Microchip PIC32MX230F256B-I/SS: A Comprehensive Technical Overview

The Microchip PIC32MX230F256B-I/SS represents a significant member of the PIC32MX family of 32-bit microcontrollers, designed to deliver a powerful blend of performance, peripheral integration, and cost-effectiveness for a wide range of embedded applications. This device is built around the high-performance MIPS32® M4K® core, which operates at up to 50 MHz, offering a substantial computational boost over traditional 8-bit and 16-bit architectures.

A key feature of this microcontroller is its 256 KB of self-programmable Flash memory and 64 KB of RAM. This generous memory allocation provides ample space for complex application code and data handling, supporting sophisticated firmware designs and real-time operating systems (RTOS). The inclusion of a Memory Protection Unit (MPU) enhances system reliability by isolating critical software tasks, a vital feature for safety-conscious applications.

The peripheral set of the PIC32MX230F256B-I/SS is exceptionally rich, making it a versatile choice for numerous projects. It features a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with a throughput of up to 1 Msps, capable of handling up to 16 channels for precise sensor data acquisition. For communication, it is equipped with multiple serial interfaces, including UART, SPI, and I2C™ modules, facilitating seamless connectivity with a vast ecosystem of sensors, displays, and other peripherals. Furthermore, it includes 5x 16-bit timers/counters and a real-time clock and calendar (RTCC) module, which are essential for time-critical operations and event management.

The device also supports advanced control capabilities with its 5-channel DMA controller, which offloads data transfer tasks from the CPU, thereby increasing overall system efficiency and reducing power consumption. Its programmable Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) module further ensures data integrity in communication protocols.

Housed in a 28-pin SSOP package, the PIC32MX230F256B-I/SS is designed for space-constrained applications. It operates over an industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C), making it suitable for harsh environments. Development is supported by Microchip's robust MPLAB® X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and the MPLAB Harmony v3 integrated firmware framework, which streamline the coding, debugging, and optimization process.

ICGOOODFIND: The PIC32MX230F256B-I/SS stands out as a powerful and highly integrated 32-bit microcontroller. Its robust MIPS core, substantial memory, and comprehensive peripheral set make it an excellent solution for applications demanding high performance and connectivity, such as industrial control, IoT gateways, consumer electronics, and advanced human-machine interfaces (HMI).

Keywords: MIPS32 M4K Core, 256KB Flash, 10-bit ADC, Peripheral Integration, MPLAB Harmony