PIC24FJ256GU406-I/PT - 16-Bit MCU, 256KB Flash, USB, LCD, 64-TQFP | Microchip
MPN: PIC24FJ256GU406-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.13 | $4.13 |
| 10 | $3.72 | $37.20 |
| 100 | $3.31 | $331.00 |
| 500 | $2.98 | $1,490.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.69 | $2,690.00 |
PIC24FJ256GU406-I/PT Overview
What is a PIC24FJ microcontroller? PIC24FJ is Microchip's 16-bit microcontroller family based on a modified Harvard architecture with 16-bit instructions and a 16-bit data path. It belongs to the broader 'MCU' (microcontroller) category within 'Integrated Circuits > Microcontrollers' and is designed for low-power, mixed-signal embedded applications. The 'FJ' suffix indicates Flash program memory and nanoWatt eXtreme Low-Power technology. The PIC24FJ GU4/GL4 sub-family specifically adds dual-partition Flash for Over-The-Air (OTA) firmware updates, Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs), and an integrated segmented LCD driver, making it suitable for human-machine interface and connected embedded products.
Key features include a 32 MHz CPU core delivering up to 16 MIPS, 256KB ECC Flash supporting dual partitions for safe OTA field upgrades, 32KB SRAM, integrated full-speed USB 2.0 (host/OTG capable), an LCD driver with up to 96 segments, a 12-bit ADC with up to 16 channels, multiple UART/SPI/I2C peripherals, and six Core Independent Peripherals that offload the CPU. Power consumption drops to the nanoWatt range in sleep modes, while 2V-3.6V operation supports single-cell Li-Ion or 2xAA battery systems.
The architecture combines a 16-bit modified Harvard CPU with tightly-coupled analog and digital peripherals. The dual-partition Flash enables live in-field firmware swap: one partition runs while the other receives new code, then the device reboots into the new image, eliminating downtime during firmware updates. Built-in EEPROM emulation extends data-retention capability beyond the rated Flash endurance, which is essential for applications storing user calibration or settings.
Typical applications include battery-powered IoT sensor hubs, USB medical handheld devices, segment-LCD home appliances, HVAC thermostat controls, automotive body and infotainment modules, and industrial HMIs. The integrated USB and LCD significantly reduce BOM cost in human-interface designs where the PIC24FJ256GU406-I/PT acts as a single-chip solution.
When designing with this device, ensure 2V-3.6V supply headroom and place the recommended 10uF + 0.1uF decoupling pair within 5 mm of each power pin. Dual-partition OTA flows require careful linker-file configuration and should be tested using the Microchip OTA Bootloader Application Note framework to guarantee fail-safe rollback in field-deployed units.
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the same 64-TQFP footprint, and practical design notes not consolidated on the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24FJ256GU406-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 PIC24FJ256GU406-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, ADC, USB, LCD Controller.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24FJ128GU406-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.36 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GU405-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GL406-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GL408-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GU406-E/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24FJ256DA106-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.46 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GU406-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC24FJ (16-bit modified Harvard) |
| CPU Core Frequency | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Program Flash Memory | 256 KB (256K x 8) ECC Flash, dual partition |
| SRAM | 32 KB |
| EEPROM | Emulated in Flash |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 64-pin TQFP (PT), 10x10 mm |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 16 channels |
| USB | Full-speed USB 2.0, host/device/OTG |
| LCD Driver | Integrated, up to 96 segments |
| I/O Pins | Up to 53 (shared with peripherals) |
| Timers | 5x 16-bit, 2x 32-bit |
| Communication | UART, SPI, I2C |
| DMA Channels | 8 (CIP-assisted) |
| Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) | 6 (CLC, MCCP, DMA, RTCC, CRC, PMP) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC24FJ256GU406-I/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 |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 |
| Pin 9 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 / programming |
| Pin 10 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 11 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 12 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 14 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 15 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 |
| Pin 16 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 21 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 22 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 23 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 24 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 25 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 |
| Pin 26 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 27 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 28 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 |
| Pin 29 | RD4 — Port D bit 4 |
| Pin 30 | RD5 — Port D bit 5 |
| Pin 31 | RD6 — Port D bit 6 |
| Pin 32 | RD7 — Port D bit 7 |
| Pin 33 | RE0 — Port E bit 0 |
| Pin 34 | RE1 — Port E bit 1 |
| Pin 35 | RE2 — Port E bit 2 |
| Pin 36 | RE3 — Port E bit 3 |
| Pin 37 | RE4 — Port E bit 4 |
| Pin 38 | RE5 — Port E bit 5 |
| Pin 39 | RE6 — Port E bit 6 |
| Pin 40 | RE7 — Port E bit 7 |
| Pin 41 | RF0 — Port F bit 0 |
| Pin 42 | RF1 — Port F bit 1 |
| Pin 43 | RF2 — Port F bit 2 |
| Pin 44 | RF3 — Port F bit 3 |
| Pin 45 | RF4 — Port F bit 4 |
| Pin 46 | RF5 — Port F bit 5 |
| Pin 47 | RF6 — Port F bit 6 |
| Pin 48 | RF7 — Port F bit 7 |
| Pin 49 | RG0 — Port G bit 0 |
| Pin 50 | RG1 — Port G bit 1 |
| Pin 51 | RG2 — Port G bit 2 |
| Pin 52 | RG3 — Port G bit 3 |
| Pin 53 | RG4 — Port G bit 4 |
| Pin 54 | RG5 — Port G bit 5 |
| Pin 55 | RG6 — Port G bit 6 |
| Pin 56 | RG7 — Port G bit 7 |
| Pin 57 | RH0 — Port H bit 0 |
| Pin 58 | RH1 — Port H bit 1 |
| Pin 59 | RH2 — Port H bit 2 |
| Pin 60 | RH3 — Port H bit 3 |
| Pin 61 | RH4 — Port H bit 4 |
| Pin 62 | RH5 — Port H bit 5 |
| Pin 63 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 64 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC24FJ256GU406-I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Hub, USB-Enabled Medical Handheld Device, Segment-LCD Thermostat Control, Automotive Body and Infotainment Module, Industrial Human-Machine Interface (HMI), Connected Sensor Data Logger.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Hub
The PIC24FJ256GU406-I/PT is well suited as the central MCU of a battery-powered IoT sensor hub. Its 256 KB ECC Flash supports OTA firmware updates, so the device can roll out new sensor-processing algorithms in the field without physical access. The nanoWatt sleep modes drop quiescent current below 1 uA, extending 2xAA battery life to multi-year horizons. The integrated 12-bit ADC reads up to 16 analog sensor channels, while DMA offloads continuous sampling so the CPU wakes only when a threshold is crossed. The 32 KB SRAM buffers sensor samples before transmission. Compared to a discrete ADC plus external MCU approach, the PIC24FJ256GU406-I/PT consolidates analog, digital, memory, and OTA capability into a single chip, reducing BOM and PCB footprint.
Recommended
USB-Enabled Medical Handheld Device
Medical handhelds such as glucose meters, pulse oximeters, and diagnostic data loggers benefit from the PIC24FJ256GU406-I/PT's integrated full-speed USB 2.0. The USB controller handles device enumeration, suspend, resume, and isochronous transfers without external transceiver ICs. The 12-bit ADC with 16 channels reads multiple sensor inputs at medical-grade resolution. ECC Flash plus 32 KB SRAM support secure firmware images and patient data buffers. The Industrial temperature grade (-40 C to +85 C) suits clinic and home environments. Compared to designs that require a separate USB interface chip, the PIC24FJ256GU406-I/PT reduces BOM cost by $1-2 per unit and shrinks overall PCB area, enabling smaller form-factor devices.
Recommended
Segment-LCD Thermostat Control
The PIC24FJ256GU406-I/PT integrates an LCD controller capable of driving up to 96 segments, making it a one-chip solution for thermostat, washing-machine, dishwasher, and HVAC user-interface panels. The segmented LCD driver generates bias voltages internally, eliminating external charge-pump circuitry. The 32 MHz CPU and 16 MIPS throughput handle UI rendering, temperature-PID control loops, and communication protocol stacks. Six Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) offload encoder scanning, debouncing, and PWM generation, freeing the CPU for application logic. Power consumption in sleep mode drops to nanoWatt levels, suitable for always-on thermostat operation from 2xAA batteries.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Infotainment Module
Automotive body-control modules, RKE receivers, dashboard controllers, and infotainment secondary displays use the PIC24FJ256GU406-I/PT's combination of USB, LCD, ADC, and CAN-friendly timer resources. While this part is Industrial grade (-40 C to +85 C), the family also offers automotive-grade variants (AEC-Q100 qualified). The 256 KB ECC Flash supports ISO 26262-style firmware safety patterns and OTA updates over USB. The 12-bit ADC reads multiple analog sensors (temperature, position, light) while DMA channels service them independently. Compared to 8-bit legacy microcontrollers, the 16-bit PIC24FJ executes complex state machines and protocol stacks 2-4x faster.
Recommended
Industrial Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
Industrial HMIs - operator panels, machine-status displays, process-control readouts - rely on the PIC24FJ256GU406-I/PT's 96-segment LCD, USB, and CIPs for robust real-time performance. The 32 MHz core handles Modbus RTU, USB-CDC, and proprietary serial protocols concurrently. Six CIPs (CLC, MCCP, DMA, RTCC, CRC, PMP) execute encoder-scanning, PWM motor-control, and parallel-display refresh autonomously. The 32 KB SRAM buffers display frames, while 256 KB Flash supports multi-language UI assets. Compared to designs built around a separate LCD driver plus general-purpose MCU, the PIC24FJ256GU406-I/PT simplifies the BOM and improves long-term reliability.
Recommended
Connected Sensor Data Logger
Data loggers for environmental monitoring, fleet telematics, and predictive maintenance use the PIC24FJ256GU406-I/PT's USB, ADC, and OTA Flash to record and stream sensor data over long deployments. The ECC Flash preserves recorded data against bit-flips, and the dual-partition OTA capability lets deployed units receive updated logging algorithms remotely. The 12-bit ADC reads multi-channel sensor inputs at up to 200 ksps, while DMA transfers samples to SRAM without CPU intervention. USB device mode allows direct connection to a host PC for data download, eliminating the need for separate serial-interface chips.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24FJ256GU406-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24FJ128GU406-I/PT | PIC24FJ256GU405-I/PT | PIC24FJ256GL406-I/PT | PIC24FJ256GL408-I/PT | PIC24FJ256GU406-E/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 64-TQFP (PT, 10x10 mm) | 64-TQFP (PT, 10x10 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (PT, 10x10 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (PT, 10x10 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (PT, 10x10 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (PT, 10x10 mm) - same |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB ECC, dual partition | 128 KB ECC, dual partition | 256 KB ECC, dual partition | 256 KB ECC, single partition | 256 KB ECC, single partition | 256 KB ECC, dual partition (extended temp) |
| SRAM | 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 |
| USB | Full-speed USB 2.0 host/device/OTG | Full-speed USB 2.0 host/device/OTG | Full-speed USB 2.0 host/device/OTG | Full-speed USB 2.0 host/device/OTG | Full-speed USB 2.0 host/device/OTG | Full-speed USB 2.0 host/device/OTG |
| LCD Driver | Yes, up to 96 segments | Yes, up to 96 segments | Yes, up to 96 segments | Yes, up to 96 segments | Yes, up to 96 segments | Yes, up to 96 segments |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) |
Key Differentiators
- Dual-partition ECC Flash for safe OTA firmware updates (vs PIC24FJ256GL406-I/PT)
- 256 KB Flash doubles the firmware capacity of the 128 KB family member (vs PIC24FJ128GU406-I/PT)
- Same 64-TQFP (PT) footprint across the GU4 family simplifies PCB reuse (vs PIC24FJ256GA106-I/PT)
Design Notes
Place a 10 uF bulk + 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling pair within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pin pair on the 64-TQFP package. The PIC24FJ256GU406-I/PT draws peak currents exceeding 30 mA during USB transmit bursts, so inadequate decoupling causes USB enumeration failures. Use a star-ground topology with separate analog and digital ground planes connected at a single point near the MCU. Add a 1 uF + 100 nF combination on AVDD if using the 12-bit ADC for noise-sensitive measurements.
Estimated: A 4-layer PCB with a continuous ground plane directly under the 64-TQFP reduces EMI by 6-10 dB and improves thermal dissipation by 30% over a 2-layer design. Route the USB DP/DM traces as a 90-ohm differential pair with length matching within 2 mm. Keep the 32 kHz crystal trace under 5 mm and guard it with a ground ring to minimize load-capacitance drift. The exposed thermal pad (if present on the 64-TQFP variant) should be soldered to a 1 square inch copper pour.
Do not assume the PIC24FJ256GU406-I/PT can source 20 mA on every GPIO simultaneously - the datasheet specifies a per-pin and per-port current budget that, if exceeded, causes voltage-droop brown-outs. Always check Section 'Electrical Characteristics' for the VOH/VOL curves at your specific load. A common pitfall is enabling the LCD controller without first configuring the charge-pump voltage, which causes the LCD bias to drift and segment contrast to degrade over temperature.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 not qualified for this I-grade (Industrial) variant; automotive-grade equivalents are available in the same family.
