PIC18F24J50-I/ML - 48MHz USB MCU 16KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F24J50-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.04 | $5.04 |
| 10 | $4.78 | $47.80 |
| 100 | $4.21 | $421.00 |
| 500 | $3.65 | $1,825.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.18 | $3,180.00 |
PIC18F24J50-I/ML Overview
An MCU (microcontroller) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (RAM), and configurable peripherals (ADC, timers, communication interfaces) on one die. The PIC18 family is Microchip's 8-bit enhanced Harvard architecture family, sitting between the baseline PIC10/12/16 line and the 16-bit PIC24/dsPIC families. USB-capable PIC18 devices like the J-series further add an internal 3.3V regulator and a charge pump that lets the MCU operate from a single 5V USB supply - eliminating an external LDO and shrinking BOM cost.
Key features of the PIC18F24J50 include the integrated full-speed (12 Mbps) USB 2.0 device controller with on-chip transceiver, the nanoWatt XLP extreme-low-power sleep modes (down to sub-uA standby), 256-byte data EEPROM, two USART, two MSSP (SPI/I2C), three timers, and a 10-bit ADC with auto-acquisition. It supports up to 16 MIPS throughput and runs the same PIC18 instruction set used across the J-series, enabling code reuse with the PIC18F25J50 (32 KB) and PIC18F26J50 (64 KB).
Architecturally, the J-series devices are designed for USB on a single supply: an internal boost converter generates 3.3V from VIN for the core, so a USB-powered device needs no external 3.3V regulator. The 25-pin I/O count and 28-pin QFN footprint keep the PCB area small, suiting HID-class peripherals, sensor bridges, and low-cost USB-to-UART bridges.
Typical applications include USB HID peripherals (keyboards, mice, custom input devices), USB-to-UART bridges, low-power sensor data loggers, medical USB dongles, consumer-electronics accessories, and embedded learning kits (PICKit programmers, Microchip's own low-pin-count demo boards).
When designing with this MCU, budget the 28-pin QFN thermal path and route the USB D+/D- pair as a 90-ohm differential with a clean ground return; the internal 3.3V regulator must see a bulk capacitor on VUSB3V3 even when USB is unused.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the PIC18 J-series, USB design considerations, and QFN PCB layout guidance beyond what the manufacturer datasheet alone offers.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F24J50-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 PIC18F24J50-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature, Timers, Package, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F25J50-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.04 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26J50-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F24J50T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.88 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F24J50-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F24J11-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F24J50-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC18 J-series (XLP) |
| Core | 8-bit PIC18 Harvard (RISC) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| RAM | 4 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 48 MHz (12 MIPS) |
| Operating Voltage (Core) | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| USB VBUS Tolerance | 4.2 V to 5.5 V (via internal 3.3V boost) |
| USB Controller | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps), internal transceiver |
| Digital I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 13 channels |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0/1/2/3 equivalent set) |
| Communication Interfaces | 2x USART, 2x MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 |
PIC18F24J50-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (Reset) input, active low |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — Digital I/O / analog input AN0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — Digital I/O / analog input AN1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog input AN2 / VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — Digital I/O / analog input AN3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — Digital I/O (open-drain) / analog AN4 |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog AN5 |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0-3.6V) |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | RB0 — Digital I/O / analog AN12 / INT0 |
| Pin 11 | RB1 — Digital I/O / analog AN10 / INT1 |
| Pin 12 | RB2 — Digital I/O / analog AN8 |
| Pin 13 | RB3 — Digital I/O / analog AN9 |
| Pin 14 | VUSB3V3 — Internal 3.3V USB regulator output / VBUS input |
| Pin 15 | D+ — USB data plus |
| Pin 16 | D- — USB data minus |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 21 | RC4 — Digital I/O / D- (USB alternate) |
| Pin 22 | RC5 — Digital I/O / D+ (USB alternate) |
| Pin 23 | RC6 — Digital I/O / TX1 (USART1) |
| Pin 24 | RC7 — Digital I/O / RX1 (USART1) |
| Pin 25 | RE3 — Digital I/O (input only) |
| Pin 26 | RA6 — Digital I/O / oscillator |
| Pin 27 | RA7 — Digital I/O / oscillator |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC18F24J50-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Peripherals (Keyboards, Mice, Custom Input Devices), USB-to-UART Bridge Dongle, Low-Power Sensor Data Logger with USB Dump, Medical USB Dongle (Glucose Meter, Pulse Oximeter Interface), Consumer Electronics USB Accessory, Embedded Learning / Development Kit (PICKit-Style Board).
USB HID Peripherals (Keyboards, Mice, Custom Input Devices)
The PIC18F24J50's integrated full-speed USB 2.0 device controller with on-chip transceiver makes it a single-chip solution for USB HID peripherals. Its 16 KB Flash fits a USB HID stack plus matrix-scan logic, and the 25 digital I/O pins comfortably support a keyboard matrix scan plus LED status outputs. With the internal 3.3V boost regulator deriving the USB voltage rail directly from VBUS, no external LDO is needed - eliminating one BOM item for cost-sensitive input devices. The 48 MHz / 12 MIPS throughput handles 1 kHz HID polling plus debounce and macro processing.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge Dongle
The PIC18F24J50's USB 2.0 controller plus two on-chip USARTs make it well-suited for a USB-to-UART bridge dongle (CDC-ACM class). One USART connects to a target system's debug serial port while USB presents a virtual COM port to the host, eliminating the need for a dedicated bridge IC like the FTDI FT232. The internal 3.3V regulator supports bus-powered designs; the nanoWatt XLP sleep modes drop idle consumption to sub-uA when the host suspends the bus. The 28-QFN (6x6) footprint yields a thumb-drive-sized PCB.
Recommended
Low-Power Sensor Data Logger with USB Dump
The PIC18F24J50's nanoWatt XLP extreme-low-power sleep modes (sub-uA standby) and integrated 10-bit ADC up to 13 channels make it ideal for battery-powered sensor data loggers that periodically wake, sample, and store to data EEPROM or external FRAM. USB then serves as the bulk-dump interface to a host PC - no separate programmer required. The 256-byte data EEPROM provides non-volatile parameter storage; the 4 KB RAM buffers measurement bursts between USB transfers; and the internal 3.3V LDO keeps the design single-supply.
Recommended
Medical USB Dongle (Glucose Meter, Pulse Oximeter Interface)
The PIC18F24J50's integrated USB 2.0 full-speed with internal transceiver and its industrial -40C to +85C temperature range make it suitable for medical USB data-transmission dongles such as glucose-meter interfaces or pulse-oximeter PC link cables. The internal 3.3V regulator supports single-supply 5V USB operation, the 10-bit ADC handles analog front-end inputs, and the on-chip EEPROM stores calibration constants and patient identifiers across power cycles. Note: medical-device certification is the OEM's responsibility; the part itself does not carry FDA approval.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics USB Accessory
The PIC18F24J50 powers low-cost USB accessories - programmable button boxes, macro controllers, MIDI controllers, and custom lighting peripherals - by combining its full-speed USB controller, 25 I/O pins for button/LED matrix scanning, two MSSP (SPI/I2C) for displays or RGB drivers, and 16 KB Flash for control firmware. The internal 3.3V regulator simplifies the USB-powered design, while the industrial temperature range ensures reliability in enclosed consumer enclosures that run warm. The 28-QFN footprint is small enough for credit-card-USB-stick form factors.
Recommended
Embedded Learning / Development Kit (PICKit-Style Board)
The PIC18F24J50 is commonly used on Microchip's own low-pin-count development boards and on third-party hobbyist kits because it bundles USB, ADC, timers, and serial interfaces in a single 28-QFN chip at an entry-level price. Students and engineers can prototype USB device firmware (HID, CDC, vendor-class) on a single chip without external PHYs or regulators. The 25 I/O pins expose enough peripherals for typical lab exercises (PWM, ADC, UART loopback), and the 48 MHz / 12 MIPS performance handles real-time USB polling at the 1 kHz HID interval without missing frames.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F24J50-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F25J50-I/ML | PIC18F26J50-I/ML | PIC18F24J50T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB (8K x 16) | 32 KB (16K x 16) | 64 KB (32K x 16) | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| RAM | 4 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 48 MHz (12 MIPS) | 48 MHz (12 MIPS) | 48 MHz (12 MIPS) | 48 MHz (12 MIPS) |
| USB Controller | USB 2.0 Full-Speed, internal transceiver | USB 2.0 Full-Speed, internal transceiver | USB 2.0 Full-Speed, internal transceiver | USB 2.0 Full-Speed, internal transceiver |
| Digital I/O Pins | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated full-speed USB 2.0 with internal transceiver and 3.3V boost regulator (vs PIC18F24J11-I/SO (non-USB J-series))
- nanoWatt XLP extreme-low-power sleep modes (vs PIC18F24J11-I/SO (non-USB J-series))
- 16 KB Flash with 4 KB RAM in a 28-QFN package (vs PIC18F14K50-I/SO (14-pin PIC18 USB MCU))
Design Notes
The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) package requires careful PCB layout: route the exposed thermal pad (EP) to a continuous ground copper pour with at least 8 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill, 0.5 mm pitch) to the inner ground plane. Per Microchip datasheet 39931B, the EP MUST be soldered to the PCB for mechanical reliability and electrical ground; failure to solder the pad can cause intermittent operation and thermal runaway at higher USB bus loads.
USB differential pair (D+ pin 15, D- pin 16) must be routed as a 90-ohm differential impedance pair with a clean ground return path. Match lengths within 150 mil (3.8 mm) and keep total pair length under 50 mm when possible. Place the VUSB3V3 decoupling capacitor (4.7 uF minimum per datasheet) within 2 mm of pin 14 to suppress inrush transients during USB enumeration. Avoid routing the USB pair near switching nodes or other high-speed signals.
The internal 3.3V boost regulator requires an external inductor and capacitor on VUSB3V3 (pin 14) when operated from VBUS > 3.6V. Per Microchip datasheet 39931B, a 4.7 uH inductor and 4.7 uF X7R bypass capacitor are recommended. The VBUS input can be left floating if USB is unused and the chip is powered from the VDD pin directly (2.0-3.6V). In self-powered USB designs, ensure VDD is stable before VBUS is applied to avoid latch-up.
Do not confuse the 'I' suffix (industrial -40C to +85C) with 'E' (extended -40C to +125C) or 'H' (high-temperature). The PIC18F24J50 family also has a 'T' suffix that denotes tape-and-reel packaging only - the silicon is identical to the standard version. When migrating firmware from PIC18F24J50 to PIC18F25J50 or PIC18F26J50, verify linker scripts and interrupt vector tables are reconfigured for the larger Flash size.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page and DigiKey listing. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is a commercial/industrial MCU, not an automotive-grade part. Lead-free (Pb-free) reflow profile per JEDEC J-STD-020.
