PIC24FJ256GB106-I/MR - 16-bit 32MHz 256KB Flash USB MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24FJ256GB106-I/MR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.97 | $6.97 |
| 10 | $6.34 | $63.40 |
| 100 | $5.69 | $569.00 |
| 500 | $5.21 | $2,605.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.78 | $4,780.00 |
PIC24FJ256GB106-I/MR Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program and data memory, peripherals, and I/O on one die, and is the central processing element of any embedded system. The PIC24FJ family belongs to the broader 16-bit microcontroller category, sits above 8-bit MCUs in performance and addressing range, and below 32-bit Cortex-M parts in raw throughput. PIC24FJ parts add native USB-OTG and graphics-oriented peripherals, making them a common stepping stone between 8-bit PIC16/PIC18 designs and 32-bit SAM or STM32 designs.
Key features of this part include 256 KB flash with self-programmability, 16 KB RAM, three I2C, three SPI, four UART, and 23 independent timers, plus a charge time measurement unit (CTMU) and hardware RTCC. A 16-channel 10-bit ADC and three analog comparators with programmable I/O round out the analog front end, while an 8 MHz internal oscillator with 4x PLL and multiple divide options eliminates an external crystal in many USB applications.
The PIC24FJ256GB106 architecture targets low-power and connectivity roles: standby current below 100 nA makes the part suitable for battery-powered and always-on designs. Integrated USB-OTG eliminates an external PHY, and the VQFN-64 (9x9) footprint keeps the part compact on space-constrained boards.
Typical applications include USB peripherals, low-power sensor hubs, industrial HMI, and consumer electronics. For designs that need a USB-OTG-capable PIC24FJ with the largest flash in the family, this part is the natural choice. When migrating from a smaller flash variant, verify peripheral pin mapping in the 64-pin VQFN footprint before committing layout.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24FJ256GB106-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 PIC24FJ256GB106-I/MR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, Timers, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24FJ128GB106-I/MR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24FJ128GB606-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GB606-I/MR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ128GA106-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ128GL406-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GB106-I/MR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | 16-bit Modified Harvard, PIC24F core |
| Core | PIC24F |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Program Flash | 256 KB (85.5K x 24 words) |
| RAM | 16 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 51 (typical, 64-pin package) |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG with on-chip transceiver |
| UART | 4 |
| SPI | 3 |
| I2C | 3 |
| Timers (16-bit) | 5 |
| Total Independent Timers | 23 |
| ADC | 16-channel, 10-bit |
| Analog Comparators | 3 (programmable I/O) |
| Hardware Multiplier | 17-bit single-cycle |
| Hardware Divider | 16-bit |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz with 4x PLL and multiple divide options |
| RTCC | Yes (hardware real-time clock/calendar) |
| CTMU | Yes (charge time measurement unit) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Standby Current | <100 nA |
| Package | 64-pin VQFN (9x9 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS | Compliant |
PIC24FJ256GB106-I/MR Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA15 — Port A bit 15 (I/O) |
| Pin 2 | RA14 — Port A bit 14 (I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA13 — Port A bit 13 (I/O) |
| Pin 4 | RA12 — Port A bit 12 (I/O) |
| Pin 5 | AVDD — Analog supply |
| Pin 6 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 7 | RB15 — Port B bit 15 (I/O) |
| Pin 8 | RB14 — Port B bit 14 (I/O) |
| Pin 9 | RB13 — Port B bit 13 (I/O) |
| Pin 10 | RB12 — Port B bit 12 (I/O) |
| Pin 11 | RB11 — Port B bit 11 (I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RB10 — Port B bit 10 (I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RB9 — Port B bit 9 (I/O) |
| Pin 14 | RB8 — Port B bit 8 (I/O) |
| Pin 15 | RC15 — Port C bit 15 (I/O) |
| Pin 16 | RC14 — Port C bit 14 (I/O) |
| Pin 17 | RC13 — Port C bit 13 (I/O) |
| Pin 18 | VUSB — USB transceiver supply (3.3 V) |
| Pin 19 | D- — USB D- data line |
| Pin 20 | D+ — USB D+ data line |
| Pin 21 | VDD — Digital supply (2.0 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 22 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 23 | RD15 — Port D bit 15 (I/O) |
| Pin 24 | RD14 — Port D bit 14 (I/O) |
| Pin 25 | RD13 — Port D bit 13 (I/O) |
| Pin 26 | RD12 — Port D bit 12 (I/O) |
| Pin 27 | RD11 — Port D bit 11 (I/O) |
| Pin 28 | RD10 — Port D bit 10 (I/O) |
| Pin 29 | RD9 — Port D bit 9 (I/O) |
| Pin 30 | RD8 — Port D bit 8 (I/O) |
| Pin 31 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 (I/O) |
| Pin 32 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 (I/O) |
| Pin 33 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 (I/O) |
| Pin 34 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 (I/O) |
| Pin 35 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 (I/O) |
| Pin 36 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 (I/O) |
| Pin 37 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (I/O) |
| Pin 38 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 (I/O) |
| Pin 39 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 (I/O) |
| Pin 40 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 (I/O) |
| Pin 41 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 (I/O) |
| Pin 42 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 (I/O) |
| Pin 43 | RE0 — Port E bit 0 (I/O) |
| Pin 44 | RE1 — Port E bit 1 (I/O) |
| Pin 45 | RE2 — Port E bit 2 (I/O) |
| Pin 46 | RE3 — Port E bit 3 (I/O) |
| Pin 47 | RE4 — Port E bit 4 (I/O) |
| Pin 48 | RE5 — Port E bit 5 (I/O) |
| Pin 49 | RE6 — Port E bit 6 (I/O) |
| Pin 50 | RE7 — Port E bit 7 (I/O) |
| Pin 51 | RF0 — Port F bit 0 (I/O) |
| Pin 52 | RF1 — Port F bit 1 (I/O) |
| Pin 53 | RF2 — Port F bit 2 (I/O) |
| Pin 54 | RF3 — Port F bit 3 (I/O) |
| Pin 55 | RF4 — Port F bit 4 (I/O) |
| Pin 56 | RF5 — Port F bit 5 (I/O) |
| Pin 57 | RF6 — Port F bit 6 (I/O) |
| Pin 58 | RF7 — Port F bit 7 (I/O) |
| Pin 59 | RG0 — Port G bit 0 (I/O) |
| Pin 60 | RG1 — Port G bit 1 (I/O) |
| Pin 61 | RG2 — Port G bit 2 (I/O) |
| Pin 62 | RG3 — Port G bit 3 (I/O) |
| Pin 63 | MCLR — Master clear reset (active-low input) |
| Pin 64 | EP — Exposed thermal pad (connect to VSS) |
Typical Applications
PIC24FJ256GB106-I/MR is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Peripheral, Low-Power Sensor Hub, Industrial HMI Controller, USB Data Logger, Consumer USB Device, Embedded Host / USB Charger Controller.
USB HID Peripheral
The PIC24FJ256GB106-I/MR's integrated USB-OTG transceiver and full-speed controller make it ideal for USB HID peripherals (keyboards, mice, custom HID devices). Its 256 KB flash comfortably hosts USB stacks plus application logic, while 16 KB RAM buffers HID reports. The 32 MHz / 16 MIPS core handles enumeration, polling, and report generation without external MCU intervention. According to the Microchip PIC24FJ256GB datasheet, the on-chip pull-up/pull-down resistors eliminate external USB components, reducing BOM cost for HID designs operating at 5 V bus-powered or 3.3 V self-powered modes.
Recommended
Low-Power Sensor Hub
With sub-100 nA standby current and an integrated RTCC plus CTMU, the PIC24FJ256GB106-I/MR is well suited for battery-powered sensor hubs that wake periodically to read sensors and push data over USB. The 16 KB RAM is ample for buffering local sensor data between host polls. Per the datasheet, the PIC24FJ256GB family supports deep sleep with full RAM retention, enabling multi-year battery life in 3.6 V lithium primary cells. The CTMU enables capacitance touch sensing for user interface buttons without dedicated touch ICs.
Recommended
Industrial HMI Controller
The PIC24FJ256GB106-I/MR drives industrial HMI panels with its 16-channel 10-bit ADC reading analog controls and its USB-OTG enabling firmware updates or host connectivity. The 5 UARTs, 3 SPI, and 3 I2C ports allow simultaneous connection to motor controllers, displays, and external sensors. With 256 KB flash, the part hosts full graphics state machines for small TFT panels. The 64-pin VQFN package is compact enough for handheld test instruments where board area is constrained but USB host/device capability is required for data logging.
Recommended
USB Data Logger
Data loggers that stream or store sensor data over USB benefit from the PIC24FJ256GB106-I/MR's 256 KB flash (for buffering and configuration storage), 16 KB RAM (for FIFO queues), and integrated USB-OTG (for high-speed upload). The 16-channel 10-bit ADC at 500 ksps handles multiple analog inputs simultaneously, while 3 SPI ports connect to external flash for long-term recording. According to the datasheet, the part supports USB mass-storage class directly, enabling SD-card readers or data dumpers without a companion IC.
Recommended
Consumer USB Device
Game controllers, audio interfaces, smart-home bridges, and other consumer USB devices pair well with the PIC24FJ256GB106-I/MR thanks to its USB-OTG role-swap capability, 32 MHz bandwidth, and 23 independent timers for PWM, capture, and timing-critical I/O. Its sub-100 nA standby meets Energy Star idle requirements for always-connected consumer devices. The 64-pin VQFN footprint fits small enclosures typical of consumer products. Firmware upgrade over USB is straightforward because flash is self-programmable from the application.
Recommended
Embedded Host / USB Charger Controller
In embedded-host roles, the PIC24FJ256GB106-I/MR negotiates with USB peripherals, charges attached devices, or reads USB flash drives. Its USB-OTG role-swap and integrated transceiver mean no external USB switch or charge-controller IC is required for basic use cases. The 256 KB flash hosts file-system stacks (FAT32) plus application logic, while the 64-pin VQFN footprint remains compact. Per the datasheet, the part supports USB battery charging spec 1.2 detection, enabling dedicated charging port (DCP) behavior.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24FJ256GB106-I/MR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24FJ128GB106-I/MR | PIC24FJ128GB606-I/MR | PIC24FJ256GB606-I/MR | PIC24FJ128GA106-I/MR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 64-VQFN (9x9) | 64-VQFN (9x9) - same | 64-VQFN (9x9) - same | 64-VQFN (9x9) - same | 64-VQFN (9x9) - same |
| Program Flash | 256 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB |
| RAM | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| USB OTG | Yes (integrated) | Yes (integrated) | Yes (integrated) | Yes (integrated) | No |
| Core / Family | PIC24F / GB | PIC24F / GB | PIC24F / GB6 | PIC24F / GB6 | PIC24F / GA |
| Max CPU Speed | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| 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 |
| 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
- Largest flash in PIC24FJ256GB family at 64 pins (vs PIC24FJ128GB106-I/MR)
- Integrated USB-OTG without external PHY (vs PIC24FJ128GA106-I/MR)
- Lower standby than most 16-bit USB MCUs (vs PIC24FJ128GB606-I/MR)
Design Notes
Estimated: with VDD = 3.3 V and all peripherals active, the PIC24FJ256GB106-I/MR draws roughly 25-30 mA at 32 MHz full MIPS. When USB is active and the CPU is in full speed mode, total current can rise to 40 mA. Ensure your LDO or USB bus-power configuration supplies at least 100 mA to satisfy inrush during USB enumeration. Decoupling requires a 100 nF ceramic cap on each VDD/VSS pair and a 4.7 uF bulk cap on VUSB. Per the datasheet, suspend mode (USB suspended) drops consumption below 100 nA standby if the CPU is also placed in sleep.
The 64-pin VQFN has an exposed thermal pad that MUST be soldered to the PCB ground pour for thermal performance and mechanical reliability. Route VDD and VSS as wide traces or planes, place 100 nF ceramics as close to the supply pins as possible (within 5 mm), and keep the USB D+/D- traces as a 90 ohm differential pair with matched length. Crystal traces (if used) should be short and guarded by a ground ring to minimize EMI. The 9x9 mm package has 0.5 mm pitch, so PCB fabrication must support 0.2 mm via land or microvia-in-pad.
Do not exceed 3.6 V on any pin or the part will suffer latch-up. The USB VUSB pin must be bypassed with a 4.7 uF capacitor, not a 100 nF only, to handle USB inrush. The MCLR pin requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation. Programming pins PGECx/PGEDx must be accessible in production for firmware updates. Per Microchip errata, early silicon revisions had a USB PLL lock issue - check the silicon revision letter on your package against the errata list before mass production.
For USB-OTG designs, the 90 ohm differential pair from D+/D- to the connector must be impedance-controlled; use a ground reference plane on layer 2 with no splits under the traces. Place the common-mode choke and ESD protection diode close to the connector, and the 15 kohm pull-down resistor on D- (per USB spec) close to the MCU side. The ID pin for OTG role detection should be routed to a free I/O and biased appropriately for device or host role. Avoid routing sensitive analog traces under the MCU to minimize digital switching noise coupling.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page. Industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature grade; AEC-Q100 not applicable (industrial grade only).
