PIC32MX170F256DT-I/TL - 32-bit MCU, 256KB Flash, 44-VTLA | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MX170F256DT-I/TL ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.45 | $4.45 |
| 10 | $4.1 | $41.00 |
| 100 | $3.65 | $365.00 |
| 500 | $3.25 | $1,625.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.95 | $2,950.00 |
PIC32MX170F256DT-I/TL Overview
A PIC32MX 32-bit microcontroller is a high-performance MIPS-based MCU family from Microchip that combines deterministic real-time control with rich peripherals (USB, I2S, CAN) and large unified memory, bridging the gap between 8/16-bit PIC MCUs and higher-end ARM Cortex-M parts. The PIC32MX1xx/2xx family targets cost-sensitive audio, USB-device, graphical, and general-purpose embedded designs, sitting in the broader hierarchy of 32-bit MCU -> embedded controller -> semiconductor device.
Key features of the PIC32MX170F256DT-I/TL include 256 KB (256K x 8) Flash, 64 KB SRAM, 35 programmable I/O, a 10-bit ADC with up to 28 input channels, USB 2.0 full-speed OTG, I2S audio interface, four I2C and five UART peripherals, and a wide operating voltage range of 2.3 V to 3.6 V. The 40 MHz core delivers 1.56 DMIPS/MHz (Dhrystone 2.1) of compute, while MIPS16e instruction mode reduces code footprint by approximately 40% for memory-constrained applications.
The device uses a 5-stage pipeline Harvard architecture with separate 16 KB instruction and 16 KB data caches prefetch buffer to maximize sustained throughput from Flash. An integrated 8 MHz internal RC oscillator with PLL enables up to 40 MHz system clock, and multiple low-power modes (Sleep, Idle, Deep Sleep with RTC) allow typical Sleep currents in the tens of microamp range for battery-friendly designs. Hardware DMA on USB, I2S, ADC, and UART peripherals offloads data movement from the CPU.
Typical applications include USB audio devices, low-cost graphical LCD/HMI controllers, sensor aggregation nodes, USB HID peripherals, and industrial control front-ends. The combination of USB, I2S, and 35 I/O makes the part well-suited to bridge legacy peripherals and a modern host. For automotive, medical, or safety-critical use, consult the PIC32MX family errata and consider PIC32MK or dsPIC33 variants instead.
When designing with this device, ensure the 44-VTLA (TL) land pattern matches the thermal pad of your PCB: missing the exposed pad connection will derate power dissipation significantly. Use MPLAB Harmony or MPLAB X IDE projects configured for PIC32MX170F256D family; the "T" suffix indicates Tape and Reel packaging, while "I" denotes the -40 C to +85 C industrial temperature range.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives from the PIC32MX1xx/2xx family, and design notes drawn from Microchip's PIC32MX1XX/2XX 28/36/44-pin datasheet family (DS60001168), information not consolidated in any single manufacturer or distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MX170F256DT-I/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-I/TL (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, DMA Channels, Parallel Master Port (PMP), USB.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MX170F256D-I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.16 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.16 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX170F256DT-I/TL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | MIPS32 M4K (32-bit, single-core) |
| Maximum Core Frequency | 40 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB (256K x 8) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 64 KB |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 35 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 28 input channels |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG |
| Audio Interface | I2S |
| UART / I2C / SPI | 5 UART / 4 I2C / 3 SPI |
| Package | 44-VTLA (6x6 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| DMA Channels | Yes (USB, I2S, ADC, UART) |
| Instruction Set | MIPS32, MIPS16e code compression |
PIC32MX170F256DT-I/TL Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RPB0/AN0 — Remappable I/O, analog input 0 |
| Pin 2 | RPB1/AN1 — Remappable I/O, analog input 1 |
| Pin 3 | RPB2/AN2/C1IND — Remappable I/O, analog input 2 |
| Pin 4 | RPB3/AN3/C1INC — Remappable I/O, analog input 3 |
| Pin 5 | RPB4/AN4/C2IND — Remappable I/O, analog input 4 |
| Pin 6 | RPB5/AN5/C2INC — Remappable I/O, analog input 5 |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.3-3.6 V) |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RPB6/AN6/OC1 — Remappable I/O, analog input 6, output compare 1 |
| Pin 10 | RPB7/AN7/OC2 — Remappable I/O, analog input 7, output compare 2 |
| Pin 11 | RPB8/AN8/OC3 — Remappable I/O, analog input 8, output compare 3 |
| Pin 12 | RPB9/AN9/OC4 — Remappable I/O, analog input 9, output compare 4 |
| Pin 13 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.3-3.6 V) |
| Pin 15 | RPC0/AN10 — Remappable I/O, analog input 10 |
| Pin 16 | RPC1/AN11 — Remappable I/O, analog input 11 |
| Pin 17 | RPC2/AN12 — Remappable I/O, analog input 12 |
| Pin 18 | RPC3/AN13 — Remappable I/O, analog input 13 |
| Pin 19 | RPC4/AN14 — Remappable I/O, analog input 14 |
| Pin 20 | RPC5/AN15 — Remappable I/O, analog input 15 |
| Pin 21 | RPC6/AN16 — Remappable I/O, analog input 16 |
| Pin 22 | RPC7/AN17 — Remappable I/O, analog input 17 |
| Pin 23 | RPC8/AN18 — Remappable I/O, analog input 18 |
| Pin 24 | RPC9/AN19 — Remappable I/O, analog input 19 |
| Pin 25 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 26 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.3-3.6 V) |
| Pin 27 | D+/RGMD — USB D+ data line (OTG mode) |
| Pin 28 | D-/RGND — USB D- data line (OTG mode) |
| Pin 29 | VBUS — USB VBUS detect (5 V tolerant) |
| Pin 30 | VUSB3V3 — USB 3.3 V regulator output |
| Pin 31 | RPG6/SCK2 — Remappable I/O, SPI clock 2 |
| Pin 32 | RPG7/SOSCO — Remappable I/O, secondary oscillator output |
| Pin 33 | RPG8/SOSCI — Remappable I/O, secondary oscillator input |
| Pin 34 | RPG9 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 35 | MCLR — Master clear / reset input (active low) |
| Pin 36 | OSC1/CLKI — Crystal oscillator input or external clock |
| Pin 37 | OSC2/CLKO — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 38 | AVDD — Analog positive supply (2.3-3.6 V) |
| Pin 39 | AVSS — Analog ground reference |
| Pin 40 | RPD0/INT0 — Remappable I/O, external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 41 | RPD1/INT1 — Remappable I/O, external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 42 | RPD2/INT2 — Remappable I/O, external interrupt 2 |
| Pin 43 | RPD3/INT3 — Remappable I/O, external interrupt 3 |
| Pin 44 | RPD4/RTCC — Remappable I/O, real-time clock alarm |
Typical Applications
PIC32MX170F256DT-I/TL is suitable for 6 applications: USB Audio Device Controller, Low-Cost Graphical HMI Controller, USB HID Peripheral Interface, Industrial Sensor Aggregation Node, USB Mass Storage / Data Logger, Wearable / Portable Medical Sensor.
USB Audio Device Controller
The PIC32MX170F256DT-I/TL integrates USB 2.0 full-speed OTG and an I2S audio interface in a 40 MHz MIPS32 core, making it well suited as a USB-to-I2S bridge for USB speakers, USB headsets, and USB microphones. The 64 KB SRAM is sufficient to buffer USB isochronous audio packets at 48 kHz/24-bit without CPU intervention, while the 256 KB Flash hosts USB audio class 1.0/2.0 descriptors plus DSP filters. Compared to a discrete USB-to-I2S bridge, this part adds 35 GPIO for buttons, LEDs, and codec control.
Recommended
Low-Cost Graphical HMI Controller
Driving a small QVGA (320x240) TFT or OLED graphical user interface benefits from the PIC32MX170F256DT-I/TL's 40 MHz MIPS32 core and 35 I/O pins, which can parallel-interface a TFT while leaving GPIO for touch sensing and rotary encoders. The 256 KB Flash stores fonts, bitmaps, and application logic; the 64 KB SRAM holds the active framebuffer or UI page state. The 4 I2C and 5 UART peripherals connect to sensors, RS-485 modems, or BLE modules alongside the display. Per Microchip PIC32MX1XX/2XX datasheet, the 10-bit ADC can read ambient light sensors for automatic backlight dimming.
Recommended
USB HID Peripheral Interface
Implementing a USB HID device such as a custom keypad, gamepad, multi-touch digitizer, or barcode scanner is a natural fit for the PIC32MX170F256DT-I/TL with its integrated USB 2.0 full-speed, 35 GPIO, and ample Flash. The 256 KB Flash stores USB HID report descriptors plus application state machines, and the 64 KB SRAM enables rich USB endpoint buffering. DMA offload keeps USB transactions from consuming MIPS for non-USB task work. Industrial temp (-40 C to +85 C) suits point-of-sale terminals and factory-floor operator panels.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Aggregation Node
The PIC32MX170F256DT-I/TL combines a 10-bit ADC (up to 28 channels), 5 UARTs, 4 I2Cs, and 3 SPIs in a single 44-VTLA device, enabling one MCU to aggregate multiple sensor types for industrial monitoring. The -40 C to +85 C industrial temperature range meets factory-floor requirements, while 256 KB Flash hosts Modbus or proprietary fieldbus protocol stacks. Compared to using multiple smaller MCUs, the unified MIPS32 architecture simplifies firmware maintenance and reduces BOM count by one or two ICs.
Recommended
USB Mass Storage / Data Logger
Building a USB mass storage device or offload data logger uses the PIC32MX170F256DT-I/TL's USB 2.0 full-speed OTG plus the 256 KB Flash to host a FAT12/16/32 stack, and 64 KB SRAM for sector buffering. SD cards via SPI and UART GPS modules fit comfortably within the peripheral count. Compared to a discrete USB controller + external MCU, the integrated approach reduces PCB area by roughly 30%. The 40 MHz core is sufficient for sustained 1 MB/s USB transfers from SD card media.
Recommended
Wearable / Portable Medical Sensor
Battery-powered wearable and portable medical sensing benefit from the PIC32MX170F256DT-I/TL's MIPS16e code compression (reducing Flash pressure by ~40%), Deep Sleep mode with RTC, and 35 low-leakage GPIO. The 10-bit ADC samples temperature, heart rate, or SpO2 photodiode signals while USB OTG handles charging and data uplink. The 44-VTLA 6x6 mm package fits wristwatch form factors. Industrial temp (-40 C to +85 C) handles body-worn thermal extremes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MX170F256DT-I/TL — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MX170F256D-I/TL | PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/TL | PIC32MX170F256DT-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-VTLA (6x6) | 44-VTLA (6x6) - same | 44-VTLA (6x6) - same | 44-TQFP (10x10) - different |
| Core | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit (same) | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit (same) | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit (same) |
| Maximum Frequency | 40 MHz | 40 MHz (same) | 50 MHz (+25%) | 40 MHz (same) |
| Flash | 256 KB | 256 KB (same) | 256 KB (same) | 256 KB (same) |
| SRAM | 64 KB | 64 KB (same) | 64 KB (same) | 64 KB (same) |
| I/O Pins | 35 | 35 (same) | 35 (same) | 35 (same) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 3.6 V (same) | 2.3 V to 3.6 V (same) | 2.3 V to 3.6 V (same) |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel | Tube / Tray | Tape & Reel (same) | Tape & Reel (same) |
| Unit Price (1pc) | $4.45 | $4.40 (similar) | $5.05 (+13%) | $4.50 (similar) |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade with USB OTG (vs PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/TL)
- Compact 44-VTLA footprint vs 44-TQFP (vs PIC32MX170F256DT-I/PT)
- Mature MPLAB Harmony software ecosystem (vs Cross-brand ARM Cortex-M0 equivalents)
Design Notes
The 44-VTLA package has a center die-attach pad that MUST be soldered to the PCB thermal/ground plane for proper electrical and thermal performance. Per the Microchip PIC32MX1XX/2XX datasheet, omitting the central pad connection increases junction-to-ambient thermal resistance and can cause erratic ADC reference behavior. Use at least 5 thermal vias in the central pad for heat transfer to inner copper layers.
Place 0.1 uF ceramic bypass capacitors within 5 mm of every VDD/VSS pin pair, plus a single 10 uF bulk capacitor near the device. The USB VUSB3V3 pin requires a 0.47 uF ceramic capacitor for the internal USB 3.3 V regulator; failure to provide this disables USB. AVDD/AVSS must be filtered with a ferrite bead or 10 ohm resistor plus 0.1 uF cap to keep ADC reference clean from digital switching noise.
Do not use the PIC32MX170F256DT-I/TL at 50 MHz - that is a different speed grade part (PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/TL). Programming firmware built for 50 MHz will cause peripheral timing errors on this 40 MHz device. Always select the correct device ID in MPLAB X IDE before generating hex files. Verify with the device ID register after programming.
USB D+ and D- traces must be routed as a 90-ohm differential pair with matched length to within 150 mil. The VBUS sense pin must be connected even in self-powered designs; floating VBUS confuses the USB OTG state machine. Keep the 48 MHz USB clock away from the analog ADC inputs to prevent coupled interference.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive applications consult PIC32 automotive-grade variants. Lead-free reflow-compatible.
