PIC18F1230-I/SO - 8-bit MCU, 4KB Flash, 40MHz, 18-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F1230-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.07 | $30.70 |
| 100 | $2.62 | $262.00 |
| 500 | $2.27 | $1,135.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.05 | $2,050.00 |
PIC18F1230-I/SO Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built on a Harvard RISC core that executes one instruction every clock cycle, combining CPU, non-volatile program memory, data RAM, and on-chip peripherals in a single IC. PIC18 microcontrollers sit at the mid-range tier of Microchip's PIC family - above baseline PIC10/12/16 parts and below the 16-bit dsPIC and 32-bit PIC32 families. This positioning makes them a workhorse for cost-sensitive embedded control in appliance, automotive, and industrial segments.
Key features include nanoWatt power management with multiple sleep modes, an enhanced 3-channel Power Control PWM with dedicated 16-bit timers for motor drives, three high-speed analog comparators for current sensing, and a 10-bit ADC with up to 8 input channels. The integrated LIN-capable USART simplifies node-to-node vehicle sub-bus communication without an external transceiver in cost-optimized LIN slave designs.
Typical applications include BLDC and brushed-DC motor control in white goods, HVAC fans and small pumps, LIN slave nodes in automotive body electronics, sensor signal conditioning with on-chip comparators, and low-cost general-purpose embedded control. The combination of integrated analog peripherals and PWM reduces external component count and BOM cost.
When designing with this device, ensure MCLR is tied through a proper pull-up and that the analog and digital reference pins are decoupled with 0.1 uF and 10 uF capacitors. The internal 8 MHz oscillator is factory calibrated within +/-1 % but engineers targeting tight UART baud-rate accuracy should switch to a crystal.
This page synthesizes distributor stock levels, drop-in alternatives from the PIC18 family, and practical design notes that go beyond what the manufacturer datasheet alone provides, helping engineers select and source this part efficiently.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F1230-I/SO — 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 PIC18F1230-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Power-Saving Modes, Program Memory (Flash), A/D Converter.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F1220-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F1330-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F1230-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F1230-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F1320-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F14K22-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.96 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F1230-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 (8-bit RISC) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 4 KB |
| Data RAM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 40 MHz |
| Instruction Throughput | 40 MIPS |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns (4 clock cycles per instruction) |
| A/D Converter | 10-bit, up to 8 channels |
| PWM Channels | 3 channels (Motor Control PWM) |
| Analog Comparators | 3 |
| USART | 1 (LIN-capable) |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz |
| Power-Saving Modes | nanoWatt (multiple sleep modes) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 18-pin SOIC (0.295" / 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC18F1230-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP/RA5 — Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage / digital I/O RA5 |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O RA0 / analog input AN0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O RA1 / analog input AN1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O RA2 / analog input AN2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O RA3 / analog input AN3 / ADC positive voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/AN4 — Digital I/O RA4 / analog input AN4 |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input / digital I/O RA7 |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Crystal oscillator output / clock output / digital I/O RA6 |
| Pin 11 | RC0/PWM1 — Digital I/O RC0 / Motor Control PWM channel 1 output |
| Pin 12 | RC1/PWM2 — Digital I/O RC1 / Motor Control PWM channel 2 output |
| Pin 13 | RC2/PWM3 — Digital I/O RC2 / Motor Control PWM channel 3 output |
| Pin 14 | RC3/C1OUT — Digital I/O RC3 / Comparator 1 output |
| Pin 15 | RC4/C2OUT — Digital I/O RC4 / Comparator 2 output |
| Pin 16 | RC5/C3OUT/TX/CK — Digital I/O RC5 / Comparator 3 output / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 17 | RB0/RX/DT — Digital I/O RB0 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 18 | RB1/INT0 — Digital I/O RB1 / external interrupt 0 |
Typical Applications
PIC18F1230-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: BLDC and Brushed-DC Motor Control, LIN Slave Nodes in Automotive Body Electronics, HVAC Fan and Small Pump Drives, White Goods and Appliance Control, Sensor Signal Conditioning and Threshold Detection, Low-Cost General-Purpose Embedded Control.
BLDC and Brushed-DC Motor Control
The PIC18F1230-I/SO is purpose-built for small motor drives because it integrates a 3-channel motor-control PWM module with a dedicated 16-bit time base, three high-speed analog comparators for current sensing, and a 10-bit ADC for back-EMF feedback. At 40 MIPS the MCU can sustain 6-step trapezoidal commutation on a 4-pole BLDC fan at up to ~30 krpm electrical frequency, or handle 20 kHz PWM for brushed-DC speed control in 12 V cordless appliances. The on-chip comparators allow zero-crossing detection without an external op-amp, reducing BOM cost. Compared with discrete MCU + gate-driver + op-amp designs, the integrated peripherals cut the bill-of-materials by 30-40 %.
Recommended
LIN Slave Nodes in Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC18F1230-I/SO integrates a LIN-capable USART with hardware break-character detection and auto-baud, enabling cost-effective LIN 1.3/2.0 slave implementations in automotive body modules such as window lifts, mirror controllers, seat adjusters, and HVAC damper actuators. The 4 KB Flash and 256 B RAM are sufficient for the LIN SCI state-machine plus application firmware. The 8 MHz internal oscillator is factory calibrated to within +/-1 % - acceptable for the +/-1.5 % LIN slave baud-rate tolerance at 19.2 kbaud. Industrial temperature grade -40 C to +85 C covers in-cabin deployments; for under-hood use the PIC18F1230-E/SO extended grade is recommended.
Recommended
HVAC Fan and Small Pump Drives
Variable-speed HVAC fans, refrigerator evaporator blowers, and small DC circulation pumps require low-cost, quiet, closed-loop control - a natural fit for the PIC18F1230-I/SO. The integrated motor-control PWM delivers 20 kHz switching for inaudible operation, the on-chip comparators implement over-current protection without external op-amps, and nanoWatt sleep modes drop standby consumption to microamps between calls for cooling. A 40 MIPS CPU core executes PI control loops and tachometer feedback handling well within the 50 us PWM period, leaving spare cycles for housekeeping and fault diagnostics.
Recommended
White Goods and Appliance Control
Washing machine drain pumps, dishwasher circulation pumps, range hood blowers, and small kitchen appliances benefit from the PIC18F1230-I/SO's combination of cost-effective 8-bit processing, motor-control PWM, and integrated analog peripherals. The 4 KB Flash is adequate for state-machine-based appliance firmware plus a small user-interface handling buttons and LED indicators. The PIC18 core's deterministic interrupt latency is well suited to the safety-critical timing of appliance control, where unexpected delays can lead to nuisance trips or hazardous conditions.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning and Threshold Detection
The PIC18F1230-I/SO's three on-chip analog comparators enable direct threshold detection of analog sensor outputs (NTC thermistors, Hall-effect sensors, optical encoders) without external op-amps. Combined with the 10-bit ADC for slow moving signals and the USART for digital uplink, the part forms a complete sensor node for industrial monitoring: read analog signal, threshold-detect with comparator, log via ADC, transmit via USART. The nanoWatt sleep mode between samples extends battery life in remote sensor deployments where the MCU is the dominant quiescent load.
Recommended
Low-Cost General-Purpose Embedded Control
Beyond motor and LIN applications, the PIC18F1230-I/SO serves as a general-purpose 8-bit MCU for cost-sensitive embedded control tasks: simple user interfaces, indicator controllers, battery chargers with CC/CV profiles, low-end toys and educational electronics, and timing/sequencing logic. The combination of 4 KB Flash, 256 B RAM, 16 I/O pins, USART, ADC, comparators, and PWM in a sub-$3 single IC keeps the BOM and PCB area minimal. Engineers familiar with the PIC18 instruction set and MPLAB X IDE can ramp from prototype to production quickly using Microchip's free toolchain.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F1230-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F1220-I/SS | PIC18F1330-I/SO | PIC18F1230-E/SO | PIC18F1320-I/SO | PIC18F14K22-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SOIC-18 (7.50 mm) | SSOP-20 (smaller body) | SOIC-18 (same) | SOIC-18 (same) | SOIC-18 (same) | SOIC-18 (same) |
| Flash Memory | 4 KB | 4 KB | 8 KB | 4 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB |
| RAM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 512 B |
| Max Frequency | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 64 MHz |
| Motor Control PWM | 3-channel dedicated | None (CCP only) | 3-channel dedicated | 3-channel dedicated | None | None (ECCP) |
| Analog Comparators | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Extended -40C to +125C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty-1) | USD 3.42 | USD ~2.95 | USD ~3.85 | USD ~3.95 | USD ~3.25 | USD ~2.50 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated motor-control PWM block (vs PIC18F1220-I/SS)
- Three on-chip analog comparators for current sensing (vs PIC18F14K22-I/SO)
- Industrial temperature grade (-40 C to +85 C) factory calibration (vs PIC18F1230-I/P (PDIP-18))
Design Notes
Estimated: Power dissipation for a typical motor-control loop executing at 40 MHz is approximately 11 mA active at 5 V (55 mW). For battery-powered designs, drop the CPU to 4 MHz (1 MIPS/MHz) and use nanoWatt sleep mode between commutation cycles. Place a 10 uF tantalum or ceramic + 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 7) and a parallel 0.1 uF on VSS (pin 8) to suppress switching noise from the on-chip motor-control PWM.
At industrial temperature range -40 C to +85 C, the PIC18F1230-I/SO dissipates well under 100 mW in typical motor-control applications, so no heatsink is needed. Verify junction temperature using the theta_JA value in the datasheet (estimated 60 C/W for SOIC-18) and the maximum ambient temperature of your enclosure. For high-ambient (>60 C) industrial cabinets, derate ambient by 10 C or migrate to the PIC18F1230-E/SO extended-grade variant rated to +125 C.
The 18-pin SOIC (0.295" / 7.50 mm) footprint allows hand-soldering and standard reflow profiles up to 260 C peak. Place the decoupling capacitor pair within 3 mm of VDD/VSS pins. Route the PWM outputs (RC0/RC1/RC2) and comparator outputs (RC3/RC4/RC5) with short, parallel traces to the gate-driver or sense resistors to minimize switching noise coupling into the analog ADC inputs. Keep the crystal traces (OSC1/OSC2) short and guard them with a ground ring if you use an external crystal instead of the internal 8 MHz oscillator.
Do not leave MCLR floating - tie it through a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and add a 100 nF capacitor to ground for noise immunity. The PIC18F1230-I/SO has NO on-chip data EEPROM in the verified public datasheets that match this part - confirm with the latest Microchip datasheet before relying on EEPROM write routines. The internal 8 MHz oscillator is adequate for LIN but for UART baud-rate accuracy above 0.5 %, switch to an external crystal or resonator. Analog comparator inputs share I/O pins with ADC channels - configure ANSEL before enabling comparators to avoid pin-mode conflicts.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not explicitly listed in the verified web data. PIC18F1230 is generally available in lead-free SOIC packaging per Microchip's standard product offering, but RoHS, REACH, and halogen-free status should be confirmed against the lot-specific manufacturer declaration before production. AEC-Q100 is not applicable - this part is industrial-grade, not automotive-qualified; for AEC-Q100 LIN applications consider PIC18F25K80 or PIC18F46K80.
