PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/SO - 50MHz 32-bit MCU 32KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.1 | $4.10 |
| 10 | $3.69 | $36.90 |
| 100 | $3.28 | $328.00 |
| 500 | $2.94 | $1,470.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.62 | $2,620.00 |
PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/SO Overview
A 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip processor whose datapath, registers and ALU are 32 bits wide, enabling it to execute larger data operations in a single instruction compared with 8- or 16-bit MCUs. PIC32MX parts sit in Microchip's hierarchy between 16-bit PIC24/dsPIC devices and higher-performance ARM Cortex-M SAM MCUs, and belong to the broader microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor taxonomy. They are widely used in cost-sensitive applications that need more throughput than 8-bit PIC16/PIC18 devices can deliver without migrating to ARM-class parts.
The headline specifications of the PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/SO are: a 50 MHz maximum CPU clock (with 40 MHz variants in the same family), 32 KB (32K x 8) of on-chip Flash, 8 KB of SRAM, an operating voltage range of 2.3 V to 3.6 V, an industrial temperature grade (-40 °C to +85 °C) denoted by the 'I' suffix, and a 28-pin Small-Outline IC (SOIC / SO) gull-wing surface-mount package with Tape & Reel packaging. The 'T' suffix indicates tape-and-reel delivery and the 'BT' suffix indicates the industrial temperature grade combined with a 50 MHz speed grade.
Architecturally, the part uses a MIPS32 M4K core with 5-stage pipeline, single-cycle multiply, and hardware multiply/divide. It integrates Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible I/O mapping, two I2S/SPI modules for audio and codec connectivity, a Parallel Master Port (PMP) for graphics interfaces, a Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) for mTouch capacitive touch, multiple ADC channels, and a general-purpose DMA controller. Boundary scan (JTAG) support is included for production test.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer appliances, USB audio bridges, capacitive touch user interfaces (mTouch), small graphics-driven HMI panels via PMP, industrial sensor hubs, and educational/prototyping platforms that benefit from the MPLAB X IDE and Harmony framework. The combination of PPS and ample analog peripherals makes it attractive when migrating from PIC18 designs that need more code space.
Designers should note that the 28-SOIC package has limited thermal headroom for high-current loads; verify the I/O source/sink ratings against the application. The 'B' pinout revision can differ from earlier 'F' revisions, so always re-validate the schematic against the current Microchip datasheet DS60001168L before layout. This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in SOIC alternatives, and application notes that complement the official Microchip datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/SO — 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/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, Timers, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MX120F032B-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | MIPS32 M4K |
| Core Size | 32-bit single-core |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 50 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB (32K x 8) |
| RAM | 8 KB (8K x 8) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 21 |
| Package | 28-SOIC (SO) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (gull-wing) |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40 °C to +85 °C) |
| Family | PIC32MX1XX/2XX |
| Peripherals | PPS, I2S/SPI x2, PMP, CTMU, DMA, ADC |
| Connectivity | I2C, SPI, UART, I2S, PMP, JTAG (boundary scan) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel |
PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/SO 28-soic (so) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/SO (28-soic (so) 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 PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/SO.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Capacitive Touch User Interface (mTouch), Low-Cost Industrial Sensor Hub, Small Graphics HMI via PMP, Consumer Appliance Control Board, USB to UART/I2C/SPI Bridge Dongle, Educational and Prototyping Platform.
Capacitive Touch User Interface (mTouch)
The PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/SO is a strong fit for capacitive touch user interfaces thanks to its integrated Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) and 21 general-purpose I/O pins. The CTMU hardware directly drives mTouch buttons and sliders without requiring an external touch controller, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. With 32 KB of Flash, firmware can comfortably host touch scanning, debounce, and a small graphics or LED feedback routine, while 8 KB of SRAM is sufficient for a 12-button state machine plus UART debug buffers. Designers route the touch electrodes directly to GPIO via Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible PCB layout, and the 50 MHz MIPS32 M4K core processes touch scans in well under 1 ms per cycle.
Recommended
Low-Cost Industrial Sensor Hub
The PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/SO serves well as a sensor hub in industrial equipment where the industrial temperature grade (-40 °C to +85 °C, 'I' suffix) and 2.3-3.6 V supply tolerance allow direct operation from a 3.3 V regulated rail. Its 10-bit ADC and multiple I2C/SPI/UART channels let a single MCU aggregate readings from temperature, pressure, and flow sensors, while the integrated DMA controller offloads repetitive ADC sequences from the CPU. The 32 KB Flash budget is ample for Modbus RTU or simple proprietary protocols, and the 28-SOIC package simplifies hand-solderable prototypes. Consider pairing with an external RS-485 transceiver for industrial bus connectivity.
Recommended
Small Graphics HMI via PMP
The Parallel Master Port (PMP) integrated in the PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/SO enables direct connection to small parallel LCDs and OLED displays, making it suitable for low-resolution graphical HMIs such as thermostat UIs or appliance control panels. With 32 KB Flash and 8 KB SRAM, designers can store a small font table and a handful of bitmap screens in Flash while keeping a frame buffer in RAM. The 50 MHz core refreshes QVGA-resolution panels without flicker, and the PPS feature reassigns peripheral pins to free up PMP lines for the LCD bus. Designers typically pair this MCU with a 2.4-inch or 2.8-inch 8/16-bit parallel display.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Board
For consumer appliances such as coffee makers, washing machines, or air purifiers, the PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/SO provides more headroom than PIC18 designs while remaining cost-competitive. The 32 KB Flash fits a state-machine-based UI plus IoT-ready command parsing, while 8 KB SRAM holds sensor history buffers. PWM, ICU, and OC peripherals drive motors and triacs directly through optocouplers, and the I2S/SPI modules interface to audio codecs for products with voice prompts. Industrial temperature grade ('I' suffix) supports indoor appliance environments, and the 28-SOIC footprint is friendly to wave-soldered production lines.
Recommended
USB to UART/I2C/SPI Bridge Dongle
Although the PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/SO does not include on-die USB, the 28-SOIC variant serves as a firmware host in designs that pair it with an external USB-to-UART or USB-to-I2C/SPI bridge IC (such as the MCP2200 or FT232) to expose legacy serial peripherals as USB devices. The 32 KB Flash and 8 KB SRAM comfortably hold command parsing, protocol translation, and a small CLI interpreter, while the 50 MHz MIPS32 M4K core ensures low-latency bridging for HID-class or vendor-class USB profiles. PPS reassigns UART/I2C/SPI pins freely, simplifying PCB routing when the bridge IC sits next to the MCU.
Recommended
Educational and Prototyping Platform
The PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/SO is widely adopted in educational settings and hobbyist prototyping because the MPLAB X IDE, MPLAB Harmony framework, and XC32 compiler are free downloads with no per-seat licensing. Students can develop with the same toolchain used by professional embedded engineers, while the 28-SOIC package is hand-solderable on breakout boards. The 50 MHz MIPS32 M4K core delivers 1.56 DMIPS/MHz (52 DMIPS at 50 MHz peak), teaching real-world performance trade-offs versus 8-bit MCUs. With 32 KB Flash, students can complete meaningful projects such as audio synthesis, motor control, or small protocol stacks without running out of code space.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MX120F032B-I/SO | PIC32MX110F016B-I/SO | PIC32MX130F064B-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC (SO) | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 50 MHz | 40 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB | 64 KB |
| SRAM | 8 KB | 8 KB | 4 KB | 8 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 |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40 to +85 C) | Industrial (-40 to +85 C) | Industrial (-40 to +85 C) | Industrial (-40 to +85 C) |
| USB On-Die | No | No | No | No |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- 50 MHz speed grade in 28-SOIC with full 32 KB Flash and 8 KB SRAM (vs PIC32MX110F016B-I/SO)
- Industrial temperature grade and tape-and-reel packaging in one part number (vs PIC32MX120F032B-I/SO)
- Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) flexibility with CTMU capacitive touch on-die (vs PIC32MX130F064B-I/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 50 MHz CPU clock and typical 0.5 mA/MHz active current, the PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/SO draws approximately 25 mA from the 3.3 V rail. Decouple VDD (pins 13 and 28) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of each pin, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic on the rail. The AVDD pin (if exposed on this 28-SOIC variant) needs its own 100 nF + 10 uF filter to keep ADC readings clean. Always refer to the Microchip PIC32MX1XX/2XX datasheet DS60001168L for exact decoupling recommendations per revision.
The 28-SOIC package has a 1.27 mm pitch and a 300 mil body width, which is hand-solderable but requires thermal relief spokes on power pads to avoid tombstoning during reflow. Place the ICP programming header (PGEDx/PGECx) on a 0.1-inch pitch footprint so that the PICkit 4 or MPLAB ICD 4 can attach without rework. Keep the 32.768 kHz crystal traces short (less than 5 mm) and guarded with a ground pour to minimize jitter on the secondary oscillator, which is critical for RTCC accuracy.
Do not assume the 'B' silicon pinout matches the older 'F' revision without checking datasheet DS60001168L; several peripheral pins moved between revisions and code compiled for one revision can output on the wrong physical pin. The 'BT-50I' tape-and-reel variant has the same die as the tray variant, so firmware is interchangeable. Finally, the 50 MHz maximum applies with specific wait-state and PLL configurations; running peripherals near their limits at the same clock can require careful peripheral bus divider tuning.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliant per Microchip product page. The PIC32MX120F032BT-50I/SO is not AEC-Q100 qualified; automotive applications should consider PIC32MX1XX AEC-Q100 variants. Halogen-free status was not stated in the verified web data and is marked unknown.
