PIC24HJ12GP201-I/P - 16-bit 40MIPS 12KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC24HJ12GP201-I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.2 | $4.20 |
| 10 | $3.78 | $37.80 |
| 100 | $3.36 | $336.00 |
| 500 | $2.94 | $1,470.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.52 | $2,520.00 |
PIC24HJ12GP201-I/P Overview
Background Knowledge: A microcontroller is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM), and integrated peripherals such as timers, ADCs, communication interfaces, and I/O. The PIC24H family sits within Microchip's 16-bit MCU portfolio, positioned between the 8-bit PIC18 and 32-bit PIC32 families. The "HJ" designation indicates a high-performance variant with a modified Harvard architecture, separate program and data buses, and a C-compiler-friendly instruction set. The 16-bit data path enables efficient DSP-style math operations, while the Flash memory supports in-system self-programming for field upgrades.
Key features include 40 MIPS execution speed at an internal FRC of 7.37 MHz (40 MHz with PLL), 12 KB Flash (4K x 24 instruction words), 1 KB RAM, 21 digital I/O pins, a 10/12-bit ADC with up to 10 channels, multiple timers, and communication peripherals (UART, SPI, I2C). The part operates from 3.0 V to 3.6 V and supports industrial temperature grades. The 18-pin PDIP package is ideal for breadboarding, education, and prototype development.
The device uses a 16-bit modified Harvard CPU with a 24-bit instruction word, separate program and data buses, and a hardware multiplier supporting 16x16-bit integer and fractional math in one cycle. A 4-deep instruction prefetch queue and branch prediction reduce pipeline stalls, allowing most instructions to execute in one cycle. The architecture is fully compatible with the dsPIC33F DSC family, enabling migration to DSP-capable silicon with the same peripheral set.
Typical applications include motor control (BLDC, PMSM, stepper), industrial automation, power conversion (digital PFC, inverter control), sensor signal processing, and consumer appliances. The combination of deterministic interrupt response, math acceleration, and C-friendly architecture makes it well suited to closed-loop control applications.
Design consideration: When migrating from PIC24HJ12GP201 to PIC24HJ12GP202, the pinout is compatible but the 202 variant offers more memory and peripherals. For new designs, verify the latest silicon revision (marked on the device) and ensure the selected debug header matches the device footprint.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, providing engineers a faster comparison for different vertical segments and migration paths.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24HJ12GP201-I/P — 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 PIC24HJ12GP201-I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Timers, Mounting Type, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24HJ12GP202-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPIC33FJ12GP201-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.49 / Unit
View Datasheet →dsPIC33FJ12GP202-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24HJ12GP201-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24HJ12GP201-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.87 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24HJ12GP201T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24HJ12GP201-I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC24H 16-bit Microcontrollers |
| Architecture | 16-bit Modified Harvard |
| CPU Core | PIC24H DSP-Enhanced |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 12 KB (4K x 24) |
| RAM | 1 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MIPS |
| Operating Frequency | Up to 40 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 21 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 10 channels |
| Timers | 16-bit (multiple) |
| Communication | UART, SPI, I2C |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (DIP-18) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Programming Method | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
PIC24HJ12GP201-I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (Reset) input, drive low to reset the device |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 3 |
| Pin 6 | RA4/AN4 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage, 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Pin 8 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input or external clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / Programming clock (ICSP) |
| Pin 13 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / Programming data (ICSP) |
| Pin 14 | RA8 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 15 | RA9 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 17 | RA10 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 18 | RB11 — Digital I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC24HJ12GP201-I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Sensor Signal Processing, Digital Power Conversion, Industrial Automation Controllers, Motor Drive (BLDC, Stepper, PMSM), Consumer Appliance Control, Educational / Development Platform.
Sensor Signal Processing
The PIC24HJ12GP201-I/P's 40 MIPS throughput and hardware multiplier make it well suited for conditioning and filtering sensor data in real time. With 12 KB Flash and 1 KB RAM, the device can run FIR or moving-average filters on ADC samples while simultaneously driving UART/SPI/I2C outputs to a main processor. The 10-bit ADC with up to 10 channels provides direct sensor input for temperature, pressure, or strain-gauge signals. The industrial -40C to +85C operating range ensures reliable operation in factory-floor environments.
Recommended
Digital Power Conversion
Closed-loop control of switching power supplies (PFC, LLC, full-bridge converters) demands deterministic interrupt response and fast math, both delivered by the PIC24HJ12GP201-I/P's 16-bit modified Harvard CPU. The hardware multiplier enables one-cycle execution of PI and feedforward loops, while the 40 MIPS throughput supports 100 kHz switching-frequency control loops. The 21 I/O pins accommodate PWM outputs, current/voltage sense inputs, and fault signalling. The 3.0-3.6 V supply aligns with digital-control logic levels in modern SMPS designs.
Recommended
Industrial Automation Controllers
The PIC24HJ12GP201-I/P serves as a peripheral node controller in industrial automation, gathering field-sensor data and forwarding it over UART or CAN via external transceivers. With 12 KB Flash and 1 KB RAM, the MCU can run a small Modbus RTU slave or simple state machine. The 18-pin PDIP package simplifies bench prototyping and field replacement, and the industrial -40C to +85C temperature range ensures operation in unconditioned control cabinets. The 21 I/O pins support digital inputs (limit switches, contact closures) and outputs (relays, LEDs, optocouplers).
Recommended
Motor Drive (BLDC, Stepper, PMSM)
Low-cost BLDC, stepper, and PMSM motor drives benefit from the PIC24HJ12GP201-I/P's deterministic interrupt handling and fast math. The MCU can implement 6-step commutation for BLDC or sinusoidal commutation for PMSM using lookup tables stored in the 12 KB Flash. The 21 I/O pins drive gate-driver inputs, fault outputs, and Hall-sensor or back-EMF inputs. The 40 MIPS CPU ensures the control update rate is fast enough for 50,000 RPM motors, while the 3.3 V supply simplifies interface to modern gate drivers.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC24HJ12GP201-I/P's low cost, modest memory footprint, and 3.3 V operation make it an ideal main controller for small consumer appliances such as blenders, coffee machines, and air purifiers. The MCU handles user interface (buttons, LEDs), sensor input (temperature, level, current), and motor or solenoid actuation via PWM outputs. ICSP enables factory Flash programming, and the robust 16-bit architecture provides reliable long-term operation in cost-sensitive consumer products.
Recommended
Educational / Development Platform
The PIC24HJ12GP201-I/P is widely used in university embedded-systems courses and hobbyist development due to its 18-pin PDIP through-hole footprint that fits breadboards and perfboards. The 40 MIPS performance and 12 KB Flash support teaching of RTOS basics, interrupt-driven design, and embedded C programming. The PIC24HJ12GP201's pinout includes the standard ICSP header (PGECx, PAGTD) for in-circuit debugging via MPLAB ICD or PICkit programmers, and the rich Microchip toolchain (MPLAB X IDE, XC16 compiler, MCC code configurator) lowers the learning curve.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24HJ12GP201-I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24HJ12GP202-I/P | dsPIC33FJ12GP201-I/P | dsPIC33FJ12GP202-I/P | PIC24HJ12GP201-I/SO | PIC24HJ12GP201-E/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PDIP-18 (18-pin DIP) | PDIP-18 - same | PDIP-18 - same | PDIP-18 - same | SOIC-18 - different (SMT) | PDIP-18 - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 12 KB | 24 KB (+100%) | 12 KB (same) | 24 KB (+100%) | 12 KB (same) | 12 KB (same) |
| RAM | 1 KB | 2 KB (+100%) | 1 KB (same) | 2 KB (+100%) | 1 KB (same) | 1 KB (same) |
| CPU Speed | 40 MIPS | 40 MIPS (same) | 40 MIPS (same) | 40 MIPS (same) | 40 MIPS (same) | 40 MIPS (same) |
| DSP Instructions | No | No | Yes (DSP upgrade) | Yes (DSP upgrade) | No | No |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (same) | -40C to +85C (same) | -40C to +85C (same) | -40C to +85C (same) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (PDIP) | Through-Hole (PDIP) | Through-Hole (PDIP) | Through-Hole (PDIP) | Surface Mount (SOIC) | Through-Hole (PDIP) |
Key Differentiators
- DSP-capable drop-in upgrade path available (vs dsPIC33FJ12GP201-I/P)
- Higher memory option in same footprint (vs PIC24HJ12GP202-I/P)
- Extended-grade variant available (vs PIC24HJ12GP201-E/P)
Design Notes
The PIC24HJ12GP201-I/P requires a 3.3 V regulated supply with 100 nF decoupling close to the VDD pin (pin 7). A bulk capacitor of at least 10 uF on the VDD rail helps the device ride through supply transients caused by motor or relay switching. Place the LDO regulator (such as MCP1700) within 50 mm of the MCU to minimize supply-trace inductance.
Route the ICSP signals PGC (pin 12) and PGD (pin 13) to a 6-pin or 5-pin programming header with no series resistors or series components in-line. Keep traces short (<5 cm) and parallel to each other to maintain signal integrity during programming. Add a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR (pin 1) to VDD through a diode (1N4148) for proper ICSP operation per Microchip programming specification.
Do not exceed 3.6 V on VDD - the PIC24HJ12GP201-I/P is a 3.3 V-only device and connecting 5 V will damage it. Use level shifters when interfacing to 5 V peripherals. Also remember to configure unused I/O pins as outputs or inputs with internal pull-ups to minimize supply current in sleep mode per datasheet 70282E section on power-saving modes.
Keep analog input traces (AN0-AN4 on pins 2-6) short and away from switching digital traces or PWM outputs to minimize ADC noise coupling. Place a 100 nF bypass capacitor on each AVSS/AVDD pin if used, and route analog and digital ground separately before joining at a single point near the LDO. The internal ADC can achieve 10-bit ENOB when analog and digital ground are separated on a 2-layer PCB.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q qualified - the standard -I grade is for industrial -40C to +85C operation. For automotive applications use PIC24HJ12GP201-I/PT (TQFP) or the extended temperature -E grade in conjunction with automotive-grade qualification.
