PIC32MX174F256B-V/MM - 32-bit 72MHz MCU, 256KB Flash, 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MX174F256B-V/MM ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.42 | $5.42 |
| 10 | $4.88 | $48.80 |
| 100 | $4.27 | $427.00 |
| 500 | $3.85 | $1,925.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.46 | $3,460.00 |
PIC32MX174F256B-V/MM Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, volatile and non-volatile memory, and a rich set of programmable peripherals around a shared bus. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, the PIC32MX174 sits under the 32-bit MCU category, which itself falls under microcontrollers (MCU -> 32-bit MCU -> MIPS-based MCU -> PIC32 family -> power management). The XLP sub-family is engineered for ultra-low-power embedded applications where sleep-mode current, peripheral run current, and wake-up latency directly determine battery life.
Key features include three on-chip analog comparators, a Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU), a Real-Time Clock and Calendar (RTCC), a 10-bit 1 Msps ADC, multiple UART/SPI/I2C peripherals, five 16-bit timers/counters, and four DMA channels for CPU-offload data movement. The 28-QFN-S footprint integrates Microchip's nanoWatt XLP technology, enabling deep-sleep currents in the microampere range with multiple wake sources. Code security via KDFL/Flash code-protectivity and a unique device ID support anti-cloning strategies.
Typical applications include low-power IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered data loggers, industrial control modules, USB connectivity for graphics, and connectivity bridge/wearable hubs. For USB-capable designs, an integrated full-speed USB 2.0 device controller with on-chip transceiver removes the need for an external PHY, and the 28-QFN footprint provides a 6x6 mm area for compact industrial-grade layouts. A 3.3 V core supply is typical, with internal LDO and brown-out reset (BOR) simplifying power sequencing.
Designers should pair this MCU with an external 8 MHz primary oscillator and configure the PLL for 72 MHz operation, then disable unused peripherals to enter nanoWatt XLP sleep modes between events. Programming is supported via Microchip's MPLAB X IDE with the XC32 compiler, and debugging is handled through standard 2-wire ICSP. The automotive-grade temperature range (-V suffix) is suitable for industrial but not full automotive AEC-Q100 designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MX174F256B-V/MM — 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 PIC32MX174F256B-V/MM (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, MSL Level, Communication Interfaces, Comparators.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MX174F256BT-V/MM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.35 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX170F256B-V/MM
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX154F128B-V/MM
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX170F256B-V/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX174F256B-V/MM Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | MIPS32 M4K |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 256 KB (256K x 8) |
| RAM Size | 64 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 72 MHz |
| DMIPS Performance | 83 DMIPS |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +105C (Grade -V) |
| Number of I/O Pins | 21 |
| Package Type | 28-QFN-S (6x6 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Number of Comparators | 3 |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit, 1 Msps |
| Timers | 5 x 16-bit |
| DMA Channels | 4 |
| Communication Interfaces | UART, SPI, I2C, USB 2.0 FS Device |
| Special Peripherals | CTMU, RTCC |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 3 |
PIC32MX174F256B-V/MM Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RB9/AN9/C1OUT — I/O port B bit 9 / analog input 9 / comparator 1 output |
| Pin 2 | RB10/CVREF — I/O port B bit 10 / comparator voltage reference output |
| Pin 3 | RB11/PMA — I/O port B bit 11 / parallel master port address |
| Pin 4 | RB13/AN11 — I/O port B bit 13 / analog input 11 |
| Pin 5 | RB14/C2OUT — I/O port B bit 14 / comparator 2 output |
| Pin 6 | RB15/AN14/C3OUT — I/O port B bit 15 / analog input 14 / comparator 3 output |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.3V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 8 | MCLR — Master clear / reset input (active low) |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI/RC13 — Crystal oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO/RC14 — Crystal oscillator output / system clock output |
| Pin 11 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 12 | RA0/AN0 — I/O port A bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 13 | RA1/AN1 — I/O port A bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 14 | RA2/AN2 — I/O port A bit 2 / analog input 2 |
| Pin 15 | RA3/AN3 — I/O port A bit 3 / analog input 3 |
| Pin 16 | RA4/AN4 — I/O port A bit 4 / analog input 4 |
| Pin 17 | AVDD — Analog positive supply voltage |
| Pin 18 | AVSS — Analog ground reference |
| Pin 19 | RA5 — I/O port A bit 5 |
| Pin 20 | RA6 — I/O port A bit 6 |
| Pin 21 | RC0 — I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 22 | RC1 — I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RC2 — I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RC3 — I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 25 | RC4 — I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RC5 — I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RC6 — I/O port C bit 6 |
| Pin 28 | RC7 — I/O port C bit 7 |
Typical Applications
PIC32MX174F256B-V/MM is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Power IoT Sensor Nodes, USB HID Peripheral Devices, Industrial Data Logger, Battery-Powered Wearable Hub, Home Appliance Control Board, Touch-Sense User Interface.
Low-Power IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC32MX174F256B-V/MM's 256 KB Flash and 64 KB SRAM comfortably host an RTOS plus a wireless protocol stack (LoRaWAN, Zigbee, or BLE HCI bridge), while its nanoWatt XLP sleep modes drop deep-sleep current to microampere levels between sensor reads. The CTMU peripheral enables capacitive soil-moisture or proximity-sensing without an external timer IC. An on-chip 10-bit 1 Msps ADC captures sensor data at 1 Msps for vibration or audio front-ends, with the DMA controller offloading conversions from the MIPS32 M4K core.
Recommended
USB HID Peripheral Devices
The PIC32MX174F256B-V/MM integrates a full-speed USB 2.0 device controller with an on-chip transceiver, removing the need for an external PHY and shrinking the BOM for HID peripherals like keyboards, mice, custom input devices, or CDC serial bridges. Its 72 MHz core sustains 12 Mbps USB traffic while leaving CPU headroom for application logic, and the 256 KB Flash accommodates USB stacks plus composite-device descriptors. The 28-QFN-S 6x6 mm footprint suits compact dongle-style enclosures.
Recommended
Industrial Data Logger
The PIC32MX174F256B-V/MM's -40C to +105C industrial temperature range and 256 KB Flash with 64 KB SRAM make it a robust data-acquisition frontend that buffers multi-channel ADC samples through DMA to memory, then writes compressed logs to SD cards over SPI. The RTCC provides a hardware-backed timestamp with battery-domain retention through sleep modes, ensuring accurate sample timing across days-long unattended logging runs in factory or outdoor environments.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Wearable Hub
The PIC32MX174F256B-V/MM's nanoWatt XLP sleep currents and integrated USB 2.0 device controller make it ideal for wearable hubs that pair with a phone over BLE through an external co-processor while logging to on-board Flash. Its 64 KB SRAM supports BLE HCI command queues, and the three on-chip comparators drive battery-voltage monitoring without external parts. The 28-QFN-S footprint fits inside a wristband PCB next to a coin-cell holder.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control Board
The PIC32MX174F256B-V/MM's three on-chip analog comparators directly interface with zero-crossing detectors, motor-back-EMF sense, and over-current trips in white-goods motor control. Its 72 MHz MIPS32 M4K core drives a graphical LCD or segment display over parallel or SPI, and the RTCC handles schedule timers for washers, ovens, or HVAC dampers. The -40C to +105C grade supports the kitchen-environment thermal envelope without additional heatsinking.
Recommended
Touch-Sense User Interface
The PIC32MX174F256B-V/MM's on-chip CTMU peripheral scans up to 16 capacitive touch buttons through a simple RC timing circuit, replacing mechanical buttons in sealed industrial or medical front panels. The 256 KB Flash stores debounce state and gesture-recognition firmware, and the 64 KB SRAM buffers multi-touch gestures without RTOS overhead. The 10-bit 1 Msps ADC supplements the CTMU for slider or wheel implementations with analog interpolation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MX174F256B-V/MM — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MX174F256BT-V/MM | PIC32MX170F256B-V/MM | PIC32MX154F128B-V/MM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN-S (6x6 mm) | 28-QFN-S (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN-S (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN-S (6x6 mm) - same |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB (-50%) |
| SRAM | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 32 KB (-50%) |
| Max CPU Speed | 72 MHz | 72 MHz | 72 MHz | 72 MHz |
| Core Architecture | MIPS32 M4K | MIPS32 M4K | MIPS32 M4K | MIPS32 M4K |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +105C (Grade -V) | -40C to +105C (Grade -V) | -40C to +105C (Grade -V) | -40C to +105C (Grade -V) |
| USB Controller | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device |
| XLP Generation | PIC32MX17x (newest XLP) | PIC32MX17x (newest XLP) | PIC32MX17x (earlier XLP gen) | PIC32MX15x (older XLP gen) |
Key Differentiators
- Highest memory in 28-QFN-S XLP family (vs PIC32MX154F128B-V/MM)
- Newest-generation XLP sleep current (vs PIC32MX170F256B-V/MM)
- Extended industrial temperature grade -V (vs Generic commercial-grade MCUs)
Design Notes
Estimated: at VDD = 3.3 V and core frequency 72 MHz, the PIC32MX174F256B draws approximately 30 mA active. In deep sleep (RTCC + WDT only) current drops to microampere range. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic on the supply rail. Use the internal LDO mode by tying the VCAP pin to a 10 uF capacitor for stable core voltage.
The 28-QFN-S package has an exposed thermal pad (EP) on the underside that must be soldered to a ground copper pour of 1 square inch minimum for thermal dissipation. Route the oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2) symmetrically with the crystal within 5 mm of the IC, surrounded by a guard ring tied to ground. Keep high-speed USB D+/D- traces matched within 2 mm and isolated from analog signals.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum VDD of 3.6 V. Ensure MCLR is properly pulled up to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor and never left floating. Configure the PLL before switching to high-frequency mode, otherwise the core may lock up. When using the CTMU peripheral for capacitive touch, calibrate the trim bits per the datasheet procedure; otherwise touch sensitivity drifts significantly across temperature.
USB D+ and D- traces must be 90 ohm differential impedance-controlled and routed over a continuous ground plane. Avoid via transitions on these traces, and place the 15 kohm pull-up on D+ as close to the IC as possible. For analog signals (ADC inputs), keep traces short and guard them with ground pours to reject digital switching noise from the 72 MHz core.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and lead-free per Microchip environmental documentation. The -V temperature grade (extended industrial) does not constitute AEC-Q100 automotive qualification; select AEC-Q100 parts explicitly for automotive designs. REACH and conflict-minerals declarations are available on Microchip's product compliance page.
