PIC18F25K20-E/SO - 8-Bit 48MHz 32KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F25K20-E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.2 | $3.20 |
| 10 | $2.95 | $29.50 |
| 100 | $2.65 | $265.00 |
| 500 | $2.3 | $1,150.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.05 | $2,050.00 |
PIC18F25K20-E/SO Overview
A PIC18 XLP (eXtreme Low Power) microcontroller is an 8-bit CMOS flash MCU from Microchip's PIC18 family, which sits within the broader category of microcontrollers, then ICs, then semiconductors. XLP technology adds deep-sleep and sleep current modes in the nanoampere range, allowing battery-powered products to extend operating life by orders of magnitude over conventional 8-bit MCUs. The PIC18F25K20-E/SO sits in the high-performance branch of this family, with 32 KB of self-programmable flash, ample RAM for protocol stacks, and rich analog/peripheral integration.
Key features include 32 KB flash, 1536 B RAM, 256 B EEPROM, a 10-bit A/D converter with up to 14 channels, two analog comparators, four timers (Timer0/Timer1/Timer2/Timer3), enhanced CCP, EUSART with auto-baud, MSSP for SPI/I2C master-slave operation, and 25 I/O capable of sourcing/sinking 25 mA per pin. The 'E' suffix indicates the extended (-40C to +125C) operating temperature grade required for industrial and automotive-grade end equipment.
Typical applications include industrial sensor interfaces, USB/serial bridging nodes (with external transceiver), home-automation controllers, low-power wireless sensor endpoints, white-goods and HVAC control panels, and consumer appliance user interfaces. The 25 I/O and 10-bit ADC suit systems that read multiple analog sensors while driving relays, keypads, or LED matrices.
When designing with this part, place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor close to VDD/VSS and consider the in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) header layout for production programming. For very low-power designs, use the nanoWatt XLP sleep modes and gate unused peripherals before entering deep sleep. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible PIC18F family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F25K20-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 PIC18F25K20-E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, ADC, Supply Voltage (VDD), Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F25K20-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26K20-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F24K20-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F25K22-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF25K20-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F25K20-E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC18 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set Architecture | 8-bit, 16-bit instructions, 200 ns instruction cycle |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB (16K x 16 words) |
| Data RAM | 1536 B |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (E = Extended) |
| Digital I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 14 channels |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| Timers | 4 (Timer0/1/2/3) |
| Communication Peripherals | 1x EUSART, 1x MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| CCP/ECCP Modules | 1 CCP + 1 ECCP |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 |
PIC18F25K20-E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / analog input / positive voltage reference |
| Pin 2 | RA4/T0CKI/C1OUT — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input / comparator 1 output |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN4/C2OUT — Digital I/O / analog input / comparator 2 output |
| Pin 4 | RA6/OSC2 — Digital I/O / oscillator output |
| Pin 5 | RA7/OSC1 — Digital I/O / oscillator input |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 8 | RB0/INT0 — Digital I/O / external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 9 | RB1/INT1 — Digital I/O / external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 10 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB3/PGM — Digital I/O / low-voltage ICSP programming |
| Pin 12 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 15 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 16 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 18 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 19 | RC1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 20 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 21 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Digital I/O / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 22 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 23 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 24 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / EUSART TX / clock |
| Pin 25 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / EUSART RX / data |
| Pin 26 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / analog input 0 |
| Pin 27 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / analog input 1 |
| Pin 28 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Digital I/O / analog input 2 / negative voltage reference |
Typical Applications
PIC18F25K20-E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Battery-Powered Wireless Sensor Endpoint, Home Automation Controller, White Goods / Appliance Control Board, Automotive Cabin / Body Electronics, USB/Serial Bridge & Protocol Converter.
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
The PIC18F25K20-E/SO fits industrial sensor modules because it combines a 14-channel 10-bit ADC with 25 digital I/O, 48 MHz throughput, and a wide 1.8-5.5 V supply range. The 16 MIPS core easily handles linearization math for thermistor, RTD, and 4-20 mA loop interfaces, while EUSART and MSSP support RS-485 Modbus or SPI sensor chains. With extended -40C to +125C operation it tolerates factory-floor thermal stress, and the XLP sleep modes cut quiescent draw for loop-powered field transmitters. Pair this MCU with a 24-bit external sigma-delta ADC for high-precision bridge and strain-gauge measurements.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Wireless Sensor Endpoint
For wireless sensor endpoints running on coin-cell or 2xAA batteries, the PIC18F25K20-E/SO's nanoWatt XLP technology delivers sleep currents in the nanoampere range and wake-up via interrupt-on-change or WDT. The 48 MHz core allows burst-mode processing of sensor reads and RF packet preparation, then deep sleep until the next measurement cycle. Its 1.8 V minimum supply supports direct connection to nearly-drained primary cells, while 256 B EEPROM provides parameter storage that survives battery replacement. Engineers commonly pair this MCU with sub-GHz or 2.4 GHz transceivers for proprietary or IEEE 802.15.4 protocols.
Recommended
Home Automation Controller
The PIC18F25K20-E/SO serves as a cost-effective home-automation hub controller, providing the ADC inputs needed for light sensors, the PWM-capable ECCP for LED dimming, and the EUSART/MSSP for relay driver boards or peripheral expansion. With 32 KB flash, designers can implement small RF remotes, fan controllers, motorized blind drivers, and thermostat nodes that all run a common firmware library. The wide VDD range supports direct connection to 5 V or 3.3 V subsystems, simplifying mixed-rail designs in retrofit smart-home products. The extended temperature grade is also well-suited to wall-mounted enclosures with poor ventilation.
Recommended
White Goods / Appliance Control Board
Washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, and HVAC control boards rely on 8-bit MCUs like the PIC18F25K20-E/SO because they combine enough flash for user-interface state machines with robust peripherals. The 10-bit ADC reads temperature, water level, and motor current sensors, while the ECCP drives TRIAC phase-angle control for heater regulation. EUSART connects to inverter display modules, and the -40C to +125C extended grade survives the high ambient temperatures near motors and heaters. Cost-optimized BOM plus Microchip's longevity commitment makes this MCU ideal for 10+ year appliance life cycles.
Recommended
Automotive Cabin / Body Electronics
Within cabin electronics (HVAC controls, seat controllers, mirror adjusters, lighting modules) the PIC18F25K20-E/SO fits because of its -40C to +125C extended grade and 25 mA I/O drive for direct LED and relay driving. While not AEC-Q100 qualified, designers use this MCU in non-safety body domains or as a development surrogate during AEC-Q100 PIC18F variant qualification. The 48 MHz core handles LIN-style UART stacks and PWM lighting fades, and 32 KB flash accommodates bootloaders plus full application code.
Recommended
USB/Serial Bridge & Protocol Converter
With MSSP and EUSART peripherals, the PIC18F25K20-E/SO acts as a low-cost serial-to-SPI/I2C bridge or general protocol converter for industrial gateways. The 48 MHz core sustains full-duplex UART traffic up to 921.6 kbps while simultaneously servicing SPI slave devices. The 256 B EEPROM stores configuration and calibration parameters across power cycles, and 32 KB flash is ample for interpreter-style command sets or Modbus gateway firmware. Designers add an external USB-UART IC (e.g. MCP2200 or MCP2221) to present a CDC-class USB port to a host PC.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F25K20-E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F25K20-I/SO | PIC18F26K20-I/SO | PIC18F24K20-I/SO | PIC18F25K22-I/SO | PIC18LF25K20-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| RAM | 1536 B | 1536 B | 1536 B | 1536 B | 1536 B | 1536 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz (16 MIPS) | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) |
| I/O Pins | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade for harsh environments (vs PIC18F25K20-I/SO)
- Larger flash memory for richer feature sets (vs PIC18F24K20-I/SO)
- Standard F-series VDD range supports 5 V designs (vs PIC18LF25K20-I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 7 or pin 17) and a bulk 1-10 uF capacitor nearby to suppress voltage transients when peripherals switch. The PIC18F25K20-E/SO accepts 1.8-5.5 V, so an MCP1700 or MCP1755 LDO is appropriate for stable 3.3 V or 5 V rails. For battery applications, route unused I/O as outputs (not inputs) to prevent floating-pin supply current, and use nanoWatt XLP Sleep or Deep Sleep modes (with peripherals disabled) to minimize quiescent draw.
Reserve a 5-pin header (1x5 or 2x3 DIL) for ICSP with signals MCLR/VPP, VDD, VSS, PGD (RB7), and PGC (RB6). Place the ICSP header at the board edge with at least 5 mm clearance for probe tips. Ensure no series resistors above 1 kohm are placed on PGD/PGC, as they prevent reliable ICSP. Add a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR (pin 1) to VDD for normal operation; during programming, the programmer drives this pin to ~13 V. Keep PGD/PGC traces short and route them away from high-frequency switching nodes.
The PIC18F25K20-E/SO is rated -40C to +125C junction temperature. At maximum clock (48 MHz) and full peripheral activity, the SOIC package dissipates well under 100 mW, so no heatsink is required for typical embedded applications. However, in sealed enclosures exposed to direct sunlight (e.g., outdoor sensors) the PCB copper pour and ambient airflow must keep junction temperature below 125C. Estimate: with theta_JA of ~80 C/W for SOIC-28 on a 1 oz 4-layer board, 50 mW dissipation gives only a 4 C rise, well within thermal limits.
Common pitfalls: (1) Forgetting to configure the CONFIG register bits (e.g., setting FOSC for HS or INTOSC) leads to a bricked device until ICSP reconfigures it. (2) Reading the ADC without allowing adequate acquisition time (TACQ) causes non-linear readings; always reference the datasheet's ADC section for minimum Tad and Tacq. (3) Enabling weak pull-ups on PORTB without accounting for high-impedance sensors can drag signal edges. (4) Writing to flash at runtime without proper NVMREG unlock sequence will lock the program memory write-protect bit. (5) At 5 V supply, the digital-only I/O absolute maximum ratings are still 5.5 V; never drive any pin above VDD or below VSS, or latch-up may occur.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. The 'E' grade is extended industrial -40C to +125C, but NOT AEC-Q100 qualified; for AEC-Q100 automotive use, refer to PIC18F25K80 family.
