PIC18F1220-E/SS - 8-bit MCU, 4KB Flash, 25MHz, SSOP-20 | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F1220-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.55 | $4.55 |
| 10 | $4.1 | $41.00 |
| 100 | $3.62 | $362.00 |
| 500 | $3.2 | $1,600.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.84 | $2,840.00 |
PIC18F1220-E/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer on a single integrated circuit that contains a CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory, and peripherals. MCUs sit within the broader category of microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> semiconductors. The PIC18F1220-E/SS belongs to the PIC18 family, which combines a RISC core with Enhanced Flash memory to deliver 200 ns instruction execution while maintaining C-compiler-friendly architecture for efficient code development. It belongs to the wider product taxonomy: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC.
Key features include seven channels of 10-bit A/D, self-programmability via ICSP, an internal oscillator option that can reduce BOM cost, and a 2.0V to 5.5V operating voltage range suited to battery-powered applications. Power consumption drops to as low as 0.1 microamp in standby. The device supports flash endurance of 100K cycles and EEPROM endurance of 1M cycles typical, giving long field-life in industrial control nodes.
Architecturally, the PIC18F1220-E/SS uses a 16-bit wide instruction word with an 8-bit data path, a 31-level hardware stack, and an interrupt controller supporting both edge- and level-triggered sources. The AUSART block supports RS-232/RS-485 asynchronous links, while the CCP module generates PWM for motor or LED control, all inside a compact 20-pin SSOP outline.
Typical applications include low-power sensor nodes, battery management front-ends, small motor control, white-goods user interfaces, and remote-control peripherals where the wide 2.0-5.5V supply range and nanoWatt sleep modes extend operating life from coin cells or two-AA stacks. Designers also use it as a cost-down companion to larger PIC18F parts in cost-sensitive consumer goods.
When designing, choose the 'E' (Extended) temperature grade -40C to +125C variant for outdoor or industrial enclosures. Provide a 100 nF decoupling capacitor close to VDD, route the MCLR line away from switching traces to avoid spurious resets, and verify ICSP pins (RB6/RB7) are not loaded by external pull-ups that would block in-circuit programming. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F1220-E/SS — 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 PIC18F1220-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Maximum CPU Frequency, Program Memory (Flash), ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F1220-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F1320-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F1220-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC18 RISC |
| Program Memory Size | 4 KB (2K x 16) Flash |
| RAM Size | 256 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 25 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (Extended, 'E' suffix) |
| Number of I/O Pins | 16 |
| A/D Converter | 10-bit, 7 channels |
| Communication Peripherals | AUSART (RS-232/RS-485) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | Yes (CCP module) |
| Timers | Timer0, Timer1, Timer2 (per datasheet) |
| Internal Oscillator | Yes (software-selectable) |
| Standby Current | 0.1 uA (typical, nanoWatt sleep) |
| ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) | Yes (self-programming supported) |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (0.209 inch / 5.30 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per Microchip product page) |
| Lead-Free Finish | Yes (Matte Tin / NiPdAu) |
PIC18F1220-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2/VREF-/CVREF — Digital I/O RA2 / analog channel 2 / negative voltage reference / comparator reference output |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O RA3 / analog channel 3 / positive voltage reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O RA4 / Timer0 clock input (open-drain) |
| Pin 4 | RA5/MCLR/VPP/FLTA — Digital I/O RA5 / Master Clear (reset) / programming voltage / PWM fault input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | OSC1/RA7 — Crystal oscillator input / digital I/O RA7 |
| Pin 7 | OSC2/RA6 — Crystal oscillator output / digital I/O RA6 |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 9 | RB0/INT0/AN4 — Digital I/O RB0 / external interrupt 0 / analog channel 4 |
| Pin 10 | RB1/INT1/AN5 — Digital I/O RB1 / external interrupt 1 / analog channel 5 |
| Pin 11 | RB2/INT2/AN6 — Digital I/O RB2 / external interrupt 2 / analog channel 6 |
| Pin 12 | RB3/CCP1 — Digital I/O RB3 / Capture-Compare-PWM channel 1 |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — Digital I/O RB4 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 14 | RB5 — Digital I/O RB5 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 15 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O RB6 / ICSP clock (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 16 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O RB7 / ICSP data (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O RA0 / analog channel 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O RA1 / analog channel 1 |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference (second VSS pin) |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (second VDD pin) |
Typical Applications
PIC18F1220-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Operated Sensor Node, White Goods / Appliance User Interface, Small DC Motor / Fan Control, RS-232 / RS-485 Sensor Hub, Remote Control / IR Transmitter, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety).
Battery-Operated Sensor Node
The PIC18F1220-E/SS is well matched to battery-operated sensor nodes because its nanoWatt sleep mode draws 0.1 microamp standby, and its 2.0V to 5.5V supply range accepts two AA cells decaying from 3.2V to 1.8V without level shifting. The 7-channel 10-bit A/D reads thermistor, photodiode, or battery-divider voltages, while the AUSART drives a low-power UART radio module. Running 1 MIPS firmware with 95% sleep duty cycle, two AA alkalines can power the node for years. Add a 100 nF decoupling capacitor and route ICSP lines (RB6/RB7) away from high-impedance analog traces for clean readings.
Recommended
White Goods / Appliance User Interface
For washing machine, dishwasher, or microwave keypads and LCD segment displays, the PIC18F1220-E/SS provides enough GPIO for 4x4 key matrices and a software-driven LCD with the on-chip timer. Its 4 KB Flash stores menu logic and fault codes, while the 128-byte EEPROM preserves user settings through power cycles. The Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade survives the inside-of-cabinet thermal environment. The CCP module backlights the keypad with PWM at user-adjustable brightness, cutting standby LED current by 70%.
Recommended
Small DC Motor / Fan Control
The PIC18F1220-E/SS on-chip CCP module produces a 10-bit PWM signal that drives a logic-level MOSFET or gate driver for small brushless DC fans, vibration motors, or pumps. Its 25 MHz clock yields 10-bit PWM resolution at 25 kHz - above the audible band - while the 10-bit A/D senses back-EMF or current for closed-loop RPM regulation. Hardware timers interrupt at 1 ms intervals for PI control. Compact 20-SSOP saves board area inside handheld tools and small appliances.
Recommended
RS-232 / RS-485 Sensor Hub
Industrial RS-485 sensor hubs often use the PIC18F1220-E/SS as a polling master that reads 4-20 mA or 0-10 V transducers through the 7-channel 10-bit A/D and re-emits the data on a half-duplex RS-485 AUSART link. Its 2.0V-5.5V supply and Extended -40C to +125C grade suit outdoor enclosures. The 128-byte EEPROM stores calibration constants, while the 4 KB Flash holds Modbus RTU protocol stacks. ICSP allows field firmware upgrades without opening the enclosure.
Recommended
Remote Control / IR Transmitter
TV settop boxes and audio remote controls benefit from the PIC18F1220-E/SS's 0.1 microamp standby and 2-5.5V supply, extending battery life of two AAA cells beyond a year. The CCP module generates 38 kHz IR carrier PWM, while the AUSART or GPIO drives the LED. Internal oscillator removes the external crystal, cutting BOM cost. Wake-on-keypad interrupt returns the part from sleep in microseconds for instant response to button presses.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
Body-electronics sub-systems such as ambient lighting controllers, seat-position memories, and HVAC flap actuators use the PIC18F1220-E/SS as a low-cost slave node. The Extended -40C to +125C grade tolerates cabin thermal stress, and the AUSART links to a body control module over LIN or UART. Its 4 KB Flash stores calibration, while the 128-byte EEPROM retains trim settings through battery disconnect. Choose automotive-qualified parts for safety-critical loads; this part fits non-safety body roles.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F1220-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F1220-I/SS | PIC18F1320-I/SS | PIC18F1220-E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) | 20-SOIC (7.50 mm) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 4 KB | 4 KB | 8 KB | 4 KB |
| RAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| EEPROM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 25 MHz | 25 MHz | 25 MHz | 25 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| A/D Converter | 10-bit, 7 channels | 10-bit, 7 channels | 10-bit, 7 channels | 10-bit, 7 channels |
| 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 |
| Standby Current | 0.1 uA (typical) | 0.1 uA (typical) | 0.1 uA (typical) | 0.1 uA (typical) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade in compact SSOP-20 (vs PIC18F1220-I/SS)
- Doubles Flash for firmware headroom without PCB change (vs PIC18F1320-I/SS)
- Compact 20-SSOP saves board area vs SOIC (vs PIC18F1220-E/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 25 MHz, 5V supply, the PIC18F1220-E/SS core draws roughly 2-3 mA active plus peripheral leakage. Add a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin (the SSOP-20 has two VDD and two VSS pins), and a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the regulator. In sleep mode, set unused I/O pins as outputs low (not high-Z) and disable the A/D, AUSART, and CCP modules via their control registers to reach the 0.1 uA nanoWatt standby figure stated in the datasheet.
Keep the ICSP lines RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD away from high-impedance analog traces and switching converters to avoid programming glitches and ADC noise coupling. If the design adds external pull-ups on RB6/RB7 for buttons, make sure each pull-up is below 10 kohm so the programmer can still drive the lines. Route the MCLR/RA5 line with a short trace and a 100 nF capacitor to VDD to filter noise-induced resets; do not tie MCLR directly to VDD in production designs.
Do not enable both the internal oscillator and an external crystal simultaneously - the configuration bits must select exactly one oscillator source at reset. When migrating code from PIC16 to PIC18F1220, remember that the PIC18 stack is 31 levels deep and not 8 like PIC16, and that interrupt vectors must be placed at 0x0008 and 0x0018. Watch the A/D acquisition time for high-impedance sources (10 kohm or above) - add a wait or a unity-gain buffer to settle the sample capacitor.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Lead-free matte-tin finish. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive safety-critical loads choose a part explicitly AEC-Q100 listed. Halogen-free status not stated in provided data.
