PIC18F24K20-E/ML - 8-bit PIC MCU 16KB Flash 48MHz 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F24K20-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.92 | $3.92 |
| 10 | $3.58 | $35.80 |
| 100 | $3.15 | $315.00 |
| 500 | $2.79 | $1,395.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.45 | $2,450.00 |
PIC18F24K20-E/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program and working memory, peripherals, and I/O onto one die. The PIC18F24K20 belongs to the PIC18 family, which sits in the broader 8-bit PIC microcontroller hierarchy under Microchip's microcontroller product line. PIC18 MCUs use an enhanced Harvard RISC architecture with a 16-bit instruction word and 8-bit data path, optimized for deterministic real-time control and low-power operation.
Key features include nanoWatt XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology delivering sleep currents as low as 100 nA, an integrated 10-channel 10-bit ADC, multiple communication peripherals (EUSART, MSSP SPI/I2C), and 25 digital I/O pins. The device supports 64 KB of linear addressing and offers five timer modules for PWM, capture, and compare functions.
Architecturally, the PIC18F24K20 uses a modified Harvard core with separate program and data buses, a hardware multiplier for 8x8 single-cycle operations, and an internal oscillator block that can be tuned across multiple frequency ranges. The XLP technology combines multiple low-power modes (Run, Idle, Sleep) with peripheral disabling for ultra-low standby current.
Typical applications include industrial sensor nodes, low-power remote controls, battery-powered IoT end nodes, automotive body and interior subsystems, and consumer white goods requiring extended temperature operation. The wide operating voltage range and ultra-low sleep current make it well-suited for energy-harvesting designs.
When designing with this MCU, evaluate whether your application requires more code space than the 16 KB Flash provides; the PIC18F25K20 (32 KB) and PIC18F26K20 (64 KB) are pin-compatible upgrades in the same 28-QFN package. Plan for an in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) header to enable firmware updates in the field.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in alternative listings, and engineering design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, providing unique value for sourcing and design decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F24K20-E/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 PIC18F24K20-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Timers, Core Architecture, Instruction Set.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F25K20-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F23K20-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F24K20-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F24K20T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F24K20-E/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F24K20-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F24J50-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F24K20-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | PIC18F K20 |
| Core Processor | PIC18 |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| Program Memory Type | FLASH |
| RAM Size | 768 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 48 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Extended, "-E") |
| Number of I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 10 channels |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (6x6 mm) with Exposed Pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Data Bus Width | 8-bit |
| Connectivity | EUSART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Number of Timers | 5 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F24K20-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / Analog input / Voltage reference positive |
| Pin 2 | RA4/T0CKI/C1OUT — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input / Comparator 1 output |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN4/SS/HLVDIN/C2OUT — Digital I/O / Analog input / SPI slave select / HLVD input / Comparator 2 output |
| Pin 4 | RA6/OSC2/CLKO — Digital I/O / Oscillator output / Clock output |
| Pin 5 | RA7/OSC1/CLKI — Digital I/O / Oscillator input / Clock input |
| Pin 6 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RB0/INT0/FLT0/AN12 — Digital I/O / External interrupt 0 / PWM Fault / Analog input |
| Pin 9 | RB1/INT1/AN10 — Digital I/O / External interrupt 1 / Analog input |
| Pin 10 | RB2/INT2/AN8 — Digital I/O / External interrupt 2 / Analog input |
| Pin 11 | RB3/INT3/AN9/CCP2A — Digital I/O / External interrupt 3 / Analog input / CCP2 output |
| Pin 12 | RB4/KBI0/AN11 — Digital I/O / Keyboard interrupt 0 / Analog input |
| Pin 13 | RB5/KBI1/PGM — Digital I/O / Keyboard interrupt 1 / LVP programming |
| Pin 14 | RB6/KBI2/PGC — Digital I/O / Keyboard interrupt 2 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 15 | RB7/KBI3/PGD — Digital I/O / Keyboard interrupt 3 / ICSP data |
| Pin 16 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 18 | RC0/SOSCO/T1CKI — Digital I/O / Secondary oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 19 | RC1/SOSCI/CCP2A — Digital I/O / Secondary oscillator input / CCP2 output |
| Pin 20 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 21 | RC3/SCL/SCK — Digital I/O / I2C clock / SPI clock |
| Pin 22 | RC4/SDA/SDI — Digital I/O / I2C data / SPI data in |
| Pin 23 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 24 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / EUSART transmit / EUSART clock |
| Pin 25 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / EUSART receive / EUSART data |
| Pin 26 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 28 | RE3/MCLR — Digital input / Master Clear reset |
| Pin EP | EP — Exposed thermal pad - must be soldered to ground plane |
Typical Applications
PIC18F24K20-E/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Hub, Battery-Powered IoT End Node, Automotive Body Control Module, Consumer White Goods Control, Remote Control Transmitter, Energy Harvesting Sensor Node.
Industrial Sensor Hub
The PIC18F24K20-E/ML is well-suited for industrial sensor hubs that aggregate signals from multiple sensors and forward processed data to a central controller. Its 10-channel 10-bit ADC handles multiple analog inputs directly without external multiplexer, while the 25 I/O pins drive status LEDs, relays, and digital sensors. The 48 MHz clock executes control loops within sub-millisecond latency, and nanoWatt XLP sleep currents below 100 nA enable battery-backed operation during power interruptions. The 16 KB Flash accommodates Modbus RTU or CANopen protocol stacks plus sensor calibration routines. Industrial grade certification from -40°C to +125°C supports deployment in factory floors, outdoor enclosures, and process control cabinets where ambient temperatures fluctuate widely.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT End Node
For battery-powered IoT end nodes, the PIC18F24K20-E/ML's nanoWatt XLP technology and 100 nA typical sleep current enable multi-year operation on a single CR2032 coin cell. The 1.8V to 3.6V supply range supports direct connection to lithium primary cells without boost converter, reducing BOM cost and quiescent drain. The integrated MSSP peripheral handles I2C communication with low-power sensors, while EUSART provides connectivity to sub-GHz radio modules like LoRa transceivers. The 16 KB Flash stores application firmware plus wireless protocol stacks such as Sigfox or Wirepas. Sleep wake-up via Watchdog Timer or external interrupt allows duty cycling below 1%, dramatically extending battery life in remote deployments.
Recommended
Automotive Body Control Module
The PIC18F24K20-E/ML operates across the -40°C to +125°C automotive temperature range, qualifying it for body control modules managing interior lighting, door locks, mirror adjustment, and wiper control. Its 25 I/O pins drive multiple low-side switches through external MOSFETs, while the 5 hardware timers generate PWM signals for motor speed control and LED dimming. The 16 KB Flash stores body control application logic plus LIN bus slave protocol handlers. Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, the extended temperature grade and robust PIC18 architecture suit many non-safety automotive body applications. For safety-critical ECUs, consider Microchip's dsPIC33 or PIC18 K-series automotive-grade variants.
Recommended
Consumer White Goods Control
In washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators, the PIC18F24K20-E/ML serves as the main controller managing user interfaces, motor drivers, and sensor inputs. The 10-bit ADC reads temperature, water level, and turbidity sensors; the EUSART interfaces with inverter boards and display modules. The 16 KB Flash is sufficient for appliance control algorithms plus diagnostic routines, while the 256-byte EEPROM stores user settings and fault history through power cycles. The extended -40°C to +125°C operating range supports installation near motors and heating elements where temperatures rise during operation. Low sleep current allows standby modes compliant with energy efficiency regulations.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitter
The PIC18F24K20-E/ML's nanoWatt XLP technology makes it ideal for handheld remote controls where battery life determines user satisfaction. Sleep currents under 100 nA preserve coin-cell capacity across months of standby, while 48 MHz execution speed handles button debouncing, RF encoding, and display refresh on wake. The integrated MSSP SPI peripheral drives low-cost 2.4 GHz transceivers for wireless remote applications. The 16 KB Flash stores multiple device codes plus user-customizable macros. The wide 1.8V to 3.6V supply range accommodates battery voltage decline as cells discharge, extending useful battery life beyond the cutoff voltage of typical 3V coin cells.
Recommended
Energy Harvesting Sensor Node
Energy harvesting sensor nodes benefit from the PIC18F24K20-E/ML's 100 nA sleep mode, which allows intermittent operation from solar, thermal, or vibration energy sources with minimal storage capacitance. The MCU's 1.8V minimum supply voltage enables direct operation from low-voltage harvesters without boost converter losses. The 10-bit ADC with 10 channels reads multiple sensor types including temperature, humidity, and mechanical strain gauges. The 16 KB Flash accommodates adaptive sampling algorithms that adjust measurement frequency based on available harvested energy. The extended temperature grade supports deployment in harsh outdoor environments where solar thermal gradients are significant.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F24K20-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F25K20-E/ML | PIC18F23K20-E/ML | PIC18F24K20-I/ML | PIC18F24J50-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (6x6 mm) | 28-pin QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-pin QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-pin QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-pin QFN (6x6 mm) - same |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 32 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| RAM | 768 bytes | 1536 bytes | 512 bytes | 768 bytes | 3800 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C |
| USB Peripheral | No | No | No | No | Yes (USB 2.0 FS) |
| I/O Pins | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 21 |
| ADC Channels | 10 channels x 10-bit | 10 channels x 10-bit | 10 channels x 10-bit | 10 channels x 10-bit | 10 channels x 10-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature range -40C to +125C for automotive-grade applications (vs PIC18F24K20-I/ML)
- Doubles Flash memory compared to PIC18F23K20 family (vs PIC18F23K20-E/ML)
- Half the Flash of PIC18F25K20 at lower cost for memory-efficient designs (vs PIC18F25K20-E/ML)
- No integrated USB - lower cost and power vs PIC18F24J50 (vs PIC18F24J50-I/ML)
Design Notes
The 28-pin QFN package features an exposed thermal pad (EP) that must be soldered to the ground plane for proper thermal dissipation and electrical performance. Failure to solder the EP can result in thermal shutdown at high loads and signal integrity issues at high frequencies. Per the Microchip datasheet, the EP should connect to a continuous ground copper pour with at least 4 thermal vias to the inner ground plane. Maintain a clearance of at least 0.2 mm between the EP and adjacent signal traces.
PIC18F24K20-E/ML features multiple low-power modes that should be exploited in battery-powered designs. Sleep mode draws under 100 nA typical with Watchdog Timer disabled; Idle mode retains peripheral operation at reduced core current. Estimated: at 3.0V supply with 1 MHz system clock, Run current is approximately 1.2 mA and Sleep current is 0.1 uA, yielding a duty cycle of 0.01% gives average current of 1.2 uA. Use the DC IDLE mode for ADC conversions where peripheral clocks must remain active.
PIC18F24K20-E/ML has separate analog (VDD) and digital supply pins that require proper decoupling. Place 100 nF ceramic capacitors as close as possible to each VDD pin and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor at the supply entry point. The analog reference VREF+ should be bypassed with 100 nF when the ADC is in use. Common pitfalls include omitting the MCLR pull-up resistor (required for proper reset behavior) and failing to disable the LVP (Low-Voltage Programming) bit when not using ICSP.
When laying out the 28-QFN footprint, follow Microchip's land pattern recommendations with 0.4 mm pitch pads and an EP pad of approximately 4.1 mm x 4.1 mm. Stencil aperture should be approximately 80% of the pad area for the EP to ensure proper solder volume. Route high-speed signals (EUSART, SPI clocks) on inner layers with continuous ground reference to minimize EMI. Keep analog traces short and away from switching signals to reduce ADC noise coupling.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Extended temperature grade (-E) supports -40C to +125C operation but is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for AEC-Q100 automotive applications, consider PIC18F K-series automotive variants.
