Microchip PIC32MX170F256D-I/PT: A Comprehensive Technical Overview
The Microchip PIC32MX170F256D-I/PT represents a significant member of the PIC32MX family of 32-bit microcontrollers, blending high performance with a rich set of peripherals in a compact package. This device is engineered to address the needs of complex embedded applications, ranging from industrial control and automation to consumer electronics and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
At the core of this microcontroller is a MIPS32® M4K® processor core, capable of operating at up to 50 MHz. This provides a substantial computational throughput of 83 DMIPS, enabling the handling of sophisticated algorithms and real-time processing tasks efficiently. The integration of this powerful core ensures that developers can implement robust firmware without compromising on performance.
A standout feature of the PIC32MX170F256D is its 256 KB of Flash memory and 64 KB of RAM. This generous memory allocation is critical for supporting data-intensive applications, complex communication stacks, and larger operating systems or libraries. The Flash memory is reprogrammable, allowing for flexible firmware updates throughout the product development cycle and even in the field.

The peripheral set of this MCU is extensive and versatile. It includes a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with a throughput of up to 1 Msps, facilitating precise analog signal acquisition. For connectivity, it is equipped with multiple serial communication interfaces, including UART, SPI, and I2C modules, which are essential for interfacing with a wide array of sensors, displays, and other peripheral components. Furthermore, it features hardware PWM outputs and timers/counters crucial for motor control and power management applications.
The device comes in a 44-lead TQFP (Thin Quad Flat Pack) package, denoted by the I/PT suffix. This package type offers a balance between a compact footprint and ease of prototyping and soldering, making it suitable for a broad range of PCB designs.
Operating over an industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C), the PIC32MX170F256D-I/PT is built for reliability in harsh environments. Its low-power management features, including multiple sleep and idle modes, help optimize energy consumption in battery-powered applications.
ICGOOODFIND: The PIC32MX170F256D-I/PT is a highly capable 32-bit microcontroller that excels in processing power, memory resources, and peripheral integration. It is an excellent choice for developers seeking to build advanced, connected, and responsive embedded systems without moving to higher-end, more expensive processors.
Keywords: 32-bit Microcontroller, MIPS M4K Core, 256KB Flash, Embedded Peripherals, TQFP Package.
