PIC24FJ256GL405-I/M4 - 32MHz 256KB LCD USB MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24FJ256GL405-I/M4 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.5 | $6.50 |
| 10 | $5.85 | $58.50 |
| 100 | $5.2 | $520.00 |
| 500 | $4.68 | $2,340.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.16 | $4,160.00 |
PIC24FJ256GL405-I/M4 Overview
An LCD microcontroller (LCD MCU) is a single-chip embedded controller that combines a CPU core, non-volatile memory, RAM, and a segmented or dot-matrix LCD driver on the same die. The LCD controller eliminates the need for an external display driver IC, reducing BOM cost and PCB area while keeping software control over contrast, blinking, and multiplexing. In the broader taxonomy, the PIC24FJ256GL405 belongs to the PIC24F -> 16-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor family.
Key features include up to 256KB Flash with ECC, 32KB SRAM, an integrated segmented LCD driver (up to 64 segments x 8 commons depending on package), full-speed USB 2.0 device/host/OTG, multiple Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs), and a 16-bit Sigma-Delta ADC. The 48-pin UQFN (6x6 mm) package delivers these capabilities in a compact form factor suitable for handheld and space-constrained products.
The 'GL4' architecture supports Dual Partition Flash, enabling live firmware updates without service interruption - critical for IoT and field-deployed products. Its CIP ecosystem (CLC, SCCP, MCCP, RTCC, DMA) handles events without CPU intervention, lowering power consumption and freeing the core for application logic. The integrated segmented LCD controller supports resistive and capacitive touch via dedicated hardware.
Typical applications include IoT sensor hubs with integrated LCD displays, low-power medical monitoring devices, smart home control panels, industrial HMI modules, automotive instrument clusters, and battery-powered wearables. The combination of USB and LCD eliminates two external ICs, simplifying the BOM and reducing quiescent current in standby.
When designing with this part, ensure the USB D+/D- traces are 90 ohm differential, route the VUSB capacitor close to pin, and select 2.5V or 3.3V LCD bias based on the glass type. Dual Partition Flash must be enabled via configuration bits to use OTA firmware update.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24FJ256GL405-I/M4 — 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 PIC24FJ256GL405-I/M4 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, ADC, I/O Pins, Peripheral Pin Select (PPS).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24FJ128GL405-I/M4
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.09 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GA705-I/M4
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GL405-E/M4
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24FJ256GU405-I/M4
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24FJ256GL405-I/M4 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 16-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Program Memory Size | 256 KB (256K x 8) Flash with ECC |
| RAM Size | 32 KB |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 39 |
| Package | 48-pin UQFN (6x6 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Connectivity | I2C, IrDA, LINbus, SPI, UART/USART, USB |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device/Host/OTG |
| LCD Controller | Integrated segmented LCD driver |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Automotive Grade | AEC-Q100 qualified (automotive variants available) |
| Flash Features | Dual Partition Flash, ECC, EEPROM emulation |
PIC24FJ256GL405-I/M4 48-pin uqfn (6x6 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC24FJ256GL405-I/M4 (48-pin uqfn (6x6 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 PIC24FJ256GL405-I/M4.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC24FJ256GL405-I/M4 is suitable for 6 applications: IoT Sensor Hub with Integrated LCD, Battery-Powered Wearable Health Monitor, Smart Home Control Panel with LCD, Industrial HMI Module, Automotive Instrument Cluster Sub-display, Portable Test & Measurement Instrument.
IoT Sensor Hub with Integrated LCD
The PIC24FJ256GL405-I/M4 fits IoT sensor hubs with integrated LCD displays because it combines a 32KB RAM MCU core with an on-chip segmented LCD controller and full-speed USB. The Dual Partition Flash enables OTA firmware updates without service interruption, while CIPs (CLC, RTCC) handle sensor sampling autonomously, reducing CPU load and average power. Typical reference designs use 2x AA cells with the internal DC-DC boost, achieving months of battery life with periodic sensor reads and LCD refresh. USB enables local debug, firmware update, and direct PC connectivity in the same port used for charging.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Wearable Health Monitor
The PIC24FJ256GL405-I/M4 is well-suited to battery-powered wearable health monitors because its 2.0V minimum supply allows direct operation from a single CR2032 or rechargeable Li-Ion cell, and Deep Sleep current with RTCC running drops below 1 uA per the Microchip family datasheet. The integrated Sigma-Delta ADC and CIPs enable continuous heart-rate or SpO2 sampling without burdening the CPU. The 256KB Flash stores multi-day trend data plus algorithm tables, while the segmented LCD driver directly drives a low-power reflective display, eliminating the backlight power of an OLED module.
Recommended
Smart Home Control Panel with LCD
The PIC24FJ256GL405-I/M4 serves smart home control panels with LCD because its integrated segmented LCD controller removes the need for an external display driver, USB simplifies commissioning via phone or PC, and Dual Partition Flash lets OEMs push new Z-Wave, Zigbee, or Matter profiles over the air. The 32KB RAM supports full TCP/IP stacks via the on-chip USB to Wi-Fi bridge. Industrial -40C to +85C rating supports indoor cabinet and outdoor enclosures, while CIPs (CLC, MCCP) handle touch sensing and backlight PWM without core intervention.
Recommended
Industrial HMI Module
The PIC24FJ256GL405-I/M4 fits industrial HMI modules because it supports industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C), integrates USB for factory programming and field firmware updates, and provides multiple connectivity peripherals (I2C, SPI, UART, LINbus) for sensor and actuator interfacing. The 39 I/O pins accommodate multiple pushbuttons, rotary encoders, and LED indicators. CIPs handle quadrature decoding, PWM, and ADC scanning without CPU load, allowing deterministic response in noisy industrial environments. Dual Partition Flash protects against bricked modules during remote updates.
Recommended
Automotive Instrument Cluster Sub-display
The PIC24FJ256GL405-I/M4 is suitable for automotive instrument cluster sub-display modules when the E-grade variant (PIC24FJ256GL405-E/M4) is chosen for AEC-Q100 qualification and 125C operation. The integrated segmented LCD controller drives secondary information displays like trip computer, gear indicator, and warning icons, while USB enables factory programming and dealer diagnostics. LINbus connectivity interfaces with body control modules. Dual Partition Flash is essential for OEM firmware update campaigns without service-dealer visits.
Recommended
Portable Test & Measurement Instrument
The PIC24FJ256GL405-I/M4 supports portable test and measurement instruments because the 16 MIPS core handles real-time DSP for RMS calculation, FFT, and sensor linearization, while 32KB RAM stores waveform captures and 256KB Flash holds calibration tables and UI assets. The integrated LCD controller drives segmented glass for handheld multimeters or insulation testers without external display ICs. USB device mode enables data logging dump to a PC, and Dual Partition Flash allows field firmware upgrades for new measurement standards.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24FJ256GL405-I/M4 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24FJ128GL405-I/M4 | PIC24FJ256GA705-I/M4 | PIC24FJ256GL405-E/M4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 48-UQFN (6x6 mm) | 48-UQFN (6x6 mm) - same | 48-UQFN (6x6 mm) - same | 48-UQFN (6x6 mm) - same |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 128 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| RAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed | USB 2.0 Full-Speed | No USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed |
| LCD Controller | Integrated | Integrated | Integrated | Integrated |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C |
| Automotive Grade | No | No | No | AEC-Q100 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated USB and segmented LCD controller on a single 16-bit MCU die (vs PIC24FJ256GA705-I/M4)
- Doubles Flash compared to half-density GL405 variant (vs PIC24FJ128GL405-I/M4)
- Industrial temperature grade vs E-grade automotive (vs PIC24FJ256GL405-E/M4)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 32 MHz active, the PIC24FJ256GL405 draws approximately 15-20 mA from a 3.3V supply; in Deep Sleep with RTCC running, current drops below 1 uA. For battery-powered designs, use MCP1700 LDO (1.6 uA Iq) and disable unused peripherals via PMD bits. Enable the on-chip FVR (Fixed Voltage Reference) only when needed by the ADC to save an additional 200 uA.
Route the USB D+/D- traces as a 90 ohm differential pair with reference to a continuous ground plane, keeping trace length under 50 mm and matching lengths within 150 mil. Place the VUSB bypass capacitor (0.1 uF ceramic) within 2 mm of the VUSB pin. Exposed thermal pad of the UQFN-48 must be soldered to a ground pad with multiple thermal vias for heat dissipation.
Do not exceed 3.6V on any I/O. The PIC24FJ256GL405 is NOT 5V tolerant and will be damaged by 5V logic levels on GPIO. Use a level shifter such as MCP23017 (I2C) or TXS0108E for 5V peripherals. Also ensure ICD/ICSP programming is enabled in configuration bits; locking JTAG off without enabling ICSP can brick the part.
Compliance Information
I-grade not AEC-Q100; use -E/M4 (extended) variant for AEC-Q100 automotive qualification. RoHS/lead-free per Microchip product page.
