PIC32MX250F128CT-50I/TL - 50MHz 32-bit MCU 128KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MX250F128CT-50I/TL ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.12 | $4.12 |
| 10 | $3.71 | $37.10 |
| 100 | $3.3 | $330.00 |
| 500 | $2.94 | $1,470.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.61 | $2,610.00 |
PIC32MX250F128CT-50I/TL Overview
What is a PIC32MX microcontroller? The PIC32MX is Microchip's 32-bit MCU family based on the MIPS32 M4K core, positioned between the 8-bit PIC16/PIC18 lines and the higher-performance PIC32MZ family. PIC32MX parts are widely used in cost-sensitive embedded designs that require a true 32-bit core, USB connectivity, and richer peripherals than 8-bit MCUs, while staying inside a low-power, easy-to-use toolchain (MPLAB X IDE + Harmony). Within the taxonomy: microcontroller -> 32-bit MCU -> MIPS-based MCU -> PIC32MX family.
Key features include 128 KB Flash (128K x 8), 32 KB SRAM, USB 2.0 full-speed On-The-Go, two I2S/SPI interfaces for audio codecs, a Parallel Master Port (PMP) for graphics, Peripheral Pin Select (PPS), on-chip 10-bit 1 Msps ADC, a Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) for capacitive touch and high-resolution time measurement (1 ns), and an RTCC. The 36-pin VTLA package with exposed pad keeps the board footprint small while improving thermal dissipation at the 50 MHz core.
Architecturally, the PIC32MX250F128C variant uses a 5-stage pipeline MIPS32 M4K core with hardware multiply/divide, debug/JTAG, and prefetch cache, delivering up to 83 DMIPS at 50 MHz. The integrated full-speed USB transceiver eliminates the need for an external PHY, simplifying USB HID/CDC/MSD device designs.
Typical applications include USB HID peripherals (keyboards, mice, custom input devices), audio interfaces with I2S codecs, small graphical user interfaces via PMP, capacitive touch panels using CTMU, RTCC-based data loggers, and low-cost consumer/IoT hubs. The wide peripheral set makes this part a flexible general-purpose 32-bit MCU for sub-$5 BOMs.
A primary design consideration is operating voltage: the PIC32MX250F128CT operates from 2.5 V to 3.3 V on VDD; ensure decoupling bulk + 0.1 uF caps near each VDD pin and tie the exposed pad to a clean ground pour for thermal relief. CTMU calibration requires a reference resistor on the CTMU pin.
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the PIC32MX family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MX250F128CT-50I/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 PIC32MX250F128CT-50I/TL (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, USB, Core Architecture, Parallel Master Port (PMP).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MX250F128C-I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX250F128C-50I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX150F128CT-50I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX230F128H-50I/MR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.28 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX250F128CT-50I/TL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | MIPS32 M4K (32-bit RISC) |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 50 MHz |
| DMIPS Performance | 83 DMIPS |
| Program Flash Memory | 128 KB (128K x 8) |
| Data SRAM | 32 KB |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 3.3 V |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device/Host/OTG |
| I2S / SPI Modules | 2 (for audio codecs) |
| Parallel Master Port (PMP) | Yes (graphics interface) |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 1 Msps |
| CTMU | Yes (capacitive touch, 1 ns time measurement) |
| RTCC | Yes |
| Package | 36-pin VTLA (5x5 mm) with exposed pad |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, suffix I) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC32MX250F128CT-50I/TL Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RPB0/AN0/CN2/RB0 — Remappable peripheral / analog input / change notification |
| Pin 2 | RPB1/AN1/CN3/RB1 — Remappable peripheral / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RPB2/AN2/CN4/RB2 — Remappable peripheral / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RPB3/AN3/CN5/RB3 — Remappable peripheral / analog input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RPB4/AN4/CN6/RB4 — Remappable peripheral / analog input |
| Pin 7 | RPB5/AN5/CN7/RB5 — Remappable peripheral / analog input |
| Pin 8 | RPB6/AN6/OC1/RB6 — Remappable peripheral / analog / output compare |
| Pin 9 | RPB7/AN7/OC2/RB7 — Remappable peripheral / analog / output compare |
| Pin 10 | VUSB — USB 3.3 V regulator output (internal) |
| Pin 11 | D+/RB8 — USB D+ data line |
| Pin 12 | D-/RB9 — USB D- data line |
| Pin 13 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 14 | RPC6/PMA1/RC6 — Remappable / PMP address 1 |
| Pin 15 | RPC7/PMA0/RC7 — Remappable / PMP address 0 |
| Pin 16 | RPC8/PMA5/RC8 — Remappable / PMP address 5 |
| Pin 17 | RPC9/PMA6/RC9 — Remappable / PMP address 6 |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Supply voltage (2.5V-3.3V) |
| Pin 19 | PGEC1/AN6/RA0 — ICSP clock / analog input |
| Pin 20 | PGED1/AN7/RA1 — ICSP data / analog input |
| Pin 21 | PGEC2/RA2 — ICSP clock 2 (alternate) |
| Pin 22 | PGED2/RA3 — ICSP data 2 (alternate) |
| Pin 23 | AVDD — Analog supply (tie to VDD) |
| Pin 24 | AVSS — Analog ground (tie to VSS) |
| Pin 25 | RPF0/CN0/RF0 — Remappable peripheral |
| Pin 26 | RPF1/CN1/RF1 — Remappable peripheral |
| Pin 27 | RPG6/AN8/OC3/RG6 — Remappable / analog / output compare |
| Pin 28 | RPG7/AN9/OC4/RG7 — Remappable / analog / output compare |
| Pin 29 | RPG8/AN10/RG8 — Remappable / analog input |
| Pin 30 | RPG9/AN11/RG9 — Remappable / analog input |
| Pin 31 | SDA2/RPA4/CN8/RA4 — I2C2 data / remappable |
| Pin 32 | SCL2/RPA3/CN9/RA3 — I2C2 clock / remappable |
| Pin 33 | OSC1/CLKI/RC12 — Crystal oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 34 | OSC2/CLKO/RC15 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 35 | MCLR/RPA0 — Master clear reset (active low) |
| Pin 36 | VDD — Supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC32MX250F128CT-50I/TL is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Peripherals, Audio Interfaces with I2S Codecs, Small Graphical User Interfaces via PMP, Capacitive Touch Panels (CTMU), USB Data Loggers with RTCC, IoT Sensor Hubs and Bridges.
USB HID Peripherals
The PIC32MX250F128CT-50I/TL is well suited for USB HID devices such as keyboards, mice, custom input controllers, and HID-class gamepads. The integrated USB 2.0 full-speed OTG transceiver eliminates the need for an external PHY, reducing BOM cost and board area. With 50 MHz / 83 DMIPS, the M4K core handles HID report generation, debouncing, and LED/RGB effects in software. The 128 KB Flash fits Microchip's USB stack + class drivers + application code; 32 KB SRAM accommodates HID report buffers and a small RTOS or polling loop. The 36-pin VTLA package keeps the PCB compact for dongles and wearables.
Recommended
Audio Interfaces with I2S Codecs
The PIC32MX250F128CT-50I/TL integrates two I2S/SP modules, supporting external audio codecs for USB audio interfaces, headphone DACs, and S/PDIF bridges. At 50 MHz, the M4K core can manage 48 kHz / 24-bit stereo I2S streams with software mixing and volume control. The 32 KB SRAM buffers USB audio packets (typically 1 ms frames at full-speed USB) without overrun. USB device capability enables class-compliant USB Audio 1.0 operation. The CTMU is also useful for jack-detection buttons. This combination is found in low-cost USB headphone adapters and audio interface boards.
Recommended
Small Graphical User Interfaces via PMP
The Parallel Master Port (PMP) peripheral allows the PIC32MX250F128CT-50I/TL to drive small TFT or OLED displays (up to 8-bit parallel) without an external graphics controller. With 128 KB Flash, GUI assets such as fonts and small icons fit alongside the application, while 32 KB SRAM is sufficient for framebuffer-less partial updates. The 50 MHz MIPS32 M4K core handles 2D rendering, touch event polling, and menu navigation at 30+ FPS for 128x128 or 240x135 displays. Reference designs target HMI panels, appliance controllers, and small medical displays.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch Panels (CTMU)
The on-chip Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) enables mTouch capacitive touch button, slider, and wheel implementation using only copper pads and the CTMU peripheral - no external touch IC required. The PIC32MX250F128CT-50I/TL achieves 1 ns time resolution for proximity and water-tolerant touch sensing, per the Microchip datasheet. At 50 MHz, the core can scan 10-20 touch channels at 100 Hz while running the USB stack and a small GUI. Reference applications include appliance fronts, USB-powered touch keypads, and IoT control panels.
Recommended
USB Data Loggers with RTCC
The PIC32MX250F128CT-50I/TL is ideal for USB-connected data loggers thanks to 128 KB Flash for sensor logs and 32 KB SRAM for buffering, plus an on-chip RTCC for time-stamped records. A USB CDC device presents the log as a virtual COM port or MSD for drag-and-drop file access. The 50 MHz M4K core samples analog signals via the 10-bit 1 Msps ADC while updating timestamps, suitable for temperature, voltage, or current logging over hours to days. Industrial -40C to +85C operation supports outdoor and factory deployments.
Recommended
IoT Sensor Hubs and Bridges
The PIC32MX250F128CT-50I/TL serves as a USB-attached IoT gateway or sensor hub, aggregating data from UART, I2C, or SPI peripherals and forwarding via USB CDC/HID. The 50 MHz core runs Microchip's Harmony TCP/IP-lite or a custom USB-to-serial bridge protocol. CTMU adds capacitive user input (buttons, sliders) and the PMP can drive a status OLED. Industrial-grade operation and 128 KB Flash accommodate TLS-style crypto stubs and OTA bootloaders - making the MX250 a flexible, low-cost hub MCU in the $2-4 BOM range.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MX250F128CT-50I/TL — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MX250F128C-I/TL | PIC32MX250F128C-50I/TL | PIC32MX150F128CT-50I/TL | PIC32MX230F128H-50I/MR | PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 36-pin VTLA (5x5) | 36-pin VTLA (5x5) - same | 36-pin VTLA (5x5) - same | 36-pin VTLA (5x5) - same | 64-pin QFN (MR) - different footprint | 100-pin TQFP (PF) - different footprint |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| CPU Clock | 50 MHz (83 DMIPS) | 40 MHz (-20%) | 50 MHz (same) | 50 MHz (same) | 50 MHz (same) | 50 MHz (same) |
| Flash Memory | 128 KB | 128 KB (same) | 128 KB (same) | 128 KB (same) | 128 KB (same) | 128 KB (same) |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 FS OTG (integrated) | USB 2.0 FS OTG (same) | USB 2.0 FS OTG (same) | No USB | USB 2.0 FS OTG (same) | USB 2.0 FS OTG (same) |
| PMP (Graphics) | Yes | Yes (same) | Yes (same) | No | Yes (same) | Yes (same) |
| CTMU (Touch) | Yes | Yes (same) | Yes (same) | No | Yes (same) | Yes (same) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 3.3 V | 2.5 V to 3.3 V (same) | 2.5 V to 3.3 V (same) | 2.5 V to 3.3 V (same) | 2.5 V to 3.3 V (same) | 2.5 V to 3.3 V (same) |
Key Differentiators
- Higher CPU clock than -I variant for DSP and audio workloads (vs PIC32MX250F128C-I/TL)
- Full peripheral set (USB + PMP + CTMU) versus MX150 cost-down (vs PIC32MX150F128CT-50I/TL)
- Smaller footprint than 64/100-pin TQFP variants (vs PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF)
Design Notes
PIC32MX250F128CT-50I/TL operates from 2.5 V to 3.3 V on VDD. Place a 10 uF bulk capacitor near each VDD pin plus 0.1 uF decoupling caps within 5 mm of every supply pin. The internal USB 3.3 V regulator (VUSB pin) requires a 0.47 uF decoupling cap; VBUS sensing goes through the internal USB transceiver. Do not connect 5 V logic directly to any GPIO - the I/O are NOT 5 V tolerant on this part.
The 36-pin VTLA package has an exposed thermal pad (EP) that MUST be soldered to a ground pour for both electrical reference and thermal dissipation. Use thermal vias to a bottom-side ground plane to spread heat. At 50 MHz core clock, typical active current is around 25 mA (0.5 mA/MHz x 50 MHz) plus peripheral current; the EP handles the small excess efficiently without active cooling.
Three common pitfalls: (1) Forgetting that I/O are NOT 5 V tolerant - level shift to 5 V signals; (2) Forgetting that CTMU calibration requires a precise reference resistor on the CTMU pin - without it, touch readings drift; (3) The MCLR pin is mandatory - a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD plus 0.1 uF cap to ground for noise filtering is recommended; leaving MCLR floating causes erratic resets.
Keep the 50 MHz USB D+/D- traces matched within 150 mil and routed over a continuous ground plane; the 36-pin VTLA package is small so USB impedance-controlled routing requires careful stackup planning. Place the 12 MHz crystal close to OSC1/OSC2 with a ground guard ring; load caps must match the crystal CL specification (typically 15-20 pF). Avoid routing high-speed signals under the exposed pad.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C). Not AEC-Q100 qualified; not designed for automotive safety-critical applications.