PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/TL - 50MHz 32-bit MCU 256KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/TL ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.5 | $6.50 |
| 10 | $5.85 | $58.50 |
| 100 | $5.2 | $520.00 |
| 500 | $4.68 | $2,340.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.16 | $4,160.00 |
PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/TL Overview
What is a PIC32MX microcontroller? The PIC32MX family is Microchip's MIPS-based 32-bit extension of the legacy PIC16/PIC24 16-bit portfolio, positioned in the mid-range embedded segment between 8-bit AVR/PIC MCUs and higher-end ARM Cortex-M parts. It runs the same MPLAB Harmony and MPLAB X toolchains as Microchip's other MCUs, giving designers an upgrade path from 8-bit code while keeping the same peripheral libraries and debugger ecosystem. Within the PIC32MX1xx/2xx 44-pin sub-family, the PIC32MX170 specifically adds USB and advanced analog, while the PIC32MX150 in the same pinout drops USB.
Key features include 256 KB single-cycle Flash, 64 KB SRAM, Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible signal routing, mTouch capacitive touch support, a 1 ns resolution 16-bit timer/capture engine, and on-chip temperature sensing. Six UART, four SPI, and four I2C channels give generous connectivity headroom for sensor hubs, while the hardware crypto block is absent on the MX1xx series (unlike MX2xx). The device operates from 2.3 V to 3.6 V.
The 44-VTLA package is the thinnest variant (0.5 mm nominal height), well-suited to space-constrained handhelds where the QFN (ML) and TQFP (PT) alternatives are taller. Designers porting between VTLA, QFN, and TQFP must verify pinout tables because lead pitch differs (0.4 mm VTLA, 0.65 mm QFN, 0.8 mm TQFP); the silicon is identical, but the PCB footprint cannot be reused.
Typical applications include USB audio interfaces, USB HID peripherals, sensor hub controllers, small graphical user interfaces (PMP-driven TFT), industrial USB-to-UART bridges, and consumer learning/evaluation boards such as the PIC32MX USB Starter Kit.
A critical design consideration is the 2.3-3.6 V supply range: any 5 V signal requires level translation, and the 44-VTLA package is moisture-sensitive (MSL-3), demanding dry-pack handling and reflow profiles below 260 C peak.
This page aggregates distributor pricing, drop-in alternative MPNs from the same VTLA-44 footprint, and design notes that go beyond the datasheet application examples to help engineers short-list replacement parts quickly.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/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 PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/TL (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Timers, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MX170F256D-I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.16 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX170F256D-50I/TL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX150F256DT-50I/TL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX274F256D-I/TL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX170F256D-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/TL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit RISC |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 50 MHz (83 DMIPS) |
| Program Flash Memory | 256 KB (256K x 8) |
| SRAM | 64 KB |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 1 Msps, 28 channels |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device/Host/OTG |
| UART Channels | 6 |
| SPI Channels | 4 |
| I2C Channels | 4 |
| I2S Interfaces | 2 |
| Parallel Master Port (PMP) | Yes |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Package | 44-VTLA (6x6 mm), 0.4 mm pitch |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| mTouch Capacitive Touch | Supported |
| On-chip Temperature Sensor | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/TL Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RPB0/AN0 — Remappable I/O / ADC input AN0 |
| Pin 2 | RPB1/AN1 — Remappable I/O / ADC input AN1 |
| Pin 3 | RPB2/AN2 — Remappable I/O / ADC input AN2 |
| Pin 4 | RPB3/AN3 — Remappable I/O / ADC input AN3 |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — PORTA pin 0 / VREF+ |
| Pin 7 | RA1 — PORTA pin 1 / VREF- |
| Pin 8 | RB4/AN4 — Remappable I/O / ADC input AN4 |
| Pin 9 | RB5/AN5 — Remappable I/O / ADC input AN5 |
| Pin 10 | RB6/AN6 — Remappable I/O / ADC input AN6 |
| Pin 11 | RB7/AN7 — Remappable I/O / ADC input AN7 |
| Pin 12 | AVDD — Analog supply |
| Pin 13 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 14 | RB8/AN8 — Remappable I/O / ADC input AN8 |
| Pin 15 | RB9/AN9 — Remappable I/O / ADC input AN9 |
| Pin 16 | RB10/AN10 — Remappable I/O / ADC input AN10 |
| Pin 17 | RB11/AN11 — Remappable I/O / ADC input AN11 |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Digital supply (2.3-3.6 V) |
| Pin 20 | RB12/AN12 — Remappable I/O / ADC input AN12 |
| Pin 21 | RB13/AN13 — Remappable I/O / ADC input AN13 |
| Pin 22 | RB14/AN14 — Remappable I/O / ADC input AN14 |
| Pin 23 | RB15/AN15 — Remappable I/O / ADC input AN15 |
| Pin 24 | SOSCI/RPC0 — Secondary oscillator / remappable I/O |
| Pin 25 | SOSCO/RPC1 — Secondary oscillator / remappable I/O |
| Pin 26 | RPC2 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 27 | RPC3 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 28 | RPC4 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 29 | RPC5 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 30 | RPC6 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 31 | RPC7 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 32 | RPC8 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 33 | RPC9 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 34 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 35 | VDD — Digital supply (2.3-3.6 V) |
| Pin 36 | RPD0 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 37 | RPD1 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 38 | RPD2 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 39 | RPD3 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 40 | RPD4 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 41 | RPD5 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 42 | RPD6 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 43 | RPD7 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 44 | VDD — Digital supply (2.3-3.6 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/TL is suitable for 6 applications: USB Audio Interface, USB HID Peripheral Device, Small TFT GUI Controller, Industrial USB-to-UART/SPI/I2C Bridge, Capacitive Touch Sensor Hub, Sensor Hub and Data Logger.
USB Audio Interface
The PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/TL fits USB audio interface designs because its USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG controller plus dual I2S interfaces support asynchronous USB audio streaming with 48 kHz / 24-bit sample rates. The 50 MHz MIPS M4K core has ample headroom for USB isochronous endpoint handling and audio buffering in 64 KB SRAM, while the 10-bit ADC handles auxiliary line-level monitoring. Placed as the central MCU with the I2S bus driving an external DAC like the CS4344, this part matches USB Audio Class 1.0/2.0 reference designs without needing an external PHY.
Recommended
USB HID Peripheral Device
The PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/TL is well-suited for USB HID peripherals such as custom keyboards, game controllers, and industrial keypads because the integrated USB Full-Speed controller with internal transceiver eliminates an external PHY. Its Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) routes any digital peripheral to any I/O, simplifying matrix-scanning keypads with up to 28 ADC channels available for analog inputs like potentiometers or capacitive sliders. The 50 MHz CPU keeps HID polling latency under 1 ms with significant idle for power-saving Sleep modes.
Recommended
Small TFT GUI Controller
For graphical user interfaces on 3.5-inch or smaller TFT displays, the PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/TL provides a Parallel Master Port (PMP) capable of driving 8-bit or 16-bit 8080/6800 parallel LCDs at up to 25 MHz pixel clock. The 64 KB SRAM buffers one full QVGA frame plus display lists, and the 256 KB Flash stores graphical assets. Unlike MCUs without PMP, this part avoids bit-banging SPI TFT buses and achieves fluid UI rendering with the MIPS M4K DMA offloading pixel transfers.
Recommended
Industrial USB-to-UART/SPI/I2C Bridge
The PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/TL serves industrial USB-to-serial bridge designs because the USB device controller plus six UART / four SPI / four I2C channels support multi-protocol converters in a single chip. The wide 2.3-3.6 V supply accommodates 3.3 V industrial rails directly, while the on-chip temperature sensor monitors bridge health. Compared with dedicated bridges like the MCP2200, this MCU adds programmable logic and mTouch capacitive buttons, enabling smart industrial cable replacements.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch Sensor Hub
The PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/TL hosts mTouch capacitive touch sensing on up to 28 channels via the CTMU peripheral, making it ideal for appliance control panels, smart locks, and proximity-sensing user interfaces. The 1 ns resolution 16-bit timer captures micro-touch events with high SNR, while the on-chip temperature sensor compensates for environmental drift. Designers replace mechanical keypads and rotary encoders with a sealed glass surface, gaining IP65 protection with the 44-VTLA package's low 0.5 mm profile.
Recommended
Sensor Hub and Data Logger
The PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/TL functions as a multi-sensor hub because its four I2C, four SPI, and 28 ADC channels can concurrently poll temperature, pressure, accelerometer, and flow sensors at rates exceeding 1 ksps each. The 256 KB Flash and 64 KB SRAM buffer sensor logs locally before forwarding over USB or UART to a host processor, making the part suitable for portable instrumentation and environmental monitoring. Sleep current below 30 uA extends battery life in field deployments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/TL — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MX170F256D-I/TL | PIC32MX170F256D-50I/TL | PIC32MX150F256DT-50I/TL | PIC32MX274F256D-I/TL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-VTLA (6x6 mm) | 44-VTLA (6x6 mm) | 44-VTLA (6x6 mm) | 44-VTLA (6x6 mm) | 44-VTLA (6x6 mm) |
| Core Clock | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 72 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| USB | USB 2.0 FS OTG | USB 2.0 FS OTG | USB 2.0 FS OTG | None | USB 2.0 FS OTG |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 16-bit |
| Hardware Crypto | No | No | No | No | AES/DES/SHA |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty 1) | $6.50 | $6.50 | $6.50 | $5.50 | $8.00 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG with internal transceiver (vs PIC32MX150F256DT-50I/TL)
- Tape & Reel packaging for SMT production (vs PIC32MX170F256D-I/TL)
- 50 MHz speed grade - 25% more CPU headroom (vs PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP)
Design Notes
The PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/TL operates from 2.3 V to 3.6 V and requires decoupling capacitors per the Microchip datasheet: one 10 uF bulk capacitor plus one 0.1 uF ceramic cap on each VDD pin, plus a 10 uF + 0.1 uF pair on AVDD if the ADC is used. Place the 0.1 uF caps within 2 mm of each supply pin. The internal voltage regulator core supplies 1.8 V; do not draw external load from it. VREF+ may be tied to AVDD or driven externally; if external, decouple it with 10 nF.
At 50 MHz with USB active, typical core current is about 25 mA (0.5 mA/MHz per the PIC32MX1XX family datasheet). Estimated: with 3.3 V supply and full peripheral activity including ADC and USB, total IDD is roughly 30 mA, dissipating 100 mW - well within the 44-VTLA 6x6 mm package's thermal limits. No heatsink is needed. For continuous USB bus-powered operation, factor in VBUS regulator efficiency and ensure ambient temperature stays below +85 C.
The 44-VTLA package has 0.4 mm lead pitch and a central thermal pad that MUST be soldered to a corresponding PCB land with multiple thermal vias to the internal ground plane for electrical and thermal performance. Recommended PCB land pattern is per Microchip package drawing 44L-VTLA-6x6. The exposed pad (EP) is electrically VSS internally; do not connect it to anything else. Hand soldering this package is not feasible - use reflow or hot-air rework only.
Do not confuse the 'T' suffix (Tape & Reel) with package code. The package code 'TL' is VTLA-44, while 'PT' is TQFP-44 and 'ML' is QFN-44 - these are not footprint-compatible. Also, the operating temperature suffix 'I' denotes -40 to +85 C industrial; 'V' denotes -40 to +125 C automotive-grade. Programming/debugging requires a PICkit 3/4/5 or ICD via the PGECx/PGEDx pins, not the USB pins.
USB DP/DM traces must be 90 ohm differential, matched within 2 mm, and routed over a continuous ground plane without splits. Place the 15 kohm pull-down on D- only when configuring as full-speed device per USB spec; the PIC32MX170 internal pull-down may be insufficient for compliance. Keep clock traces (SOSC, POSC) short and guard-banded; place the 32.768 kHz crystal load caps as close to the SOSCI/SOSCO pins as possible.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. The 'I' suffix denotes industrial -40 to +85 C grade; for AEC-Q100 automotive grade, choose the 'V' temperature suffix variants. Lead-free reflow up to 260 C peak per JEDEC J-STD-020.
