PIC18F2455-I/SO - 48MHz 8-bit FS-USB MCU, 24KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F2455-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.61 | $9.61 |
| 10 | $8.94 | $89.40 |
| 100 | $7.8 | $780.00 |
| 500 | $7.05 | $3,525.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.4 | $6,400.00 |
PIC18F2455-I/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (ROM/Flash), data memory (RAM), peripherals, and I/O onto one silicon die. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, an MCU belongs to the microcontroller family -> embedded processor -> integrated circuit. The PIC18 family is Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit architecture, sitting above the baseline PIC16 family and offering more peripherals, more memory, and higher code efficiency, while still targeting cost-sensitive and deterministic real-time designs.
Key features of the PIC18F2455 include 25 digital I/O pins, a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with up to 11 input channels, an enhanced USART (EUSART) supporting LIN master/slave, a Master Synchronous Serial Port (MSSP) configurable as I2C or SPI up to 10 Mbit/s, a Full-Speed USB 2.0 device peripheral (12 Mbit/s) with on-chip transceiver, two analog comparators, and nanoWatt power management with multiple idle/sleep modes. It also provides three 16-bit timers/counters, two PWM modules with Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) and Enhanced CCP (ECCP), and an 8-bit parallel slave port.
Architecturally the PIC18F2455 uses a RISC-style Harvard bus architecture with separate program and data paths, 16-bit opcodes, and an 8-level hardware stack. The integrated USB SIE handles CRC, NRZI encoding, and endpoint management internally, eliminating an external PHY in most designs. Industrial -40C to +85C operation and 100K endurance Flash make it suitable for harsh environments.
Typical applications include USB HID/CDC peripherals (custom HID game controllers, USB-to-UART bridges, PC test instruments), sensor data loggers, low-cost instrumentation, consumer electronics with USB firmware update (bootloader), industrial control nodes, and educational/hobbyist projects (Arduino-alternative, BASIC stamp replacements, USB IO boards).
When designing with this part, ensure that VUSB is decoupled with a 220nF capacitor and that the USB D+/D- traces are 90-ohm differential matched. Programming is supported through ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) on RB6/RB7 pins, so these must remain accessible on the PCB even in production layouts.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in SOIC-28 alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F2455-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 PIC18F2455-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Timers, Program Memory (Flash), Serial Interfaces.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F2550-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F2553-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$5.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F2450-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F2455T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF2455-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F2420-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F2455-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 (8-bit RISC, Harvard) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 24 KB |
| Data RAM | 2048 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 48 MHz |
| Performance | 16 MIPS |
| Operating Voltage | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 11 channels |
| USB Peripheral | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbit/s), device mode, on-chip transceiver |
| Serial Interfaces | USB, EUSART (LIN-capable), MSSP (I2C/SPI up to 10 Mbit/s) |
| Timers | Three 16-bit timers/counters |
| PWM / CCP | 1 CCP + 1 ECCP module |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| Package | SOIC-28 (SO), 7.50 mm wide body, SMD |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| ICSP Programming | Yes (RB6/RB7) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC18F2455-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Port A digital I/O bit 2; analog input AN2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Port A digital I/O bit 3; analog input AN3; VREF+ |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Port A digital I/O bit 4; T0CKI timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5 — Port A digital I/O bit 5; analog input AN4; HLVDIN |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RA6 — Port A digital I/O bit 6; oscillator output |
| Pin 7 | RA7 — Port A digital I/O bit 7; oscillator input |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive power supply, 4.2-5.5 V |
| Pin 9 | RB0 — Port B digital I/O bit 0; INT0 external interrupt; analog input AN12 |
| Pin 10 | RB1 — Port B digital I/O bit 1; analog input AN10 |
| Pin 11 | RB2 — Port B digital I/O bit 2; analog input AN8 |
| Pin 12 | RB3 — Port B digital I/O bit 3; analog input AN9; CCP2 |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — Port B digital I/O bit 4; analog input AN11 |
| Pin 14 | RB5 — Port B digital I/O bit 5; analog input AN13; PGM (LVP) |
| Pin 15 | RB6 — Port B digital I/O bit 6; PGC (ICSP clock) |
| Pin 16 | RB7 — Port B digital I/O bit 7; PGD (ICSP data) |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive power supply (second pin) |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference (second pin) |
| Pin 19 | RC0 — Port C digital I/O; analog input AN4 |
| Pin 20 | RC1 — Port C digital I/O; analog input AN5; CCP2 |
| Pin 21 | RC2 — Port C digital I/O; analog input AN6; CCP1 |
| Pin 22 | VUSB — USB internal 3.3V regulator output; decouple with 220nF |
| Pin 23 | RC4 — Port C digital I/O; USB D- minus line |
| Pin 24 | RC5 — Port C digital I/O; USB D+ plus line |
| Pin 25 | RC6 — Port C digital I/O; TX (EUSART asynchronous transmit) |
| Pin 26 | RC7 — Port C digital I/O; RX (EUSART asynchronous receive) |
| Pin 27 | MCLR — Master clear reset input; programming voltage input |
| Pin 28 | RA0 — Port A digital I/O bit 0; analog input AN0 |
Typical Applications
PIC18F2455-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Peripheral Devices, USB-to-UART Bridge / CDC Virtual COM Port, Sensor Data Logger with USB Dump, USB Bootloader / Firmware Update Target, Industrial Control / Measurement Node, Educational / Hobbyist USB IO Board.
USB HID Peripheral Devices
The PIC18F2455-I/SO is purpose-built for USB HID-class peripherals thanks to its on-chip USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbit/s) device peripheral with internal transceiver. Designers can implement custom HID game controllers, HID keypads, or HID-based industrial input devices without any external PHY; only a 220 nF decoupling capacitor on VUSB and 90-ohm differential routing of D+/D- are required. The 24 KB Flash holds a typical Microchip USB stack plus HID report descriptors comfortably, while 2048 bytes of RAM cover HID report buffers. Compared to a VNC1L or FTDI bridge, this approach gives a single-chip, programmable, firmware-upgradable solution that runs at 48 MHz / 16 MIPS with deterministic USB interrupt latency.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge / CDC Virtual COM Port
The PIC18F2455-I/SO excels as a low-cost USB-to-UART bridge implementing the USB Communications Device Class (CDC) to present a virtual COM port on the host. Its integrated USB SIE, EUSART peripheral, and 16 MIPS performance handle full-duplex serial bridging at 115200 baud and above with no external PHY. The 24 KB Flash comfortably fits the Microchip CDC stack and application firmware, and 2048 bytes of RAM accommodates USB endpoint buffers plus UART FIFOs. Compared to using an FTDI FT232R, this gives a programmable, field-upgradable bridge that can also run custom control logic on the same die.
Recommended
Sensor Data Logger with USB Dump
The PIC18F2455-I/SO serves as a USB-connected sensor data logger, sampling from its 10-bit ADC (up to 11 channels) and storing readings in its 256-byte EEPROM or off-chip storage, then dumping logs over USB CDC. The 10-bit ADC is adequate for battery monitoring, temperature via NTC, and basic analog sensors, while 2048 bytes of RAM buffers sample bursts between USB transfers. nanoWatt sleep modes below 1 uA allow battery-powered deployments, with USB-attached events waking the MCU for fast data transfer. Compared to a discrete ADC + microcontroller solution, this integrates USB, ADC, and MCU in a single SOIC-28 chip.
Recommended
USB Bootloader / Firmware Update Target
The PIC18F2455-I/SO's 24 KB Flash and integrated USB peripheral make it ideal for products needing field firmware updates through a USB bootloader. A small HID-based bootloader (typically 4-8 KB) lives in protected boot Flash and accepts new firmware images via USB without external programmers. The 16 MIPS throughput and 2048 bytes of RAM allow the application layer to do meaningful work between boot segments. Compared to UART-based bootloaders, USB HID is faster (12 Mbit/s), does not require a driver on modern OS, and works on phones with USB-OTG.
Recommended
Industrial Control / Measurement Node
The PIC18F2455-I/SO's -40C to +85C industrial temperature range and integrated peripherals suit it to industrial control nodes with USB diagnostics interfaces. Its EUSART supports LIN master/slave for automotive sub-bus, MSSP supports I2C/SPI for sensor and EEPROM interfaces, and ECCP provides PWM for motor or LED control. The 10-bit ADC handles analog sensor inputs and 4-20 mA loop monitoring when paired with a sense resistor and op-amp. Compared to discrete 8051 designs, PIC18F2455 offers modern peripherals and a mature USB stack for PC-based configuration and diagnostics.
Recommended
Educational / Hobbyist USB IO Board
The PIC18F2455-I/SO is widely used in educational USB IO boards (such as the ECIO-28P and similar development kits) that teach USB enumeration, HID/CDC firmware, and basic I/O control. The SOIC-28 package is hand-solderable with basic tools, and the integrated USB removes the need for an external PHY which simplifies teaching schematics. The 24 KB Flash fits beginner projects, while ICSP on RB6/RB7 allows quick on-board reprogramming. Compared to Arduino Uno (ATmega328P), the PIC18F2455 integrates native USB at a similar price point, eliminating the USB-to-serial bridge chip.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F2455-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F2550-I/SO | PIC18F2553-I/SO | PIC18F2450-I/SO | PIC18F2455T-I/SO | PIC18LF2455-I/SO | PIC18F2420-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SOIC-28 (SO, 7.50 mm wide) | SOIC-28 - same | SOIC-28 - same | SOIC-28 - same | SOIC-28 - same | SOIC-28 - same | SOIC-28 - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Flash | 24 KB | 32 KB (+33%) | 32 KB (+33%) | 16 KB (-33%) | 24 KB (same) | 24 KB (same) | 16 KB (-33%) |
| Data RAM | 2048 bytes | 2048 bytes | 2048 bytes | 2048 bytes | 2048 bytes | 2048 bytes | 768 bytes (-62%) |
| USB Peripheral | USB 2.0 FS, 12 Mbit/s device | USB 2.0 FS, 12 Mbit/s device (same) | USB 2.0 FS, 12 Mbit/s device (same) | USB 2.0 FS, 12 Mbit/s device (same) | USB 2.0 FS, 12 Mbit/s device (same) | USB 2.0 FS, 12 Mbit/s device (same) | No USB |
| Operating 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 | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (wider) | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| Maximum Clock | 48 MHz (16 MIPS) | 48 MHz (16 MIPS) | 48 MHz (16 MIPS) | 48 MHz (16 MIPS) | 48 MHz (16 MIPS) | 48 MHz (16 MIPS) | 48 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- On-chip USB 2.0 Full-Speed peripheral with internal transceiver (vs PIC18F2420-I/SO)
- Industrial -40C to +85C temperature range (vs PIC18F2455-E/SO (commercial variant))
- 24 KB Flash with 2048 bytes RAM (vs PIC18F2450-I/SO)
Design Notes
USB D+ (RC5) and D- (RC4) traces must be routed as a 90-ohm differential pair, kept short, and free of stubs. Place the 220 nF VUSB decoupling capacitor as close to pin 22 as possible. Microchip datasheet recommends a common-mode choke and ESD protection (e.g., USBLC6) for production designs. The MCLR reset pin requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD; for ICSP programming leave PGC (RB6) and PGD (RB7) accessible on test points or a header even in production PCBs.
PIC18F2455-I/SO requires a stable 4.2 V to 5.5 V supply. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor close to each VDD pin (8 and 17) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic near the MCU. For USB bus-powered designs add a 10 uF capacitor on VBUS upstream of any inrush-limiting components. The VUSB internal 3.3 V regulator only needs the 220 nF cap on pin 22; do not draw significant external current from VUSB or the USB PHY may fail enumeration. nanoWatt sleep modes drop Iq below 1 uA when used correctly.
Do not connect MCLR directly to VDD without a pull-up resistor (use 10 kohm to VDD) - the internal brown-out can otherwise cause unreliable reset behaviour. Do not exceed 5.5 V on VDD even briefly; the part is not 5V-tolerant above the spec. When migrating from PIC18F2455 to PIC18LF2455 the lower supply range (down to 2.0 V) is supported, but analog peripheral accuracy degrades below 3.0 V - design margin accordingly. Bootloader code in protected Flash must include the CP/CPD/WRT configuration bits correctly or the bootloader will lock out future updates.
Compliance Information
Microchip PIC18F2455-I/SO is RoHS compliant and lead-free per the Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - automotive designs should reference Microchip's automotive-grade PIC18 portfolio instead.
