PIC18F1230T-I/SS - 8-bit 40MHz MCU, 4KB Flash | Microchip | SSOP-20
MPN: PIC18F1230T-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.56 | $25.60 |
| 100 | $2.27 | $227.00 |
| 500 | $2.04 | $1,020.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.82 | $1,820.00 |
PIC18F1230T-I/SS Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller is a low-power, deterministic RISC processor core designed for embedded control. It sits in a hierarchy of MCU (microcontroller) -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC18 family -> Microchip MCU portfolio -> semiconductor. The PIC18F family adds enhanced instructions, hardware multiply, and C-friendly addressing over the PIC16 baseline, while retaining byte-level predictability required for real-time control loops.
Key features include a 3-channel 10-bit ADC with up to 6 analog inputs depending on package, 2 16-bit timers, 1 enhanced USART, 3 analog comparators, a 3-channel motor-control PWM (Power Control PWM) module, and an internal 8 MHz oscillator with PLL for the 40 MHz system clock. The on-chip nanoWatt Technology provides multiple idle and sleep modes that drop active current into the microampere range, making the device suitable for line-powered and always-on control nodes.
Architecturally, the PIC18F1230 combines a Harvard bus with a 16-bit instruction word fetched as 2 bytes from flash, an 8-bit data path, and dedicated motor-control peripherals that offload PWM generation and complementary drive from the CPU. The Power Control PWM module supports independent time bases, dead-band control, and fault inputs, which is uncommon at this pin count and price point.
Typical applications include single-phase BLDC and DC motor control for small appliances and fans, sensor signal conditioning with on-chip comparators, low-cost HVAC damper/valve actuators, and LIN-bus automotive body electronics using the integrated USART and the 8 MHz internal oscillator. The 20-SSOP footprint also fits into compact sensor interfaces and 5V industrial control nodes.
When designing, note that the internal oscillator accuracy of +/- 1 to +/- 2 percent is acceptable for UART comms at low baud rates but external crystal or resonator may be required for CAN or high-speed LIN. The SSOP-20 thermal envelope is generous at 5V industrial currents, but brown-out reset configuration (BOR) must be enabled in configuration words for safety-critical motor control.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone Microchip datasheet 39758D.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F1230T-I/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 PIC18F1230T-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Mounting Type, Operating Temperature, PWM Module, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F1230-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F1230-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F1330-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F1230T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F1220-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F1230T-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 8-bit RISC, Harvard |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 4 KB (2K x 16) |
| SRAM | 256 bytes |
| Data EEPROM/HEF | 128 bytes |
| CPU Speed | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| ADC | 10-bit, 3 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 16-bit |
| Communication Peripherals | 1 x EUSART (LIN-capable) |
| Analog Comparators | 3 |
| PWM Module | 3-channel Power Control PWM with dead-band and fault input |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz with PLL (4x) to 32 MHz system, PLL enable for 40 MHz |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body, 208 mil) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (Tape & Reel, 'T' suffix) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F1230T-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+/PWM0 — GPIO/analog input/comparator input/PWM channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1/C1IN-/PWM1 — GPIO/analog input/comparator input/PWM channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/VREF-/C2IN+/PWM2 — GPIO/analog input/VREF-/comparator input/PWM channel 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF+/C1IN1- — GPIO/analog input/VREF+/comparator input |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4/C2IN1- — GPIO/analog input/comparator input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5/C2IN1+/HLVDIN — GPIO/analog input/comparator input/HLVD input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Crystal/clock input or GPIO |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Crystal output or GPIO |
| Pin 10 | RC0/PWMFLT0 — GPIO/PWM fault input |
| Pin 11 | RC1/PWMFLT1 — GPIO/PWM fault input |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — GPIO/Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL — GPIO/SPI clock/I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA — GPIO/SPI data in/I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO — GPIO/SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK — GPIO/EUSART TX/clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — GPIO/EUSART RX/data |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | MCLR/VPP/RE3 — Master clear reset/programming voltage |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply 4.2V-5.5V |
Typical Applications
PIC18F1230T-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Single-Phase BLDC Fan Motor Drive, Small DC Brushed Motor Speed Control, LIN-Bus Automotive Body Electronics, HVAC Damper and Valve Actuators, Industrial 5V Sensor Signal Conditioner, LED Lighting Color/Brightness Controllers.
Single-Phase BLDC Fan Motor Drive
The PIC18F1230T-I/SS drives 12 V to 24 V single-phase BLDC fans via its 3-channel Power Control PWM (PCPWM) module with programmable dead-band and fault shutdown, eliminating external PWM controllers. The 3 on-chip analog comparators provide hardware overcurrent and back-EMF zero-crossing detection at zero CPU overhead, while the 10 MIPS core handles the closed-loop speed PI in firmware. Compared with discrete 555-based fan drives, the PIC18F1230 cuts BOM by 30 to 40 percent and adds serial commandability through EUSART for smart-fan telemetry.
Recommended
Small DC Brushed Motor Speed Control
For 5 V to 24 V DC brushed motors in appliances and toys, the PIC18F1230T-I/SS uses the PCPWM with complementary outputs and dead-band to drive a half-bridge or full H-bridge, with one analog comparator monitoring current via a shunt resistor for closed-loop torque limiting. The 4.2 V to 5.5 V supply range matches the 5 V industrial rail directly, and the 256-byte SRAM accommodates small control loops without external memory. Drop-in upgrade path to PIC18F1330 is available if the application later needs 3-phase sensorless FOC.
Recommended
LIN-Bus Automotive Body Electronics
In automotive body modules such as mirror adjusters, seat controllers, and window lift nodes, the PIC18F1230T-I/SS handles LIN 1.3/2.0/2.1 communication via its integrated EUSART at baud rates up to 19.2 kbps with the internal 8 MHz oscillator calibrated to within +/- 1 percent. The 128-byte EEPROM stores node configuration and diagnostic trouble codes across power cycles, and the 10-bit ADC reads thermistor or potentiometer position feedback. For under-the-hood AEC-Q100 projects, the same firmware ports to PIC18F 'K' automotive-grade variants in matching SSOP-20 footprints.
Recommended
HVAC Damper and Valve Actuators
HVAC zone dampers and proportional valves require a low-power MCU with on-chip comparators and PWM - the PIC18F1230T-I/SS delivers both, with nanoWatt Technology idle currents under 1 microampere for battery-backed or trickle-powered installations. Its 3-channel Power Control PWM can position a 24 V actuator while the third comparator monitors end-stop current for jam detection. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade supports unconditioned plenum installations where commercial-grade parts would fail.
Recommended
Industrial 5V Sensor Signal Conditioner
The PIC18F1230T-I/SS conditions analog sensor inputs in industrial 4-20 mA loops, RTD bridges, and thermistor front-ends with its 10-bit ADC and 3 analog comparators. The EUSART outputs calibrated linearized data over RS-232 or RS-485 (with external transceiver) to a PLC. NanoWatt sleep modes extend battery life in remote wireless sensor nodes using the same SSOP-20 PCB as wired counterparts, enabling platform reuse across product variants.
Recommended
LED Lighting Color/Brightness Controllers
Architectural and stage LED drivers benefit from the PIC18F1230T-I/SS's 3-channel Power Control PWM to drive RGB channels with 10-bit resolution per channel, providing 30-bit color depth without an external LED controller IC. The internal 8 MHz oscillator with PLL produces flicker-free PWM at 40 MHz, and the EUSART accepts DMX-512 or proprietary serial commands. Industrial temperature grade supports outdoor installations; EEPROM stores scene presets across power cycles.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F1230T-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F1230-I/SS | PIC18F1230-I/P | PIC18F1330-I/SS | PIC18F1220-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-pin SSOP | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin DIP - different | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin SSOP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Flash | 4 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB | 8 KB | 4 KB |
| SRAM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| CPU Speed | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS |
| PWM Channels | 3 (Power Control PWM) | 3 (Power Control PWM) | 3 (Power Control PWM) | 3 (Power Control PWM) | 2 (standard CCP) |
| Analog Comparators | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 3 ch | 10-bit, 3 ch | 10-bit, 3 ch | 10-bit, 3 ch | 10-bit, 3 ch |
| Operating 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 |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Dedicated Power Control PWM with hardware dead-band and fault input (vs PIC18F1220-I/SS)
- 3 on-chip analog comparators for current/voltage sensing (vs PIC18F1220-I/SS)
- Drop-in upgrade path to 8 KB flash for sensorless FOC (vs PIC18F1330-I/SS)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD (pin 20) with a 100 nF X7R ceramic placed within 3 mm of the pin, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum polymer on the same rail. The PIC18F1230T-I/SS draws 12 to 17 mA active at 40 MHz / 5 V; the on-chip 8 MHz oscillator with PLL is the recommended clock source for low-EMI designs. Estimated: total 5 V rail budget including GPIO source current should reserve 30 mA per device headroom.
At 5 V operation the PIC18F1230T-I/SS dissipates roughly 70 mW worst case, so SSOP-20 thermal resistance of 90 C/W produces a 6.3 C rise above ambient - well within industrial limits. Estimated using theta_JA of 90 C/W from the SSOP-20 family. The exposed-pad variants (PIC18F1230T-I/ML in QFN) offer theta_JA near 30 C/W for tighter thermal envelopes in sealed enclosures.
Route the MCLR/VPP/RE3 pin to a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and place the ICSP programming header on the board edge for production programming. Keep the OSC1/OSC2 traces short (under 10 mm) and guard them with a ground pour to avoid coupling noise into the PLL. The Power Control PWM outputs (PWM0/PWM1/PWM2 on RA0/RA1/RA2) should fan out with matched trace lengths to the gate-driver inputs to avoid duty-cycle skew.
Do not assume the internal 8 MHz oscillator is accurate enough for EUSART comms above 38.4 kbps without OSCTUNE calibration - factory trim is +/- 1 percent, drifting +/- 2 percent over temperature. Always enable the Brown-Out Reset (BOR) bit in CONFIG2L for motor-control safety; a brown-out event without reset can cause the Power Control PWM to enter an undefined state and drive the half-bridge shoot-through. The DATA EEPROM requires the EECON1 WREN bit to be set before each byte write - firmware omitting this silently fails.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip PIC18F1230 product page. Industrial temperature grade only; no AEC-Q100 variant in this SSOP-20 package. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip environmental certifications.
