PIC24FJ256GL406T-I/PT - 256KB Flash 32KB RAM 16-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24FJ256GL406T-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.45 | $7.45 |
| 10 | $6.78 | $67.80 |
| 100 | $6.12 | $612.00 |
| 500 | $5.48 | $2,740.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.85 | $4,850.00 |
PIC24FJ256GL406T-I/PT Overview
A PIC24F microcontroller is a 16-bit modified Harvard architecture MCU from Microchip's PIC family, sitting between 8-bit PIC16/PIC18 devices and 32-bit PIC32 parts. PIC24F devices emphasize ultra-low-power sleep modes (nanoWatt XLP technology), rich Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) that offload tasks from the CPU, and integrated analog such as 10/12-bit ADCs and comparators. Within the PIC taxonomy, PIC24F belongs to power management ICs > microcontrollers > 16-bit MCUs > PIC24F > GL4 sub-family. This places it squarely in the industrial, medical, and consumer-embedded tier where USB, LCD, and low-power CIP-driven design dominate.
Key features include hardware Real-Time Clock and Calendar (RTCC) with timestamped deep-sleep wake, 24-channel 10-bit ADC with 500 ksps throughput, USB 2.0 Full-Speed with on-chip transceiver and dedicated DMA, segmented LCD driver for up to 472 pixels, six UART, three I2C, and three SPI peripherals, plus four Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) and two 32-bit timers. ECC on Flash and RAM improves reliability in harsh environments and supports IEC 60730 Class B safety software. Code protection, secure OTP, and unique device ID enable anti-counterfeit and IP protection.
The PIC24FJ256GL406 architecture pairs a 16-bit modified Harvard core with a 24-bit instruction word, giving predictable deterministic interrupt latency (5-cycle response) crucial for motor control and digital power loops. The dual-partition Flash is divided into two live banks, allowing firmware updates to run from the alternate partition while the active bank is reprogrammed - delivering true live OTA. Internal LDO and DC-DC switching converter support optimize active current versus sleep current, achieving sub-1uA sleep with RTCC retention.
Typical applications include industrial HMI panels with LCD and USB, smart home hubs, medical glucose and infusion meters, e-metering and HVAC controllers, automotive body and accessory modules (AEC-Q100 qualified), ruggedized portable instruments, and low-power IoT sensor nodes with local LCD readout. The wide 2.0V-3.6V range and XLP nanoWatt technology suit battery-powered deployments that must run for years on a single cell.
When designing with this part, allocate 100nF and 10uF decoupling near each VDD/VSS pair, place the 12MHz primary oscillator crystal within 5mm of OSC1/OSC2 with a guarded ground pour, and ensure the USB DP/DM trace impedance is 90 ohms differential per USB 2.0 specification. Use the CLC and PWM peripherals for hardware-driven response to keep the CPU in sleep for as long as possible.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives from Microchip's PIC24F GL4/GB4 families, and practical PCB/USB design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24FJ256GL406T-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 PIC24FJ256GL406T-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, USB, Core Architecture, Program Flash.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24FJ256GL406-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GL406-E/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ128GL406-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GB406T-I/MR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$5.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GL406T-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 16-bit PIC24F modified Harvard |
| Program Flash | 256KB (256K x 8) ECC Flash |
| RAM | 32KB |
| Operating Frequency | 32MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0V to 3.6V |
| Digital I/O Pins | 54 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 24-channel, up to 500 ksps |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed with on-chip transceiver |
| LCD Driver | Integrated segmented LCD, up to 472 pixels |
| Communication Peripherals | 6x UART, 3x I2C, 3x SPI |
| Timers | Five 16-bit, two 32-bit timers |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | Yes (automotive grade) |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CLC, Configurable Logic Cells, dual-partition Flash |
PIC24FJ256GL406T-I/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RB9 — I/O pin / LCD segment |
| Pin 2 | RC0 — I/O pin |
| Pin 3 | RC1 — I/O pin |
| Pin 4 | RC2 — I/O pin |
| Pin 5 | RC3 — I/O pin |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — I/O pin |
| Pin 7 | RC5 — I/O pin |
| Pin 8 | RC6 — I/O pin |
| Pin 9 | RC7 — I/O pin |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply (2.0V-3.6V) |
| Pin 11 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 12 | RB10 — I/O pin / LCD segment |
| Pin 13 | MCLR — Master clear / reset input |
| Pin 14 | RB11 — I/O pin / LCD segment |
| Pin 15 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 17 | RB12 — I/O pin / LCD segment |
| Pin 18 | RB13 — I/O pin / LCD segment |
| Pin 19 | RB14 — I/O pin / LCD segment |
| Pin 20 | RB15 — I/O pin / LCD segment |
| Pin 21 | RA0 — I/O pin |
| Pin 22 | RA1 — I/O pin |
| Pin 23 | RA2 — I/O pin |
| Pin 24 | DM — USB D- data line |
| Pin 25 | DP — USB D+ data line |
| Pin 26 | VUSB3V3 — USB 3.3V regulator output |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 29 | RA3 — I/O pin |
| Pin 30 | RA4 — I/O pin |
| Pin 31 | RA5 — I/O pin |
| Pin 32 | RA6 — I/O pin |
| Pin 33 | RA7 — I/O pin |
| Pin 34 | RA8 — I/O pin |
| Pin 35 | RA9 — I/O pin |
| Pin 36 | RA10 — I/O pin |
| Pin 37 | RB0 — I/O pin / LCD segment |
| Pin 38 | RB1 — I/O pin / LCD segment |
| Pin 39 | RB2 — I/O pin / LCD segment |
| Pin 40 | RB3 — I/O pin / LCD segment |
| Pin 41 | RB4 — I/O pin / LCD segment |
| Pin 42 | RB5 — I/O pin / LCD segment |
| Pin 43 | RB6 — I/O pin / LCD segment |
| Pin 44 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 45 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 46 | RB7 — I/O pin / LCD segment |
| Pin 47 | RB8 — I/O pin / LCD segment |
| Pin 48 | RC8 — I/O pin |
| Pin 49 | OSC1 — Oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 50 | OSC2 — Oscillator output |
| Pin 51 | RC9 — I/O pin |
| Pin 52 | RC10 — I/O pin |
| Pin 53 | RC11 — I/O pin |
| Pin 54 | RC12 — I/O pin |
| Pin 55 | RC13 — I/O pin |
| Pin 56 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 57 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 58 | RC14 — I/O pin |
| Pin 59 | RC15 — I/O pin |
| Pin 60 | RD0 — I/O pin |
| Pin 61 | RD1 — I/O pin |
| Pin 62 | RD2 — I/O pin |
| Pin 63 | RD3 — I/O pin |
| Pin 64 | RD4 — I/O pin |
Typical Applications
PIC24FJ256GL406T-I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial HMI with LCD and USB, Smart Home IoT Hub, Medical Glucose/Infusion Meter, Electronic Metering / e-Meter, Automotive Body and Accessory Module, Portable Test and Measurement Instrument.
Industrial HMI with LCD and USB
The PIC24FJ256GL406T-I/PT's 256KB dual-partition Flash and integrated segmented LCD driver (up to 472 pixels) make it ideal for industrial human-machine interface panels with USB diagnostics. The device drives character and graphic LCDs directly without external controller ICs, while USB Full-Speed enables firmware updates and data logging to a host PC. With 54 I/O pins, the MCU supports keypads, rotary encoders, and relay outputs simultaneously. The 32MHz core delivers 16 MIPS responsive menu navigation and the XLP nanoWatt sleep mode drops quiescent current below 1uA for battery-backed HMI panels.
Recommended
Smart Home IoT Hub
The PIC24FJ256GL406T-I/PT fits smart home hub designs requiring wireless co-processor control, USB tethering, and OTA firmware updates. Its dual-partition Flash enables secure remote firmware upgrades without service interruption - critical for connected thermostats, security panels, and energy monitors. The integrated USB Full-Speed peripheral supports direct connection to WiFi/BLE modules or host processors, while the segmented LCD driver eliminates external display controllers for in-wall keypads. Six UARTs allow multi-radio management (WiFi, BLE, LoRa, Sub-GHz) on a single MCU.
Recommended
Medical Glucose/Infusion Meter
Medical portable meters benefit from the PIC24FJ256GL406T-I/PT's nanoWatt XLP sleep mode (sub-1uA RTCC retention) that extends battery life beyond a year on a single coin cell. The integrated segmented LCD driver shows measurement readouts without backlight power, and the 10-bit ADC with 500 ksps throughput handles glucose strip electrochemical sensing and temperature compensation. ECC on Flash and RAM supports IEC 60730 Class B safety software for medical devices. The 256KB Flash stores measurement history, calibration curves, and BLE firmware stacks.
Recommended
Electronic Metering / e-Meter
Single-phase and poly-phase electronic meters leverage the PIC24FJ256GL406T-I/PT's Configurable Logic Cells (CLC), dual-partition OTA Flash, and 32-bit timers for tamper detection and tariff scheduling. The MCU computes metrology algorithms while the segmented LCD driver displays kWh, voltage, and power factor readouts. The integrated USB Full-Speed enables utility technician diagnostics without opening the meter enclosure. With 256KB Flash and 32KB RAM, complex DLMS/COSEM protocol stacks and signed firmware updates fit comfortably in the dual-partition memory map.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Accessory Module
AEC-Q100 qualified, the PIC24FJ256GL406T-I/PT operates across -40C to +85C and drives body control modules, HVAC controllers, instrument clusters, and accessory ECUs. The 256KB ECC Flash supports AUTOSAR MCAL drivers and OEM-specific diagnostic services, while six UARTs handle LIN, K-Line, and CAN-bus co-processor communication via external transceivers. The integrated LCD driver powers driver-information displays and HVAC climate readouts. The USB Full-Speed peripheral supports factory end-of-line programming and post-production diagnostics at the dealership.
Recommended
Portable Test and Measurement Instrument
Handheld oscilloscopes, multimeters, and process calibrators fit the PIC24FJ256GL406T-I/PT's profile: 32MHz deterministic interrupt response for real-time DSP on ADC samples, segmented LCD for waveform/menu display, and USB for PC data transfer. The 256KB Flash stores measurement firmware plus calibration tables; 32KB RAM buffers acquisition streams. XLP nanoWatt sleep extends battery runtime between charges, while CLC peripherals implement hardware-triggered sampling without waking the CPU. The AEC-Q100 grade suits industrial environments with temperature extremes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24FJ256GL406T-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24FJ256GL406-I/PT | PIC24FJ256GL406-E/PT | PIC24FJ128GL406-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Flash | 256KB ECC | 256KB ECC | 256KB ECC | 128KB ECC (-50%) |
| RAM | 32KB | 32KB | 32KB | 32KB |
| Operating Frequency | 32MHz / 16 MIPS | 32MHz / 16 MIPS | 32MHz / 16 MIPS | 32MHz / 16 MIPS |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0V to 3.6V | 2.0V to 3.6V | 2.0V to 3.6V | 2.0V to 3.6V |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed device | USB 2.0 Full-Speed device | USB 2.0 Full-Speed device | USB 2.0 Full-Speed device |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Dual-partition Flash for live OTA firmware updates (vs PIC24FJ128GL406-I/PT)
- AEC-Q100 automotive qualification (vs PIC24FJ256GB406T-I/MR)
- Extended temperature option in same package (vs PIC24FJ256GL406-I/PT)
Design Notes
Place 100nF and 10uF ceramic decoupling capacitors as close as possible to each VDD/VSS pair (pins 10/11, 15/16, 27/28, 44/45, 56/57). Use X7R or X5R dielectric rated for at least 6.3V. For USB applications, add a 1uF bulk capacitor on VUSB3V3 (pin 26) within 5mm of the pin to stabilize the internal 3.3V LDO that powers the USB transceiver. According to Microchip's PIC24FJ256GL406 family datasheet, the internal DC-DC switching mode requires an external 4.7uH inductor on the VCAP/VDDCORE pin for low-power operation.
Route the USB DP/DM differential pair (pins 24/25) with 90-ohm differential impedance per USB 2.0 specification, keeping traces short and matched within 150 mil length difference. Place the 12MHz primary crystal within 5mm of OSC1/OSC2 (pins 49/50) with a guarded ground pour surrounding the traces. Use a four-layer PCB with continuous ground plane beneath the MCU for EMI suppression. For automotive designs, isolate analog ground (AGND) and digital ground (DGND) at a single star point near the MCU VSS pin.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum VDD rating of 4.0V; the 3.6V operating maximum includes transient margin. Use the MCLR pin (13) with the recommended 10kohm pull-up to VDD plus a 100nF capacitor for noise immunity - leaving MCLR floating can cause spurious resets in noisy environments. The RTCC requires an external 32.768kHz crystal on SOSCO/SOSCI pins for timekeeping accuracy; without it, RTCC timestamps will drift. When migrating from PIC24FJ256GB406, note that the GL406 lacks USB On-The-Go host capability - software using host-mode APIs will not work.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 qualified per Onlinecomponents datasheet snippet. RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip material declaration.
