PIC32MX120F032CT-I/TL - 32-bit MCU 32KB Flash 40MHz 36-VTLA | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MX120F032CT-I/TL ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.85 | $3.85 |
| 10 | $3.45 | $34.50 |
| 100 | $3.05 | $305.00 |
| 500 | $2.72 | $1,360.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.42 | $2,420.00 |
PIC32MX120F032CT-I/TL Overview
A 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable integrated circuit that executes arithmetic, logic, and I/O operations on 32-bit-wide data paths. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC32MX120 sits in the family: microcontroller -> 32-bit MCU -> MIPS M4K architecture -> Microchip PIC32MX1xx general-purpose series -> power management and connectivity IC. The M4K core provides single-cycle multiplication and hardware divide, giving the PIC32MX120 substantially more compute headroom than 8-bit PIC16/18 devices while keeping Microchip's MPLAB X ecosystem.
Key features include 32 KB Flash, 8 KB SRAM, Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible signal routing, USB 2.0 full-speed device support via the integrated transceiver, JTAG/ICSP debug, hardware DMA, an on-chip 8 MHz internal RC oscillator, and configurable power management modes (Run, Idle, Sleep). The 36-pin VTLA (Very Thin Leadless Array) package exposes up to 28 general-purpose I/O pins with 5V-tolerant inputs, and the integrated low-power modes make the device usable in battery-powered designs.
Architecturally, the PIC32MX120 fetches instructions from Flash through a 32-bit prefetch module and executes them on the M4K pipeline. USB is implemented through an integrated SIE, and the 10-bit ADC uses a successive-approximation register with up to 500 ksps conversion rate. The device supports separate PLLs for the system clock and USB clock, allowing the CPU to run at 40 MHz while USB maintains the 48 MHz requirement.
Typical applications include USB peripherals such as HID input devices and CDC serial bridges, industrial sensor interfaces that need 32-bit processing with USB connectivity, low-cost graphics and audio playback, and consumer devices requiring USB device-mode connectivity. The combination of USB, ample Flash and SRAM, and small 5x5 mm footprint also makes it a candidate for wearable and IoT nodes with USB charging.
When designing with this part, plan Flash partitioning: the bootloader area and application area must coexist in the 32 KB space. VDD must be decoupled with a 100 nF ceramic cap close to each power pin, and the VBUS pin (if USB is used) must be routed to the 5 V USB rail. Configure PPS before peripheral use, and reserve the ICSP pins in the layout for in-circuit debugging.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in compatible alternatives from the PIC32MX1xx family, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers shorten selection cycles and avoid common layout pitfalls.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MX120F032CT-I/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 PIC32MX120F032CT-I/TL (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, DMA Channels, Operating Temperature Range, Program Memory (Flash), USB.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MX120F032C-I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX110F016CT-I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX120F032CT-V/TL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX110F016DT-I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX120F032CT-50I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX110F016D-V/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX120F032CT-I/TL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | MIPS32 M4K |
| Architecture | 32-bit RISC |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz |
| Flash Program Memory | 32 KB (32K x 8) |
| SRAM | 8 KB |
| Package | 36-VTLA (5x5 mm) Exposed Pad |
| Pin Count | 36 |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| I/O Pins (max) | 28 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 10 channels (12-bit option noted in datasheet) |
| Communication Peripherals | 2x UART, 2x SPI, 2x I2C, PMP |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device |
| DMA Channels | Up to 4 channels |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC32MX120F032CT-I/TL Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — Analog/digital I/O; 5V tolerant input |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — Analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 6 | VDD — Digital supply voltage (2.3-3.6 V) |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 8 | RB0 — Digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 9 | RB1 — Digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 10 | RB2 — Digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 11 | RB3 — Digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 12 | RB4 — Digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 13 | RB5 — Digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 14 | RB6 — Digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 15 | RB7 — Digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 16 | RB8 — Digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 17 | RB9 — Digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 18 | RC0 — Digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 19 | RC1 — Digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 20 | RC2 — Digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 21 | RC3 — Digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 22 | RC4 — Digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 23 | RC5 — Digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 24 | RC6 — Digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 25 | RC7 — Digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 26 | RC8 — Digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 27 | RC9 — Digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 28 | VUSB — USB 3.3 V regulator output (from VBUS) |
| Pin 29 | VBUS — USB 5 V bus power input |
| Pin 30 | D- — USB data minus |
| Pin 31 | D+ — USB data plus |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Digital supply voltage (2.3-3.6 V) |
| Pin 33 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 34 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 35 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 36 | EP — Exposed thermal pad - tie to ground |
Typical Applications
PIC32MX120F032CT-I/TL is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Device, USB CDC Serial Bridge, Industrial Sensor Interface, Low-Cost Audio Playback, Consumer IoT Node with USB Charging, HMI Touch Panel Controller.
USB HID Device
The PIC32MX120F032CT-I/TL's integrated USB 2.0 full-speed device controller with on-chip transceiver makes it a natural fit for USB HID-class devices such as keyboards, mice, game controllers, and custom input peripherals. The 40 MHz M4K core runs the USB stack plus HID report handler with ample headroom for debounce, macro processing, and LED/RGB effects. With 32 KB Flash and 8 KB SRAM, the part easily accommodates Microchip's Harmony or MLA USB HID firmware alongside custom application logic. Designers place a 1.5 kohm pull-up on D+ (or D- for low-speed) and add TVS diodes for ESD. The 36-VTLA footprint keeps the BOM small enough for sub-$5 retail peripherals.
Recommended
USB CDC Serial Bridge
For USB-to-UART bridges that emulate a virtual COM port, the PIC32MX120F032CT-I/TL provides a clean solution with 32 KB Flash holding the CDC class driver and user-configurable baud-rate tables. The two UART modules support hardware flow control (RTS/CTS) at speeds up to 1 Mbps, while the on-chip DMA moves USB packets to and from the UART without CPU intervention. The integrated 3.3 V regulator from VBUS lets the device be USB-bus-powered without external LDO. Industrial debug tools, microcontroller programmers, and sensor-to-PC bridges commonly adopt this topology.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface
Industrial sensor nodes needing 32-bit processing with USB diagnostics benefit from the PIC32MX120F032CT-I/TL's combination of 12-bit ADC option, PMP bus, and USB connectivity. The 40 MHz core can run filtering algorithms (median, Kalman) at 10 kHz sample rates while USB streams telemetry to a host PC for trending. The two I2C and two SPI buses connect to sensors and actuators concurrently, and the 28 I/O pins handle discrete signals. Industrial -40C to +85C operation allows deployment in factory cabinets without extra thermal management.
Recommended
Low-Cost Audio Playback
The PIC32MX120F032CT-I/TL drives low-cost audio playback (voice prompts, alert tones, simple WAV/ADPCM loops) using PWM output plus a small external filter, or by streaming I2S data to an external codec. The DMA channels offload audio sample movement from the CPU, leaving cycles for UI or housekeeping. 8 KB SRAM accommodates several hundred milliseconds of decoded audio at typical sample rates, and the USB port enables firmware updates or audio file uploads. This combination is widely used in vending machines, elevator annunciators, and consumer appliances.
Recommended
Consumer IoT Node with USB Charging
Battery-powered or USB-charged IoT nodes such as smart-home sensors, fitness bands, and wearable beacons use the PIC32MX120F032CT-I/TL for its small 5x5 mm footprint and integrated USB charging interface. The M4K core runs BLE stack proxies, sensor fusion, or simple MQTT-over-USB gateways, while the low-power Sleep mode (with RTCC wake) extends battery life. The exposed pad aids thermal dissipation when USB is delivering 500 mA to charge an external Li-Ion cell through an external charger IC controlled via GPIO.
Recommended
HMI Touch Panel Controller
The PIC32MX120F032CT-I/TL serves as a small touch panel or segment-LCD controller, driving displays via PMP and reading resistive touch via the 12-bit ADC. At 40 MHz, the part can refresh small QVGA displays, debounce touch events, and run USB-based firmware updates for touch-calibration data. Designers pair it with a graphic-accelerator companion for higher-end HMI. The 36-VTLA footprint allows the MCU to sit beneath the display connector on crowded HMI boards, and PPS allows remapping touch ADC channels to nearby pins to simplify routing.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MX120F032CT-I/TL — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MX120F032C-I/TL | PIC32MX110F016CT-I/TL | PIC32MX120F032CT-V/TL | PIC32MX110F016DT-I/TL | PIC32MX120F032CT-50I/TL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 36-VTLA (5x5 mm) | 36-VTLA (5x5) - same | 36-VTLA (5x5) - same | 36-VTLA (5x5) - same | 36-VTLA (5x5) - same | 36-VTLA (5x5) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB (-50%) | 32 KB | 16 KB (-50%) | 32 KB |
| SRAM | 8 KB | 8 KB | 4 KB (-50%) | 8 KB | 4 KB (-50%) | 8 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 50 MHz (+25%) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +105C (Extended) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| USB Support | USB 2.0 FS Device | USB 2.0 FS Device | USB 2.0 FS Device | USB 2.0 FS Device | USB 2.0 FS Device | USB 2.0 FS Device |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel (/TL) | Tray (-C) | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel |
| Approx 1pc Price (USD) | $3.85 | ~$3.40 (tray discount) | ~$3.10 | ~$4.20 | ~$3.20 | ~$4.10 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated USB 2.0 full-speed device with on-chip transceiver (vs PIC32MX110F016CT-I/TL)
- Tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume production (vs PIC32MX120F032C-I/TL)
- Industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade (vs PIC32MX120F032CT-V/TL)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 2 mm of each VDD pin and a bulk 4.7 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the exposed thermal pad (EP) to keep the core rail quiet. The USB transceiver derives its internal 3.3 V rail from the VBUS pin, so VBUS must see 5 V +/-10% for USB compliance. Place ferrite beads between VBUS and the device if the system is also USB-powered.
The exposed pad (pin 36) must be soldered to the ground plane using a via-array (typically 4-9 thermal vias) to meet the datasheet thermal resistance. Without a proper EP land pattern, junction temperature can rise 15-20 C above ambient at 40 MHz full load. Estimated: at 40 MHz and 3.3 V, typical core current is 25 mA, giving 82 mW dissipation that the EP can easily handle.
Route the USB D+ and D- traces as a 90 ohm differential pair, kept under 25 mm and matched to within 150 mil. Keep clock traces (OSC1/OSC2) away from the USB pair to avoid coupling. Place the ICSP test points on accessible board edges for production programming, and reserve the PGEC1/PGED1 pins if used for JTAG.
Configure Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) before enabling peripherals - the PPS registers must be unlocked with a key sequence before writes. Do not exceed 10 mA per I/O pin (or 15 mA on select pins) per the absolute maximum ratings. When migrating from PIC24 or PIC16 code, remember that the PIC32's RAM starts at the bottom of the memory map and Flash is mapped separately.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product declaration; lead-free matte-tin plating on VTLA leads; AEC-Q100 not qualified - the -I grade is industrial, not automotive grade
