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PIC32MX170F256B-I/SP

MCHPPIC32MX170F256B-I/SP

Microchip Technology
MIPS32® M4K™ PIC® 32MX Microcontroller IC 32-Bit 40MHz 256KB (256K x 8) FLASH 28-SPDIP
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Overview

The PIC32MX170F256B-I/SP is a high-performance 32-bit microcontroller featuring a MIPS32 M4K core in a hobbyist-friendly 28-pin SPDIP package. It offers a substantial 256KB of Flash and 64KB of RAM, making it one of the most powerful microcontrollers available in a through-hole form factor. This device is designed for applications requiring complex math, digital signal processing, or large codebases without the need for surface-mount soldering.

Why Choose This Part

The primary advantage is the 28-pin SPDIP package, which allows for 32-bit power on standard breadboards and 0.1-inch pitch perfboards. It features 5V-tolerant I/O pins, simplifying the interface with older legacy components while running at a 3.3V core voltage. The MIPS16e instruction set mode helps reduce code size by up to 40 percent, maximizing the utility of the 256KB internal Flash.

Applications

Embedded Audio Processing
Utilizes the integrated I2S interface and MIPS DSP instructions for real-time audio filtering or synthesis.
High-Performance Prototyping
Ideal for breadboard-based development of 32-bit applications that exceed the memory or speed limits of 8-bit AVR or PIC devices.
Capacitive Touch Interfaces
Leverages the Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) for implementing robust touch buttons or sliders.

Key Specifications

Speed 40MHz
RAM Size 64K x 8
Core Size 32-Bit
Peripherals Brown-out Detect/Reset, DMA, I2S, POR, PWM, WDT
Connectivity I2C, IrDA, LINbus, SPI, UART/USART
Mounting Type Through Hole
Number of I/O 21
Core Processor MIPS32 M4K
Package / Case 28-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
Data Converters A/D 10x10b
Oscillator Type Internal
Program Memory Size 256KB (256K x 8)
Program Memory Type FLASH
Operating Temperature -40degC ~ 85degC (TA)
Supplier Device Package 28-SPDIP
Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd) 2.3V ~ 3.6V

Getting Started

Development is supported by the MPLAB X IDE and the XC32 compiler from Microchip. For hardware programming and debugging, use the PICkit 4 or MPLAB Snap via the JTAG or ICSP pins. Engineers often use the Microchip Harmony software framework to quickly initialize peripherals like the DMA, UART, and SPI interfaces.

Part of PIC Microcontrollers family » PIC32MX

PIC32MX Family

Comparing specs that differ across variants. The current part is highlighted.

Part Number Flash RAM I/O Pins Package Speed ADC/DAC Stock
PIC32MX170F256B-I/SP (this part) 256KB 64K 21 DIP-28 40M A/D 10x10b 171
PIC32MX795F512L-80I/PT (Microchip) 512KB 128K 85 TQFP-100 80M A/D 16x10b 24,856
PIC32MX250F128B 128KB 32K 19 SSOP-28 40M A/D 9x10b 3,629
PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP 256KB 64K 21 DIP-28 50M A/D 10x10b 83
PIC32MX270F256B-50I/SP 256KB 64K 19 DIP-28 50M A/D 9x10b 275
PIC32MX270F256D-50I/PT 256KB 64K 33 TQFP-44 50M A/D 13x10b 140
PIC32MX250F128B-50I/SP 128KB 32K 19 DIP-28 50M A/D 9x10b 167
PIC32MX470F512L-I/PT 512KB 128K 81 TQFP-100 80M A/D 28x10b 290
PIC32MX440F256H-80I/PT 256KB 32K 53 TQFP-64 80M A/D 16x10b 768
PIC32MX250F128D-I/PT 128KB 32K 33 TQFP-44 40M A/D 13x10b 1,328
PIC32MX270F256B-I/SP 256KB 64K 19 DIP-28 40M A/D 9x10b 172
Also available as: PIC32MX250F128B-I/SO, PIC32MX170F256B-I/SO, PIC32MX170F256D-50I/PT, PIC32MX270F256B-50I/SO, PIC32MX230F256B-I/SP, PIC32MX250F128B-I/P, PIC32MX795F512L-I/PT

Also Consider

PIC32MX270F256B-50I/SP MCHPMicrochip Technology - Offers a faster 50MHz clock speed and integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG support in the same 28-pin DIP package.
ATmega328P-PU MCHPMicrochip Technology - A simpler 8-bit alternative in a through-hole package for lower complexity projects with lower power requirements.
PIC32MZ2048EFH064-I/PT MCHPMicrochip Technology - If more processing power is needed, this provides a 200MHz core with a Floating Point Unit, though it requires surface-mount assembly.