PIC18F2480T-I/ML - 8-bit 40MHz 16KB Flash MCU 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F2480T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.2 | $7.20 |
| 10 | $6.55 | $65.50 |
| 100 | $5.85 | $585.00 |
| 500 | $5.3 | $2,650.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.85 | $4,850.00 |
PIC18F2480T-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer built around an 8-bit data bus and Harvard or modified-Harvard architecture, integrating CPU, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and a rich set of peripherals on a single die. Within the Microchip portfolio, the PIC18 family sits above the baseline PIC16 family in computational performance and instruction-set richness while still retaining the deterministic, single-cycle 8-bit ALU that PIC microcontrollers are known for. PIC18F2x80/4x80 sub-family devices in particular add an integrated CAN 2.0B controller, making them a frequent choice for industrial and automotive-networked embedded designs.
Key features include 25 digital I/O pins, an active-high MCLR reset, ICSP/ICD in-circuit serial programming/debug, four timer modules (Timer0/1/2/3), a 10-bit A/D converter with up to 8 channels, an ECAN module, nanoWatt power-saving modes, and an extended -40C to +85C industrial temperature range. The 28-QFN (6x6) package with exposed pad improves thermal dissipation compared to the legacy 28-pin PDIP/SOIC options.
The PIC18F2480 implements the enhanced PIC18 instruction set (16-bit wide instructions, 8-bit data path), supports two prioritized interrupt vectors, and provides self-programmable Flash under firmware control. Its nanoWatt technology reduces quiescent current in sleep modes below 1 uA, enabling battery-friendly field installations.
Typical applications include CAN-node industrial sensor nodes, automotive body and chassis modules, motor-control front-ends, embedded data-acquisition systems, and CAN-based building-automation controllers. The combination of integrated CAN, 10-bit ADC, and ample Flash makes it well suited to networked embedded designs.
When designing with this device, remember to include proper decoupling (100 nF + 10 uF) near VDD/AVDD/VSS and that the exposed thermal pad of the QFN package should be soldered to a copper pad tied to ground for mechanical and thermal performance.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single point of reference for PIC18F2480T-I/ML selection and qualification.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F2480T-I/ML — 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 PIC18F2480T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, Timers, ADC, MSL Level.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F2480-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F2480-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F2480T-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F2580T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF2480T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F2480T-I/MLVAO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F2480T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 (8-bit, Harvard) |
| Max CPU Speed | 40 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| RAM | 768 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 8 channels |
| CAN Module | ECAN 2.0B |
| Timers | 4 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2, Timer3) |
| Supply Voltage | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (6x6 mm) with EP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 |
PIC18F2480T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 / analog input / Vref+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — PORTA bit 4 / analog input |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — PORTA bit 5 / analog input |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA7 — PORTA bit 7 / oscillator input |
| Pin 10 | RA6 — PORTA bit 6 / oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 / T1OSO / T1CKI |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 / T1OSI / CCP2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 / SCL (I2C clock) |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 / SDA (I2C data) |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 / SDO |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 / TX (USART) |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 / RX (USART) |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply (4.2 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 21 | RB0 — PORTB bit 0 / INT0 |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 / INT1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 / CANRX |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 / CANTX |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 / PGM |
| Pin 27 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 / PGC (ICSP clock) |
| Pin 28 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 / PGD (ICSP data) |
Typical Applications
PIC18F2480T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: CAN Node in Industrial Sensor Networks, Automotive Body and Chassis Modules, Motor Control Front-End Controllers, Embedded Data Acquisition Systems, Building Automation CAN Controllers, Battery-Backed Sensor Logger.
CAN Node in Industrial Sensor Networks
The PIC18F2480T-I/ML is purpose-built for CAN 2.0B networked sensor nodes because it integrates an ECAN controller with hardware acceptance filters, eliminating the need for an external CAN transceiver-MCU pair. The integrated ECAN module on this PIC18 part supports both standard 11-bit and extended 29-bit identifiers, which lets engineers deploy it on DeviceNet, CANopen, or proprietary CAN-based fieldbus networks. With 40 MHz CPU speed delivering 10 MIPS, the MCU can service sensor reads, ADC conversions, and CAN messaging in real time. The 28-QFN (6x6) footprint plus 25 available I/O pins keeps the PCB small while leaving room for a sensor front-end and an external CAN transceiver such as the MCP2551. Engineers should budget the ECAN interrupt latency in worst-case scenarios and ensure message buffering fits within the 768-byte RAM budget.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Chassis Modules
The PIC18F2480T-I/ML suits automotive body-control applications such as door modules, lighting controllers, and seat-position controllers because it combines an integrated CAN interface, 25 I/O for driving relays and reading switches, and a 10-bit ADC for analog sensor reads like thermistors or potentiometers. Its 4.2-5.5 V supply range matches the 12 V automotive bus after a 5 V regulator, and the -40 C to +85 C industrial temperature rating covers most under-hood and cabin environments. Designers targeting harsher under-hood locations should consider the PIC18F2480T-E/ML extended-temperature variant. The Flash self-programmability enables firmware updates over CAN, a feature increasingly required in OEM automotive designs. For functional safety considerations, add external watchdog monitoring rather than relying solely on the internal WDT.
Recommended
Motor Control Front-End Controllers
The PIC18F2480T-I/ML works well as a motor-control front-end where a host controller dispatches speed and torque commands over CAN to multiple motor-driver nodes. The 16 KB Flash and 768-byte RAM comfortably hold a CANopen or proprietary CAN state machine plus PID control loops, while the four on-chip timers can generate PWM outputs and capture encoder feedback. The integrated 10-bit ADC with up to 8 channels reads motor current shunts and supply voltages for closed-loop control. Engineers should oversample the ADC for better effective resolution and apply digital filtering before closing the loop. The 28-QFN exposed-pad package helps dissipate heat when the device runs at 40 MHz continuously with all peripherals active.
Recommended
Embedded Data Acquisition Systems
For low-to-mid-speed data-acquisition modules, the PIC18F2480T-I/ML provides 10-bit ADC resolution at up to 8 channels, ample Flash for sample buffering logic, and CAN for backhaul to a host PC or PLC. The 40 MHz core allows deterministic sampling loops and on-chip averaging. Combined with its low-power nanoWatt sleep modes below 1 uA, the device can run from a small solar or battery source and wake on CAN traffic or a sensor interrupt to log events. Its industrial temperature rating ensures outdoor cabinet reliability. Designers should disable unused peripherals and ADC channels to minimize quiescent current during long idle windows.
Recommended
Building Automation CAN Controllers
In building-automation systems the PIC18F2480T-I/ML controls HVAC dampers, lighting ballasts, and access-control nodes over a CAN-bus backbone. Its integrated ECAN module, 25 I/O for relay and sensor interfacing, and 16 KB Flash for BACnet or CANopen stack fragments make it a strong fit for distributed control panels. The 5 V supply matches typical DIN-rail system rails, and the -40 C to +85 C range covers boiler-room and rooftop installations. For multi-story deployment, the on-chip ECAN filters reduce software overhead and let the MCU serve more nodes per minute than polled serial stacks. Apply proper bus termination (120 ohm at each end) and a TVS diode such as SM712 on the CAN lines for surge protection.
Recommended
Battery-Backed Sensor Logger
In battery-backed sensor-logger designs, the PIC18LF2480T-I/ML (or its F counterpart above 4.2 V) provides low sleep current via nanoWatt modes while still offering ECAN and 10-bit ADC. Periodic wake cycles sample sensors, buffer data, and transmit over CAN to a host before returning to sleep. The 16 KB Flash supports month-long retention of calibration tables and simple file systems. Use external SPI or I2C EEPROM for non-volatile log storage to preserve Flash endurance. Be sure to choose a low-leakage LDO or load switch so the MCU's nanoWatt advantage is not undone by upstream quiescent draw.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F2480T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F2480-I/ML | PIC18F2480-E/ML | PIC18F2580T-I/ML | PIC18LF2480T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6) | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB |
| RAM | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 1536 bytes | 768 bytes |
| 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 | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| ECAN Module | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated ECAN 2.0B controller (vs PIC18F2455-I/SO)
- Compact 28-QFN package with exposed pad (vs PIC18F2480T-I/SO)
- Industrial temperature grade with nanoWatt modes (vs PIC18F2580T-I/ML)
Design Notes
Place 100 nF and 10 uF decoupling capacitors close to VDD and AVSS pins of the PIC18F2480T-I/ML. Use a separate analog ground return path from AVSS to the regulator ground to avoid digital noise coupling into the ADC reference. For battery-powered designs, gate the 5 V regulator with a MOSFET load switch so the MCU's nanoWatt sleep current is not wasted by upstream quiescent draw.
Solder the exposed thermal pad (EP) of the 28-QFN package to a ground-connected copper pour of at least 50 mm^2 to maximize thermal dissipation. Without this connection the device relies solely on internal bond-wire leads to die, raising junction-to-ambient thermal resistance and risking long-term reliability at sustained 40 MHz operation.
Route the CANRX and CANTX lines (RB3, RB2) as a matched-length differential pair to the MCP2551 or equivalent CAN transceiver, with characteristic impedance of 120 ohms and a TVS diode such as SM712 at the bus connector. Keep the oscillator traces short and shield them with a ground guard trace to minimize EMI pickup into the ECAN module.
Do not program configuration bits via the ICSP connector that disable MCLR, as this bricks the device and requires a high-voltage programmer to recover. Always configure unused I/O pins as outputs low to minimize current consumption and to avoid floating inputs that can trigger spurious interrupts.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - select PIC18F2480T-E/ML for extended-temp industrial, or contact Microchip for AEC-Q100 automotive-grade variants. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in datasheet.
