PIC18F04Q41-E/SL - 16KB Flash 8-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F04Q41-E/SL ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.42 | $1.42 |
| 10 | $1.27 | $12.70 |
| 100 | $1.08 | $108.00 |
| 500 | $0.92 | $460.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.79 | $790.00 |
PIC18F04Q41-E/SL Overview
A PIC18 microcontroller is an 8-bit reduced instruction set computer (RISC) MCU based on Microchip's enhanced Harvard architecture. The PIC18 family sits within the hierarchy of microcontrollers -> 8-bit microcontrollers -> embedded controllers -> integrated circuits, and is widely deployed across industrial, consumer, and IoT applications where deterministic real-time performance and low power are essential. The Q41 sub-family extends this legacy with integrated analog intelligence previously requiring external op-amps, comparators, and DACs.
Key features of the PIC18F04Q41-E/SL include 16KB Flash (16K x 8), 1KB SRAM, 512 bytes EEPROM, a 12-bit ADC2 with computation, two 8-bit DACs, an on-chip operational amplifier, an 8-bit timer, a 16-bit PWM module, and Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) such as CLC, NCO, and PWM. The device operates from 1.8V to 5.5V, supports up to 64 MHz system clock, and includes a four-channel DMA controller, two I2C/SPI interfaces, one UART, and up to 12 I/O pins. The extended (-E) temperature grade spans -40C to +125C.
The PIC18-Q41 architecture combines a high-throughput 8-bit core with intelligent analog peripherals. The 12-bit ADC2 includes built-in oversampling and accumulation, automated channel scanning, and threshold comparison, offloading CPU overhead for sensor-acquisition loops. The integrated op-amp and two 8-bit DACs allow active-filter, transducer-bridge conditioning, and programmable reference generation without external components. Hardware CIPs (CLC, NCO, PWM, DMA) execute logic, waveform synthesis, and data movement without CPU intervention, enabling deterministic response times in closed-loop control.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, LED lighting controllers, portable medical devices, low-cost BLDC fan or pump control, and industrial sensor interfaces. The integrated analog front end reduces BOM cost for thermocouple, strain-gauge, and photo-sensor conditioning. Combined with the 16KB Flash footprint, the PIC18F04Q41 suits both small sensor hubs and space-constrained edge nodes.
Designers should budget the SOIC-14 thermal envelope (theta_JA ~ 100 C/W on 1oz 2-layer JEDEC EIA/JESD51 board) for the -40C to +125C operating range, observe Microchip AN2648 analog-Layout guidelines for the on-chip op-amp routing, and verify that the 5.5V VDD absolute maximum is not exceeded during hot-plug or inductive load transients.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated on the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F04Q41-E/SL — 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 PIC18F04Q41-E/SL (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, PWM, ADC, DAC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F04Q41-E/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F04Q41-I/SL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F04Q40-I/SL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F04Q40-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F05Q41-E/SL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F14Q41-E/SL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F04Q41-E/SL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 8-bit RISC, enhanced Harvard |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB (16K x 8) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 1 KB |
| EEPROM | 512 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 64 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC | 12-bit ADC2 with computation, multiple channels |
| DAC | 2 x 8-bit DAC |
| On-chip Operational Amplifier | 1 x integrated op-amp |
| PWM | 16-bit PWM module |
| Timers | 8-bit timer; additional timer peripherals |
| DMA | 4-channel DMA |
| Communication Interfaces | 2 x I2C/SPI, 1 x UART |
| I/O Pins | Up to 12 (14-pin package) |
| Package | 14-pin SOIC (SL) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended -E grade) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F04Q41-E/SL Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC2 channel |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC2 channel |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / MCLR/VPP |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC2 channel |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC2 channel / DAC1 output / op-amp output |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC2 channel / DAC2 output / op-amp in- |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 9 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 10 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC2 channel |
| Pin 11 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC2 channel |
| Pin 12 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC18F04Q41-E/SL is suitable for 6 applications: IoT Sensor Conditioning Hub, LED Lighting Controller, Portable Medical Device Interface, Low-Voltage BLDC Fan Control, Industrial 4-20 mA Sensor Transmitter, Battery-Powered Wireless Remote Control.
IoT Sensor Conditioning Hub
The PIC18F04Q41-E/SL's integrated 12-bit ADC2, on-chip op-amp, and dual 8-bit DACs enable a complete single-chip analog front end for IoT sensor hubs. Placed on the analog sensor node PCB with VDD tied to a 3.3V LDO, it reads thermocouple, strain-gauge, or photodiode signals directly through the on-chip op-amp without external conditioning. The 16 KB Flash accommodates a lightweight BLE/Zigbee driver or LoRaWAN stack while the DMA + CLC CIPs minimize CPU wake time, achieving sub-1 uA average current. Compared with a discrete op-amp + MCU solution, the Q41 reduces BOM by 4-6 components and shrinks PCB area by ~40%.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC18F04Q41-E/SL's 16-bit PWM module and 64 MHz core deliver high-resolution LED dimming down to 0.0015% duty-cycle steps, eliminating visible flicker in architectural and horticultural lighting. Powered from a 5 V or 12-24 V buck-derived 3.3 V rail, the device drives high-side FETs through its I/O pins while the ADC2 monitors LED current via a sense resistor and the on-chip op-amp. The CWA (Comparator with DAC) CIP provides hardware-level overcurrent protection independent of CPU latency. Compared with timer-only 8-bit MCUs, the Q41's 16-bit PWM delivers smoother color-mixing transitions and lower EMI from sub-PWM duty steps.
Recommended
Portable Medical Device Interface
The PIC18F04Q41-E/SL's extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade, 1.8-5.5 V VDD range, and integrated analog peripherals suit portable medical devices such as pulse-oximeter finger probes, glucose-meter strips, and wearable thermometers. The on-chip op-amp conditions the photodiode signal directly while the 12-bit ADC2 samples at up to 100 ksps with hardware averaging. The 16 KB Flash supports IEC 62304 Class B firmware with safe-RTC checksum storage in EEPROM. Compared with a Cortex-M0 solution, the Q41's deterministic interrupt latency and CIPs simplify FDA design-history documentation.
Recommended
Low-Voltage BLDC Fan Control
The PIC18F04Q41-E/SL's 16-bit PWM, 64 MHz core, and CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) CIP drive a 3-phase low-voltage BLDC fan used in server fans, projector coolers, and compact HVAC blowers. The device samples back-EMF through the ADC2 with the on-chip op-amp acting as a comparator, executing sensorless commutation without an external comparator IC. The 1.8 V minimum VDD allows direct Li-ion or 2x AA battery operation. Compared with a 5 V brushed-DC solution, the Q41 sensorless-BLDC approach reduces acoustic noise by 6-10 dBA at the same airflow.
Recommended
Industrial 4-20 mA Sensor Transmitter
The PIC18F04Q41-E/SL builds a complete 2-wire 4-20 mA industrial sensor transmitter when paired with a current-loop modulator. The integrated op-amp and 12-bit ADC2 condition a bridge pressure sensor or RTD directly; the 16-bit PWM drives a Howland-current pump referenced from a stable shunt. The -40 C to +125 C extended temperature grade handles outdoor process-control environments. Compared with a discrete op-amp + 8-bit PWM design, the Q41's 12-bit ADC and 16-bit PWM achieve 0.05% FS loop accuracy with factory calibration stored in EEPROM.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Wireless Remote Control
The PIC18F04Q41-E/SL's nanoWatt XLP sleep currents (sub-100 nA in deep sleep) and 1.8 V minimum VDD suit coin-cell-powered wireless remote controls for IoT, smart-home, and consumer audio/video gear. The CLC and NCO CIPs generate IR, Sub-GHz, or low-power RF modulation in hardware while the CPU sleeps, preserving battery life. The 16 KB Flash holds multi-protocol firmware (BLE-pairing + Sub-GHz fallback), and 512-byte EEPROM stores user preferences. Compared with a discrete 555-timer + MCU approach, the Q41 reduces BOM by 3-5 components and eliminates timing drift across temperature.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F04Q41-E/SL — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F04Q41-E/SO | PIC18F04Q41-I/SL | PIC18F04Q40-I/SL | PIC18F04Q40-I/ST | PIC18F05Q41-E/SL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SOIC-14 (SL) | SOIC-14 wide (SO) - same footprint pin-out | SOIC-14 (SL) - same | SOIC-14 (SL) - same | TSSOP-14 (ST) - narrower body | SOIC-14 (SL) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB |
| SRAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 2 KB |
| Max Clock | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended -E) | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +85 C (I) | -40 C to +85 C (I) | -40 C to +85 C (I) | -40 C to +125 C (E) |
| PWM | 16-bit PWM | 16-bit PWM | 16-bit PWM | 8-bit PWM | 8-bit PWM | 16-bit PWM |
| On-chip Op-Amp | Yes (1) | Yes (1) | Yes (1) | Yes (1) | Yes (1) | Yes (1) |
| DAC | 2 x 8-bit | 2 x 8-bit | 2 x 8-bit | 1 x 8-bit | 1 x 8-bit | 2 x 8-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated op-amp and dual DAC eliminate external analog BOM (vs PIC18F04Q40-I/SL)
- 16-bit PWM for high-resolution LED and motor control (vs PIC18F04Q40-I/ST)
- Extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade for industrial applications (vs PIC18F04Q41-I/SL)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 14), and add a bulk 1-10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the same VDD node. For noise-sensitive analog applications using the on-chip op-amp and ADC2, add a separate AVDD pin filter with ferrite bead and 10 uF + 100 nF decoupling to isolate analog supply from switching noise. The PIC18F04Q41-E/SL supports a 1.8-5.5 V VDD range; do not exceed 5.5 V absolute maximum or risk latch-up.
PIC18F04Q41-E/SL contains an on-chip op-amp with multiplexed inputs - verify which I/O pins are assigned to op-amp positive/negative inputs in your MCC Melody configuration before laying out the PCB; pin reassignment after PCB fab requires rework. Also note the MCLR pin (RA3) is shared with VPP programming voltage; a 10-47 kohm pull-up to VDD is required unless MCLR is disabled in configuration bits. Forgetting this pull-up is the most common bring-up failure.
Route the on-chip op-amp input traces as short differential pairs with ground guard rings, following Microchip AN2648 'Analog System Design and Layout Techniques'. Keep the op-amp output trace away from the ADC2 reference pin to avoid digital coupling. Place the external crystal or HFINTOSC decoupling within 5 mm of the OSC pins if used, and isolate high-current PWM traces from sensitive analog input traces by at least 3 mm or a ground-fill moat.
When using the PIC18F04Q41-E/SL's 12-bit ADC2 for mV-level sensor signals, enable hardware oversampling and averaging (16x or 64x) to push effective resolution above 14 bits and reduce quantization noise by 12 dB. The on-chip op-amp should be configured in unity-gain buffer or non-inverting gain (max 16x per internal architecture) and shielded with a ground guard ring. Reference voltage stability is critical - use the internal FVR or an external low-noise reference like MCP1525.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC18F04Q41-E/SL automotive-grade variant (if available) for automotive applications. Halogen-free status not stated in distributor data.
