PIC18F248-E/SO - 8-bit 40MHz MCU 16KB Flash CAN SOIC-28 | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F248-E/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.45 | $9.45 |
| 10 | $8.5 | $85.00 |
| 100 | $7.3 | $730.00 |
| 500 | $6.45 | $3,225.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.7 | $5,700.00 |
PIC18F248-E/SO Overview
A PIC18F-series microcontroller is an 8-bit Harvard-architecture RISC MCU that uses separate program and data buses to allow simultaneous instruction fetch and data access. The "PIC" stands for Peripheral Interface Controller, originally designed by General Instrument's Microelectronics Division and now standardized across millions of industrial, automotive, and consumer devices. The PIC18F family is positioned in the higher-performance tier of 8-bit MCUs and offers enhanced flash memory, deeper instruction pipelines, and on-chip peripherals such as CAN, USB, and enhanced USART modules.
Key features of the PIC18F248-E/SO include 16KB in-circuit reprogrammable flash (10,000 erase/write cycles typical), 256 bytes of EEPROM, 23 digital I/O pins with individual direction control, four timer modules, a synchronous serial port configurable for SPI or I2C, an enhanced USART, an 8-channel 10-bit ADC, and a CAN 2.0B module with three transmit and two receive buffers. The device operates from 4.2V to 5.5V across the extended -40C to +125C industrial range and supports ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) plus MPLAB ICD debug.
Architecturally, the PIC18F248 uses a 16-bit instruction word and an 8-bit data path, with a hardware multiplier, a 31-level deep hardware stack, and a vectored interrupt controller. The integrated CAN module offloads the bit timing and message buffering from the CPU, freeing cycles for application code. The 10-bit ADC with selectable acquisition time supports both low-power and high-throughput conversion modes.
Typical applications include industrial CAN nodes (sensor hubs, motor controllers), automotive body and chassis electronics (mirrors, HVAC, lighting), building automation (BACnet/Modbus gateways), medical instrumentation, and embedded data acquisition systems. The combination of CAN, ADC, and EEPROM on a single 28-pin SOIC enables compact, low-cost networked sensor designs.
When designing with this MCU, allocate decoupling capacitors (100 nF + 10 uF) close to VDD/VSS pairs and add a bulk capacitor on AVDD. Ensure the MCLR pin has a proper pull-up and decoupling network for reliable reset behavior. The extended (-E) temperature grade supports -40C to +125C operation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in SOIC-28 alternatives from Microchip's PIC18F family, and practical design notes that complement but do not replace the manufacturer's datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F248-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 PIC18F248-E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in CAN Module, Core, MSL Level, ADC, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F248-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.66 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F258-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF248-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F448-E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F458-E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F248-E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC18 (8-bit RISC, Harvard) |
| Program Memory | 16 KB (8K x 16) Flash |
| RAM | 768 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) |
| Instruction Cycle | 100 ns |
| Instruction Set Size | 77 single-word instructions |
| Operating Voltage | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 23 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 8 channels |
| CAN Module | CAN 2.0B with 3 TX / 2 RX buffers |
| Timers | 4 (Timer0/1/2/3) |
| Communication | Enhanced USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended, "-E") |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| ICSP Programming | Supported |
PIC18F248-E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP/RE3 — Master Clear reset (active low) / programming voltage / digital I/O |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / analog input channel 2 / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input channel 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / analog input channel 4 / MSSP slave select |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input / PORTA bit 7 |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Crystal oscillator output / clock output / PORTA bit 6 |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T13CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / Capture-Compare-PWM 2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / MSSP SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / MSSP SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / MSSP SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/CANTX — PORTC bit 6 / CAN bus transmit |
| Pin 18 | RC7/CANRX — PORTC bit 7 / CAN bus receive |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive digital supply (4.2V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT0 — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 22 | RB1/INT1 — PORTB bit 1 / external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2/INT2 — PORTB bit 2 / external interrupt 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3/CCP2 — PORTB bit 3 / Capture-Compare-PWM 2 (alternate) |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5/PGM — PORTB bit 5 / ICSP low-voltage programming |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC18F248-E/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial CAN Sensor Node, Automotive Body Electronics, Building Automation Gateway, Medical Instrumentation Data Logger, Industrial Data Acquisition Module, Appliance and HVAC Control Board, CAN-Based Motor Controller.
Industrial CAN Sensor Node
The PIC18F248-E/SO's integrated CAN 2.0B controller (with 3 TX and 2 RX buffers) and 10 MIPS throughput make it well suited for industrial sensor hubs reporting temperature, pressure, and flow over a CANopen or DeviceNet bus. The on-chip 10-bit ADC with up to 8 channels digitizes analog sensors, while the 23 digital I/O drive status LEDs, optocouplers, and digital inputs. The 16 KB flash fits CANopen stack plus application logic, and the -40C to +125C extended temperature rating supports factory-floor deployment. Compared with a discrete MCU + external CAN transceiver approach, this part saves PCB area and BOM cost.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC18F248-E/SO operates across -40C to +125C with an integrated CAN module, making it appropriate for body controllers managing mirrors, lighting, HVAC dampers, and seat-position memory. The enhanced USART links to LIN or K-line transceivers, and the 23 I/O drive relays and H-bridges directly. The 256-byte EEPROM stores trim and calibration persistently across battery disconnects, while ICSP allows end-of-line firmware updates. The wide 4.2V-5.5V supply tolerates automotive load-dump events when paired with a TVS diode and bulk capacitor.
Recommended
Building Automation Gateway
For BACnet MS-TP or Modbus RTU gateways in HVAC and lighting controllers, the PIC18F248-E/SO offers a CAN-equivalent USART channel and an MSSP channel that can be configured for SPI or I2C to talk to sensor front-ends or external EEPROM. The 10 MIPS core is more than adequate for protocol translation stacks, and 16 KB flash fits both a Modbus/BACnet slave stack plus custom application logic. The extended -40C to +125C temperature rating allows deployment in unconditioned rooftop or basement enclosures.
Recommended
Medical Instrumentation Data Logger
The PIC18F248-E/SO's 10-bit ADC, 16 KB flash, and 256-byte EEPROM are well matched to low-speed medical instrumentation such as handheld pulse oximeters, infusion monitors, or patient-worn activity loggers that capture and timestamp data locally. The EEPROM stores calibration coefficients, and the USART connects to a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module for off-board telemetry. The 23 I/O interface buttons, LCDs, and buzzer drivers. With proper analog front-end design and IEC 60601 isolation, this MCU fits Class II portable medical devices.
Recommended
Industrial Data Acquisition Module
With its 8-channel 10-bit ADC and 23 digital I/O, the PIC18F248-E/SO can act as a multi-channel analog data acquisition front-end, sampling thermocouples, RTDs, and 4-20 mA loops and forwarding data over CAN or RS-485. The enhanced USART supports RS-485 with hardware flow control, and the MSSP channel drives SPI ADC front-ends for higher-precision applications. The wide operating temperature and flash-based firmware storage support ruggedized industrial DAQ modules.
Recommended
Appliance and HVAC Control Board
Washing machines, dishwashers, and rooftop HVAC controllers benefit from the PIC18F248-E/SO's CAN module (for inter-board communication), 10-bit ADC (for temperature and pressure sensing), and PWM-capable timers (for motor and valve control). The 23 I/O drive triac optocouplers, relay coils, and user-interface keypads. The 16 KB flash holds the main control loop and fault-handling logic, while 256 bytes of EEPROM retains the last operating mode and error log across power cycles.
Recommended
CAN-Based Motor Controller
For small BLDC or stepper motor controllers receiving commands over a CAN bus, the PIC18F248-E/SO provides sufficient MIPS for FOC (field-oriented control) loops at moderate speeds and four timers for PWM generation and quadrature decoding. The 23 I/O drive gate drivers and current-sense amplifiers, and the integrated CAN module removes the need for an external protocol controller. The 16 KB flash fits a small FOC library plus application logic, and the wide temperature range supports industrial motor enclosures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F248-E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F248-I/SO | PIC18F258-E/SO | PIC18LF248-I/SO | PIC18F448-E/SO | PIC18F458-E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SOIC-28 | SOIC-28 (same) | SOIC-28 (same) | SOIC-28 (same) | SOIC-28 (same) | SOIC-28 (same) |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB |
| RAM | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 768 bytes |
| Operating Voltage | 4.2V to 5.5V | 4.2V to 5.5V | 4.2V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 4.2V to 5.5V | 4.2V to 5.5V |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) |
| CAN Module | Yes (CAN 2.0B) | Yes (CAN 2.0B) | Yes (CAN 2.0B) | Yes (CAN 2.0B) | Yes (CAN 2.0B) | Yes (CAN 2.0B) |
| USB Peripheral | No | No | No | No | Yes (USB 2.0 FS) | Yes (USB 2.0 FS) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | Active | Active | NRND | NRND |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty 1) | $9.45 | $8.10 | $10.20 | $9.00 | $9.85 | $10.60 |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade in SOIC-28 (vs PIC18F248-I/SO)
- 16 KB flash with integrated CAN 2.0B (vs PIC18F448-E/SO)
- Wide 4.2V to 5.5V supply for 5V industrial systems (vs PIC18LF248-I/SO)
- Pin-compatible upgrade path to PIC18F258-E/SO (vs PIC18F258-E/SO)
Design Notes
Decouple the PIC18F248-E/SO with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pair and add a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the main VDD rail. The AVDD pin (if brought out) and AVSS (ground) should be tied to filtered versions of VDD/VSS through ferrite beads for ADC noise immunity. In CAN-bus designs, isolate the transceiver's Vsupply from VDD with a separate filter to avoid digital switching noise coupling into analog measurements.
Configuration bits must be programmed correctly: disable the watchdog timer unless it is part of the application, select the proper oscillator mode (HS for >4 MHz crystal), and enable low-voltage programming (LVP) only if the PGM pin is properly managed. According to the Microchip datasheet, leaving the MCLR pin floating causes erratic resets - always use the recommended MCLR pull-up (typically 10 kohm) and decoupling capacitor network (typically 100 nF).
For reliable CAN-bus operation at 1 Mbit/s, the CANRX and CANTX traces should be length-matched within 5 mm and routed away from switching signals. Place the MCP2551 (or compatible) transceiver close to the PIC18F248's RC6/RC7 pins and add a split termination (60 ohm + 4.7 nF) at each end of the bus for proper impedance matching. The CAN bus should be twisted-pair and grounded at a single point to avoid ground loops.
The PIC18F248-E/SO's extended -40C to +125C temperature rating assumes the SOIC-28 package's typical thermal resistance of around 80-90 C/W. In enclosed industrial enclosures above 60C ambient, ensure the device's average power dissipation (mainly switching losses on I/O) does not push the junction beyond 150C. For high-I/O-count applications, estimate: Estimated: Tj = Ta + (theta_JA x Pdiss), where Pdiss = (Vdd x Icore) + sum(Cx x V^2 x f) for driven loads.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Extended -E temperature grade is industrial/automotive grade but is not formally AEC-Q100 qualified; for AEC-Q100 CAN nodes, consider PIC18F258T-E/SO automotive grade parts. Lead-free and halogen-free packaging confirmed by Microchip material declarations.
