Microchip Technology MA240039

Overview

MA240039 is the PIC24FJ256GA705 Plug-In Module (PIM) from Microchip Technology, a 100-pin daughterboard designed to interface the PIC24FJ256GA705 TQFP-48 microcontroller with the Explorer 16/32 development platform. It provides direct access to 48 MCU I/O pins-including dual mikroBUS™ interfaces, LCD control signals, analog sensor inputs (TC1047A), EEPROM interface, and USB-capable pins-enabling rapid evaluation of mixed-signal peripheral integration.

For engineers reviewing the MA240039 datasheet, MA240039 pinout, MA240039 application, or MA240039 equivalent, this module supports hands-on validation of PIC24FJ256GA705 features including dual I²C channels, 13-channel ADC, 5 PWM outputs, 32.768 kHz SOSC, and primary oscillator circuitry-all mapped to standardized Explorer 16 headers for immediate prototyping.

Technical Context

The MA240039 implements a fixed hardware mapping between the PIC24FJ256GA705's 48-pin TQFP package and the 100-pin PIM connector, with shared signal routing (e.g., RB15 drives both LCD D7 and EEPROM SCK). It integrates passive components including two 18 pF load capacitors for the 32.768 kHz crystal, a 10 µF VCAP decoupling capacitor, and multiple 0.1 µF and 1 µF ceramic bypass capacitors across VDD/VSS rails.

Signal routing prioritizes functional grouping: PIM pins 1–100 allocate dedicated nets for mikroBUS A/B (SPI/I²C/INT/RESET/PWM/AN), LCD4 interface (RS, E, D0–D7), ICSP™ programming (PGC/PGD), MCLR, and analog inputs (POT, TEMP), while unassigned pins remain NC or reserved for future expansion.

Key Specifications

Availability

MA240039 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for embedded prototyping, educational labs, and industrial proof-of-concept development requiring stable component supply, quick-turn evaluation, and compatibility with Microchip's legacy Explorer 16 ecosystem.

Supply support for MA240039 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and development tools for embedded control applications.

The MA240039 belongs to Microchip's PIC® MCU evaluation module product line, engineered to accelerate adoption of the PIC24FJ256GA705 family by providing pre-validated hardware connectivity to industry-standard development platforms.

FAQ

What is the MA240039 used for?

The MA240039 is a plug-in module that enables the PIC24FJ256GA705 microcontroller to operate on the Explorer 16/32 development board. It provides physical and electrical interfacing-including mikroBUS™, LCD, analog sensor, and programming connections-so engineers can evaluate real-time peripheral operation without custom PCB design. The MA240039 simplifies testing of clock configurations, ADC sampling, PWM generation, and I²C/SPI communication using the target MCU.

Does the MA240039 include the PIC24FJ256GA705 MCU?

Yes, the MA240039 integrates the PIC24FJ256GA705 microcontroller in a 48-pin TQFP package mounted directly on the module. The MCU is soldered and fully populated with supporting circuitry including decoupling capacitors, crystal load caps, and pull-up resistors where required. No additional MCU installation is needed-the MA240039 is a complete, ready-to-use evaluation unit.

Which development boards is the MA240039 compatible with?

The MA240039 is specifically designed for use with Microchip's Explorer 16 Development Board (DM240001) and Explorer 32 Development Board (DM320004). Its 100-pin female PIM connector mates directly with the corresponding male header on those boards, enabling mechanical retention and full signal routing per the documented pin mapping in Tables 1 and 2 of the official information sheet.

Can the MA240039 support USB functionality of the PIC24FJ256GA705?

The MA240039 exposes the PIC24FJ256GA705's USB D+ and D− signals via PIM pins 89 (USBDN) and 90 (USBDP), but does not include USB transceiver circuitry, termination resistors, or VBUS sensing. To enable USB communication, external components such as a USB PHY or level-shifting buffer must be added on the Explorer 16 base board or an extension carrier-USB operation requires system-level implementation beyond the MA240039's scope.

How are the mikroBUS™ interfaces implemented on the MA240039?

The MA240039 provides two independent mikroBUS™ sockets (A and B), each with full SPI (SCK/MISO/MOSI/CS), I²C (SCL/SDA), PWM, AN, INT, and RST signals routed to distinct PIC24FJ256GA705 pins. For example, mikroBUS A uses RB13/RB14/RB15 for SPI, while mikroBUS B uses RC2/RB6/RB5-ensuring simultaneous, non-conflicting operation. Pin assignments match mikroElektronika's standard layout for drop-in compatibility with certified click boards.