PIC18F252-E/SO - 8-Bit 40MHz 32KB Flash MCU 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F252-E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.76 | $9.76 |
| 10 | $8.92 | $89.20 |
| 100 | $7.65 | $765.00 |
| 500 | $6.42 | $3,210.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.78 | $5,780.00 |
PIC18F252-E/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data-path CPU with on-chip program memory, data memory and peripheral interfaces. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC18F252 sits in the PIC18 family of high-performance 8-bit MCUs, which itself belongs to Microchip's PIC microcontroller line, the embedded microcontroller category, and finally the semiconductor integrated-circuit hierarchy. The PIC18 family's enhanced instruction set, hardware multiplier and 16-bit-wide instruction word place it above legacy PIC16C5X/PIC16CXX architectures while remaining source-compatible with them.
Key features of the PIC18F252-E/SO include an extended (-40C to +125C) operating temperature range, a wide 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range, self-programmability for in-field firmware updates, an ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) interface, and nanoWatt power-management technology. Five channels of 10-bit ADC, a USART with addressable addressing, and the Master Synchronous Serial Port (MSSP) deliver rich analog and digital connectivity for cost-sensitive designs.
The device uses a 16-bit Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, enabling single-cycle instruction fetch plus single-cycle ALU operations. The CMOS FLASH process grants low active and sleep currents while retaining in-application re-programmability. Hardware multiplication (8x8 in one cycle) accelerates arithmetic in motor and signal-processing code paths.
Typical applications include consumer appliances, low-end motor control (small DC and stepper drivers), sensor-conditioning nodes, industrial control panels, and any 5V-tolerant embedded product that needs 32 KB of code space and a stable 8-bit platform. Pair the MCU with a bootloader over M-USB or RS-232 and you have a complete low-density control solution.
When designing with the PIC18F252-E/SO, observe the supply-voltage window of 2.0-5.5 V (4.2-5.5 V is typical for -E parts in industrial applications). Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor close to each VDD pin and a bulk capacitor near the IC. Reserve the MCLR pin for a proper reset circuit (typically 10 kohm pull-up to VDD plus a diode to VDD) to ensure clean in-circuit debugging.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, and is structured for AI search engines (AEO/GEO) so engineers can find answers in the FAQ and application sections without scrolling through full documents.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F252-E/SO — 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 PIC18F252-E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Timers, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F252-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F2420-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.93 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F2520-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F2423-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F2480-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F24K20-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F252-E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC18 (8-bit) |
| Instruction Set Architecture | RISC, 16-bit instructions |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB (16K x 16) |
| Data RAM | 1.5 KB (1536 bytes) |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 23 |
| Timers | 4 |
| CCP/PWM Channels | 2 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 5 channels |
| Serial Interfaces | SPI, I2C (MSSP), USART |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (4.2 V to 5.5 V typical for -E) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended, -E suffix) |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (0.295 inch / 7.50 mm width) |
| Self-Programming | Yes (Flash) |
| In-Circuit Debug | Yes (ICD) |
| Hardware Multiplier | 8x8 single-cycle |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F252-E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (Reset) input, active low |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Digital I/O / Analog input 2 / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / Analog input 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — Digital I/O / Analog input 4 / SPI Slave Select |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI — Oscillator crystal input / external clock |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO — Oscillator crystal output / clock out |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output / clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / CCP1 (PWM output) |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Digital I/O / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / USART TX / clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / USART RX / data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT0 — Digital I/O / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 22 | RB1/INT1 — Digital I/O / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2/INT2 — Digital I/O / External interrupt 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3/CCP2 — Digital I/O / CCP2 alternate pin |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 26 | RB5/PGM — Digital I/O / LVP programming |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICD clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICD data |
Typical Applications
PIC18F252-E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panels, Small Motor and Stepper Control, Sensor Conditioning and Data Logging, Consumer Appliance Control, Automotive Aftermarket Accessories, Hobby and Educational Development.
Industrial Control Panels
The PIC18F252-E/SO is well-suited for industrial control panels thanks to its Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade and 23 programmable I/O lines. Its 32 KB Flash accommodates HMI state machines and Modbus ASCII/RTU stacks, while four timers and two CCP/PWM channels handle timing and triac/SSR drive signals. Place the MCU between the 5 V logic rail and the front-panel keypad/LED matrix; the MSSP and USART interfaces connect directly to RS-485 transceivers for field-bus communication.
Recommended
Small Motor and Stepper Control
The PIC18F252-E/SO can drive small DC brushed motors and unipolar stepper motors via its two CCP/PWM modules and four timers. The 40 MHz (10 MIPS) throughput is sufficient for trapezoidal commutation at moderate RPM, and the 5-channel 10-bit ADC samples back-EMF or current-sense signals directly. Drive the gates of an H-bridge such as the L293D from the CCP outputs; the 32 KB Flash holds the acceleration/deceleration profile and fault-handling routines in a single image.
Recommended
Sensor Conditioning and Data Logging
With five channels of 10-bit ADC, hardware 8x8 multiplier, and 1.5 KB of RAM for circular buffers, the PIC18F252-E/SO is a strong fit for sensor-conditioning and local data-logging nodes. The MSSP port reads digital sensors via SPI or I2C, while the USART streams averaged data upstream at 115200 baud. Place the MCU between the analog front-end (e.g., instrumentation amp) and a serial-to-Ethernet bridge; the 256 bytes of EEPROM store calibration constants that survive power cycles.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC18F252-E/SO's Extended temperature rating and self-programming Flash make it an attractive choice for white-goods controllers such as washing-machine front panels, dishwasher timers, and microwave user interfaces. The 32 KB Flash handles user-interface state machines plus safety logic, while four timers drive triac phase-control firmware. Place the MCU near the user keypad and run the triac optocouplers from the CCP/PWM pins; the nanoWatt sleep mode keeps standby power below regulatory thresholds.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket Accessories
Although not -AEC-Q100 qualified, the PIC18F252-E/SO's Extended -40C to +125C temperature range and robust Flash allow it to serve in aftermarket automotive accessories such as gauge controllers, lighting sequencers, and alarm interfaces. The two CCP/PWM channels drive LED current sinks and buzzer tones, while the USART links to OBD-II adapters for telemetry display. Mount the MCU on the accessory PCB with a 5 V regulator; ensure ESD protection on external connectors since the part lacks automotive EMI hardening.
Recommended
Hobby and Educational Development
The PIC18F252-E/SO is widely adopted in hobbyist and university curricula because its 77-instruction set, in-circuit debugger, and 32 KB Flash let students prototype real embedded systems without a steep learning curve. Combined with a PICkit 3/4 programmer, students can program, debug, and self-reprogram the device directly on the breadboard. Use the 28-SOIC breakout board or DIP-socket adapter and you have a reusable platform for robotics, sensor-fusion demos, and capstone projects.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F252-E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F252-I/SO | PIC18F2420-E/SO | PIC18F2520-E/SO | PIC18F2423-E/SO | PIC18F2480-E/SO | PIC18F24K20-E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC (0.295 inch) | 28-SOIC (0.295 inch) - same | 28-SOIC (0.295 inch) - same | 28-SOIC (0.295 inch) - same | 28-SOIC (0.295 inch) - same | 28-SOIC (0.295 inch) - same | 28-SOIC (0.295 inch) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| RAM | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 768 B | 768 B | 768 B | 768 B | 768 B |
| Max Clock Frequency | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 64 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| I/O Pins | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Special Features | ICD, self-programming Flash | ICD, self-programming Flash | nanoWatt, ICD, self-programming | nanoWatt, ICD, self-programming | nanoWatt, internal 32 kHz OSC | CAN bus, ICD, self-programming | nanoWatt XLP, 64 MHz FOSC |
| Unit Price (qty 1) | $9.76 | approx. $9.00 | approx. $8.20 | approx. $7.60 | approx. $7.90 | approx. $8.80 | approx. $7.20 |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade (vs PIC18F252-I/SO)
- Larger Flash and RAM than K-series siblings (vs PIC18F24K20-E/SO)
- CAN-bus-capable drop-in not required for non-CAN designs (vs PIC18F2480-E/SO)
Design Notes
Power the PIC18F252-E/SO from a regulated 5.0 V or 3.3 V rail with a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pair, plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the IC. According to the PIC18FXX2 datasheet, the part draws approximately 1.8 mA per MHz in active mode and falls to under 1 uA in sleep mode; size the regulator to handle at least 2x the active current to absorb inrush during Flash programming.
Place the 28-SOIC package so that pin 1 (MCLR) is at the top-left when the notch is up. Route the crystal traces (OSC1/OSC2) short and symmetric, with the load capacitors within 4 mm of the pins and a ground pour underneath. Keep the analog AVCC/AVSS traces (where present) short and isolated from digital switching lines, and surround the SOIC with a continuous ground plane for EMI suppression.
Do not leave the MCLR pin floating - a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD plus a diode to VDD is required for reliable reset. When using LVP (low-voltage programming) mode, ensure the PGM/ RB5 pin is not driven low at power-up, or the device will enter programming mode unintentionally. Always verify the configuration bits (oscillator, watchdog, brown-out) match your firmware startup sequence before locking the part.
For SPI buses above 5 MHz, add 33 ohm series resistors close to the SCK/SDO/SDI pins of the PIC18F252-E/SO to dampen ringing on long traces. Keep the SPI bus shorter than 100 mm or use a ground-shielded twisted pair. If the I2C bus exceeds 400 kHz, reduce the pull-up resistor value to 1 kohm and verify the rise time is below the spec to avoid intermittent NACKs.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for AEC-Q100 automotive applications select PIC18F4520-I/PT or PIC18F46K22-I/P from Microchip's automotive line.
