PIC18F25Q10-I/ML - 8-bit 64MHz MCU, 32KB Flash, 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F25Q10-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.85 | $1.85 |
| 10 | $1.67 | $16.70 |
| 100 | $1.48 | $148.00 |
| 500 | $1.3 | $650.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.15 | $1,150.00 |
PIC18F25Q10-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer-on-a-chip built around an 8-bit data path and Harvard architecture. The PIC18-Q10 family sits inside the PIC18 high-performance tier -> PIC microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor hierarchy. These MCUs combine deterministic interrupt response, on-chip configurable logic, and analog to form compact, low-power control nodes that replace larger discrete designs.
Key differentiating features include: 32KB of high-endurance Flash program memory, 2KB SRAM, 256B EEPROM, 10-bit ADC with computation (ADC2), 5-bit DAC, comparators, PWM, Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), Hardware Limit Timer (HLT), Windowed Watchdog Timer (WWDT), and Configurable Logic Cells (CLC). The device also exposes up to 25 I/O pins, supports I2C/SPI/UART, and includes the eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology for energy-sensitive applications.
Architecturally the PIC18F25Q10-I/ML uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range core with a modified Harvard bus and a 16-bit instruction word, paired with a 31-level stack and hardware multiply. The ADC2 block offloads averaging, threshold detection, and oversampling from the CPU, while the CWG block synthesizes complementary PWM patterns with dead-band control for power-converter half-bridges. Together these peripherals let the core handle closed-loop control while hardware does the time-critical work.
Typical applications include industrial sensor nodes, low-cost motor control, LED driving, home appliances, HVAC controls, and 5V noise-tolerant sensor interfaces. The wide 2.3V-5.5V supply range and 5V GPIO tolerance make it well suited for factory automation where 24V or 5V busses are common. The 6x6 mm QFN footprint suits dense, thermally challenging designs where PCB real estate is constrained.
When designing with this part, allocate PCB area beneath the exposed pad for thermal relief and ground stitching, because the QFN package draws heat mainly through the pad. Use the MPLAB X IDE with the XC8 compiler and the MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC) plugin to generate peripheral initialization code and pin maps, reducing firmware ramp-up time.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet. (384 words)
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F25Q10-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 PIC18F25Q10-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Program Memory (Flash), Core, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F24Q10-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F25Q10-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F25K83T-I/MX
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F25K42-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F25K40-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F25Q10-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC18-Q10 |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC enhanced mid-range |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB |
| SRAM | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 64 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial -I) |
| ADC | 10-bit ADC with Computation (ADC2) |
| DAC | 5-bit DAC |
| Comparators | Yes |
| PWM / CWG | PWM with Complementary Waveform Generator |
| Watchdog | Windowed Watchdog Timer (WWDT) |
| Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) | Yes |
| Communication | I2C, SPI, UART |
| I/O Pins | Up to 25 |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F25Q10-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Digital I/O / MCLR |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 8 | RB7 — Digital I/O / ICSP |
| Pin 9 | RB6 — Digital I/O / PGC |
| Pin 10 | RB5 — Digital I/O / PGD |
| Pin 11 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 15 | RB0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 18 | RC6 — Digital I/O / TX |
| Pin 19 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 20 | RC4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 21 | RC3 — Digital I/O / SCL |
| Pin 22 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RC1 — Digital I/O / SDA |
| Pin 24 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 25 | RA7 — Digital I/O / OSC1 |
| Pin 26 | RA6 — Digital I/O / OSC2 |
| Pin 27 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply |
Typical Applications
PIC18F25Q10-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Node, Low-Cost BLDC Motor Control, Home Appliance Control, LED Lighting Driver, HVAC Fan and Blower Control, IoT Sensor Edge Node.
Industrial Sensor Node
The PIC18F25Q10-I/ML's 5 V noise immunity and 10-bit ADC2 with computation make it a strong fit for industrial sensor nodes that digitize analog signals on 24 V busses. Its ADC2 hardware offloads averaging, threshold detection, and oversampling from the CPU, allowing continuous analog monitoring with low firmware load. The CLC and CWG blocks can synthesize dead-band-controlled complementary outputs for solenoid or relay driving, replacing external timing chips. CIPs run without CPU intervention, so the core stays free for I2C/SPI comms to higher-level controllers. As a node, the XLP sleep currents below 1 uA enable multi-year battery operation in wireless or remote installations.
Recommended
Low-Cost BLDC Motor Control
The PIC18F25Q10-I/ML drives low-power BLDC and brushed DC motors via its Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), which synthesizes complementary PWM with programmable dead-band - critical for half-bridge switching to prevent shoot-through. Hardware Limit Timer (HLT) provides bounded PWM pulse width for safety, while Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) combine PWM and fault signals for hardware-based overcurrent shutdown. With 64 MHz core and 32 KB Flash, the firmware can handle sensorless back-EMF commutation algorithms. The 28-QFN 6x6 footprint and exposed pad provide thermal relief for continuous motor-drive duty cycles.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control
The PIC18F25Q10-I/ML is well-suited for white-goods control boards (washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators) due to its 5 V GPIO tolerance, 32 KB Flash for state-machine firmware, and integrated peripherals that replace several discrete timers. ADC2 monitors temperature/pressure sensors, while PWM drives motor and heater loads. Hardware WWDT (Windowed Watchdog Timer) provides a safety net required for IEC 60730 home-appliance certification. The CLCs implement glue logic between front-panel buttons and actuator outputs without external gates. The compact 28-QFN 6x6 mm footprint simplifies dense PCB layouts inside small appliance enclosures.
Recommended
LED Lighting Driver
The PIC18F25Q10-I/ML's PWM outputs and 5 V noise immunity make it ideal for dimmable LED driver controllers in commercial and architectural lighting. ADC2 monitors LED current via a sense resistor, while CWG generates high-resolution PWM for smooth dimming across 0-100% without software jitter. Configurable Logic Cells implement phase-cut dimming decoding and zero-cross detection for TRIAC-compatible dimmers. The 64 MHz core can run DMX512 or DALI receive stacks on UART or I2C. XLP sleep modes minimize standby power when lights are off, helping designers meet stringent energy-efficiency regulations.
Recommended
HVAC Fan and Blower Control
The PIC18F25Q10-I/ML controls variable-speed HVAC fans via its PWM, ADC2, and Windowed Watchdog Timer (WWDT). ADC2 samples temperature/humidity sensors and feedback from the motor's tachometer, while CWG synthesizes the gate-drive PWM for a power-stage FET or driver IC. Hardware Limit Timer enforces maximum fan speed for safety. The XLP sleep current extends battery backup during power-loss events. The 28-QFN 6x6 mm exposed pad dissipates heat in compact control boards mounted inside air-handler housings.
Recommended
IoT Sensor Edge Node
The PIC18F25Q10-I/ML acts as an IoT edge sensor node that wakes periodically, samples sensors, processes data via ADC2, and transmits over UART or SPI to a wireless module. XLP sleep currents in the microamp range allow multi-year coin-cell or lithium operation. CLCs implement simple state machines without waking the CPU, reducing average power. The 32 KB Flash accommodates OTA-style bootloaders and application firmware, and the 5 V tolerance protects against transient noise on industrial sensor lines. UART/SPI interfaces connect directly to RN4870 BLE or ATSAM WINC modules for protocol bridging.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F25Q10-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F24Q10-I/ML | PIC18F25K83T-I/MX | PIC18F25K42-I/ML | PIC18F25K40-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6) | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same |
| Program Flash | 32 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| SRAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz |
| ADC | 10-bit ADC2 | 10-bit ADC2 | 12-bit ADC | 12-bit ADC | 10-bit ADC |
| CLC / CWG (CIPs) | Yes | Yes | Limited | Limited | No |
| XLP Low Power | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Intelligent analog with ADC2 hardware computation (vs PIC18F25K40-I/ML)
- Modern Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) (vs PIC18F25K42-I/ML)
- Higher code density vs older K40 family (vs PIC18F25K40-I/ML)
Design Notes
The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) package has a thermal pad that MUST be soldered to the PCB ground plane for electrical performance and heat dissipation. According to Microchip packaging guidelines, thermal vias under the exposed pad (typically 9-12 vias, 0.3 mm drill) connect the pad to an inner ground plane. Without proper pad soldering, junction temperature can rise 20-30 C above the steady-state design value, causing thermal derating or unexpected reset in continuous-load applications such as motor or LED driving.
Place 0.1 uF decoupling capacitors as close as possible to each VDD pin (pins 16 and 28) with short, wide traces. Add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the supply rail. According to Microchip PIC18F24/25Q10 datasheet (DS40001945), the device has two VDD pins that must both be bypassed independently - relying on a single capacitor pair can introduce high-frequency noise on the supply line.
When migrating from PIC18F K-series (e.g., K40, K42, K80) to PIC18F25Q10, the ADC peripheral changed from a basic SAR to ADC2 with computation. Firmware that uses the legacy ADC interrupt sequence may need adjustment to use ADC2's threshold and accumulator interrupts. According to Microchip, ADC2 accumulation, low-pass filter, and burst-average modes require reconfiguration of the ADCON registers that are not present on K-series parts.
For battery-powered sensor applications, use the XLP sleep mode with ADC2 in single-shot mode and CLC running in idle. According to Microchip PIC18F24/25Q10 datasheet (DS40001945), the XLP sleep current is below 1 uA typical at 3 V with RTC active. This enables multi-year operation on a CR2032 cell when wake events occur less than once per minute.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose AEC-Q100 variants for automotive. Industrial -40C to +85C operating temperature range.