PIC32MK0256GPG064-I/R4X - 32-Bit MCU 120MHz 256KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MK0256GPG064-I/R4X ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.8 | $5.80 |
| 10 | $5.22 | $52.20 |
| 100 | $4.64 | $464.00 |
| 500 | $4.18 | $2,090.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.71 | $3,710.00 |
PIC32MK0256GPG064-I/R4X Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals. The PIC32MK family specifically combines a 32-bit MIPS32 microAptiv core with deterministic interrupt handling, hardware math accelerators, and motor-control-friendly peripherals such as high-resolution PWM and quadrature encoder interfaces, placing it in the hierarchical chain: MCU -> embedded controller -> real-time control IC -> semiconductor.
Key features of the PIC32MK0256GPG064-I/R4X include 53 programmable I/O pins, CAN FD support for automotive-grade networking, multiple UART/SPI/I2C interfaces, 12-bit ADC modules with up to 3 MSPS sampling, and ECC-protected Flash memory for enhanced reliability in safety-critical applications. The 64-VQFN package provides a compact 9x9 mm footprint suitable for space-constrained PCB designs.
Architecturally, the PIC32MK0256GPG064 uses a single-core MIPS32 microAptiv processor with hardware multiply/divide, branch prediction, and tightly-coupled memory. It also integrates dedicated motor-control PWM modules with edge-aligned and center-aligned modes, making it well-suited for field-oriented control (FOC) of three-phase BLDC and PMSM motors.
Typical applications include industrial motor drives (BLDC, PMSM, ACIM), solar inverters, industrial automation PLCs, multi-channel data acquisition systems, and CAN-FD-enabled automotive ECUs. The combination of high-performance 32-bit processing with motor-control peripherals makes it ideal for real-time closed-loop control applications.
When designing with this device, ensure adequate decoupling on the VDD pins (typically 100nF ceramic per pin plus bulk capacitance) and follow Microchip's layout guidelines for the VQFN exposed pad, which must be soldered to the ground plane for proper thermal dissipation. Pay attention to the 2.3V-3.6V supply range when interfacing with 5V peripherals.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the PIC32MK family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, providing a single-source reference for engineers evaluating this MCU.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MK0256GPG064-I/R4X — 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 PIC32MK0256GPG064-I/R4X (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture, MSL Level, Maximum CPU Frequency.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MK0256GPG064-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MK0512GPG064-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.61 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MK1025GPG064-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MK0256MCJ064-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.47 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MK0256GPG048-E/7MX
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MK0256GPG064-I/R4X Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | MIPS32 microAptiv |
| Core Count | Single-core |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 120 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 256 KB (256K x 8) Flash |
| RAM Size | 64 KB |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 53 |
| Package | 64-VQFN (9x9 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| CAN | CAN FD |
| ADC | 12-bit |
| Flash Protection | ECC protected |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC32MK0256GPG064-I/R4X 64-vqfn (9x9 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC32MK0256GPG064-I/R4X (64-vqfn (9x9 mm) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for PIC32MK0256GPG064-I/R4X.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC32MK0256GPG064-I/R4X is suitable for 6 applications: Three-Phase BLDC Motor Control, Solar Inverter Control, Industrial PLC and Automation, Multi-Channel Data Acquisition, Automotive ECU with CAN FD, IIoT Edge Gateway Sensor Node.
Three-Phase BLDC Motor Control
The PIC32MK0256GPG064-I/R4X fits three-phase BLDC motor control because of its 120MHz MIPS32 microAptiv core executing FOC (field-oriented control) loops within microsecond cycle times, plus integrated high-resolution PWM modules with 1ns edge resolution and quadrature encoder interfaces. The 256KB Flash holds FOC lookup tables and PI controller gains, while 64KB RAM supports state observers. Three independent PWM channels with complementary outputs drive the inverter directly, replacing discrete gate-driver MCU combinations. Designers typically configure the 12-bit ADC to sample phase currents at the PWM center point for lowest noise. With 53 GPIO, the MCU also handles Hall sensors, brake inputs, and CAN-FD communication to the host controller. Compared to a Cortex-M0 alternative, the PIC32MK delivers superior deterministic interrupt response at equivalent MHz.
Recommended
Solar Inverter Control
The PIC32MK0256GPG064-I/R4X is well-suited for solar inverter MPPT control because its 120MHz core computes incremental-conductance MPPT algorithms in real time while the 12-bit ADC samples panel voltage and current simultaneously. With 256KB Flash the device stores grid-synchronization PLL code, anti-islanding logic, and adaptive MPPT state machines. The CAN FD interface enables communication with external inverters in string-monitoring topologies. Industrial -40C to +85C operation tolerates outdoor inverter enclosures. Designers benefit from the ECC-protected Flash for reliable long-term operation in remote installations. Compared to a discrete DSP+FPGA solution, this single-chip PIC32MK approach reduces BOM cost by approximately 40 percent while meeting UL1741 grid-compliance timing requirements.
Recommended
Industrial PLC and Automation
The PIC32MK0256GPG064-I/R4X suits industrial PLC applications due to its CAN FD interface for DeviceNet and CANopen protocols, multiple UART ports for Modbus RTU, and 53 GPIO for digital I/O expansion. The 120MHz MIPS32 core runs ladder-logic interpreters and motion-control algorithms concurrently. ECC Flash protection prevents bit-flip corruption in electrically noisy factory environments. The 2.3-3.6V supply range with industrial temperature grade supports 24V-rail-derived 3.3V systems. With 64KB RAM the MCU executes Modbus TCP stacks or EtherCAT slave libraries for higher-end PLCs. Compared to a 16-bit MCU alternative, the PIC32MK doubles instruction throughput per MHz while integrating more communication peripherals on-chip.
Recommended
Multi-Channel Data Acquisition
The PIC32MK0256GPG064-I/R4X supports multi-channel data acquisition because its 12-bit ADC with up to 3 MSPS sampling captures multiple sensor inputs simultaneously while the 120MHz core performs real-time DSP filtering. The 64KB RAM buffers acquired samples for FFT analysis or statistical computation. CAN FD enables high-speed data upload to a host processor. Industrial temperature range supports factory-floor installations. The 256KB Flash stores calibration coefficients and digital filter coefficients. Compared to an external ADC plus MCU approach, this integrated solution reduces PCB area by approximately 30 percent and eliminates SPI/parallel interface timing issues.
Recommended
Automotive ECU with CAN FD
The PIC32MK0256GPG064-I/R4X serves automotive body-control ECUs due to its integrated CAN FD interface supporting 5Mbps data rates versus classical CAN at 1Mbps. The 120MHz core processes J1939 or CANopen stacks while the 53 GPIO manage switches, sensors, and LED drivers. ECC Flash prevents bit-flip corruption under hood temperature swings. For under-dash applications the industrial -40C to +85C range suffices; for under-hood deployment choose the -E extended temperature variant. Compared to a classical CAN MCU alternative, this PIC32MK enables 5x faster firmware updates over CAN FD, reducing service-bay programming time significantly.
Recommended
IIoT Edge Gateway Sensor Node
The PIC32MK0256GPG064-I/R4X serves IIoT edge sensor nodes because of its CAN FD interface for industrial-network connectivity, multiple UART/SPI/I2C channels for sensor aggregation, and 120MHz MIPS32 core running lightweight TLS or MQTT-SN protocols. The 256KB Flash holds protocol stacks plus application logic, while 64KB RAM supports TLS session buffers. The 64-VQFN package fits compact DIN-rail-mounted sensor enclosures. ECC Flash protection is critical for 24/7 unattended operation in remote deployments. Compared to a Cortex-M0+ IoT MCU, the PIC32MK offers higher determinism and more peripherals but at slightly higher active power consumption.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MK0256GPG064-I/R4X — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MK0256GPG064-I/PT | PIC32MK0512GPG064-I/PT | PIC32MK1025GPG064-I/PT | PIC32MK0256MCJ064-I/PT | PIC32MK0256GPG048-E/7MX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | VQFN-64 (9x9 mm) | TQFP-64 (10x10 mm) - pin-compatible function | TQFP-64 (10x10 mm) | TQFP-64 (10x10 mm) | TQFP-64 (10x10 mm) | VQFN-48 - smaller package |
| Core Architecture | MIPS32 microAptiv 32-bit | MIPS32 microAptiv 32-bit | MIPS32 microAptiv 32-bit | MIPS32 microAptiv 32-bit | MIPS32 microAptiv 32-bit | MIPS32 microAptiv 32-bit |
| CPU Clock | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 120 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 512 KB | 1 MB | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| RAM Size | 64 KB | 64 KB | 128 KB | 256 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| GPIO Count | 53 | 53 | 53 | 53 | 53 | 38 (VQFN-48) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated CAN FD on-chip at 120MHz MIPS32 core (vs PIC32MK0256GPG048-E/7MX)
- ECC-protected Flash memory for industrial reliability (vs PIC32MK0256GPG064-I/PT)
- Compact 9x9 mm VQFN form factor (vs PIC32MK1025GPG064-I/PT)
Design Notes
Estimated: Decouple each VDD pin with a 100nF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 3mm of the pin, plus a single 4.7uF bulk capacitor near the IC. The PIC32MK0256GPG064-I/R4X draws approximately 30mA active at 120MHz per the datasheet DS60001570D. Use a ferrite bead on the analog AVDD supply rail to isolate it from digital switching noise, especially when ADC accuracy matters.
The 64-VQFN package requires the exposed pad (EP) to be soldered to a continuous ground copper pour of at least 25x25 mm for adequate heat dissipation. Without proper EP soldering, junction temperature can rise 30-40C above ambient at full 120MHz operation. Estimated: at typical 30mA active current and 3.3V supply, self-heating is approximately 100mW and the package thermal resistance theta_JA is around 28 C/W with proper EP soldering.
Route the crystal/oscillator traces symmetrically within 5mm of the MCU and keep them short and direct. Place the 12pF-22pF crystal load capacitors adjacent to the crystal, not the MCU pins. The CAN FD TX/RX traces to the transceiver should be impedance-controlled (typically 50 ohm single-ended) and kept under 50mm total length to maintain signal integrity at 5Mbps.
Do not enable the JTAG pins on the same pins as GPIO unless debugging requires it - this disables those GPIOs permanently. Avoid using the ADC channels shared with high-speed PWM outputs simultaneously, as PWM switching noise couples into ADC readings. Configure the FPLL (Frequency Phase-Locked Loop) with input dividers matching the crystal frequency exactly to avoid PLL unlock; the datasheet DS60001570D provides PLL configuration tables for common 8MHz, 12MHz, and 16MHz crystals.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. The PIC32MK0256GPG064-I/R4X is industrial grade (-40C to +85C) and is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive AEC-Q100 qualified variants contact Microchip. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip environmental certification.
