PIC18F248-E/SP - 8-bit MCU, 16KB Flash, CAN, 28-SPDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F248-E/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.95 | $9.95 |
| 10 | $8.96 | $89.60 |
| 100 | $8.06 | $806.00 |
| 500 | $7.25 | $3,625.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.4 | $6,400.00 |
PIC18F248-E/SP Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is an integrated single-chip computer containing a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), working memory (RAM), non-volatile data memory (EEPROM), and a set of on-chip peripherals such as timers, communication interfaces and ADC channels. PIC microcontrollers from Microchip use a modified Harvard RISC architecture with separate program and data buses, enabling single-cycle instruction execution and deterministic interrupt latency. The PIC18F family sits in Microchip's mid-range 8-bit portfolio between the PIC16F baseline series and the PIC24F 16-bit families, offering a richer peripheral set (including CAN) at the cost of higher price per unit.
Key features of the PIC18F248 include an integrated CAN 2.0B controller compliant with ISO 11898, a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with up to 8 input channels, an enhanced USART supporting both RS-232 and RS-485 modes, a Master Synchronous Serial Port (MSSP) configurable as SPI or I2C, four timer modules, and a 10 MHz internal oscillator. The Instruction Set Architecture includes 77 instructions with an 8-bit data path and 16-bit instruction word, supporting hardware multiply. The 28-SPDIP package has a 600-mil (15.24 mm) body width for breadboard-friendly through-hole mounting.
Architecturally, the PIC18F248 separates program Flash from data EEPROM so firmware updates do not affect stored calibration or configuration data. The CAN module includes hardware acceptance filters, mask registers and a dedicated DMA-free mailbox structure that offloads the CPU during bus arbitration and error handling. An on-chip In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) interface and In-Circuit Debug (ICD) support enable development with MPLAB X IDE and PICkit programmers without removing the part from the board.
Typical applications include automotive body and chassis ECUs (mirror controllers, seat controllers, lighting nodes), industrial CANopen and DeviceNet slave nodes, HVAC controls, sensor interface boards with CAN backhaul, and building automation fieldbus nodes. The integrated CAN peripheral eliminates the external CAN transceiver's MCU-side companion controller, reducing PCB area and BOM cost in multi-node CAN networks.
When designing with this part, note that the integrated CAN module requires an external 3.3V or 5V CAN transceiver (such as MCP2551 or TJA1050) to physically interface with the bus. The internal oscillator accuracy of plus or minus 2 percent is sufficient for CAN bit-stamping when the SJW and BRP values are carefully calculated against the oscillator tolerance. Watchdog timer, brown-out reset and low-voltage programming features should be enabled in firmware for unattended CAN nodes.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives in the same 28-SPDIP footprint, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, supporting both prototype selection and production sourcing decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F248-E/SP — 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/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Mounting Type, Operating Temperature Range, Package, Timers, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F258-E/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F248-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F2480-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F242-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F248-E/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18, 8-bit, modified Harvard RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB (8K x 16 words) |
| Data RAM | 768 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS |
| Operating Voltage Range | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 23 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 8 channels |
| CAN Module | CAN 2.0B, ISO 11898 compatible |
| Communication Interfaces | 1x Enhanced USART, 1x MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Timers | 4 (Timer0/1/2/3) |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (300 mil body width) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Extended, "-E" suffix) |
| Instruction Set | 77 instructions, 16-bit instruction word |
| Internal Oscillator | 10 MHz (calibrated, +/-2%) |
| Programming/Debug | ICSP and ICD via 2-wire interface |
PIC18F248-E/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR#/VPP — Master Clear (active-low reset) / programming voltage input |
| 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 — PORTA bit 2 / analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input channel 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS# — PORTA bit 5 / analog input channel 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKI — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKO — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture/Compare/PWM module 1 |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART asynchronous transmit / synchronous clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART asynchronous receive / synchronous data |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.2 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 20 | RB0/INT0 — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 21 | RB1/INT1 — PORTB bit 1 / external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 22 | RB2/INT2 — PORTB bit 2 / external interrupt 2 |
| Pin 23 | RB3/CCP2 — PORTB bit 3 / Capture/Compare/PWM module 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 25 | RB5/PGM — PORTB bit 5 / ICSP programming data |
| Pin 26 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock / ICD clock |
| Pin 27 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data / ICD data |
| Pin 28 | AVDD — Analog positive supply (tie to VDD) |
Typical Applications
PIC18F248-E/SP is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial CANopen Slave Node, Automotive Body and Lighting ECU, HVAC Climate Control Module, Sensor Interface with CAN Backhaul, Building Automation Fieldbus Node, Industrial DeviceNet Slave, CAN-Based Motor Drive Front-End.
Industrial CANopen Slave Node
The PIC18F248-E/SP fits industrial CANopen slave nodes because its integrated CAN 2.0B controller with hardware acceptance filters and mask registers lets a single MCU implement a CiA 401 I/O slave profile without an external CAN controller IC. The 16 KB Flash is sufficient for the CANopen stack plus CiA 401 application objects, while 768 bytes of RAM handle SDO/PDO buffers. Operating from 4.2 V to 5.5 V with -40C to +125C range, the part tolerates industrial cabinet environments. Place a TJA1050 or MCP2551 transceiver between the RB0/CANTX and RB1/CANRX pins and the bus. The internal 10 MHz oscillator allows 125 kbit/s CAN bit rates when BRP is configured to compensate for oscillator tolerance, removing the need for an external crystal.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Lighting ECU
The PIC18F248-E/SP is well-suited to non-safety automotive body ECUs such as headlight levelers, interior lighting controllers, mirror modules, and door-handle sensors. Its on-chip CAN 2.0B module communicates directly with the vehicle body bus at 125 kbit/s or 500 kbit/s, while the 10-bit ADC reads photodiode or potentiometer feedback. The extended -40C to +125C temperature range handles under-hood thermal stress. Twenty-three I/O pins drive relays, MOSFET gates and status LEDs without external logic. Note: the PIC18F248 is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified; for safety-critical applications select a PIC18 K-series with AEC-Q100 documentation. The 28-SPDIP package is well-suited to module-level through-hole assemblies that must survive vibration.
Recommended
HVAC Climate Control Module
In HVAC climate-control designs, the PIC18F248-E/SP handles mixed-signal sensing and CAN bus reporting in a single chip. The 10-bit ADC samples temperature from NTC thermistors on up to 8 channels, while PWM-driven timer outputs command blower-motor speeds and damper actuators. The integrated CAN peripheral transmits climate status and receives setpoint commands from the central body controller. Operating temperature range of -40C to +125C supports both attic and under-hood HVAC modules. The 28-SPDIP footprint simplifies service-replacement designs in field-installed HVAC units. Power consumption in Sleep mode is below 1 microampere thanks to Microchip's NanoWatt technology, allowing battery-backed thermostats to retain CAN wake-up capability across power outages.
Recommended
Sensor Interface with CAN Backhaul
Distributed sensor nodes in industrial plants use the PIC18F248-E/SP to digitize analog signals and forward them over CAN. The 10-bit ADC quantizes analog inputs from pressure transducers, flow meters and gas detectors at a sample rate up to 30 ksamples/s, while the CAN module publishes measurements on the bus at programmable intervals. Hardware CAN acceptance filters reduce interrupt load by passing only relevant node IDs to the CPU, leaving processing bandwidth for linearization and calibration. The MCU's 256-byte EEPROM stores per-node calibration constants that survive firmware updates. Combined with a TJA1050 transceiver, the 28-SPDIP part integrates into IP65 enclosure designs with through-hole wire-pad connectors.
Recommended
Building Automation Fieldbus Node
Building automation fieldbus nodes such as BACnet or KNX-to-CAN gateways benefit from the PIC18F248-E/SP's combination of CAN, I2C and SPI. The MSSP module configures as I2C master to read digital temperature, humidity and CO2 sensors; the CAN module uplinks aggregated building data to a central controller. Twenty-three I/O pins drive relay contacts, triac optocouplers and status LEDs without external logic. The 28-SPDIP package accommodates through-hole installation in wiring cabinets where vibration and field-serviceability matter. The internal 10 MHz oscillator with plus or minus 2 percent accuracy is adequate for 125 kbit/s CAN, removing BOM cost for an external crystal in high-volume fieldbus nodes.
Recommended
Industrial DeviceNet Slave
DeviceNet slave nodes in factory automation are a strong fit for the PIC18F248-E/SP, because DeviceNet's CAN-based physical layer requires an integrated CAN controller. The 16 KB Flash holds the DeviceNet group-2 slave stack plus application code for valves, motor starters and I/O blocks. The 768-byte RAM covers DeviceNet connection objects, polled I/O assembly buffers and the explicit-message server. Hardware acceptance filters pre-qualify incoming CAN frames, freeing CPU cycles for cyclic I/O. The -40C to +125C operating range handles factory-floor temperature swings. With an external TJA1050 or MCP2551 transceiver and a 24 V isolated power supply, the 28-SPDIP part assembles into DeviceNet brick-style modules familiar to controls engineers.
Recommended
CAN-Based Motor Drive Front-End
Small motor-drive front-ends (fans, pumps, conveyor rollers) use the PIC18F248-E/SP as the supervisory CAN node that handles start-stop commands, fault reporting and current monitoring while delegating PWM generation to a dedicated driver IC. The MCU's CAN module accepts velocity setpoints and broadcasts motor status; the 10-bit ADC samples shunt-current feedback for over-current protection. Twenty-three I/O lines gate external MOSFET drivers and read Hall-effect sensors. The 40 MHz / 10 MIPS throughput supports 1 ms control-loop intervals even with CAN traffic. The -40C to +125C range tolerates inverter-stage ambient heat. The 28-SPDIP package simplifies service replacement in motor-control junction boxes where field-rewiring is common.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F248-E/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F258-E/SP | PIC18F248-I/SP | PIC18F2480-I/SP | PIC18F242-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP | 28-pin SPDIP - same | 28-pin SPDIP - same | 28-pin SPDIP - same | 28-pin SPDIP - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB |
| Data RAM | 768 bytes | 1.5 KB | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| CAN Module | CAN 2.0B | CAN 2.0B | CAN 2.0B | CAN 2.0B | None |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS |
| I/O Pins | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels |
Key Differentiators
- Pin-compatible memory upgrade with 2x Flash and 2x RAM (vs PIC18F258-E/SP)
- Extended -40C to +125C operating range over I-grade variant (vs PIC18F248-I/SP)
- Integrated CAN 2.0B peripheral vs no CAN in PIC18F242 (vs PIC18F242-I/SP)
- Industry-standard 28-SPDIP for service-replaceable designs (vs PIC18F2480-I/SP (28-SPDIP))
Design Notes
The PIC18F248-E/SP operates from 4.2 V to 5.5 V, but most automotive CAN bus rails deliver 12 V or 24 V. Use a 5 V LDO such as the Microchip MCP1700 or LM7805 to drop the bus rail, and place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the regulator output. Tie the AVDD pin to the same 5 V rail through a ferrite bead for analog-noise isolation.
A common mistake is configuring the CAN bit rate from the internal 10 MHz oscillator without compensating for the plus or minus 2 percent tolerance. At 125 kbit/s this is acceptable, but at 1 Mbit/s the oscillator error exceeds the CAN spec and causes intermittent bus errors. Use a crystal when CAN bus speeds above 250 kbit/s are required, or run the FOSC at the slowest valid bit rate for the network.
Although the 28-SPDIP package handles heat well due to its lead frame, sustained operation at the upper -40C to +125C limit in a sealed enclosure requires thermal verification. Estimate the internal power dissipation at approximately 25 mA active and 1 microampere sleep from the datasheet DC characteristics. In a sealed plastic enclosure at +85C ambient with 25 mA active and 5 V supply, junction-to-ambient temperature rise is well under 5 C and presents no thermal problem.
Route the CANTX (RB0) and CANRX (RB1) traces as a short differential pair directly to the MCP2551 or TJA1050 transceiver, keeping the trace length under 30 mm. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the transceiver VCC pin and a 4.7 uF capacitor on the bus-side supply. Avoid routing the CAN traces near switching power or motor-driver traces that inject common-mode noise.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip PIC18F248 product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the PIC18F248 is an extended-industrial-grade part, not an automotive-grade part. For AEC-Q100 applications, select a PIC18 K-series with explicit automotive qualification.
