PIC18F25K20-E/SS - 8-bit 48MHz 32KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F25K20-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.95 | $3.95 |
| 10 | $3.55 | $35.50 |
| 100 | $3.18 | $318.00 |
| 500 | $2.84 | $1,420.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.55 | $2,550.00 |
PIC18F25K20-E/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and programmable peripherals on one die. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, microcontrollers sit under microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> logic ICs -> integrated circuits. The PIC18 family uses a RISC-based 8-bit core optimized for deterministic execution, low power, and easy C/assembly development with Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler.
Key features of the PIC18F25K20 include 25 I/O pins, a 10-bit ADC, on-chip EEPROM (256 bytes), PWM modules, multiple communication peripherals (UART, SPI, I2C), and four timer modules. The XLP nanoWatt technology typically delivers sub-uA sleep currents, enabling coin-cell battery lifetimes measured in years. The 48MHz internal oscillator and 64MHz performance (when using PLL) deliver up to 16 MIPS throughput, sufficient for sensor fusion, simple motor control, and human-interface applications.
Technically, the PIC18F25K20-E/SS operates from 1.8V to 3.6V (extended temp variant 'E'), includes 256 bytes of data EEPROM for non-volatile parameter storage, and uses Microchip's ICD/ICSP debug interface. The 28-SSOP package supports hand-soldering and standard 0.65mm-pitch PCB layouts. Hardware multipliers, nested interrupts, and 31-level stack are standard PIC18 features used here.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, low-energy IoT edge devices, consumer remote controls, HVAC sensor interfaces, educational development kits, and industrial telemetry modules. The combination of XLP low-power modes, 10-bit ADC, and ample Flash makes it a strong fit for energy-harvesting applications where every microamp counts.
Designers should plan around the 28-SSOP footprint, decoupling strategy (100nF close to VDD + bulk), and use MPLAB X with XC8 for firmware. The ICSP pins (PGD/PGC) must remain accessible for in-circuit programming and debug; tying them to PORTB pins requires care so that pull-ups do not interfere with programming.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the PIC18F2XK20 family and across brands, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F25K20-E/SS — 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/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Timers, ADC, Package, Core, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F25K20-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F25K22-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F25K22-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F25K20-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC18 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory | 32 KB Flash (16K x 16) |
| RAM | 1.5 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 48 MHz (up to 16 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (E suffix = extended) |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| Timers | 4 (8-bit/16-bit mix) |
| Communication | UART, SPI, I2C (MSSP) |
| PWM | Yes (CCP/ECCP modules) |
| Package | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E suffix) |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| ICSP/ICD Debug | Yes (PGD/PGC) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F25K20-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/RE3 — Master Clear (reset) input or digital I/O RE3 |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 (analog AN0) |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 (analog AN1) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 (analog AN2) |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 (analog AN3, VREF+) |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — PORTA bit 4 (analog AN4) |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — PORTA bit 5 (analog AN5) |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA7/OSC1 — PORTA bit 7 / Oscillator input |
| Pin 10 | RA6/OSC2 — PORTA bit 6 / Oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 (SCL) |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 (SDA) |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 (SDO) |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 (TX) |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 (RX) |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0 — PORTB bit 0 (INT0) |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC18F25K20-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes, Consumer Remote Controls, Industrial HVAC Sensor Interface, Educational Microcontroller Kits, Low-Energy IoT Edge Devices, Simple Motor and Lighting Control.
Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes
The PIC18F25K20-E/SS is ideal for battery-powered wireless sensor nodes where every microamp matters. Its nanoWatt XLP technology delivers sleep currents in the sub-microamp range, allowing coin-cell lifetimes measured in years. The 32KB Flash accommodates sensor-fusion and radio-protocol stacks, while the 1.5KB RAM handles buffering. The 25 I/O lines provide direct interface to analog sensors, push-buttons, and a low-power RF module such as the MRF24J40 or RN2483. The 1.8-3.6V supply matches two AA/AAA cells in series. For a typical duty-cycled temperature/humidity sensor transmitting once per minute, the MCU contributes only a few microamp-hours per day, dwarfed by the radio. The 28-SSOP package fits into small form-factor modules, and ICSP/ICD pins on RB6/RB7 remain accessible for firmware updates without disassembly. The 10-bit ADC is sufficient for thermocouple-linearized or thermistor-based readings; designers should use the internal voltage reference for ratiometric measurements to maximize accuracy and minimize power.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Controls
The PIC18F25K20-E/SS powers low-cost consumer remote controls with its 32KB Flash supporting button-matrix decoding, IR protocol generation (RC5, NEC, SIRC), and battery diagnostics. The 48MHz CPU speed at 3.3V delivers ample throughput for time-critical IR carrier modulation without DMA. The 25 I/O pins accommodate full keypad scanning (8x8 matrix via charlieplexing) plus IR LED drive, status LED, and EEPROM-backed pairing memory. XLP sleep currents under 1uA let a remote run 5+ years on a single coin cell. The 10-bit ADC monitors battery voltage for low-battery warnings without external components. The 28-SSOP package suits the thin profile of handheld plastics. Designers should reserve one timer for the IR carrier, leaving PWM for backlight control. ICSP/ICD access should remain accessible via test pads to allow factory firmware updates during production.
Recommended
Industrial HVAC Sensor Interface
In HVAC systems the PIC18F25K20-E/SS serves as a sensor-front-end MCU that reads temperature, humidity, and pressure transducers and forwards data via RS-485 or CAN to a central controller. The 25 I/O lines handle multiple analog sensor inputs, status relays, and a UART-based Modbus slave. Extended -40C to +125C operation supports rooftop unit installations. The 32KB Flash implements the Modbus RTU stack plus custom calibration routines; the 256-byte EEPROM stores per-unit calibration constants. The 10-bit ADC provides adequate resolution for HVAC-grade temperature sensing (better than 0.5C with calibration). XLP low-power modes engage during idle polling to meet energy-budget requirements. Designers should add external TVS diodes on the RS-485 lines and follow EMC PCB practices for the analog section (guard ring around ADC traces). The 28-SSOP package allows automated SMT assembly with standard pick-and-place equipment.
Recommended
Educational Microcontroller Kits
The PIC18F25K20-E/SS is widely adopted in university microcontroller courses and Arduino-style learning platforms (such as the Amicus18 board) because of its generous 32KB Flash and 1.5KB RAM, which hold meaningful C-language projects. The 28-SSOP package fits standard 0.65mm-pitch breakout boards, while ICSP/ICD on RB6/RB7 supports PICkit 3/4 in-circuit programming without external debuggers. The 48MHz speed at 3.3V delivers 16 MIPS, enough for students to explore real-time multitasking and interrupt-driven design. The 10-bit ADC, PWM, I2C, SPI, and UART peripherals introduce students to the full embedded I/O suite in a single chip. The PIC18 instruction set is RISC-clean and well-documented, easing transition to dsPIC33/PIC32 in later courses. The XLP low-power modes serve as a teaching vehicle for sleep-mode design patterns. Course materials typically cover PICkit programming, MPLAB X IDE, and the XC8 compiler.
Recommended
Low-Energy IoT Edge Devices
For IoT edge nodes transmitting to LoRaWAN/Sigfox/cloud gateways, the PIC18F25K20-E/SS provides sufficient MIPS for application-layer processing while consuming minimal standby power. The 32KB Flash fits TLS-lite stacks, sensor drivers, and OTA bootloader logic; the 1.5KB RAM serves message buffers. The 28-SSOP package supports compact modules, and the 1.8-3.6V supply matches single-cell Li-coin and 2x AA chemistries. The 10-bit ADC reads battery voltage and analog sensors; I2C/SPIU connect to BME280-type environmental sensors. Designers pair it with a sub-GHz radio such as the RN2483, with the MCU driving SPI command flow. The XLP sleep modes put the system in nanoamp quiescent between transmissions, achieving measured 5-10uA average current in 10-minute duty cycles. The PIC18F25K22-I/SS is a drop-in upgrade when silicon revisions are needed.
Recommended
Simple Motor and Lighting Control
The PIC18F25K20-E/SS handles small BLDC driver boards and LED lighting strips where 8-bit MCU performance is sufficient. The PWM (CCP/ECCP) modules drive MOSFET gate drivers for brushed or BLDC motors at frequencies up to tens of kHz, while the 10-bit ADC reads back current-sense signals for closed-loop control. The 25 I/O lines accommodate Hall-sensor inputs, push-button panel, status LEDs, and a UART for service-port diagnostics. The 32KB Flash stores motion profiles and ramp tables; the 256-byte EEPROM saves user preferences across power cycles. Extended temperature rating supports automotive cabin and outdoor signage applications. The 28-SSOP package sits comfortably on thermally-managed driver boards; designers should add 100nF decoupling close to VDD plus a bulk capacitor, and keep the analog ground plane separate from power-stage ground returns.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F25K20-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F25K20-I/SS | PIC18F25K22-I/SS | PIC18F25K22-E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm) | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| RAM | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 48 MHz (16 MIPS) | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) |
| ADC | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit (refined) | 10-bit (refined) |
| Automotive Grade (AEC-Q100) | No | No | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- Extended industrial temperature range (vs PIC18F25K20-I/SS)
- Silicon-revision upgrade path available (vs PIC18F25K22-I/SS)
- 32 KB Flash and 256-byte EEPROM in 28-SSOP (vs PIC18F25K20-E/SP)
Design Notes
Place a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 20) with a short trace to the ground plane. For designs that switch high-current loads, add a 10uF bulk capacitor at the regulator output to handle transient current. The PIC18F25K20-E/SS draws only a few milliamps during active operation, but bulk capacitance helps during radio TX bursts in IoT nodes.
Keep the analog ground (AVSS) and digital ground (VSS) planes connected at a single point (star-ground topology) under the IC to avoid ground-loop noise coupling into the ADC. Route analog signals away from digital traces and high-frequency signals such as the oscillator and ICSP clock. For SSOP layout, follow Microchip's SSOP land-pattern recommendations (IPC-7351 nominal).
Always configure the PGC/PGD pins (RB6/RB7) appropriately before entering sleep modes if ICSP field-update is needed; tying them to internal pull-ups during sleep is fine, but they must not be driven low by external circuitry at any time or programming will fail. Also, configure the MCLR pin (pin 1) with a 10k pull-up to VDD - leaving MCLR floating can cause spurious resets in noisy environments.
Estimated: The PIC18F25K20-E/SS in 28-SSOP dissipates under 100mW in typical applications, so junction temperature rise is small (a few degrees above ambient). The 'E' suffix parts support -40C to +125C junction temperatures. For reliable operation at the upper temperature limit, derate supply voltage above 4.5V per the absolute-maximum ratings curve in the manufacturer datasheet.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page and onlinecomponents listing. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose automotive-grade K40 variants for vehicle applications.
