PIC32MX450F256L-120/PT - 120MHz 32-bit MCU, 256KB Flash, USB | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MX450F256L-120/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.27 | $8.27 |
| 10 | $7.62 | $76.20 |
| 100 | $6.83 | $683.00 |
| 500 | $6.21 | $3,105.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.78 | $5,780.00 |
PIC32MX450F256L-120/PT Overview
A 32-bit microcontroller is a programmable system-on-chip that integrates a CPU core, memory, and peripherals on a single die; the PIC32MX4 series uses the MIPS32 M4K core, which executes most instructions in one cycle and supports the standard MIPS instruction set, giving it an order-of-magnitude performance advantage over 8-bit/16-bit MCUs while remaining low cost. Within the broader taxonomy, PIC32MX devices sit in Microchip's PIC32 line under the MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor hierarchy, and they target cost-sensitive designs that still need rich peripherals.
Key features include 120 MHz / 150 DMIPS core speed, 256 KB Flash (256K x 8), 64 KB SRAM, 2 analog comparators, two I2S/SPI modules for codec and serial communications, USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG controller, Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible pin mapping, Parallel Master Port (PMP) for graphics interfaces, Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) for touch and capacitive sensing, Real-Time Clock and Calendar (RTCC), and a wide operating temperature range of -40C to +105C.
The PIC32MX450F256L-120/PT uses a 5-stage pipeline MIPS32 M4K core running at up to 120 MHz with a single-cycle multiply, hardware divider, and tightly-coupled peripheral bus; the 2.3V-3.6V supply range simplifies design on either 3.3V regulated rails or 2xAA battery stacks, and the on-chip 80 MHz ADC (1 Msps, 10/12-bit) supports precision mixed-signal applications without an external ADC.
Typical applications include USB peripherals (HID, CDC, mass storage), audio interfaces that benefit from the two I2S modules, HMI/touch panels using the CTMU and PMP for LCDs, industrial control nodes, and consumer devices needing graphics (e.g., a small TFT). For USB audio or graphics HMI, the part's integrated USB OTG and PMP eliminate the need for external bridge chips, reducing BOM cost.
When designing with this part, note that the 100-pin TQFP requires adequate PCB real estate and that PPS remapping must be performed at startup in software; for USB designs, the 48 MHz clock accuracy directly determines USB compliance, so use a crystal rather than an internal RC where certification matters. The CTMU needs careful calibration but delivers reliable touch sensing once configured.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, application guidance, and design notes not found in a single manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MX450F256L-120/PT — 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/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture, ADC, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MX450F256LT-120/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX450F256L-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX470F512L-120/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX440F256H-80I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX350F256L-V/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX450F256HT-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX450F256L-120/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | MIPS32 M4K |
| Core Frequency (max) | 120 MHz |
| DMIPS | 150 |
| Program Flash | 256 KB (256K x 8) |
| SRAM | 64 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | 100-pin TQFP (PT), 12x12 mm |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG |
| I2S/SPI Modules | 2 |
| Parallel Master Port (PMP) | Yes |
| Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) | Yes |
| Real-Time Clock (RTCC) | Yes |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC32MX450F256L-120/PT 100-pin tqfp (pt), 12x12 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC32MX450F256L-120/PT (100-pin tqfp (pt), 12x12 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/PT.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC32MX450F256L-120/PT is suitable for 6 applications: USB Human Interface Device (HID) Peripherals, Audio Interfaces with I2S DAC, HMI / Small TFT Touch Panels, Industrial Control Nodes (USB-CDC Bridge), Consumer Devices with Graphics + USB, Educational / Hobbyist 32-bit Development.
USB Human Interface Device (HID) Peripherals
The PIC32MX450F256L-120/PT's integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG controller with on-chip transceiver eliminates the need for external PHY chips in HID peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and game controllers. With 120 MHz / 150 DMIPS performance, the part handles USB HID class drivers, debounce, and LED/PWM control concurrently. 64 KB SRAM buffers USB ping-pong packets without packet loss, while 256 KB Flash accommodates HID report descriptors and custom firmware. The 100-pin TQFP exposes enough GPIO for matrix-scanned key arrays plus RGB LED feedback, and PPS allows flexible USB D+/D- pin assignment for PCB routing.
Recommended
Audio Interfaces with I2S DAC
The PIC32MX450F256L-120/PT includes two I2S/SPI modules that drive external audio DACs or codecs directly, making it a strong fit for USB audio peripherals, digital mixers, and headphone amplifiers. At 120 MHz, the core sustains 24-bit 96 kHz I2S streams with room for USB isochronous transfer handling. The CTMU can implement hardware volume control via touch sliders, while the RTCC timestamps audio playback for logging. Compared with a simple 8-bit MCU, this part's 32-bit MIPS core reduces CPU overhead, letting the MCU run DSP effects (EQ, reverb) alongside I2S output without dropouts.
Recommended
HMI / Small TFT Touch Panels
With its integrated Parallel Master Port (PMP) and Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU), the PIC32MX450F256L-120/PT is well matched to small TFT LCD HMI panels (2.4"-3.5" QVGA) with capacitive or resistive touch. PMP drives 8/16-bit parallel displays directly without an external graphics controller, saving BOM cost. The CTMU delivers calibrated capacitive touch sensing for buttons and sliders, while the 120 MHz core refreshes QVGA panels at 30+ Hz smoothly. 256 KB Flash holds graphics assets and UI state machines, and 64 KB SRAM buffers frame lines for flicker-free updates.
Recommended
Industrial Control Nodes (USB-CDC Bridge)
Industrial control nodes often bridge RS-485, sensors, or actuators to a USB-CDC host. The PIC32MX450F256L-120/PT serves this role with USB OTG configured as CDC device, plus UART, I2C, and SPI for sensor/actuator interfacing. Its -40C to +105C operating temperature range supports factory floor deployments, while 120 MHz CPU bandwidth runs protocol stacks (Modbus, custom binary) at high data rates. The 2.3-3.6V supply works directly from 3.3V industrial rails, and PPS remapping helps when routing signals in dense industrial enclosures.
Recommended
Consumer Devices with Graphics + USB
Consumer products such as smart appliance controllers, programmable toys, and small IoT hubs benefit from the PIC32MX450F256L-120/PT's combination of USB, graphics (PMP), and 120 MHz CPU. PMP drives a small color TFT without external controller cost; USB OTG supports firmware updates and data exchange with a host PC. The CTMU enables touch buttons without a dedicated touch controller, reducing BOM. Wide 2.3-3.6V supply range accommodates 2xAA battery or 3.3V regulated rails, while -40C to +105C temperature grade suits indoor and outdoor consumer electronics.
Recommended
Educational / Hobbyist 32-bit Development
Hobbyists and educators moving up from 8-bit PICs choose the PIC32MX450F256L-120/PT as a 32-bit stepping stone because it shares the 100-pin TQFP with the PIC32MX4 family and runs Microchip's MPLAB X IDE plus Harmony framework. The 120 MHz MIPS core introduces students to 32-bit pipelines, PPS demonstrates flexible pin mapping, and the USB OTG enables practical projects (HID devices, CDC bridges). 256 KB Flash / 64 KB SRAM fits university course projects, and the part's availability on dev boards (e.g., Microchip curiosity/probe kits) lowers the entry barrier.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MX450F256L-120/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MX450F256LT-120/PT | PIC32MX450F256L-I/PT | PIC32MX470F512L-120/PT | PIC32MX440F256H-80I/PT | PIC32MX350F256L-V/PT | PIC32MX450F256HT-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 100-pin TQFP (PT) | 100-pin TQFP (PT) | 100-pin TQFP (PT) | 100-pin TQFP (PT) | 100-pin TQFP (PT) | 100-pin TQFP (PT) | 100-pin TQFP (PT) |
| Core Frequency | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 80 MHz | 120 MHz | 80 MHz | 80 MHz | 120 MHz |
| Flash | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 512 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 128 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| USB OTG | Yes (FS OTG) | Yes (FS OTG) | Yes (FS OTG) | Yes (FS OTG) | No | No | Yes (FS OTG) |
| I2S Modules | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| CTMU Touch | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +85C |
| Unit Price (qty 1) | $8.27 | ~$8.27 | ~$7.50 | ~$10.50 | ~$6.80 | ~$7.20 | ~$8.27 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG with on-chip transceiver (vs PIC32MX440F256H-80I/PT)
- Two I2S/SPI modules for stereo audio or dual peripheral buses (vs PIC32MX350F256L-V/PT)
- 120 MHz / 150 DMIPS performance at industrial temperature (vs PIC32MX450F256L-I/PT)
- Parallel Master Port (PMP) integrated for direct LCD drive (vs PIC32MX230F128L-50I/PF)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 2 mm of each VDD pin and a bulk 4.7-10 uF tantalum/ceramic near the IC, per Microchip PIC32MX4 family reference design. The 100-pin TQFP requires a 4-layer PCB (or 2-layer with ground pour) for clean 120 MHz operation; route the 48 MHz USB clock trace with matched length and avoid running it parallel to switching signals. Estimated: at 120 MHz, a poorly decoupled supply raises ripple by 50-100 mV.
The USB D+ and D- traces must be 90 ohm differential and matched within 150 mil; add a 27 ohm series resistor on each line at the MCU pin to damp reflections. The 48 MHz crystal accuracy directly determines USB compliance - use a crystal with <= 50 ppm tolerance, not a ceramic resonator. Estimated: a 100 ppm crystal can produce USB packet errors at the hub-side enumeration stage.
PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) remapping must be configured in software at startup; forgetting to lock PPS registers after configuration can cause peripheral mapping to revert. For CTMU touch applications, calibrate the unit's current source per board layout - stray capacitance from long PCB traces shifts the touch threshold by 5-15%. Estimated: a typical CTMU calibration yields +/-3% touch threshold accuracy after compensation.
The 100-pin TQFP (12x12 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch) is hand-solderable but requires a 4-mil trace/space process for fanout under the package. Use via-in-pad micro vias only if your PCB fabricator supports them; otherwise route traces between pads. The exposed thermal pad (if present on this TQFP variant - check datasheet) should be soldered to a ground copper pour of at least 1 sq inch for thermal relief at high duty cycles.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page and DS60001156. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is a commercial/industrial grade MCU; for automotive designs, use PIC32 variants with Q1 suffix.