PIC18F23K20-E/SO - 8KB Flash 8-bit MCU 48MHz 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F23K20-E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.41 | $3.41 |
| 10 | $2.98 | $29.80 |
| 100 | $2.46 | $246.00 |
| 500 | $2.18 | $1,090.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.94 | $1,940.00 |
PIC18F23K20-E/SO Overview
Key features include the PIC18 high-performance RISC architecture (200ns instruction execution, up to 16 MIPS), 25 digital I/O pins, and an extended operating voltage range supporting both 1.8V-3.6V (F-variant low-voltage) and the standard 2.0V-5.5V range. The 'E' suffix denotes the extended temperature grade of -40C to +125C, making the device suitable for industrial and harsh-environment deployments. The integrated nanoWatt XLP technology offers sleep currents as low as sub-1µA depending on mode.
Architecturally, the PIC18F23K20 family uses an enhanced flash-based Harvard architecture with a hardware multiplier, 32-level deep hardware stack, and 31 interrupt sources. The MSSP peripheral supports both SPI and I2C (Master/Slave), while the enhanced USART provides hardware LIN support. The 10-bit ADC with internal bandgap reference and 14-channel mux enables mixed-signal sensing, eliminating an external ADC IC in many designs.
Typical applications include low-power sensor nodes, industrial control modules, automotive body controllers, USB/HID peripherals, and battery-powered IoT edge devices. The combination of XLP modes, multiple PWMs (3 CCP/ECCP modules), and a rich peripheral set allows single-chip implementation of brushed DC motor drivers, smart thermostats, and remote controls.
When designing with this MCU, ensure decoupling with 100nF and 10µF bulk caps on VDD/AVDD, leave the MCLR pin pulled up through a resistor unless configured as a digital input, and respect the in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) trace lengths if board space allows. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F23K20-E/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 PIC18F23K20-E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Timers, ADC, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F24K20-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F25K20-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F23K20-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF23K20-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F2321-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F2221-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F23K20-E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory | 8 KB (4K x 16) Flash |
| Data RAM | 768 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 48 MHz (up to 16 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 14 channels |
| Timers | 4 (Timer0/1/2/3) |
| PWM Modules | 3 CCP/ECCP |
| Communication | 1x EUSART, 1x MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended, 'E' grade) |
| Package | 28-SOIC (SO) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Low-Power Tech | nanoWatt XLP |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Yes / Compliant (per Mouser listing) |
PIC18F23K20-E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP/RE3 — Master Clear reset (active low) / Programming voltage / Port E bit 3 |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Port A bit 2 / Analog input 2 / ADC negative reference |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Port A bit 3 / Analog input 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI/C1OUT — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input / Comparator 1 output |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS/HLVDIN/C2OUT — Port A bit 5 / Analog input 4 / SPI Slave Select / HLVD input / Comparator 2 output |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Crystal oscillator input / External clock input / Port A bit 7 |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Crystal oscillator output / Clock output / Port A bit 6 |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Port C bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Port C bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 PWM output |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Port C bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Port C bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — Port C bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — Port C bit 6 / EUSART TX / EUSART clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — Port C bit 7 / EUSART RX / EUSART data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT0/FLT0/AN12 — Port B bit 0 / External interrupt 0 / PWM fault input / Analog input 12 |
| Pin 22 | RB1/INT1/AN10 — Port B bit 1 / External interrupt 1 / Analog input 10 |
| Pin 23 | RB2/INT2/AN8 — Port B bit 2 / External interrupt 2 / Analog input 8 |
| Pin 24 | RB3/AN9/CCP2 — Port B bit 3 / Analog input 9 / CCP2 PWM output |
| Pin 25 | RB4/KBI0/AN11 — Port B bit 4 / Keyboard interrupt 0 / Analog input 11 |
| Pin 26 | RB5/KBI1/PGM — Port B bit 5 / Keyboard interrupt 1 / LVP programming |
| Pin 27 | RB6/KBI2/PGC — Port B bit 6 / Keyboard interrupt 2 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/KBI3/PGD — Port B bit 7 / Keyboard interrupt 3 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC18F23K20-E/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Industrial Sensor & Actuator Modules, Automotive Body & Comfort Controllers, USB HID Peripherals (Keyboards, Mice, Custom HID), Brushed DC Motor & Fan Controllers, Smart Thermostats & HVAC Controls, Remote Controls & Consumer IR/RF Devices.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC18F23K20-E/SO is purpose-built for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes thanks to its nanoWatt XLP technology, which delivers sleep currents below 1µA in deep-sleep modes. Its 48 MHz 8-bit core provides ample throughput to wake, sample the 10-bit ADC across 14 channels, perform local averaging, and transmit via the integrated EUSART or MSSP peripheral, all within 8 KB of Flash. The wide 2.0-5.5V supply supports 3.3V coin-cell or 3.7V Li-ion chemistries directly without an LDO. Designers pair it with sub-GHz radio modules (e.g., SX1276) for LoRaWAN nodes. Trade-off: 8-bit core limits on-chip DSP, but for periodic-sensing applications it offers best-in-class active-vs-sleep current ratios.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor & Actuator Modules
For industrial sensor and actuator modules requiring robust -40C to +125C operation, the PIC18F23K20-E/SO 'E' extended grade is well suited. Its 10-bit ADC with 14 input channels handles multiple analog sensor inputs (temperature, pressure, flow) without external multiplexers. The 3 CCP/ECCP PWM modules drive brushed DC motors, solenoids, or LED dimming directly. The EUSART and MSSP support RS-485 transceivers and I2C sensor ICs, enabling multi-protocol sensor hubs. The 768-byte RAM is adequate for protocol stacks like Modbus RTU or simple CAN-style messaging when paired with an external transceiver.
Recommended
Automotive Body & Comfort Controllers
In automotive body controllers (window regulators, mirror adjusters, interior lighting), the PIC18F23K20-E/SO provides a cost-optimized 8-bit solution with automotive-grade temperature tolerance. Its PWM modules drive LED lighting with hardware fade control, while the ADC reads potentiometer inputs for mirror and seat positioning. The MSSP peripheral interfaces with I2C sensors for ambient light or rain detection. The 'E' extended temperature range handles under-dash thermal environments. For safety-critical ECUs, migrate to PIC18F-K42 with CAN-FD; for non-safety body controllers, PIC18F23K20 remains a proven, low-cost workhorse.
Recommended
USB HID Peripherals (Keyboards, Mice, Custom HID)
With the addition of an external USB-UART bridge (e.g., MCP2200 or CP2102N), the PIC18F23K20-E/SO acts as the firmware brain in USB HID peripherals. Its 8 KB Flash comfortably holds HID descriptors, debounce logic, and feature reports for keyboards, mice, game controllers, or custom HID devices. The 10-bit ADC reads analog joystick or potentiometer inputs; the PWM modules control RGB lighting via external MOSFETs. The EUSART provides a debug channel during firmware development. Migration to PIC18F14K50 (built-in USB) eliminates the bridge IC for simpler BOMs in high-volume designs.
Recommended
Brushed DC Motor & Fan Controllers
The PIC18F23K20-E/SO drives small brushed DC motors and fans using its ECCP module with hardware PWM and complementary output support. Closed-loop RPM control is achieved by reading a Hall sensor or back-EMF through the ADC and adjusting PWM duty via PID firmware. The 48 MHz instruction rate handles 10 kHz PWM frequencies with minimal CPU overhead. Current sensing via the ADC provides overcurrent protection. The nanoWatt XLP modes enable standby power well under 1 mW when the motor is idle, critical for Energy Star compliance in appliances.
Recommended
Smart Thermostats & HVAC Controls
Smart thermostats and HVAC zone controllers leverage the PIC18F23K20-E/SO for temperature sensing, user-interface handling, and actuator control. The 10-bit ADC reads thermistor or analog temperature sensors (e.g., MCP9700) across multiple zones. The PWM modules drive TRIAC-controlled heating elements or 0-10V lighting dimmers. The MSSP I2C bus interfaces with EEPROM for setpoint storage and with OLED displays. The XLP sleep mode enables multi-year battery life in wireless room sensors that wake periodically to report temperature and humidity. For color TFT displays, consider PIC18F46K22 for more Flash.
Recommended
Remote Controls & Consumer IR/RF Devices
Universal remote controls, RF key fobs, and consumer IR devices use the PIC18F23K20-E/SO for its low cost, low sleep current, and robust peripheral set. The CCP module generates 38 kHz carrier for IR transmission with precise timing. The EUSART interfaces with sub-GHz RF transceivers for key-fob applications. The XLP deep-sleep mode extends battery life to >5 years on a single CR2032 coin cell. The 25 I/O pins handle large key matrices (e.g., 5x5) for TV remote controls without external matrix ICs, reducing BOM cost in high-volume consumer products.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F23K20-E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F24K20-I/SO | PIC18F25K20-I/SO | PIC18F23K20-I/SO | PIC18LF23K20-I/SO | PIC18F2321-E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC (SO) | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 8 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB | 8 KB (same) | 8 KB (same) | 8 KB (same) |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 48 MHz (16 MIPS) | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 2.0V to 5.5V |
| nanoWatt XLP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (legacy nanoWatt) |
| ADC | 10-bit, 14 channels | 10-bit, 14 channels | 10-bit, 14 channels | 10-bit, 14 channels | 10-bit, 14 channels | 10-bit, 10 channels |
| Lifecycle Status | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active (legacy family) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) (vs PIC18F23K20-I/SO)
- nanoWatt XLP with deep sleep sub-µA current (vs PIC18F2321-E/SO)
- Higher instruction throughput (16 MIPS vs 10 MIPS) (vs PIC18F2321-E/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: PIC18F23K20-E/SO quiescent current in Sleep mode with WDT disabled is below 100 nA typical, but enabling peripherals like ADC or BOR raises this. For ultra-low-power designs, disable unused peripherals via PMD registers before entering Sleep, and use the internal LFINTOSC for WDT. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor on VDD (pin 20) within 5 mm of the pin, plus a 10 µF bulk cap on the supply rail. Estimated typical active current at 48 MHz, 3.3V is approximately 10 mA.
The 28-SOIC package is 1.27 mm pitch; route signals on inner layers or use the top layer for power and ground pours. Keep the ICSP programming pins (RB6/PGC, RB7/PGD) accessible with test points or a 2x3 header for in-circuit programming. The MCLR pin (pin 1) requires a 10 kΩ pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF capacitor to ground for proper reset; do not leave MCLR floating. Place the crystal oscillator (or resonator) within 5 mm of OSC1/OSC2 and guard with a ground ring to reduce EMI.
Common pitfalls: (1) Failing to disable the MCLR function in CONFIG words when using RE3 as a digital input results in unexpected resets. (2) Using LFINTOSC (31 kHz) for ADC acquisition violates the minimum ADC clock spec; use FOSC/16 or slower derived from HFINTOSC. (3) Neglecting to clear the ADC interrupt flag before re-enabling causes a single spurious conversion. (4) Configuring MSSP in SPI mode while leaving SDA/SCL as analog inputs (default after POR) yields bus contention - always set TRIS bits before enabling SPI. (5) Exceeding the absolute maximum VDD of 7.0V during ICSP programming latches the device permanently.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliant per Mouser listing. AEC-Q100 qualification not explicitly listed; PIC18F23K20 family is general-purpose industrial. For automotive-qualified alternatives in same family, contact Microchip for PIC18F-K42 AEC-Q100 variants.
