PIC18F25J50-I/SP - 8-bit 48MHz USB MCU 32KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F25J50-I/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.2 | $4.20 |
| 10 | $3.78 | $37.80 |
| 100 | $3.15 | $315.00 |
| 500 | $2.74 | $1,370.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.45 | $2,450.00 |
PIC18F25J50-I/SP Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and peripherals such as timers, ADCs, communication interfaces, and I/O. Within Microchip's taxonomy, the PIC18F25J50 belongs to the PIC18 J-series, a low-power, high-performance 8-bit family that bridges traditional PIC16 architectures with USB and nanoWatt XLP power-management features. The 8-bit PIC core executes one instruction per cycle (except branches), with the PIC18 instruction set adding a 16-bit instruction word and linear memory addressing for C-compiled firmware.
Key features include a 10-bit ADC with up to 13 channels, two USART modules, two SPI/I2C MSSP peripherals, a full-speed USB 2.0 device/host/OTG controller, 25 digital I/O pins, four timers, and the nanoWatt XLP deep-sleep mode drawing currents in the nanoamp range. The internal 31kHz LFINTOSC, RTCC, and multiple clock sources allow firmware to throttle the core clock dynamically, while the on-chip 3.3V regulator simplifies single-supply designs. The integrated USB transceiver eliminates the external 1.5k pull-up and crystal typically required, reducing BOM cost.
Typical applications span USB HID peripherals (keyboards, mice, custom input devices), USB-to-UART bridges, low-cost data loggers, sensor front-ends with USB streaming, point-of-sale terminals, and battery-powered instruments exploiting the deep-sleep mode. The 28-pin SPDIP package eases prototyping on through-hole PCBs and breadboards while remaining production-ready for industrial and consumer products.
When designing with this MCU, plan the PCB footprint around the 0.1-inch pin pitch of the SPDIP-28 package, leave the VUSB pin bypassed with a 1uF capacitor if used as a USB power source, and configure the config words to enable the internal regulator and correct clock source. Engineers should consult the Microchip datasheet for full DC characteristics, errata, and USB firmware stack recommendations.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives from the PIC18 family, and practical design notes not aggregated on the manufacturer product page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F25J50-I/SP — 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 PIC18F25J50-I/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, ADC, Mounting Type, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F25J50-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F25J50T-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F25K50-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F24J50-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F25J10-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F25J50-I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 8-bit |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB (16K x 16) |
| Data RAM | 3.8 KB (typical, per datasheet family) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz (12 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 13 channels |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device/Host/OTG, integrated transceiver |
| Communication Peripherals | 2x USART, 2x MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Timers | 4 (Timer0/1/2/3) |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (SP) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial: -I) |
| Power-Saving Modes | nanoWatt XLP, Deep Sleep, Sleep, Idle, Doze |
| On-chip Regulator | Internal 3.3V LDO (ENVDD pin) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F25J50-I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/RE3 — Master Clear (reset) input or digital I/O RE3 |
| 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 |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — Digital I/O / analog input AN3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — Digital I/O / analog input AN4 |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog input AN5 / VREF- |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Crystal input or digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Crystal output or digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — Digital I/O / USB D- |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — Digital I/O / USB D+ |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — Digital I/O / TX1 |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — Digital I/O / RX1 |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply 2.0V to 3.6V |
| Pin 21 | RB0 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 27 | RB6 — Digital I/O / ICSP PGCD |
| Pin 28 | RB7 — Digital I/O / ICSP PGC |
Typical Applications
PIC18F25J50-I/SP is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Peripherals (Keyboard / Mouse / Custom Input), USB-to-UART Bridge / CDC Virtual COM Port, Portable Data Logger with USB Streaming, Low-Cost Sensor Front-End with USB Output, Industrial Control / Point-of-Sale Terminals, Educational / Hobby USB Development Board.
USB HID Peripherals (Keyboard / Mouse / Custom Input)
The PIC18F25J50-I/SP's on-chip USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver, 32 KB of Flash, and 4 KB RAM are well matched to USB HID-class devices such as keyboards, mice, game controllers, and custom input panels. The integrated transceiver eliminates the external 1.5k pull-up and dedicated 3.3V regulator, reducing BOM cost to a single IC plus bypass capacitors. Per the Microchip USB stack, HID descriptors and report descriptors fit comfortably within 8 KB of Flash, leaving room for application logic and keymaps. The 25 digital I/O pins scan matrix keypads up to 5x5 directly, while the 10-bit ADC reads analog triggers. Firmware runs at 12 MIPS - more than sufficient for HID polling at 1 kHz. The device draws under 1 mA active at 48 MHz, extending battery life on wireless peripherals that recharge via USB.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge / CDC Virtual COM Port
The PIC18F25J50-I/SP works well as a USB-to-UART bridge using the CDC class, emulating a virtual COM port over USB while exposing the hardware USART on the board side. The 48 MHz CPU and dual USARTs allow simultaneous USB-UART and UART-UART bridging at up to 921600 bps. According to the Microchip CDC stack reference, 16-20 KB of Flash is consumed by stack and class drivers, so the 32 KB budget accommodates custom protocols. The on-chip 3.3V regulator provides a clean rail for downstream RS-232 transceivers such as the MAX3232. Designers use this configuration for legacy RS-232 debug ports, firmware update channels, and industrial telemetry where PCs prefer a COM port abstraction over vendor-class drivers.
Recommended
Portable Data Logger with USB Streaming
The PIC18F25J50-I/SP is an effective controller for battery-powered data loggers that sample sensors and stream records over USB. The 10-bit ADC with up to 13 channels reads temperature, voltage, and battery-current sensors, while the deep-sleep nanoWatt XLP mode (around 13 nA per datasheet) lets the device sleep between samples to extend battery life to weeks or months. On wake, the MCU acquires a burst, buffers in RAM, and periodically enumerates USB to flush logs to a host. The 32 KB Flash stores a small filesystem or custom record format, and 4 KB RAM holds intermediate buffers. Per the Microchip datasheet, active current at full USB throughput stays under 15 mA, well within USB bus-power budgets.
Recommended
Low-Cost Sensor Front-End with USB Output
The PIC18F25J50-I/SP serves as a low-cost USB sensor front-end for lab equipment and hobby-grade measurement tools. Its 10-bit ADC and I2C/SPI MSSP peripherals connect to digital temperature sensors, accelerometers, and gas sensors, while USB delivers readings in real time to a host application. The 28-pin SPDIP package is breadboard-friendly, easing prototype iterations. Per the Microchip datasheet, the ADC reference can be tied to VDD or an external pin for ratiometric measurements. With USB-CDC, designers can integrate the device into Python or MATLAB host scripts via a virtual COM port, eliminating driver development entirely.
Recommended
Industrial Control / Point-of-Sale Terminals
The PIC18F25J50-I/SP suits small industrial terminals and POS peripherals that need USB device connectivity, multi-channel ADC, and reliable -40 C to +85 C operation. The integrated USB OTG controller supports both device and host roles, enabling the same firmware to act as a barcode scanner (host) or receipt printer interface (device) with reconfiguration. The 28 SPDIP pins support keypad scanning, LCD driving via MSSP SPI, and a buzzer driver via PWM. According to the Microchip datasheet, the industrial temperature grade -I suffix guarantees DC parameters across -40 C to +85 C, satisfying most indoor industrial environments.
Recommended
Educational / Hobby USB Development Board
The PIC18F25J50-I/SP is popular in education because the 28-pin SPDIP form factor drops directly into breadboards and low-cost development boards, exposing all 25 I/O pins plus USB. Educational labs use the device to teach USB enumeration, ADC sampling, PWM motor control, and I2C/SPI sensor interfacing in a single IC. The on-chip debugger interface (ICSP via PGED1/PGEC1) lets instructors program and debug with Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and PICkit programmers. Per Microchip documentation, sample projects for HID, CDC, and vendor-class USB ship in the Microchip Libraries for Applications (MLA) package.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F25J50-I/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F25J50-I/SO | PIC18F25J50T-I/SP | PIC18F25K50-I/SP | PIC18F24J50-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SPDIP (SP) | 28-SOIC (SO) - different footprint | 28-SPDIP (SP) - same | 28-SPDIP (SP) - same | 28-SPDIP (SP) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB (-50%) |
| RAM | 3.8 KB | 3.8 KB | 3.8 KB | 2 KB | 3.8 KB |
| CPU Speed | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS |
| USB | USB 2.0 FS Device/Host/OTG | USB 2.0 FS Device/Host/OTG | USB 2.0 FS Device/Host/OTG | USB 2.0 FS Device/Host/OTG | USB 2.0 FS Device/Host/OTG |
| ADC | 10-bit, 13 ch | 10-bit, 13 ch | 10-bit, 13 ch | 10-bit, 25 ch | 10-bit, 13 ch |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (wider) | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
Key Differentiators
- On-chip USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver (vs PIC18F25J10-I/SP)
- Larger Flash than lower-density J-series siblings (vs PIC18F24J50-I/SP)
- Wider supply voltage range than older 5V PIC18F4550 (vs PIC18F4550-I/SP)
Design Notes
The PIC18F25J50 integrates a 3.3V LDO regulator on the VUSB/ENVDD pins that supplies the core from a higher VBUS rail. Per the Microchip datasheet, place a 1uF X7R bypass capacitor directly on VUSB, and ensure VDD remains in the 2.0V-3.6V window for full-speed USB operation. When the host does not supply VBUS, tie VUSB to VDD through a 10k resistor to disable the regulator. Deep Sleep current is approximately 13 nA with RTCC and WDT disabled; enable WDT in firmware to recover from lockups in unattended sensor applications.
The 28-SPDIP package uses 0.1 inch (2.54 mm) pin pitch, breadboard-compatible but larger than the SOIC counterpart. Route the USB D+ and D- differential pair as a 90-ohm impedance microstrip with matching length, and place the series termination resistors (typically 27 ohms) close to the MCU pins. Keep the VUSB bypass capacitor within 2 mm of the pin to suppress switching noise from the internal regulator. Avoid routing digital lines under the MCU to minimize coupling into the analog AVSS/AVDD pins.
Configuration words (CONFIG1L through CONFIG5L) must be set correctly to enable the internal regulator and disable the watchdog unintentionally, or the MCU will fail to start. Per Microchip errata documents for the J-series, some revisions require the IESO bit set for reliable crystal-less USB operation. Verify the config word settings against the latest Microchip code examples (MLA) before committing to firmware. Do not drive VUSB above 3.6V - the on-chip regulator has limited input range and will damage the device.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page. PIC18F25J50-I/SP is industrial-grade (-40C to +85C), not AEC-Q100 qualified; automotive customers should consider PIC18F25K50-E variants or consult Microchip automotive part list.
