PIC24FJ256GL406-E/PT - 16-Bit 32MHz 256KB Flash LCD MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24FJ256GL406-E/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.45 | $6.45 |
| 10 | $5.94 | $59.40 |
| 100 | $5.28 | $528.00 |
| 500 | $4.62 | $2,310.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.12 | $4,120.00 |
PIC24FJ256GL406-E/PT Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and peripherals. 16-bit PIC MCUs use a modified Harvard architecture with 16-bit instructions optimized for deterministic embedded control. The PIC24FJ family sits in the mid-range of Microchip's portfolio - more capable than 8-bit PIC10/12/16 parts and lower cost than 32-bit PIC32 families. It serves in the broader taxonomy: microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> semiconductor IC -> electronic component.
Key features include 16 MIPS CPU performance from the 32 MHz oscillator, hardware Cryptographic Engine, 24-bit PWM, 12-bit ADC at 200 ksps, multiple UART/SPI/I2C, full-speed USB 2.0 device/host/OTG, segmented LCD driver (up to 296 segments), and 16-bit Parallel Master Port. The dual-partition Flash with live update support enables firmware upgrades without downtime, critical for connected IoT and industrial sensor nodes.
The 'GL' variant of the family targets low-power, graphics-rich embedded designs such as metering, e-bike dashboards, white goods, healthcare monitors, and human-machine interface panels. Core Independent Peripherals - including CLC, MCCP, and SMT - allow complex event-driven tasks to run without CPU intervention, lowering average current draw and freeing MIPS for the application.
Typical applications include LoRa/BLE IoT sensor nodes, industrial automation controllers, smart thermostats, e-metering, glucose meters, infusion pumps, and USB peripherals. The 64-pin TQFP package provides ample I/O for human-interface segments, capacitive touch, and display integration.
When designing with this MCU, allocate sufficient Flash for OTA staging and plan a boot loader in a protected partition. Use Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and MCC code configurator; verify the segment count and bias for your LCD glass against the datasheet's segment mapping tables.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, application guidance, and design notes not consolidated on the manufacturer product page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24FJ256GL406-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 PIC24FJ256GL406-E/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in USB, Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24FJ256GL406-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ128GL406-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GL405-E/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.07 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GB610-E/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.35 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ128GU406-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.36 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GL406-E/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 16-bit modified Harvard |
| Family | PIC24FJ GL4 (low-power, LCD) |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS |
| Program Flash | 256 KB (256K x 8) |
| RAM | 32 KB |
| Dual-Partition Flash | Yes (live OTA update support) |
| USB | Full-Speed USB 2.0 (device/host/OTG) |
| LCD Controller | Segmented, up to 296 segments |
| ADC | 12-bit, 200 ksps |
| PWM | 24-bit (MCCP/SCCP) |
| Communication | UART, SPI, I2C |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (extended "E") |
| Package | 64-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC24FJ256GL406-E/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 / analog input |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 / oscillator |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 / oscillator |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 11 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 / ICD PGC |
| Pin 18 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 / ICD PGD |
| Pin 19 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 24 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 25 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 26 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 27 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 |
| Pin 28 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 29 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 30 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 |
| Pin 31 | RD4 — Port D bit 4 |
| Pin 32 | RD5 — Port D bit 5 |
| Pin 33 | RD6 — Port D bit 6 |
| Pin 34 | RD7 — Port D bit 7 |
| Pin 35 | RE0 — Port E bit 0 |
| Pin 36 | RE1 — Port E bit 1 |
| Pin 37 | RE2 — Port E bit 2 |
| Pin 38 | RE3 — Port E bit 3 |
| Pin 39 | RE4 — Port E bit 4 |
| Pin 40 | RE5 — Port E bit 5 |
| Pin 41 | RE6 — Port E bit 6 |
| Pin 42 | RE7 — Port E bit 7 |
| Pin 43 | RF0 — Port F bit 0 |
| Pin 44 | RF1 — Port F bit 1 |
| Pin 45 | RF2 — Port F bit 2 |
| Pin 46 | RF3 — Port F bit 3 |
| Pin 47 | RF4 — Port F bit 4 |
| Pin 48 | RF5 — Port F bit 5 / D+ USB |
| Pin 49 | RF6 — Port F bit 6 / D- USB |
| Pin 50 | RG0 — Port G bit 0 |
| Pin 51 | RG1 — Port G bit 1 |
| Pin 52 | RG2 — Port G bit 2 |
| Pin 53 | RG3 — Port G bit 3 |
| Pin 54 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 55 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 56 | RG6 — Port G bit 6 |
| Pin 57 | RG7 — Port G bit 7 |
| Pin 58 | RG8 — Port G bit 8 |
| Pin 59 | RG9 — Port G bit 9 |
| Pin 60 | MCLR — Master clear (reset) |
| Pin 61 | OSC1 — Oscillator input |
| Pin 62 | OSC2 — Oscillator output |
| Pin 63 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 64 | VDD — Positive supply |
Typical Applications
PIC24FJ256GL406-E/PT is suitable for 6 applications: IoT Sensor Node with Segmented LCD, Industrial Automation Controller, Smart Thermostat and HVAC HMI, Medical Device - Glucose Meter / Infusion Pump, Automotive Dashboard / E-Bike HMI, USB Peripheral / Data Acquisition Module.
IoT Sensor Node with Segmented LCD
The PIC24FJ256GL406-E/PT fits IoT sensor nodes with integrated displays because its segmented LCD controller drives up to 296 segments directly, eliminating an external LCD driver IC and reducing BOM by $1-2. The dual-partition 256 KB Flash supports live Over-The-Air firmware updates - the new image is written to the inactive partition while the device keeps running the active image, then a controlled switch is performed. Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) handle timing, ADC sampling, and display refresh without waking the CPU, achieving nanoWatt deep-sleep currents below 1 uA. Combined with a LoRa or BLE radio, the MCU delivers months of battery life on two AA cells while showing live readings on the LCD.
Recommended
Industrial Automation Controller
In industrial control panels, the PIC24FJ256GL406-E/PT's 16 MIPS performance at 32 MHz executes PID loops and Modbus RTU/TCP stacks deterministically, while the 12-bit ADC at 200 ksps samples analog sensors (pressure, flow, temperature) at sub-millisecond intervals. The 24-bit MCCP and SCCP PWM modules generate motor and valve control signals with edge-aligned or center-aligned waveforms. Operating voltage 1.8-3.6 V plus the -40 C to +125 C extended temp range survive harsh factory-floor conditions. Full-speed USB 2.0 enables plug-and-play commissioning laptops, while the dual-partition Flash allows secure remote firmware refresh during plant maintenance windows.
Recommended
Smart Thermostat and HVAC HMI
The PIC24FJ256GL406-E/PT drives the segmented LCD on residential thermostats and HVAC controllers, displaying temperature, humidity, setpoint, and mode icons directly without a TFT controller. The 256 KB Flash holds the Modbus/Modbus RTU, BACnet, or BLE/Zigbee stack plus HMI logic. The CIPs (CLC, MCCP, SMT) implement hysteresis control and deadband timing without CPU intervention. Multiple UART and I2C channels support external sensors (temperature, occupancy, CO2), and USB-CDC enables Wi-Fi module firmware updates through a service port. Low-power sleep modes drop current below 1 uA in standby, critical for battery-backed thermostats.
Recommended
Medical Device - Glucose Meter / Infusion Pump
For medical glucose meters and infusion pumps, the PIC24FJ256GL406-E/PT provides the segmented LCD for readings, dual ADC inputs for the test strip amperometry, and the segmented LCD for therapy parameters. The dual-partition Flash supports secure IEC 62304-compliant firmware updates for home-care devices. Hardware CRC, ECC on Flash, and the optional Crypto engine on the GB6 sibling support tamper detection and authenticated firmware loading. 16 MIPS at 32 MHz delivers the response latency required for infusion bolus calculations. The 64-pin TQFP exposes enough I/O for keypad scan, motor driver control (peristaltic pump), and isolated USB data port for clinic downloads.
Recommended
Automotive Dashboard / E-Bike HMI
In e-bike dashboards, motorcycle instrument clusters, and small automotive panels, the PIC24FJ256GL406-E/PT's extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade handles under-hood and exposed vehicle environments. The segmented LCD displays speed, battery state, odometer, and turn indicators; the 12-bit ADC reads throttle position and battery voltage with hardware averaging. Full-speed USB allows diagnostic log retrieval at the service bay, while the 32 KB RAM supports real-time CAN-message bridging via MCP2517FD or similar. The dual-partition Flash enables secure OTA updates of dashboard firmware as e-bike firmware evolves. PWM channels drive backlight dimming and indicator LED brightness via hardware CCP.
Recommended
USB Peripheral / Data Acquisition Module
For USB-based data acquisition and laboratory instruments, the PIC24FJ256GL406-E/PT's full-speed USB 2.0 with OTG enables direct connection to a PC host without an external PHY. The MCU presents CDC, HID, or vendor-class interfaces, supported by Microchip's free USB stack in MPLAB Harmony. The 12-bit ADC at 200 ksps captures analog sensor data, while the segmented LCD provides local status display without a PC. 256 KB Flash holds acquisition buffers and USB descriptors, and the dual-partition feature supports field firmware updates via USB DFU bootloader. Low USB suspend current and deep-sleep mode allow battery-powered portable instruments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24FJ256GL406-E/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24FJ256GL406-I/PT | PIC24FJ128GL406-I/PT | PIC24FJ256GL405-E/PT | PIC24FJ256GB610-E/PT | PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT | PIC24FJ128GU406-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-pin TQFP (10x10) | 64-pin TQFP (10x10) - same | 64-pin TQFP (10x10) - same | 64-pin TQFP (10x10) - same | 64-pin TQFP (10x10) - same | 64-pin TQFP (10x10) - same | 64-pin TQFP (10x10) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Flash | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB (-50%) | 128 KB (-50%) | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB (-50%) |
| RAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| 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 | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS |
| Segmented LCD | Yes, up to 296 segments | Yes, up to 296 segments | Yes, up to 296 segments | Yes | No (TFT external) | No | Yes (graphics LCD) |
| USB | Full-Speed USB 2.0 OTG | Full-Speed USB 2.0 OTG | Full-Speed USB 2.0 OTG | Full-Speed USB 2.0 OTG | Full-Speed USB 2.0 OTG | Full-Speed USB 2.0 OTG | Full-Speed USB 2.0 OTG |
| Dual-Partition Flash (OTA) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (single partition) | No | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) |
Key Differentiators
- Highest-density GL4 family member with 256 KB Flash in 64-pin TQFP (vs PIC24FJ256GL405-E/PT)
- Integrated segmented LCD controller without external driver (vs PIC24FJ256GB610-E/PT)
- Live OTA dual-partition Flash with hardware switch (vs PIC24FJ256GA606-E/PT)
Design Notes
The PIC24FJ256GL406-E/PT supports multiple low-power modes including Sleep, Deep Sleep, and VBAT. For battery-powered designs, route the LCD charge pump through the internal regulator and use the RTC with the secondary oscillator (SOSC) to keep time while the core sleeps. Decouple every VDD/VSS pair with 100 nF plus 1 uF ceramic capacitors within 5 mm of the pins. Brown-out-reset (BOR) should remain enabled unless external supervision is supplied; the configurable BOR threshold ensures deterministic startup down to 1.8 V.
Place the 32.768 kHz crystal within 5 mm of SOSCO/SOSCI pins and guard it with a ground ring to minimize stray coupling from digital lines. For full-speed USB, route the D+/D- pair as a 90-ohm differential with no stubs and keep total length under 50 mm; place the 47 pF USB cable compensation caps as close as possible to RF5/RF6. Provide a continuous ground plane under the 64-pin TQFP and stitch vias around the perimeter to reduce EMI on the LCD segment traces.
Do not route ICD PGC/PGD (RB6/RB7) through long traces or series resistors without consulting the debugger documentation - this will break in-circuit programming. Always allocate one full Flash page as a bootloader region and use the dual-partition feature for OTA so a failed update does not brick the device. The segmented LCD segment-enable pins are multiplexed with digital I/O; verify the SE configuration in MCC before assigning segment pins to avoid conflicts with push-button inputs.
Estimated: At 32 MHz core clock, switching I/O toggling at 16 MHz generates harmonics up to ~80 MHz (5th harmonic). Keep analog traces (ADC, comparator) away from high-speed digital lines and use separate ground zones joined at the MCU analog ground pin. Add a small RC (100 ohm + 100 pF) on ADC inputs if the source impedance exceeds 5 kohm, otherwise the sample-and-hold acquisition time will be insufficient at 200 ksps.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance per Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 not qualified for automotive (use PIC24FJ256GB610 family AEC-Q100 variants for automotive). Halogen-free status not explicitly stated.
