PIC32MX120F032C-50I/TL - 50MHz 32KB Flash 32-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MX120F032C-50I/TL ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.62 | $3.62 |
| 10 | $3.21 | $32.10 |
| 100 | $2.74 | $274.00 |
| 500 | $2.31 | $1,155.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.02 | $2,020.00 |
PIC32MX120F032C-50I/TL Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash), working memory (SRAM), and a rich set of peripherals (timers, communication controllers, ADC, I/O). Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, the PIC32MX120 sits in the 32-bit microcontroller family, which itself belongs to the embedded computing / system-on-chip (SoC) tier of microcontrollers. The PIC32MX1xx sub-family is Microchip's entry-level 32-bit MIPS line, providing an upgrade path from 8-bit PIC16/PIC18 and 16-bit PIC24/dsPIC designs while staying pin-compatible with select 16-bit packages.
Key features include a maximum CPU clock of 50 MHz delivering 50 MIPS sustained throughput, 32 KB Flash and 8 KB SRAM, USB 2.0 full-speed device/embedded host, up to 23 general-purpose I/O, four 16-bit timers, two UART, two SPI, two I2C, a 10-bit 1 Msps ADC with up to 9 channels, and a 5-bit parallel master port for graphics or external memory expansion. An integrated 8 MHz internal oscillator with PLL supports flexible system clocking without an external crystal. The device operates from 2.3V to 3.6V and is rated for the industrial -40C to +85C temperature range.
The architecture pairs the MIPS32 M4K core with a Harvard-style bus, dedicated peripheral bus, and Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) that remaps most digital peripheral functions to any I/O pin, simplifying PCB routing and BOM reuse across product variants. A 4-channel DMA engine offloads data movement between peripherals and memory, enabling deterministic throughput even under heavy interrupt load. Separate PLLs for the CPU and USB clock domains allow independent optimization of core performance and USB 48 MHz signaling.
Typical applications include USB peripherals, industrial automation controllers, consumer electronics, low-cost graphical user interfaces via the PMP, and automotive body/comfort subsystems. The wide operating voltage and rich peripheral mix make the part well-suited to battery-powered and space-constrained designs where an 8-bit MCU lacks the headroom but a higher-end Cortex-M is over-budget.
When designing with this part, place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin and provide a solid ground plane connected to the exposed pad, which must be soldered for thermal dissipation and electrical reference. Configure the configuration words early in firmware development because incorrect clock or debug settings can lock the device until a programmer resets them.
This page synthesizes verified distributor stock and pricing, drop-in alternatives within the PIC32MX family, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet summary.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MX120F032C-50I/TL — 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 PIC32MX120F032C-50I/TL (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, USB, Core, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MX120F032CT-50I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX120F032C-I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX130F064C-50I/TL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX130F256BT-V/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX110F016D-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX120F032C-50I/TL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | MIPS32 M4K, 32-bit, 5-stage pipeline |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 50 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB (32K x 8) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 8 KB |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Package | 36-VTLA (5x5 mm) with exposed thermal pad |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device/Embedded Host |
| ADC | 10-bit, 1 Msps, up to 9 channels |
| Timers | Four 16-bit Timer/Counter modules |
| UART | 2 |
| SPI | 2 |
| I2C | 2 |
| DMA Channels | 4 (with automatic data size detection) |
| Parallel Master Port (PMP) | Yes, 5-bit address / 8-bit data |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes, remappable digital peripherals |
| PLLs | Separate PLLs for CPU and USB clocks |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz internal RC with PLL |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC32MX120F032C-50I/TL Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Supply voltage (2.3V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RA5 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 10 | RA7 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 11 | RB0 — General purpose I/O / programming |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 17 | RB6 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 18 | RB7 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 19 | RB8 — General purpose I/O |
| Pin 20 | RB9 — General purpose I/O |
| Pin 21 | RC1 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 22 | RC2 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 23 | RC3 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 24 | RC4 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 25 | VDD — Supply voltage (2.3V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 26 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 27 | RC5 — General purpose I/O |
| Pin 28 | RC6 — General purpose I/O |
| Pin 29 | RC7 — General purpose I/O |
| Pin 30 | RC8 — General purpose I/O |
| Pin 31 | RC9 — General purpose I/O |
| Pin 32 | D+ — USB D+ data line |
| Pin 33 | D- — USB D- data line |
| Pin 34 | VBUS — USB VBUS sensing |
| Pin 35 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 36 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output |
Typical Applications
PIC32MX120F032C-50I/TL is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Peripherals, Industrial Automation Controllers, Consumer Electronics with Graphics, Low-Cost Sensor Hubs and IoT Edge Nodes, Automotive Body and Comfort Modules, Medical Monitoring Accessories.
USB HID Peripherals
The PIC32MX120F032C-50I/TL integrates USB 2.0 full-speed device/embedded host with a dedicated 48 MHz PLL, eliminating the need for an external PHY on HID, CDC, MSD or vendor-class endpoints. With 32 KB Flash and 8 KB SRAM it comfortably runs Microchip's free USB stack, HID report descriptors plus a small application layer, while its 50 MHz MIPS32 M4K core delivers low-latency endpoint servicing. The Peripheral Pin Select block routes D+/D- and VBUS sensing to any spare I/O pin, simplifying PCB layout on space-constrained USB dongles and HID keyboards.
Recommended
Industrial Automation Controllers
The PIC32MX120F032C-50I/TL is well suited to industrial PLC-style modules where its 50 MHz MIPS32 core runs deterministic 32-bit control loops, its 10-bit 1 Msps ADC samples analog process variables, and its four 16-bit timers generate PWM for motor or valve actuation. The industrial -40C to +85C rating and 2.3-3.6 V supply range tolerate 24 V-derived rails with simple LDO regulation. Peripheral Pin Select lets the same PCB host SPI, UART, and I2C peripherals regardless of pin mapping, which is invaluable for multi-protocol industrial gateway modules.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics with Graphics
The integrated Parallel Master Port (PMP) on the PIC32MX120F032C-50I/TL drives small TFT/STN graphical LCDs and external memory, enabling low-cost graphical user interfaces on appliances, e-readers and smart-home panels. The 50 MHz CPU core renders bitmap fonts and lightweight menus while leaving enough Flash for the application. The exposed thermal pad on the VTLA-36 package keeps the part cool under sustained display refresh, even in sealed consumer enclosures with minimal airflow.
Recommended
Low-Cost Sensor Hubs and IoT Edge Nodes
The PIC32MX120F032C-50I/TL's 4-channel DMA engine moves sensor data between I2C/SPI peripherals and SRAM without CPU intervention, enabling low-power edge aggregation of temperature, humidity and motion sensor data. Its USB device mode simplifies tethered commissioning via CDC, while the 50 MHz core and 32 KB Flash comfortably host Microchip's Harmony TCP/IP lite stack for gateway-bound telemetry. The industrial temperature grade and small 5x5 mm package make it a strong choice for hidden IoT nodes behind walls or inside enclosures.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Comfort Modules
While the PIC32MX120F032C-50I/TL itself is industrial grade, it is widely used in non-safety automotive body electronics such as seat controllers, HVAC panels and lighting dimmers where the -40C to +85C rating and the robust MIPS32 core deliver predictable behaviour. The integrated USB host lets the same module play back audio from USB sticks or media buttons, and the 10-bit ADC reads thermistor-based temperature sensors directly. The exposed thermal pad of the VTLA-36 package aids long-term reliability under the thermal cycling seen in cabin environments.
Recommended
Medical Monitoring Accessories
The PIC32MX120F032C-50I/TL is used in non-implantable medical accessories such as portable pulse oximeters, blood pressure cuffs and connected thermometers where deterministic USB charging and data logging are required. Its 32-bit math accelerates simple DSP-style filtering of photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals, and the USB device mode supports both charging and CDC data transfer on a single port. The wide 2.3-3.6 V supply range accommodates single-cell Li-ion rails plus low-dropout regulation for clean analog ADC measurements.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MX120F032C-50I/TL — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MX120F032CT-50I/TL | PIC32MX120F032C-I/TL | PIC32MX130F064C-50I/TL | PIC32MX130F256BT-V/ML | PIC32MX110F016D-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 36-VTLA (5x5) | 36-VTLA (5x5) - same | 36-VTLA (5x5) - same | 36-VTLA (5x5) - same | QFN-28 - different package, NOT pin-compatible | TQFP-64 - different package, NOT pin-compatible |
| Core | MIPS32 M4K, 32-bit | MIPS32 M4K | MIPS32 M4K | MIPS32 M4K | MIPS32 M4K | MIPS32 M4K |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 40 MHz (industrial speed grade) | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB (+100%) | 256 KB (+700%) | 16 KB (-50%) |
| SRAM | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB (+100%) | 32 KB (+300%) | 4 KB (-50%) |
| USB | USB 2.0 FS device/host | USB 2.0 FS device/host | USB 2.0 FS device/host | USB 2.0 FS device/host | USB 2.0 FS device/host | USB 2.0 FS device/host |
| 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 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +105C (extended) | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Same VTLA-36 footprint with 100% more Flash and SRAM (vs PIC32MX130F064C-50I/TL)
- Same VTLA-36 die, identical specifications (vs PIC32MX120F032CT-50I/TL)
- Lower cost industrial-grade sibling at 40 MHz (vs PIC32MX120F032C-I/TL)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin, with a 4.7 uF bulk capacitor near the regulator output. The exposed thermal pad of the VTLA-36 package must be soldered to a continuous PCB ground pour to provide both thermal relief and a low-impedance reference for the analog ADC measurements.
Configure the configuration words (FOSC, FWDT, FPOR, FICD) early in firmware development. A misconfigured oscillator or debug setting can lock the device until a programmer applies an external reset sequence, costing days of debugging. The ICSP pins (PGECx/PGEDx) must remain accessible in the final PCB layout for in-field firmware updates and recovery.
Route the USB D+ and D- traces as a 90 ohm differential pair, kept under 50 mm and matched within 2 mm of each other. Place the USB connector close to the MCU, avoid any via stubs on the differential pair, and keep them well away from switching power or PWM signals to preserve signal integrity at full-speed (12 Mbps).
Estimated: at 50 MHz CPU clock with peripherals active, the core draws approximately 30 mA from 3.3 V (about 100 mW). The VTLA-36 package with a properly soldered thermal pad has theta_JA around 35 C/W, resulting in a junction temperature rise of only 3-4 C above ambient - well within the -40C to +85C industrial rating.
Compliance Information
Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; refer to PIC32MX variants with Q1 suffix for automotive applications. RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page.
