Microchip Technology MA320023

Overview

MA320023 from Microchip Technology is a Plug-In Module (PIM) designed to evaluate the PIC32MM0256GPM064 64-pin TQFP microcontroller on the Explorer 16/32 Development Board. It provides direct access to 100-pin PIM connector signals, including USB Type-C VBUS/CC1/CC2 sensing, mikroBUS™ A/B interfaces, LCD control (RS, E, D0–D7), 10k potentiometer input, TC1047A temperature sensor interface, and eight user LEDs. It supports ICSP™ programming and MCP2221A-based USB-to-UART bridging.

For engineers reviewing the MA320023 datasheet, MA320023 pinout, MA320023 application, or MA320023 equivalent, this module serves as a hardware reference for rapid validation of PIC32MM0256GPM064 peripheral integration-including USB Type-C detection, dual mikroBUS expansion, LCD driving, analog sensor interfacing, and real-time debugging via ICSP and UART.

Technical Context

The MA320023 implements a fixed pin-mapped interface between the PIC32MM0256GPM064 MCU and the Explorer 16/32 board's 100-pin PIM socket. It routes all 64 device pins-including primary/secondary oscillators (OSC1/OSC2, SOSCI/SOSCO), USB D+/D−, VCAP, MCLR, and 32+ GPIOs-to designated PIM net names (e.g., P1_VBUS, P10_SCKA, P44_LCDRS).

Signal mapping accounts for shared functions: RA15 drives LCD D7 and RTCC; RC9 serves both mikroBUS B interrupt (P18_INTB) and general-purpose I/O (P22); RB14 controls both LED D9 (P91_LED9) and VBUSON output enable (P96_VBUSON). No onboard voltage regulation or clock generation is included-the module relies on the host board's VDD/VSS and oscillator sources.

Key Specifications

Availability

MA320023 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for embedded prototyping, USB Type-C peripheral validation, mikroBUS™-based sensor development, and LCD-driven HMI design requiring stable component supply and rapid evaluation turnaround.

Supply support for MA320023 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Microchip Technology Inc. is a U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, FPGAs, and development tools for embedded control applications.

The MA320023 belongs to Microchip's PIC32MM Plug-In Module family, engineered to accelerate evaluation of the PIC32MM low-power 32-bit MCUs in real-world system contexts-particularly where USB Type-C, LCD, sensor fusion, and modular expansion are required.

FAQ

What is the MA320023 used for?

The MA320023 is a plug-in module that enables immediate evaluation of the PIC32MM0256GPM064 microcontroller on the Explorer 16/32 Development Board. It provides physical breakout of all key peripherals-including USB Type-C detection, dual mikroBUS™ interfaces, 8-bit LCD control, analog sensor inputs, and ICSP™/UART debug paths-without requiring custom PCB design. Engineers use the MA320023 to validate firmware, test peripheral interoperability, and prototype end-application functionality before committing to final hardware.

Does the MA320023 include its own power regulation or clock source?

No, the MA320023 does not include onboard voltage regulators or crystal oscillators. It relies entirely on the host Explorer 16/32 Development Board for VDD (3.3 V), VSS, AVDD, AVSS, and oscillator signals (OSC1/OSC2, SOSCI/SOSCO). The module routes these directly from the board's power and timing infrastructure to the PIC32MM0256GPM064, preserving signal integrity and minimizing BOM overhead.

Can the MA320023 be used with development boards other than Explorer 16/32?

The MA320023 is mechanically and electrically designed specifically for the 100-pin PIM socket on the Explorer 16/32 Development Board. Its pinout, net naming convention (e.g., P1_VBUS, P10_SCKA), and signal routing assume that host board's layout, power sequencing, and signal referencing. Using it with non-compatible boards would require custom adapter hardware and signal-level verification-Microchip does not document or support such configurations.

How are mikroBUS™ interfaces implemented on the MA320023?

The MA320023 exposes two fully functional mikroBUS™ sockets: mikroBUS A (P10–P14, P25, P47, P51–P52, P72, P76, P95) and mikroBUS B (P18–P24, P49–P50, P53–P57, P73–P74, P78, P88, P91–P92, P96). Each includes SPI (SCK/MISO/MOSI/CS), I2C (SCL/SDA), UART (RX/TX), PWM, INT, RST, AN, and +3.3 V power-mapped directly to corresponding PIC32MM0256GPM064 pins without level-shifting or buffering.

Is the MA320023 compatible with MPLAB® X IDE and XC32 compiler?

Yes, the MA320023 is fully supported by Microchip's MPLAB® X IDE and XC32 C compiler toolchain. Since it hosts the PIC32MM0256GPM064 MCU, all device-specific header files, peripheral libraries (PLIB), Harmony v3 drivers, and debug configurations apply directly. Firmware built for the PIC32MM0256GPM064 can be programmed via the MA320023's ICSP™ header (P26/P27) or MCP2221A UART bridge (P49/P50), with full runtime debugging capability.