PIC32MX550F256LT-50I/PT - 50MHz 32-bit MCU 256KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC32MX550F256LT-50I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.3893 | $2.39 |
PIC32MX550F256LT-50I/PT Overview
A PIC32MX microcontroller is a 32-bit MIPS-based MCU from Microchip's PIC32 family, which sits between the 8-bit PIC16/PIC24 families and higher-performance MIPS cores. It is a Harvard-architecture MCU combining deterministic interrupt response with M4K pipeline efficiency, designed for embedded control and connectivity. Within Microchip's taxonomy, PIC32MX belongs to the 32-bit MCU category -> microcontroller -> embedded processing IC -> semiconductor. It is widely used as a cost-effective, low-power 32-bit platform for industrial, consumer, and audio bridging applications.
Key features include 50 MHz / 83 DMIPS core speed, 256 KB Flash program memory, 32 KB SRAM, Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible pin mapping, Parallel Master Port (PMP) with dual read/write buffers for graphics interfaces, 5-bit parallel master port, USB 2.0 FS OTG, two I2S, four SPI, two I2C, five UART, 16-bit timers, 10-bit ADC at 1 Msps, and CTMU for capacitive touch sensing. The 100-pin TQFP exposes up to 85 digital I/O, which is more than the 64-pin equivalents remain useful for.
The PIC32MX550F256L silicon uses the MIPS32 M4K core with single-cycle hardware multiply and zero-overhead loop instructions, achieving 1.66 DMIPS/MHz. The 256 KB Flash is single-voltage programmable with 20K erase cycles endurance, and 32 KB SRAM supports DMA without CPU load. The USB 2.0 FS OTG PHY is integrated on-chip, eliminating the need for an external PHY. PMP enables connection to graphics controllers and external parallel memory or bus peripherals.
Typical applications include USB audio interfaces (USB-to-I2S bridges), industrial HMI with graphics, capacitive-touch user interfaces using CTMU, sensor hubs with USB-CDC or USB-HID, digital signage controllers, and consumer audio docks. Exact line-to-line pin compatibility with smaller PIC32MX variants is achieved through PPS remapping. When designing with this part, observe the 2.3V-3.6V VDD range and provide a 12 MHz or 24 MHz crystal for the primary oscillator with USB operation requiring 48 MHz PLL lock.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC32MX550F256LT-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 PIC32MX550F256LT-50I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, USB, Operating Temperature, CAN.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC32MX550F256L-50I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.96 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX550F256H-50I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX550F256LT-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.16 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX570F512L-50I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$5.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX270F512L-50I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC32MX470F512L-50I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC32MX550F256LT-50I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | MIPS32 M4K 32-bit |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 50 MHz (83 DMIPS) |
| Program Flash Memory | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 32 KB |
| Package | 100-pin TQFP (PT), 12x12 mm |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, 'I') |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device/Host/OTG (integrated PHY) |
| I2S Modules | 2 |
| SPI Modules | 4 |
| I2C Modules | 2 |
| UART Modules | 5 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 1 Msps, up to 28 channels |
| Comparators | 3 |
| CTMU (Capacitive Touch) | Yes |
| RTCC (Real-Time Clock Calendar) | Yes |
| Parallel Master Port (PMP) | Yes (dual read/write buffers) |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| DMA Channels | 8 |
| Timers | 5 x 16-bit, 2 x 32-bit |
| I/O Pins | 85 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC32MX550F256LT-50I/PT 100-pin tqfp (pt), 12x12 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC32MX550F256LT-50I/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 PIC32MX550F256LT-50I/PT.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC32MX550F256LT-50I/PT is suitable for 7 applications: USB-to-I2S Audio Bridge, Industrial HMI with Graphics Display, Capacitive Touch Control Panel, USB Sensor Hub / Data Acquisition, Digital Signage / Kiosk Controller, Consumer Audio Dock, Motorized Valve / Small Motor Drive.
USB-to-I2S Audio Bridge
The PIC32MX550F256LT-50I/PT is purpose-built for USB audio class interfaces because it integrates USB 2.0 FS OTG with on-chip PHY, two I2S modules, and 256 KB Flash large enough for USB Audio class 1.0/2.0 stacks. At 50 MHz / 83 DMIPS the M4K core handles USB enumeration plus 48 kHz / 96 kHz I2S streaming without CPU stall. Use the second I2S as a S/PDIF transmit path and the comparators for signal detect.
Recommended
Industrial HMI with Graphics Display
The PIC32MX550F256LT-50I/PT drives small TFT LCDs through the Parallel Master Port (PMP) with dual read/write buffers, freeing the CPU from byte-by-byte display updates. The 50 MHz core renders menus at 60 fps, and the 85 I/O pins leave headroom for keypad scan, status LEDs, and RS-485 comms. The 10-bit 1 Msps ADC reads analog sensors concurrently with display refresh.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch Control Panel
The on-chip CTMU (Charge Time Measurement Unit) combined with the 10-bit ADC makes the PIC32MX550F256LT-50I/PT ideal for capacitive touch sliders, wheels, and matrix keypads without an external touch IC. With up to 28 ADC channels and 85 I/O, engineers can implement 30+ touch electrodes with one MCU. The RTCC handles wake-on-touch scheduling for battery-powered panels.
Recommended
USB Sensor Hub / Data Acquisition
Use the integrated USB 2.0 FS OTG to expose multi-channel sensor readings via virtual COM, HID, or vendor-class endpoints. The 8 DMA channels move ADC samples to USB endpoint RAM without CPU intervention, and the 50 MHz MIPS core handles up to 8 kHz sample rates across the 1 Msps ADC. Ideal for USB-based oscilloscope probes and lab instruments.
Recommended
Digital Signage / Kiosk Controller
The PIC32MX550F256LT-50I/PT drives low-resolution LCDs via PMP, plays back image sequences from external SPI Flash, and communicates with cloud services via USB Ethernet bridge or Wi-Fi modules through UART/SPI. The 32 KB SRAM holds frame buffers, and the 50 MHz core runs Lua or custom scripting for animated signage.
Recommended
Consumer Audio Dock
Plug a smartphone or laptop into the USB OTG port, route audio through I2S to a Class-D amplifier, and provide charging passthrough. The PIC32MX550F256LT-50I/PT's two I2S blocks support input and output paths simultaneously, enabling headset and speaker arrays simultaneously. The RTCC schedules automatic standby/wake for low-power idle.
Recommended
Motorized Valve / Small Motor Drive
The 5 timers, 16-bit and 32-bit, combined with the 3 on-chip comparators allow the PIC32MX550F256LT-50I/PT to generate PWM, sense back-EMF, and implement closed-loop control of small BLDC or stepper motors. USB OTG is convenient for firmware updates and parameter tuning via a host PC. The 85 I/O exposes ports for end-stop and encoder feedback.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC32MX550F256LT-50I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC32MX550F256L-50I/PT | PIC32MX550F256H-50I/PT | PIC32MX550F256LT-I/PT | PIC32MX570F512L-50I/PT | PIC32MX270F512L-50I/PT | PIC32MX470F512L-50I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-TQFP (PT, 12x12) | 100-TQFP (PT, 12x12) - same | 100-TQFP (PT, 12x12) - same | 100-TQFP (PT, 12x12) - same | 100-TQFP (PT, 12x12) - same | 100-TQFP (PT, 12x12) - same | 100-TQFP (PT, 12x12) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Architecture | MIPS32 M4K, 32-bit | MIPS32 M4K, 32-bit | MIPS32 M4K, 32-bit | MIPS32 M4K, 32-bit | MIPS32 M4K, 32-bit | MIPS32 M4K, 32-bit | MIPS32 M4K, 32-bit |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 50 MHz (83 DMIPS) | 50 MHz (83 DMIPS) | 50 MHz (83 DMIPS) | 40 MHz (66 DMIPS) | 50 MHz (83 DMIPS) | 50 MHz (83 DMIPS) | 50 MHz (83 DMIPS) |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 512 KB | 512 KB | 512 KB |
| SRAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| USB 2.0 FS OTG PHY | Yes (integrated) | Yes (integrated) | Yes (integrated) | Yes (integrated) | Yes (integrated) | No | Yes (integrated) |
| I2S Modules | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| CTMU (Capacitive Touch) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (I-grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I-grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I-grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I-grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I-grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I-grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I-grade) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated USB 2.0 FS OTG PHY with PIC32MX550 family (vs PIC32MX270F512L-50I/PT)
- Two dedicated I2S audio interfaces (vs PIC32MX470F512L-50I/PT)
- 50 MHz speed grade with same package and 256 KB Flash (vs PIC32MX550F256LT-I/PT)
Design Notes
The PIC32MX550F256LT-50I/PT requires a regulated 2.3V-3.6V supply on VDD with separate AVDD filtering for the ADC. Place a 10 uF bulk + 100 nF ceramic decoupling pair within 5 mm of each VDD pin, and connect AVDD through a ferrite bead or 10 ohm resistor with its own 100 nF + 10 uF filter. Keep VDDCORE filtered through the on-chip regulator; do not drive VDDCORE externally.
USB operation requires the on-chip PLL locked to 48 MHz. The primary oscillator must use a 12 MHz or 24 MHz crystal with the correct HS/PLL configuration bits set in OSCCON. Forgetting to enable the USB PLL or using an incorrect OSCCON setting results in USB enumeration failure that looks like a hardware fault. Verify the VBUS pin has proper ESD protection (USB-IF compliant TVS array).
Route the USB D+/D- pair as a 90 ohm differential trace matched within 150 mil length mismatch. Place the crystal within 8 mm of OSC1/OSC2 with short, symmetric traces and a guard ring tied to GND. The 100-pin TQFP allows four-layer stack-up with continuous GND plane under the device; keep analog traces away from PWM and I2S clock signals to minimize crosstalk into the ADC.
The I2S interface runs at up to 12.288 MHz for 96 kHz audio. Source-terminate the MCLK line with 33 ohm series resistor if the run exceeds 50 mm to suppress reflections. The PMP bus for graphics operates at up to 25 MHz - add 22 ohm series damping on the byte-wide data bus for runs > 40 mm.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) is not AEC-Q100 automotive qualified; for automotive applications choose the AEC-Q100 qualified variant if available.
