Microchip PIC24FJ128GA306-I/MR 16-bit Microcontroller Overview and Application Guide

The Microchip PIC24FJ128GA306-I/MR stands as a prominent member of the PIC24F family, representing a powerful and versatile 16-bit microcontroller (MCU) engineered for a broad spectrum of embedded applications. This device is particularly noted for its optimal balance of processing performance, peripheral integration, and power efficiency, making it a preferred choice for designers tackling complex tasks.

At its core, the MCU features a high-performance 16-bit CPU capable of operating at speeds up to 16 MIPS. It is equipped with 128 KB of self-programmable Flash memory and 8 KB of RAM, providing ample space for sophisticated application code and data handling. A key architectural strength is its Direct Memory Access (DMA) controller, which supports multiple channels. This allows data to be transferred between peripherals and memory without CPU intervention, significantly boosting overall system throughput and efficiency.

The peripheral set integrated into this MCU is exceptionally rich, designed to minimize external component count and simplify system design. It includes:

Multiple Communication Interfaces: Multiple UART, SPI, and I²C™ modules facilitate seamless communication with a wide array of sensors, displays, memory chips, and other system components.

Advanced Analog Capabilities: A high-speed 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with up to 16 channels allows for precise measurement of analog signals from the environment.

Robust Timers and Control Peripherals: Numerous 16-bit timers/counters, along with Input Capture/Output Compare (IC/OC) and PWM modules, provide precise timing and control for motor control, power conversion, and digital signal generation applications.

Integrated CTMU: The Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) enables advanced touch sensing and time measurement functions with high resolution, supporting capacitive touch interfaces without external components.

Application areas for the PIC24FJ128GA306-I/MR are vast. Its combination of processing power and integrated peripherals makes it ideal for:

Industrial Control Systems: PLCs, sensor nodes, and industrial automation due to its robust communication features and control peripherals.

Medical Devices: Portable patient monitors and diagnostic equipment, leveraging its analog capabilities and low-power operation.

Consumer Electronics: Advanced human-machine interfaces (HMI) with capacitive touch, appliance control, and gaming accessories.

Automotive and IoT: Body control modules, sensor hubs, and connected edge devices.

The device is offered in a compact 64-QFN (MR) package, suitable for space-constrained designs. It also supports low-power management modes, allowing it to operate effectively in battery-powered applications.

ICGOODFIND: The PIC24FJ128GA306-I/MR is a highly integrated and capable 16-bit microcontroller. Its standout features include a high-performance core with DMA, an extensive set of communication and analog peripherals, and specialized functions like the CTMU. This combination provides an excellent foundation for developing efficient, reliable, and feature-rich embedded systems across industrial, consumer, and medical markets.

Keywords: 16-bit Microcontroller, DMA Controller, Peripheral Integration, Low-Power Management, CTMU