PIC32MX250F128CT-I/TL - 32-bit MCU, 128KB Flash, USB, 40MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MX250F128CT-I/TL ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.45 | $6.45 |
| 10 | $5.92 | $59.20 |
| 100 | $5.21 | $521.00 |
| 500 | $4.62 | $2,310.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.05 | $4,050.00 |
PIC32MX250F128CT-I/TL Overview
What is a PIC32MX microcontroller? A PIC32MX is Microchip's 32-bit MIPS-based microcontroller family, positioned between the 8-bit PIC16/PIC18 lines and the higher-end PIC32MZ family. These MCUs combine a Harvard-architecture MIPS32 M4K core with rich peripherals including USB, CAN, I2S, PMP graphics, and 10-bit ADC, targeting cost-sensitive embedded applications that need more performance and code space than 8-bit parts but do not require the complexity of a Cortex-M design.
Key differentiating specifications for this part include 50 MHz/83 DMIPS core capability (operated at 40 MHz in this speed grade), Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible signal routing, up to four channels of hardware DMA, and dedicated PLLs for CPU and USB clocks. The 36-VTLA package provides 19 general-purpose I/O pins with an exposed thermal pad for improved heat dissipation in compact designs.
The architecture implements a 5-stage pipeline, hardware multiply/divide, and a single-cycle 32-bit ALU, consuming approximately 0.5 mA/MHz active. Separate PLLs allow the CPU and USB module to clock independently, a key advantage over single-PLL MCU architectures where USB requires specific oscillator frequencies.
Typical applications include consumer audio peripherals (USB headphones, sound bars), low-cost graphics HMI with TFT panels, capacitive-touch user interfaces using CTMU, USB-to-UART bridges, and industrial sensor interfaces. The integrated USB 2.0 full-speed controller makes the PIC32MX250F128CT-I/TL particularly attractive for USB device-class designs such as HID, CDC, or vendor-specific endpoints.
Design consideration: route USB DP/DM traces as a 90 ohm differential pair, place the 27% crystal or resonator within 5 mm of the USB clock pins, and ensure the exposed pad is soldered to a continuous ground copper pour for thermal dissipation. The PPS feature requires careful pin assignment in the MPLAB X IDE configuration bits, since mis-mapping peripherals is the most common source of bring-up failures on PIC32MX silicon.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in PIC32MX250 family alternatives, and practical design notes not found on the manufacturer product page alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MX250F128CT-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 PIC32MX250F128CT-I/TL (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Core Architecture, Package, USB, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MX250F128C-I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX250F128CT-V/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX250F128CT-50I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.61 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX230F064D-I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX150F128CT-I/TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX250F128CT-I/TL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | MIPS32 M4K |
| Core Architecture | 32-bit RISC |
| Operating Frequency | 40 MHz |
| DMIPS Performance | 83 DMIPS (at 50 MHz) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 128 KB (128K x 8) |
| RAM | 32 KB |
| Number of I/O Pins | 19 |
| Package / Case | 36-VTLA Exposed Pad (5x5 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (Device/Host/OTG) |
| Communication Interfaces | IrDA, LINbus, UART, I2C, SPI, I2S, PMP, USB |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect, DMA, POR, PWM, WDT |
| Connectivity | USB, IrDA, LINbus, I2C, SPI, UART |
| Oscillator Type | Internal |
| Data Converters | 10-bit ADC |
| Packaging | Tube |
PIC32MX250F128CT-I/TL Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RPB0/PWM1/PMD0/RB0 — PPS-remappable GPIO / PWM / Parallel Master Port data bit 0 |
| Pin 2 | RPB1/PMD1/RB1 — PPS-remappable GPIO / Parallel Master Port data bit 1 |
| Pin 3 | RPB2/SDA2/PMD2/RB2 — PPS GPIO / I2C2 SDA / PMP data bit 2 |
| Pin 4 | RPB3/SCL2/PMD3/RB3 — PPS GPIO / I2C2 SCL / PMP data bit 3 |
| Pin 5 | VDD — Core supply voltage (2.3 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | RPB4/PMD4/RB4 — PPS GPIO / PMP data bit 4 |
| Pin 8 | RPB5/PMD5/RB5 — PPS GPIO / PMP data bit 5 |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — PPS-remappable GPIO (Port C) |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — PPS-remappable GPIO (Port C) |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — PPS-remappable GPIO (Port C) |
| Pin 13 | VUSB — USB 3.3 V regulator output (decoupling cap required) |
| Pin 14 | D+ — USB D+ line (90 ohm differential) |
| Pin 15 | D- — USB D- line (90 ohm differential) |
| Pin 16 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 17 | RC3 — PPS-remappable GPIO (Port C) |
| Pin 18 | RC4/SDI1/RC4 — PPS GPIO / SPI1 MISO |
| Pin 19 | RC5/SDO1 — PPS GPIO / SPI1 MOSI |
| Pin 20 | RC6 — PPS-remappable GPIO (Port C) |
| Pin 21 | RC7 — PPS-remappable GPIO (Port C) |
| Pin 22 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 23 | OSC1/RC12 — Crystal oscillator input or external clock input |
| Pin 24 | OSC2/RC13 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 25 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 26 | RA0 — PPS-remappable GPIO (Port A) |
| Pin 27 | RA1 — PPS-remappable GPIO (Port A) |
| Pin 28 | PGED1/AN0/RP0/CN4/RB0 — Programming data / ADC input 0 / PPS GPIO (note: shared pin assignments) |
| Pin 29 | PGEC1/AN1/RP1/CN5/RB1 — Programming clock / ADC input 1 / PPS GPIO |
| Pin 30 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 31 | RA2 — PPS-remappable GPIO (Port A) |
| Pin 32 | RA3 — PPS-remappable GPIO (Port A) |
| Pin 33 | RA4 — PPS-remappable GPIO (Port A) |
| Pin 34 | RA5 — PPS-remappable GPIO (Port A) |
| Pin 35 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 36 | VDD — Core supply voltage (2.3 V to 3.6 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC32MX250F128CT-I/TL is suitable for 6 applications: USB Audio Headphones and Headsets, TFT Graphics HMI with Resistive Touch, Capacitive Touch Keypad / Control Panel, USB-to-UART Bridge Adapter, USB HID Game Controller, Low-Cost Industrial Sensor Module.
USB Audio Headphones and Headsets
The PIC32MX250F128CT-I/TL is an ideal host controller for USB audio peripherals because it integrates a USB 2.0 Full-Speed device controller with a dedicated USB PLL and two I2S/SPIs for direct codec connectivity. With 83 DMIPS of processing headroom, it can run Microchip's USB Audio Class 1.0 device stack plus volume/button HID logic in approximately 25-30 KB of flash, leaving the remaining 100 KB for DSP effects or custom firmware. The CTMU peripheral supports up to 16 capacitive touch buttons for play/pause/skip controls. Place the device within 5 mm of the USB connector and route DP/DM as a 90 ohm differential pair for compliance.
Recommended
TFT Graphics HMI with Resistive Touch
The PIC32MX250F128CT-I/TL's Parallel Master Port (PMP) can drive small TFT panels (up to 480x272) at 30 fps using DMA-driven transfers, eliminating the need for an external graphics controller. The CTMU combined with the PMP's address latching supports a 4-wire resistive touch screen without an additional ADC IC. The 32 KB of SRAM buffers approximately one full screen frame (480x272x16-bit color = 261 KB), so partial-update strategies are required - draw only dirty regions. For designs needing more video memory, migrate to PIC32MX570 or PIC32MZ parts; the PIC32MX250 is suitable for icon-based or simple textual menus.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch Keypad / Control Panel
The PIC32MX250F128CT-I/TL's on-chip CTMU provides a hardware-accelerated charge-time measurement engine that can sample up to 16 capacitive touch electrodes directly, with no external analog components. Each channel is scanned in approximately 50 us using a single GPIO plus a current source, allowing 16 keys to be polled at 100 Hz with negligible CPU load. The 128 KB flash accommodates Microchip's mTouch library plus user-defined slider/wheel logic. Industrial temperature rating and 2.3-3.6 V operation make the part appropriate for white-goods and industrial control panels.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge Adapter
The PIC32MX250F128CT-I/TL is a strong choice for USB-to-UART bridges thanks to its integrated USB 2.0 FS device, dual UART modules with hardware flow control, and 83 DMIPS headroom for protocol conversion. Microchip's USB CDC class driver adds a virtual COM port on the host with less than 10 KB of firmware, and the remaining flash supports baud rates up to 921600 bps with optional RS-485 driver enable generation. The 36-VTLA footprint fits into compact dongle form factors. Industrial temperature grade suits factory-floor debug tools.
Recommended
USB HID Game Controller
The PIC32MX250F128CT-I/TL supports USB HID class drivers natively, allowing direct implementation of game controllers, keyboards, mice, or composite HID devices without licensing fees. The Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) feature allows the engineer to remap UART, SPI, and timer peripherals to almost any GPIO, simplifying PCB routing for ergonomic controller layouts. With 128 KB of flash and 32 KB of RAM, the part can drive a 32-button matrix plus a 4-axis analog joystick, all sampled at 1000 Hz through DMA. CTMU channels can detect capacitive shoulder triggers.
Recommended
Low-Cost Industrial Sensor Module
The PIC32MX250F128CT-I/TL's combination of USB, UART, I2C, SPI, and a 10-bit ADC makes it suitable as a multi-protocol industrial sensor hub. The MCU can aggregate readings from external I2C sensors, perform digital filtering, and present them over USB CDC or RS-485. Industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature rating allows deployment in factory environments. The exposed thermal pad of the 36-VTLA package supports operation in enclosed IP65 housings without additional heatsinking. Microchip's free Harmony framework provides validated sensor drivers.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MX250F128CT-I/TL — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MX250F128C-I/TL | PIC32MX250F128CT-V/TL | PIC32MX250F128CT-50I/TL | PIC32MX230F064D-I/TL | PIC32MX150F128CT-I/TL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 36-VTLA (5x5) | 36-VTLA (5x5) - identical | 36-VTLA (5x5) - identical | 36-VTLA (5x5) - identical | 36-VTLA (5x5) - identical | 36-VTLA (5x5) - identical |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit - same | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit - same | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit - same | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit - same | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit - same |
| Max Frequency | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 50 MHz (+25%) | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 64 KB (-50%) | 128 KB |
| RAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB (-50%) | 32 KB |
| USB | USB 2.0 FS | USB 2.0 FS - same | USB 2.0 FS - same | USB 2.0 FS - same | No USB | USB 2.0 FS - same |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +105 C (AEC-Q100) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| PMP Graphics | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| CTMU Touch | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Key Differentiators
- Highest-integration USB MCU in PIC32MX1XX/2XX VTLA family (vs PIC32MX230F064D-I/TL)
- Integrated PMP + CTMU vs PIC32MX150F128CT-I/TL (vs PIC32MX150F128CT-I/TL)
- Automotive grade option in same footprint (vs PIC32MX250F128CT-V/TL)
Design Notes
Route the USB DP/DM pair as a 90 ohm differential (with reference to the USB 2.0 specification) directly from the package pins to the USB connector. Keep traces under 50 mm total length, match lengths to within 2 mm, and place the VUSB decoupling capacitor (4.7 uF) within 2 mm of pin 13. Place the crystal or resonator within 5 mm of pins 23/24 with a grounded guard ring. The exposed thermal pad must be soldered to a continuous ground copper pour of at least 25 mm^2 to meet thermal specifications.
The PIC32MX250F128CT-I/TL requires a single 2.3-3.6 V supply on VDD (pin 5 and pin 36 are tied together internally through the die). Place a 1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor on each VDD pin plus a single 4.7 uF bulk capacitor at the regulator output. The VUSB pin requires its own 4.7 uF decoupling cap; this rail powers the internal USB transceiver and must not be back-fed into VDD. Add a 10 kohm pull-up on the MCLR reset pin for in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) entry.
Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) mis-configuration is the most common PIC32MX bring-up failure. The default PPS mapping after reset assigns most peripherals to specific default pins (see family datasheet Table 12-XX), but most designs need remapping. Configure PPS registers in the startup code BEFORE enabling the peripheral, otherwise the peripheral will not function on the chosen pin. Also note: the I2C module requires external pull-up resistors (typically 2.2 kohm at 400 kHz) - the internal weak pull-ups are too weak for reliable I2C bus operation.
The 36-VTLA 5x5 package achieves approximately 35 C/W thermal resistance (theta_JA) on a standard JEDEC 4-layer test board. At the maximum 40 MHz clock and full peripheral activity, the core consumes approximately 0.5 mA/MHz = 20 mA. At 3.6 V supply this represents 72 mW, leading to a 2.5 C junction rise above ambient - well within thermal limits for the -40 C to +85 C industrial rating. For sealed enclosures with no airflow, derate by 1.5x and verify junction temperature with a thermocouple on the exposed pad.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature range; not AEC-Q100 qualified (choose PIC32MX250F128CT-V/TL for automotive applications). Halogen-free per Microchip environmental certification.
