PIC32MX170F256B-I/SS - 32-bit MCU 256KB Flash 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MX170F256B-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.85 | $3.85 |
| 10 | $3.46 | $34.60 |
| 100 | $2.94 | $294.00 |
| 500 | $2.65 | $1,325.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.42 | $2,420.00 |
| 2,500 | $2.2 | $5,500.00 |
PIC32MX170F256B-I/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is an integrated circuit that combines a CPU processor (CPU), volatile and non-volatile memory, and programmable peripherals on a single silicon die. The PIC32MX1XX/2XX family is part of the broader PIC32 family of MIPS-based 32-bit microcontrollers, which sits at the same tier as ARM Cortex-M0/M3 devices in the embedded processing hierarchy. Designers choose PIC32MX parts when they need the throughput of a 32-bit core with Microchip's MPLAB X toolchain, plus mature firmware libraries and free application notes.
The PIC32MX170F256B integrates two I2S/SPI modules for codec and serial communications, Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible peripheral-to-pin mapping, and a Parallel Master Port (PMP) for graphics interfaces. It supports mTouch capacitive touch buttons, provides 1 ns high-resolution time measurement via the 16-bit Capture module, and includes on-chip temperature measurement for thermal monitoring. The device also features 10-bit 1 Msps ADC, USB 2.0 full-speed device/host/OTG, and standard communication peripherals.
Architecture-wise, the MIPS32 M4K core delivers 1.57 Dhys or OMIPS/MHz with 5-stage pipeline, hardware multiply/divide, and single-cycle bit-branching. The 256 KB flash supports self-programming and is divided for code protection, while the 64 KB SRAM enables sizeable data buffers for USB, audio, or graphics stacks.
Typical applications include USB audio peripherals, capacitive touch user interfaces with on-chip mTouch support, low-cost graphics terminals using PMP, IoT sensor hubs, and motor control. The 28-SSOP package is suitable for compact consumer products and industrial modules where board height is acceptable.
When designing with this MCU, allocate a 1.15 V regulator to drive the VDDPLL supply, provide a low-impedance ground plane, and follow the SSOP land pattern recommended in the family datasheet.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-brand alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MX170F256B-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 PIC32MX170F256B-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, ADC, USB, DMA Channels.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX170F256B-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX270F256B-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX150F256B-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX170F128B-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX130F256B-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX170F256B-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | MIPS32 M4K |
| CPU Core | 32-bit RISC |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 50 MHz (83 DMIPS) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB (256K x 8) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 64 KB |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +105C (Industrial) |
| Typical Active Current | 0.5 mA/MHz |
| Package | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device/Host/OTG |
| I2S/SPI Modules | 2 |
| Parallel Master Port (PMP) | Yes |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| mTouch Capacitive Touch | Supported |
| On-Chip Temperature Measurement | Yes |
| High-Resolution Time Measurement | 1 ns (16-bit Capture) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC32MX170F256B-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RP5/RB5 — Remappable I/O / I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 2 | RP4/RB4 — Remappable I/O / I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 3 | RP3/RB3 — Remappable I/O / I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 4 | RP2/RB2 — Remappable I/O / I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 5 | RP1/RB1 — Remappable I/O / I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 6 | RP0/RB0 — Remappable I/O / I/O port B bit 0 |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Digital supply 2.3-3.6 V |
| Pin 9 | RA0 — I/O port A bit 0 / analog input |
| Pin 10 | RA1 — I/O port A bit 1 / analog input |
| Pin 11 | RA2 — I/O port A bit 2 / analog input |
| Pin 12 | RA3 — I/O port A bit 3 / analog input |
| Pin 13 | RA4 — I/O port A bit 4 |
| Pin 14 | AVDD — Analog supply 2.3-3.6 V |
| Pin 15 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 16 | RA5 — I/O port A bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | RA6 — I/O port A bit 6 |
| Pin 18 | RA7 — I/O port A bit 7 |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Digital supply 2.3-3.6 V |
| Pin 21 | D+ — USB D+ data line |
| Pin 22 | D- — USB D- data line |
| Pin 23 | RB6 — I/O port B bit 6 / PGEC2 (ICSP clock) |
| Pin 24 | RB7 — I/O port B bit 7 / PGED2 (ICSP data) |
| Pin 25 | RB8 — I/O port B bit 8 / PGEC1 (ICSP clock alt) |
| Pin 26 | RB9 — I/O port B bit 9 / PGED1 (ICSP data alt) |
| Pin 27 | RB10 — I/O port B bit 10 |
| Pin 28 | RB11 — I/O port B bit 11 |
Typical Applications
PIC32MX170F256B-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: USB Audio Peripherals and Headsets, Capacitive Touch User Interfaces (mTouch), Low-Cost Graphics Terminals (PMP), IoT Sensor Hubs and Edge Nodes, Industrial Control and Motor Drive, Consumer Appliance and Toy Electronics.
USB Audio Peripherals and Headsets
The PIC32MX170F256B-I/SS is purpose-built for USB audio peripherals such as USB headsets, USB speakers, and audio codecs. Its integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device/Host/OTG controller handles enumeration and isochronous audio streaming without an external PHY, while the two I2S/SPI modules drive audio CODECs directly. The 256 KB flash and 64 KB SRAM comfortably hold USB audio class firmware plus a DSP-style audio processing stack, and the 50 MHz/83 DMIPS MIPS32 M4K core executes USB isochronous callbacks without jitter. Per Microchip's USB audio reference designs, the I/SS industrial temperature grade supports product deployments in vehicles and outdoor kiosks.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interfaces (mTouch)
The PIC32MX170F256B-I/SS integrates Microchip's mTouch capacitive touch library and the on-chip Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU), enabling touch buttons, sliders, and proximity sensors without any external touch IC. The 256 KB flash stores Microchip's mTouch reference libraries plus application logic, while the 50 MHz core runs the touch scan loop at high update rates with low CPU overhead. The Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) feature reassigns touch channels to nearly any I/O pin, simplifying PCB layout for irregular keypad geometries. Per Microchip mTouch design notes, the device supports up to 16 touch buttons in the 28-SSOP pin budget.
Recommended
Low-Cost Graphics Terminals (PMP)
The PIC32MX170F256B-I/SS includes a Parallel Master Port (PMP) for connecting to parallel LCD or OLED displays, enabling low-cost graphical HMI products. PMP timing on the 50 MHz MIPS32 M4K core drives small QVGA/WQVGA panels at acceptable refresh rates without DMA starvation, while the 256 KB flash holds graphics libraries and bitmaps. The 64 KB SRAM allocates double-buffered framebuffers for simple animation, and the integrated USB enables raster-serial HMI with host PCs. Per Microchip PMP reference designs, the I/SS pinout exposes all PMP data and control lines within the 28-pin budget.
Recommended
IoT Sensor Hubs and Edge Nodes
The PIC32MX170F256B-I/SS serves as an edge node or sensor hub for IoT deployments, combining USB device connectivity for wired bridging, multiple UART/I2C/SPI channels for sensor aggregation, and 10-bit ADC for analog sensor acquisition. The 0.5 mA/MHz typical active current keeps sleep-mode battery life high for always-on edge devices, and the industrial temperature range suits outdoor and industrial IoT. The 256 KB flash accommodates TLS-lite stacks plus vendor-proprietary sensor logic. Per Microchip IoT reference designs, the device pairs well with sub-GHz or BLE modules over UART for gateway applications.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Motor Drive
The PIC32MX170F256B-I/SS is suitable for industrial control boards, small BLDC/PMSM motor drivers, and PLC sub-modules, leveraging its 50 MHz/83 DMIPS MIPS32 M4K core for fast control loops. The integrated 1 ns high-resolution Capture input enables precise pulse timing for encoder feedback, while the multiple timers and PWM channels support standard 3-phase motor commutation patterns. The industrial -40C to +105C temperature range and 2.3-3.6 V supply tolerance ensure reliable operation on noisy 24V-referenced industrial rails. Per Microchip motor control application notes, this device can drive low-power BLDC fans and pumps.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance and Toy Electronics
The PIC32MX170F256B-I/SS supports cost-sensitive consumer products such as small appliances, learning toys, low-cost game consoles, and educational electronics kits. Per the Xorya reference project on Hackaday, the PIC32MX170F256B (in DIP-28) drives an NTSC composite video output using its PMP, costing under $5 total bill of materials for a complete game console. The 256 KB flash holds the game ROM and runtime, the 64 KB SRAM holds display buffers, and the 50 MHz core runs at the required 50.125 MHz pixel rate. The 28-SSOP package is suitable for surface-mount consumer designs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MX170F256B-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SS | PIC32MX270F256B-I/SS | PIC32MX150F256B-I/SS | PIC32MX170F128B-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB (-50%) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| CPU Speed | 50 MHz / 83 DMIPS | 50 MHz / 83 DMIPS | 50 MHz / 83 DMIPS | 50 MHz / 83 DMIPS | 50 MHz / 83 DMIPS |
| USB 2.0 FS | Yes (Device/Host/OTG) | Yes (Device/Host/OTG) | Yes (Device/Host/OTG) | Yes (some variants lack USB) | Yes (Device/Host/OTG) |
| 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 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C (Industrial) | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device/Host/OTG integrated on this 28-pin device (vs PIC32MX130F256B-I/SS)
- Industrial -40C to +105C temperature range on the same footprint (vs PIC32MX170F256B-I/SP (SPDIP))
- Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) flexibility on the same package (vs PIC32MX150F128BT-I/SS)
Design Notes
The PIC32MX170F256B-I/SS requires two supplies: VDD at 2.3-3.6 V for I/O and 1.2 V core logic is internally regulated, but a separate AVDD pin must be supplied for analog blocks. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor within 3 mm of the pin and a bulk 4.7 uF tantalum or ceramic; add a ferrite bead between VDD and AVDD if analog noise is a concern. The VDDPLL pin (if present in the package) requires its own 100 nF + 4.7 uF decoupling network. Per the Microchip PIC32MX1XX/2XX family datasheet DS60001168L, inadequate VDDPLL decoupling is the most common cause of USB enumeration failure.
Layout for the 28-SSOP PIC32MX170F256B-I/SS: dedicate a continuous ground plane beneath the IC, route USB D+ and D- as a 90-ohm differential pair with length matching within 150 mil, and keep the 12 MHz primary oscillator traces short and surrounded by ground. The ICSP pins (PGEC1/PGED1 or PGEC2/PGED2) must be accessible for in-circuit programming - per Microchip, both pairs can be used but only one at a time. Place the ICSP header on the board edge for production programming access.
Estimated: when using the USB peripheral on PIC32MX170F256B-I/SS, the internal 48 MHz USB clock must be enabled and the PLL configured correctly via the DEVCFG bits, otherwise USB enumeration silently fails. The device ships with the JTAG enabled by default - disable JTAG in code to free up RA7 and RB7-13 for GPIO. Per the family reference, the on-chip temperature diode requires calibration constants from the FCR3 version of Flash to be accurate; without them, raw readings are off by 10-15C.
Estimated: the PIC32MX170F256B-I/SS in 28-SSOP has a typical thermal resistance (theta_JA) of approximately 70-80 C/W on a standard 2-layer FR4 board. At 0.5 mA/MHz active current draw and 3.3 V supply, the device dissipates roughly 80 mW at full 50 MHz operation, yielding a junction temperature rise of 6-8 C above ambient. Industrial-grade parts rated to +105C operate reliably at ambient temperatures up to ~95C in typical enclosures. No heatsink is required for normal operation.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip environmental declarations. Lead-free reflow profile 260C peak per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020. AEC-Q100 not qualified - this is a commercial/industrial part; AEC-Q100 qualified variants are typically labeled with -Q1 suffix.
