PIC18F24K50-I/ML - 8-bit 48MHz 16KB Flash USB MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F24K50-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.4 | $3.40 |
| 10 | $3.06 | $30.60 |
| 100 | $2.72 | $272.00 |
| 500 | $2.44 | $1,220.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.21 | $2,210.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.95 | $5,850.00 |
PIC18F24K50-I/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory (Flash/ROM), volatile data memory (RAM), and peripherals onto one die. Within the PIC family, PIC18 devices occupy the high-performance 8-bit tier, sitting above baseline PIC10/PIC12/PIC16 parts and below 16-bit dsPIC and 32-bit SAM/ARM Cortex-M families. The PIC18F24K50 specifically targets USB-enabled embedded designs where low active current, USB device/host/on-the-go flexibility, and small PCB footprint are required.
Key features include a full-speed USB 2.0 transceiver (12 Mbps, device/host/OTG-capable depending on firmware), two USART modules, two MSSP (SPI/I2C) modules, a 10-bit ADC with up to 14 channels, two 10-bit PWM modules with capture/compare, a charge time measurement unit (CTMU) for capacitive touch, and a wide 2.3V-5.5V operating voltage range suitable for both 3.3V and 5V systems. The on-chip 3.3V regulator can supply the internal USB transceiver from a 5V VBUS rail.
The PIC18F24K50 uses an enhanced Harvard architecture with 16-bit instructions and 8-bit data path, plus a hardware multiplier for fast arithmetic. The XLP nanoWatt technology delivers typical sleep currents below 1 uA and active currents of a few mA, enabling years of operation from a single CR2032 cell when USB is dormant.
Typical applications include USB HID peripherals such as keyboards/mice/joysticks, USB-to-UART bridge dongles, USB CDC virtual COM ports, low-power data loggers with USB charging, capacitive-touch user interfaces, sensor nodes with USB diagnostics, and consumer medical dongles. The QFN-28 (6x6 mm) package also makes the part attractive in space-constrained wearables.
When designing with this MCU, ensure the USB D+/D- traces are 90 ohm differential, length-matched, and routed over a continuous ground plane. Place the VUSB bypass capacitor as close as possible to the VUSB pin to meet USB inrush-current specifications during host enumeration.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in package-compatible alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F24K50-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 PIC18F24K50-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Program Memory (Flash), Operating Temperature, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F24K50T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F24K50-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F24K40-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.66 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F24K40T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.22 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F24K40-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F25K50-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F24K50-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 (8-bit Harvard) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB (8K x 16 instructions) |
| SRAM | 2048 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz |
| Instruction Throughput | 12 MIPS |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| USB Module | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps), device/host/OTG |
| I/O Pins | 25 (max) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 14 channels |
| PWM Channels | 2 x 10-bit CCP/ECCP |
| Communication Interfaces | 2x USART, 2x MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Timers | 4 x 8/16-bit |
| CTMU (Capacitive Touch) | Yes |
| Internal 3.3V Regulator | Yes (for USB transceiver from 5V VBUS) |
| nanoWatt XLP Sleep Current | < 1 uA typical |
| Package | QFN-28 (ML) 6x6 mm with exposed pad |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F24K50-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog input AN4 |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Digital I/O / analog input AN3 |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Digital I/O / analog input AN2 / VREF+ |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — Digital I/O / CCP1 / PWM |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — Digital I/O / D- |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — Digital I/O / analog input AN7 |
| Pin 8 | RC6 — Digital I/O / TX1 / CK1 |
| Pin 9 | RC7 — Digital I/O / RX1 / DT1 |
| Pin 10 | RB7 — Digital I/O / PGD |
| Pin 11 | RB6 — Digital I/O / PGC |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | VUSB — Internal 3.3V USB regulator output |
| Pin 14 | D+ — USB D+ data line |
| Pin 15 | D- — USB D- data line |
| Pin 16 | RC0 — Digital I/O / analog input AN4 |
| Pin 17 | RC1 — Digital I/O / analog input AN5 |
| Pin 18 | RC2 — Digital I/O / analog input AN6 / CCP1 |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference (thermal pad) |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0 — Digital I/O / analog input AN12 / INT0 |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — Digital I/O / analog input AN10 / INT1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — Digital I/O / analog input AN8 |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — Digital I/O / analog input AN9 / CCP2 |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — Digital I/O / analog input AN11 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — Digital I/O / analog input AN13 |
| Pin 27 | RA0 — Digital I/O / analog input AN0 |
| Pin 28 | RA1 — Digital I/O / analog input AN1 |
Typical Applications
PIC18F24K50-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Peripheral (Keyboard/Mouse/Joystick), USB-to-UART (CDC) Bridge Dongle, Low-Power Data Logger with USB Charging, Capacitive-Touch User Interface, Sensor Node with USB Diagnostics, Consumer Medical Dongle.
USB HID Peripheral (Keyboard/Mouse/Joystick)
The PIC18F24K50-I/ML is ideally suited to USB Human Interface Device class peripherals thanks to its on-chip full-speed USB 2.0 transceiver (12 Mbps) and 16 KB of Flash that comfortably fits a HID class stack plus scan-matrix logic. With 25 available I/O pins, designers can drive a 5x8 keyboard matrix directly, while the two MSSP peripherals handle SPI/I2C extensions for NKRO or RGB control. The internal 3.3V regulator powers the USB transceiver from a 5V VBUS rail, removing the need for an external LDO and reducing BOM cost in space-constrained keyboard PCBs.
Recommended
USB-to-UART (CDC) Bridge Dongle
The PIC18F24K50-I/ML acts as a CDC virtual COM-port bridge, replacing discrete USB-UART ICs like the FT232R with a single programmable MCU. Its two USART modules support simultaneous host-side data plus a debug AUX port, and the 2 KB SRAM is sufficient for high-speed bulk transfers up to the USB full-speed ceiling. The QFN-28 (ML) 6x6 mm footprint allows the dongle PCB to fit inside USB-A enclosures. Active currents of a few mA keep the dongle within USB suspend-current budgets (< 2.5 mA) when the host sleeps.
Recommended
Low-Power Data Logger with USB Charging
For battery-powered data loggers that recharge or offload data over USB, the PIC18F24K50-I/ML's nanoWatt XLP sleep current below 1 uA extends coin-cell life to multi-year horizons. The 256-byte EEPROM retains configuration and calibration without wearing Flash, while the 10-bit ADC with up to 14 channels reads sensor arrays directly. The USB port handles both charging and high-speed log download without a separate charger IC, with the internal regulator supplying the USB transceiver from a 5V VBUS source.
Recommended
Capacitive-Touch User Interface
The PIC18F24K50-I/ML integrates Microchip's CTMU (Charge Time Measurement Unit) which, paired with mTouch firmware, builds robust capacitive-touch buttons, sliders, and proximity sensors without external touch ICs. Combined with the USB port for firmware updates and diagnostics, designers can build sealed touch panels for industrial controls, white goods, or medical handhelds. The QFN-28 (ML) 6x6 mm footprint supports dense PCB layouts where every square millimeter matters.
Recommended
Sensor Node with USB Diagnostics
Industrial sensor nodes that need a USB port for configuration, log dump, and field firmware updates benefit from the PIC18F24K50-I/ML's combination of 14 ADC channels, two I2C/SPI ports, and USB device stack. The wide 2.3V to 5.5V supply range accepts direct connection to industrial 24V-to-5V rails through a simple LDO, while the -40C to +85C industrial temperature rating covers outdoor enclosures. EEPROM stores calibration constants that survive firmware updates.
Recommended
Consumer Medical Dongle
Wearable medical accessories such as USB pedometers, pulse-oximeter dongles, and hearing-aid programmers use the PIC18F24K50-I/ML to combine low-power sensor readout, capacitive-touch buttons, and USB data sync in one chip. The QFN-28 (ML) 6x6 mm package fits inside lanyard-form-factor enclosures, while the XLP sleep current below 1 uA preserves battery life between USB charging cycles. The internal 3.3V regulator eliminates an external LDO on the 5V VBUS rail.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F24K50-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F24K50T-I/ML | PIC18F24K50-E/ML | PIC18F24K40-I/ML | PIC18F25K50-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | QFN-28 (ML) 6x6 mm | QFN-28 (ML) 6x6 mm | QFN-28 (ML) 6x6 mm | QFN-28 (ML) 6x6 mm | QFN-28 (ML) 6x6 mm |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Max Frequency | PIC18 / 48 MHz | PIC18 / 48 MHz | PIC18 / 48 MHz | PIC18 / 48 MHz | PIC18 / 48 MHz |
| Flash / SRAM / EEPROM | 16 KB / 2 KB / 256 B | 16 KB / 2 KB / 256 B | 16 KB / 2 KB / 256 B | 16 KB / 2 KB / 256 B | 32 KB / 2 KB / 256 B |
| USB 2.0 Transceiver | Yes (FS device/host/OTG) | Yes (FS device/host/OTG) | Yes (FS device/host/OTG) | No | Yes (FS device/host/OTG) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Param Match Percentage | 100% | 100% | 95% | 90% | 90% |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver eliminates external USB chip (vs PIC18F24K40-I/ML)
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature option for harsh environments (vs PIC18F24K50-I/ML (industrial grade))
- Drop-in upgrade to doubled Flash memory on same footprint (vs PIC18F25K50-I/ML)
Design Notes
Route USB D+ and D- as a 90 ohm differential pair, length-matched within 150 mil, over a continuous ground plane. Place the VUSB bypass capacitor (4.7 uF X7R) within 100 mil of the VUSB pin to meet USB inrush-current specifications. The QFN-28 (ML) 6x6 mm package has an exposed thermal pad that MUST be soldered to a ground copper pour with at least 8 thermal vias for thermal dissipation and ground-return integrity.
Estimated: With VDD = 5.0V, USB active mode draws ~14 mA at full-speed enumeration and ~6 mA in IDLE, while XLP sleep is below 1 uA. For battery-only designs, use the nanoWatt XLP Sleep mode (instruction-based wake-up on RTC or watchdog) rather than Idle to maximize coin-cell life. The internal 3.3V regulator can source up to 3 mA for the USB transceiver and one external pull-up - do not load it beyond this without an external LDO.
Common pitfalls: (1) Forgetting to configure CONFIG1L for HSPLL when running the 48 MHz USB clock from a 20 MHz crystal - the MCU cannot enumerate USB without HSPLL enabled. (2) Failing to enable the CTMU in Peripheral Enable bits when using mTouch capacitive sensing. (3) Mixing ICSP pins (RB6/RB7) with the application matrix without isolating them during debug - use the LVP bit and isolation resistors. (4) Not programming the CONFIG1H CLKOUTEN bit to OFF on pin RA6 if RA6 is wired to external logic, otherwise the clock output collides.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Standard industrial -40C to +85C grade is not AEC-Q100 qualified; automotive designs should evaluate the PIC18F24K50-E/ML (extended temp) or dedicated AEC-Q100 PIC18 variants.
