Microchip Technology MA240029

Overview

MA240029 from Microchip Technology is a 100-pin TQFP 16-bit Flash microcontroller in the PIC24FJ128GA310 family, featuring an integrated LCD controller, XLP extreme low-power operation, 128 KB flash/8 KB SRAM, and dual 3-wire/4-wire SPI with 8-level FIFO. It serves as a system-on-chip for battery-powered instrumentation and industrial HMI displays.

For engineers reviewing the MA240029 datasheet, MA240029 pinout, MA240029 application, or MA240029 equivalent, key selection criteria include Deep Sleep current (40 nA @ 3.3 V), RTCC operation in VBAT mode, 24-channel 12-bit ADC with 200 ksps conversion rate, and Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) remapping capability for flexible I/O routing.

Technical Context

The MA240029 implements a modified Harvard architecture CPU delivering up to 16 MIPS at 32 MHz via a 4× PLL from an 8 MHz internal oscillator. Its power management includes five distinct low-power modes-Deep Sleep (40 nA), Sleep, Idle, Doze, and VBAT-with independent regulation of 1.8 V and 1.2 V domains for core and peripherals.

It integrates six hardware modules critical for embedded sensing and display: a 60-segment × 8-common LCD controller with internal charge pump and biasing; a 32-bit CRC generator; a Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) supporting 24-channel capacitive touch with 1 ns timing resolution; seven input capture and seven output compare/PWM modules; and a six-channel DMA engine servicing all peripherals without CPU intervention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MA240029 is housed in a 100-pin Thin Quad Flat Package (TQFP) with 0.5 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant, and rated for industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). Pin functions are validated per DS30009996G-page 5 pin diagram and Table 1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 16-bit microcontroller applications.

Compared with PIC24FJ128GA308 and PIC24FJ64GA310, MA240029 provides the largest on-chip resources-128 KB flash, 24 ADC channels, and full 480-segment LCD support-making it optimal for feature-rich, long-lifecycle HMI and metering systems where code growth and display complexity are expected.

Availability

MA240029 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart energy meters, industrial HMIs, portable medical devices, and environmental monitoring systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and verified low-power performance.

Supply support for MA240029 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The PIC24FJ128GA310 product line was designed for ultra-low-power, LCD-integrated embedded applications-including utility meters, portable instruments, and industrial control panels-where extended battery life and integrated display driving are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum Deep Sleep current specification for MA240029?

The MA240029 achieves a typical Deep Sleep current of 40 nA at 3.3 V, as specified in DS30009996G-page 1. This value includes active RTCC and WDT operation. The ultra-low quiescent current enables decade-long operation on coin-cell batteries in metering and IoT edge nodes. Actual measured current depends on VCAP capacitor quality, PCB leakage, and unused pin configuration-leaving analog inputs floating or unconfigured increases current above spec.

Does MA240029 support RTC operation when main VDD is disconnected?

Yes, MA240029 supports Real-Time Clock/Calendar (RTCC) operation in VBAT mode. When VDD is removed and a backup battery is connected to the VBAT pin (pin A7), the RTCC continues running with typical current draw of 400 nA at 32 kHz and 3.3 V. This functionality is validated in the "Extreme Low-Power Features" section of DS30009996G and requires proper decoupling of VCAP and configuration of RTCCCON register bits.

How many LCD segments can MA240029 drive, and what biasing method does it use?

MA240029 drives up to 480 segments (60 commons × 8 segments) using internal resistor biasing and an integrated charge pump. The LCD controller operates in Sleep mode, preserving display content without CPU intervention. Bias voltage is programmable via LCDBIAS registers, and contrast is adjustable through software-controlled charge pump gain-eliminating need for external resistors or capacitors in most configurations.

Can MA240029 perform ADC conversions while in Sleep mode?

Yes, MA240029 supports ADC conversions during Sleep and Idle modes. The 12-bit, 24-channel SAR ADC achieves 200 ksps maximum sample rate and retains full functionality-including scan mode, threshold comparison, and DMA-triggered buffering-while the CPU is halted. This allows continuous sensor monitoring (e.g., temperature, voltage) with minimal power penalty, as confirmed in DS30009996G-page 295 (Section 24.0).

What debug interfaces are available on MA240029, and are they compatible with standard Microchip tools?

MA240029 supports In-Circuit Serial Programming™ (ICSP™) and In-Circuit Emulation (ICE) via two dedicated pins: PGEC1 (pin K1) and PGED1 (pin K2). These are fully compatible with Microchip's MPLAB® ICD 4, PICkit™ 4, and Snap debuggers. No additional debug header or SWD/JTAG adapter is required-the interface uses the same 2-pin protocol as other PIC24F devices, enabling firmware update and real-time debugging without footprint overhead.