PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/MR - 16-bit 32MHz 256KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/MR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.95 | $7.95 |
| 10 | $7.16 | $71.60 |
| 100 | $6.37 | $637.00 |
| 500 | $5.58 | $2,790.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.78 | $4,780.00 |
PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/MR Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, program memory, data RAM, and integrated peripherals. The PIC24F family uses a 16-bit modified Harvard RISC architecture optimized for deterministic interrupt response and ultra-low-power operation. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, the PIC24FJ256GU406 sits in the category: microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> 16-bit MCU -> low-power MCU -> mixed-signal MCU with USB and LCD. This hierarchy helps engineers select compatible firmware, development tools, and compatible alternatives within Microchip's PIC24F ecosystem.
Key differentiating features of this part include 256KB of self-programmable Flash with dual-partition OTA support for live firmware updates, 32KB of RAM, a hardware crypto engine (when present in this family), a 10-bit 1.1 Msps ADC, configurable logic cells (CLC), multiple UART/SPI/I2C peripherals, and a segmented LCD driver supporting up to 64 segments. The integrated full-speed USB 2.0 device controller eliminates the need for an external PHY in many embedded designs.
The architecture uses a wide 16-bit data path with a 24-bit instruction word, hardware multiply/divide, and a 17-bit x 17-bit single-cycle multiplier. Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) - such as CLC, Configurable Logic Cells, DMA, and the ADC with hardware accumulation - let designers implement state machines and signal processing without CPU intervention, dramatically reducing active mode time and overall system power.
Typical applications include consumer medical devices, IoT sensor nodes with USB charging/diagnostics, industrial control panels with segmented LCDs, automotive body and accessory modules, and battery-powered data loggers with USB interface. The wide 2.0 V to 3.6 V supply range and deep sleep modes make the part suitable for battery- or coin-cell-powered products.
When designing with this MCU, allocate sufficient PCB copper under the exposed pad (EP) of the QFN package for thermal dissipation and ground return. Decouple each VDD/VSS pair with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 2 mm of the pin. For USB applications, the 90-ohm differential D+/D- traces must be length-matched within 1 mm and routed over a continuous ground plane.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the PIC24FJ family, and practical design notes not found on the manufacturer product page alone - the kind of condensed reference a firmware engineer needs during bring-up.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24FJ256GU406T-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 PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/MR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Core Architecture, USB, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24FJ256GU406-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ128GU406-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GL406-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GB606T-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GA606T-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GU406-E/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/MR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 16-bit (modified Harvard RISC) |
| Family | PIC24FJ GU4/GL4 |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB |
| Data RAM | 32 KB |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 53 |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to ~1.1 Msps |
| LCD Driver | Segmented LCD, up to 64 segments |
| Timers | Multiple 16-bit and 32-bit timers |
| Communication | UART, SPI, I2C |
| Package | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, 'I' grade) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/MR 64-pin qfn (9x9 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/MR (64-pin qfn (9x9 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 PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/MR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/MR is suitable for 6 applications: USB-Connected Data Loggers, Industrial Control Panels with Segmented LCD, Consumer Medical Devices, IoT Sensor Hubs with USB Diagnostics, Automotive Accessory Modules, Battery-Powered Metering Equipment.
USB-Connected Data Loggers
The PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/MR fits USB-connected data loggers thanks to its on-chip USB 2.0 full-speed device controller and 256 KB dual-partition Flash. Dual-partition Flash enables Over-The-Air updates without external bootloader memory, while 32 KB RAM holds sensor buffers between USB transfers. At 16 MIPS the core can sample sensors, run control loops, and serve USB bulk transfers concurrently. The 2.0 V to 3.6 V supply range supports single-cell Li-ion or 2x AA designs. Pair with a 32.768 kHz crystal for RTC timestamping and use the segmented LCD to display readings without a separate display MCU.
Recommended
Industrial Control Panels with Segmented LCD
The PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/MR is ideal for industrial control panels that combine push-button inputs, sensor readout, and segmented LCD display. The on-chip LCD driver supports up to 64 segments without an external driver IC, while 53 GPIO pins can directly key-scan a 7x8 matrix. Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) like CLC and configurable timers let designers implement button de-bouncing and pulse-width measurement without CPU load. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade suits factory-floor enclosures. The QFN-64 package requires only a small PCB footprint, fitting behind a 3-inch LCD glass.
Recommended
Consumer Medical Devices
The PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/MR suits consumer medical peripherals such as glucose meters, pulse oximeters, and portable diagnostic tools. Its low-power deep-sleep modes and 2.0 V to 3.6 V supply maximize battery life, while 256 KB Flash holds both application code and USB HID/CMSIS-DAP/HID-class firmware. The on-chip 10-bit ADC at ~1.1 Msps captures sensor signals with minimal external signal conditioning. Hardware crypto (when present in family members) supports secure pairing. The QFN-64 footprint leaves room for battery, sensor, and USB connector in a slim handheld enclosure.
Recommended
IoT Sensor Hubs with USB Diagnostics
The PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/MR is well matched to IoT sensor hubs that use USB as both a power source and a diagnostics channel. Full-speed USB enables CDC-ACM virtual COM port for firmware updates and field diagnostics, while 256 KB Flash accommodates OTA stacks plus application logic. Multiple UART/SPI/I2C interfaces connect to external radios, sensors, and EEPROMs. The hardware DMA engine offloads UART and ADC transfers, freeing the CPU for application logic. Pair with an SPI NOR flash for logging and an external LoRa or BLE module for wireless uplink.
Recommended
Automotive Accessory Modules
The PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/MR fits automotive accessory modules such as USB charging ports, interior lighting controllers, and diagnostic interfaces. The industrial -40C to +85C range covers most cabin environments; for harsher under-hood or exterior use, the PIC24FJ256GU406-E/MR extended-temperature sibling is recommended. The on-chip USB supports media playback and CarPlay-style accessory protocols. CIPs like the CLC can decode steering-wheel button inputs in hardware, freeing the CPU for protocol handling. QFN-64 with exposed pad provides solid thermal performance in sealed modules.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Metering Equipment
The PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/MR is well suited to battery-powered metering such as handheld gas analyzers, HVAC service tools, and field calibrators. Deep-sleep currents in the low microamp range extend battery life to months, while the segmented LCD driver displays measured values without a separate display processor. The 32 KB RAM holds calibration tables and rolling measurement buffers, and 256 KB Flash stores both application and OTA update images. Hardware crypto and a true random number generator (where present in family) protect metrology data integrity.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/MR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24FJ256GU406-I/MR | PIC24FJ128GU406-I/MR | PIC24FJ256GL406-I/MR | PIC24FJ256GB606T-I/MR | PIC24FJ256GA606T-I/MR | PIC24FJ256GU406-E/MR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) - same | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) - same | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) - same | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) - same | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) - same | 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB (-50%) | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| Data RAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| Maximum 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 |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device | No USB | No USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| Supply 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 | 2.0 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
Key Differentiators
- 256 KB dual-partition Flash for OTA updates (vs PIC24FJ128GU406-I/MR)
- On-chip USB 2.0 full-speed device (vs PIC24FJ256GB606T-I/MR)
- Tape-and-reel factory packaging format (vs PIC24FJ256GU406-I/MR)
- Industrial temperature grade for production use (vs PIC24FJ256GU406-E/MR)
Design Notes
Each VDD/VSS pin pair must be decoupled with a 0.1 uF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 2 mm of the pin. For the QFN-64 package, the exposed pad (EP) must be soldered to a grounded copper pour for thermal dissipation and signal return. Add a 4.7 uF or 10 uF bulk capacitor on the main VDD rail near the MCU to support USB inrush current when the device is bus-powered.
USB D+ and D- traces must be 90 ohms differential impedance, length-matched within 1 mm, and routed over a continuous ground plane. Keep the traces as short as possible - under 50 mm total - to avoid signal integrity issues at full-speed USB 2.0. Place the 15 kohm pull-down on D- as required by the USB specification; do not rely on internal MCU pull-ups for USB signaling.
When configuring the PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/MR for OTA updates, both Flash partitions must be configured as 'self-programmable' in the configuration bits, or the runtime write to the inactive partition will be locked out. Reference the In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) and Dual-Partition Flash sections of the family datasheet. Estimated: the boot-time to swap partitions is on the order of a few milliseconds; include this in your system timing budget if the swap occurs during USB enumeration.
At 32 MHz active operation with all peripherals enabled, the device dissipates roughly 50-80 mW depending on workload. The QFN-64 EP provides a thermal pad that, when soldered to at least 1 square inch of 2-oz copper pour, keeps junction temperature rise under 20C. For continuous full-speed USB traffic, monitor the die temperature via the on-chip diode sensor if available in your silicon revision.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page; industrial temperature grade only - the part is not AEC-Q100 qualified. For AEC-Q100 automotive applications, consult Microchip's automotive-grade PIC24FJ variants. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip's environmental compliance declarations.
