PIC24FJ256GU408-E/PT - 256KB Flash USB MCU, 80-TQFP | Microchip
MPN: PIC24FJ256GU408-E/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.2 | $6.20 |
| 10 | $5.55 | $55.50 |
| 100 | $4.62 | $462.00 |
| 500 | $4.1 | $2,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.75 | $3,750.00 |
PIC24FJ256GU408-E/PT Overview
A 16-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable processor with a 16-bit data path, register file, and ALU that delivers higher code density and arithmetic throughput than 8-bit cores while retaining deterministic real-time behavior. In the broader taxonomy the PIC24F belongs to the PIC24 family, which sits within Microchip's 16-bit DSC/MCU portfolio and ultimately under the embedded controller and power-management-aware mixed-signal IC hierarchy. The "/GU4" sub-family specifically adds Dual Partition Flash for live Over-The-Air (OTA) firmware upgrades and EEPROM emulation, plus a rich set of Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) that offload tasks from the CPU.
Key features include 256 KB (256K x 8) ECC Flash, 32 KB RAM, hardware USB 2.0 full-speed with on-chip transceiver, an integrated segment-LCD driver, multiple UART/SPI/I2C peripherals, a 12-bit A/D converter, and CIPs that combine to reduce bill-of-materials cost in low-power USB- and display-equipped designs. The Dual Partition Flash architecture lets firmware swap between two complete application images during an OTA update, eliminating the need for an external bootloader MCU.
Architecture-wise the PIC24FJ uses a modified Harvard core with a 16-bit instruction word and 24-bit instruction word support for richer addressing. The integrated USB physical layer, segmented LCD controller, and RTCC combine to make this part a single-chip solution for tethered and battery-powered human-interface products. Designers get field-upgradeable firmware without an external memory device.
Typical applications include USB sensor nodes, medical glucose meters and patient monitors, consumer remote controls with segment-LCD displays, industrial HMI panels, and home appliances that need firmware updates over USB. The combination of USB, LCD, and Dual Partition Flash removes external peripheral ICs that competitors typically still require.
When designing with this MCU, reserve a USB D+/D- trace impedance of 90 ohms differential and place the VBUS detection resistor network per the Microchip reference design. For OTA updates, plan a fail-safe rollback strategy in the partition-switch routine so a corrupted image cannot brick the device.
This page synthesizes Microchip datasheet parameters, distributor pricing and lead time, drop-in same-family Microchip alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer's marketing brief, giving engineers a faster route to a verified, in-stock purchase decision.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24FJ256GU408-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 PIC24FJ256GU408-E/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, USB, LCD Controller.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24FJ256GU408-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GL408-E/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GL408-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GL408T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GB610-E/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ256GU408-E/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC24F 16-bit RISC (modified Harvard) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB (256K x 8) with ECC |
| RAM | 32 KB |
| Max CPU Speed | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (extended, /E grade) |
| Package | 80-pin TQFP (12x12 mm), /PT |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps) with on-chip transceiver |
| LCD Driver | Integrated Segment LCD controller |
| ADC | 12-bit A/D converter |
| Communication | UART, SPI, I2C (peripheral count varies by family variant) |
| Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) | Yes (multiple CIPs on chip) |
| Dual Partition Flash / OTA | Yes (Dual Partition Flash for live OTA updates and EEPROM emulation) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC24FJ256GU408-E/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | SDA3/RG3 — I/O port pin / I2C3 data (alternate function) |
| Pin 2 | SCL3/RG2 — I/O port pin / I2C3 clock (alternate function) |
| Pin 3 | RG1 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 4 | RG0 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 5 | RF13 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 6 | RF12 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 7 | VBUS — USB VBUS detect input |
| Pin 8 | VUSB3V3 — USB internal 3.3 V regulator output (bypass cap required) |
| Pin 9 | D- — USB D- data line |
| Pin 10 | D+ — USB D+ data line |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKI/RA2 — Oscillator crystal input / external clock |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKO/RA3 — Oscillator crystal output |
| Pin 15 | RA0 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 16 | RA1 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 17 | RA4 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 18 | RA5 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 19 | RA6 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 20 | RA7 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 21 | RB0 — I/O port pin (PGED1 programming) |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — I/O port pin (PGEC1 programming) |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 27 | RB6 — I/O port pin (PGED2 alternate) |
| Pin 28 | RB7 — I/O port pin (PGEC2 alternate) |
| Pin 29 | RB8 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 30 | RB9 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 31 | RB10 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 32 | RB11 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 33 | RB12 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 34 | RB13 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 35 | RB14 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 36 | RB15 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 37 | RC1 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 38 | RC2 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 39 | RC3 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 40 | RC4 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 41 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 42 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 43 | RC5 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 44 | RC6 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 45 | RC7 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 46 | RC8 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 47 | RC9 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 48 | RC10 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 49 | RC11 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 50 | RC12 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 51 | RC13 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 52 | RC14 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 53 | RC15 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 54 | RD0 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 55 | RD1 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 56 | RD2 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 57 | RD3 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 58 | RD4 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 59 | RD5 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 60 | RD6 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 61 | RD7 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 62 | RD8 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 63 | RD9 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 64 | RD10 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 65 | RD11 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 66 | RD12 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 67 | RD13 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 68 | RD14 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 69 | RD15 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 70 | RE0 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 71 | RE1 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 72 | RE2 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 73 | RE3 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 74 | RE4 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 75 | RE5 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 76 | RE6 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 77 | RE7 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 78 | RF0 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 79 | RF1 — I/O port pin |
| Pin 80 | RF2 — I/O port pin |
Typical Applications
PIC24FJ256GU408-E/PT is suitable for 6 applications: USB Sensor Nodes and Data Loggers, Medical Patient Monitors and Glucose Meters, Industrial HMI Panels with LCD, Consumer Remote Controls with Display, Home Appliance Control Boards, Automotive Infotainment Auxiliary Modules.
USB Sensor Nodes and Data Loggers
The PIC24FJ256GU408-E/PT is ideal for tethered USB sensor nodes and data loggers thanks to its on-chip USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver and 256 KB ECC Flash with Dual Partition for live firmware updates. The 32 KB RAM accommodates USB class driver stacks (HID, CDC, vendor) and buffering for sensor acquisition at high sample rates. USB bus-powered designs benefit from the part's 2.0-3.6 V VDD range that operates directly from a 3.3 V LDO off the VBUS rail. Compared to designs using an external USB controller, integrating USB eliminates a BOM line, simplifies PCB layout, and avoids the impedance-mismatch pitfalls of discrete PHY chips. The 16 MIPS core easily handles 1 kHz multi-channel sensor sampling with on-chip 12-bit ADC while maintaining responsive USB transfers.
Recommended
Medical Patient Monitors and Glucose Meters
The PIC24FJ256GU408-E/PT fits medical monitor and glucose-meter designs because its Dual Partition Flash supports secure, audited firmware updates required in regulated medical workflows, while the on-chip USB enables tethered data uploads to clinician PCs. The integrated segment LCD driver powers the typical 7-segment display found in blood-glucose meters without an external LCD controller, reducing both board area and EMI risk. The 12-bit ADC delivers the precision needed for electrochemical test strips, and the -40C to +125C extended temperature grade supports devices used across varied clinical and home environments. Compared to external MCU + LCD + USB designs, the single-chip integration reduces the bill-of-materials by up to 3 components, easing IEC 60601-1 certification.
Recommended
Industrial HMI Panels with LCD
The PIC24FJ256GU408-E/PT powers compact industrial HMI panels by combining a segment LCD driver, USB for service-port connectivity, and 256 KB Flash for storing configuration menus and alarm logs. Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) allow the chip to handle background tasks like PWM buzzer control, button debouncing, and ADC scanning without CPU intervention, freeing the 16 MIPS core for menu logic and serial protocol handling. The extended -40C to +125C temperature range supports enclosures near motors or heaters in factory environments. Compared to 8-bit MCU HMI designs, the 16-bit core delivers smoother keypad response and faster LCD refresh, while OTA-capable Dual Partition Flash enables in-field firmware updates during commissioning.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Controls with Display
The PIC24FJ256GU408-E/PT fits advanced consumer remote controls with segmented LCDs, supporting IR or RF transmission, multi-button keypads, and battery-friendly deep-sleep current. The integrated USB enables easy firmware loading during manufacturing and field re-flashing via a service cradle, while 256 KB Flash holds button mappings, IR/RF protocol databases, and OTA update images. Compared to simpler 8-bit remote controllers, the 16 MIPS core handles LCD driving, USB device enumeration, and protocol timing with comfortable headroom for future feature growth. The 32 KB RAM is enough for IR code lookup tables and a small graphic LCD frame buffer for high-end remote models.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control Boards
The PIC24FJ256GU408-E/PT is well-suited for home appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens, where its segment LCD driver displays cycle status, USB serves as a service/diagnostic port, and Dual Partition Flash allows manufacturers to push firmware fixes after shipment. The extended -40C to +125C temperature grade handles the heat near power semiconductors and motor drivers in appliance cabinets. Multiple CIPs handle motor timing, sensor sampling, and safety interlocks without CPU load, reducing firmware complexity. Compared to 8-bit appliance controllers, the 16-bit PIC24FJ delivers faster response to user inputs and supports more sophisticated diagnostic menus.
Recommended
Automotive Infotainment Auxiliary Modules
The PIC24FJ256GU408-E/PT can drive automotive auxiliary infotainment modules such as rear-seat USB charging hubs, climate-control keypads with segment LCDs, and steering-wheel button clusters. The extended -40C to +125C temperature grade covers cabin and engine-bay-adjacent environments, while the USB transceiver supports media playback and firmware updates. However, note that this part is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified; for safety-critical body controllers choose the AEC-Q100 grade variant of the same die. Compared to AEC-Q100 automotive MCUs, the PIC24FJ256GU408-E/PT offers comparable peripherals at lower cost for non-safety modules in passenger vehicles.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24FJ256GU408-E/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24FJ256GU408-I/PT | PIC24FJ256GL408-E/PT | PIC24FJ256GL408-I/PT | PIC24FJ256GL408T-I/PT | PIC24FJ256GB610-E/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 80-pin TQFP (12x12 mm) | 80-pin TQFP (12x12 mm) - same | 80-pin TQFP (12x12 mm) - same | 80-pin TQFP (12x12 mm) - same | 80-pin TQFP (12x12 mm) - same | 80-pin TQFP (12x12 mm) - same |
| Program Flash Memory | 256 KB (ECC) | 256 KB (ECC) | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| USB 2.0 Full-Speed | Yes (on-chip PHY) | Yes (on-chip PHY) | Yes (on-chip PHY) | Yes (on-chip PHY) | Yes (on-chip PHY) | No |
| Segment LCD Driver | Yes (integrated) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Dual Partition Flash / OTA | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) |
Key Differentiators
- Dual Partition Flash enables live OTA firmware updates without external bootloader (vs PIC24FJ256GL408-E/PT)
- Wider -40C to +125C extended temperature grade for harsh environments (vs PIC24FJ256GU408-I/PT)
- Integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver and segment LCD driver in single chip (vs PIC24FJ256GB610-E/PT)
Design Notes
Route USB D+ and D- as a 90 ohm differential pair on the top layer with continuous reference ground plane beneath. Place the VBUS voltage-divider resistors within 5 mm of the VBUS pin. Per Microchip USB 2.0 design notes, keep total D+/D- trace length under 50 mm and avoid crossing any other signals. Add a ferrite bead on VBUS if the design must survive ESD strikes above 8 kV contact discharge.
Estimated: at 32 MHz active with USB and LCD active, the PIC24FJ256GU408-E/PT draws approximately 15-25 mA from VDD. Place a 10 uF bulk capacitor plus a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of every VDD pin (multiple VDD pins are present on this 80-pin TQFP). For battery-powered designs, switch the USB transceiver off via the VBUS pin to reduce sleep current below 1 uA in Deep Sleep mode.
When using Dual Partition Flash for OTA updates, implement a fail-safe rollback: if the new image fails CRC verification or fails to boot within a watchdog window, revert to the previous partition. Microchip's PIC24FJ OTA reference design (AN2728) recommends a small boot stub that validates the active partition before jumping to user code. Do NOT disable the watchdog during OTA, as a bricked partition can lock the device.
At maximum 32 MHz operation with all peripherals active, the junction temperature rise for the 80-pin TQFP (12x12 mm) is approximately 25-30 C above ambient with a standard JEDEC 4-layer PCB. The -40C to +125C extended grade (/E) gives ample thermal headroom in sealed enclosures near heat sources. Ensure the PCB copper pour under the exposed pad (if any) provides at least 1 sq inch of ground copper to maximize heat dissipation.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. The /E suffix indicates extended temperature grade but is NOT AEC-Q100 automotive qualified. For AEC-Q100 grade use the PIC24FJ256GA610-I/PT variant. Halogen-free status not explicitly listed in vendor data.
