PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/ML - 50MHz 32KB Flash 32-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.59 | $25.90 |
| 100 | $2.18 | $218.00 |
| 500 | $1.95 | $975.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.72 | $1,720.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.55 | $4,650.00 |
PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/ML Overview
A 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer whose data path, registers and ALU are 32 bits wide, allowing it to handle larger data words, richer instruction sets and higher computational throughput than 8-bit or 16-bit MCUs. The PIC32 family implements the MIPS M4K instruction set, giving it RISC-like efficiency with deterministic interrupt latency. Within a system hierarchy, the PIC32MX120 sits at the entry tier of 32-bit microcontrollers, above 16-bit PIC24/dsPIC parts but below the higher-pin-count and higher-memory PIC32MX3/4/5/6/7 and PIC32MZ families.
Key features include up to 21 general-purpose I/O with Peripheral Pin Select (PPS), two UART, two I2C and two SPI/I2S peripherals, a 9-channel 10-bit ADC, four DMA channels and five timers/counters. Separate PLLs for the system clock and USB clock are provided, and the device supports multiple low-power modes (Sleep, Idle, Deep Sleep). The 28-QFN EP package incorporates a thermal pad that must be soldered to the PCB ground plane for proper thermal and electrical performance.
The architecture combines a Harvard bus with a 5-stage pipeline, allowing most instructions to complete in one clock cycle. The MIPS M4K core supports up to 1.56 DMIPS/MHz, delivering roughly 80 DMIPS at 50 MHz. The 32 KB Flash and 8 KB SRAM are addressable via a unified 4 GB virtual memory space mapped through the TLB, and DMA can offload data movement between peripherals and memory without CPU intervention.
Typical applications include USB HID devices, low-cost graphics and audio front-ends, IoT edge nodes, sensor hubs, industrial control user interfaces, and consumer appliances that need 32-bit performance but cannot justify higher-memory PIC32 variants. The integrated USB 2.0 full-speed controller makes it well suited for USB peripherals such as keyboards, mice, CDC devices and custom HID game controllers.
When designing with this device, ensure the exposed pad (EP) is soldered to a sufficiently large copper pour for thermal dissipation and ground reference. The PPS feature allows remapping of most digital peripherals to a wide range of I/O pins, simplifying PCB layout and BOM reuse across product variants. Decoupling capacitors (typically 100 nF plus 4.7 uF bulk) should be placed as close as possible to the VDD/VSS pins.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative MPNs and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, helping engineers make faster and more informed sourcing and design decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/ML — 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 PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature Range, Peripheral Pin Select (PPS).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MX120F032BT-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX120F032BT-V/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX130F064B-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX130F064B-V/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.54 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX220F032B-50I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | MIPS32 M4K |
| Core Architecture | 32-bit RISC, 5-stage pipeline |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 50 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB (32K x 8) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 8 KB |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 21 |
| ADC | 9-channel, 10-bit |
| DMA Channels | 4 |
| Timers | 5 (16-bit / 32-bit configurable) |
| UART | 2 |
| SPI / I2S | 2 |
| I2C | 2 |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| PLL | Separate system and USB PLLs |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (6x6 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, I grade) |
| MSL Level | 3 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — General-purpose I/O / analog input AN0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — General-purpose I/O / analog input AN1 |
| Pin 3 | RB0 — General-purpose I/O / PGED1 (programming data) |
| Pin 4 | RB1 — General-purpose I/O / PGEC1 (programming clock) |
| Pin 5 | RB2 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | RB3 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 8 | RB4 — General-purpose I/O / SDA1 I2C data (PPS) |
| Pin 9 | RB5 — General-purpose I/O / SCL1 I2C clock (PPS) |
| Pin 10 | RB6 — General-purpose I/O / ICD PGC2 |
| Pin 11 | RB7 — General-purpose I/O / ICD PGD2 |
| Pin 12 | VDD — Positive supply 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| Pin 13 | RB8 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB9 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 15 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 16 | RA2 — General-purpose I/O / analog input AN2 / CVREF- |
| Pin 17 | RA3 — General-purpose I/O / analog input AN3 / CVREF+ |
| Pin 18 | RA4 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 19 | RA5 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 20 | RA6 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 21 | RC0 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 22 | RC1 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 23 | RC2 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 24 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 25 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 26 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Positive supply 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| Pin 28 | D+ — USB D+ data line (with internal pull-up) |
Typical Applications
PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Devices (Keyboard, Mouse, Custom Controllers), Low-Cost Graphics and Audio Front-Ends, Industrial Sensor Hubs and Control Modules, IoT Edge Nodes and Battery-Operated Devices, Consumer Appliance User Interfaces, USB-to-UART/I2C/SPI Bridge Dongles.
USB HID Devices (Keyboard, Mouse, Custom Controllers)
The PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/ML is purpose-built for USB 2.0 full-speed device applications thanks to its on-chip USB controller and dedicated USB PLL that generates the 48 MHz reference independently from the system clock. At 50 MHz the MIPS M4K core easily handles USB interrupt latency plus HID report parsing, while the 32 KB Flash fits a typical HID descriptor, bootloader and application report logic. The exposed-pad 28-QFN package keeps the BOM compact and supports hand-held form factors. Engineers commonly pair this part with low-cost USB connectors and use PPS to remap USB D+/D- to convenient I/O locations, simplifying PCB layout. Drop-in alternatives within the family include the PIC32MX130F064B-I/ML when more Flash is needed for richer HID feature sets.
Recommended
Low-Cost Graphics and Audio Front-Ends
The PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/ML serves as a cost-effective front-end controller for small TFT-LCG displays, button/keypad scanning and audio DAC interfaces via its I2S peripheral. The 9-channel 10-bit ADC and 4 DMA channels can continuously stream audio or touch samples without CPU intervention, leaving MIPS headroom for UI rendering. Operating from 2.3 V to 3.6 V allows direct connection to single-cell Li-Ion or 3.3 V regulated rails. Designers frequently pair the MCU with a small SPI flash for asset storage and an I2C GPIO expander for keypad scanning. The exposed-pad QFN enables ground-referenced noise immunity for sensitive analog audio paths.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Hubs and Control Modules
In industrial sensor hubs, the PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/ML aggregates data from multiple analog and digital sensors using its 9-channel 10-bit ADC, two I2C busses and two SPI ports. The 4-channel DMA engine offloads sensor reads, freeing the 50 MHz MIPS M4K core for filtering, threshold checks and Modbus or CANopen-style protocol framing. The I-grade operating temperature range (-40 C to +85 C) and 2.3 V to 3.6 V supply tolerance suit 24 V industrial bus systems stepped down through a switching regulator. The exposed pad aids thermal dissipation in enclosed industrial housings, and the USB device port enables field firmware upgrades.
Recommended
IoT Edge Nodes and Battery-Operated Devices
The PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/ML fits battery-powered IoT edge nodes thanks to its Sleep, Idle and Deep Sleep low-power modes plus an on-chip low-power RC oscillator for watchdog wake-up. Sleep current in the tens of microamp range enables multi-year operation with aggressive duty cycling on a CR2032 coin cell or 2 x AA batteries. The 32 KB Flash supports MQTT-SN, CoAP or proprietary lightweight stacks, while the 8 KB SRAM holds in-flight sensor buffers. The I2C and SPI peripherals connect to environmental sensors and sub-GHz radios. The exposed-pad QFN keeps the package compact for wearable and small-form-factor IoT designs.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance User Interfaces
Consumer appliances such as coffee machines, washing machines and air purifiers benefit from the PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/ML's balance of low cost, 32-bit performance and rich peripheral mix. The MCU drives segmented or small TFT-LCG displays, scans capacitive or mechanical keypads via PPS-routed I/O, and controls motor or relay drivers through PWM timers and DMA. USB device support simplifies firmware updates during manufacturing or service. The I-grade operating temperature range covers typical indoor appliance environments, and the 28-QFN package enables slim PCB layouts behind control panels.
Recommended
USB-to-UART/I2C/SPI Bridge Dongles
The PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/ML is widely used as a low-cost USB-to-UART, USB-to-I2C or USB-to-SPI bridge due to its on-chip USB device controller, two UARTs, two I2Cs and two SPIs. The 50 MHz core runs CDC-ACM or vendor-class drivers entirely from 32 KB Flash, while the 8 KB SRAM holds USB endpoint buffers. PPS lets engineers remap bridge signals to convenient pins without external muxes. The 28-QFN package fits inside compact dongle housings, and the exposed pad can be soldered to a USB connector shield for improved EMI performance and thermal dissipation during continuous high-throughput bridging.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MX120F032BT-I/ML | PIC32MX120F032BT-V/ML | PIC32MX130F064B-I/ML | PIC32MX130F064B-V/ML | PIC32MX220F032B-50I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) with EP | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) with EP - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) with EP - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) with EP - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) with EP - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) with EP - same |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 50 MHz | 40 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz |
| Flash Program Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 32 KB |
| Data SRAM | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +105 C (V grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +105 C (V grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) |
| USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device | Yes (dedicated PLL) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DMA Channels | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Key Differentiators
- Dedicated USB PLL independent of system clock (vs PIC32MX130F064B-I/ML)
- Smallest Flash option with full USB + 50 MHz (vs PIC32MX130F064B-I/ML)
- I grade (-40 to +85 C) explicitly specified (vs PIC32MX120F032BT-V/ML)
Design Notes
The 28-QFN exposed pad (EP) must be soldered to a continuous PCB ground plane, ideally with at least 16 thermal vias connecting the top EP to inner ground planes. The EP provides both the primary low-impedance ground reference and the main thermal path; without it the junction temperature can rise above 100 C at moderate activity levels. Recommended copper area is 1 square inch minimum in still air, with thermal vias on a 1.2 mm pitch.
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin (pins 12 and 27) with the loop area minimized. Add a bulk 4.7 uF or 10 uF ceramic on the main 3.3 V rail near the IC. For USB applications, ensure the VBUS sense pin (if used) is connected through a voltage divider; the internal USB transceiver requires a clean 3.3 V regulated rail free from switching noise above 50 mVpp.
Route the crystal traces (OSC1/OSC2) short and symmetric, surrounded by a ground guard ring. Keep high-speed USB D+/D- traces as a 90 ohm differential pair of equal length, with no stubs. Use the Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) feature to remap UART, SPI, I2C and timer outputs to convenient I/O, which often allows simpler multi-layer PCB routing and shorter critical traces.
Estimated: do not exceed 3.6 V on any VDD pin; the absolute maximum is 4.0 V and permanent damage can occur above this. Also, ensure that PGEC1/PGED1 (RB0/RB1) are not driven low at reset, as the ICSP programmer requires these pins for in-circuit serial programming. When migrating from PIC32MX120 to PIC32MX130, verify that any PPS mappings remain valid - the PIC32MX130 family has additional peripheral options but the same I/O set.
For USB designs, place a 90 ohm common-mode choke on D+/D- near the connector, and ensure the device-side USB traces are no longer than 50 mm. The internal pull-up resistor on D+ activates in software, so avoid external pull-ups that could conflict with the USB enumeration sequence. For mixed-signal designs, separate the analog AVSS/AVDD pair (where present) from noisy digital traces and place a ferrite bead in series with AVDD if ADC performance is critical.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip material declaration. Lead-free reflow compatible per JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL-3. AEC-Q100 not applicable (consumer/industrial MCU). Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the verified web data.
