PIC18F23K20T-I/SS - 8KB Flash, 64MHz 8-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F23K20T-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.45 | $3.45 |
| 10 | $3.1 | $31.00 |
| 100 | $2.78 | $278.00 |
| 500 | $2.49 | $1,245.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.22 | $2,220.00 |
PIC18F23K20T-I/SS Overview
What is a PIC18F microcontroller? The PIC18F is Microchip's high-performance 8-bit Harvard-architecture MCU family, positioned between the PIC16 mid-range family and the 16-bit dsPIC/PIC24 families. PIC18F devices add a 16-bit instruction word, hardware multiplier, C-friendly architecture, and rich peripheral integration, while remaining instruction-set compatible across the family for easy migration. They are widely used in cost-sensitive 5 V embedded designs that need reliable analog integration without a 32-bit ARM Cortex footprint.
Key features include 25 general-purpose I/O pins, a 10-bit ADC with up to 14 channels, two rail-to-rail analog comparators with programmable voltage reference, a 1.2 V fixed voltage reference, hardware PWM, three programmable external interrupts, four interrupt-on-change inputs, and nanoWatt XLP™ power-saving modes with sub-µA sleep current. The 64 MHz internal oscillator and 4x PLL support high-throughput control loops without an external crystal.
Architecturally, the PIC18F2XK20/4XK20 series combines an enhanced flash memory controller, a 31-level hardware stack, and self-programmable flash for bootloader-style in-field updates. The nanoWatt XLP technology extends battery life in energy-harvesting or periodically-woken systems by offering multiple idle/sleep modes with RAM retention, making the part suitable for ultra-low-power IoT sensor nodes.
Typical applications include industrial sensor conditioning, battery-powered metering, consumer appliance control, USB-to-UART bridges, HVAC thermostat controllers, automotive body and lighting subsystems, and small motor-control loops. The wide 1.8 V-3.6 V core operation (down to 2.0 V with full-spec ADC) plus 4.2 V-5.5 V extended range gives designers flexibility across 3.3 V and 5 V rails. Engineers should configure CONFIG bits carefully for oscillator, watchdog, brown-out, and code protection to match the application safety class.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative MPNs, application circuit references, and design notes not found on any single distributor listing.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F23K20T-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 PIC18F23K20T-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Timers, ADC, Communication.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F23K20-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F23K20T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F23K20T-I/MV
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F23K20-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F24K20-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F25K20-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F23K20T-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18F 8-bit Harvard |
| Program Memory | 8 KB (4K x 16) Flash |
| SRAM | 512 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (4.2 V to 5.5 V extended, per datasheet) |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 14 channels |
| Analog Comparators | 2 (rail-to-rail, programmable VREF) |
| Timers | Multiple 8/16-bit with capture/compare/PWM |
| Package | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm body) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) |
| Technology | nanoWatt XLP™ |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Pb-Free | Yes |
PIC18F23K20T-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0/CVREF/C1IN+/INT0/FLT0 — PORTA bit 0; analog input 0; CVREF output; comparator 1 non-inverting input; external interrupt 0; ECCP fault input |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1/C1IN-/VREF-/INT1 — PORTA bit 1; analog input 1; comparator 1 inverting input; ADC VREF-; external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/VREF-/CVREF/C2IN+ — PORTA bit 2; analog input 2; ADC VREF-; CVREF output; comparator 2 non-inverting input |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF+/C1IN+ — PORTA bit 3; analog input 3; ADC VREF+; comparator 1 non-inverting input |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI/C1OUT — PORTA bit 4; Timer0 clock input; comparator 1 output |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN4/SS1/HLVDIN/C2OUT — PORTA bit 5; analog input 4; SPI1 slave select; high/low voltage detect input; comparator 2 output |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/RA7 — External oscillator input; PORTA bit 7 |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/RA6 — External oscillator output; PORTA bit 6 |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0; Timer1 oscillator output; Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1; Timer1 oscillator input; CCP2 capture/compare/PWM |
| Pin 13 | RC2/P1A/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2; PWM output P1A; CCP1 capture/compare/PWM |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK1/SCL1 — PORTC bit 3; SPI1 clock; I2C1 clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI1/SDA1 — PORTC bit 4; SPI1 data in; I2C1 data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO1 — PORTC bit 5; SPI1 data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX1/CK1 — PORTC bit 6; USART1 async transmit; USART1 clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX1/DT1 — PORTC bit 7; USART1 async receive; USART1 data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0/AN12/INT0 — PORTB bit 0; analog input 12; external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 22 | RB1/AN10/INT1 — PORTB bit 1; analog input 10; external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2/AN8 — PORTB bit 2; analog input 8 |
| Pin 24 | RB3/AN9/CCP2 — PORTB bit 3; analog input 9; CCP2 capture/compare/PWM |
| Pin 25 | RB4/AN11 — PORTB bit 4; analog input 11 |
| Pin 26 | RB5/AN13 — PORTB bit 5; analog input 13 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6; ICSP clock; interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7; ICSP data; interrupt-on-change |
Typical Applications
PIC18F23K20T-I/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Industrial Sensor Conditioning, Consumer Appliance Control, Automotive Body and Lighting Modules, HVAC Thermostat Controller, Small Motor Control / Fan Driver, USB-to-UART Bridge Dongle.
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC18F23K20T-I/SS suits battery-powered wireless sensor nodes thanks to its nanoWatt XLP™ sleep current in the tens of nA range with RAM retention, 1.8 V-3.6 V VDD range, and 25 wake-capable I/O pins. The 10-bit ADC with 14 input channels and 1.2 V fixed voltage reference enable ratiometric sensor measurements that track battery voltage over discharge. A typical node sleeps at 50 nA, wakes every 60 seconds for a 4 ms ADC + transmit cycle, and runs 5-10 years on a single CR2032 cell - making the part a strong fit for environmental monitoring, leak detection, and smart-metering endpoints where energy budgets dominate the BOM.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Conditioning
In industrial signal-conditioning front ends, the PIC18F23K20T-I/SS pairs its 10-bit/14-channel ADC with two rail-to-rail comparators and a 1.2 V fixed voltage reference to deliver accurate threshold detection for bridge sensors, RTDs, and 4-20 mA loops. The 64 MHz / 16 MIPS core runs PID loops and filter math in real time without an external DSP, while the SSOP-28 footprint allows placement alongside high-density analog layouts. Industrial designers value the -40 °C to +85 °C industrial temperature grade and the wide 1.8 V-5.5 V supply tolerance that tolerates 24 V loop-powered post-regulation, simplifying sensor-transmitter designs that must survive harsh factory environments.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
For white goods and small consumer appliances, the PIC18F23K20T-I/SS offers the right mix of analog integration and digital control. Its 25 I/O pins directly drive triac interfaces, relay coils, seven-segment displays, and keypads without external logic, while the 14-channel ADC reads thermistor temperatures, water-level probes, and motor current shunts. The 16 MIPS throughput is sufficient for sensor-fused control loops in washing machines, microwave ovens, and induction cooktops. The 256-byte EEPROM retains user settings and fault logs across power cycles, and the SSOP-28 package fits the compact mainboards typical of small appliances.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Lighting Modules
The PIC18F23K20-E/SS extended-grade variant (drop-in with this part) targets automotive body controllers, interior lighting, and seat-control modules operating at -40 °C to +125 °C. The 64 MHz core supports LIN protocol stacks and PWM dimming for LED arrays with hardware timers, while the two analog comparators enable current-sense protection on H-bridge drivers. The 256-byte EEPROM stores fault codes and trim values across vehicle life, and the SSOP-28 footprint simplifies integration into the tight spaces behind dashboards. For body-control modules the nanoWatt XLP sleep current supports key-off quiescent budgets demanded by automakers.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat Controller
In HVAC and building-automation thermostats, the PIC18F23K20T-I/SS provides 10-bit ADC for temperature/humidity sensors, hardware PWM for triac-fired heater/cooler loads, and 25 I/O pins for keypad scanning, LCD control, and relay drivers. The 64 MHz / 16 MIPS core runs proportional-control loops with sub-second response, while the 256-byte EEPROM stores setpoints and weekly schedules without backup battery. The 1.8 V-3.6 V VDD range supports 24VAC-wallet post-regulation, and the wide -40 °C to +85 °C temperature range covers basement, attic, and rooftop installations.
Recommended
Small Motor Control / Fan Driver
The PIC18F23K20T-I/SS delivers deterministic PWM and input-capture channels that drive BLDC, brushed DC, and stepper motors in compact fans, pumps, and small appliances. Its 16 MIPS core runs sensorless back-EMF or Hall-sensor commutation algorithms in real time, while the dual rail-to-rail comparators detect zero-cross events for back-EMF commutation without external op-amps. The 10-bit ADC monitors motor current through a sense resistor for stall and over-current protection, and the SSOP-28 package fits inline motor housings where space is constrained.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge Dongle
Using on-chip USB 2.0 full-speed with the internal transceiver (not all K20 SKUs include USB - check datasheet), the PIC18F23K20T-I/SS implements a compact USB-to-UART bridge for firmware updates, debugging, and field-service dongles. The 64 MHz core handles USB framing and UART baud-rate generation without an external crystal when the internal oscillator is used, and the 8 KB flash holds CDC-class firmware with margin. The 25 I/O pins provide flexibility for status LEDs and RTS/CTS handshake lines, while the 256-byte EEPROM stores VID/PID/serial strings that can be customized per OEM.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F23K20T-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F23K20-I/SS | PIC18F23K20T-I/SO | PIC18F23K20T-I/MV | PIC18F23K20-E/SS | PIC18F24K20-I/SS | PIC18F25K20-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm body) | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm) - different body, same footprint pad spacing | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Program Flash | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB (+100%) | 32 KB (+300%) |
| SRAM | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 768 B (+50%) | 1536 B (+200%) |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 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 | 64 MHz / 16 MIPS |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) | -40 °C to +125 °C (Extended) | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) |
| I/O Pins | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 14 channels | 10-bit, 14 channels | 10-bit, 14 channels | 10-bit, 14 channels | 10-bit, 14 channels | 10-bit, 14 channels | 10-bit, 14 channels |
| Unit Price @ 1k (USD) | 2.22 | 2.22 | 2.30 | 2.40 | 2.55 | 2.85 | 3.10 |
Key Differentiators
- Tape-and-reel packaging ready for high-volume SMT assembly (vs PIC18F23K20-I/SS)
- Industrial -40 °C to +85 °C temperature grade (vs PIC18F23K20-E/SS)
- nanoWatt XLP™ ultra-low sleep current (vs PIC18F25K20-I/SS)
- 5.30 mm SSOP body for compact PCB layouts (vs PIC18F23K20T-I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin (pins 8 and 20 on the 28-SSOP), with a 10 µF bulk capacitor on the main VDD rail. The PIC18F23K20T-I/SS draws peak transient currents during flash programming and ADC acquisition; poor decoupling causes code failures and noisy ADC readings. For battery designs, the nanoWatt XLP sleep current is typically tens of nA only when all peripherals are gated off - leaving the ADC or comparators enabled raises sleep current significantly. Validate sleep current on the actual PCB layout before committing to battery-life calculations.
Keep the analog AVCC/AVSS rail traces short and isolated from digital switching signals; if AVCC/AVSS pins are not provided separately on the chosen package, use a ferrite bead or 10 Ω resistor between VDD and the analog supply pin, with dedicated decoupling. Route the MCLR line away from PWM outputs and high-current switching traces to avoid spurious resets during noise events. Place the ICSP connector (PGD/PGC) at the board edge for production programming access; add test points even on production boards to enable field recovery with PICkit tools.
Always configure the CONFIG bits (fuses) explicitly in code or in the MPLAB X configuration settings - the PIC18F23K20T-I/SS defaults to an undefined oscillator mode at first power-up, which can appear as a 'dead' MCU. Enable brown-out reset (BOR) at the lowest viable threshold for your application to prevent code corruption during supply droops. When migrating from a PIC18F23K20-I/SS to the T-I/SS reel version, verify the reel orientation matches your pick-and-place feeder. The Watchdog Timer (WDT) should be enabled for safety-critical applications and serviced within the configured window.
Allocate the SSOP-28 footprint with thermal relief on all pads to ease hand-rework and inspection, especially for prototype builds. Maintain at least 0.5 mm clearance between the MCU and adjacent tall components to allow probe-tip access during debug. Place the external crystal (if used) within 5 mm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins, with the crystal case grounded to reduce EMI. For ADC accuracy above 8 ENOB, route analog inputs away from digital switching lines and add a ground guard ring around sensitive analog traces.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and Pb-Free per Microchip product page and DigiKey listing. AEC-Q100 qualification not applicable for the -I/SS industrial grade; choose PIC18F23K20-E/SS for extended-temperature automotive usage. Halogen-free status not explicitly listed in the verified data.
