O port D bit 4 |
| Pin 32 | RD5 — I/O port D bit 5 |
| Pin 33 | RD6 — I/O port D bit 6 |
| Pin 34 | RD7 — I/O port D bit 7 |
| Pin 35 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 36 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 37 | RE0 — I/O port E bit 0 |
| Pin 38 | RE1 — I/O port E bit 1 |
| Pin 39 | RE2 — I/O port E bit 2 |
| Pin 40 | RE3 — I/O port E bit 3 |
| Pin 41 | RE4 — I/O port E bit 4 |
| Pin 42 | RE5 — I/O port E bit 5 |
| Pin 43 | RE6 — I/O port E bit 6 |
| Pin 44 | RE7 — I/O port E bit 7 |
| Pin 45 | RF0 — I/O port F bit 0 |
| Pin 46 | RF1 — I/O port F bit 1 |
| Pin 47 | RF2 — I/O port F bit 2 |
| Pin 48 | RF3 — I/O port F bit 3 |
| Pin 49 | RF4 — I/O port F bit 4 |
| Pin 50 | RF5 — I/O port F bit 5 |
| Pin 51 | RF6 — I/O port F bit 6 |
| Pin 52 | RF7 — I/O port F bit 7 |
| Pin 53 | RG0 — I/O port G bit 0 |
| Pin 54 | RG1 — I/O port G bit 1 |
| Pin 55 | RG2 — I/O port G bit 2 |
| Pin 56 | RG3 — I/O port G bit 3 |
| Pin 57 | RG6 — I/O port G bit 6 |
| Pin 58 | RG7 — I/O port G bit 7 |
| Pin 59 | RG8 — I/O port G bit 8 |
| Pin 60 | RG9 — I/O port G bit 9 |
| Pin 61 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 62 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 63 | PGEC1 — ICSP programming clock (pair with PGED1) |
| Pin 64 | PGED1 — ICSP programming data (pair with PGEC1) |
Typical Applications
PIC24FJ256GA606-I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Node, USB Human Interface Device (HID), Portable Medical / Fitness Monitor, Battery-Powered Data Logger, Home Automation Controller, Embedded Graphics / HMI Console.
Industrial Sensor Node
The PIC24FJ256GA606-I/PT's 256KB dual-partition Flash with Live Update is ideal for industrial sensor nodes that require safe over-the-air firmware updates without field downtime. The 32MHz PIC24 core delivers up to 16 MIPS, enabling on-chip sensor fusion and Modbus/CAN-style protocol handling. XLP low-power modes reduce quiescent current to nanoampere levels, supporting multi-year battery life on remote sensors. The 12-bit ADC with 16 channels covers thermocouple, RTD, and 4-20mA bridge interfaces typical of process automation.
Recommended
USB Human Interface Device (HID)
Integrated USB and 32KB SRAM make the PIC24FJ256GA606-I/PT suitable for USB HID peripherals such as keyboards, mice, custom controls, and data acquisition front ends. The PIC24 16-bit core can service USB interrupt latency deterministically, while the dual-partition Flash supports USB bootloader-driven firmware upgrades. Operating from 2.0V-3.6V lets the part run directly from USB VBUS through a 3.3V LDO with no extra regulation stage.
Recommended
Portable Medical / Fitness Monitor
The PIC24FJ256GA606-I/PT's XLP low-power technology and 256KB Flash suit portable medical and fitness wearables that need long battery life plus substantial firmware (display drivers, BLE stacks, sensor fusion). The 12-bit ADC pairs with biomedical front ends for heart rate, SpO2, and temperature measurement. The dual-partition Flash allows safe firmware upgrades for regulatory-compliant field updates, and the 64-pin TQFP gives enough GPIO for display, button, and BLE module control.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Data Logger
Battery-powered data loggers benefit from the PIC24FJ256GA606-I/PT's 256KB Flash for storing configuration and historical summaries, plus 32KB SRAM for time-stamped sample buffers. XLP Sleep and Retention modes keep quiescent draw at nanowatt levels between samples, enabling multi-year coin-cell deployments. The 12-bit ADC handles up to 16 analog channels, supporting multi-sensor logger designs (temperature, humidity, light) without additional signal conditioning.
Recommended
Home Automation Controller
Home automation hubs require reliable connectivity, robust firmware, and low standby power - all delivered by the PIC24FJ256GA606-I/PT. UART, I2C, and SPI handle sensor and actuator peripherals (temperature sensors, relays, dimmers); USB enables Wi-Fi/BLE module attachment. The 256KB Flash stores OTA-ready firmware, while the dual-partition design allows safe updates of deployed controllers in customer homes. The 64-TQFP package offers enough GPIO for keypad, LED indicators, and triac/MOSFET driver control.
Recommended
Embedded Graphics / HMI Console
The PIC24FJ256GA606-I/PT's 32KB SRAM and 256KB Flash are sufficient for small TFT or OLED HMI consoles that show menus, status icons, and basic graphics. The Parallel Master Port (PMP) and DMA channels drive displays efficiently, leaving CPU headroom for control loops. Designers pair the MCU with external SPI/parallel displays; the 64-pin TQFP exposes enough I/O for display, touch controller, and backlight PWM, all while XLP modes reduce idle power between user interactions.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24FJ256GA606-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT | PIC24FJ256GA606T-I/PT | PIC24FJ128GA606-I/PT | PIC24FJ256DA206-I/PT | PIC24FJ256GA406-I/MR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-pin TQFP (PT) 10x10 mm | 64-pin TQFP (PT) - same | 64-pin TQFP (PT) - same | 64-pin TQFP (PT) - same | 64-pin TQFP (PT) - same | 64-pin QFN-family (MR) - same family footprint |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB dual-partition | 256 KB dual-partition | 256 KB dual-partition | 128 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 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) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Dual-Partition Flash / Live Update | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (single partition) | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto Engine | No | No | No | No | Yes (DA family) | No |
| Carrier / Packaging | Tray | Tray | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tray | Tray |
Key Differentiators
- Larger Flash with Live Update capability (vs PIC24FJ128GA606-I/PT)
- Lower active power than DA family (vs PIC24FJ256DA206-I/PT)
- Extended temperature option in same footprint (vs PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT)
Design Notes
The PIC24FJ256GA606-I/PT operates from 2.0V to 3.6V. Estimated: a typical 3.3V supply with all peripherals active at 32MHz draws around 15-20 mA. For low-power designs, leverage XLP Sleep, Doze, and Retention modes to drop quiescent current into the nanoampere range. Use a low-Iq LDO (e.g., MCP1700) for battery applications to avoid back-driving current through the regulator when the part is in Sleep.
Per Microchip datasheet guidance and the northernsoftware.com PIC24FJ reference: all VDD and VSS pins MUST be connected even if one set appears unused; otherwise programming may fail. Place a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor close to each VDD pin, plus a bulk 10uF capacitor near the supply entry. Use any PGECx/PGEDx pair for ICSP, but always as a matched pair - never mix PGEC1 with PGED2.
Do not assume the dual-partition Flash with Live Update is enabled by default - firmware must explicitly initialize the partition-switching interrupt vector and bootloader stubs. Also note that the GA606 (PIC24F) family does not include the Crypto engine; if your design requires hardware AES, choose the DA206 family (PIC24FJ256DA206-I/PT) which is in the same 64-TQFP footprint. Lastly, verify unused I/O pins are configured as outputs or inputs with the proper CNPU/CNPD setting to avoid floating-pin current draw.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Lead-free (Pb-free) packaging standard. AEC-Q100 not applicable for industrial-grade part; automotive designers should evaluate the PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT or PIC24F automotive-qualified variants separately.
