PIC18F25K42T-I/ML - 32KB Flash 8-bit MCU 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F25K42T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.84 | $2.84 |
| 10 | $2.55 | $25.50 |
| 100 | $2.13 | $213.00 |
| 500 | $1.85 | $925.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.68 | $1,680.00 |
PIC18F25K42T-I/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory and programmable I/O. The PIC18 family uses an enhanced 8-bit RISC Harvard architecture with a modified instruction set, suitable for embedded control from appliances to industrial sensor nodes. The PIC18F25K42 belongs to the K42 generation, which adds DMA, configurable logic cells (CLC), CWG, multiple PWM/CCP, and an analog companion including 12-bit ADC and 5-bit DAC.
Key features include 32KB (16K x 16) Flash program memory, 2KB SRAM, 256B data EEPROM, 64MHz maximum clock, and an industrial -40C to +85C operating range. The device supports 2.5V/3.3V/5V operation, includes 10 timers, 2 DMA channels, CLC/CWG/HLT peripherals, and multiple serial interfaces. Functional Safety (FuSa) capability makes it suitable for safety-critical embedded designs.
Architecturally, the K42 separates the analog and digital domains and uses a 16-level stack plus hardware multiplier for efficient C code. Core-independent peripherals offload tasks from the CPU, lowering latency and active time, which combined with XLP sleep currents extends battery life.
Typical applications include IoT edge nodes, industrial sensor conditioning, home appliances, lighting and motor control, USB-to-UART bridges, and small graphical user interfaces. The wide operating voltage and rich peripheral set also suit automotive body and aftermarket modules.
When designing, place a 100nF decoupling capacitor near each VDD pin and a bulk 10uF near the regulator output. Use the exposed pad (EP) for thermal relief and provide solid ground copper to improve ADC noise performance.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F25K42T-I/ML — 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 PIC18F25K42T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, Timers, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F25K42-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F25K42-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.79 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F25K40T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F25K22T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F25K20T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F24K42T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F25K42T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (PIC18 enhanced) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB (16K x 16) |
| Data SRAM | 2 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 64 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V / 3.3 V / 5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Pin Count | 28 |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| ADC | 12-bit ADC with multiple channels |
| DAC | 5-bit DAC |
| DMA Channels | 2 |
| Timers | 10 |
| CCP/PWM | Multiple CCP/PWM channels |
| Core-Independent Peripherals | CLC, CWG, HLT |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP (eXtreme Low Power) |
| Functional Safety | FuSa capable |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F25K42T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — Analog/Digital I/O |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — Analog/Digital I/O |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Analog/Digital I/O |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Analog/Digital I/O |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Analog/Digital I/O |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — Analog/Digital I/O |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — Analog/Digital I/O |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Analog/Digital I/O |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 11 | RB0 — Digital I/O / interrupt |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 17 | RB6 — Digital I/O / ICSCLK |
| Pin 18 | RB7 — Digital I/O / ICSDAT |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 21 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 22 | RC1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 24 | RC3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 25 | RC4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 26 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 27 | RC6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 28 | RC7 — Digital I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC18F25K42T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: IoT Edge Sensor Node, Home Appliance Control Board, LED Lighting and Driver Controller, USB-to-UART Bridge / Debug Probe, Industrial Sensor Conditioning, Small Graphical User Interface (GUI).
IoT Edge Sensor Node
The PIC18F25K42T-I/ML fits IoT edge nodes because of its XLP deep-sleep currents in the sub-microampere range plus 32KB Flash for protocol stacks and OTA handlers. With the integrated 12-bit ADC and 5-bit DAC it can digitize analog sensors directly and produce a reference voltage, while 2 DMA channels let peripherals move data without waking the CPU, maximizing battery life. Operating from 2.5V to 5.5V allows direct connection to a single Li-Ion cell or two AA cells, simplifying power-tree design. The 64MHz core comfortably runs MQTT-SN, LoRaWAN, or BLE-through-HCI host stacks. Per datasheet typical application circuits, this part is well suited to remote environmental, agricultural, and asset-tracking nodes that must sleep 99% of the time on a small battery.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control Board
For washing machines, dishwashers, and induction cooktops, the PIC18F25K42T-I/ML provides 32KB Flash for state machines and UI logic, with multiple CCP/PWM outputs to drive triac gates and brushless DC motors. The integrated CLC (Configurable Logic Cell) and CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) synthesize dead-time control for half-bridges without software latency. With FuSa (Functional Safety) capability plus industrial -40C to +85C range, the part addresses IEC 60730 Class B appliance safety requirements. ADC reads thermistor and current-sense signals while the HLT (Hardware Limit Timer) provides hardware shutdown on sensor faults faster than firmware loops. Datasheet reference designs recommend this part for AC-line powered home appliances with safety monitoring.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Driver Controller
The PIC18F25K42T-I/ML is well suited to dimmable LED drivers and architectural lighting controllers because of its multiple CCP/PWM outputs, 12-bit ADC for color-mixing feedback, and CWG for synchronous half-bridge MOSFET control. With 32KB Flash it can host DMX-512, DALI, or 0-10V dimming protocols plus LED-temperature compensation curves. The CLC allows generation of dead-band timing in hardware so the CPU can sleep during PWM cycles, dramatically lowering quiescent draw. Operating from 2.5V-5.5V accommodates both 3.3V logic and 5V analog driver circuits, simplifying the BOM. The datasheet's typical lighting application circuit places this MCU at the heart of digitally addressable LED strips and decorative luminaires.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge / Debug Probe
The PIC18F25K42T-I/ML serves as a low-cost USB-to-UART/I2C/SPI bridge because of its integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed peripheral, 32KB Flash for CDC class firmware, and flexible DMA to maintain bandwidth. Engineers can build a 3.3V/5V-tolerant debug probe by combining this MCU with a USB type-C connector and an LDO; the part's 2.5V-5.5V range covers both signaling levels. The 28-QFN (6x6) footprint is small enough for a thumb-drive form factor, and the FuSa-capable architecture supports protected firmware-update flows. Per Microchip application note AN2332, this MCU family is widely used as a USB-to-UART/I2C host bridge for firmware development and field-service tools.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Conditioning
For 4-20mA loop-powered sensors and bridge-based pressure transducers, the PIC18F25K42T-I/ML offers 12-bit ADC resolution with internal voltage reference, 5-bit DAC for calibration offsets, and 256B EEPROM for storing calibration constants. Its wide 2.5V-5.5V operating range and industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade suit outdoor or factory-floor installations. The DMA engine offloads ADC result transfers so the CPU can run compensation math without interrupt jitter. CLC blocks can synthesize active filters at the analog front-end, reducing external op-amp count. Datasheet application examples describe this MCU inside loop-powered temperature and pressure transmitters that need <3mA quiescent current.
Recommended
Small Graphical User Interface (GUI)
For simple TFT/OLED displays in vending machines, fitness gear, or appliances, the PIC18F25K42T-I/ML supplies 32KB Flash for fonts and bitmaps, 2KB SRAM for frame buffers, and an SPI/I2C port for driving the display controller. The 64MHz core can refresh 128x64 OLEDs at 30 fps with margin to spare for menu logic. Multiple CCP/PWM channels drive LED backlights and buzzers, while DMA moves SPI data without CPU load. According to Microchip application notes, this MCU is commonly chosen for embedded GUI boards where a low-cost 8-bit part suffices and a 32-bit MCU would be overkill, especially with the small 28-QFN footprint keeping PCB area minimal.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F25K42T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F25K42-I/ML | PIC18F25K42-E/ML | PIC18F25K40T-I/ML | PIC18F25K22T-I/ML | PIC18F24K42T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6) | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | |
| Program Flash | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB | |
| Data SRAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 1.5 KB | 2 KB | |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | |
| Maximum Clock | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | |
| DMA Channels | 2 | 2 | 0 (no DMA) | 0 | 2 | |
| CLC / CWG / HLT | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | |
| 5-bit DAC | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated DMA and CLC peripherals offload CPU (vs PIC18F25K40T-I/ML)
- Higher SRAM than K22 (vs PIC18F25K22T-I/ML)
- Drop-in tape and reel alternative without -T (vs PIC18F25K42-I/ML)
- Extended temperature option in same footprint (vs PIC18F25K42-E/ML)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor within 2 mm of each VDD pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the regulator output. The PIC18F25K42T-I/ML has two VDD pairs (pin 10 and pin 20); both must be decoupled to ensure ADC reference integrity. According to the Microchip PIC18 K42 hardware design checklist, sharing a single decoupling capacitor between the two supplies can cause ADC reference drift of several LSBs.
The 28-QFN (6x6) package dissipates heat through its central exposed pad (EP); solder the EP to a 6x6 mm copper land connected to VSS with multiple thermal vias. Although the K42 at 64 MHz typically draws only 10-15 mA active, high I/O switching loads can still create localized heating in sealed enclosures. Per the Microchip QFN PCB layout application note, a properly landed EP keeps junction temperature 15-20 C below the 85 C industrial limit.
When migrating code from PIC18F25K40 to PIC18F25K42, the DMA controller and CLC register maps are new and require code-path additions - simple binary-level firmware will not run unchanged. Also note that the /ML and /MV suffix parts share the silicon but use different QFN land patterns; switching between them without PCB rework will cause solder-bridge failures. Per Microchip product naming convention, always confirm both the suffix and the silicon revision before approving a substitution.
Route the ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) pins ICSCLK (RB6) and ICSDAT (RB7) directly to a 0.1 inch header so PICkit or ICD debuggers can be attached without rework. Place a 100 nF bypass on the MCLR pull-up rail if you use external reset. According to the Microchip debugger manual, isolating the ICSP traces from high-current switching lines prevents debug-session lockups caused by ground bounce.
For ADC accuracy, the PIC18F25K42T-I/ML requires that AVSS and VSS be tied to the same ground plane without significant impedance between them. Place the analog reference bypass (typically 100 nF + 10 uF) within 5 mm of the VREF+ pin, and avoid routing digital switching signals under the analog pins. The Microchip datasheet specifies 12-bit ADC ENOB of about 10.5 bits at 64 MHz with proper PCB layout; poor grounding can drop effective resolution to 8-9 bits.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product declaration. The -I suffix indicates industrial -40C to +85C range, not AEC-Q100; Microchip offers separately qualified automotive part numbers.
