PIC32MX120F032DT-I/ML - 32-bit MCU 40MHz 32KB Flash QFN-44 | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MX120F032DT-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.07 | $30.70 |
| 100 | $2.61 | $261.00 |
| 500 | $2.21 | $1,105.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.92 | $1,920.00 |
PIC32MX120F032DT-I/ML Overview
A 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that combines a 32-bit CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (SRAM), and a configurable peripheral set. Within the broader taxonomy, this device sits as: MCU -> 32-bit MCU -> MIPS-based MCU -> PIC32 family -> PIC32MX1XX/2XX sub-family -> general-purpose USB-equipped tier. Compared with 8/16-bit MCUs, a 32-bit core executes instructions in 32-bit words, typically delivering higher throughput per MHz and richer addressing for embedded-USB, audio, and graphics user interfaces.
Key features include a 40 MHz core with 5-stage pipeline, hardware DMA (up to 4 channels), USB 2.0 full-speed with on-chip transceiver, and a 10-bit 1 Msps ADC with up to 13 input channels. The integrated RTCC, CTMU for capacitive touch, and five 16-bit timers/one 32-bit timer allow precise waveform generation, while the PPS system allows digital peripheral pin assignment at runtime. Compared with smaller PIC32MX1xx variants, the 120F032D tier targets cost-sensitive USB applications.
Typical applications include USB peripherals (HID, CDC, MSD), low-cost graphics and segment LCD controllers, capacitive touch user interfaces, sensor hubs, and battery-powered industrial nodes. The wide 2.3 V to 3.6 V supply range and integrated USB transceiver simplify designs by removing the need for an external PHY.
When designing with this part, ensure the QFN-44 exposed pad is soldered to a sufficiently large copper pour to meet thermal and electrical ground requirements; adequate decoupling of 100 nF and 4.7 uF close to each VDD pin is recommended. According to Microchip datasheet DS60001168L, configuration words must be programmed before USB operation, and PPS registers require unlocking via CFGCON.IOLOCK.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in package alternatives from the PIC32MX1XX/2XX family, and practical USB/layout design notes that complement the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MX120F032DT-I/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 PIC32MX120F032DT-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, ADC, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MX120F032D-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX120F032D-I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX130F064D-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX130F064DT-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX110F016D-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.16 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX230F064D-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX120F032DT-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit RISC |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 40 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB (32K x 8) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 8 KB |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 21 |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 Full-Speed with on-chip transceiver |
| ADC | 10-bit, 1 Msps, up to 13 channels |
| Timers | 5 x 16-bit, 1 x 32-bit |
| UART / I2C / SPI | 2 / 2 / 2 |
| DMA Channels | 4 (with automatic data size detection) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, "I") |
| Package | 44-pin QFN (8x8 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
PIC32MX120F032DT-I/ML 44-pin qfn (8x8 mm) with exposed pad Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC32MX120F032DT-I/ML (44-pin qfn (8x8 mm) with exposed pad 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 PIC32MX120F032DT-I/ML.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC32MX120F032DT-I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: USB Human Interface Device (HID), Capacitive Touch User Interface, Low-Cost Sensor Hub / IoT Edge Node, USB-to-UART / CDC Bridge, Embedded Graphics / Segment LCD Controller, Industrial Control Module, Audio Playback Accessory (USB Speaker / Buzzer).
USB Human Interface Device (HID)
The PIC32MX120F032DT-I/ML is ideal for USB HID peripherals such as keyboards, mice, joysticks and custom HID-class devices thanks to its on-chip USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver plus dedicated USB PLL. At 40 MHz MIPS32 M4K with 8 KB SRAM, the part easily handles HID report descriptors and 1 ms polling intervals without external PHY, saving ~USD 0.50 BOM and reducing PCB area. Pair with the Microchip Harmony framework for composite HID stacks; the 2.3-3.6 V supply lets it run directly from a USB-powered 3.3 V LDO.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interface
The integrated Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU), 5 x 16-bit timers and Peripheral Pin Select make the PIC32MX120F032DT-I/ML well-suited to drive capacitive touch buttons, sliders and proximity sensors. With 21 GPIO and the 10-bit ADC, designers can implement mutual-capacitance matrices of up to 13 channels while running the USB stack concurrently for diagnostics. The 32 KB Flash fits Microchip's mTouch library plus custom UI code, and the industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade supports appliance and industrial front-panel use.
Recommended
Low-Cost Sensor Hub / IoT Edge Node
For battery-friendly IoT edge nodes the PIC32MX120F032DT-I/ML delivers 32-bit performance at MIPS efficiency, with 5 power-management modes (Sleep, Idle, Doze, Deep Sleep, VBAT) that drop current below 1 uA in Deep Sleep. The 4-channel hardware DMA offloads sensor I2C/SPI transfers, freeing the 40 MHz core for averaging, threshold detection and (when needed) USB-CDC uplink for debug. A typical sensor hub node connects a temperature sensor, accelerometer and external EEPROM over I2C, with USB for configuration.
Recommended
USB-to-UART / CDC Bridge
The PIC32MX120F032DT-I/ML makes a low-BOM USB-to-UART bridge using its 2 UARTs and integrated USB full-speed transceiver. A CDC class firmware fits comfortably in 32 KB Flash and 8 KB SRAM, and the 40 MHz CPU sustains 921,600 baud throughput without flow control. The wide 2.3-3.6 V supply lets the part interface directly to 3.3 V MCUs or 5 V TTL via series resistors - common in industrial converter cables, debugger dongles and firmware-update bridges.
Recommended
Embedded Graphics / Segment LCD Controller
The PIC32MX120F032DT-I/ML's 32 KB Flash and 8 KB SRAM can drive small segmented LCD or OLED panels via SPI or I2C, while USB enumerates for firmware updates or touch input. The 40 MHz MIPS core renders simple UI primitives (menus, gauges) at acceptable frame rates; the 10-bit ADC supports reading a light sensor for automatic backlight dimming. With the 44-pin QFN footprint and PPS, designers can route the LCD signals to the most PCB-friendly pins, keeping the board compact.
Recommended
Industrial Control Module
For industrial control modules (relay drivers, fan controllers, simple PLC nodes), the PIC32MX120F032DT-I/ML provides 5 x 16-bit timers for PWM and a 32-bit timer for input capture, plus hardware DMA to handle background UART traffic. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating supports cabinet-mounted deployments; the USB interface allows on-site firmware loading without a dedicated programmer. The 10-bit ADC at 1 Msps is sufficient for current-sense and temperature monitoring in motor-control feedback loops.
Recommended
Audio Playback Accessory (USB Speaker / Buzzer)
The PIC32MX120F032DT-I/ML can act as a USB audio-class device generating tones, voice prompts or simple WAV playback, using its 10-bit DAC mode or PWM-driven external amplifier. With 32 KB Flash it fits small WAV lookup tables and USB descriptors, while the 8 KB SRAM supports a small playback ring buffer. The integrated USB full-speed transceiver enumerates as a USB speaker without external components, and the 2 UARTs provide optional RS-485 control for industrial PA systems.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MX120F032DT-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MX120F032D-I/ML | PIC32MX120F032D-I/TL | PIC32MX130F064D-I/ML | PIC32MX110F016D-I/ML | PIC32MX230F064D-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-pin QFN (8x8 mm) | 44-pin QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-pin QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-pin QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-pin QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-pin QFN (8x8 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| Core | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit, 40 MHz | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit, 40 MHz | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit, 40 MHz | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit, 40 MHz | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit, 40 MHz | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit, 50 MHz |
| Flash | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB | 16 KB | 64 KB |
| SRAM | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB | 4 KB | 16 KB |
| USB | USB 2.0 FS on-chip | USB 2.0 FS on-chip | USB 2.0 FS on-chip | USB 2.0 FS on-chip | USB 2.0 FS on-chip | USB 2.0 FS on-chip |
| GPIO | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 23 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 1 Msps, 13 ch | 10-bit, 1 Msps, 13 ch | 10-bit, 1 Msps, 13 ch | 10-bit, 1 Msps, 13 ch | 10-bit, 1 Msps, 13 ch | 10-bit, 1 Msps, 13 ch |
| 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 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver (vs PIC32MX110F016D-I/ML)
- Right-sized Flash for cost-sensitive USB HID (vs PIC32MX130F064D-I/ML)
- Industrial temperature grade in same footprint (vs PIC32MX120F032C-V/ML (automotive V-grade))
Design Notes
Solder the QFN-44 exposed pad to a ground pour with at least 6 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill, 1.0 mm pitch) to meet the 31 C/W theta_JA budget. Place a 100 nF 0402 ceramic decoupling capacitor within 2 mm of every VDD pin, plus a shared 4.7 uF bulk capacitor on the 3.3 V rail. The exposed pad is the primary thermal path and must be fully soldered for reliable operation.
Per Microchip datasheet DS60001168L, the Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) registers are LOCKED at reset; firmware must clear CFGCON.IOLOCK before remapping peripherals and re-lock afterwards to prevent runaway writes. Also configure the Configuration Words (DEVCFG0/1/2/3) before USB operation, otherwise the USB PLL will not start and enumeration will silently fail.
For USB 2.0 full-speed, route D+ and D- as a 90-ohm differential pair with continuous ground reference and length-matched within 150 mil. Place the 1.5 kOhm pull-up on D+ as close to the MCU as possible (under 5 mm). Add a common-mode choke and ESD array (such as Microchip USBLC6-2SC6) near the connector to meet IEC 61000-4-2 air-discharge 15 kV. With 8 KB SRAM the MCU cannot afford large USB descriptor copies - keep composite descriptors under 256 bytes.
Estimated: at 40 MHz core and full USB traffic the PIC32MX120F032DT-I/ML draws roughly 30 mA from VDD (typ). For battery-powered designs, leverage Deep Sleep mode which drops consumption below 1 uA; wake sources include RTCC, external interrupt and USB resume signaling. Decouple VBAT separately if used for RTCC retention.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page; REACH compliance declared on Microchip material declaration. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC32MX120F032DT-I/ML only for industrial / consumer / IoT, not automotive.
