PIC32MX230F256D-V/ML - 32-Bit MCU 256KB Flash USB 44-VQFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MX230F256D-V/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.95 | $6.95 |
| 10 | $6.18 | $61.80 |
| 100 | $5.32 | $532.00 |
| 500 | $4.66 | $2,330.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.05 | $4,050.00 |
PIC32MX230F256D-V/ML Overview
Background: A 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip processor that integrates a CPU core, Flash program memory, SRAM data memory, and a wide range of analog and digital peripherals into one package, targeting embedded systems that need more compute than 8/16-bit MCUs. The PIC32MX1XX/2XX 28/36/44-pin family sits in the lower-flash tier of Microchip's PIC32 line, optimized for cost-sensitive USB, audio, and graphics applications.
Key features include 50 MHz / 83 DMIPS performance from the MIPS32 M4K core, 256 KB single-cycle Flash, 16 KB SRAM, two I2S/SPI modules for codec and serial communication, PPS for flexible pin assignment, PMP for graphics interfaces, USB 2.0 full-speed device/host/OTG, mTouch capacitive touch support via CTMU, 1 ns high-resolution time measurement, RTCC for real-time clock, and on-chip debugging via 2-wire programming.
The architecture combines a Harvard-style 5-stage pipeline with single-cycle Flash access and a 4-channel DMA controller, optimizing for predictable real-time response in USB, audio, and graphics code paths. Integrated PLLs, internal 8 MHz oscillator, and dual oscillator pins allow flexible system clocking while keeping BOM cost low.
Typical applications include USB audio (USB headset, USB speakerphone, USB microphone), low-cost graphics HMI, capacitive touch key panels (mTouch), industrial control and sensor hubs, automotive body electronics (AEC-Q100 grade), and consumer appliances that need USB connectivity.
A key design tip: PPS allows most digital peripherals to be remapped to multiple I/O pins, simplifying PCB layout but requiring careful review of the pin assignment table in the datasheet to avoid function conflicts.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, AEC-Q100 drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single reference for selecting and sourcing the PIC32MX230F256D-V/ML.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MX230F256D-V/ML — 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-V/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Operating Temperature, Timers, USB.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MX230F256D-50I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.96 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX230F256DT-V/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.96 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX230F256DT-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX230F256DT-50I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX170F256D-V/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX230F256D-V/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | MIPS32 M4K |
| CPU Architecture | 32-bit RISC |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 50 MHz (83 DMIPS) |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 16 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| Active Current | 0.5 mA/MHz (typical) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (automotive grade -V) |
| Package | VQFN-44 (8x8 mm) with exposed pad |
| USB | USB 2.0 full-speed device/host/OTG |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| Analog Comparators | 3 |
| CTMU | Yes (mTouch capacitive touch) |
| RTCC | Yes (Real-Time Clock Calendar) |
| PPS | Peripheral Pin Select |
| PMP | Parallel Master Port for graphics |
| I2S/SPI | 2 modules |
| DMA | 4 channels |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| AEC-Q100 | Qualified (-V grade) |
PIC32MX230F256D-V/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | SDA3/RA5 — I2C3 SDA or GPIO RA5 |
| Pin 2 | RPB5/RB5 — Remappable I/O RB5 |
| Pin 3 | VREF-/CVREF-/RA9 — ADC VREF- or GPIO RA9 |
| Pin 4 | VREF+/CVREF+/RA10 — ADC VREF+ or GPIO RA10 |
| Pin 5 | RB6/PGEC1 — GPIO RB6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 6 | RB7/PGED1 — GPIO RB7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 7 | RC0 — GPIO RC0 |
| Pin 8 | RC1 — GPIO RC1 |
| Pin 9 | RC2 — GPIO RC2 |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply (2.3-3.6 V) |
| Pin 12 | RB8 — GPIO RB8 |
| Pin 13 | RB9 — GPIO RB9 |
| Pin 14 | RB10 — GPIO RB10 |
| Pin 15 | RB11 — GPIO RB11 |
| Pin 16 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive supply (2.3-3.6 V) |
| Pin 18 | RB12 — GPIO RB12 |
| Pin 19 | RB13 — GPIO RB13 |
| Pin 20 | RB14 — GPIO RB14 |
| Pin 21 | RB15 — GPIO RB15 |
| Pin 22 | RD0 — GPIO RD0 |
| Pin 23 | RD1 — GPIO RD1 |
| Pin 24 | RD2 — GPIO RD2 |
| Pin 25 | RD3 — GPIO RD3 |
| Pin 26 | RD4 — GPIO RD4 |
| Pin 27 | RD5 — GPIO RD5 |
| Pin 28 | RD6 — GPIO RD6 |
| Pin 29 | RD7 — GPIO RD7 |
| Pin 30 | RC3 — GPIO RC3 |
| Pin 31 | RC4/SDI2 — GPIO RC4 / SPI2 SDI |
| Pin 32 | RC5/SDO2 — GPIO RC5 / SPI2 SDO |
| Pin 33 | RC6/SCK2 — GPIO RC6 / SPI2 SCK |
| Pin 34 | RC7/SS2 — GPIO RC7 / SPI2 SS |
| Pin 35 | RC8 — GPIO RC8 |
| Pin 36 | RC9 — GPIO RC9 |
| Pin 37 | VUSB — USB 3.3V internal regulator output |
| Pin 38 | D+/RB3 — USB D+ or GPIO RB3 |
| Pin 39 | D-/RB2 — USB D- or GPIO RB2 |
| Pin 40 | RB4 — GPIO RB4 |
| Pin 41 | RA0 — GPIO RA0 |
| Pin 42 | RA1 — GPIO RA1 |
| Pin 43 | OSC1/CLKI/RC12 — Crystal oscillator input or GPIO RC12 |
| Pin 44 | OSC2/CLKO/RC13 — Crystal oscillator output or GPIO RC13 |
Typical Applications
PIC32MX230F256D-V/ML is suitable for 6 applications: USB Audio Headsets and Speakerphones, Capacitive Touch Key Panels (mTouch), Low-Cost Graphics HMI, Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Sensor Hubs, Consumer Appliance USB Connectivity.
USB Audio Headsets and Speakerphones
The PIC32MX230F256D-V/ML is well suited for USB audio peripherals like headsets and speakerphones because it integrates a USB 2.0 full-speed device/host/OTG controller alongside two I2S or SPI modules that interface directly to audio codecs. The 50 MHz MIPS M4K core running at 0.5 mA/MHz typical active current, 256 KB Flash, and 16 KB SRAM are sufficient to host a USB Audio Class 1.0 stack and a lightweight RTOS for codec control. The AEC-Q100 -V grade rating of -40C to +125C also allows this design pattern to be reused inside automotive cabin microphone or hands-free modules without hardware changes, while the exposed thermal pad on the VQFN-44 package provides enough thermal headroom at typical headset power levels.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch Key Panels (mTouch)
The PIC32MX230F256D-V/ML is a strong fit for mTouch capacitive touch buttons and sliders thanks to the integrated CTMU (Charge Time Measurement Unit), which provides high-resolution 1 ns time measurement for charge-based touch sensing. The 10-bit ADC and three analog comparators can be reused for additional sensor channels beyond the CTMU, allowing mixed touch and analog sensing on the same MCU. PPS allows the touch sensor I/O to be routed to almost any pin, simplifying routing of dense keypad layouts. With 256 KB Flash and 16 KB SRAM, designers can implement complete touch UI state machines plus a host-side USB or UART link to an appliance controller, all in one AEC-Q100 qualified device.
Recommended
Low-Cost Graphics HMI
The PIC32MX230F256D-V/ML is appropriate for low-cost graphical human-machine interfaces through the integrated PMP (Parallel Master Port), which can directly drive small TFT displays and character LCDs without an external graphics controller. The 50 MHz MIPS core and 4-channel DMA allow smooth framebuffer updates even with graphics libraries like MLA, while the 256 KB Flash holds complete UI assets. The -40C to +125C automotive temperature range also makes the part usable in industrial HMI panels where automotive-grade AEC-Q100 qualification is a plus. The VQFN-44 8x8 mm footprint keeps PCB size minimal for compact appliance or industrial front-panel designs.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC32MX230F256D-V/ML fits automotive body electronics modules including climate control panels, mirror controllers, and seat modules thanks to the AEC-Q100 qualification implied by the -V suffix and the -40C to +125C operating temperature range. The USB 2.0 full-speed OTG controller simplifies diagnostic interface implementation, while the CTMU enables capacitive touch keys for solid-state switch panels. The 0.5 mA/MHz active current and integrated RTCC support low-power standby modes critical to automotive quiescent current budgets. Designers migrating from 16-bit PIC MCUs get a 32-bit MIPS core plus USB at comparable cost and footprint.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Hubs
The PIC32MX230F256D-V/ML is suitable for industrial sensor hubs that aggregate sensor data over USB or serial and forward it to a host controller. The two I2S/SPI modules can run as SPI masters to multiple sensors concurrently, while the 4-channel DMA offloads high-throughput sensor reads. The 10-bit ADC and three comparators handle mixed analog and digital sensor types, and the RTCC provides timestamped data logging. AEC-Q100 qualification is overkill for general industrial use, but it provides extra reliability margin and supports harsher factory environments where -40C to +125C temperature range is needed.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance USB Connectivity
The PIC32MX230F256D-V/ML fits consumer appliances such as smart kitchen devices and HVAC controllers that need USB connectivity for firmware updates, debug, or data export. The USB 2.0 full-speed OTG controller handles both device and host roles, supporting USB sticks and serial-to-USB bridges. The 256 KB Flash and 16 KB SRAM are enough for an RTOS plus appliance UI logic, while PMP supports a small display for user interaction. PPS remapping simplifies the PCB layout of appliances where connector placement forces awkward pin assignments, allowing designers to reassign peripheral pins late in the design without re-spinning the board.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MX230F256D-V/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MX230F256D-50I/ML | PIC32MX230F256DT-V/ML | PIC32MX230F256DT-I/ML | PIC32MX230F256DT-50I/PT | PIC32MX170F256D-V/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | VQFN-44 (8x8 mm) | VQFN-44 (8x8 mm) - same | VQFN-44 (8x8 mm) - same | VQFN-44 (8x8 mm) - same | TQFP-44 (10x10 mm) | VQFN-44 (8x8 mm) - same |
| Core | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 50 MHz (83 DMIPS) | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (AEC-Q100 automotive) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +125C (AEC-Q100) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +125C (AEC-Q100) |
| USB | USB 2.0 full-speed device/host/OTG | USB 2.0 full-speed device/host/OTG | USB 2.0 full-speed device/host/OTG | USB 2.0 full-speed device/host/OTG | USB 2.0 full-speed device/host/OTG | USB 2.0 full-speed device/host/OTG |
| I2S/SPI Modules | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Key Differentiators
- AEC-Q100 automotive qualification at no price premium over industrial grade (vs PIC32MX230F256D-50I/ML)
- Integrated USB 2.0 full-speed OTG controller (vs PIC32MX170F256D-V/ML)
- Compact 8x8 mm VQFN-44 footprint with exposed thermal pad (vs PIC32MX230F256DT-50I/PT)
Design Notes
The 44-VQFN package has an exposed thermal pad (EP) on the underside that must be soldered to the PCB ground plane to meet the 1.0 W thermal dissipation rating and to maintain AEC-Q100 thermal cycling performance. The recommended PCB layout per the Microchip PIC32MX1XX/2XX datasheet is a thermal via array (typically 9 to 16 vias) connecting the EP to internal ground planes. For high-ambient automotive designs, attach at least 1 square inch of continuous copper pour on both top and bottom layers to keep junction temperature rise below 30C at typical 50 MHz / 3.3 V operating currents.
Place the 0.1 uF and bulk 10 uF decoupling capacitors as close as possible to the VDD pins (pins 11 and 17) and the VSS pins (pins 10 and 16) on the PIC32MX230F256D-V/ML. Per the PIC32MX1XX/2XX datasheet, the USB-specific VUSB pin (pin 37) requires its own 0.47 uF decoupling capacitor placed within 1-2 mm of the pin to stabilize the USB transceiver supply. Trace lengths on USB D+ and D- (pins 38 and 39) must be impedance-controlled to 90 ohms differential and matched within 150 mil to prevent signal integrity issues on full-speed USB.
A common pitfall when designing with the PIC32MX230F256D-V/ML is conflicting pin assignment via PPS - some peripherals share underlying I/O and cannot both be routed to the same pin at the same time. The PPS re-mapping table in the PIC32MX1XX/2XX datasheet must be reviewed carefully when changing peripherals late in design. Another pitfall is failing to configure the CTMU reference and trim registers correctly, which results in mTouch sensor readings that drift with temperature. Always run Microchip's CTMU calibration routine in firmware and store trim values in Flash on first power-up.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. REACH compliant. AEC-Q100 qualified per -V automotive grade designation. Lead-free (Pb-free) and halogen-free terminations meeting JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL3 at 260C peak reflow.
