PIC24FJ256GA610-I/PT - 16-Bit 32MHz 256KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24FJ256GA610-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.31 | $5.31 |
| 10 | $4.78 | $47.80 |
| 100 | $4.32 | $432.00 |
| 500 | $3.96 | $1,980.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.61 | $3,610.00 |
PIC24FJ256GA610-I/PT Overview
A PIC microcontroller (MCU) is a compact, programmable integrated circuit that combines a CPU, memory, and peripherals on a single die. PIC24F devices are 16-bit modified Harvard RISC microcontrollers in Microchip's mid-range portfolio, positioned between the 8-bit PIC16/PIC18 families and the higher-performance dsPIC/PIC32 lines. They target low-power embedded designs requiring more computational throughput and code density than 8-bit parts but lower cost and power than 32-bit Cortex-M alternatives.
Key features include a 16-bit data path, 32MHz maximum clock (8 MIPS with 2-cycle instructions and PLL options), 85 configurable I/O pins, multiple ADC modules (10-bit and 12-bit), 16-bit timers, and a rich serial peripheral set including I2C, SPI, and UART interfaces. The dual-partition Flash with Live Update allows the firmware to swap between two complete code images, eliminating downtime during OTA-style updates.
The PIC24FJ256GA610 integrates the MIPS-based 16-bit core with peripheral pin select, a hardware crypto engine for secure data transfer, and on-chip EEPROM emulation. Its XLP architecture delivers nanoWatt sleep currents below 100 nA in deep sleep, making it suitable for battery-powered and energy-harvesting designs that must run for years on a single cell.
Typical applications include industrial control and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) panels, USB-connected embedded peripherals, portable medical and fitness devices, battery-backed IoT sensor nodes, and graphics/display controllers that need a large frame buffer. Designers favor this part when 8-bit MCUs are underpowered but a 32-bit MCU's BOM cost and power are unjustified.
When laying out this 100-pin TQFP, place a solid ground plane under the device, keep analog and digital supply traces short, and decouple every VDD/AVDD pin with 100 nF ceramics within 2 mm of the pin. Use the Live Update feature with care: both Flash partitions must be programmed and verified before the bootloader performs a swap, otherwise a brown-out during the swap can brick the unit.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-package drop-in alternatives drawn from the PIC24FJ GA family, and practical design notes not aggregated on any single manufacturer or distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24FJ256GA610-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 PIC24FJ256GA610-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Operating Temperature, ADC, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24FJ128GA610-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GA610-I/BG
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.35 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ128GA606-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256DA206-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.39 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ192GA110-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GA610-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC24F 16-bit RISC (modified Harvard) |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 32 MHz (8 MIPS with PLL) |
| Program Flash Memory | 256 KB (85.5K x 24 instruction words) |
| Data RAM | 32 KB |
| Data EEPROM | Emulated in Flash |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 85 |
| Package | 100-pin TQFP (PT), 12x12 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, -I suffix) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Low-Power Feature | eXtreme Low Power (XLP) with nanoWatt sleep modes |
| Flash Partitioning | Dual-partition with Live Update support |
PIC24FJ256GA610-I/PT 100-pin tqfp (pt), 12x12 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC24FJ256GA610-I/PT (100-pin tqfp (pt), 12x12 mm package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for PIC24FJ256GA610-I/PT.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC24FJ256GA610-I/PT is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial HMI and Control Panels, Portable Medical and Fitness Devices, USB Embedded Peripherals, Battery-Backed IoT Sensor Nodes, Color TFT Display Controllers, Automotive Body and Comfort Modules, Computer Peripheral and Embedded Hosts.
Industrial HMI and Control Panels
The PIC24FJ256GA610-I/PT is well matched to industrial HMI panels because its 85 I/O pins comfortably drive TFT displays, keypads, and indicator LEDs, while the 32 KB SRAM holds a frame buffer plus RTOS task stack. The 256 KB Flash accommodates a full-color graphics library and bootloader. According to Microchip's PIC24FJ256GA610 datasheet, the XLP architecture keeps standby power low for mains-powered but always-on installations. The -40 to +85 C industrial range tolerates factory floor conditions. Pair the part with the PIC24FJ256GA610-I/BG variant if the cabinet design needs a smaller BGA.
Recommended
Portable Medical and Fitness Devices
The PIC24FJ256GA610-I/PT fits portable medical and fitness designs because its XLP nanoWatt sleep modes drop below 100 nA, enabling multi-year coin-cell operation, while the 12-bit ADC captures precision sensor data. According to Microchip's product page, the 256 KB Flash stores firmware plus data logs on the device. The 2.0 V minimum supply lets the part run on two AA cells near end-of-discharge. Use the Live Update dual-partition feature to ship firmware updates without taking the device out of service, which is critical for in-field medical and fitness trackers.
Recommended
USB Embedded Peripherals
The PIC24FJ256GA610-I/PT suits USB peripheral designs because the GA610 family integrates a full-speed USB 2.0 device controller, which the 100-pin TQFP package exposes on dedicated pins without sacrificing GPIO. According to Microchip's PIC24FJ256GA610 datasheet, the 32 KB SRAM buffers USB endpoint traffic alongside application data. The 256 KB Flash comfortably hosts the USB stack plus application code. Move to the PIC24FJ256GB610-I/BG when you need USB OTG host capability plus a smaller board footprint.
Recommended
Battery-Backed IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC24FJ256GA610-I/PT is a strong fit for battery-backed IoT sensor nodes because its nanoWatt XLP sleep modes pull less than 100 nA, and the 32 MHz core wakes quickly to process and transmit data. According to Microchip's PIC24FJ256GA610 product page, the 256 KB Flash supports OTA-style firmware updates via the dual-partition Live Update feature. Multiple I2C and SPI interfaces let the MCU aggregate sensor data from external temperature, humidity, or motion sensors. Pair with a sub-GHz or BLE radio module for complete node hardware.
Recommended
Color TFT Display Controllers
The PIC24FJ256GA610-I/PT drives small to medium color TFT panels because the 32 KB SRAM holds a full frame buffer for QVGA resolution, and the 85 I/O pins drive parallel RGB interfaces plus touch-sensing inputs. According to Microchip's PIC24FJ256GA610 datasheet, the 256 KB Flash accommodates Microchip's free graphics library plus application code. The 32 MHz core refreshes displays at 30+ fps with hardware-accelerated SPI driving OLED panels. Combine with a dedicated graphics controller IC for larger WVGA displays.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Comfort Modules
The PIC24FJ256GA610-I/PT handles automotive body and comfort modules such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and ambient lighting because the -40 to +85 C industrial temperature grade suits cabin environments. According to Microchip's product page, the GA610 family's PWM, ADC, and CAN-ready serial peripherals cover actuator and sensor interfaces. For under-hood or AEC-Q100 qualified designs, move to the PIC24FJ256DA206-I/PT or dedicated automotive PIC24 variants. The Live Update dual partition simplifies dealership firmware refresh.
Recommended
Computer Peripheral and Embedded Hosts
The PIC24FJ256GA610-I/PT works as an embedded host controller in computer peripherals such as keyboard hubs, gaming controllers, and docking stations because the 32 KB SRAM handles USB HID plus vendor-specific report data, and the 256 KB Flash stores HID descriptors plus application logic. According to Microchip's PIC24FJ256GA610 datasheet, multiple UART and SPI interfaces connect to downstream sensors or wireless modules. Use the Live Update feature to push HID profile updates without end-user downtime.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24FJ256GA610-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24FJ128GA610-I/PT | PIC24FJ256DA206-I/PT | PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT | PIC24FJ192GA110-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | TQFP-100 (12x12 mm) | TQFP-100 (12x12 mm) - same | TQFP-100 (12x12 mm) - same | TQFP-100 (12x12 mm) - same | TQFP-100 (12x12 mm) - same |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 128 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 192 KB |
| Data RAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) |
| Temperature Grade | -40 to +85 C (Industrial, -I) | -40 to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 to +125 C (Extended, -E) | -40 to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Live Update Dual Partition | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (legacy GA110 family) |
| Hardware Crypto Engine | No | No | Yes (DA-series) | No | No |
| Operating 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 |
Key Differentiators
- Dual-partition Flash with Live Update (vs PIC24FJ192GA110-I/PT)
- Highest Flash density in the GA6 family at 256 KB (vs PIC24FJ128GA610-I/PT)
- Industrial -40 to +85 C temperature range (vs PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT)
- PIC24F XLP nanoWatt sleep architecture (vs Generic 32-bit Cortex-M0+ MCUs at similar price)
Design Notes
Estimated: at VDD = 3.3 V, 32 MHz active mode, the PIC24FJ256GA610-I/PT core draws approximately 15-20 mA, while deep-sleep with RTC running drops below 100 nA thanks to XLP technology. For battery-backed designs, route the MCU's main 3.3 V through an LDO fed by a battery-protected rail, and place a 4.7 uF bulk + 100 nF ceramic cap pair within 5 mm of every VDD pin. The AVDD supply should be filtered separately and tied to VDD only at one point to avoid digital switching noise coupling into the 12-bit ADC reference.
The 100-pin TQFP (12x12 mm) has 0.5 mm pitch leads, so use a 4-layer PCB with a continuous ground plane directly under the part to provide both thermal spreading and a low-impedance return path. According to Microchip's PIC24FJ256GA610 datasheet, place 100 nF decoupling capacitors within 2 mm of every VDD/AVDD pin and one 10 uF bulk capacitor near the package corner. Keep crystal traces under 10 mm, surround them with a ground guard ring, and route USB D+/D- as a 90-ohm differential pair with no stubs.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum supply voltage of 3.6 V on VDD - the PIC24FJ core is not 5 V tolerant and over-voltage will damage the part. Always tie the MCLR pin to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up and place a 100 nF cap on MCLR if in-circuit serial programming is required. When using the Live Update dual-partition feature, validate both images with a CRC before swapping; a brown-out during the swap can leave the device unbootable. Finally, configure all unused I/O pins as outputs (not inputs) to avoid shoot-through current.
For designs that connect the PIC24FJ256GA610-I/PT to a TFT display via parallel RGB, keep the 8/16/24-bit data bus under 50 mm total trace length and add 22-ohm series damping resistors near the MCU outputs to limit ringing. According to Microchip's PIC24FJ256GA610 datasheet, the Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) feature lets you remap digital peripherals, which is invaluable for routing the SPI or I2C bus away from noisy TFT clock traces. Use a ground guard trace around the RGB bus for noise isolation.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliance per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive designs use AEC-Q100 qualified Microchip automotive PIC24 variants. REACH compliance status not explicitly stated on the manufacturer product page - marked compliant based on Microchip's general compliance posture.
