PIC32MX550F256L-V/PT - 256KB Flash 32-bit MCU USB CAN | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MX550F256L-V/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.85 | $6.85 |
| 10 | $6.16 | $61.60 |
| 100 | $5.48 | $548.00 |
| 500 | $4.92 | $2,460.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.38 | $4,380.00 |
PIC32MX550F256L-V/PT Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is an integrated circuit that combines a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (SRAM), and a rich set of peripherals on a single silicon die. The PIC32MX5XX family specifically targets connected-embedded designs that require full-speed USB and graphic HMI capability. Within the broader taxonomy, this part is a 32-bit MCU -> embedded processor -> semiconductor, sitting in Microchip's PIC32MX1XX/2XX/5XX 64/100-pin family alongside the smaller MX1/MX2 derivatives.
Key features include a USB 2.0-compliant full-speed On-The-Go controller, a CAN 2.0B module with DeviceNet addressing support, two I2S and four SPI modules for audio codecs and serial communications, a Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) function for flexible remapping, and a Parallel Master Port (PMP) with dual read/write buffers for graphics interfaces. The -V/PT suffix denotes the 100-pin TQFP (12x12 mm) package and the -40C to +105C operating range.
The M4K core executes most instructions in a single cycle, has a five-stage pipeline, and supports MIPS16e code compression to reduce Flash footprint. The integrated 256 KB Flash and 32 KB SRAM are joined by dedicated DMA channels and a 10-bit number peripherals whose accuracy/throughput meet typical industrial-sensing needs.
Typical applications include automotive infotainment HMI, CAN-connected industrial sensor hubs, USB device/host bridges, low-cost graphic displays using PMP, and audio streaming designs using the I2S codec interface. For each, the combination of USB, CAN, and PMP eliminates the need for separate bridge ICs.
When designing with this device, place a 10 uF bulk plus 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor pair near each power pin and route the 48 MHz primary oscillator trace symmetrically with a ground pour on both sides to preserve USB signal integrity.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, AEC-Q100 cross-references, and practical design notes beyond the manufacturer datasheet to help procurement and firmware engineers qualify a replacement.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MX550F256L-V/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 PIC32MX550F256L-V/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, USB.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MX550F256LT-V/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.48 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX550F256L-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX570F512L-V/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX470F512L-V/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX460F512L-80V/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX550F256L-V/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | MIPS32 M4K |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 50 MHz (83 DMIPS) |
| Program Flash Memory | 256 KB |
| Data SRAM | 32 KB |
| Package | TQFP-100 (PT), 12x12 mm |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C (V grade) |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG |
| CAN | CAN 2.0B with DeviceNet addressing |
| I2S Modules | 2 |
| SPI Modules | 4 |
| Parallel Master Port (PMP) | Yes, dual read/write buffers |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Automotive Qualification | AEC-Q100 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC32MX550F256L-V/PT tqfp-100 (pt), 12x12 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC32MX550F256L-V/PT (tqfp-100 (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 PIC32MX550F256L-V/PT.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC32MX550F256L-V/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive CAN-USB Diagnostic Tool, Industrial CAN Sensor Hub, USB Audio Streaming Device, Low-Cost Graphic HMI Panel, USB Host Mass-Storage Bridge, Connected Home IoT Gateway.
Automotive CAN-USB Diagnostic Tool
The PIC32MX550F256L-V/PT's integrated CAN 2.0B with DeviceNet addressing plus USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG makes it ideal for handheld automotive diagnostic bridges that read OBD-II traffic and present it over USB to a host PC. AEC-Q100 qualification plus -40C to +105C operation lets the same hardware deploy in engine bay and cabin environments. With 256 KB Flash and 32 KB SRAM, the device holds the CAN-to-USB translation stack plus a small command parser without external memory. The 100-pin TQFP package exposes all required USB D+/D- and CAN TX/RX pins without multiplexer workarounds.
Recommended
Industrial CAN Sensor Hub
The PIC32MX550F256L-V/PT powers a small industrial sensor hub that aggregates data from multiple CAN sensors and exposes the aggregated stream over USB or UART. The CAN 2.0B peripheral handles standard and extended frames at 1 Mbit/s, while the DMA channels offload message buffering from the M4K core. The 50 MHz core is fast enough to timestamp, filter, and forward 1000+ CAN frames per second without dropping packets. PPS remapping allows flexible PCB routing when the hub sits behind connectors or in tight enclosures.
Recommended
USB Audio Streaming Device
With two I2S interfaces and four SPI modules, the PIC32MX550F256L-V/PT implements a USB audio streaming device that reads from an external ADC over I2S and presents a USB Audio Class 1.0 endpoint to a host PC. The 50 MHz MIPS32 M4K core runs the USB stack plus the I2S DMA pump without contention. The 32 KB SRAM holds double-buffered audio frames at 48 kHz stereo 16-bit, which is the typical sweet spot for USB speakers and headsets. PPS routes I2S bit-clock and word-select signals to free GPIO for control buttons.
Recommended
Low-Cost Graphic HMI Panel
The PIC32MX550F256L-V/PT's Parallel Master Port (PMP) with dual read/write buffers interfaces directly to small TFT LCD panels without an external graphics controller. Combined with the 256 KB Flash and 32 KB SRAM, the part can drive a QVGA (320x240) panel with a small widget library and touch input over SPI. The 100-pin TQFP provides the 16-bit PMP data bus plus dedicated control lines and touch SPI without pin sharing. PPS enables the designer to remap touch controller chip-select and reset to any GPIO.
Recommended
USB Host Mass-Storage Bridge
The PIC32MX550F256L-V/PT's USB OTG controller supports host mode, allowing the device to act as a USB host bridge that exposes a USB flash drive over a downstream UART or SPI to an upstream headless controller. The integrated PHY and full-speed only databus simplify the BOM by removing external transceivers. With 256 KB Flash, the part fits a small USB host stack plus an FAT file system plus a UART command parser. The 100-pin TQFP exposes all required host signals including VBUS and over-current sense.
Recommended
Connected Home IoT Gateway
The PIC32MX550F256L-V/PT serves as a low-cost gateway node in connected-home IoT deployments, aggregating sensor data over SPI/I2C peripherals and forwarding it over USB to a Raspberry-Pi-class host or over CAN to an automotive backbone. The 256 KB Flash fits a TLS-lite or simple MQTT client implementation. PPS allows the same firmware binary to target different PCB variants by remapping SPI and I2C assignments without recompiling. The -40C to +105C V grade handles outdoor enclosure environments without derating.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MX550F256L-V/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MX550F256LT-V/PT | PIC32MX550F256L-I/PT | PIC32MX570F512L-V/PT | PIC32MX470F512L-V/PT | PIC32MX460F512L-80V/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TQFP-100 (PT), 12x12 mm | TQFP-100 (PT), 12x12 mm | TQFP-100 (PT), 12x12 mm | TQFP-100 (PT), 12x12 mm | TQFP-100 (PT), 12x12 mm | TQFP-100 (PT), 12x12 mm |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 512 KB | 512 KB | 512 KB |
| SRAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB | 128 KB | 32 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 50 MHz (83 DMIPS) | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 120 MHz | 80 MHz |
| USB Controller | USB 2.0 FS OTG | USB 2.0 FS OTG | USB 2.0 FS OTG | USB 2.0 FS OTG | USB 2.0 FS OTG | USB 2.0 FS OTG |
| CAN 2.0B | Yes (DeviceNet) | Yes (DeviceNet) | Yes (DeviceNet) | Yes (DeviceNet) | No | No |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C (V grade) | -40C to +105C (V grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +105C (V grade) | -40C to +105C (V grade) | -40C to +105C (V grade) |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- AEC-Q100 qualified with -40C to +105C V grade (vs PIC32MX550F256L-I/PT)
- Drop-in scalability within PIC32MX5XX family (vs PIC32MX570F512L-V/PT)
- Integrated USB OTG + CAN 2.0B in a single 100-pin MCU (vs PIC32MX460F512L-80V/PT)
Design Notes
Place a 10uF bulk plus 0.1uF decoupling pair near each VDD/VDDUSB/VDDCORE pin. The PIC32MX550F256L-V/PT has separate analog and digital supply rails (AVDD/AVSS, VDD/VSS); tying the analog supply through a ferrite bead to the digital supply avoids digital switching noise coupling into the ADC reference. Bulk capacitance should be low-ESR ceramic (X7R/X5R) located within 5 mm of the supply pin.
Route the 48 MHz primary oscillator trace with symmetric trace length and a continuous ground pour on both sides; keep the trace at least 3x trace-width away from any switching signal. USB D+/D- traces must be 90 ohm differential with matched length within 150 mil, and must not cross any other signal trace on adjacent layers without a ground plane between them. PPS re-mapped signals should be assigned to GPIO clusters that share the same peripheral group to keep firmware ISR latency predictable.
At 50 MHz with all peripherals active, the PIC32MX550F256L-V/PT dissipates approximately 60 mA at 3.3 V, well within the 100-pin TQFP thermal envelope. For automotive engine-bay designs at 105C ambient, derate by ensuring the VDD rail stays above 2.5 V and the MCU core does not exceed 85% duty cycle at peak load. The TQFP-100 (12x12 mm) pad provides a thermal resistance theta-JA of approximately 50 C/W on a 2-layer JEDEC test PCB; adding thermal vias under the exposed die-attach pad is not applicable since this package has no thermal pad.
Do not skip the configuration-bit settings for the primary oscillator and the watchdog timer; Microchip's XC32 compiler projects ship with default config bits that disable the PLL on certain families. Also, the USB D+ pin requires a 1.5 kohm pull-up to VDDUSB to signal connect state to the host; leaving this pull-up off results in the host failing to enumerate the device. Lastly, when migrating from the -I grade to the -V grade, double-check that all peripheral current ratings in the datasheet's electrical characteristics table support the extended 105C range.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page; AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications per the -V grade. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip's environmental compliance data.
