PIC32MX450F256L-120/PF - 32-bit MCU 256KB Flash 120MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MX450F256L-120/PF ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.42 | $9.42 |
| 10 | $8.78 | $87.80 |
| 100 | $7.95 | $795.00 |
| 500 | $7.21 | $3,605.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.48 | $6,480.00 |
PIC32MX450F256L-120/PF Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (SRAM), and peripheral interfaces such as timers, ADC, communication busses, and GPIO into one package. The PIC32MX family sits at the 32-bit performance tier within Microchip's PIC product line, bridging 8-bit PIC16/PIC18 devices and 32-bit MIPS-class applications that require higher throughput, larger memory, and richer peripherals. The MX3/4 sub-family specifically targets cost-sensitive HMI (audio/graphics/touch), USB-device, and mixed-signal embedded designs.
Key features of the PIC32MX450F256L include 256 KB Flash organized as 256K x 8, hardware multiplier/divider for DSP-style arithmetic, 16-channel 10-bit ADC with up to 1 Msps conversion rate, five 16-bit timers, five PWM channels, two analog comparators, six DMA channels, and the Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) for capacitive touch sensing. The integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed On-The-Go controller enables both host and device roles without external PHY, while the PMP bus supports direct connection to graphical LCDs and external memory. The PPS peripheral remapping engine allows flexible pin assignment of digital functions, simplifying PCB layout.
Typical applications include USB peripherals (HID, CDC, MSD), audio playback and processing with I2S codecs, low-cost graphical HMI panels via PMP, capacitive touch user interfaces using CTMU, industrial control with mixed-signal sensor conditioning, and motor control loops. The combination of USB, I2S, and PMP is well-suited for USB audio DACs, USB-to-I2S bridges, and small graphical instrument front panels.
When designing with this MCU, allocate decoupling capacitors close to each power pin (typically 100 nF plus bulk), configure the PPS registers before first use of remapped peripherals, and ensure the 80 MHz peripheral bus timing budget meets USB Full-Speed requirements. The CTMU and ADC share analog resources, so sampling sequencing matters in high-precision designs. This page combines XAIPART distributor pricing, same-family Microchip drop-in alternatives, and design notes not consolidated in any single datasheet PDF.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MX450F256L-120/PF — 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 PIC32MX450F256L-120/PF (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Core Architecture, DMA Channels, Parallel Master Port (PMP).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MX450F256L-120I/PF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX450F256LT-120/PF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX450F256L-I/PF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX370F512L-V/PF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX430F064L-V/PF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX270F512L-V/PF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX450F256L-120/PF Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | MIPS32 M4K |
| Core Bit Width | 32-bit |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 120 MHz |
| DMIPS Performance | 150 DMIPS |
| Program Flash Memory | 256 KB (256K x 8) |
| Data SRAM | 64 KB |
| Operating Voltage (Core) | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Voltage Tolerance | 5 V tolerant (select pins) |
| Package | 100-pin TQFP (14x14 mm) |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 1 Msps, 16 channels |
| DMA Channels | 6 |
| Timers | 5 x 16-bit |
| PWM Channels | 5 |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| I2S/SPI Modules | 2 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +105 C (industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) | Yes |
| Parallel Master Port (PMP) | Yes |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
PIC32MX450F256L-120/PF 100-pin tqfp (14x14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC32MX450F256L-120/PF (100-pin tqfp (14x14 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 PIC32MX450F256L-120/PF.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC32MX450F256L-120/PF is suitable for 6 applications: USB Audio Device (DAC/Headphone), Capacitive Touch HMI Panel, USB HID / CDC / MSD Composite Device, Low-Cost Graphical LCD Control, Industrial Sensor Conditioning Hub, Low-Volume BLDC Motor Controller.
USB Audio Device (DAC/Headphone)
The PIC32MX450F256L-120/PF fits USB audio device designs thanks to its integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG controller plus two I2S/SPI modules that connect directly to audio codecs like the SGTL5000 or CS4344. Its 150 DMIPS throughput handles USB isochronous transfers, sample-rate conversion, and volume control without offloading to external DSP. At 120 MHz, software mixing and basic EQ fit within CPU headroom while DMA keeps the I2S FIFO fed. Engineers choose this MCU over Cortex-M0+ alternatives when Microchip's USB stack maturity and long-term supply guarantee outweigh the need for a higher-tier DSP accelerator.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch HMI Panel
For capacitive touch user interfaces, the PIC32MX450F256L-120/PF integrates the Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) alongside the 16-channel 10-bit ADC, enabling 16+ touch buttons or a small slider without external touch ICs. The 120 MHz core and 64 KB SRAM comfortably run a custom touch-scan scheduler plus a small graphics library via PMP to an external LCD. Engineers use this MCU in appliances, industrial control keypads, and USB-connected touch panels where cost and BOM consolidation matter more than ultra-low standby current. The CTMU's on-chip calibration reduces firmware complexity versus discrete touch ASICs.
Recommended
USB HID / CDC / MSD Composite Device
The PIC32MX450F256L-120/PF's USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG and 256 KB Flash handle composite USB devices combining HID (keyboard/mouse/control surfaces), CDC (virtual COM port), and MSD (mass storage) classes in one firmware image. At 120 MHz, the MCU runs the USB stack plus HID report parsing and flash read/write to internal RAM with ample headroom. The 6 DMA channels enable zero-CPU USB-to-UART bridging for CDC and bulk transfers to SD cards for MSD, ideal for industrial configuration tools, lab instruments, and USB-upgradeable peripherals.
Recommended
Low-Cost Graphical LCD Control
The PIC32MX450F256L-120/PF drives small graphical LCDs (128x64 to 320x240 monochrome/color) directly through the Parallel Master Port (PMP), offloading pixel writes from the CPU via DMA. Its 120 MHz MIPS32 core executes font rendering, anti-aliased icons, and basic animations at smooth frame rates, and 64 KB SRAM holds full frame buffers for 128x64 panels. Engineers pick this MCU over 8-bit PIC18 for graphical dashboards because PMP plus DMA eliminates the bit-banging and CPU stalls that cripple 8-bit graphics performance. The PMP also interfaces to external SRAM for larger displays if needed.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Conditioning Hub
In industrial sensing hubs, the PIC32MX450F256L-120/PF combines its 16-channel 10-bit ADC with two analog comparators and 5 PWM channels to drive sensor excitation, read bridge sensors, and condition output signals in a single chip. The 120 MHz core handles MODBUS RTU protocol stacks or basic Ethernet bridging via SPI to ENC28J60. Its -40C to +105C industrial temperature rating suits factory-floor deployment, and 256 KB Flash allows firmware over-the-air updates via USB or RS-485. The CTMU provides precise timing for RTD and thermistor excitation measurements.
Recommended
Low-Volume BLDC Motor Controller
The PIC32MX450F256L-120/PF can serve as a low-volume BLDC or stepper motor controller using its five 16-bit timers and five PWM channels to generate complementary PWM with dead-band insertion. The 120 MHz MIPS32 core runs FOC (field-oriented control) loops or trapezoidal commutation at 20+ kHz switching with closed-loop ADC current sensing via the 16-channel 10-bit ADC. The 256 KB Flash accommodates sensorless back-EMF algorithms and USB diagnostics simultaneously, which is unusual at this price tier. Engineers choose it for low-volume industrial pumps, fans, and CNC spindle drives where Microchip's ecosystem matters.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MX450F256L-120/PF — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MX450F256L-120I/PF | PIC32MX450F256LT-120/PF | PIC32MX450F256L-I/PF | PIC32MX370F512L-V/PF | PIC32MX430F064L-V/PF | PIC32MX270F512L-V/PF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 100-pin TQFP (14x14 mm) | 100-pin TQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-pin TQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-pin TQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-pin TQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-pin TQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 100-pin TQFP (14x14 mm) - same |
| Max Core Clock | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 80 MHz (-33%) | 80 MHz (-33%) | 80 MHz (-33%) | 50 MHz (-58%) |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 512 KB (+100%) | 64 KB (-75%) | 512 KB (+100%) |
| SRAM | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 128 KB (+100%) | 16 KB (-75%) | 64 KB |
| USB OTG | Yes (Full-Speed) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C |
| PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| I2S/SPI Modules | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Key Differentiators
- Higher clock (120 MHz) versus same-package -I and -V siblings (vs PIC32MX450F256L-I/PF)
- Larger Flash and SRAM than 64 KB Flash MX430 sibling (vs PIC32MX430F064L-V/PF)
- Higher clock than 50 MHz MX270 sibling (vs PIC32MX270F512L-V/PF)
Design Notes
Decoupling: place a 100 nF X7R ceramic on each VDD/VDDIO pin pair within 3 mm of the pin, plus a single 10 uF bulk near the IC. According to Microchip PIC32MX hardware design checklist, separate analog AVDD and AVSS supplies from digital VDD using a ferrite bead to keep ADC noise below 1 LSB at 10-bit resolution. Connect unused I/O to defined logic state (either driven low or high) to avoid shoot-through in the input buffers; do not leave NC pins truly floating on the TQFP-100 footprint.
The TQFP-100 package has typical theta_JA of approximately 40-45 C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC test board with no airflow. Estimated: at 120 MHz with peripheral activity, core current draw is around 50-70 mA at 3.3 V, so power dissipation sits near 165-230 mW, giving a junction rise of roughly 7-10 C above ambient. No heatsink is needed in commercial environments; for sealed industrial enclosures at +85 C ambient, validate with a thermocouple on the package top.
USB layout: the D+ and D+ traces must be 90 ohm differential, length-matched within 150 mil, and routed over a continuous ground plane with no splits. The 100-pin TQFP has dedicated USB_DP and USB_DM pins on fixed ports; do not route them through PPS-mapped pins since USB has fixed pad locations. Place the 15 kohm pull-down on D- and 1.5 kohm pull-up on D+ close to the MCU, and keep the USB connector shield grounded at one point only to avoid ground loops. Reference: Microchip AN1166 USB CDC class firmware and hardware design guide.
PPS configuration must be done before first use of any remapped peripheral, or the peripheral will appear dead. The PPS unlock sequence writes to OSCCON, SYSKEY, and PPS registers in a specific order - if interrupted (e.g., by an interrupt before completion), peripherals can lock up. According to Microchip errata for the MX4 family, the CTMU and ADC share the analog mux; sampling CTMU current sources during an ADC conversion produces incorrect ADC readings, so sequence CTMU discharge between ADC sample windows. Also confirm configuration bits set the correct oscillator mode (POSC vs FRC) before programming Flash, as misconfiguration can brick the device without a programmer reset.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status per Microchip product page; AEC-Q100 qualification not applicable for industrial-grade consumer/industrial MCU; halogen-free status not explicitly listed in retrieved web data.
