PIC32MX550F256H-50I/PT - 50MHz 32-bit MCU 256KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MX550F256H-50I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.62 | $5.62 |
| 10 | $5.1 | $51.00 |
| 100 | $4.25 | $425.00 |
| 500 | $3.74 | $1,870.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.38 | $3,380.00 |
| 3,000 | $3.05 | $9,150.00 |
PIC32MX550F256H-50I/PT Overview
A 32-bit microcontroller is a programmable system-on-chip that integrates a CPU core, volatile and non-volatile memory, and a rich set of peripherals (timers, ADC, communication interfaces) on a single silicon die. The PIC32MX family is a key node in Microchip's product taxonomy: it sits above the 16-bit PIC24/dsPIC families and below the Cortex-M class SAM and PIC32MK parts. Designers choose PIC32MX when they want Microchip's MPLAB X toolchain maturity and PPS flexibility without paying for the higher-pin-count or higher-speed PIC32MZ/MK families.
Key features of the PIC32MX550F256H-50I/PT include 256 KB Flash program memory, 32 KB SRAM data memory, a 10-bit 1 Msps ADC with up to 28 analog channels, five 16-bit timers, two I2C ports, two UARTs, three SPI modules, two I2S modules for audio codecs, USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG with on-chip transceiver, a CAN 2.0B module with DeviceNet addressing, and the PMP graphics master port with dual read/write buffers that offload bus cycles from the CPU. Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) provides capacitive touch and basic analog front-end functions, while PPS remaps most digital peripherals to any compatible I/O pin.
The architecture uses a 5-stage MIPS M4K pipeline with hardware multiply/divide and a tightly coupled prefetch cache that mitigates Flash wait states at 50 MHz. The 3.3V core supply with internal regulators lets the device run directly from a 2.3V to 3.6V rail, simplifying power tree design. On-chip debug over JTAG or 2-wire programming via ICSP is supported throughout the family.
Typical applications include USB peripherals and HID devices, CAN-connected industrial nodes with DeviceNet, HMI/graphic display controllers via PMP, audio streaming with I2S codecs, capacitive touch user interfaces using CTMU, and low-cost connectivity bridges for sensors. The combination of USB, CAN, and PMP also fits automotive telematics, building automation controllers, and point-of-sale terminals.
A key design consideration: at 50 MHz the Flash access wait states must be configured via the system registers, and PMP timing for graphics requires careful setup of the data setup and hold registers - consult the family reference manual section on PMP for your chosen panel. Vcap pin must be left unloaded except for the required 10 uF decoupling.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives drawn from the same Microchip PIC32MX5XX family, and practical design notes not duplicated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MX550F256H-50I/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 PIC32MX550F256H-50I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, USB, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MX550F256HT-50I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX550F256H-50I/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX570F256H-50I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX470F512H-120/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.7 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX450F256H-120/MR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX360F256L-80I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX550F256H-50I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | MIPS32 M4K |
| Core Frequency (Max) | 50 MHz |
| Core Performance | 83 DMIPS |
| Program Memory | 256 KB Flash |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 32 KB |
| Pin Count | 64 |
| Package | TQFP-64 (PT) 10x10 mm |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| ADC | 10-bit, 1 Msps, up to 28 channels |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG (on-chip transceiver) |
| CAN | CAN 2.0B with DeviceNet addressing |
| SPI Modules | 3 (two shared with I2S) |
| I2S Modules | 2 |
| UART Modules | 2 |
| I2C Modules | 2 |
| 16-bit Timers | 5 |
| Parallel Master Port (PMP) | Yes, dual read/write buffers |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| CTMU | Yes |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC32MX550F256H-50I/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | SDA3/RG15 — I2C3 data or digital I/O pin 15 of port G |
| Pin 2 | SCL3/RG14 — I2C3 clock or digital I/O pin 14 of port G |
| Pin 3 | AN0/C1INC/RPB0 — Analog input 0 / comparator 1 IN+ / digital I/O RB0 |
| Pin 4 | AN1/C1INC/RPB1 — Analog input 1 / comparator 1 IN- / digital I/O RB1 |
| Pin 5 | AN2/C2INC/RPB2 — Analog input 2 / comparator 2 IN+ / digital I/O RB2 |
| Pin 6 | AN3/C2INC/RPB3 — Analog input 3 / comparator 2 IN- / digital I/O RB3 |
| Pin 7 | AN4/C1INB/RPB4 — Analog input 4 / comparator 1 INB / digital I/O RB4 |
| Pin 8 | AN5/C1INA/RPB5 — Analog input 5 / comparator 1 INA / digital I/O RB5 |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply for I/O and core logic |
| Pin 11 | MCLR — Master Clear reset input (active low) |
| Pin 12 | PGEC1/AN6/RPB6 — Programming clock 1 / analog input 6 / digital I/O RB6 |
| Pin 13 | PGED1/AN7/RPB7 — Programming data 1 / analog input 7 / digital I/O RB7 |
| Pin 14 | AN8/RPB8 — Analog input 8 / digital I/O RB8 |
| Pin 15 | AN9/RPB9 — Analog input 9 / digital I/O RB9 |
| Pin 16 | AN10/RPB10 — Analog input 10 / digital I/O RB10 |
| Pin 17 | AN11/RPB11 — Analog input 11 / digital I/O RB11 |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply for I/O and core logic |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | CVREF/AN12/RB12 — Comparator voltage reference / analog input 12 / digital I/O RB12 |
| Pin 21 | AN13/RB13 — Analog input 13 / digital I/O RB13 |
| Pin 22 | AN14/RB14 — Analog input 14 / digital I/O RB14 |
| Pin 23 | AN15/OCFB/RB15 — Analog input 15 / output compare fault B / digital I/O RB15 |
| Pin 24 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 25 | VDD — Positive supply for I/O and core logic |
| Pin 26 | OC1/IC1/RD0 — Output compare 1 / input capture 1 / digital I/O RD0 |
| Pin 27 | OC2/IC2/RD1 — Output compare 2 / input capture 2 / digital I/O RD1 |
| Pin 28 | OC3/IC3/RD2 — Output compare 3 / input capture 3 / digital I/O RD2 |
| Pin 29 | OC4/IC4/RD3 — Output compare 4 / input capture 4 / digital I/O RD3 |
| Pin 30 | OC5/IC5/RD4 — Output compare 5 / input capture 5 / digital I/O RD4 |
| Pin 31 | OC6/IC6/RD5 — Output compare 6 / input capture 6 / digital I/O RD5 |
| Pin 32 | OC7/IC7/RD6 — Output compare 7 / input capture 7 / digital I/O RD6 |
| Pin 33 | OC8/IC8/RD7 — Output compare 8 / input capture 8 / digital I/O RD7 |
| Pin 34 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 35 | VDD — Positive supply for I/O and core logic |
| Pin 36 | SOSCI/RC13 — Secondary oscillator input / digital I/O RC13 |
| Pin 37 | SOSCO/RC14 — Secondary oscillator output / digital I/O RC14 |
| Pin 38 | OC9/IC9/RC15 — Output compare 9 / input capture 9 / digital I/O RC15 |
| Pin 39 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 40 | OSC1/RC12 — Primary oscillator input / digital I/O RC12 |
| Pin 41 | OSC2/RC15 — Primary oscillator output / digital I/O RC15 |
| Pin 42 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 43 | RE0/PMD0 — Digital I/O RE0 / PMP data 0 |
| Pin 44 | RE1/PMD1 — Digital I/O RE1 / PMP data 1 |
| Pin 45 | RE2/PMD2 — Digital I/O RE2 / PMP data 2 |
| Pin 46 | RE3/PMD3 — Digital I/O RE3 / PMP data 3 |
| Pin 47 | RE4/PMD4 — Digital I/O RE4 / PMP data 4 |
| Pin 48 | RE5/PMD5 — Digital I/O RE5 / PMP data 5 |
| Pin 49 | RE6/PMD6 — Digital I/O RE6 / PMP data 6 |
| Pin 50 | RE7/PMD7 — Digital I/O RE7 / PMP data 7 |
| Pin 51 | RF0/PMA0 — Digital I/O RF0 / PMP address 0 |
| Pin 52 | RF1/PMA1 — Digital I/O RF1 / PMP address 1 |
| Pin 53 | RF2/PMA2 — Digital I/O RF2 / PMP address 2 |
| Pin 54 | RF3/PMA3 — Digital I/O RF3 / PMP address 3 |
| Pin 55 | RF4/PMA4 — Digital I/O RF4 / PMP address 4 |
| Pin 56 | RF5/PMA5 — Digital I/O RF5 / PMP address 5 |
| Pin 57 | RF6/PMA6 — Digital I/O RF6 / PMP address 6 |
| Pin 58 | RF7/PMA7 — Digital I/O RF7 / PMP address 7 |
| Pin 59 | RG0/PMA8 — Digital I/O RG0 / PMP address 8 |
| Pin 60 | RG1/PMA9 — Digital I/O RG1 / PMP address 9 |
| Pin 61 | RG2/PMCS1/PMA10 — Digital I/O RG2 / PMP chip select 1 / PMP address 10 |
| Pin 62 | RG3/PMCS2/PMA11 — Digital I/O RG3 / PMP chip select 2 / PMP address 11 |
| Pin 63 | RG6/PMALH — Digital I/O RG6 / PMP address latch high |
| Pin 64 | RG7/PMALL — Digital I/O RG7 / PMP address latch low |
Typical Applications
PIC32MX550F256H-50I/PT is suitable for 7 applications: USB HID Peripheral and Audio Device, CAN 2.0B Industrial Node (DeviceNet), HMI / Graphics Display Controller via PMP, Audio Streaming with I2S Codecs, Capacitive Touch User Interface (CTMU), Building Automation / Point-of-Sale Terminal, Sensor Connectivity Bridge.
USB HID Peripheral and Audio Device
The PIC32MX550F256H-50I/PT is well-suited to USB HID, CDC, and audio-class peripherals thanks to its integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG controller with on-chip transceiver - no external PHY required, which keeps BOM cost low. The 50 MHz MIPS32 M4K core delivers 83 DMIPS, sufficient to manage USB protocol plus application logic for keyboards, mice, custom HID instruments, and USB audio devices. The 32 KB SRAM comfortably holds USB descriptor stacks and audio sample buffers, while three SPI/I2S modules connect directly to audio codecs for USB-to-I2S bridge designs. The 64-pin TQFP (PT) package provides enough I/O for LED indicators, buttons, and pass-through connectors in a single-chip solution.
Recommended
CAN 2.0B Industrial Node (DeviceNet)
For DeviceNet and CANopen nodes, the PIC32MX550F256H-50I/PT integrates a CAN 2.0B module with DeviceNet addressing support that older PIC32MX1XX/2XX devices lack. Combined with the 50 MHz MIPS32 M4K core and 256 KB Flash, the device can run CANopen or DeviceNet stacks (e.g. Microchip's MPLAB Harmony CAN stack) plus application logic in a single chip. Industrial temperature -40C to +85C ensures operation in cabinet environments, and 5 16-bit timers plus CTMU enable precise PWM and pulse counting typical of industrial sensors. The 64-pin TQFP gives access to plenty of GPIO for opto-isolated digital I/O on the same PCB as the CAN transceiver.
Recommended
HMI / Graphics Display Controller via PMP
The Parallel Master Port (PMP) with dual read/write buffers makes the PIC32MX550F256H-50I/PT a strong fit for low-cost HMI and graphics display controllers - the dual buffers offload bus cycles from the CPU so the MIPS32 M4K core can drive TFT panels up to QVGA-class resolution. At 50 MHz the device can refresh a small color TFT and still run application logic, while 256 KB Flash stores font tables and 32 KB SRAM holds frame buffer slices. PPS remapping lets designers place PMP data lines on convenient pins for board routing, and the 64-pin TQFP (PT) package exposes all PMP plus a healthy GPIO budget for touch and key inputs.
Recommended
Audio Streaming with I2S Codecs
Audio streaming applications - soundbars, intercoms, hearing-assist devices - benefit from the PIC32MX550F256H-50I/PT's two dedicated I2S modules that connect directly to external codecs such as the AK4556 or SGTL5000 without glue logic. The 50 MHz MIPS32 M4K core has enough throughput to run software MP3, AAC-LC, or Opus decode at lower bit rates, while 256 KB Flash holds decoder tables and 32 KB SRAM buffers audio frames. USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG enables a USB-to-I2S bridge topology in a single chip, with 64-pin TQFP providing ample GPIO for buttons and status LEDs.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interface (CTMU)
Capacitive touch user interfaces for appliances, white goods, and consumer electronics leverage the PIC32MX550F256H-50I/PT's on-chip Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU), which measures capacitance changes for up to 28 touch channels without an external touch controller. PPS remapping allows touch channels to be placed on nearly any I/O pin, simplifying PCB layout for backlit glass panels. The 50 MHz core debounces and interprets gestures in firmware, while 256 KB Flash stores the touch library plus application code. The 64-pin TQFP (PT) package supports large keypads and slider/wheel geometries on a single MCU.
Recommended
Building Automation / Point-of-Sale Terminal
Building automation controllers and point-of-sale terminals benefit from the PIC32MX550F256H-50I/PT's combination of USB for keyboards/scanners, CAN for HVAC bus, UART for RFID readers, and I2S for audio prompts in a single 64-pin TQFP package. The 50 MHz MIPS32 M4K core at 83 DMIPS runs the full protocol stack plus the application logic, while 256 KB Flash holds firmware images and 32 KB SRAM buffers transaction data. PMP can drive a small TFT for POS displays, and CTMU supports capacitive key panels. Industrial temperature -40C to +85C handles outdoor cabinets and factory floors.
Recommended
Sensor Connectivity Bridge
As a low-cost connectivity bridge between analog or digital sensors and a host bus, the PIC32MX550F256H-50I/PT combines a 10-bit 1 Msps ADC with up to 28 channels, three SPI/I2S modules, two UARTs, two I2C ports, and CTMU on a single chip. The 50 MHz MIPS32 M4K core aggregates sensor data and forwards it over USB, CAN, or UART with adequate headroom for protocol overhead. 256 KB Flash holds sensor drivers and 32 KB SRAM buffers time-series samples. The 64-pin TQFP package exposes generous GPIO for sensor wiring in industrial nodes, making it an ideal bridge between legacy sensors and modern protocols.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MX550F256H-50I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MX550F256HT-50I/PT | PIC32MX570F256H-50I/PT | PIC32MX470F512H-120/PT | PIC32MX450F256H-120/MR | PIC32MX360F256L-80I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | TQFP-64 (PT) 10x10 mm | TQFP-64 (PT) 10x10 mm - same | TQFP-64 (PT) 10x10 mm - same | TQFP-64 (PT) 10x10 mm - same | TQFP-64 (PT) 10x10 mm - same | TQFP-64 (PT) 10x10 mm - same |
| Core Frequency | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 80 MHz |
| Flash | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 512 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB | 128 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| USB 2.0 FS OTG | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| CAN 2.0B | Yes (with DeviceNet) | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| PMP (Parallel Master Port) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated CAN 2.0B with DeviceNet addressing (vs PIC32MX470F512H-120/PT)
- I2S audio codec interfaces (vs PIC32MX270F256D-I/PT)
- More SRAM than older versions (vs PIC32MX360F256L-80I/PT)
Design Notes
The PIC32MX550F256H-50I/PT requires a single 2.3V to 3.6V supply on VDD pins. Place a 10 uF bulk decoupling capacitor close to the Vcap pin (typically pin 8) and a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor adjacent to every VDD/VSS pair to suppress switching transients from the USB and CAN transceivers. The internal voltage regulator provides the 1.8V core voltage from VDD; do not draw external current from Vcap. Estimated input current at 50 MHz with USB active is approximately 60 mA typical, so budget 100 mA for the 3.3V rail.
Route the 50 MHz USB DP/DM traces as a 90 ohm differential pair with matched length within 2 mm, and keep the pair length under 50 mm to meet USB Full-Speed signal integrity. Place the crystal oscillator traces short and symmetric, with a ground guard ring on both sides. For PMP-driven TFT panels, group the PMD bus lanes in byte order, length-match within 5 mm, and place series damping resistors near the MCU. The 64-pin TQFP (PT) 10x10 mm package accepts standard 0.5 mm pitch traces; use 4-layer PCB with continuous ground plane beneath the part for best EMI performance.
Common design pitfalls with the PIC32MX550F256H-50I/PT include: (1) omitting the 10 uF Vcap capacitor (disconnecting from the internal regulator and preventing startup), (2) leaving MCLR floating (must be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up for normal operation), (3) forgetting to configure PPS registers before using remappable peripherals (UART, SPI, I2S, OC), and (4) using the wrong Flash wait-state configuration for 50 MHz - the SYSKEY unlock sequence and CHECON register must be set in firmware before clock switching. Estimated: programming must enable cache and prefetch for sustained 50 MHz operation, otherwise Flash wait states will throttle the core to ~30 MHz effective throughput.
For USB Full-Speed operation on the PIC32MX550F256H-50I/PT, the DP/DM traces must be 90 ohm differential with characteristic impedance control, and the VUSB pin must be bypassed with a 0.1 uF capacitor to ground. The on-chip USB transceiver requires no external pull-up resistor for OTG mode, but device mode typically needs a 1.5 kohm pull-up on DP. Internal sirens should be checked against the USB 2.0 spec for eye diagram compliance; if jitter creeps in, shorten the DP/DM pair and reduce stub lengths to the connector.
The PIC32MX550F256H-50I/PT at 50 MHz full-load dissipates approximately 200 mW (estimated from the datasheet IDD vs frequency curve), well within the thermal budget of the 64-pin TQFP (PT) 10x0 mm package with theta-JA around 50 C/W on a 4-layer PCB. Industrial temperature -40C to +85C is achievable without a heatsink at typical industrial ambient. For sealed enclosures with limited airflow, derate by 0.5 C per degree above 60C ambient to keep the junction below 125C.
Compliance Information
Industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade; not AEC-Q100 automotive qualified; RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page; lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip default
