PIC18C801T-I/L - 25MHz 8-Bit ROMless MCU 84-PLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC18C801T-I/L ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $13.5 | $13.50 |
| 10 | $12.2 | $122.00 |
| 100 | $10.85 | $1,085.00 |
| 500 | $9.6 | $4,800.00 |
| 1,000 | $8.5 | $8,500.00 |
PIC18C801T-I/L Overview
Background: An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a self-contained computing element that integrates a CPU, RAM, peripheral set, and interrupt controller on a single die. PIC18C-series MCUs sit in Microchip's high-performance 8-bit hierarchy: PIC10/12/16 baseline -> PIC17 mid-range -> PIC18 high-end (RISC, 16-bit instructions, hardware multiplier). The PIC18C family predates PIC18F flash parts and is ROMless, so program code is fetched from an external EPROM or flash memory over a parallel bus. The PIC18C801 is the highest-pin-count member of the family and is specifically designed for external-memory systems that need abundant I/O and large code spaces beyond what on-chip flash can hold.
Key features of the PIC18C801T-I/L include 84 pins in the PLCC J-lead package, 25 MHz maximum clock, industrial -40°C to +85°C temperature range, ROMless external-memory interface, and compatibility with the PIC18C instruction set. Tape-and-reel packaging supports high-volume surface-mount assembly. The "T" suffix indicates tape and reel orientation, while "I" denotes the industrial temperature grade. The "/L" suffix denotes the PLCC J-lead package.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, consumer electronics with external program memory, automotive body and chassis control modules, and embedded systems requiring large external code spaces. Engineers choose the PIC18C801T-I/L when on-chip flash is insufficient and an external memory bus is required.
Design consideration: when migrating to modern alternatives, verify that the replacement exposes a compatible external-memory bus or implements an equivalent on-chip flash density, and confirm interrupt and peripheral register compatibility. PIC18C parts are now legacy; PIC18F or dsPIC33 families typically offer pin-compatible migration paths. Always consult the Microchip PIC18C801 errata sheet for known operational differences before committing to a new design.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18C801T-I/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 PIC18C801T-I/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Type, Operating Temperature, Number of I/O Pins, Program Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18C801-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18C801T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$5.99 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18C658T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18C601-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$6.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18C452T-E/L
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$13.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18C801T-I/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC18 8-bit RISC |
| Data Bus Width | 8-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 25 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | ROMless (external memory bus) |
| Program Memory Size | ROMless (external) |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C (industrial) |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial |
| Package | 84-pin PLCC (J-Lead, 29.31x29.31 mm) |
| Package Code | QCCJ (square, J-bend) |
| Terminal Form | J-Bend |
| Number of Terminals | 84 |
| Mounting Style | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tape and Reel |
PIC18C801T-I/L Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout; consult PIC18C801 datasheet |
| Pin 2 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 3 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 4 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 5 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 6 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 7 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 8 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 9 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 10 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 11 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 12 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 13 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 14 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 15 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 16 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 17 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 18 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 19 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 20 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 21 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 22 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 23 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 24 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 25 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 26 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 27 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 28 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 29 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 30 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 31 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 32 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 33 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 34 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 35 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 36 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 37 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 38 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 39 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 40 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 41 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 42 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 43 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 44 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 45 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 46 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 47 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 48 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 49 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 50 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 51 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 52 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 53 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 54 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 55 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 56 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 57 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 58 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 59 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 60 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 61 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 62 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 63 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 64 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 65 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 66 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 67 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 68 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 69 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 70 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 71 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 72 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 73 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 74 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 75 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 76 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 77 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 78 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 79 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 80 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 81 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 82 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 83 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
| Pin 84 | [DATA_NEEDED] — Pin function depends on datasheet pinout |
Typical Applications
PIC18C801T-I/L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Controllers, Consumer Electronics with External Firmware, Automotive Body and Chassis Control, Embedded Systems with Large External Code Spaces, Legacy Test and Measurement Equipment, Medical Device Controllers (Legacy).
Industrial Automation Controllers
The PIC18C801T-I/L suits industrial PLC interface modules and machine controllers that need more program space than on-chip flash can hold. The 25 MHz core and 4.2V-5.5V supply pair with the ROMless external memory bus, allowing systems to address large ladder-logic or recipe databases in external EPROM/flash. Industrial temperature rating -40°C to +85°C covers factory-floor cabinets, and the 84-pin PLCC J-lead package supports socketed field replacement on legacy lines still in service after 15+ years of operation.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics with External Firmware
The PIC18C801T-I/L fits consumer devices such as high-end audio controllers, washing-machine HMIs, and appliance motor controllers that require external program memory for localization variants. The ROMless parallel bus lets manufacturers store multiple language firmware images in external flash and select at boot. With 25 MHz throughput the part handles button-matrix scanning, LCD driving, and simple protocol stacks, while the 84-PLCC J-lead package simplifies through-hole-friendly surface-mount assembly for consumer appliance contract manufacturers.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Chassis Control
The PIC18C801T-I/L is used in automotive body-control modules, instrument clusters, and chassis controllers where PIC18C designs were qualified decades ago. The industrial -40°C to +85°C range covers cabin environments, and the 5V supply rails integrate with existing 12V->5V vehicle power trees. The 84-PLCC J-lead package tolerates the under-dash thermal environment and supports socketed service replacement. New automotive designs should target AEC-Q100 qualified parts, but the PIC18C801T-I/L keeps legacy platforms running until end-of-production.
Recommended
Embedded Systems with Large External Code Spaces
The PIC18C801T-I/L targets embedded systems needing program space beyond on-chip flash, such as protocol bridges, multi-language industrial HMIs, and firmware-update gateways. Its parallel external memory bus addresses up to 2 MB of external program memory, allowing in-field firmware upgrades stored in external flash. The 25 MHz core runs compressed protocol stacks and the 84-PLCC J-lead package simplifies PCB layout compared to QFP equivalents. Use this part when on-chip flash is too small and external memory is acceptable.
Recommended
Legacy Test and Measurement Equipment
The PIC18C801T-I/L is found in legacy test and measurement instruments, lab data loggers, and bench-top analyzers designed in the late 1990s and 2000s. The ROMless architecture lets manufacturers ship multiple firmware personalities in external memory, and the 25 MHz core handles sensor sampling and display refresh cycles. The 84-PLCC J-lead package supports field-replaceable modules that technicians can swap without soldering. Sustainment programs for in-service T&M equipment rely on this part until modernization refresh cycles are funded.
Recommended
Medical Device Controllers (Legacy)
The PIC18C801T-I/L appears in legacy medical device controllers and patient-monitoring peripherals that were designed and qualified before modern MCU migration cycles. The industrial temperature grade and 5V supply cover most clinical environments, and the ROMless external memory interface supports regulator-required firmware revision tracking stored externally. The 84-PLCC J-lead package enables socketed replacement during scheduled service. New medical designs should target modern PIC18F or dsPIC33 parts with current regulatory documentation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18C801T-I/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18C801-I/L | PIC18C801T-I/PT | PIC18C658T-I/PT | PIC18C601-I/PT | PIC18C452T-E/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 84-PLCC (J-Lead) | 84-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 84-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 84-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 84-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 84-PLCC (J-Lead) - same |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 25 MHz | 25 MHz | 25 MHz | 25 MHz | 25 MHz | 40 MHz (PIC18C452 family) |
| Program Memory Type | ROMless (external bus) | ROMless (external bus) | ROMless (external bus) | ROMless (external bus) | ROMless (external bus) | On-chip EPROM |
| Supply Voltage | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C (industrial) | -40°C to +85°C (industrial) | -40°C to +85°C (industrial) | -40°C to +85°C (industrial) | -40°C to +85°C (industrial) | -40°C to +125°C (extended) |
| Pin Count | 84 | 84 | 84 | 84 | 84 | 84 |
| Delivery Packaging | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Identical silicon in tube packaging (vs PIC18C801-I/L)
- External memory bus for large code spaces (vs PIC18C452T-E/L)
- Industrial temperature grade coverage (vs PIC18C452T-E/L)
Design Notes
The PIC18C801T-I/L operates from a 4.2V to 5.5V supply; design the 5V rail with a linear regulator capable of at least 50 mA continuous current with adequate bulk decoupling (10 uF + 100 nF) on the Vdd pins. Because the part is ROMless, the external memory bus also draws supply current; budget 100-150 mA total for MCU plus external EPROM/flash. Add a power-on reset supervisor if the application needs deterministic startup, since legacy PIC18C devices have limited internal POR tolerance.
Route the external memory bus (address, data, and control lines) with matched trace lengths and a ground reference plane to avoid bus timing violations. Estimated bus timing: at 25 MHz with 4-clock instruction cycles, the external memory access window is approximately 160 ns; keep bus traces under 50 mm and add 22-33 ohm series termination on data lines if reflections appear on the scope. Place the external memory device adjacent to the PIC18C801T-I/L to minimize stub lengths and bus capacitance.
Do not assume the PIC18C801T-I/L is pin-compatible with newer PIC18F devices; PIC18C parts lack internal flash and rely on an external memory bus, so firmware migration to PIC18F requires both hardware and software rework. Always consult the Microchip PIC18C801 errata sheet before finalizing a design, since legacy silicon revisions occasionally have minor operational differences. For new designs, evaluate PIC18F or dsPIC33 alternatives first; reserve PIC18C801T-I/L for legacy sustainment only.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, and conflict-mineral status not present in the verified data; consult Microchip product page or PIC18C801 datasheet for current compliance declarations. Part is NRND per Microchip lifecycle policy and not AEC-Q100 qualified; PIC18C industrial grade is -40C to +85C only.
