PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF - 50MHz 128KB Flash MCU 100-TQFP | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.32 | $4.32 |
| 10 | $3.89 | $38.90 |
| 100 | $3.45 | $345.00 |
| 500 | $3.05 | $1,525.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.71 | $2,710.00 |
PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF Overview
A 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) is an integrated circuit that combines a 32-bit processor core, program and data memory, and a rich set of peripherals on a single silicon die. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, an MCU sits below microprocessors in integration but above standard logic ICs in computational capability, occupying the embedded-computing tier. The PIC32MX230F128L belongs to the PIC32 family (Microchip), positioned as a high-performance extension of the legacy PIC16/PIC24 dSPIC families, and runs the MIPS32 instruction set.
Key differentiating features of this part include two I2S modules for digital audio, four SPI interfaces for codec and serial communications, a Parallel Master Port (PMP) with dual read/write buffers for graphics interfaces, Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible I/O mapping, and a 10-bit ADC with up to 1 Msps conversion rate. The 128 KB Flash supports self-programming, while 16 KB SRAM provides generous headroom for data buffers in audio and graphics workloads.
Architecturally, the PIC32MX230F128L uses a 5-stage pipeline MIPS32 M4K core with single-cycle multiply, hardware divide, and a tightly-coupled prefetch buffer that hides Flash latency. The bus matrix supports concurrent DMA transfers between peripherals and memory, enabling efficient streaming of audio samples to I2S without CPU intervention. PPS allows most digital peripherals to be remapped to nearly any digital I/O pin.
Typical applications include consumer audio devices (MP3 players, Bluetooth speakers, headphone amplifiers with DSP), HMI control panels with small TFT displays, low-cost CAN-connected industrial sensors, USB device peripherals, and general-purpose embedded control with 32-bit performance headroom.
When designing with this part, note that the 50 MHz maximum clock rate is a -50I industrial-grade part rated -40C to +85C; for automotive applications choose the -V variant, and for extended temperature choose the -E variant. Verify PPS remapping on every design revision because peripheral-to-pin mappings vary across PIC32MX sub-families.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF — 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 PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Parallel Master Port (PMP), Operating Temperature, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MX230F128LT-50I/PF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX250F128L-50I/PF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX130F128L-50I/PF
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX170F512L-50I/PF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | MIPS32 M4K |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 50 MHz (83 DMIPS) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 128 KB (128K x 8) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 16 KB |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 1 Msps, 9 channels |
| I2S Modules | 2 |
| SPI Modules | 4 |
| I2C Modules | 2 |
| UART Modules | 6 |
| Parallel Master Port (PMP) | Yes, with dual read/write buffers |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| DMA Channels | 4 |
| Timers | 5 x 16-bit, 2 x 32-bit |
| Package | 100-pin TQFP (14x14 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF 100-pin tqfp (14x14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF (100-pin tqfp (14x14 mm) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer Audio Devices, HMI Control Panels with Small TFT Displays, USB Device Peripherals, CAN-Connected Industrial Sensors, General-Purpose Embedded Control, Low-Cost Graphics Touch Interfaces.
Consumer Audio Devices
The PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF's dual I2S interfaces, 4-channel DMA, and 16 KB SRAM make it ideal for stereo audio streaming in MP3 players, Bluetooth speakers, and headphone amplifiers. At 50 MHz / 83 DMIPS the M4K core sustains 44.1 kHz/16-bit stereo with approximately 5% CPU utilization, leaving ample headroom for DSP effects such as parametric EQ or dynamic range compression. Pair this MCU with an external audio DAC like the TI PCM5102A via I2S for a low-noise playback chain.
Recommended
HMI Control Panels with Small TFT Displays
The Parallel Master Port (PMP) with dual read/write buffers drives small TFT displays (up to 480x272 QVGA) directly from the PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF without an external graphics controller. The 16 KB SRAM supports a full-frame buffer at QVGA 16-bit color (about 256 KB is too large, but the part can stream tiles efficiently). Combined with the 50 MHz CPU and PPS flexibility, the MCU is well-suited to mid-complexity HMI panels with resistive touch sensing via the ADC.
Recommended
USB Device Peripherals
While the base PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF does not include USB, its 100-TQFP pinout is forward-compatible with the PIC32MX250F128L variant which adds a USB 2.0 full-speed device controller. Designs can migrate to USB HID, CDC, or mass-storage classes by swapping the silicon (same PCB footprint) and updating the firmware stack. This makes the PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF an excellent stepping stone for product families that may need USB connectivity later.
Recommended
CAN-Connected Industrial Sensors
The PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF supports industrial CAN bus connectivity through its PMP and PPS-mappable UART interfaces when paired with an external CAN transceiver like the MCP2561/2562. The 50 MHz CPU and 4 DMA channels enable high-speed sensor data aggregation, while the 10-bit 1 Msps ADC handles up to 9 analog sensor inputs simultaneously. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature rating supports factory floor and outdoor enclosure deployments.
Recommended
General-Purpose Embedded Control
With 50 MHz of MIPS32 compute, 128 KB Flash, 16 KB SRAM, and 6 UART plus 4 SPI interfaces, the PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF serves as a versatile general-purpose MCU for industrial controllers, building automation nodes, and instrumentation. The PPS architecture allows any digital peripheral to be assigned to most I/O pins, simplifying PCB routing. The 100-TQFP package provides ample I/O for multi-protocol gateway designs combining UART, SPI, and I2C sensors.
Recommended
Low-Cost Graphics Touch Interfaces
The PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF's PMP with dual buffers plus integrated 10-bit ADC for touch-sensing forms a complete low-cost graphics HMI platform for appliances, vending machines, and instrument panels. The DMA engine can refresh the display in the background while the CPU handles touch event processing and UI logic. Combined with the parallel-master-pin count and 100-TQFP footprint, this MCU replaces older 8/16-bit PIC24 designs with a 32-bit performance upgrade.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MX230F128LT-50I/PF | PIC32MX250F128L-50I/PF | PIC32MX130F128L-50I/PF | PIC32MX170F512L-50I/PF | PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-TQFP (14x14 mm) | 100-TQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-TQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-TQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-TQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-TQFP (14x14 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core | MIPS32 M4K | MIPS32 M4K | MIPS32 M4K | MIPS32 M4K | MIPS32 M4K | MIPS32 M4K |
| Max CPU Speed | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz |
| Flash | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 512 KB (+300%) | 128 KB |
| SRAM | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 64 KB (+300%) | 16 KB |
| I2S Modules | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 (-50%) | 2 | 2 |
| USB Controller | None | None | USB 2.0 FS Device | None | USB 2.0 FS Device | None |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Unit Price (qty 100, as of 2026-10-02) | $3.45 | $3.45 | $3.95 (+14%) | $2.95 (-14%) | $4.85 (+41%) | $3.45 |
Key Differentiators
- Dual I2S interfaces in the PIC32MX2xx family (vs PIC32MX130F128L-50I/PF)
- Forward-compatible USB upgrade path (vs PIC32MX170F512L-50I/PF)
- Higher DMIPS throughput than 8-bit PIC alternatives (vs PIC18F family (PIC18F46K22))
Design Notes
The PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF operates from 2.3V to 3.6V and draws approximately 65 mA at 50 MHz with all peripherals active. Decouple VDD/VSS pairs with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of each pair; add a 4.7 uF bulk capacitor on the AVDD analog supply to keep ADC reference noise below 1 LSB. Use a ferrite bead between AVDD and VDD if the ADC and digital peripherals are active simultaneously.
Place the 8 MHz primary crystal (or resonator) within 5 mm of the OSCI/OSCO pins with short, symmetric traces and a ground guard ring. Avoid routing high-frequency digital signals (PMP, SPI) parallel to the analog input traces (AN0-AN15) for more than 25 mm. The 100-TQFP has 4 ground pins distributed across the package; connect each to a continuous ground plane to keep digital return currents low-impedance.
Do not assume Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) mappings are identical between PIC32MX sub-families: PPS register addresses and remappable peripheral lists differ between PIC32MX1XX, PIC32MX2XX, and PIC32MX5XX/6XX/7XX. When migrating firmware, always re-validate PPS assignments against the target datasheet. Also note that the ICSP programming pins (PGECx/PGEDx) are NOT remappable and must remain on their assigned package pins for in-circuit programming.
At 50 MHz full-load operation, the PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF consumes approximately 65 mA from a 3.3 V supply, dissipating about 0.21 W. The 100-TQFP package has a theta_JA of approximately 45 C/W, yielding a junction temperature rise of about 9C above ambient - well within the 125C junction limit. No special thermal management is needed for typical consumer applications.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product declaration. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose the -V (automotive) variant for automotive applications. Lead-free (Pb-free) matte-tin plating on TQFP leads.
