PIC32MX250F128C-I/TL - 32-bit MCU 128KB Flash 40MHz USB | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MX250F128C-I/TL ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.32 | $5.32 |
| 10 | $4.79 | $47.90 |
| 100 | $4.26 | $426.00 |
| 500 | $3.84 | $1,920.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.41 | $3,410.00 |
PIC32MX250F128C-I/TL Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (SRAM), peripherals, and I/O. The PIC32MX250 family sits within Microchip's PIC32MX tier of 32-bit MIPS-based microcontrollers, which itself belongs to the broader category of microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> semiconductors. PIC32MX parts target applications that need more performance than 8/16-bit MCUs while keeping the PIC ecosystem (MPLAB X IDE, Harmony, MCC code configurator) and a clear migration path across the PIC32 family.
Key differentiating features include on-chip USB 2.0 full-speed device/host/OTG (rare in this flash/RAM tier), 4-wire Parallel Master Port for direct graphics LCD driving without external controllers, and dual I2S/SSI interfaces aimed at audio codecs. The part operates from 2.3V to 3.6V with industrial -40C to +85C temperature range, uses an internal 8 MHz Fast RC oscillator with PLL up to 40 MHz, and supports 5 general-purpose 16-bit timers plus Input Capture and Output Compare channels.
The PIC32MX250F128C uses the MIPS32 M4K core with 5-stage pipeline, single-cycle multiply, hardware multiply-accumulate, and a 1.5 DMIPS/MHz figure (delivering 60 DMIPS at 40 MHz). It includes a 32-channel DMA controller, JTAG and 2-wire ICSP programming/debug, and an on-chip temperature indicator for thermal monitoring. The VTLA-36 (5x5 mm) package has a thermal pad that must be soldered to the PCB ground pour for proper thermal dissipation.
Typical applications include USB audio devices (USB headsets, USB DACs), consumer audio products with I2S codecs, low-cost graphical HMI panels (using PMP+LCD), capacitive-touch human interfaces (keyboards, sliders), and small USB peripherals such as HID game controllers, data loggers, or CDC devices. The combination of USB OTG + graphics PMP + I2S makes the PIC32MX250 particularly attractive for cost-sensitive multimedia consumer nodes.
When designing with this part, allocate generous PCB copper under the exposed pad - the VTLA package dissipates heat through this pad. Add a 4.7uF + 0.1uF decoupling pair at every VDD pin. For USB applications, the internal USB transceiver requires a 48 MHz clock derived from the PLL with 0.25% accuracy; a 12 MHz crystal or 8 MHz + PLL configuration is recommended. JTAG and ICSP share pins, so plan the programming header to avoid contention with user I/O.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in package alternatives in the same PIC32MX family, and practical design notes (decoupling, USB clock, exposed-pad soldering) that are not consolidated in a single Microchip datasheet page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MX250F128C-I/TL — 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 PIC32MX250F128C-I/TL (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Timers, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MX250F128C-50I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX230F064C-I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX220F032C-I/TL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX150F128C-I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX130F064C-I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX250F128C-I/TL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit RISC |
| Core Frequency | 40 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 128 KB (128K x 8) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 32 KB (32K x 8) |
| General Purpose I/O | 19 |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 36-VTLA Exposed Pad (5x5 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| USB | USB 2.0 full-speed device/host/OTG (on-chip transceiver) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 13 input channels, 1 Msps |
| Timers | Five 16-bit general purpose + Input Capture + Output Compare |
| Communication | 2x I2C, 2x UART, 2x SPI/I2S, PMP (4-wire) |
| DMA | 32 channels |
| Programming/Debug | JTAG + 2-wire ICSP |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC32MX250F128C-I/TL 36-vtla exposed pad (5x5 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC32MX250F128C-I/TL (36-vtla exposed pad (5x5 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 PIC32MX250F128C-I/TL.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC32MX250F128C-I/TL is suitable for 6 applications: USB Audio Device (Headset / DAC), Graphics LCD HMI Panel, USB HID Peripheral (Game Controller / Data Logger), Capacitive Touch Interface (mTouch), Industrial Sensor Hub (USB CDC Bridge), Consumer Audio Streaming Dongle.
USB Audio Device (Headset / DAC)
The PIC32MX250F128C-I/TL is well suited for USB audio peripherals such as USB headsets, USB DACs, and USB microphones because it integrates a USB 2.0 full-speed device controller with on-chip transceiver plus two I2S/SSI modules for connecting audio codecs (e.g., S/PDIF transmitters, PCM5102A DACs). The 128KB Flash accommodates the USB audio class driver plus a HID volume-control interface, while 32KB SRAM is sufficient for USB endpoint buffers (typically 192 bytes isochronous) plus codec I2S double buffering. The 40 MHz MIPS32 M4K core delivers 60 DMIPS - enough for a software upsampler or basic DSP without external CODEC logic. At 3.3V the USB signaling meets the 3.3V full-speed specification directly. Designers should add 15k pull-downs on D+/D- for device mode and route the USB D+/D- pair as a 90-ohm differential pair to the connector.
Recommended
Graphics LCD HMI Panel
The PIC32MX250F128C-I/TL is an excellent driver for low-cost graphical LCD panels thanks to its built-in Parallel Master Port (PMP) which directly interfaces to 8-bit or 16-bit 8080/6800 parallel LCDs without an external controller IC. The PMP supports continuous data streaming via DMA, freeing the CPU for application logic and touch handling. With 128KB Flash you can embed a lightweight graphics library plus a graphical menu system; 32KB SRAM supports framebuffer for small QVGA (320x240) monochrome panels or partial-frame buffers for color TFTs. The 19 GPIOs are sufficient to drive an 8-bit data bus plus control lines plus 4 mTouch capacitive sense channels for buttons and sliders. For higher resolution panels, consider the PIC32MX370/470 families which add 32KB extra RAM.
Recommended
USB HID Peripheral (Game Controller / Data Logger)
The PIC32MX250F128C-I/TL supports USB HID class which is ideal for game controllers, custom data loggers, and HID-based configuration tools. HID does not require driver installation on Windows/macOS/Linux, which accelerates end-user adoption. The 40 MHz core handles HID reports at the 1000 Hz polling rate typical of gaming peripherals without saturating CPU budget. With 128KB Flash the firmware can include a USB stack, HID report handler, button debouncing, and basic macro logic. The on-chip 10-bit ADC at 1 Msps can sample analog inputs such as joysticks or temperature sensors for logging applications. Use the DMA controller to offload ADC sample transfers and preserve CPU bandwidth for HID report generation.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch Interface (mTouch)
Microchip's mTouch framework turns the PIC32MX250F128C-I/TL into a low-cost capacitive touch controller supporting buttons, sliders, and proximity sensors. The built-in 13-channel 10-bit ADC combined with the Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) or dedicated CVD peripherals allows capacitive sensing without external components beyond the touch electrode and a single reference capacitor. The 128KB Flash accommodates the touch firmware plus a USB HID report interface to a host PC, allowing the device to act as a USB touch keypad or proximity detector. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature range ensures stable touch performance in automotive and industrial environments where competitor touch ICs often fail.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Hub (USB CDC Bridge)
The PIC32MX250F128C-I/TL can act as a USB Communications Device Class (CDC) bridge to expose industrial sensors (temperature, pressure, flow) as a virtual COM port to a host PC. The on-chip USB 2.0 full-speed device eliminates external RS-232 transceivers, while the dual UART allows simultaneous connection to two RS-485 sensor networks. With 32KB SRAM and 128KB Flash, the firmware can implement Modbus RTU master, USB CDC, and a sensor data logger on an external I2C EEPROM. The 2.3-3.6V VDD range supports direct Li-ion battery operation, and the industrial -40C to +85C rating covers factory-floor environments. The exposed pad aids thermal dissipation when the core runs continuously at 40 MHz.
Recommended
Consumer Audio Streaming Dongle
The PIC32MX250F128C-I/TL is well matched to low-cost consumer audio streaming dongles (Bluetooth-to-I2S bridges, Wi-Fi audio adapters, USB-to-S/PDIF converters) because of the dual I2S/SSI interfaces and the USB OTG capability. The OTG host mode lets the device negotiate roles with phones and tablets; the device mode lets it act as a USB audio sink. The 128KB Flash fits the USB audio class stack plus a small audio mixing engine, while 32KB SRAM is sufficient for USB + I2S double buffering. The 40 MHz MIPS32 M4K can run software upsamplers (e.g., simple FIR interpolation) to clean up audio jitter. Use the on-chip temperature indicator to monitor dongle thermals in enclosed chassis.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MX250F128C-I/TL — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MX250F128C-50I/TL | PIC32MX230F064C-I/TL | PIC32MX220F032C-I/TL | PIC32MX150F128C-I/TL | PIC32MX130F064C-I/TL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 36-VTLA Exposed Pad (5x5 mm) | 36-VTLA Exposed Pad (5x5 mm) - same | 36-VTLA Exposed Pad (5x5 mm) - same | 36-VTLA Exposed Pad (5x5 mm) - same | 36-VTLA Exposed Pad (5x5 mm) - same | 36-VTLA Exposed Pad (5x5 mm) - same |
| Core Frequency | 40 MHz | 50 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| Flash | 128 KB | 128 KB | 64 KB | 32 KB | 128 KB | 64 KB |
| SRAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB | 32 KB | 8 KB |
| USB OTG | Yes (on-chip transceiver) | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Parallel Master Port (PMP) | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Dual I2S / SSI | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| GPIOs | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 |
Key Differentiators
- On-chip USB 2.0 full-speed OTG transceiver with PMP graphics (vs PIC32MX150F128C-I/TL)
- Twice the Flash of PIC32MX230F064C for USB stacks plus graphics (vs PIC32MX230F064C-I/TL)
- Dual I2S/SSI interfaces for multi-channel or duplex audio (vs PIC32MX220F032C-I/TL)
Design Notes
The VTLA-36 package has an exposed thermal pad directly underneath the die - this pad is the primary thermal path AND a critical ground reference for the internal regulator and PLL. The pad must be soldered to a continuous PCB ground pour with at least 8 thermal vias (0.3mm drill, 1mm pitch) connecting it to the inner-layer ground plane. Skipping the exposed-pad soldering results in 20-30C higher junction temperature and increased PLL jitter, which can break USB compliance. A 4.7uF bulk + 0.1uF ceramic decoupling pair should be placed within 3mm of every VDD pin.
USB full-speed requires a 48 MHz clock with +/- 0.25% accuracy (per USB 2.0 spec). The PIC32MX250F128C derives this from the 8 MHz internal Fast RC oscillator + PLL, but the internal RC has +/- 2% accuracy which is insufficient for USB - you MUST connect a 12 MHz or 8 MHz external crystal to the OSC1/OSC2 pins and configure the PLL accordingly. Using the internal RC for USB will fail USB-IF compliance testing and cause intermittent device-enumeration failures on certain hosts.
Route the USB D+ and D- traces as a 90-ohm differential pair with matched length to within 150 mils, keeping the pair as short as possible. Place the 15kohm pull-down resistors on D+ and D- within 1 inch of the MCU pins. Keep the differential pair away from switching signals (PWM, oscillator traces) and route them over a continuous ground plane on the top or adjacent layer. Maintain at least 3W (3x line width) spacing to other signals. Add ESD protection diode array (e.g., USBLC6-2SC6) right at the USB connector for IEC 61000-4-2 compliance.
Estimated: at 40 MHz core clock with all peripherals enabled, the PIC32MX250F128C-I/TL draws approximately 30-40 mA from VDD. With the VTLA-36 exposed pad properly soldered to a 4-layer ground pour, the thermal resistance junction-to-ambient is approximately 30 C/W (per Microchip datasheet package thermal data), giving a self-heating rise of 1-1.5C - well within the 85C industrial limit. Without the exposed pad soldered, theta_JA increases to >70 C/W and self-heating rises to 2-3C, still acceptable for most applications but reduces safety margin at elevated ambient temperatures.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page; industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade (I suffix). Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive designs use AEC-Q100-qualified variants such as PIC32MX274F256B-I/MM or PIC32MX570 family.
