PIC18F23K20-I/SS - 8KB Flash, 64MHz 8-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F23K20-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.95 | $2.95 |
| 10 | $2.66 | $26.60 |
| 100 | $2.21 | $221.00 |
| 500 | $1.92 | $960.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.65 | $1,650.00 |
PIC18F23K20-I/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, memory, and peripherals designed to read sensors, drive actuators, and run embedded firmware in standalone systems. PIC18 devices sit in the middle of Microchip's 8-bit portfolio: more capable than baseline PIC10/PIC12/PIC16 parts, but simpler than 16-bit dsPIC and 32-bit SAM devices. They run a RISC instruction set and are typically programmed in C or assembly using MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compilers, making them a workhorse for cost-sensitive and power-constrained designs.
Key features of the PIC18F23K20 include 8KB (4K x 16) Flash with self-programming, 256 bytes of EEPROM, a 10-bit ADC with 12 channels, four timers, two comparators, an enhanced USART, MSSP for SPI/I2C, and nanoWatt XLP power-saving modes that drop quiescent current into the microamp range. The -I/SS suffix designates the industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) in a 28-pin SSOP package, suitable for reflow soldering on standard surface-mount lines.
The internal architecture pairs a modified Harvard RISC core (16-bit instructions, 8-bit data) with an 8-channel hardware multiplier and C-optimized architecture. PLL clock multiplication from the 16 MHz HFINTOSC yields 64 MHz operation, while independent oscillator options support USB-friendly 48 MHz via 96 MHz PLL modes documented in the datasheet.
Typical applications include low-power sensor nodes, USB dongles, white goods and appliance controllers, automotive body electronics, industrial metering, and battery-backed instrumentation. The PIC18F23K20 is widely used as an upgrade target for legacy PIC16 designs needing more code space and peripheral integration.
When designing with this part, verify that the SSOP-28 land pattern is on your PCB - the same die is also offered in PDIP, SOIC, QFN, and SPDIP packages with different suffixes. For USB applications, choose the 48 MHz clock option carefully; for purely analog designs, take advantage of the dedicated 1.024V ADC reference.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F23K20-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 PIC18F23K20-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Timers, Program Memory (Flash), Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F23K20-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F25K20-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F24K20-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26K20-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F43K20-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F23K20-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Core | PIC18 RISC (modified Harvard) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 8 KB (4K x 16) |
| Data RAM | 768 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 3.3 V (K20 series, full-speed 1.8V-3.6V in some variants) |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 12 channels |
| Timers | 4 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2, Timer3) |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Communication | 1x Enhanced USART, 1x MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP (5.30 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP (ultra-low-power) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (Pb-free) |
| MSL Level | 1 |
PIC18F23K20-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / Analog input / ADC positive voltage reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI/C1OUT — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input / Comparator 1 output |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN4/SS/HLVDIN/C2OUT — Digital I/O / Analog input / SPI slave select / HLVD input / Comparator 2 output |
| Pin 5 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | RA7/OSC1/CLKI — Digital I/O / Oscillator input / Clock input |
| Pin 8 | RA6/OSC2/CLKO — Digital I/O / Oscillator output / Clock output |
| Pin 9 | RC0/SOSCO — Digital I/O / Secondary oscillator output |
| Pin 10 | RC1/SOSCI — Digital I/O / Secondary oscillator input |
| Pin 11 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / Capture/Compare/PWM channel 1 |
| Pin 12 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Digital I/O / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 13 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 14 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 15 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / USART transmit / USART clock |
| Pin 16 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / USART receive / USART data |
| Pin 17 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 18 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 19 | RB5/AN11/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Analog input / CCP2 |
| Pin 20 | RB4/AN10 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 10 |
| Pin 21 | RB3/AN9/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Analog input / CCP2 |
| Pin 22 | RB2/AN8/INT2 — Digital I/O / Analog input / External interrupt 2 |
| Pin 23 | RB1/AN7/INT1 — Digital I/O / Analog input / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 24 | RB0/AN6/INT0 — Digital I/O / Analog input / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 25 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 26 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 27 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 28 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 0 |
Typical Applications
PIC18F23K20-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Node, USB HID Peripheral Device, White Goods Appliance Controller, Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Metering and Data Acquisition, User Interface and HMI Controller.
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC18F23K20-I/SS fits low-power wireless sensor nodes with its nanoWatt XLP technology delivering under 100 nA sleep current at 1.8V, allowing coin-cell batteries (CR2032) to last 5-10 years in periodic wake-measure-transmit duty cycles. The 8 KB Flash supports modest Zigbee/BLE host or LoRa driver stacks; 768 B RAM handles short sensor buffers; the 12-channel 10-bit ADC reads multiple analog sensors directly. Compared to ARM Cortex-M0+ alternatives, the PIC18F23K20's lower active current at 1 MHz (~150 uA vs 300 uA typical) extends battery life in duty-cycled IoT applications.
Recommended
USB HID Peripheral Device
The PIC18F23K20-I/SS runs reliably as a low-speed USB device when clocked at 48 MHz via the internal PLL from a 12 MHz source. The 8 KB Flash accommodates standard HID class descriptors and application firmware; the Enhanced USART plus MSSP handles both USB and SPI/I2C peripherals to sensors or buttons. At 48 MHz/16 MIPS, USB polling jitter stays within spec for keyboard, mouse, and custom HID-class applications.
Recommended
White Goods Appliance Controller
The PIC18F23K20-I/SS drives relays, triacs, and sensor inputs in white goods such as washing machines, dishwashers, and ovens. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating handles the thermal envelope of consumer appliance enclosures. Four timers generate PWM for motor control or LED indicators; two comparators handle zero-crossing detection for triac dimming; 25 I/O pins connect to keypads, displays, and buzzer drivers.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC18F23K20-I/SS serves in non-safety automotive body modules such as interior lighting controllers, seat-position memory, and HVAC blend-door drivers. Its industrial -40C to +85C rating covers most cabin environments; for under-hood applications, Microchip recommends PIC18F variants with -E (extended) grade or PIC18F-Q100 automotive AEC-Q100 qualified parts. The 10-bit ADC reads multiple thermistor inputs for HVAC feedback; PWM outputs drive small BLDC or stepper motors.
Recommended
Industrial Metering and Data Acquisition
The PIC18F23K20-I/SS captures and processes analog signals in industrial metering, RTU, and SCADA sensor modules. Its 12-channel 10-bit ADC (100 Ksps) digitizes transducer outputs from pressure, flow, and temperature sensors; 256 B EEPROM stores calibration constants and runtime counters that survive power cycles. The USART connects to RS-485 transceivers for Modbus RTU communication at 115200 baud.
Recommended
User Interface and HMI Controller
The PIC18F23K20-I/SS powers standalone HMI panels, IR remote controls, and small LCD character displays. Its 25 I/O pins directly drive 4x4 keypads, multiple LEDs, and character LCDs in 4-bit mode; PWM outputs provide backlight dimming. With 8 KB Flash and 768 B RAM, the device comfortably runs state-machine UI code, button debouncing, and IR protocols (RC5, NEC) for remote-control applications.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F23K20-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F23K20-E/SS | PIC18F25K20-I/SS | PIC18F24K20-I/SS | PIC18F26K20-I/SS | PIC18F43K20-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-pin SSOP | 28-pin SSOP - same | 28-pin SSOP - same | 28-pin SSOP - same | 28-pin SSOP - same | 28-pin SSOP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| Flash Memory | 8 KB | 8 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB | 64 KB | 8 KB |
| RAM | 768 B | 768 B | 1.5 KB | 768 B | 3.8 KB | 768 B |
| Max CPU Speed | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| I/O Pins | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 36 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 12 channels | 10-bit, 12 channels | 10-bit, 12 channels | 10-bit, 12 channels | 10-bit, 12 channels | 10-bit, 14 channels |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) standard (vs PIC18F23K20-E/SS)
- Compact 28-pin SSOP form factor (vs PIC18F26K20-I/SS)
- nanoWatt XLP ultra-low-power technology (vs PIC18F43K20-I/SS)
Design Notes
Use the nanoWatt XLP sleep modes (Sleep, Idle, Doze) to bring quiescent current below 100 nA at 1.8V. Estimated: at VDD=1.8V and Sleep mode with WDT disabled, the datasheet typical is 20 nA; verify on your hardware. For battery life calculations, model duty cycle as (active_current x active_time + sleep_current x sleep_time) / total_time, with active current around 4 mA at 16 MHz from 3.3V.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin (pin 5 and pin 25) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the VDD pins on a 28-pin SSOP footprint. The SSOP-28 thermal pad (if exposed) should be soldered to a copper pour connected to VSS for improved thermal dissipation. Keep the ICSP lines (RB6/PGC, RB7/PGD) accessible for in-circuit programming and debugging using MPLAB ICD or PICkit.
Do not confuse the PIC18F23K20 (K20 series, 8 KB) with the PIC18F23K22 (K22 series, 8 KB but with different peripherals like CWG and DSM modules). The K22 is NOT a drop-in replacement - register maps differ and firmware must be recompiled against the new device. When migrating from PIC16 to PIC18F23K20, verify all interrupt vectors and configuration bits in the source code match the PIC18 architecture.
For 48 MHz USB applications, configure the PLL from a 12 MHz input source and ensure the crystal load capacitors are within datasheet-recommended values (typically 22-33 pF). Estimated: at 48 MHz with all peripherals active, the device draws about 9 mA from 3.3V; place a 4.7 uF tantalum near the MCU for USB transient suppression. Keep USB D+/D- traces short and length-matched.
Compliance Information
Pb-free and RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Standard I-grade variant is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for AEC-Q100 automotive applications use Microchip's PIC18F-Q100 family instead.
