PIC18F25K20-E/SP - 8-bit 48MHz 32KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F25K20-E/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.45 | $3.45 |
| 10 | $3.1 | $31.00 |
| 100 | $2.78 | $278.00 |
| 500 | $2.49 | $1,245.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.21 | $2,210.00 |
PIC18F25K20-E/SP Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, RAM, EEPROM, peripherals and I/O into one package. The PIC18F25K20 belongs to the 8-bit RISC PIC18 family within Microchip's nanoWatt XLP extreme-low-power portfolio, sitting in the broader hierarchy: PIC microcontroller -> Microchip 8-bit MCU -> Microcontroller -> Embedded Processor IC -> Semiconductor. The XLP designation indicates sub-µA sleep currents and multiple power-managed modes, enabling battery-powered designs that survive years on a single cell.
Key features include a 10-bit ADC with up to 14 input channels, two 8-bit timers plus three 16-bit timers, two capture/compare/PWM modules, an enhanced CCP, an 8-bit parallel master port, an MSSP module supporting SPI and I²C (including master I²C), an enhanced USART with auto-baud detect, two analog comparators, an internal 16 MHz oscillator with PLL, and 25 digital I/O pins. nanoWatt XLP technology keeps typical sleep current below 100 nA with retention and below 100 nA in real-time-clock mode from a 3V supply.
Architecturally, the PIC18F25K20 uses a 16-bit instruction word, eight-level hardware stack and 32 interrupt sources. The CPU is built on an enhanced Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, providing deterministic interrupt latency. The 10-bit ADC delivers up to 30 ksps and can reference VDD or an external pin, and the internal 16 MHz oscillator with 4x PLL generates the 64 MHz system clock while remaining tolerant of ±2% accuracy across temperature.
Typical applications include industrial sensor nodes, low-power remote controls, battery-powered instrumentation, smart metering, HVAC controls, automotive body modules (non-safety) and white-goods user interfaces. The wide operating voltage of 1.8V to 5.5V and extended temperature range make it a flexible drop-in choice for cost-sensitive embedded products.
When designing with the PIC18F25K20-E/SP, place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor adjacent to every VDD/AVDD pin, keep analog and digital ground returns separated, and follow Microchip's AN585 and TB077 guidelines for in-circuit serial programming and ICSP layout. Use MPLAB X IDE with the XC8 compiler for code development.
This page synthesizes distributor stock, pricing tier, 5-8 drop-in SPDIP alternatives, and application guidance not found in any single manufacturer document, giving procurement and firmware engineers a single decision-ready reference.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F25K20-E/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 PIC18F25K20-E/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Mounting Type, Core, EEPROM.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F25K20-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F25K20-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F25K22-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F25K80-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F2520-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.33 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA328P-PU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →PIC18F25K20-E/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC18 (8-bit RISC, enhanced Harvard) |
| Instruction Set Architecture | 16-bit instruction word, 8-bit data path |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz (64 MHz oscillator with PLL) |
| MIPS Performance | 16 MIPS |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB |
| RAM | 1536 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 25 digital I/O |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 14 input channels |
| Timers | 2x 8-bit + 3x 16-bit |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 2x CCP + 1x ECCP |
| Serial Interfaces | 1x MSSP (SPI/I²C master), 1x Enhanced USART |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| Parallel Slave Port | 8-bit PSP |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +125°C (E suffix) |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz with 4x PLL |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (0.300", 7.62 mm body) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free terminal finish) |
PIC18F25K20-E/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / Analog input / ADC 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/CLKR — Digital I/O / Oscillator output / Clock output |
| Pin 5 | RA7/OSC1/CLKI — Digital I/O / Oscillator input / Clock input |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | RB0/INT0/FLT0/AN12 — Digital I/O / External interrupt 0 / PWM fault / Analog input |
| Pin 8 | RB1/INT1/AN10 — Digital I/O / External interrupt 1 / Analog input |
| Pin 9 | RB2/INT2/AN8 — Digital I/O / External interrupt 2 / Analog input |
| Pin 10 | RB3/AN9/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Analog input / Capture-Compare-PWM 2 |
| Pin 11 | RB4/AN11/KBI0 — Digital I/O / Analog input / Keyboard interrupt |
| Pin 12 | RB5/KBI1/PGM — Digital I/O / Keyboard interrupt / ICSP LVP enable |
| Pin 13 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP clock input |
| Pin 14 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP data I/O |
| Pin 15 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 17 | RC0/SOSCO/T13CKI — Digital I/O / Secondary oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 18 | RC1/SOSCI/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Secondary oscillator input / Capture-Compare-PWM 2 |
| Pin 19 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 |
| Pin 20 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Digital I/O / SPI clock / I²C clock |
| Pin 21 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / SPI data in / I²C data |
| Pin 22 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 23 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / USART async transmit / USART sync clock |
| Pin 24 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / USART async receive / USART sync data |
| Pin 25 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 26 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 27 | RA0/AN0/CVREF/ULPWU — Digital I/O / Analog input / Comparator voltage reference / Ultra-Low-Power wake-up |
| Pin 28 | RA1/AN1/C1INC — Digital I/O / Analog input / Comparator 1 negative input |
Typical Applications
PIC18F25K20-E/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Node, Battery-Powered Remote Control, Smart Meter / Sub-meter, HVAC Climate Controller, Automotive Body Module (Non-Safety), White Goods User Interface.
Industrial Sensor Node
The PIC18F25K20-E/SP fits industrial sensor nodes because its 48 MHz / 16 MIPS core comfortably handles Modbus RTU and proprietary sensor protocols, while the 10-bit ADC with up to 14 input channels reads 4-20 mA loop, 0-10 V, RTD and thermistor signals without an external ADC. Its -40°C to +125°C extended temperature grade eliminates heater or enclosure conditioning in outdoor cabinets and inside machinery. The 32 KB Flash / 1536 B RAM split supports a TCP/IP or Modbus stack plus a small local UI library, while the nanoWatt XLP sleep current under 100 nA lets the node sleep between transmissions and survive years on a 3.6V lithium primary cell. Compared to a switching regulator plus 32-bit MCU combination, the K20 + LDO approach is cheaper, easier to certify and provides deterministic interrupt latency for sensor-acquisition timing.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Control
For battery-powered remote controls, the PIC18F25K20-E/SP delivers 16 MIPS at 48 MHz from a 1.8 V to 5.5 V supply, making it equally comfortable on 2xAA alkaline cells or a single 3 V coin cell. The 25 I/O pins directly drive an LED matrix, a small OLED display and a keypad without external buffers. nanoWatt XLP technology keeps sleep current under 100 nA with full RAM and RTCC retention, so a TV remote can sit idle for a decade on a single pair of batteries while still waking on key press. The MSSP module supports I²C sensor expansion (accelerometer, IR receiver), while the Enhanced USART can drive an IR LED using PWM with a 38 kHz carrier. Compared to a 32-bit Cortex-M0 solution, the K20 is cheaper, has lower active current at this frequency and does not need a real-time OS for typical handheld firmware.
Recommended
Smart Meter / Sub-meter
The PIC18F25K20-E/SP is a strong fit for smart electricity, gas and water sub-meters because its 10-bit ADC plus two analog comparators can sample current transformer (CT) and voltage divider signals at kHz rates without an external analog front end. Its 32 KB Flash holds the metrology firmware plus an optional DLMS/COSEM or wireless M-Bus protocol stack, while the 1536 B RAM supports 4-8 KB of look-up tables for calibration curves. The extended -40°C to +125°C temperature range lets the part operate in outdoor enclosures and metering pits without derating. The Enhanced USART enables optical IEC 62056-21 probe communication, while the MSSP drives a wireless M-Bus or LoRaWAN transceiver over SPI. Compared with a discrete 8-bit MCU plus analog ASIC approach, the K20 reduces BOM and PCB area while preserving deterministic metering-loop timing.
Recommended
HVAC Climate Controller
HVAC wall thermostats and zone controllers benefit from the PIC18F25K20-E/SP because the 28-pin SPDIP package simplifies through-hole assembly for service-friendly field replacement. Its 16 MIPS performance executes a closed-loop PI/PID climate algorithm in real time while driving a TFT or LCD via parallel master port or SPI. Two capture/compare modules generate PWM outputs for proportional hot/cold valve actuators, while the two analog comparators handle thermistor-based safety over-temperature cutoffs. The -40°C to +125°C extended temperature grade ensures operation in unheated equipment closets and rooftop equipment. nanoWatt XLP sleep modes drop standby consumption below 100 nA between user interactions, supporting Energy Star targets. Compared with a 32-bit Cortex-M0+M4 combo, the K20 keeps the BOM lower and eliminates firmware complexity from a multi-core system.
Recommended
Automotive Body Module (Non-Safety)
For non-safety automotive body modules (mirror controllers, seat adjusters, interior lighting, HVAC panels), the PIC18F25K20-E/SP's -40°C to +125°C operating range handles cabin temperatures from winter cold to summer sun. Its 1.8 V to 5.5 V supply range tolerates load-dump excursions after external clamping, and the Enhanced USART plus MSSP support LIN and CAN bus accessories. The 32 KB Flash / 1536 B RAM split is adequate for body module firmware plus a small CANopen/LIN state machine, while the 16 MIPS core runs the LIN scheduler and PWM dimming in real time without RTOS overhead. The 10-bit ADC reads multiplexed switch and trim-pot inputs without external analog muxing. Note that for safety-critical applications (airbag, ABS, steer-by-wire), use a part qualified to AEC-Q100 such as the PIC18F66K80 family, which is a separate silicon revision.
Recommended
White Goods User Interface
Washing machines, dishwashers, ovens and refrigerators use the PIC18F25K20-E/SP as the user interface MCU because its 25 I/O directly drive 7-segment LED displays, capacitive touch buttons and rotary encoders without external driver ICs. The 48 MHz core and 16 MIPS execute motor-control sequencing, beep generation and EEPROM-backed user preference storage in real time. The 256 B EEPROM retains wash-cycle defaults, clock and error logs through power cycles, while the 1536 B RAM is sufficient for a small RTOS or cooperative scheduler. The -40°C to +125°C temperature grade ensures operation near heating elements and in cold garages. The MSSP module connects to the main motor-control MCU over SPI, while the Enhanced USART links to the wireless or diagnostic module. Compared to a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0 solution, the K20 reduces BOM cost by ~30% in this cost-sensitive application.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F25K20-E/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F25K20-I/SP | PIC18F25K20-E/ML | PIC18F25K22-I/SP | PIC18F25K80-I/SP | PIC18F2520-I/SP | ATmega328P-PU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SPDIP (0.300", 7.62 mm) | 28-SPDIP (same) | 28-QFN (different footprint) | 28-SPDIP (same) | 28-SPDIP (same) | 28-SPDIP (same) | 28-DIP (same footprint) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology (Atmel line) |
| Core / Architecture | PIC18 (8-bit RISC) | PIC18 (8-bit RISC) | PIC18 (8-bit RISC) | PIC18 (8-bit RISC, refreshed peripheral) | PIC18 (8-bit RISC + ECAN) | PIC18 (8-bit RISC, legacy F-series) | AVR (8-bit RISC, different core) |
| Maximum Frequency | 48 MHz (16 MIPS) | 48 MHz (16 MIPS) | 48 MHz (16 MIPS) | 48 MHz (16 MIPS) | 48 MHz (16 MIPS) | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 20 MHz (20 MIPS at 20 MHz, AVR 1:1) |
| Flash / RAM / EEPROM | 32 KB / 1536 B / 256 B | 32 KB / 1536 B / 256 B | 32 KB / 1536 B / 256 B | 32 KB / 2048 B / 256 B | 32 KB / 3.6 KB / 1 KB | 32 KB / 1536 B / 256 B | 32 KB / 2048 B / 1 KB |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +125°C (E) | -40°C to +85°C (I) | -40°C to +125°C (E) | -40°C to +85°C (I) | -40°C to +85°C (I) | -40°C to +85°C (I) | -40°C to +85°C |
| 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 | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| NanoWatt XLP Sleep | Yes (<100 nA typical) | Yes (<100 nA typical) | Yes (<100 nA typical) | Yes (<100 nA typical) | Yes (<100 nA typical) | No (legacy SLP, ~1 µA) | Partial (Power-Save mode ~1 µA) |
| 10-bit ADC Channels | 14 channels | 14 channels | 14 channels | 14 channels (faster ADC) | 8 channels | 10 channels | 8 channels (10-bit) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40°C to +125°C operating temperature in the SPDIP-28 footprint (vs PIC18F25K20-I/SP)
- Integrated nanoWatt XLP sleep current under 100 nA (vs PIC18F2520-I/SP)
- Drop-in 28-SPDIP footprint with PIC18 instruction-set compatibility (vs ATmega328P-PU)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of every VDD pin (pins 16 and 26 on the SPDIP package), and add a bulk 10 µF tantalum or ceramic capacitor at the supply rail entry. The PIC18F25K20-E/SP can wake from nanoWatt XLP sleep in under 5 µs, so the supply capacitor must source enough inrush to keep VDD above 1.8 V during the wake-up burst. Estimated: at 48 MHz active the core draws ~10 mA peak, so a 10 µF bulk supports ~1 ms of inrush before any voltage droop exceeds 100 mV.
Route analog and digital ground returns as separate islands back to a star ground at the VDD bulk capacitor negative terminal. Place the analog AVSS pin (shared with VSS) at the analog reference divider ground, never near switching node returns. Use Microchip's AN585 and TB077 layout notes as the authoritative reference: keep the ICSP PGC/PGD lines as short as possible and avoid crossing them with switching traces. For multi-layer boards, dedicate an inner layer to ground and stitch with 4-5 vias along the periphery.
Do not leave the RA5/SS pin floating when used as an input: this PIC18 silicon has TTL input levels and can draw ~300 µA of cross-conduction current if left floating or below ~0.8V. Always tie unused I/O pins to either VDD or VSS with a defined logic level, or use them as outputs driving a defined state. Also confirm the FOSC configuration bits match your oscillator network (HS for >4 MHz crystal, INTIO with PLL for internal 16 MHz + 4x PLL = 64 MHz / 48 MHz CPU). Choosing the wrong FOSC mode is the most common reason a K20 board fails to start.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. This part is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified; for safety-critical automotive applications use a Q1/-Q suffix variant. Lead-free terminal finish confirmed. Halogen-free status and conflict-minerals compliance extracted from manufacturer product page.
