PIC18F13K50T-I/SS - 8-bit USB MCU, 48MHz, 8KB Flash, 20-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F13K50T-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.1 | $3.10 |
| 10 | $2.86 | $28.60 |
| 100 | $2.42 | $242.00 |
| 500 | $2.08 | $1,040.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.78 | $1,780.00 |
PIC18F13K50T-I/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, data memory, and peripheral interfaces such as ADC, timers, and communication blocks. Within the Microchip taxonomy, this part belongs to the PIC18 family (8-bit Harvard-architecture RISC core), then the PIC XLP 18K sub-family (eXtreme Low Power), then the USB-capable line, then the power-management IC hierarchy of embedded computing. The PIC18F13K50T-I/SS combines that MCU role with an on-board USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver that auto-negotiates clock and power on VBUS attach.
Key features include a 10-bit ADC with multiple channels, four timers, two comparators, a 256-byte data EEPROM, brown-out reset (BOR), power-on reset (POR), watchdog timer (WDT), PWM modules, and 15 I/O lines. The XLP variant adds nanoWatt sleep modes useful for USB-suspended battery-powered nodes.
Architecturally, the part uses a CMOS PIC18 Harvard core with separate program and data buses, plus an internal USB transceiver that frees the board from an external PHY. The 8KB Flash supports self-programming, and the on-chip 3.3V regulator can power internal logic from a 5V VBUS rail when USB is attached.
Typical applications include USB HID peripherals (keyboards, mice, custom HID), USB-to-UART bridges, USB sensor dongles, low-cost data loggers, and USB firmware-bootloader targets. Designers use it when board area and BOM cost matter more than compute throughput.
When laying out this part, keep the VBUS, D+, D-, and regulated 3V3 traces short and follow USB impedance guidelines. The SSOP exposed thermal pad route is unused; ensure the SSOP footprint accommodates the 0.65mm pitch cleanly.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives, and practical PCB/USB design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F13K50T-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 PIC18F13K50T-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Program Memory (Flash), USB Interface, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F13K50T-I/MD
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F14K50T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.34 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF13K50T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F13K50-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F14K50-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F13K50T-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 8-bit Harvard RISC |
| Family | PIC XLP 18K |
| CPU Speed | 48 MHz (12 MIPS) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 8 KB (4K x 16) |
| Data SRAM | 512 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 15 |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps), on-chip transceiver |
| ADC | 10-bit, multiple channels |
| Timers | 4 |
| Comparators | 2 |
| PWM Channels | Yes (peripherals include PWM) |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (0.209 in / 5.3 mm body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F13K50T-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / analog input / ADC voltage reference positive |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA5/MCLR/VPP — Digital I/O / Master Clear (reset) / programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Digital I/O / analog input / ADC voltage reference negative |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RB7/ICCDAT/ICSPDAT — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 10 | RB6/ICCCLK/ICSPCLK — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 11 | RB5/AN11 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 12 | RB4/AN10 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 13 | RC2/AN8/P1D — Digital I/O / analog input / PWM output |
| Pin 14 | RC3/AN9/P1C — Digital I/O / analog input / PWM output |
| Pin 15 | RC4/AN6 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 16 | RC5/AN7 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 17 | RC6/AN12 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 18 | RC7/AN13 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 19 | D- — USB data minus |
| Pin 20 | D+ — USB data plus |
Typical Applications
PIC18F13K50T-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Peripheral (Keyboard, Mouse, Custom HID), USB-to-UART Bridge / CDC Virtual COM Port, USB Sensor Dongle / Data Logger, Low-Cost USB Firmware Bootloader Target, USB Consumer / Gaming Peripheral, Industrial USB Sensor Interface Module.
USB HID Peripheral (Keyboard, Mouse, Custom HID)
The PIC18F13K50T-I/SS is a natural fit for USB HID devices: its integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver eliminates an external PHY, and 8KB of Flash comfortably fits HID bootloaders plus descriptor tables. The 15 GPIO pins are sufficient for a matrix-scanned keyboard or multi-button mouse, and the on-chip 3.3V regulator powers internal logic from a 5V VBUS rail. Designers typically run the part at 48MHz to satisfy USB full-speed timing, achieving 12 MIPS of CPU throughput for HID report generation. Lower-cost variants without USB require a discrete FTDI-equivalent bridge.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge / CDC Virtual COM Port
The PIC18F13K50T-I/SS serves as a CDC virtual COM-port bridge, replacing dedicated USB-UART ICs like the MCP2200 or FT232R with a programmable MCU. Engineers embed the CDC class firmware in 8KB Flash, expose a UART on the GPIO pins, and benefit from the XLP nanoWatt sleep modes for suspend-state current reduction. The 10-bit ADC and PWM outputs on remaining GPIOs let the same chip also read sensor data and drive indicators, all while presenting as a COM port to the host PC at 12 Mbps full-speed USB.
Recommended
USB Sensor Dongle / Data Logger
Plug-in sensor dongles and portable data loggers use the PIC18F13K50T-I/SS to combine USB connectivity, ADC sampling, and EEPROM-backed configuration storage in one 20-SSOP chip. The 10-bit ADC samples at up to ~100 ksps, sufficient for temperature, light, or analog sensor front-ends, while 256 bytes of EEPROM store calibration constants. The XLP sleep modes drop quiescent current to microamp levels between USB-suspended samples, extending battery life in field-deployed loggers that periodically attach to USB for data offload.
Recommended
Low-Cost USB Firmware Bootloader Target
The PIC18F13K50T-I/SS's Flash self-programming capability and on-chip USB make it an excellent target for USB-based bootloader development. A small bootloader in protected Flash can reflash the application region over USB HID or CDC, eliminating the need for an ICSP programmer in the field. The 8KB Flash is split between bootloader (~2KB) and application (~6KB), and the integrated USB transceiver means no external bridge IC is required, lowering total BOM cost for updatable USB products.
Recommended
USB Consumer / Gaming Peripheral
Custom USB game controllers, presentation clickers, and consumer HID devices leverage the PIC18F13K50T-I/SS's small SSOP-20 footprint, integrated USB, and low BOM cost. The 4 timers drive PWM outputs for rumble motors and RGB LEDs, while the 15 GPIOs handle button matrix scanning. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) supports consumer-environment thermal requirements, and the 1.8V minimum supply enables coin-cell or Li-Ion designs that wake via USB attach.
Recommended
Industrial USB Sensor Interface Module
Industrial-grade USB sensor modules use the PIC18F13K50T-I/SS to provide a rugged, programmable USB interface for factory automation and laboratory equipment. The 1.8V to 5.5V supply range accepts 24V-buck-derived 3.3V or 5V rails, and the industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade suits cabinet-mounted installations. On-chip comparators support analog threshold detection while the USB port delivers data to a host PC for SCADA or logging applications, with optional 256B EEPROM storing module identity and calibration constants.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F13K50T-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F14K50T-I/SS | PIC18F13K50-I/SS | PIC18LF13K50T-I/SS | PIC18F14K50-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same |
| Flash Memory | 8 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB |
| SRAM | 512 B | 768 B | 512 B | 512 B | 768 B |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| USB Transceiver | Yes (FS 12 Mbps) | Yes (FS 12 Mbps) | Yes (FS 12 Mbps) | Yes (FS 12 Mbps) | Yes (FS 12 Mbps) |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tube |
| CPU Speed | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver in 20-SSOP (vs PIC18F14K50T-I/SS)
- Wide 1.8V to 5.5V operating voltage (vs PIC18LF13K50T-I/SS)
- Tape & Reel packaging for production (vs PIC18F13K50-I/SS)
Design Notes
USB differential pair routing is critical: keep D+ (pin 20) and D- (pin 19) traces at 90 ohm differential impedance, matched in length within 2mm, and free of stubs. Place the VBUS decoupling capacitor (typically 4.7uF) close to the VDD pin (pin 7) and add a 0.1uF ceramic in parallel for high-frequency noise. Avoid routing USB signals near clock sources or switching regulators to minimize EMI.
The PIC18F13K50T-I/SS contains an internal 3.3V regulator that can power core logic from a 5V VBUS rail, but this regulator cannot source external loads. If your design needs a 3.3V rail for other ICs, add an external LDO; do not draw from the internal regulator. Bulk-decouple VDD with at least 1uF and place a 0.1uF ceramic within 3mm of the pin for proper USB suspend/resume behavior.
A common mistake is forgetting to configure the CONFIG registers for the USB clock source (typically the 48MHz PLL from the internal HFINTOSC). Without proper CONFIG settings, USB enumeration will fail. Additionally, ensure the MCLR pin (pin 5) has a 10kohm pull-up to VDD; floating MCLR causes erratic resets during USB attach events. Do not leave ICSPDAT/ICSPCLK floating during normal operation - they can source noise into adjacent analog channels.
Estimated: at 48MHz clock with full USB activity and all 15 GPIOs toggling, the PIC18F13K50T-I/SS draws approximately 10-15 mA from VDD, dissipating 18-83 mW at 5.5V. The SSOP-20 package has a theta_JA of approximately 90 C/W, yielding a junction temperature rise of only 1.6-7.5 C above ambient - well within the 125 C maximum. No thermal management is needed for typical USB HID/CDC workloads.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page and DigiKey listing. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C). Not AEC-Q100 qualified (consumer/industrial use, not automotive).
