PIC18C442-I/P - 8-bit OTP MCU, 16KB, 40MHz, 40-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC18C442-I/P ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.63 | $8.63 |
| 10 | $8.2 | $82.00 |
| 100 | $7.55 | $755.00 |
| 500 | $6.9 | $3,450.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.2 | $6,200.00 |
PIC18C442-I/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that contains a processor core, program memory, data memory, and configurable peripherals. The PIC18C family occupies the high-performance tier of Microchip's 8-bit MCU portfolio, positioned above the PIC16F baseline and below the dsPIC and PIC32 32-bit families in the broader embedded hierarchy (8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor). This part belongs to the legacy PIC18C OTP generation, which Microchip has since replaced with flash-based PIC18F devices (PIC18F442 is the recommended modern replacement per Microchip's product page).
Key features include a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a Master SSP (MSSP) peripheral, multiple timers, and an external oscillator interface. The OTP memory enables factory or low-volume programming, suitable for cost-sensitive production runs. The 40-pin PDIP package supports breadboard prototyping and through-hole assembly, which remains popular for legacy industrial controls, educational kits, and field-service replacements.
The PIC18C442-I/P employs Microchip's enhanced PIC18 Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, enabling simultaneous instruction fetch and operand access. The 8-bit data path and 16-bit instruction word provide a favorable code density / performance trade-off for control-oriented tasks. Operating from 4.2 V to 5.5 V, the device includes brown-out reset, power-on reset, and a watchdog timer for robust field deployment.
Typical applications include industrial control systems, appliance controllers, automotive subsystems (non-safety), HVAC controls, and educational development platforms. The OTP memory makes it well suited for high-volume production where firmware is fixed at manufacture, while the 33 I/O pins comfortably drive keypads, displays, and sensor interfaces.
When designing with this part, note that the PIC18C442 has reached end-of-life; Microchip recommends migrating to the pin-compatible flash-based PIC18F442. Designers should verify long-term supply availability before committing to new designs, since the OTP variant is no longer recommended for new product introduction.
This page synthesizes distributor inventory, drop-in flash alternatives, and engineering guidance that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet, including a same-package replacement matrix to ease migration to flash memory.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18C442-I/P — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F442-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F452-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F442-E/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F4520-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F46K22-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18C452-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F4620-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18C442-I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 (8-bit Harvard) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| RAM Size | 512 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) |
| Instruction Execution Time | 100 ns (at 40 MHz) |
| Instruction Set Size | 77 single-word instructions |
| Number of I/O Pins | 33 |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| Package | 40-PDIP (0.600", 15.24 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| Oscillator Type | External |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial, "I") |
PIC18C442-I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / ADC input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / ADC input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / ADC input 2 / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / ADC input 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / ADC input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 output |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 output |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT0 — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 22 | RB1/INT1 — PORTB bit 1 / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2/INT2 — PORTB bit 2 / External interrupt 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3/CCP2 — PORTB bit 3 / CCP2 output |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5/PGM — PORTB bit 5 / LVP programming |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 29 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 30 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 33 | RD0/PSP0 — PORTD bit 0 / Parallel Slave Port bit 0 |
| Pin 34 | RD1/PSP1 — PORTD bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port bit 1 |
| Pin 35 | RD2/PSP2 — PORTD bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port bit 2 |
| Pin 36 | RD3/PSP3 — PORTD bit 3 / Parallel Slave Port bit 3 |
| Pin 37 | RD4/PSP4 — PORTD bit 4 / Parallel Slave Port bit 4 |
| Pin 38 | RD5/PSP5 — PORTD bit 5 / Parallel Slave Port bit 5 |
| Pin 39 | RD6/PSP6 — PORTD bit 6 / Parallel Slave Port bit 6 |
| Pin 40 | RD7/PSP7 — PORTD bit 7 / Parallel Slave Port bit 7 |
Typical Applications
PIC18C442-I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Systems, Appliance Control Boards, HVAC and Climate Control, Educational Development Platforms, Automotive Body and Comfort Modules, Point-of-Sale Terminal Peripherals.
Industrial Control Systems
The PIC18C442-I/P fits industrial control applications thanks to its 40 MHz core speed (10 MIPS), 33 I/O pins, and integrated 10-bit ADC for analog sensor monitoring. The OTP memory makes it suitable for high-volume production of fixed-function controllers such as pump drivers, conveyor motor controls, and HVAC damper actuators where firmware is finalized at manufacturing. The 40-PDIP package simplifies through-hole assembly for legacy factory equipment, while the industrial -40C to +85C temperature range covers most shop-floor environments. Designers should note that for field-upgradable industrial systems, the flash-based PIC18F442-I/P is the modern equivalent with same pinout.
Recommended
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC18C442-I/P serves well in home appliance controllers such as washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and refrigerator defrost timers. Its 33 I/O pins drive keypads, LED/LCD displays, relay drivers, and triac interfaces for heater and motor control. The integrated 10-bit ADC monitors temperature sensors (NTC thermistors), water level probes, and motor current feedback. OTP memory keeps unit cost low for high-volume appliance production, while the PIC18C family retains Microchip's robust watchdog timer and brown-out reset for reliable unattended operation. Migrate to PIC18F442-I/P for appliances requiring firmware service updates.
Recommended
HVAC and Climate Control
The PIC18C442-I/P is suitable for HVAC controllers including thermostat units, zone damper actuators, and air-handler fan controls. The 10-bit ADC provides adequate resolution for NTC temperature sensor conditioning, while the 33 I/O pins manage triac-based heater banks, fan speed relays, and LCD displays. The 40 MHz core enables real-time PID control loops for closed-loop climate regulation. Industrial temperature rating ensures reliable operation in attic, basement, and equipment-room installations. For connected/wifi HVAC systems requiring firmware updates over-the-air, the PIC18F46K22-I/P with nanoWatt XLP technology is the modern pin-compatible replacement.
Recommended
Educational Development Platforms
The PIC18C442-I/P is well suited for microcontroller teaching labs and engineering coursework where students learn embedded C programming, ADC interfacing, and timer-based control. The 40-PDIP through-hole package fits standard breadboards and prototyping PCBs without surface-mount soldering requirements, lowering the barrier to entry for beginners. The 77-instruction PIC18 ISA is well-documented with freely available MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler toolchain. Universities can program the device once with curriculum firmware and distribute to large student cohorts. Modern alternatives like PIC18F46K22-I/P offer flash reprogrammability for advanced courses.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Comfort Modules
The PIC18C442-I/P can be deployed in non-safety automotive body modules such as power window controllers, seat position memory, interior lighting dimmers, and mirror adjustment systems. Its 33 I/O pins drive multiple H-bridge motor controllers and LED current sinks, while the 10-bit ADC reads position feedback potentiometers. Operating voltage typically derives from 12V automotive rail with onboard 5V LDO regulation. Note: AEC-Q100 qualification is not specified for this part; automotive designs should evaluate AEC-Q100-qualified PIC18F variants. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range covers most cabin-mounted automotive applications.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminal Peripherals
The PIC18C442-I/P fits point-of-sale peripheral control boards including receipt printer controllers, barcode scanner interfaces, and customer display drivers. The integrated MSSP module supports SPI for receipt printer stepper motor control and I2C for character-LCD customer displays. The 33 I/O pins manage multiple peripheral handshakes, keypads, and status LEDs. The 40 MHz core processes barcode decoder algorithms and printer head thermal control loops in real time. For modern POS designs requiring firmware updates, the PIC18F442-I/P pin-compatible flash part allows field serviceability while preserving PCB layout.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18C442-I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F442-I/P | PIC18F452-I/P | PIC18F442-E/P | PIC18F4520-I/P | PIC18F46K22-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 40-PDIP (0.600", 15.24 mm) | 40-PDIP - same | 40-PDIP - same | 40-PDIP - same | 40-PDIP - same | 40-PDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | 16 KB OTP | 16 KB Flash | 32 KB Flash | 16 KB Flash | 32 KB Flash | 64 KB Flash |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| RAM Size | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 1.5 KB | 512 bytes | 1.5 KB | 3.8 KB |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 12-bit |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 36 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| In-Circuit Programming | No (OTP only) | Yes (ICSP) | Yes (ICSP) | Yes (ICSP) | Yes (ICSP) | Yes (ICSP) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- OTP memory provides low per-unit cost in high-volume production (vs PIC18F442-I/P)
- Wide Microchip ecosystem and toolchain support (vs PIC16F877A-I/P)
- 40-PDIP package suits legacy through-hole assembly and breadboard prototyping (vs PIC18C442-I/L (PLCC))
Design Notes
PIC18C442 is OTP memory, meaning firmware can be programmed only ONCE. Design teams must ensure firmware is fully debugged before programming. Migrating to PIC18F442 (flash) is strongly recommended for new designs, as it permits ICSP (in-circuit serial programming) and field firmware updates. According to Microchip's product page, 'A newer device is available. Please consider PIC18F442.' OTP-only programming makes production rework impossible without device replacement.
The PIC18C442 requires a stable 5V supply (typical VDD range 4.2V to 5.5V). Add a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor close to each VDD pin (pins 20 and 30 on 40-PDIP), plus a bulk 10uF tantalum or aluminum capacitor at the regulator output. The internal brown-out reset triggers at approximately 4.0V; ensure the supply stays above this threshold during transient loads to prevent unintended resets.
The 40-PDIP package (0.600" body, 15.24mm row spacing) is through-hole and well suited for breadboard prototyping. For production, a 40-pin IC socket (DIP-40) allows easy replacement. When laying out the PCB, keep the oscillator traces short and place the load capacitor close to OSC1/OSC2 pins. Decoupling capacitors should be within 5mm of each VDD pin to minimize supply noise.
The PIC18C442 operates from an external clock source (4-40 MHz) on OSC1/OSC2. When using a crystal oscillator, select appropriate load capacitors per the crystal manufacturer's specification (typically 15-33pF). For high-frequency designs above 25 MHz, avoid routing noisy signals near OSC1/OSC2 traces. If a single 5V rail is shared with motors or relays, add a ferrite bead and additional filtering to prevent MCU resets.
When migrating from PIC18C442 to PIC18F442, the 40-PDIP pinout is identical, so no PCB rework is required. However, the programming interface differs: PIC18C442 requires high-voltage parallel programming on a programmer, while PIC18F442 supports ICSP via PGC/PGD pins (RB6/RB7). Ensure your programming fixtures support the flash variant if you plan to migrate production. Reference Microchip DS39541C for pin-compatibility notes.
Compliance Information
PIC18C442 is legacy OTP device; specific RoHS/REACH compliance status not confirmed in verified web data. AEC-Q100 not qualified - automotive designs should evaluate PIC18F AEC-Q100 variants. Microchip products are generally conflict-minerals compliant per company policy.
