PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP - 50MHz 32-bit MCU 256KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.17 | $7.17 |
| 10 | $6.45 | $64.50 |
| 100 | $5.73 | $573.00 |
| 500 | $5.1 | $2,550.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.55 | $4,550.00 |
PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP Overview
A 32-bit microcontroller is a single-chip processor that executes instructions 32 bits at a time, providing higher throughput, larger addressable memory, and richer peripherals than 8-bit or 16-bit MCUs. The PIC32MX170 family belongs to the broader category of microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor, and is engineered for cost-sensitive applications that still require USB connectivity, audio interfaces, or graphical displays.
Key features include two I2S/SPI modules for codec and serial communications, Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible signal routing, a Parallel Master Port (PMP) for graphics interfaces, mTouch capacitive touch sensing, 1 ns high-resolution time measurement, and on-chip temperature measurement capability. The 10-bit ADC supports up to 1 Msps conversion.
The PIC32MX170F256B uses the MIPS32 M4K Harvard architecture with a 5-stage pipeline, single-cycle hardware multiply, and a hardware divider. The 256 KB Flash is organized as 256K x 8, providing ample space for USB stacks, graphics libraries, and application firmware. USB 2.0 full-speed device/host/OTG is supported via the integrated SIE and dedicated pull-ups.
Typical applications include consumer audio peripherals, USB HID devices, low-cost graphical HMI panels, capacitive touch user interfaces, industrial sensor hubs, and hobbyist/educational development platforms that benefit from the breadboard-friendly 28-pin SPDIP footprint.
When designing with this device, ensure the 3.3V rail is well-decoupled and that PPS is configured before peripherals are enabled. The 28-pin SPDIP package offers 0.3 inch row spacing, which is ideal for through-hole prototypes and breadboards but limits board density in volume production.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives in the same 28-SPDIP footprint, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP — 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 PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Mounting Type, Program Memory (Flash), USB.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MX170F256B-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX130F256B-50I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX150F256B-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | MIPS32 M4K |
| Core Size | 32-Bit Single-Core |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 50 MHz / 83 DMIPS |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB (256K x 8) |
| RAM | 64 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3 V to 3.6 V (typical 3.3 V) |
| Active Current Consumption | 0.5 mA/MHz (typical) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 1 Msps |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device/Host/OTG |
| I2S/SPI Modules | 2 |
| Parallel Master Port (PMP) | Yes (graphics interface) |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| mTouch Capacitive Touch Sensing | Yes |
| High-Resolution Timer | 1 ns resolution |
| On-chip Temperature Sensor | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| Package | 28-SPDIP (0.300 inch, 7.62 mm row spacing) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (Reset) input, active-low |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 / analog input AN0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 / analog input AN1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 / analog input AN2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 / analog input AN3 |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.3V nominal) |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 / programming clock (PGECx) |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 / programming data (PGEDx) |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 / analog input AN4 |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 / analog input AN5 |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 |
| Pin 18 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.3V nominal) |
| Pin 21 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 22 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 25 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 / USB D- (via PPS) |
| Pin 26 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 / USB D+ (via PPS) |
| Pin 27 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 28 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 |
Typical Applications
PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Peripheral Devices, Consumer Audio Peripherals, Low-Cost Graphical HMI Panels, Capacitive Touch User Interfaces, Industrial Sensor Hubs and Data Loggers, Hobbyist and Educational Development Platforms.
USB HID Peripheral Devices
The PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP integrates a USB 2.0 Full-Speed SIE with on-chip pull-ups and OTG support, making it a natural fit for USB HID peripherals such as keyboards, mice, game controllers, and custom input devices. The 50 MHz MIPS32 M4K core at 83 DMIPS easily services HID report polling at 1 kHz while leaving headroom for LED animation, capacitive touch scanning via mTouch, and consumer-grade USB audio class 1.0 streaming. With 256 KB Flash and 64 KB RAM, the device accommodates the full Microchip USB stack plus a HID bootloader for field firmware upgrades without requiring external memory. Industrial -40C to +85C operation ensures HID peripherals survive harsh enclosures.
Recommended
Consumer Audio Peripherals
The PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP includes two I2S/SPI modules and a Parallel Master Port (PMP), enabling direct connection to audio codecs like the Microchip LAN8740A and to small TFT graphical displays for soundbar remote controls, headphone amplifiers, and Bluetooth audio sink controllers. The 50 MHz MIPS32 M4K core runs MP3/AAC decode loops and 8-band parametric EQ in real time while the PMP drives a 320x240 TFT at 30 fps without DMA. USB Audio Class 1.0 is supported natively, allowing the device to appear as a USB sound card on a host PC. The 10-bit 1 Msps ADC handles line-input monitoring and VU-meter sampling at 48 kHz with negligible CPU overhead.
Recommended
Low-Cost Graphical HMI Panels
With on-chip PMP, the PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP directly interfaces to 8/16-bit parallel TFTs and OLED displays used in low-cost graphical HMI panels for appliances, exercise equipment, and industrial control. The 50 MHz MIPS32 core executes Microchip's Graphics Library primitives including buttons, sliders, and gauges without external video RAM, while 256 KB Flash holds the full UI asset set. mTouch capacitive sensing replaces mechanical buttons behind glass overlays, enabling sealed IP65 front panels. Industrial temperature operation and 3.3V single-supply simplify power tree design versus 5V MCU alternatives.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interfaces
The PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP supports Microchip mTouch capacitive touch sensing via the on-chip Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU), enabling buttons, sliders, and wheels behind glass or plastic without mechanical contacts. The 1 ns high-resolution timer and CTMU deliver robust touch detection through 6 mm acrylic overlays, ideal for kitchen appliances, medical device front panels, and rugged industrial controls. The 50 MHz MIPS32 M4K core scans up to 25 touch channels at 100 Hz with sub-1 mA additional CPU load. 64 KB RAM holds full touch state and gesture-recognition state machines.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Hubs and Data Loggers
The PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP industrial -40C to +85C operating range and 10-bit 1 Msps ADC make it well suited as a sensor hub front-end aggregating multiple analog sensor channels, including RTDs, thermocouples (with external amp), 4-20 mA loops, and bridge pressure sensors. The 50 MHz MIPS32 M4K core runs Modbus RTU slave stacks, linearization routines, and SD card FAT32 logging without external memory expansion. USB device mode allows the data logger to enumerate as a mass storage device when plugged into a PC, simplifying field data offload. The 28-SPDIP package is convenient for industrial through-hole assembly with hand-reworkable sockets.
Recommended
Hobbyist and Educational Development Platforms
The 28-SPDIP 0.3 inch row spacing makes the PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP a direct fit for standard solderless breadboards, an essential requirement for hobbyist and university teaching projects where chips must be reused across labs. The PICkit 3 and PICkit 4 programmer/debugger interfaces via the on-chip ICSP pins without external components, enabling single-step debug and free MPLAB X IDE development with the XC32 compiler. The 256 KB Flash hosts the Harmony framework USB CDC + HID composite device demonstration, while 64 KB RAM supports a small FreeRTOS port. Industrial temperature grade ensures lab use across academic year seasons without failure.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MX170F256B-I/SP | PIC32MX130F256B-50I/SP | PIC32MX150F256B-I/SP | PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SPDIP (through-hole) | 28-SPDIP (through-hole) - same | 28-SPDIP (through-hole) - same | 28-SPDIP (through-hole) - same | 28-SSOP (SMD) - different PCB |
| CPU Clock | 50 MHz / 83 DMIPS | 40 MHz / 66 DMIPS (-20%) | 50 MHz / 83 DMIPS | 40 MHz / 66 DMIPS (-20%) | 50 MHz / 83 DMIPS |
| Flash | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| RAM | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| USB 2.0 FS OTG | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Parallel Master Port (PMP) | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| I2S Modules | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| mTouch Capacitive Sensing | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Higher CPU clock (50 MHz vs 40 MHz) for codec and DSP workloads (vs PIC32MX170F256B-I/SP)
- Includes Parallel Master Port (PMP) and two I2S modules for graphics and audio (vs PIC32MX130F256B-50I/SP)
- Through-hole 28-SPDIP for breadboard prototyping (vs PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SS)
Design Notes
The PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP operates from 2.3V to 3.6V with typical 3.3V supply. Decouple VDD with a 10 uF bulk capacitor and a 0.1 uF ceramic placed within 5 mm of each VDD pin pair (pins 7/8 and 19/20 on the 28-SPDIP). The USB transceiver has tight supply noise requirements; route the USB VDD trace through a ferrite bead when the analog 3.3V rail is shared with switching regulators.
Keep the 48 MHz USB clock trace short. According to the Microchip PIC32MX1XX/2XX datasheet, the USB module requires the primary oscillator to be configured for HS mode with the on-chip PLL producing a 48 MHz output. Place the 8 MHz crystal within 5 mm of pins 9 and 10 with grounded guard traces, and ensure the crystal load capacitors (typically 22 pF) connect to a quiet ground.
Do not enable ICSP programming pins (RB0/RB1) as digital I/O without configuring PPS correctly - the device will fail to enter debug mode after the next code lock. Always configure the Configuration Words (DEVCFG0/1/2/3) for the correct oscillator mode, WDT setting, and code protection before locking the device. Use the Peripheral Library or MPLAB Harmony PPS macros to map USB D-/D+ to RC4/RC5 to avoid conflicts with timer or PMP functions.
For USB Full-Speed operation at 12 Mbps, the D- and D+ traces must be 45 ohm single-ended (90 ohm differential) and length-matched within 2 mm. Avoid routing USB traces over the SPDIP package body or near the 48 MHz oscillator. Add a 1.5 kohm pull-up on D+ selectable via PPS to signal device enumeration. The 28-SPDIP package has longer lead inductance than QFN; compensate with source-series 33 ohm resistors on USB signals for clean eye diagrams.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC32MX1xx AEC-Q100 variants for automotive applications.
