PIC18F26J50-I/SS - USB MCU 64KB Flash 48MHz SSOP-28 | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F26J50-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.65 | $3.65 |
| 10 | $3.18 | $31.80 |
| 100 | $2.74 | $274.00 |
| 500 | $2.41 | $1,205.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.18 | $2,180.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.96 | $5,880.00 |
PIC18F26J50-I/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data bus, typically using a RISC architecture such as Microchip's PIC core. These devices integrate CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory (Flash), peripherals, and I/O on one die, occupying the bottom of the embedded computing hierarchy above discrete logic but below 32-bit microcontrollers and microprocessors. The PIC18 family adds enhanced peripherals, a 16-bit instruction word, and C-friendly architecture while remaining software-compatible with earlier PIC16 devices.
Key features include an integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver with on-chip pull-up resistors and internal voltage regulator, a 10-bit ADC with up to 13 channels, two analog comparators, three timers, two capture/compare/PWM modules, an Enhanced USART, and two MSSP (SPI/I2C) ports. Deep sleep mode drops quiescent current to the nanoampere range, enabling battery-powered designs that must wake via interrupts or the watchdog.
The architecture uses a 16-bit modified Harvard structure with separate program and data paths, an 8x8 hardware multiplier, and a vectored interrupt controller that supports 25 interrupt sources. The internal 31 kHz to 48 MHz oscillator block includes PLL for the USB 48 MHz clock, eliminating the external crystal required by many competing USB MCUs.
Typical applications include USB peripherals (HID, CDC, vendor-class devices), battery-powered sensor nodes with USB charging, industrial data loggers, and consumer accessories that require PC connectivity. The integrated USB transceiver reduces BOM cost by 4-6 external components compared to MCUs requiring external USB PHYs.
When designing with this part, ensure the internal voltage regulator's bulk capacitor (VDDCORE) and VUSB bypass capacitor follow the datasheet layout precisely; improper bypass will prevent USB enumeration. Programming via ICSP requires a 4-wire interface on dedicated pins that overlap with general I/O.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-brand Microchip drop-in alternatives (PIC18F46J50 family), pin-out, SSOP package thermal data, and practical design notes not found in a single manufacturer datasheet excerpt.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F26J50-I/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 PIC18F26J50-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory (Flash), Operating Temperature, MSL Level, Core.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F26J50T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.69 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26J50-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F25J50-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F24J50-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46J50-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F26J50-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 (8-bit RISC) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB |
| RAM | 4 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 48 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 3.6 V (5.5 V tolerant I/O) |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps) with on-chip transceiver |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 13 channels |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0/1/2) |
| CCP/ECCP Modules | 2 |
| EUSART | 1 (Enhanced USART) |
| MSSP (SPI/I2C) | 2 |
| Comparators | 2 analog |
| Package | SSOP-28 (5.30 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F26J50-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/RE3 — Master Clear / GPIO RE3 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 (open-drain) |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 / analog AN4 |
| Pin 8 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 / oscillator output |
| Pin 10 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 / oscillator input |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 / analog AN8 |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 / analog AN9 |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 / analog AN10 |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 / analog AN11 / SCL |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 / D-/SDA |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 / D+ / CCP1 |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 / TX |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 / RX |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground (return) |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Digital supply 2.0V-3.6V |
| Pin 21 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 / analog AN12 |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 / analog AN10 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 / CCP1 |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 / CCP2 |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 / PWM |
| Pin 27 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 / ICSP PGC |
| Pin 28 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 / ICSP PGD |
Typical Applications
PIC18F26J50-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Peripherals, USB-to-UART Bridge, Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes, Industrial Data Loggers, USB Charging and Power Bank Controllers, Educational and Development Boards.
USB HID Peripherals
The PIC18F26J50-I/SS shines in USB HID applications like mice, keyboards, and game controllers where its integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver eliminates external PHYs and crystals. With 64 KB Flash and 4 KB RAM the part easily fits Microchip's HID stack with descriptor overlays plus vendor-defined interface routines. The 48 MHz core plus 16 MIPS throughput handles USB polling at 1 kHz intervals with ample headroom for sensor fusion and report buffering. Designers benefit from the nanoWatt XLP deep sleep mode that drops quiescent current to the nA range, ideal for battery-powered wireless mice that wake on interrupt.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge
The PIC18F26J50-I/SS provides a compact CDC-class USB-to-UART bridge solution, replacing FTDI-style bridge chips with a self-contained Microchip MCU offering. The integrated USB transceiver and Enhanced USART pair cleanly, while 4 KB RAM buffers full CDC-ACM line state plus multiple virtual COM port streams. At 48 MHz the part handles UART baud rates up to 921600 with low latency, suitable for industrial debug consoles and field-programmable gateways. The 25 I/O pins also let designers expose GPIO pins controllable from the host PC application.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes
Battery-powered IoT sensor nodes benefit from the PIC18F26J50-I/SS's nanoWatt XLP deep sleep mode that drops current draw to nanamperes between transmission windows. The 10-bit ADC with 13 channels handles multi-sensor conditioning while the integrated USB allows firmware update and data download without extra components. At full active load the part runs at 48 MHz from a 3.3V coin cell or two AA cells, with the 5.5V-tolerant I/O permitting easy interface to 5V sensor boards.
Recommended
Industrial Data Loggers
Industrial data loggers benefit from the PIC18F26J50-I/SS industrial temperature range -40 to +85 C, 64 KB Flash for storing configuration and bootloader code, and USB connectivity for log file retrieval. The two MSSP ports support SPI-Flash log storage up to 16 MB while the I2C bus can attach RTCC modules for timestamped events. With 25 I/O the part interfaces to digital sensors, modbus RTU, and isolated 4-20 mA loops. The internal voltage regulator simplifies 24V industrial bus designs with a single LM7805 upstream regulator.
Recommended
USB Charging and Power Bank Controllers
USB charging controllers and power bank designs leverage the PIC18F26J50-I/SS USB capability to enumerate as a charging port and negotiate current limits per the Battery Charging Specification. The 5.5V-tolerant I/O pins interface directly to legacy 5V charger hardware, while the ADC monitors battery voltage and current shunts for accurate state-of-charge reporting. With 64 KB Flash the part fits digital LED ring patterns, USB Type-C voltage detection routines, and a full state machine for CC pin logic.
Recommended
Educational and Development Boards
Educational platforms and development boards such as the PIC18F46J50 and PIC18F4550-based trainer kits often use PIC18F26J50-I/SS variants for the smaller 28-pin SSOP footprint's reduced BOM cost. The part supports Microchip's MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler, and free USB stacks including HID, CDC, and Vendor class drivers. With 25 I/O the part drives multiple 7-segment displays, pushbutton matrices, and analog inputs for teaching embedded programming. Industrial temperature range supports classroom-and-lab environments with wide ambient swings.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F26J50-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F26J50T-I/SS | PIC18F25J50-I/SS | PIC18F24J50-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SSOP-28 | SSOP-28 (same) | SSOP-28 (same) | SSOP-28 (same) |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB | 64 KB | 32 KB (-50%) | 16 KB (-75%) |
| RAM | 4 KB | 4 KB | 2 KB (-50%) | 1 KB (-75%) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| USB 2.0 Full-Speed | Yes (integrated) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Deep Sleep (nanoWatt XLP) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Industrial Temperature Range | -40 to +85 C | -40 to +85 C | -40 to +85 C | -40 to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Highest Flash density in the SSOP-28 USB-equipped PIC18 J-series (vs PIC18F25J50-I/SS)
- USB 2.0 full-speed with integrated transceiver (vs PIC18F25K22-I/SS)
- Industrial temperature range for harsher environments (vs PIC18F26J50-I/SP (SPDIP variant))
Design Notes
The PIC18F26J50-I/SS requires a 1uF-10uF bulk capacitor on VDD and a parallel 100nF ceramic for high-frequency decoupling per the Microchip datasheet. The internal 2.5V core regulator (VDDCORE pin) MUST have its own 10uF capacitor placed within 5mm of the pin for stable operation. USB enumeration will fail if VDDCORE bypass is insufficient because the internal regulator will droop under USB current spikes.
Route the USB D+/D- traces on the PIC18F26J50-I/SS as a 90-ohm differential pair with no stubs, keeping trace length under 50mm and avoiding vias where possible. Per the Microchip datasheet, place the VUSB pin capacitor (220nF to GND) within 2mm of the package pin. Add a common-mode choke on D+/D- if the enclosure passes EMI compliance testing.
Do NOT skip the 31 kHz RTCC crystal load capacitors on the SOSC pins if your application depends on accurate low-power timing - the PIC18F26J50-I/SS deep-sleep wake interval depends on a stable low-frequency oscillator. The configuration bits must also be set to enable the PLL and select the internal oscillator; default config bits disable USB operation. Always verify configuration bits via the MPLAB X IDE before silicon programming.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page; not AEC-Q100 automotive-qualified. For automotive USB applications, see the PIC18F26J50 automotive ordering designation.
