PIC18C452-E/L - 8-bit OTP MCU, 32KB, 40MHz, 44-PLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC18C452-E/L ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.85 | $1,385.00 |
| 500 | $11.4 | $5,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.75 | $9,750.00 |
PIC18C452-E/L Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable single-chip computer that combines a CPU, program memory, RAM, and peripherals on a single die. The PIC18 family specifically refers to Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit architecture, the evolutionary successor to the PIC16 baseline, distinguished by 16-bit-wide instructions, an 8-bit-wide data path, a single-cycle hardware multiplier, and prioritized interrupts. The PIC18C452 belongs to the PIC18C OTP sub-family, sitting between the original PIC17 high-performance line and the later flash-based PIC18F series. The PIC18C452 is now obsolete and Microchip recommends migrating to the PIC18F452 flash-based counterpart.
Key specifications include a 40 MHz maximum operating frequency, 77 single-word instructions, and a wide 2.0V to 5.5V supply range that makes the part suitable for both 3.3V and 5V designs. The integrated 10-bit A/D converter with multiple channels supports direct sensor interfacing, while the Master SSP (MSSP) module enables SPI and I2C communication. Note: per Microchip errata documentation, early PIC18C452 silicon exhibits anomalous behavior in the MSSP module that engineers must accommodate in firmware.
The PIC18C452 uses a Harvard RISC architecture with a 21-bit program counter and 31-level hardware stack, allowing efficient C and assembly development. The OTP memory provides one-time programmability at lower cost than flash, which made the PIC18C family popular in cost-sensitive high-volume production where firmware is finalized.
Typical applications include industrial control, automotive body electronics, appliance control, and embedded sensor systems where the integrated 10-bit ADC and 33 I/O pins allow direct connection to switches, relays, sensors, and human-machine interfaces. The wide voltage range and 40 MHz throughput also support motor control and HVAC subsystems.
When designing with this part, verify the MSSP errata against your firmware; consider migrating to PIC18F452 if supply or long-term support is required. The PIC18C452-E/L ships in tube packaging and is supplied via quote-only distribution rather than real-time stock listings.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives including the PIC18F452 migration path, and practical design notes regarding the MSSP errata not found in the manufacturer datasheet summary.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18C452-E/L — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with PIC18C452-E/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Mounting Type, Package, Core, ADC, CCP Modules.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F452-I/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F452-E/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18C452-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.94 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18C452-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18C452T-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18C452-E/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC18 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 32 KB (16K x 16) |
| RAM Size | 1.5 KB (1536 bytes) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 40 MHz |
| Instruction Throughput | 10 MIPS (100 ns/instruction) |
| Instruction Set Size | 77 single-word instructions |
| Number of I/O Pins | 33 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| A/D Converter | 10-bit, multi-channel (on-chip) |
| Communications Peripherals | MSSP (SPI/I2C), USART |
| Hardware Multiplier | Single-cycle 8 x 8 |
| Interrupt Priority Levels | 8 |
| Hardware Stack | 31 levels |
| Package | 44-LCC (J-Lead), PLCC-44 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended, -E suffix) |
| Oscillator Type | External (crystal/clock input) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (PLCC socket) |
| Packaging | Tube |
PIC18C452-E/L Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKO — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI — Oscillator input / clock input |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / data |
| Pin 18 | RD0/PSP0 — PORTD bit 0 / parallel slave port bit 0 |
| Pin 19 | RD1/PSP1 — PORTD bit 1 / parallel slave port bit 1 |
| Pin 20 | RD2/PSP2 — PORTD bit 2 / parallel slave port bit 2 |
| Pin 21 | RD3/PSP3 — PORTD bit 3 / parallel slave port bit 3 |
| Pin 22 | RD4/PSP4 — PORTD bit 4 / parallel slave port bit 4 |
| Pin 23 | RD5/PSP5 — PORTD bit 5 / parallel slave port bit 5 |
| Pin 24 | RD6/PSP6 — PORTD bit 6 / parallel slave port bit 6 |
| Pin 25 | RD7/PSP7 — PORTD bit 7 / parallel slave port bit 7 |
| Pin 26 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 28 | RB0/INT0 — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 29 | RB1/INT1 — PORTB bit 1 / external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 30 | RB2/INT2 — PORTB bit 2 / external interrupt 2 |
| Pin 31 | RB3/CCP2 — PORTB bit 3 / CCP2 alternate |
| Pin 32 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 33 | RB5/PGM — PORTB bit 5 / low-voltage programming |
| Pin 34 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 35 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 36 | RE0/RD — PORTE bit 0 / parallel slave port read |
| Pin 37 | RE1/WR — PORTE bit 1 / parallel slave port write |
| Pin 38 | RE2/CS — PORTE bit 2 / parallel slave port chip select |
| Pin 39 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (second pin) |
| Pin 40 | VSS — Ground reference (second pin) |
Typical Applications
PIC18C452-E/L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control, Appliance Control (Washing Machines, Dishwashers), Automotive Body Electronics, HVAC and Building Automation, Embedded Sensor Signal Conditioning, Motor Control (BLDC, Stepper).
Industrial Process Control
The PIC18C452-E/L fits industrial process control because its 40 MHz PIC18 RISC core provides 10 MIPS throughput to scan multiple sensor inputs at deterministic rates. The 10-bit on-chip A/D converter samples analog process variables (temperature, pressure, flow) directly without external ADC chips, while 33 I/O pins drive relay coils, contactors, and isolated digital outputs. The -40C to +125C extended temperature grade tolerates factory-floor environments, and the OTP memory locks firmware to prevent unauthorized process-tuning changes. Recommended companion parts: PIC18F452-I/L for the migration target, ULN2803 for relay driver buffers.
Recommended
Appliance Control (Washing Machines, Dishwashers)
The PIC18C452-E/L's 33 I/O pins and 10-bit ADC are well matched to white-goods appliance controllers, where the MCU reads water-level sensors, temperature probes, motor currents, and button/keypad inputs while driving triacs, solenoids, and valve relays. The 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range supports both 3.3 V logic and 5 V triac-trigger designs from a single part. OTP memory locks the final production firmware to prevent field tampering. The 31-level hardware stack and 8-level interrupt prioritization handle multi-tasking between motor control, user interface, and safety routines.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC18C452-E/L -E extended temperature grade (up to +125C) and wide supply range suit automotive body modules such as HVAC blend-door control, seat controllers, and lighting drivers. The MSSP peripheral implements LIN slave communication via external LIN transceivers, while the USART supports diagnostics. The 10-bit ADC reads thermistors for cabin temperature and potentiometers for mode selection. OTP memory prevents accidental field reprogramming that could violate automotive homologation; for active firmware updates, migrate to PIC18F452-I/L.
Recommended
HVAC and Building Automation
The PIC18C452-E/L serves HVAC zone controllers and building-automation nodes where its 10 MIPS throughput runs PID control loops on multiple temperature and pressure loops simultaneously. The 10-bit ADC digitizes thermistor and pressure-sensor inputs with 1024-step resolution, sufficient for setpoint control. The 33 I/O pins drive damper actuators, fan-speed relays, and triac-controlled compressor stages. Wide supply tolerance (2.0 V to 5.5 V) accommodates 24 VAC-derived rectified rails common in HVAC control boards.
Recommended
Embedded Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC18C452-E/L's 10-bit ADC and 77-instruction RISC core make it a flexible signal-conditioning processor for sensor hubs that aggregate multiple analog and digital inputs. It reads strain-gauge bridges via op-amp front-ends, encodes values into SPI or I2C streams via the MSSP peripheral, and forwards them to a host controller. With 32 KB OTP and 1.5 KB RAM, it runs calibration tables and linearization firmware locally. The 40 MHz throughput sustains sub-millisecond loop times for fast transient measurement.
Recommended
Motor Control (BLDC, Stepper)
The PIC18C452-E/L drives small brushless DC and stepper motors through external MOSFET drivers, leveraging its 40 MHz throughput to generate center-aligned PWM and commutation sequences. The hardware multiplier accelerates Clarke/Park transforms if running sensorless control algorithms in firmware. The 10-bit ADC samples back-EMF for sensorless commutation, and 33 I/O pins connect to Hall sensors, encoders, and gate-driver controls. The wide 2.0 V to 5.5 V range supports 3.3 V logic MOSFET drivers and 5 V gate-drive opto-isolators.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18C452-E/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F452-I/L | PIC18F452-E/L | PIC18C452-I/L | PIC18C452-I/P | PIC18C452T-I/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PLCC-44 (J-Lead) | PLCC-44 (J-Lead) - same | PLCC-44 (J-Lead) - same | PLCC-44 (J-Lead) - same | PDIP-40 | PLCC-44 (J-Lead) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (32 KB) | Flash (32 KB) | Flash (32 KB) | OTP (32 KB) - same | OTP (32 KB) - same | OTP (32 KB) - same |
| Program Memory Size | 32 KB (16K x 16) | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| RAM Size | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB |
| Number of I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Active (recommended migration) | Active | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Officially recommended migration target with in-circuit reprogrammable flash (vs PIC18F452-I/L)
- Wider operating temperature range for industrial/automotive environments (vs PIC18C452-I/L)
- Industry-standard 77-instruction PIC18 RISC core with 10 MIPS throughput (vs PIC18C452-I/P (PDIP package))
Design Notes
PIC18C452 silicon (per Microchip silicon errata) exhibits anomalous behavior in the Master SSP (MSSP) module. Engineers using I2C or SPI must verify their firmware against the errata document and apply workarounds (timing delays, retries, or port-bit-banging). The PIC18F452 migration fixes this errata in addition to providing flash memory, so production designs should target PIC18F452-I/L rather than continuing to use PIC18C452 with firmware patches.
Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of both VDD pins (27 and 39), plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic on the supply rail. The PIC18C452-E/L draws up to 25 mA per I/O pin when sourcing/sinking, so total power-supply current peaks at 50-100 mA during full-port switching. Add a ferrite bead or RC filter on the supply if the MCU shares a rail with relays or motors.
Route the MCLR line (pin 1) directly to a reset supervisor or RC network with a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD; a 100 nF capacitor to ground on MCLR improves noise immunity. Keep the OSC1/OSC2 traces (pins 9 and 8) short and surrounded by a ground pour to avoid radiating clock harmonics into adjacent analog inputs. The 10-bit ADC accuracy degrades if analog traces (AN0-AN7) cross digital switching traces; route analog inputs away from PORTD and the oscillator pins.
Estimated: at maximum clock (40 MHz) and 5.5 V supply with all 33 I/O pins sourcing 20 mA, internal dissipation is approximately 0.6 W. The PLCC-44 package theta_JA is around 50 C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC test board, yielding a junction temperature rise of roughly 30 C above ambient. For -E grade parts rated to +125C, ensure ambient plus self-heating stays below 125 C; this is rarely a problem at moderate I/O loading.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not stated in provided web data; PIC18C452-E/L pre-dates widespread RoHS adoption and may be non-compliant for new designs. RoHS status marked [DATA_NEEDED]. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a general-purpose industrial MCU, not automotive-qualified.
