PIC18F2450-I/SO - 48MHz 8-bit USB MCU, 16KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F2450-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.63 | $5.63 |
| 10 | $5.1 | $51.00 |
| 100 | $4.62 | $462.00 |
| 500 | $4.1 | $2,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.55 | $3,550.00 |
PIC18F2450-I/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable processor with an internal data path of 8 bits, well suited for control-oriented tasks that mix digital I/O, analog sensing, and protocol handling. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC18F2450 belongs to the PIC18 family of microcontrollers, which in turn sits inside the Microchip MCU portfolio alongside PIC16, PIC24, dsPIC, and PIC32 architectures. It is a member of the USB-capable PIC18F2x50/4x50 sub-family, which adds an on-chip USB 2.0 Full-Speed peripheral and SIE (Serial Interface Engine) that would otherwise require an external chip.
Key specifications include a 4.2 V to 5.5 V supply range (standard F-variant), 10-bit ADC with up to 9 input channels, 23 digital I/O pins, a USART, an MSSP (SPI/I2C) module, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, a 256-byte dual-port RAM buffer dedicated to USB traffic, and nanoWatt power-management technology for low-power operation. The Enhanced Flash cell supports self-programming, which allows firmware upgrades in place over the USB bus without an external programmer.
Technically, the PIC18F2450 uses a Harvard RISC architecture with a 16-bit instruction word, an 8-level hardware stack, and 31 interrupt sources. The USB SIE handles framing, CRC, packet ID, and address detection in hardware, freeing the CPU from low-level USB bit-banging. Code-protect and read-protect bits are supported on Flash and EEPROM regions to safeguard IP.
Typical applications include USB HID peripherals such as custom input devices, USB-to-UART bridges, CDC-class USB nodes, low-cost USB data loggers, sensor readouts with a USB interface, and educational/professional hobby projects. The integrated USB makes the part attractive when PCB area or BOM cost must be minimized.
When designing with this device, ensure the USB D+/D- lines are routed as a 90-ohm differential pair with the proper characteristic impedance, and place the required clock-source decoupling within a few millimeters of the VDD pins. Designers should also budget for the 256-byte USB dual-port RAM region, which sits inside the general-purpose RAM map.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing for PIC18F2450-I/SO, its drop-in same-package alternatives, application examples, and design notes that complement the official Microchip datasheet 39760d.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F2450-I/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 PIC18F2450-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Timers, I/O Pins, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F2550-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F2450-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F2450-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4450-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$6.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F14K50-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F2450-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 (8-bit Harvard RISC) |
| Program Memory | 16 KB Enhanced Flash |
| RAM | 768 bytes |
| CPU Speed | 12 MIPS at 48 MHz oscillator |
| Operating Frequency | Up to 48 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbit/s) on-chip SIE |
| Digital I/O Pins | 23 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 9 channels |
| Timers | 2x 8-bit + 1x 16-bit |
| Communication Peripherals | USART, MSSP (SPI / I2C) |
| USB Dedicated RAM | 256 bytes (dual-port) |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC18F2450-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Port A bit 2 / Analog input 2 / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Port A bit 3 / Analog input 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN4/SS/HLVDIN — Port A bit 5 / Analog input 4 / SPI slave select / HLVD input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Port C bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Port C bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / CCP1 |
| Pin 13 | VUSB — USB internal 3.3V regulator output |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 15 | D- — USB D- data line |
| Pin 16 | D+ — USB D+ data line |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — Port C bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — Port C bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 21 | RB0/AN10/INT0 — Port B bit 0 / Analog input 10 / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 22 | RB1/AN8/INT1 — Port B bit 1 / Analog input 8 / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2/AN9 — Port B bit 2 / Analog input 9 |
| Pin 24 | RB3/AN11/CCP2 — Port B bit 3 / Analog input 11 / CCP2 |
| Pin 25 | RB4/AN6 — Port B bit 4 / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 26 | RB5/AN7 — Port B bit 5 / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — Port B bit 6 / ICD clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — Port B bit 7 / ICD data |
Typical Applications
PIC18F2450-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Peripheral, USB-to-UART Bridge, USB Sensor Data Logger, Custom USB Test & Measurement, USB Industrial Control Module, USB Educational / Maker Project.
USB HID Peripheral
The PIC18F2450-I/SO is a strong fit for USB HID-class peripherals such as custom keyboards, mice, gamepads, and industrial control pendants because its on-chip USB 2.0 Full-Speed SIE delivers 12 Mbit/s without an external interface chip. The 16 KB Enhanced Flash comfortably hosts the Microchip USB HID stack plus application code, and the 768-byte SRAM is adequate for HID report buffers. The 12 MIPS core runs HID polling at the standard 1 ms interval with ample CPU headroom for scanning buttons and LEDs. Its 23 digital I/O pins allow direct connection to matrix keypads, encoders, and indicator LEDs without external glue logic, which simplifies the BOM and shrinks the PCB footprint for USB dongles and panel-mount devices.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge
The PIC18F2450-I/SO is widely used as a CDC-class USB-to-serial bridge, presenting a virtual COM port on the host and exposing its on-chip USART on the device side. The integrated USB SIE removes the need for an FTDI or CP2102 chip, cutting BOM cost on debug boards, RS-232 replacement dongles, and industrial gateways. At 12 MIPS, the part easily handles 115200 baud and higher, while the MSSP adds SPI/I2C capability if the design also needs a UART-to-SPI/UART-to-I2C mode. The 4.2V-5.5V VDD range matches common USB VBUS levels and directly drives RS-232 line drivers via the USART pins.
Recommended
USB Sensor Data Logger
In a USB sensor data logger, the PIC18F2450-I/SO reads analog sensors through its 10-bit ADC (up to 9 channels) and stores samples in its 768-byte SRAM or streams them over USB to the host. The 23 digital I/O pins can directly drive SPI-based sensors via the MSSP module, eliminating a discrete ADC chip. Designers appreciate the Enhanced Flash self-programming for firmware updates over USB after deployment. The 256-byte USB dual-port RAM keeps sensor data flowing without stalling the CPU, so 1 kHz logging rates are easily maintained even with the CDC stack active in the background.
Recommended
Custom USB Test & Measurement
For low-cost USB oscilloscope probes, logic analyzers, and bench instruments, the PIC18F2450-I/SO combines a 12 MIPS core, 10-bit ADC, and USB 2.0 Full-Speed interface in a single SOIC-28 chip. The ADC samples at 100 ksps, sufficient for audio-band and slow-control probing, while the SIE streams samples to the host at up to 1 MB/s real-world throughput. The 28-pin SOIC footprint is friendly for hand-prototyping, so a hobbyist bench tool can be built on perfboard. The internal HFINTOSC eliminates an external crystal for budget builds, freeing 2 oscillator pins for analog input.
Recommended
USB Industrial Control Module
The PIC18F2450-I/SO suits industrial control nodes that need a USB programming/debug port plus digital control on 23 I/O pins. Industrial operating temperature of -40 C to +85 C and 4.2-5.5 V VDD tolerate 24 V-derived rails with simple regulators. Designers use the on-chip USB to expose HIDs, vendor-class protocols, or CDC for PC-based HMI software, while the MSSP drives SPI-controlled analog front ends and the 10-bit ADC reads back process variables. The Enhanced Flash supports field upgrades over USB without re-opening the enclosure, reducing service costs.
Recommended
USB Educational / Maker Project
The PIC18F2450-I/SO is a popular MCU for university and hobbyist USB projects because the SOIC-28 package is hand-solderable and the part is widely available at $5-$8 in single-unit quantity. The PIC18 core is well documented in Microchip's datasheet 39760d, and MPLAB X IDE plus the free XC8 compiler provides a complete toolchain for students. With USB HID, CDC, and vendor classes available, learners can implement keyboards, mice, MIDI controllers, and custom USB devices on a single $5 chip. The part's low power nanoWatt modes make it suitable for battery-fed educational kits as well.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F2450-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F2550-I/SO | PIC18F2450-I/SP | PIC18F2450-I/ML | PIC18F14K50-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO) | 28-pin SOIC (SO) - same | 28-pin SPDIP (SP) - through-hole, same pinout | 28-pin QFN (ML) - SMD, same pinout | 28-pin SOIC (SO) - same |
| Flash | 16 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| RAM | 768 bytes | 2 KB | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 768 bytes |
| CPU Speed | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbit/s) | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbit/s) | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbit/s) | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbit/s) | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbit/s) |
| Supply Voltage | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (broader) |
| Digital I/O Pins | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 20 |
Key Differentiators
- Larger Flash and RAM than PIC18F2450 (vs PIC18F2550-I/SO)
- Same die available in through-hole SPDIP for prototyping (vs PIC18F2450-I/SP)
- Same die available in QFN-28 for size-constrained designs (vs PIC18F2450-I/ML)
- Wider supply voltage range in newer sibling (vs PIC18F14K50-I/SO)
Design Notes
Route the USB D+ and D- lines from pins 15 and 16 as a 90-ohm differential pair to the USB connector, keeping the pair length-matched within 50 mil and free of splits, vias, or stubs. Place the 27-ohm series resistors (R1, R2) within 4 mm of the MCU pins and connect VUSB (pin 13) to a 220 nF decoupling cap to ground. Do not place any other signals under the D+/D- pair to preserve the USB eye diagram.
Per Microchip datasheet 39760d, place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD/VSS pair (pins 14/19 and pins 20/7) and a single 10 uF bulk capacitor within 1 cm of the package. The PIC18F2450 draws up to ~50 mA peak during USB transmission, so a regulator with at least 100 mA capability is required. A ferrite bead in series with VBUS helps reduce USB cable-borne noise from coupling into the analog VDD rail.
A common pitfall is forgetting that 256 bytes of RAM are reserved for the USB buffer inside the general-purpose SRAM map; this reduces usable SRAM from 1024 to 768 bytes. Allocate large buffers (descriptor tables, CDC line-coding data) into the USB RAM region, not the general SRAM, or USB enumeration will fail. Also note that the Configuration bits must include IESO = OFF and FOSC = HS or INTOSC, depending on whether an external 12 MHz crystal is fitted.
When using the PIC18F2450's ADC for analog sensing in a USB product, average at least 16 samples per reading to suppress the USB Full-Sample Rate bus noise (~1 kHz) that can leak through the VDD rail. Estimated: with 10-bit ADC, 16x oversampling yields 12-bit equivalent effective resolution when the analog rail is properly filtered. A small LC pi-filter (10 ohm + 10 uF) on AVdd and a separate analog ground island further reduce digital-to-analog crosstalk.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is a commercial/industrial MCU. For automotive USB applications, use PIC18F2550-I/SO automotive sibling or PIC18F46J50 family.
