PIC18F14K50T-I/SS - 8-bit 48MHz USB MCU 16KB Flash SSOP-20
MPN: PIC18F14K50T-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.84 | $3.84 |
| 10 | $3.45 | $34.50 |
| 100 | $2.98 | $298.00 |
| 500 | $2.65 | $1,325.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.34 | $2,340.00 |
PIC18F14K50T-I/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer-on-a-chip that integrates a CPU, program memory, data memory, and peripherals into a single device. The PIC18 architecture from Microchip uses an enhanced Harvard RISC core with a 16-bit instruction word, optimized for deterministic interrupt response and low-power embedded applications. Microcontrollers sit within the embedded computing hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC.
Key features include a Full-Speed USB 2.0 (12 Mbps) Serial Interface Engine (SIE) with on-chip transceiver, 15 digital I/O pins, a 10-bit ADC with up to 11 channels, nanoWatt XLP extreme-low-power technology for battery applications, an internal 48 MHz oscillator, and two analog comparators. The XLP technology enables sleep currents below 50 nA in real-world designs.
The PIC18F14K50 uses a 16-bit modified Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing simultaneous instruction fetch and operand access. Hardware multiplier and 31-level hardware stack support C-friendly compilation, while the nanoWatt XLP technology enables ultra-low standby current. The integrated USB SIE eliminates external transceiver chips, reducing BOM cost and PCB area for USB device applications.
Typical applications include USB human-interface devices (HID) such as keyboards and mice, USB-to-serial bridges, low-cost USB sensor nodes, battery-powered data loggers, and consumer electronics with USB connectivity. The integrated USB and small 20-pin SSOP footprint make this MCU ideal for space-constrained USB peripherals.
When designing with this device, ensure the USB DP/DM lines are routed as a 90-ohm differential pair and that VUSB is properly decoupled with a 1uF capacitor. The internal 48 MHz PLL requires a stable HFINTOSC source before USB enumeration can occur.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-brand and cross-brand drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F14K50T-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 PIC18F14K50T-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, Program Memory (Flash), USB Interface, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F14K50-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F14K50-I/MQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F13K50T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F13K50-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F14K50T-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 (8-bit enhanced Harvard RISC) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| Data SRAM | 768 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 15 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 11 channels |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps) SIE with on-chip transceiver |
| Timers | 4 (Timer0/1/2/3) |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (0.209 inch / 5.30 mm body width) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F14K50T-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | Vdd — Positive power supply input |
| Pin 2 | OSC1/RA5 — External oscillator input / GPIO RA5 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — GPIO RA4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — GPIO RA3 / ADC input 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 5 | RC5/AN5/CCP1 — GPIO RC5 / ADC input 5 / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 6 | RC4/AN4 — GPIO RC4 / ADC input 4 |
| Pin 7 | RC3/AN7 — GPIO RC3 / ADC input 7 |
| Pin 8 | RC2/AN6 — GPIO RC2 / ADC input 6 |
| Pin 9 | RC1/AN2 — GPIO RC1 / ADC input 2 |
| Pin 10 | RC0/AN1 — GPIO RC0 / ADC input 1 |
| Pin 11 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 12 | RB7/AN11 — GPIO RB7 / ADC input 11 |
| Pin 13 | RB6/AN10 — GPIO RB6 / ADC input 10 |
| Pin 14 | D+/RB5 — USB D+ differential data line / GPIO RB5 |
| Pin 15 | D-/RB4 — USB D- differential data line / GPIO RB4 |
| Pin 16 | VUSB — USB transceiver supply (3.3V LDO output or external 3.3V) |
| Pin 17 | RB3/AN9 — GPIO RB3 / ADC input 9 |
| Pin 18 | RB2/AN8 — GPIO RB2 / ADC input 8 |
| Pin 19 | RB1/AN12 — GPIO RB1 / ADC input 12 |
| Pin 20 | Vss — Ground reference (secondary) |
Typical Applications
PIC18F14K50T-I/SS is suitable for 7 applications: USB HID Input Devices, USB-to-Serial Bridge / CDC Device, Battery-Powered Data Logger, USB Sensor Interface Module, Consumer Electronics USB Port, USB Firmware Development Platform, USB Bootloader / Programming Dongle.
USB HID Input Devices
The PIC18F14K50T-I/SS is purpose-built for USB HID peripherals such as keyboards, mice, gamepads, and custom input controllers. Its integrated Full-Speed USB 2.0 SIE supports interrupt transfers natively, the on-chip transceiver eliminates external PHY components, and the 48 MHz CPU executes HID class drivers from Microchip's free USB stack without performance issues. With 15 I/O pins it directly supports matrix-scanned keyboards up to 8x8 plus indicator LEDs. Unlike discrete USB solutions requiring an external MCU plus a USB interface chip, this single-chip design saves BOM cost and PCB area, while the SSOP-20 package suits compact consumer peripherals.
Recommended
USB-to-Serial Bridge / CDC Device
The PIC18F14K50T-I/SS serves as a cost-effective USB-to-UART converter using the CDC (Communications Device Class) profile, emulating a virtual COM port without any host-side driver installation on modern operating systems. Its 48 MHz CPU handles baud rates up to 921600 reliably, and the 15 I/O pins expose both a hardware UART and extra GPIOs for flow-control signals like RTS/CTS. Compared to dedicated bridge chips such as FT232, the PIC18F14K50 offers reprogrammability for custom protocols. The 16 KB Flash accommodates the CDC stack plus user-defined command extensions, and the SSOP-20 footprint integrates into compact adapter dongles.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Data Logger
The PIC18F14K50T-I/SS enables ultra-low-power USB-attached data loggers thanks to nanoWatt XLP technology delivering sleep currents below 50 nA. The 10-bit ADC with up to 11 channels captures analog sensor data, 256 bytes of EEPROM stores calibration parameters across power cycles, and the integrated USB SIE wakes the device when plugged in for data download. Unlike higher-power ARM Cortex MCUs that may consume several mA in sleep, the PIC18F14K50 extends coin-cell battery life to multi-year timescales, making it ideal for cold-chain temperature loggers, environmental monitors, and remote sensor nodes requiring periodic USB readout.
Recommended
USB Sensor Interface Module
The PIC18F14K50T-I/SS acts as a USB host-to-sensor bridge for laboratory instruments, industrial sensors, and educational USB modules. Its 48 MHz CPU samples sensors via the 10-bit ADC at up to 100 ksps, the integrated USB Full-Speed SIE streams real-time data to a PC at 12 Mbps with isochronous or bulk transfer modes, and the SSOP-20 small footprint fits into handheld probe housings. Compared to using an external ADC plus a separate USB controller, this single-chip approach reduces component count to a single IC plus a few passives, dramatically simplifying CE/FCC EMC compliance in mixed-signal measurement products.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics USB Port
The PIC18F14K50T-I/SS adds USB connectivity to consumer products such as toys, decorative lighting, audio controllers, and small appliances. Its Full-Speed USB SIE enumerates as a vendor-class or HID device for proprietary control protocols, the 15 I/O pins drive LEDs, buttons, and small actuators directly without driver transistors, and the SSOP-20 fits into tight enclosure cavities. The 16 KB Flash stores USB descriptors plus application logic, while the 2 comparators support touch-button sensing without dedicated ICs. This part replaces older non-USB PIC16 designs when migrating to USB-capable firmware stacks.
Recommended
USB Firmware Development Platform
The PIC18F14K50T-I/SS is widely used as a low-cost USB firmware development and educational platform, supported by Microchip's free MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler, and the open-source Microchip USB Framework including HID, CDC, MSD, and vendor class examples. The 20-pin SSOP variant accepts 0.65 mm pitch headers for breadboarding, while 16 KB Flash accommodates full USB stacks plus application code. Compared to ARM-based development boards, this PIC part offers a lower learning curve for beginners and a simpler toolchain with no licensing fees for the XC8 compiler in free mode.
Recommended
USB Bootloader / Programming Dongle
The PIC18F14K50T-I/SS serves as a USB bootloader dongle for in-system programming of other PIC microcontrollers, exposing ICSP over USB to a host PC. The integrated USB SIE plus UART and SPI peripherals provide the host-side communication channels, while 16 KB Flash stores both the bootloader and the protocol handler. The 15 I/O pins map directly to ICSP signals (PGM, PGC, PGD, Vpp) plus status LEDs. Unlike parallel-port based legacy programmers, this USB approach works on all modern PCs without driver compatibility issues.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F14K50T-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F14K50-I/SS | PIC18F14K50-I/MQ | PIC18F13K50T-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin QFN - different footprint | 20-pin SSOP - same |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB |
| SRAM | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 768 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 Full-Speed SIE | USB 2.0 Full-Speed SIE | USB 2.0 Full-Speed SIE | USB 2.0 Full-Speed SIE |
| I/O Pins | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Packaging Form | Tape & Reel (T suffix) | Tube (no T) | Tube (MQ QFN) | Tape & Reel |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed SIE with on-chip transceiver (vs PIC18F13K50T-I/SS)
- Tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume assembly (vs PIC18F14K50-I/SS)
- nanoWatt XLP technology for battery applications (vs PIC18F14K50-I/MQ)
Design Notes
USB differential pair D+ (pin 14) and D- (pin 15) must be routed as a 90-ohm differential pair on the PCB. Keep the trace length under 50 mm, match lengths within 2 mm, and place a 90-ohm common-mode choke near the connector for EMI suppression. The VUSB pin (pin 16) requires a 1uF decoupling capacitor placed within 2 mm of the pin to stabilize the internal 3.3V USB regulator.
The PIC18F14K50 requires Vdd in the range 2.0V to 5.5V for core logic, but USB enumeration requires Vdd >= 4.5V or the VUSB pin to be supplied from an external 3.0-3.6V rail. When operating from a 3.3V supply only, VUSB must be driven externally. Decouple Vdd with 100nF plus 10uF bulk capacitor within 5 mm of the supply pin.
Do not enable the USB module before the 48 MHz PLL is stable, or the device will fail USB enumeration. The HFINTOSC must be selected and the PLL locked before setting the USBEN bit. Also ensure the CONFIG1L register has IESO disabled and FOSC set to the internal oscillator mode for USB-only designs that do not use an external crystal.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; this part is intended for commercial/industrial USB peripherals, not automotive. Halogen-free per Microchip material declaration.
