PIC32MX130F256BT-I/SS - 256KB Flash 32-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MX130F256BT-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.27 | $5.27 |
| 10 | $4.86 | $48.60 |
| 100 | $4.14 | $414.00 |
| 500 | $3.55 | $1,775.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.12 | $3,120.00 |
PIC32MX130F256BT-I/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (SRAM), and a rich set of peripherals such as timers, ADCs, communication controllers, and GPIO into one IC. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, MCUs sit under microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> digital ICs -> semiconductors. The PIC32MX1xx family is positioned as the entry point into Microchip's 32-bit PIC32 portfolio, balancing MIPS performance with PIC ecosystem familiarity.
Key features of this device include a 40 MHz maximum CPU clock with 80 DMIPS performance, 10-bit 1 Msps ADC with up to 13 channels, USB 2.0 full-speed device/host/OTG, two I2C, two SPI (one with I2S), two UART (with LIN and IrDA), 5 16-bit timers, and a Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) for capacitive touch and precise time measurement. The 28-SSOP package measures only 0.209 inch wide, enabling space-constrained designs while still exposing 21 GPIO.
Architecturally, the PIC32MX130 uses a Harvard-style bus with separate Flash and RAM paths, a hardware multiply/divide unit, and a 5-stage pipeline that delivers deterministic interrupt latency. The CTMU peripheral and Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) provide flexible signal routing that simplifies PCB layout. The integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver eliminates external PHY cost in HID, CDC, and basic device-class designs.
Typical applications include USB HID peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and custom input devices, embedded audio playback with I2S DACs, sensor hubs with CTMU-based capacitive touch, low-cost industrial control nodes requiring LIN connectivity, and consumer products needing USB-CDC virtual COM ports. The 2.3V to 3.6V supply range and low-power sleep modes also support battery-powered IoT edge nodes.
Designers should plan for an external 8 MHz crystal to drive the USB PLL, ensure PPS assignments do not conflict on shared peripheral pins, and budget Flash endurance at 20 k cycles minimum when designing bootloader or OTA firmware update flows. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MX130F256BT-I/SS — 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 PIC32MX130F256BT-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, ADC, Timers, USB.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MX130F256B-50I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX130F256B-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX130F128LT-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX130F064BT-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.96 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX170F256B-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX130F256BT-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit RISC |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 40 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 16 KB |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 13 channels, 1 Msps |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device/Host/OTG |
| I2C | 2 modules |
| SPI | 2 modules (one with I2S) |
| UART | 2 modules with LIN and IrDA support |
| Timers | 5 x 16-bit |
| CTMU | Charge Time Measurement Unit for touch/time |
| GPIO | Up to 21 (package-dependent) |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP (0.209 inch / 5.30 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Peripheral Pin Select | Yes |
| JTAG Debug | 4-wire MIPS Enhanced JTAG |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life at <30C/85% RH) |
PIC32MX130F256BT-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — GPIO / AN0 / VREF+ |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — GPIO / AN1 / VREF- |
| Pin 3 | RB0 — GPIO / AN2 / PGED1 |
| Pin 4 | RB1 — GPIO / AN3 / PGEC1 |
| Pin 5 | RB2 — GPIO / AN4 / CTED1 |
| Pin 6 | RB3 — GPIO / AN5 / CTED2 |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply (2.3V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RB4 — GPIO / SDA2 / CTED3 |
| Pin 10 | RB5 — GPIO / SCL2 / CTED9 |
| Pin 11 | RB6 — GPIO / AN6 / OC1 |
| Pin 12 | RB7 — GPIO / AN7 / U1RTS |
| Pin 13 | RB8 — GPIO / AN8 / U2CTS |
| Pin 14 | RB9 — GPIO / AN9 / U2RTS / PWM |
| Pin 15 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Positive supply (2.3V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 17 | RA2 — GPIO / AN10 / CVREF- |
| Pin 18 | RA3 — GPIO / AN11 / CVREF+ |
| Pin 19 | RA4 — GPIO / AN12 / TMS |
| Pin 20 | RA5 — GPIO / TCK / PMA5 |
| Pin 21 | RA6 — GPIO / TDI / PMA4 |
| Pin 22 | RA7 — GPIO / TDO / PMA3 |
| Pin 23 | D+ — USB D+ data line |
| Pin 24 | D- — USB D- data line |
| Pin 25 | VUSB — USB transceiver supply (3.3V typical) |
| Pin 26 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 27 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 28 | MCLR — Master Clear (active-low reset) |
Typical Applications
PIC32MX130F256BT-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Peripherals, Embedded Audio Playback, Capacitive Touch Sensor Hubs, Industrial Sensor Nodes with LIN, USB CDC Virtual COM Port Devices, Battery-Powered IoT Edge Nodes.
USB HID Peripherals
The PIC32MX130F256BT-I/SS integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver with on-chip pull-up resistors and dedicated DMA makes it ideal for USB HID peripherals such as keyboards, mice, game controllers, and custom input devices. At 40 MHz it sustains 1 ms USB polling with comfortable margin for HID class interrupt IN reporting. The 256 KB Flash accommodates USB HID stack plus custom report descriptors and firmware update bootloaders. Placed as the sole IC on the board with a 12 MHz crystal, USB D+/D- directly to the connector, and VBUS detect on a GPIO for plug detection. Compared with discrete USB solutions requiring external PHY, the integrated transceiver saves PCB area and BOM cost.
Recommended
Embedded Audio Playback
The PIC32MX130F256BT-I/SS I2S peripheral on SPI2 enables direct connection to external DACs like the TI PCM5102A or Cirrus CS4344 for low-cost audio playback in toys, kiosks, and industrial annunciators. At 40 MHz, the DMA-driven I2S can sustain 44.1 kHz stereo 16-bit playback with under 5% CPU utilization. The 256 KB Flash stores raw PCM samples for short voice prompts or WAV files for alert sounds. Placed between a Class-D amplifier stage and a USB-C power input with a 12.288 MHz master clock for standard audio sample rates. The I2S variant saves an external audio CODEC in designs where MP3 decoding is done off-chip.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch Sensor Hubs
The PIC32MX130F256BT-I/SS integrated CTMU (Charge Time Measurement Unit) provides hardware-accelerated capacitive touch sensing for button sliders, wheel, and proximity sensors in appliance and industrial front panels. The CTMU enables up to 13 touch channels sharing the same 10-bit ADC, with software-calibrated baseline tracking rejecting temperature drift. The 40 MHz core handles mTouch library debounce and gesture recognition while leaving headroom for the application MCU. Placed near the touch panel with guard traces routed around sensor pads and a low-impedance ground pour. Compared with dedicated touch ICs like the AT42QT1010, the CTMU approach consolidates touch plus application control into one MCU.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Nodes with LIN
The PIC32MX130F256BT-I/SS dual UART with LIN 1.3/2.0/2.1 and IrDA support makes it well suited for industrial sensor nodes in LIN-based sub-networks of automotive body controllers and industrial machinery. The 16 KB SRAM comfortably handles LIN protocol stack plus sensor fusion math, while the 256 KB Flash supports bootloaders and protocol libraries. At 2.3-3.6V operation with industrial -40C to +85C range, it operates directly from automotive 12V battery rails with simple LDO regulation. Placed between a LIN transceiver like the MCP2003B and sensor I/O with proper TVS protection on the LIN bus. The CTMU adds value for humidity or capacitive fluid-level sensing on the same node.
Recommended
USB CDC Virtual COM Port Devices
The PIC32MX130F256BT-I/SS USB 2.0 full-speed with on-chip transceiver is widely deployed as a USB CDC virtual COM port device, eliminating external UART-to-USB bridges like the FTDI FT232. It supports up to 12 Mbps USB with full-speed interrupt, bulk, and control transfers, and dual UART provides bridge to downstream RS-232/RS-485 transceivers. The 256 KB Flash hosts the USB CDC class driver plus user application firmware with room for field-upgradeable bootloaders. Placed with USB-C connector, ESD protection array, and optional RS-485 transceiver for industrial connectivity. Compared with discrete USB-UART bridge ICs, integrating the MCU reduces board area by approximately 30%.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Edge Nodes
The PIC32MX130F256BT-I/SS sleep current as low as 20 uA in Deep Sleep mode with RTCC running makes it suitable for battery-powered IoT edge nodes that wake periodically to read sensors and transmit over UART or I2C to a parent radio module. The 2.3-3.6V operation runs directly from a single lithium coin cell or 2x AA batteries. The 16 KB SRAM supports modest sensor buffering while the 256 KB Flash accommodates over-the-air update bootloaders for product longevity. Placed with a low-dropout LDO, a SPI flash for logging, and the nRF24L01+ or LoRa SX1276 radio daughter board. The CTMU can wake on touch even in Deep Sleep, enabling button-activated wake with zero idle current.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MX130F256BT-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MX130F256B-50I/SS | PIC32MX130F256B-I/ML | PIC32MX130F128LT-I/SS | PIC32MX130F064BT-I/SS | PIC32MX170F256B-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP compatible variant | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 40 MHz | 50 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 50 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB (-50%) | 64 KB (-75%) | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| USB 2.0 FS | Yes (Device/Host/OTG) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ADC | 10-bit, 13 channels, 1 Msps | 10-bit, 13 channels | 10-bit, 13 channels | 10-bit, 13 channels | 10-bit, 13 channels | 10-bit, 13 channels |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3V to 3.6V | 2.3V to 3.6V | 2.3V to 3.6V | 2.3V to 3.6V | 2.3V to 3.6V | 2.3V to 3.6V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty 100, as of 2026-10-01) | $4.14 | $4.40-$4.60 | $4.20-$4.40 | $3.50-$3.80 | $3.10-$3.40 | $4.80-$5.10 |
Key Differentiators
- Highest-cost variant in the 256K SSOP family with broadest distributor stock (vs PIC32MX130F128LT-I/SS)
- Standard 40 MHz speed grade with verified firmware ecosystem (vs PIC32MX130F256B-50I/SS)
- Integrated USB 2.0 full-speed PHY eliminates external transceiver cost (vs PIC32MX120F032BT-I/SS)
- Lower 256K-tier price than the next-gen PIC32MX170 with same Flash (vs PIC32MX170F256B-I/SS)
Design Notes
Decouple both VDD pins (7 and 16) with separate 0.1 uF X7R ceramic capacitors placed within 3 mm of each pin, plus a bulk 10 uF X5R capacitor near the supply input. The on-chip voltage regulator requires both VDD pins powered even if only one rail is used externally - leaving either floating causes undefined behavior. VUSB (pin 25) must have its own 0.1 uF decoupling and can be tied to VDD via a ferrite bead for noise isolation when USB is active.
Route the 12 MHz primary oscillator traces (OSC1, OSC2) as short, symmetric differential pairs with a grounded guard trace on each side to minimize radiated EMI. Keep the crystal within 5 mm of the MCU pins and use a 4-layer PCB with continuous ground plane under the oscillator area. USB D+/D- traces must be 90 ohm differential impedance matched and kept under 25 mm total length for full-speed compliance.
Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) mappings must be unlocked with SYSKEY = 0xAA996655 followed by PPS unlock sequence before configuring - attempting to set PPS registers without unlocking silently fails and is a common source of 'my SPI/I2C does not work' debug time. CTMU touch channels require firmware calibration of the baseline and current trim per touch pad - factory trim values are not sufficient for production-grade touch performance.
Estimated: At maximum CPU activity (40 MHz core, all peripherals active, USB transmitting), the SSOP-28 package dissipates approximately 60 mW with the on-chip regulator's quiescent current dominant. Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of approximately 80 C/W in still air yields a self-heating rise of 4-5 C above ambient, well within the 125 C absolute maximum. Industrial temperature designs should still validate with a thermocouple in production enclosures.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade ('I' suffix). Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive applications use the PIC32MX1xx AEC-Q100 variants or pair with an external automotive-grade MCU.
