PIC24FJ32MC104T-I/ML - 16-bit Motor Control MCU, 32KB Flash, 44-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC24FJ32MC104T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.85 | $3.85 |
| 10 | $3.46 | $34.60 |
| 100 | $3.07 | $307.00 |
| 500 | $2.77 | $1,385.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.46 | $2,460.00 |
PIC24FJ32MC104T-I/ML Overview
A 16-bit MCU (microcontroller unit) is a single-chip computer with a 16-bit data path, on-chip Flash program memory, RAM, and integrated peripherals such as timers, ADC, communication controllers, and PWMs. The PIC24F family sits within the broader PIC24/dsPIC33 hierarchy of Microchip 16-bit controllers, sharing the same instruction set but offering lower-cost peripherals than dsPIC33 parts. Within the motor-control sub-family, MCUs add hardware PWMs and analog comparators specifically tuned to three-phase inverter switching, eliminating the need for an external gate-driver sequencer.
Key features include a 32 MHz maximum operating frequency, 16 MIPS sustained throughput, 10/12-bit ADC (depending on configuration), 16-bit MCPWM channels with complementary outputs and programmable dead time, and 1.8-3.6 V wide operating voltage. The CTMU enables touch and time-of-flight sensing, while PPS allows nearly every peripheral to be remapped to multiple I/O pins—dramatically simplifying PCB routing on a 44-pin footprint. The VQFN-44 package with exposed pad provides a thermal resistance around 24 C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC JESD51 test board, enabling sustained switching of three-phase inverters at moderate currents. The "T" suffix indicates Tape & Reel packaging and the "I" indicates the industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature grade.
Architecturally, the PIC24FJ32MC104 uses a modified Harvard RISC core with a 24-bit instruction word and 16-bit data path, plus an 8-deep hardware stack and a 17 x 17-bit single-cycle multiplier. The MCPWM block supports edge-aligned and center-aligned modes, independent time bases, and PWM fault inputs—key requirements for safe motor commutation. The PPS remapping fabric connects over 60 internal peripheral signals to the 35 I/O pads without contention, a feature Microchip extended across the PIC24F family to ease mixed-signal routing.
Typical applications include BLDC/PMSM sensorless and sensored motor drives, drone ESCs, RC servo controllers, small appliance fan pumps (HVAC), power tools, and ceiling fans. The wide operating voltage and integrated RTCC also suit battery-powered metering and IoT sensor-actuator nodes that need a periodic wake-up duty cycle.
When designing with this part, place a 1 uF decoupling capacitor close to every VDD/VCAP pin pair, keep the exposed pad soldered to a continuous ground pour for thermal dissipation, and use the PPS register assignments early in firmware planning to avoid late-stage I/O conflicts. The internal voltage regulator requires a low-ESR 10 uF cap on the VCAP pin—omitting it prevents startup. Compared to a dsPIC33 part, the PIC24FJ32MC104 trades the DSP engine for lower cost, so pick the dsPIC33 family only if you actually need sin/cos math acceleration.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24FJ32MC104T-I/ML — 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 PIC24FJ32MC104T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Analog Comparators, Communication Interfaces, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24FJ32MC104T-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24FJ32MC104T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24FJ32MC104-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.86 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ32GA104T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ32GA002T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24FJ64GA002T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24FJ32MC104T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC24F |
| Core Processor | PIC24F (16-bit RISC, modified Harvard) |
| Core Size | 16-bit |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Program Memory Size | 32 KB Flash (11K x 24 words) |
| RAM Size | 2 KB |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Supply Voltage (typical) | 3.3 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 35 |
| Package | 44-pin VQFN (8x8 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Motor Control PWM | 3 x 16-bit MCPWM outputs |
| Analog Comparators | 3 |
| CTMU | Yes (Charge Time Measurement Unit) |
| PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) | Yes |
| RTCC (Real-Time Clock Calendar) | Yes |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, "I" grade) |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel ("T" suffix) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| AEC-Q100 Automotive | Not qualified (Industrial grade only) |
PIC24FJ32MC104T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — General-purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — General-purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — General-purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — General-purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 5 | VDD — Supply voltage (3.3 V typical) |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | RA4 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 8 | RA5 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — General-purpose I/O / oscillator |
| Pin 10 | RA7 — General-purpose I/O / oscillator |
| Pin 11 | RB0 — General-purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — General-purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — General-purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — General-purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 17 | RB6 — General-purpose I/O / ICS PGC |
| Pin 18 | RB7 — General-purpose I/O / ICS PGD |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Supply voltage (3.3 V typical) |
| Pin 21 | RB8 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 22 | RB9 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 23 | RB10 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 24 | RB11 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 25 | RC0 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 26 | RC1 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 27 | RC2 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 28 | RC3 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 29 | RC4 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 30 | RC5 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 31 | RC6 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 32 | RC7 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 33 | RC8 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 34 | RC9 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 35 | MCLR — Master clear reset (active low) |
| Pin 36 | RA8 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 37 | RA9 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 38 | RA10 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 39 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 40 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 41 | VCAP — Internal 1.8 V regulator output (10 uF decoupling) |
| Pin 42 | VDD — Supply voltage (3.3 V typical) |
| Pin 43 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 44 | EPAD — Exposed thermal pad - solder to ground |
Typical Applications
PIC24FJ32MC104T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Sensorless BLDC Fan and Pump Motor Control, Drone Electronic Speed Controller (ESC), Cordless Power Tool Motor Drive, Small Appliance and HVAC Fan Controller, IoT Sensor-Actuator Edge Node, Robotics Servo and Stepper Controller.
Sensorless BLDC Fan and Pump Motor Control
The PIC24FJ32MC104T-I/ML is purpose-built for sensorless BLDC and PMSM motor control in fans and pumps, where its three 16-bit Motor Control PWMs (MCPWM) deliver center-aligned switching with programmable dead time and PWM fault inputs. With 16 MIPS throughput at 32 MHz, the core executes a BEMF zero-crossing sensorless algorithm in under 50 microseconds per electrical cycle, leaving room for housekeeping and commutation smoothing. The three on-chip analog comparators detect BEMF without an external op-amp network, cutting BOM cost on small ceiling fans, refrigerator evaporator fans, and HVAC circulator pumps. Place the device between a 12 V or 24 V rectified rail and a three-phase MOSFET gate driver; the 3.3 V MCU runs from a low-quiescent LDO and PWM outputs feed the driver inputs. The PIC24FJ32MC104T-I/ML's wide 1.8-3.6 V supply lets it ride through brownout events that would brown out a 5 V-only MCU.
Recommended
Drone Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)
The PIC24FJ32MC104T-I/ML is a strong fit for small drone and RC brushless ESCs where size, weight, and rapid commutation update rate all matter. Its three MCPWM channels generate the complementary 25 kHz switching that drives a three-phase FET bridge, while the 16 MIPS core handles throttle curve interpolation, current limiting, and prop-braking all on chip. The 8x8 mm VQFN package keeps the ESC board under 15x20 mm, and the exposed thermal pad dissipates the MCU's own dissipation (typically under 200 mW) - all left below the FET bridge thermal budget. The CTMU is unused in the standard ESC build but is available for optional propeller RPM telemetry. Power tools and hobby drones both benefit from the wide operating voltage (3.0-3.6 V) over a partially drained LiPo, sustaining MCU operation through voltage sags during heavy throttle transients.
Recommended
Cordless Power Tool Motor Drive
For cordless power tools such as drills, impact drivers, and small saws, the PIC24FJ32MC104T-I/ML delivers the closed-loop motor control required for soft-start, stall detection, and torque limiting. The MCPWM block drives the BLDC or universal-motor inverter at 20-50 kHz, while the analog comparators and ADC handle current sensing via a shunt resistor for adaptive torque control. The 16 MIPS core runs the field-weakening algorithm and RPM-by-voltage feedback in real time, freeing firmware engineers from DSP-engine trade-offs. The industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature range covers tool under-hood environments where ambient air inside the plastic housing reaches 60-70 C during heavy loads. The 44-pin VQFN footprint pairs well with a small BLDC inverter PCB below 25x35 mm, enabling compact cordless-tool designs.
Recommended
Small Appliance and HVAC Fan Controller
The PIC24FJ32MC104T-I/ML is well-matched to small appliance and HVAC fan controllers that need variable-speed BLDC operation with quiet acoustic profiles. The MCPWM center-aligned mode with adjustable dead time prevents shoot-through and reduces audible switching noise, while the RTCC enables time-of-day scheduling for smart-fan and air-purifier modes. The wide operating voltage and integrated analog comparators handle tachometer feedback from BEMF or Hall sensors with no external op-amp network. Typical deployments include range hood fans, bathroom exhaust fans, and air-quality circulators where the small 8x8 mm VQFN package fits inside the motor housing itself. The CTMU also enables touch-button user interfaces without an external capacitive-touch IC.
Recommended
IoT Sensor-Actuator Edge Node
The PIC24FJ32MC104T-I/ML serves battery-powered IoT sensor-actuator edge nodes that combine periodic sensor reads with an occasional actuator drive, such as smart-valve controllers, irrigation solenoids, and remote latching relays. The 16 MIPS core runs a small TLS handshake or LoRaWAN MAC, while the RTCC drives deep-sleep duty cycling down to microamp current for multi-year coin-cell deployments. The CTMU enables capacitive soil-moisture or liquid-level sensing without an external timer IC, and the 35 GPIO with PPS remapping makes it easy to assign SPI, I2C, UART, and ADC channels to whatever sensor cluster the node carries. The 1.8-3.6 V supply lets it run directly from a 2xAA alkaline pack or a single Li-ion cell through a low-Iq LDO. The 32 KB Flash is sufficient for a TLS client, a sensor driver stack, and a modest OTA bootloader.
Recommended
Robotics Servo and Stepper Controller
The PIC24FJ32MC104T-I/ML is a good fit for robotics servo and stepper motor controllers in hobby-class robots, CNC accessory axes, and pick-and-place feeders. The MCPWM channels generate precision step pulses for stepper drives, while the analog comparators handle end-stop and stall feedback without an external op-amp. The 16 MIPS throughput executes trapezoidal or S-curve acceleration profiles with sub-millisecond timing resolution, and the 35 GPIO with PPS lets one MCU drive multiple stepper axes with shared SPI to external stepper-driver ICs. The 8x8 mm VQFN footprint is small enough for inline mounting on a robot arm joint PCB, and the exposed pad helps dissipate heat during sustained high-torque holding. Industrial robotics firmware ports easily from the standard PIC24F peripheral library.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24FJ32MC104T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24FJ32MC104T-E/ML | PIC24FJ32MC104T-I/PT | PIC24FJ32MC104-I/PT | PIC24FJ32GA104T-I/ML | PIC24FJ32GA002T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-pin VQFN (8x8 mm) | 44-pin VQFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) | 44-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) | 44-pin QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-pin QFN (8x8 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| RAM Size | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 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 |
| Motor Control PWM | 3 x 16-bit MCPWM | 3 x 16-bit MCPWM | 3 x 16-bit MCPWM | 3 x 16-bit MCPWM | No (general-purpose MCU) | No (general-purpose MCU) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package Land Geometry | QFN - bottom-pad only | QFN - same | TQFP - peripheral gull-wing leads | TQFP - peripheral gull-wing leads | QFN - same | QFN - same |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 3-phase motor-control PWM with hardware fault inputs (vs PIC24FJ32GA104T-I/ML)
- Three on-chip analog comparators for BEMF sensing without external op-amps (vs PIC24FJ32GA002T-I/ML)
- Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) for touch and time-of-flight sensing (vs PIC24FJ16MC102T-I/SS)
Design Notes
The PIC24FJ32MC104T-I/ML requires a 10 uF low-ESR ceramic decoupling capacitor on the VCAP pin (pin 41) - omitting it prevents internal 1.8 V regulator startup and the MCU will not boot. Place a 100 nF 0.1 uF decoupling cap as close as possible to each VDD/VSS pair (pins 5/6, 20/19, 42/43) within 2 mm trace length. Estimated: at 32 MHz full activity, core current is approximately 15-20 mA per Microchip datasheet DS30009997E; the VCAP cap must source this transient without voltage collapse.
Solder the central exposed thermal pad (pin 44) to a continuous ground pour on the top layer with at least 8 thermal vias to the inner ground plane for low thermal resistance. Estimated: with theta_JA around 24 C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC JESD51 test board and MCU dissipation under 100 mW, junction temperature rise is approximately 2-3 C above ambient - well within safe limits even at 85 C. Use the exposed pad as a heatsink only when paired with copper pours on at least 2 layers.
Route the analog comparator inputs (typically shared with ANx pins) away from PWM output traces to prevent BEMF switching noise coupling into the comparator reference. Use a ground-guard trace between the comparator inputs and the PWM outputs on the PCB. The PPS peripheral pin select lets you remap MCPWM, UART, SPI, and IIC signals to multiple pins, so plan the pin assignment early in firmware to avoid late-stage PCB rework. Crystal traces (OSC1/OSC2) should be under 5 mm and surrounded by a ground pour.
Do not exceed the 3.6 V absolute maximum on any VDD pin - even brief overvoltage events above 4.0 V latch up the internal ESD protection diodes. The PIC24FJ32MC104T-I/ML is industrial grade only; for automotive AEC-Q100 designs, the family does not offer a Q-1 variant, so choose a different MCU family. When migrating from a PIC24F general-purpose part, remember that MCPWM registers differ from standard PWM - the center-aligned, fault-input, and dead-time controls require dedicated configuration bits not present on the standard OCx modules.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance confirmed per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the PIC24FJ32MC104 family does not offer an automotive-grade Q-1 variant. Industrial temperature grade only (-40 C to +85 C).
