PIC18F25K50-E/SP - 8-bit USB MCU, 32KB Flash, 48MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F25K50-E/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.85 | $4.85 |
| 10 | $4.36 | $43.60 |
| 100 | $3.88 | $388.00 |
| 500 | $3.49 | $1,745.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.1 | $3,100.00 |
PIC18F25K50-E/SP Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), working memory (RAM), and programmable I/O peripherals. PIC18 family microcontrollers use a 16-bit modified-Harvard architecture with 8-bit data bus, 31-level hardware stack, and a rich peripheral set including USB, ADC, PWM, and serial communication modules. They sit within the broader taxonomy: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC -> active component.
Key features include 32KB Flash program memory with self read/write capability, 2KB RAM, 256 bytes EEPROM, 48MHz internal oscillator tunable from USB host clock (Active Clock Tuning), integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver, 25 I/O pins with multiple interrupt-on-change sources, 10-bit ADC up to 14 channels, two CCP/ECCP modules, two comparators, and Master Synchronous Serial Port (MSSP) supporting SPI and I2C. The part belongs to Microchip's XLP (eXtreme Low Power) family with sleep currents down to ~20 nA typical.
The PIC18F25K50 core uses a 16-bit instruction word with 8-bit data path, executes one instruction per 4 clock cycles, and supports hardware 8x8 multiply. The integrated USB module handles full-speed (12 Mbps) device/host/OTG operation with on-chip transceiver and internal pull-up, eliminating the external USB components normally required. Active Clock Tuning automatically trims the internal HFINTOSC against the USB host frame clock for accurate baud-rate generation without external crystals.
Typical applications include USB peripherals (HID, CDC, MIDI, custom classes), USB-to-UART bridges, low-power sensor nodes, battery-powered consumer electronics, industrial control interfaces, and educational/development platforms. The wide 2.3V-5.5V supply range and low sleep current also suit solar-powered or energy-harvesting designs.
When designing with this device, note that the '-E' suffix indicates the Extended (-40C to +125C) operating temperature grade. The SPDIP package is best for prototyping and through-hole assembly; for volume production, equivalent parts in SOIC/SSOP/QFN packages are available within the same PIC18F25K50 family.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that supplement the manufacturer datasheet for faster engineering evaluation.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F25K50-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 PIC18F25K50-E/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, MSL Level, Maximum CPU Frequency, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F25K50-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F25K42-E/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F25K22-E/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F24K50-E/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F25K20-E/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F25K50-E/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 (8-bit data path, 16-bit instruction word) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB (16K x 16) |
| RAM | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz |
| Internal Oscillator | 48 MHz with USB Active Clock Tuning |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended, -E suffix) |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| USB Module | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps), Device/Host/OTG |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 14 channels |
| CCP / ECCP Modules | 1 CCP + 1 ECCP |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Serial Interfaces | MSSP (SPI/I2C), EUSART (UART/LIN) |
| Timers | 4 (8-bit and 16-bit mixed) |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (Skinny Plastic DIP), through-hole |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (THT) |
| MSL Level | Not applicable (through-hole part) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| XLP Low-Power Sleep | Yes (typical sleep current ~20 nA) |
PIC18F25K50-E/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/RE3 — Master Clear (reset) input / RE3 digital input |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 / analog AN0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 / analog AN1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 / analog AN2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 / analog AN3 |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 / analog AN4 |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 / analog AN5 |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/RA7 — Crystal oscillator input / Port A bit 7 |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/RA6 — Crystal oscillator output / Port A bit 6 |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 / TX |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 / RX |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 27 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 / interrupt-on-change / ICSCLK |
| Pin 28 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 / interrupt-on-change / ICSDA |
Typical Applications
PIC18F25K50-E/SP is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Peripheral (Keyboard, Mouse, Custom HID), USB-to-UART Bridge / CDC Virtual COM Port, Battery-Powered Sensor Node with USB Charging/Diagnostics, MIDI Controller / USB Audio Class Device, Industrial Control Interface (Modbus, USB Diagnostic Port), Educational Development Board / Arduino-Compatible Module.
USB HID Peripheral (Keyboard, Mouse, Custom HID)
The PIC18F25K50-E/SP is ideal for USB HID-class peripherals such as keyboards, mice, custom HID controllers, and configuration dongles. Its integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver and on-chip pull-up eliminate external USB components, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. With 32 KB Flash, 2 KB RAM, and 25 I/O pins, the device has ample headroom for HID report descriptors and scan matrix handling. The K50's Active Clock Tuning keeps baud-rate timing accurate without external crystals, which is critical for passing USB compliance tests. Developers can use the free Microchip USB Framework with MPLAB X IDE and the HID bootloader for field upgrades.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge / CDC Virtual COM Port
For USB-to-serial converter dongles that add a virtual COM port to legacy equipment, the PIC18F25K50-E/SP provides the USB device controller, the EUSART for asynchronous serial communication, and the 25 I/O pins needed for handshake signals (RTS/CTS). The integrated USB transceiver and the 48 MHz HFINTOSC tuned via Active Clock Tuning deliver tight baud-rate accuracy across all standard rates from 300 to 921600 bps. With 32 KB Flash, designers can ship a flexible CDC stack that handles configurable baud rates, hardware flow control, and signal inversion. The device supports bus-powered operation directly from USB VBUS (with internal 3.3V regulator), simplifying dongle designs.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Node with USB Charging/Diagnostics
The PIC18F25K50-E/SP belongs to Microchip's XLP family with typical sleep current around 20 nA, making it well suited for battery-powered sensor nodes that wake periodically to take measurements and then return to deep sleep. The USB interface provides a convenient way to recharge, log diagnostic data, or upgrade firmware without an external programmer. With 10-bit ADC up to 14 channels, 2 comparators, and MSSP for SPI/I2C sensor interfaces, the device can read temperature, humidity, or pressure sensors directly. The 2.3-5.5V supply range accommodates single-cell Li-ion (3.7V nominal), two AA cells (3V), or coin cells (3V).
Recommended
MIDI Controller / USB Audio Class Device
MIDI controllers and USB MIDI class devices benefit from the PIC18F25K50-E/SP's integrated USB and sufficient Flash for USB-MIDI descriptor stacks. Designers can implement USB MIDI 1.0 input endpoints and stream real-time NoteOn/NoteOff, PitchBend, and ControlChange messages from physical knobs, pads, and buttons. The 25 I/O pins drive the matrix scan of 8x8 button grids and read multi-channel potentiometers via the 10-bit ADC. The on-chip EUSART can also send legacy 5-pin DIN MIDI at 31250 bps if both USB and traditional MIDI ports are needed. The device's 48 MHz core ensures jitter-free USB MIDI isochronous transfer timing.
Recommended
Industrial Control Interface (Modbus, USB Diagnostic Port)
In industrial control, the PIC18F25K50-E/SP serves as a smart sensor or actuator front-end with both a USB diagnostic port for technicians and an RS-485 Modbus interface for the fieldbus. The integrated USB simplifies commissioning, firmware updates, and parameter logging from a laptop running MPLAB or a custom tool. The EUSART supports RS-485 via an external transceiver, and the MSSP drives SPI-controlled ADCs or DACs on the local node. The -E extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) supports cabinet and outdoor installations. Built-in 256-byte EEPROM stores calibration and unit IDs without external memory.
Recommended
Educational Development Board / Arduino-Compatible Module
The PIC18F25K50-E/SP is popular in low-cost educational kits, Pinguino-compatible boards, and DIY learning platforms because the integrated USB removes the need for an external programmer for many applications. Hobbyists and students can develop in C using the free MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler, or in BASIC using the Pinguino IDE. The 28-pin SPDIP package fits standard 0.3-inch and 0.6-inch DIP sockets and breadboards, simplifying lab work. USB MIDI, USB CDC, USB HID, and bootloader examples in Microchip's library accelerate curriculum projects from blinking an LED to a full USB oscilloscope probe.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F25K50-E/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F25K50-I/SP | PIC18F25K42-E/SP | PIC18F25K22-E/SP | PIC18F24K50-E/SP | PIC18F25K20-E/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP | 28-pin SPDIP - same | 28-pin SPDIP - same | 28-pin SPDIP - same | 28-pin SPDIP - same | 28-pin SPDIP - same |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB |
| RAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 1.5 KB |
| USB Module | Integrated USB 2.0 FS | Integrated USB 2.0 FS | USB 2.0 FS available on K42 family | No integrated USB | Integrated USB 2.0 FS | No integrated USB |
| Max CPU Frequency | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 48 MHz | 64 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C |
| Supply Voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver with on-chip pull-up (vs PIC18F25K22-E/SP)
- Active Clock Tuning from USB host (vs PIC18F24K50-E/SP)
- XLP ultra-low sleep current (~20 nA) (vs PIC18F25K20-E/SP)
Design Notes
When bus-powered from USB VBUS (5V), the PIC18F25K50-E/SP's internal 3.3V regulator can supply up to ~150 mA to the core and external circuitry. For self-powered designs, provide a clean 3.3V or 5V rail to VDD with decoupling (100 nF + 10 uF ceramic bulk) within 5 mm of the pins. Place a ferrite bead on VUSB and a 0.1 uF bypass on the USB transceiver supply pin to meet USB compliance EMI margins.
USB D+ (pin 25, RB4) and D- (pin 24, RB3) traces must be routed as a 90-ohm differential pair, matched to within 150 mil length, and kept clear of switching signals. Series 27-33 ohm source-termination resistors close to the MCU are required per USB 2.0 spec. Do not place vias in the differential pair stubs; route directly to the USB connector with a clean ground return path.
Do not assume PIC18F25K22 vs PIC18F25K50 pin compatibility extends to USB - the K22 lacks the integrated USB transceiver entirely. If migrating a K22 design to USB, plan a firmware rewrite of the application stack and re-verify pinout reuse. Also note that the -E grade is Extended temperature while -I is Industrial; in commercial deployments, the -I grade is sufficient and cheaper.
Estimated: at 48 MHz CPU clock from 5V VDD, the PIC18F25K50-E/SP draws approximately 14 mA active current (~70 mW). Across the -40 to +125 C operating range, junction temperature rise in the SPDIP-28 package is negligible (<5 C above ambient with theta_JA around 70 C/W). No heatsink is required; standard PCB thermal relief is sufficient.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliance per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive. -E temperature grade (Extended, -40C to +125C) supports industrial but not automotive-qualified deployments. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in verified web data.
