PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/PT - 16-bit 256KB Flash USB MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.65 | $4.65 |
| 10 | $4.18 | $41.80 |
| 100 | $3.72 | $372.00 |
| 500 | $3.35 | $1,675.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.05 | $3,050.00 |
PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/PT Overview
A 16-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable processor built around a wider datapath than classic 8-bit designs, allowing it to compute 16-bit operations in a single instruction cycle. The PIC24F family belongs to the broader category of microcontrollers, embedded processors, and mixed-signal ICs, and is positioned for ultra-low-power applications where deterministic interrupt response and rich connectivity are required.
Key features of this part include 256 KB program Flash with ECC, 32 KB SRAM, a 16-channel 12-bit ADC, multiple hardware UART/SPI/I2C peripherals, and Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) that offload tasks from the CPU. CIPs include CLC, MCCP, DMA, and crypto engines, allowing deterministic event-driven behaviour without CPU intervention.
Architecturally, the PIC24FJ GU4 family uses a modified Harvard architecture with a 16-bit datapath, hardware Multiply/Divide unit, and 24-bit instruction words. The wide operating voltage range of 2.0V to 3.6V supports both 3.3V and battery-powered designs. The integrated segmented LCD driver supports up to 384 pixels, eliminating an external driver IC.
Typical applications include industrial control panels with LCD displays, USB-connected medical sensors, secure IoT edge nodes requiring OTA firmware updates, automotive body and HMI modules, low-power metering instruments, and USB HID peripherals. The dual-partition Flash and crypto accelerators make it especially attractive for products requiring authenticated field updates.
When designing with this device, ensure that the Vcap pin has a 4.7 uF-10 uF low-ESR capacitor as specified in the datasheet, and that unused I/O are configured as outputs or inputs with pull-ups to minimise current draw. The part supports MPLAB X IDE with the XC16 compiler and the MPLAB Code Configurator for rapid peripheral setup.
This page synthesises verified distributor pricing, drop-in compatible same-family alternatives, and practical engineering guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24FJ256GU406T-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 PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, USB, LCD Driver, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24FJ256GU406-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.69 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GU405T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24FJ256GL406T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ128GU406-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.36 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC24FJ GU4/GL4 |
| Core | 16-bit PIC® (modified Harvard) |
| Program Flash | 256 KB with ECC |
| SRAM | 32 KB |
| CPU Speed | 16 MIPS @ 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 12-bit, 16 channels |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed |
| LCD Driver | Segmented LCD, up to 384 pixels |
| Pin Count | 64 |
| Package | TQFP-64 (10x10 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RC1 — I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 2 | RC2 — I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 3 | RC3 — I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 4 | RC4 — I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 6 | RC6 — I/O port C bit 6 |
| Pin 7 | RC7 — I/O port C bit 7 |
| Pin 8 | RC8 — I/O port C bit 8 |
| Pin 9 | RC9 — I/O port C bit 9 |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | RD0 — I/O port D bit 0 |
| Pin 13 | RD1 — I/O port D bit 1 |
| Pin 14 | RD2 — I/O port D bit 2 |
| Pin 15 | RD3 — I/O port D bit 3 |
| Pin 16 | RD4 — I/O port D bit 4 |
| Pin 17 | RD5 — I/O port D bit 5 |
| Pin 18 | RD6 — I/O port D bit 6 |
| Pin 19 | RD7 — I/O port D bit 7 |
| Pin 20 | RD8 — I/O port D bit 8 |
| Pin 21 | RD9 — I/O port D bit 9 |
| Pin 22 | RD10 — I/O port D bit 10 |
| Pin 23 | RD11 — I/O port D bit 11 |
| Pin 24 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 25 | VDD — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 26 | RB0 — I/O port B bit 0 |
| Pin 27 | RB1 — I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 28 | RB2 — I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 29 | RB3 — I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 30 | RB4 — I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 31 | RB5 — I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 32 | RB6 — I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 33 | RB7 — I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 34 | RB8 — I/O port B bit 8 |
| Pin 35 | RB9 — I/O port B bit 9 |
| Pin 36 | RB10 — I/O port B bit 10 |
| Pin 37 | RB11 — I/O port B bit 11 |
| Pin 38 | RB12 — I/O port B bit 12 |
| Pin 39 | RB13 — I/O port B bit 13 |
| Pin 40 | RB14 — I/O port B bit 14 |
| Pin 41 | RB15 — I/O port B bit 15 |
| Pin 42 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 43 | VDD — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 44 | RA0 — I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 45 | RA1 — I/O port A bit 1 |
| Pin 46 | RA2 — I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 47 | RA3 — I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 48 | RA4 — I/O port A bit 4 |
| Pin 49 | RA5 — I/O port A bit 5 |
| Pin 50 | RA6 — I/O port A bit 6 |
| Pin 51 | RA7 — I/O port A bit 7 |
| Pin 52 | RA8 — I/O port A bit 8 |
| Pin 53 | RA9 — I/O port A bit 9 |
| Pin 54 | RA10 — I/O port A bit 10 |
| Pin 55 | RA11 — I/O port A bit 11 |
| Pin 56 | RA12 — I/O port A bit 12 |
| Pin 57 | RA13 — I/O port A bit 13 |
| Pin 58 | RA14 — I/O port A bit 14 |
| Pin 59 | RA15 — I/O port A bit 15 |
| Pin 60 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 61 | VDD — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 62 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 63 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 64 | MCLR — Master clear (reset) input |
Typical Applications
PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panel with LCD, USB Medical Sensor Hub, IoT Edge Node with OTA Updates, USB HID Peripheral Devices, Automotive Body and HMI Module, Low-Power Metering Instrument.
Industrial Control Panel with LCD
The PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/PT is ideal for industrial control panels thanks to its integrated segmented LCD driver that supports up to 384 pixels without an external driver IC. With 256 KB ECC Flash, it can host full HMI firmware including graphics, menu structures, and field-update support via dual-partition Flash. The 16-channel 12-bit ADC reads analog sensor inputs directly, while CIPs handle deterministic keypad scanning and PWM-driven indicators. Operating voltage 2.0-3.6V and industrial -40C to +85C temperature range match factory floor conditions. Typical use: HVAC controllers, machine status panels, and pump-station HMIs.
Recommended
USB Medical Sensor Hub
The PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/PT serves well in USB-connected medical sensor hubs. Its on-chip USB 2.0 Full-Speed transceiver and endpoint RAM eliminate the need for an external PHY, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. With 32 KB SRAM, the part buffers multiple sensor data streams before USB transmission. The 12-bit ADC with 16 channels supports direct interface with bioelectric sensors. Dual-partition Flash enables secure OTA firmware updates - critical for medical device certification pathways. The 256 KB program space hosts USB stacks plus signal-processing firmware.
Recommended
IoT Edge Node with OTA Updates
The PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/PT is well suited for secure IoT edge nodes. Its dual-partition Flash architecture supports real-time Over-The-Air firmware updates - while one bank runs the current image, the other receives and validates a new image before swap. Hardware crypto accelerators and CIPs handle authentication without CPU intervention. The low-power eXtreme technology and 2.0-3.6V operation support battery-powered deployments. 256 KB Flash hosts TLS libraries, sensor stacks, and OTA handlers, while 32 KB SRAM buffers network packets and sensor data.
Recommended
USB HID Peripheral Devices
The PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/PT powers USB HID peripherals such as industrial keypads, custom input devices, and configuration tools. Its integrated USB Full-Speed transceiver with on-chip pull-up resistors eliminates external components, simplifying hardware layout. 256 KB Flash supports HID descriptors plus custom firmware logic, while 32 KB SRAM handles HID report buffers and protocol state machines. CIPs like CLC and DMA offload HID report generation from the CPU, freeing cycles for application logic. Operating temperature -40C to +85C suits industrial environments.
Recommended
Automotive Body and HMI Module
The PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/PT supports automotive body and HMI applications in non-safety-critical domains. Its integrated LCD controller drives segmented instrument cluster displays, while 16 MIPS performance handles button scanning and status logic. The 256 KB Flash hosts CAN/LIN stacks, body control firmware, and HMI state machines. The 12-bit ADC reads temperature, fuel level, and position sensors directly. Note: this part is not AEC-Q100 qualified - for safety-critical or under-hood applications, choose PIC24HJ or dsPIC33 automotive-grade equivalents.
Recommended
Low-Power Metering Instrument
The PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/PT is suitable for low-power metering instruments such as electricity, water, and gas meters. Its eXtreme Low-Power technology with multiple sleep modes enables battery lifetimes exceeding 10 years. The segmented LCD driver displays consumption values directly without an external driver IC. The 12-bit ADC with 16 channels interfaces with current transformers and voltage dividers for energy measurement. 256 KB Flash hosts metering algorithms, calibration data, and LCD font tables. Dual-partition Flash supports secure firmware updates in deployed meters.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24FJ256GU406-I/PT | PIC24FJ256GU406T-I/MR | PIC24FJ256GU405T-I/PT | PIC24FJ256GL406T-I/PT | PIC24FJ128GU406-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TQFP-64 (10x10 mm) | TQFP-64 (10x10 mm) | QFN-64 | TQFP-64 (10x10 mm) | TQFP-64 (10x10 mm) | TQFP-64 (10x10 mm) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB |
| SRAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| USB | Yes (Full-Speed) | Yes (Full-Speed) | Yes (Full-Speed) | Yes (Full-Speed) | No | Yes (Full-Speed) |
| LCD Controller | Yes (384 pixels) | Yes (384 pixels) | Yes (384 pixels) | No | Yes (384 pixels) | Yes (384 pixels) |
| CPU Speed | 16 MIPS @ 32 MHz | 16 MIPS @ 32 MHz | 16 MIPS @ 32 MHz | 16 MIPS @ 32 MHz | 16 MIPS @ 32 MHz | 16 MIPS @ 32 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0V to 3.6V | 2.0V to 3.6V | 2.0V to 3.6V | 2.0V to 3.6V | 2.0V to 3.6V | 2.0V to 3.6V |
Key Differentiators
- Dual-partition Flash with OTA support (vs PIC24FJ256GA406-I/PT)
- Integrated segmented LCD driver (vs PIC24FJ256GU405T-I/PT)
- Higher Flash density at same price tier (vs PIC24FJ128GU406-I/PT)
Design Notes
Place a 4.7 uF to 10 uF low-ESR ceramic capacitor on the VCAP pin (pin 17 typically) to stabilise the internal 1.8V core regulator. Use X7R or X5R dielectric rated for at least 10V to handle inrush transients. Add a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor adjacent to each VDD pin pair (10/11, 24/25, 42/43, 60/61) per the datasheet reference circuit. Estimated total decoupling budget: 4x 0.1 uF + 1x 4.7 uF + 1x 10 uF bulk.
Route the USB DP/DM traces as a 90-ohm differential pair with matched lengths (within 150 mil). Place the 15 kohm pull-down resistors on DP and DM close to the MCU pins if operating in device mode. For USB-IF compliance, keep the USB signals away from high-speed switching traces and clock oscillators. The 64-pin TQFP package requires 4-layer PCB with continuous ground plane for clean ADC measurements.
Do not leave unused I/O pins floating - configure them as outputs or inputs with internal pull-ups to minimise current draw. The MCLR pin must be pulled up to VDD via a 10 kohm resistor with a 100 nF capacitor to ground for noise immunity. For OTA updates, partition the Flash at build time using MPLAB X IDE linker scripts - otherwise the bootloader cannot swap partitions safely.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive safety-critical designs choose dsPIC33 or PIC24HJ automotive-grade equivalents.
