PIC32MX230F256D-50I/PT - 50MHz 256KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MX230F256D-50I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.45 | $6.45 |
| 10 | $5.82 | $58.20 |
| 100 | $5.21 | $521.00 |
| 500 | $4.68 | $2,340.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.15 | $4,150.00 |
PIC32MX230F256D-50I/PT Overview
What is a PIC32MX microcontroller? PIC32MX is Microchip's MIPS-based 32-bit MCU family that bridges the gap between 8/16-bit PIC microcontrollers and higher-performance ARM Cortex-M parts. It uses the MIPS32 M4K core with a 5-stage pipeline and executes most instructions in one cycle, offering familiar PIC architecture ease-of-use through MPLAB X IDE while providing 32-bit registers, large linear Flash and rich peripherals such as USB 2.0 full-speed OTG, PMP, I2S and a 1 ns resolution input capture timer.
Key features include USB 2.0 full-speed device/host/OTG, Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible signal routing, a Parallel Master Port (PMP) for graphics and external memory interfaces, two I2S/SPI modules for audio codecs, mTouch capacitive-touch hardware support, a 10-bit ADC with up to 1 Msps conversion rate, and a 16-bit Parallel Port capable of addressing external devices. The 50 MHz maximum clock yields 83 DMIPS, while typical active current is 0.5 mA/MHz, making it suitable for USB-powered and battery applications.
The PIC32MX230F256D-50I/PT is built on a 0.25 µm process node and is offered in the industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C, denoted by the 'I' suffix). The -50 speed grade is required when running the part at the full 50 MHz; the lower-grade PIC32MX230F256D-I/PT operates only up to 40 MHz. The 44-TQFP package is RoHS-compliant and ships in trays for production volumes.
Typical applications include USB peripherals such as HID mice/keyboards, capacitive-touch user interfaces (buttons, sliders, wheels), small graphical HMI panels driven through PMP, audio streaming accessories via I2S, and consumer/industrial control boards that benefit from the PIC ecosystem's MPLAB Harmony framework. Designers migrating from 16-bit PIC24 or dsPIC33 families find the register set familiar while gaining 32-bit performance.
When designing with this part, ensure the supply rail is decoupled with 10 µF bulk and 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors placed close to the VDD/VSS pairs. For optimal USB signal integrity, follow the layout guidance in the datasheet regarding the D+/D- trace impedance and the VBUS detection circuit. The '50' speed grade should be selected whenever USB or PMP throughput is required at the higher baud rates; the non-50 part will not operate reliably above 40 MHz.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the same TQFP-44 footprint, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet. Engineers evaluating the PIC32MX230 series for new designs will find a consolidated comparison against the I-grade and -ML package variants to simplify BOM risk assessment.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MX230F256D-50I/PT — 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 PIC32MX230F256D-50I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, ADC, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MX230F256DT-50I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX230F256D-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX230F256DT-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX230F256B-50I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX130F256D-50I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX230F256D-50I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | MIPS32 M4K |
| Core Architecture | 32-bit RISC |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 50 MHz |
| DMIPS Performance | 83 DMIPS |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB (256K x 8) |
| SRAM | 16 KB |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 34 |
| USB Controller | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device/Host/OTG |
| ADC | 10-bit, 1 Msps |
| Timers | 5 x 16-bit, 2 x 32-bit |
| Communication Interfaces | 2x I2C, 2x SPI, 2x I2S, 2x UART |
| Parallel Master Port (PMP) | Yes |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Capacitive Touch (mTouch) | Yes |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 44-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| Speed Grade | 50 MHz (-50) |
PIC32MX230F256D-50I/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RP15/PMP15 — Remappable I/O / PMP data bit 15 |
| Pin 2 | SDA2/RA15 — I2C2 data signal |
| Pin 3 | SCL2/RA14 — I2C2 clock signal |
| Pin 4 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 5 | VDD — Positive supply (2.5V-3.6V) |
| Pin 6 | RP0/PMP0PM1 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 7 | RP1/PMP1PM1 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 8 | RP2 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 9 | RP3 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 10 | RP4 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 13 | RP5/USBID — Remappable I/O / USB ID |
| Pin 14 | RP6/VMO — Remappable I/O / USB VBUS monitor |
| Pin 15 | RP7/VP — Remappable I/O / USB VBUS power |
| Pin 16 | RP8 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 17 | RP9 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 20 | CVSS4 — Ground reference (ADC/CTMU) |
| Pin 21 | PGD2 — Remappable I/O / Debug data |
| Pin 22 | PGC2 — Remappable I/O / Debug clock |
| Pin 23 | RP10 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 24 | RP11 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 25 | RP12 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 26 | RP13 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 27 | RP14 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 29 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 30 | D-/RP16 — USB D- / remappable I/O |
| Pin 31 | D+/RP17 — USB D+ / remappable I/O |
| Pin 32 | VUSB — USB transceiver supply (3.3V) |
| Pin 33 | VBUS — USB VBUS detect input |
| Pin 34 | OSC1/RC12 — Crystal/oscillator input / remappable I/O |
| Pin 35 | OSC2/RC15 — Crystal/oscillator output / remappable I/O |
| Pin 36 | RC13 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 37 | RA10 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 38 | RA7 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 39 | RA1 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 40 | RA8 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 41 | RA2 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 42 | RA3 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 43 | RA9 — Remappable I/O |
| Pin 44 | MCLR — Master clear reset (active low) |
Typical Applications
PIC32MX230F256D-50I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Peripherals (Keyboard/Mouse/Gamepad), Capacitive Touch User Interface (mTouch), Small Graphical HMI with PMP Display, I2S Audio Streaming Accessories, Industrial Sensor Hubs and Motor Control, USB-Connected Data Loggers.
USB HID Peripherals (Keyboard/Mouse/Gamepad)
PIC32MX230F256D-50I/PT is a strong fit for USB Human Interface Devices because it integrates a full-speed USB 2.0 OTG transceiver at 50 MHz core clock, eliminating the need for an external PHY. The 256 KB Flash holds HID report tables, debounce firmware and capacitive-touch scan matrices for wireless dongles, while 16 KB SRAM provides ample buffer for keyboard rollover scan tables and gamepad HID descriptors. Pair the MCU with Microchip's MPLAB Harmony USB stack for class-compliant HID enumeration. Designers should budget 0.5 mA/MHz active current for USB-powered designs.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interface (mTouch)
The PIC32MX230F256D-50I/PT includes Microchip's mTouch capacitive-touch hardware (CTMU) supporting up to 16 touch channels, enabling buttons, sliders and wheels without dedicated touch ICs. The 50 MHz MIPS performance executes the CTMU scan algorithm in microseconds, supporting >100 Hz refresh rates for snappy response. The 256 KB Flash stores reference calibrations and gesture libraries; 16 KB SRAM buffers raw scans. Use Microchip's mTouch library in MPLAB X for plug-and-play capacitive buttons and water-tolerant sliders with proximity wake-up support.
Recommended
Small Graphical HMI with PMP Display
The PIC32MX230F256D-50I/PT's Parallel Master Port (PMP) drives small TFT/QVGA displays and external SRAM with up to 8-bit parallel data and 8-bit address, ideal for low-cost graphical HMIs in appliances, thermostats and industrial controls. The 50 MHz core executes LittlevGL or Microchip's Graphics Object Library at 30+ FPS on 320x240 displays. Combined with 256 KB Flash for resource tables and 16 KB SRAM for frame-buffer chunks, the MCU replaces higher-cost Cortex-M0+ parts. Use the PPS to remap PMP signals for layout flexibility.
Recommended
I2S Audio Streaming Accessories
Two I2S/SPI modules on the PIC32MX230F256D-50I/PT interface with external audio codecs for Bluetooth/I2S bridge accessories, USB speakers or headphone amplifiers. The 50 MHz MIPS core handles USB audio streaming (UAC1) at full 12 Mbps rate and supports 48 kHz/24-bit audio data transfer with low jitter. 16 KB SRAM buffers audio packets between USB and I2S endpoints. Designers should use PPS to remap I2S signals and ensure trace lengths match within codec tolerance for low jitter; reference the PIC32MX audio class framework in MPLAB Harmony.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Hubs and Motor Control
With 5 x 16-bit timers, 2 x 32-bit timers, a 1 ns resolution capture timer and 10-bit 1 Msps ADC, the PIC32MX230F256D-50I/PT is well-suited to industrial sensor aggregation hubs, simple motor control loops and encoder counting. The 50 MHz core executes dual PID loops for small BLDC or stepper systems within microseconds. USB OTG enables field configuration from a tablet. Industrial-grade -40C to +85C temperature range suits factory and outdoor cabinets. Consider PIC32MX130/170 lower-cost family for simpler sensor-only designs.
Recommended
USB-Connected Data Loggers
The PIC32MX230F256D-50I/PT integrates USB 2.0 OTG and ample memory for low-power data logging applications such as environmental monitors, asset trackers and consumer health accessories. The 256 KB Flash logs compressed sensor streams, while 16 KB SRAM buffers time-series data before USB transfer. Sleep current is well under 1 mA at 50 MHz active, enabling battery operation on a small Li-ion cell. Use the DMA controller to offload ADC-to-SRAM transfers so the CPU sleeps between samples.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MX230F256D-50I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MX230F256DT-50I/PT | PIC32MX230F256D-I/PT | PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/PT | PIC32MX130F256D-50I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 40 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| USB Controller | USB 2.0 FS OTG | USB 2.0 FS OTG | USB 2.0 FS OTG | USB 2.0 FS OTG | USB 2.0 FS OTG |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (I-grade) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Speed Grade | -50 (50 MHz) | -50 (50 MHz) | Standard (40 MHz) | -50 (50 MHz) | -50 (50 MHz) |
Key Differentiators
- Highest 50 MHz performance grade within the PIC32MX230/256KB Flash family (vs PIC32MX230F256D-I/PT)
- Larger 256 KB Flash at the TQFP-44 footprint (vs PIC32MX230F064D-50I/PT)
- Pin-compatible with newer PIC32MX170 family for migration headroom (vs PIC32MX170F256DT-50I/PT)
Design Notes
The PIC32MX230F256D-50I/PT operates from a 2.5 V to 3.6 V supply. Place a 10 uF bulk tantalum or ceramic capacitor and a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor close to each VDD/VSS pair (the 44-TQFP has 4 pairs per the datasheet layout recommendation). The VUSB pin requires its own 0.1 uF + 4.7 uF decoupling network to meet USB electrical specifications; the VBUS pin is an input only and must not be used as a power source unless the design handles VBUS current limiting externally.
USB D+ and D- traces must be routed as a 90 ohm differential pair with characteristic impedance matched to 90 ohms +/- 10%. Keep the trace length under 50 mm if possible, and route them over a continuous ground plane to minimize EMI. The series 27 ohm or 33 ohm termination resistors near the MCU side are optional but help with signal integrity on long traces. The D+/D- lines should not run parallel to high-current switching nodes like inductor or motor traces for more than a few millimeters.
Do not exceed 3.6 V on any VDD pin or 5 V tolerance on digital I/O. The MCLR reset pin requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF capacitor to GND for proper reset behavior - omitting these causes erratic resets. The USB VBUS pin must see at least 4.4 V (rising) and drop below 0.8 V (falling) per the USB compliance detect window, otherwise the USB module will not enumerate. When migrating firmware from the 40 MHz to the 50 MHz speed grade, update the PLL configuration and peripheral clock dividers to maintain correct baud rates and ADC sampling times.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. The 'I' suffix denotes industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C), not AEC-Q100 automotive qualification - automotive users should consider PIC32MX150/170 family variants with explicit AEC-Q100 qualification. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip environmental data.