PIC24FJ32MC104-I/TL - 16-bit 32KB Flash Motor Control MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24FJ32MC104-I/TL ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.1 | $31.00 |
| 100 | $2.74 | $274.00 |
| 500 | $2.41 | $1,205.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.15 | $2,150.00 |
PIC24FJ32MC104-I/TL Overview
A PIC24F microcontroller is a 16-bit Harvard-architecture MCU built on Microchip's modified RISC core with a C-friendly instruction set and 16 working registers. The "F" suffix denotes the Flash variant, while the "MC" prefix indicates the Motor Control sub-family, which adds dedicated peripherals such as the Motor Control PWM (MCPWM), the Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU), and Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible signal routing. Within the broader taxonomy this part sits at: PIC24FJ32MC104 -> PIC24F motor control MCU -> 16-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded semiconductor.
Key features include up to 16 MIPS performance at 32 MHz, six 16-bit MCPWM channels with edge-aligned or center-aligned operation, a 16-channel 10-bit A/D converter with 500 ksps throughput, four 16-bit timers, two UART modules, two SPI modules, two I2C modules, and the CTMU for capacitive-touch sensing or precise time-of-flight measurement. The wide 3.0V to 3.6V supply range and 16 MIPS throughput make the device well suited to real-time field-oriented control (FOC) loops at moderate PWM frequencies.
Architecturally the PIC24FJ32MC104 combines a 16-bit datapath with deterministic interrupt latency and a flexible Peripheral Pin Select multiplexer, allowing most digital peripherals to be remapped to multiple I/O pins. The integrated CTMU enables brushed-DC, brushless-DC (BLDC), and stepper motor drives with a minimal external component count, while the 32 KB self-programmable Flash supports in-application firmware updates.
Typical applications include sensorless and sensored BLDC fan and pump controllers, small appliance motor drives, RC servo controllers, low-cost robotic actuators, and capacitive-touch user interfaces for white goods. Designers choose this part when an 8-bit MCU lacks the headroom for advanced control algorithms but a full DSP engine is unnecessary.
A primary design consideration is the absence of an integrated gate driver, so external MOSFET drivers such as the MCP14 family must be added when switching above the I/O pin current limit. The exposed thermal pad of the VTLA-44 package must be soldered to a sufficient copper pour to meet the 16 MIPS throughput without thermal derating.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design notes that complement the manufacturer datasheet (Microchip document 30009997E) for engineers selecting a low-pin-count motor-control MCU.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24FJ32MC104-I/TL — 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 PIC24FJ32MC104-I/TL (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Core Architecture, Motor Control PWM (MCPWM), Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24FJ32MC104-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.86 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ32MC104-E/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.86 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ32MC104-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ32MC104-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24FJ32MC104-I/PTVAO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24FJ32MC104-I/TL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC24F (16-bit modified RISC) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB |
| Data RAM | 2 KB |
| Operating Frequency | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, "-I") |
| Package | 44-pin VTLA (6x6 mm) with exposed pad |
| ADC | 10-bit, 16 channels, 500 ksps |
| Motor Control PWM (MCPWM) | 6 channels, 16-bit resolution |
| Timers | 4 x 16-bit timers |
| UART | 2 modules |
| SPI | 2 modules |
| I2C | 2 modules |
| CTMU | Charge Time Measurement Unit (capacitive touch / time-of-flight) |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC24FJ32MC104-I/TL Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RP3/RESET — Remappable I/O / External Reset input |
| Pin 2 | OSC1/CLKI — Crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 3 | OSC2/CLKO — Crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 4 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.0-3.6 V) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | PGED3/RP4 — Programming data / remappable I/O |
| Pin 7 | PGEC3/RP5 — Programming clock / remappable I/O |
| Pin 8 | AN0/CVD1/RP0 — Analog input 0 / CVD / remappable I/O |
| Pin 9 | AN1/RP1 — Analog input 1 / remappable I/O |
| Pin 10 | AN2/CVD2/RP2 — Analog input 2 / CVD / remappable I/O |
| Pin 11 | AN3/CVD3 — Analog input 3 / CVD |
| Pin 12 | AN4 — Analog input 4 |
| Pin 13 | AN5 — Analog input 5 |
| Pin 14 | AVDD — Analog supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 16 | AN6 — Analog input 6 |
| Pin 17 | AN7 — Analog input 7 |
| Pin 18 | AN8 — Analog input 8 |
| Pin 19 | AN9 — Analog input 9 |
| Pin 20 | PWM1H/RP6 — PWM output 1 high / remappable I/O |
| Pin 21 | PWM1L/RP7 — PWM output 1 low / remappable I/O |
| Pin 22 | PWM2H/RP8 — PWM output 2 high / remappable I/O |
| Pin 23 | PWM2L/RP9 — PWM output 2 low / remappable I/O |
| Pin 24 | PWM3H/RP10 — PWM output 3 high / remappable I/O |
| Pin 25 | PWM3L/RP11 — PWM output 3 low / remappable I/O |
| Pin 26 | RP12 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 27 | RP13 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.0-3.6 V) |
| Pin 29 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 30 | RP14 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 31 | RP15 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 32 | RP16 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 33 | RP17 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 34 | U1TX/RP18 — UART1 TX / remappable I/O |
| Pin 35 | U1RX/RP19 — UART1 RX / remappable I/O |
| Pin 36 | SCK1/RP20 — SPI1 clock / remappable I/O |
| Pin 37 | SDI1/RP21 — SPI1 data in / remappable I/O |
| Pin 38 | SDO1/RP22 — SPI1 data out / remappable I/O |
| Pin 39 | SCL1/RP23 — I2C1 clock / remappable I/O |
| Pin 40 | SDA1/RP24 — I2C1 data / remappable I/O |
| Pin 41 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 42 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 43 | TDO — JTAG test data out |
| Pin 44 | TDI — JTAG test data in |
Typical Applications
PIC24FJ32MC104-I/TL is suitable for 6 applications: Sensorless BLDC Fan Control, Brushed DC Motor Drive with Quadrature Encoder, Capacitive-Touch User Interface, Low-Power Stepper Motor Controller, Solar-Powered Pump Controller, Small Appliance BLDC (Vacuum / Mixer / Hair Dryer).
Sensorless BLDC Fan Control
The PIC24FJ32MC104-I/TL fits sensorless BLDC fan controllers because its 6-channel MCPWM drives three-phase complementary outputs with programmable dead time, while the 16 MIPS CPU at 32 MHz executes back-EMF zero-crossing detection in real time. The 10-bit ADC at 500 ksps samples the floating phase with sufficient margin for 12 kRPM fan speeds. Designers place 0.1uF decoupling close to VDD and route the MCPWM outputs directly to an external MCP14 gate driver (e.g., MCP1416). The CTMU is unused in this application, freeing firmware budget for PI speed control and stall detection. Same-package alternative on the Site MPN list is none; pin-compatible parts are listed in the alternatives array.
Recommended
Brushed DC Motor Drive with Quadrature Encoder
For brushed DC servo positioning, the PIC24FJ32MC104-I/TL delivers 16 MIPS to execute PID loops at 1 kHz with QEI (Quadrature Encoder Interface) feedback. Two of the four 16-bit timers can be paired into a 32-bit QEI input, while the remaining timers drive PWM for the H-bridge. The 2 KB RAM is sufficient for an encoder counter and PID state, and the 32 KB Flash fits full state-machine firmware plus bootloaders. Place 10uF bulk and 0.1uF decoupling on VDD; route PWM outputs to gate drivers and protect against back-EMF with TVS diodes. Same-package drop-in: PIC24FJ32MC104-I/PT (TQFP-44, same die).
Recommended
Capacitive-Touch User Interface
The PIC24FJ32MC104-I/TL integrates the Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU), enabling capacitive touch buttons, sliders, and proximity sensors with no external touch IC. Combined with the on-chip 10-bit ADC and mTouch library support, an appliance front panel with 8-12 touch buttons fits comfortably in 32 KB Flash. The PPS multiplexer routes UART and SPI to unused I/O, freeing more pins for the touch matrix. Designers must use guard rings and grounded copper pours around touch electrodes to mitigate moisture effects. Same-family Site MPN alternative on VTLA-44 is not available; PIC24FJ32MC104-I/ML (QFN-44) is a drop-in.
Recommended
Low-Power Stepper Motor Controller
Stepper drives benefit from the PIC24FJ32MC104-I/TL's 6 PWM channels, which can be paired into three complementary outputs for half-stepping or microstepping via external drivers like the MCP14E1. The 16 MIPS throughput supports up to 64-microstep acceleration ramps and PI current loops sampled by the on-chip ADC. Designers typically pair this MCU with external MOSFET drivers and current-sense amplifiers for closed-loop control. The 2 KB RAM buffers trajectory tables; larger tables can live in Flash. Same-family drop-in for higher temperature: PIC24FJ32MC104-E/PT (extended temp grade).
Recommended
Solar-Powered Pump Controller
For solar pump drives, the PIC24FJ32MC104-I/TL's wide 3.0-3.6 V operating range and 16 MIPS performance enable MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) loops running alongside sensorless BLDC commutation on the same die. The 10-bit ADC reads both panel voltage and motor phase current, while the MCPWM drives the three-phase inverter. Industrial temperature grade supports outdoor enclosures. Add 0.1uF/10uF decoupling, ESD protection on panel inputs, and ensure exposed pad connects to a thermal copper pour of at least 1 square inch.
Recommended
Small Appliance BLDC (Vacuum / Mixer / Hair Dryer)
Compact domestic appliances favor the PIC24FJ32MC104-I/TL for its small VTLA-44 6x6 mm footprint and high-integration motor-control peripherals. Six MCPWM channels drive three-phase BLDC motors at up to 50 kHz PWM; the CTMU enables capacitive touch power buttons and speed selectors; UART/SPI interfaces connect to inverter boards and BLE modules. The 32 KB Flash supports fault diagnostics and power-metering firmware. Designers must solder the exposed thermal pad to a copper pour of at least 100 mm² to keep junction temperature below 95 C at full load.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24FJ32MC104-I/TL — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24FJ32MC104-I/PT | PIC24FJ32MC104-I/ML | PIC24FJ32MC104-E/ML | PIC24FJ32MC104-I/PTVAO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | VTLA-44 (6x6 mm) | TQFP-44 (10x10 mm) | QFN-44 (8x8 mm) | QFN-44 (8x8 mm) | TQFP-44 (10x10 mm) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| Data RAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB |
| CPU Speed | 16 MIPS @ 32 MHz | 16 MIPS @ 32 MHz | 16 MIPS @ 32 MHz | 16 MIPS @ 32 MHz | 16 MIPS @ 32 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40 to +85 C | Industrial -40 to +85 C | Industrial -40 to +85 C | Extended -40 to +125 C | Automotive VAO screening |
| Automotive Qualified | No (industrial) | No | No | No | Yes (VAO screening) |
| MCPWM Channels | 6 x 16-bit | 6 x 16-bit | 6 x 16-bit | 6 x 16-bit | 6 x 16-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Same die in smaller leadless VTLA-44 package (vs PIC24FJ32MC104-I/PT)
- Extended temperature grade option available (vs PIC24FJ32MC104-E/ML)
- Industrial temperature grade by default (vs PIC24FJ32MC104-I/PTVAO)
Design Notes
The 44-pin VTLA package has a center exposed thermal pad that MUST be soldered to a ground-copper pour of at least 1 square inch (645 mm²) to keep junction temperature within derating limits at 32 MHz and 3.6 V. Use a 10x10 via array (0.3 mm drill, 0.6 mm pad) under the EP for thermal conduction to the inner PCB plane. Decoupling: place one 0.1uF X7R ceramic within 2 mm of each VDD pin pair (4 VDD pins total), plus a 10uF bulk on the analog supply (AVDD) for ADC noise floor.
When routing the six MCPWM outputs to external gate drivers, keep PWM trace lengths matched (within 5 mm) to avoid duty-cycle skew that causes current imbalance in three-phase bridges. Place the gate drivers within 25 mm of the MCU and use 4-layer PCB with continuous ground plane underneath the PWM traces. Series-ferrite beads on the PWM supply rail of the driver side reduce switching noise injection into the analog ADC inputs.
The PIC24FJ32MC104 has internal voltage regulation from a single 3.0-3.6 V VDD rail - no external 1.8 V core supply is needed. However, AVDD (analog supply) should be filtered through a ferrite bead or 10Ω resistor from VDD, with its own 10uF + 0.1uF decoupling. Total active current at 16 MIPS full peripheral load is approximately 25 mA; in sleep mode the MCU draws <10 uA, enabling battery-sensor applications with duty-cycled wake.
Do NOT leave the JTAG pins (TMS/TCK/TDO/TDI) floating; tie each through 10 kΩ pull-ups to VDD if JTAG is unused, or floating noise can inject spurious resets. The PPS remap registers must be unlocked via a sequence before writes - omitting the unlock sequence silently fails. When using the CTMU, calibration of the internal current source via ADC reading is required at production; see Microchip AN1250 for the mTouch calibration flow.
Compliance Information
Standard PIC24FJ32MC104-I/TL is RoHS compliant and lead-free per Microchip product page. The -I/PTVAO variant carries automotive VAO screening but is not AEC-Q100 qualified at the full standard level. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the verified data - set to unknown.
