PIC32MX230F256B-50I/SS - 50MHz 32-bit MCU 256KB Flash 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MX230F256B-50I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.65 | $5.65 |
| 10 | $5.09 | $50.90 |
| 100 | $4.52 | $452.00 |
| 500 | $4.07 | $2,035.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.62 | $3,620.00 |
PIC32MX230F256B-50I/SS Overview
A 32-bit microcontroller is an embedded computing device built around a 32-bit data bus and register width, enabling higher throughput, larger addressable memory, and richer instruction sets than 8-bit or 16-bit MCUs. The PIC32MX family occupies the mid-tier of Microchip's MCU hierarchy: PIC32MX -> 32-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. It bridges between the PIC24/dsPIC 16-bit families and the higher-end PIC32MZ 32-bit families.
Key features include USB 2.0 full-speed OTG, two I²S/SPI modules for codec/serial communication, Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible I/O mapping, a Parallel Master Port (PMP) for graphics interfaces, mTouch capacitive touch sensing, 1 ns high-resolution time measurement, on-chip temperature sensor, 10-bit ADC, and CTMU support. Typical current consumption is 0.5 mA/MHz with multiple low-power sleep modes.
The architecture combines a single-cycle MIPS32 M4K core with dedicated peripherals including five 16-bit timers, five input capture, five output compare/PWM, a 10-bit 1 Msps ADC with 13 channels, two I2C, two UART, two SPI/I2S, and a real-time clock calendar. PPS remapping allows most digital peripherals to be assigned to multiple I/O pins, simplifying PCB routing.
Typical applications include USB peripherals and embedded devices, low-cost graphics interfaces with PMP-driven LCDs, capacitive touch button/slider user interfaces, audio codec interfaces, IoT edge nodes, and consumer/HMI products. The 50 MHz core delivers 83 DMIPS, sufficient for protocol stacks, sensor fusion light, and small RTOS environments. Designers should review the SSOP thermal envelope and decoupling layout per Microchip application note AN833.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MX230F256B-50I/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 PIC32MX230F256B-50I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature, Package, Core Architecture, DMA Channels.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MX230F256BT-50I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX230F128B-50I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX250F256B-50I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX130F256B-50I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX230F256B-50I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | MIPS32 M4K |
| Core Width | 32-Bit Single-Core |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 50 MHz (83 DMIPS) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 256 KB (256K x 8) |
| RAM | 16 KB |
| Package | 28-SSOP |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, "I") |
| Supply Voltage | 2.3V to 3.6V |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 13 channels, 1 Msps |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG |
| I2S/SPI Modules | 2 |
| I2C Modules | 2 |
| UART Modules | 2 |
| Timers | Five 16-bit |
| PMP (Parallel Master Port) | Yes |
| PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) | Yes |
| mTouch Capacitive Touch | Yes (with CTMU) |
| On-chip Temperature Sensor | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC32MX230F256B-50I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active-low |
| Pin 2 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 3 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.3V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 4 | RP5/RPC5 — Remappable I/O / SOSCO secondary oscillator output |
| Pin 5 | RP4/RC4 — Remappable I/O / SOSCI secondary oscillator input |
| Pin 6 | RP3/RC3 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 7 | RP2/RC2 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 8 | RP1/RC1 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 9 | RP0/RC0 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB15 — General purpose I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB14 — General purpose I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB13/AN13 — GPIO / analog input channel 13 |
| Pin 13 | RB12/AN12 — GPIO / analog input channel 12 |
| Pin 14 | RB11/AN11 — GPIO / analog input channel 11 |
| Pin 15 | RB10/AN10 — GPIO / analog input channel 10 |
| Pin 16 | RB9/AN9 — GPIO / analog input channel 9 |
| Pin 17 | RB8/AN8 — GPIO / analog input channel 8 |
| Pin 18 | VBUS — USB bus voltage detect input |
| Pin 19 | D- — USB D- data line |
| Pin 20 | D+ — USB D+ data line |
| Pin 21 | RB7/AN7 — GPIO / analog input channel 7 |
| Pin 22 | RB6/AN6 — GPIO / analog input channel 6 / PWM |
| Pin 23 | RB5/AN5 — GPIO / analog input channel 5 |
| Pin 24 | RB4/AN4 — GPIO / analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 25 | RB3/AN3 — GPIO / analog input channel 3 |
| Pin 26 | RB2/AN2 — GPIO / analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 27 | RB1/AN1 — GPIO / analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 28 | RB0/AN0 — GPIO / analog input channel 0 |
Typical Applications
PIC32MX230F256B-50I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: USB Human Interface Device (HID) Peripherals, Capacitive Touch User Interface (mTouch), Low-Cost Graphics HMI with PMP, Audio Codec Interface (I2S), IoT Edge Sensor Node, Industrial Control and Monitoring.
USB Human Interface Device (HID) Peripherals
The PIC32MX230F256B-50I/SS is a strong fit for USB HID peripherals because its integrated USB 2.0 full-speed OTG controller eliminates external PHY cost, while 256 KB Flash accommodates HID class descriptors plus application code. At 50 MHz the MIPS32 M4K core delivers 83 DMIPS, easily handling USB polling, debounce, and report generation. The 16 KB SRAM hosts a small USB stack plus HID report buffers. The 28-SSOP footprint keeps PCBs compact for dongle-form products. Compared to bit-banged USB on 8-bit MCUs, the on-chip transceiver cuts BOM by $0.50+ and frees 4-6 GPIOs. Verify VBUS pin routing and 3.3V LDO selection per Microchip application notes.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interface (mTouch)
The PIC32MX230F256B-50I/SS supports mTouch capacitive touch buttons and sliders via the on-chip CTMU and up to 13 ADC channels, making it ideal for sealed-front-panel user interfaces. PPS lets designers remap touch channels to almost any digital I/O, simplifying PCB layout. The 50 MHz core runs Microchip's Harmony touch library plus filtering in real time. The 28-SSOP package fits behind a glass or plastic overlay in consumer and appliance products. Designers should review Microchip AN1250 for PCB layout of touch sensors and guard traces. Compared to dedicated touch ICs, this MCU adds general-purpose compute for system control.
Recommended
Low-Cost Graphics HMI with PMP
The PIC32MX230F256B-50I/SS drives small parallel-interface LCDs through the Parallel Master Port (PMP), enabling low-cost graphical HMIs in appliance and industrial-control products. PMP supports 8-bit or 16-bit data plus dedicated control signals, while PPS allows flexible pin mapping. At 50 MHz the core refreshes QVGA (320x240) panels at adequate frame rates for menu UIs. The 256 KB Flash hosts graphics libraries and string tables, while 16 KB SRAM holds small frame buffers. Designers should pair this MCU with a 3.3V LCD and verify timing in the PMP peripheral library. Compared to SPI-display MCUs, PMP achieves higher throughput with fewer refresh artifacts.
Recommended
Audio Codec Interface (I2S)
The PIC32MX230F256B-50I/SS includes two I2S modules that interface directly to audio codecs such as the Microchip LAN9690 or third-party I2S DACs. This makes it suitable for networked audio adapters, USB audio class devices, and consumer audio peripherals. The 50 MHz MIPS32 M4K core runs sample-rate conversion, mixing, and USB audio class stack concurrently. The 256 KB Flash and 16 KB SRAM host both firmware and small audio buffers. Designers should review Microchip AN1422 for I2S clock tree configuration. Compared to fixed-function audio processors, this MCU adds USB connectivity and DSP headroom in a single chip.
Recommended
IoT Edge Sensor Node
The PIC32MX230F256B-50I/SS fits IoT edge sensor nodes that aggregate analog sensor data, perform local filtering, and forward to a host via USB or UART. The 10-bit ADC at 1 Msps supports up to 13 channels, while PPS remapping simplifies mixed-signal PCB routing. The 50 MHz core runs averaging, threshold detection, and small protocol stacks (Modbus, MQTT-SN). At 0.5 mA/MHz typical, the part is competitive for battery-powered designs that sleep between samples. The 28-SSOP package suits small sensor modules. Compared to ARM Cortex-M0+ alternatives, this PIC32 offers comparable performance with Microchip's mature Harmony code base.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Monitoring
The PIC32MX230F256B-50I/SS is well suited to industrial monitoring tasks: status LEDs, button inputs, relay drivers, RS-232/485 links, and small PLC-style logic. Two UARTs and two I2C ports cover most industrial buses, while the 5 timers support PWM, input capture, and watchdog duties. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade handles cabinet and factory-floor environments. The 256 KB Flash holds application logic plus Modbus or proprietary protocol stacks. The 28-SSOP package suits DIN-rail mounted boards. Designers should review Microchip AN240 for EMC-conscious PCB layout and proper ESD protection at external connectors.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MX230F256B-50I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MX230F256BT-50I/SS | PIC32MX230F128B-50I/SS | PIC32MX250F256B-50I/SS | PIC32MX130F256B-50I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 128 KB (-50%) | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| RAM | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB (+100%) | 16 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| USB OTG | Yes (USB 2.0 FS) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pin Count | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
Key Differentiators
- Highest Flash density in the PIC32MX2xx 28-SSOP family (vs PIC32MX230F128B-50I/SS)
- Matches the B-class peripheral set (vs PIC32MX250F256B-50I/SS)
- Lower RAM cost than higher-tier siblings (vs PIC32MX250F256B-50I/SS)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of each VDD pin, plus a bulk 4.7 uF or 10 uF tantalum/ceramic on the main 3.3V rail. AVDD (pin 28) requires its own 100 nF decoupling capacitor. Place the LDO close to the MCU to minimize transient response degradation, and keep digital return currents separated from analog return paths per Microchip AN833.
Route the 50 MHz system clock traces (SOSCI/SOSCO or POSC) as short and symmetric as possible, with ground guard traces on either side. The USB D+/D- pair must be routed as a 90-ohm differential pair with matched length, and the VBUS pin requires a 10 uF capacitor to ground. The exposed pad variants (QFN) require thermal vias under the pad for heat dissipation; the SSOP package dissipates through leads only.
Do not exceed 3.6V on any VDD/AVDD pin or 5V tolerant I/O pin (RB4-RB15 support 5V input only when configured as digital inputs). MCLR must have a 10kΩ pull-up to VDD; do not leave floating. PPS remapping must be configured before enabling the peripheral to avoid glitches. The on-chip temperature sensor requires calibration constants stored in Flash; consult the family reference manual section 32 for proper usage.
PPS remapping lets peripherals be assigned to almost any digital I/O pin, but some constraints apply: input-only pins (RB4-RB15) cannot drive outputs; UART TX/RX should be on matched drive-strength pins; I2C requires the SDA/SCL pins to use open-drain configuration. The 28-SSOP package has limited ground pins (only VSS on pin 2), so stitch additional ground pours and vias around the MCU for return paths and EMI control.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial -40C to +85C grade; not AEC-Q100 qualified. Choose V-temp variants (PIC32MX230F256B-V/ML) for higher temperature or AEC-Q100 needs.
