PIC18F26J50T-I/ML - 8-bit USB MCU, 64KB Flash, 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F26J50T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.62 | $4.62 |
| 10 | $4.05 | $40.50 |
| 100 | $3.52 | $352.00 |
| 500 | $2.98 | $1,490.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.65 | $2,650.00 |
PIC18F26J50T-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small, low-cost computing core that integrates a CPU, memory, and peripherals into a single chip. PIC18J-series devices belong to the enhanced PIC18 family (PIC18 -> 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor), which adds hardware multipliers, C-friendly architecture, and extended instruction set for higher code density. The 'J' suffix indicates the 3.3V core, USB 2.0 full-speed peripheral, and enhanced low-power modes that target cost-sensitive consumer and industrial designs.
Key features of the PIC18F26J50 include on-chip full-speed USB 2.0 (12 Mbps) with internal transceiver and pull-up resistors, eliminating the need for an external PHY. It supports 64KB (32K x 16) Flash, 4KB RAM, and 1KB EEPROM for non-volatile storage. The 25-channel, 10-bit ADC provides up to 25 channels of analog input, while peripherals include two USART, two MSSP (SPI/I2C), two CCP, three timers, and an RTCC with calendar. The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) package has an exposed pad for thermal dissipation and compact board footprint.
The architecture combines a RISC-based PIC18 CPU core with 16-bit instructions and 8-bit data path, supported by an 8x8 hardware multiplier and C compiler-friendly addressing. The on-chip regulator allows single 3.3V supply operation from a single 2.0-3.6V rail, with brown-out reset and power-on reset for reliable startup. The deep-sleep mode draws less than 100 nA, making this MCU suitable for battery-powered applications where USB connectivity is required.
Typical applications include USB peripherals (HID, CDC, MIDI, custom classes), embedded data loggers, low-cost instrumentation, and consumer electronics. The wide operating voltage range and USB integration also support industrial sensor interfaces, wireless USB bridges, and home automation bridges. For battery-powered designs, the nanoWatt XLP technology enables multi-year lifetimes on coin cells.
When designing with this device, ensure the VUSB pin is properly decoupled with 0.01uF and 1uF capacitors as specified in the datasheet, and that the 28-QFN exposed pad is soldered for proper thermal dissipation. The USB D+/D- traces should be routed as a 90-ohm differential pair with controlled impedance.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical USB design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F26J50T-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 PIC18F26J50T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Timers, MSL Level, Operating Temperature, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F26J50-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F26J13T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F24J50T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.88 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26J50T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 (8-bit RISC) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB (32K x 16) |
| Data RAM | 4 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 48 MHz (12 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 3.6 V (single 3.3V operation) |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| USB Peripheral | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps), internal transceiver |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 13 channels (device variant dependent) |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2/3 + RTCC) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 2 CCP modules |
| Communication | 2x USART, 2x MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (6x6 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Low-Power Modes | nanoWatt XLP, Deep Sleep (<100 nA) |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F26J50T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 3 |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA7/OSC1 — Digital I/O / Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 10 | RA6/OSC2 — Digital I/O / Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | VUSB — USB internal voltage regulator output (decouple with 0.01uF+1uF) |
| Pin 15 | RC4/D- — Digital I/O / USB D- data line |
| Pin 16 | RC5/D+ — Digital I/O / USB D+ data line |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0/AN12 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 12 |
| Pin 22 | RB1/AN10 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 10 |
| Pin 23 | RB2/AN8 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 8 |
| Pin 24 | RB3/AN9 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 9 |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC18F26J50T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID / CDC Peripheral, Embedded Data Logger, Low-Power Sensor Hub (nanoWatt XLP), USB MIDI / Audio Device, Industrial Sensor Interface, Consumer USB Charger / Power Bank Controller.
USB HID / CDC Peripheral
The PIC18F26J50T-I/ML integrates a full-speed USB 2.0 peripheral with on-chip transceiver and pull-up resistors, eliminating the need for an external PHY. This makes it ideal for USB Human Interface Devices (HID) such as keyboards, mice, game controllers, and CDC virtual COM port devices. The 48 MHz CPU and 12 MIPS throughput easily handle USB polling and class-specific descriptors. Place 0.01uF and 1uF capacitors on the VUSB pin per the datasheet; route D+/D- as a 90-ohm differential pair with controlled impedance. Unlike parts requiring an external USB PHY, this device minimizes BOM cost and PCB area.
Recommended
Embedded Data Logger
With 64KB Flash, 4KB RAM, and 13 ADC channels, the PIC18F26J50T-I/ML supports small to medium embedded data logging applications. The 10-bit ADC with internal 1.2V reference allows direct sensor interfacing without external components, while the deep-sleep mode (<100 nA) enables multi-year battery life. Use the 4KB RAM as a circular sample buffer before batch-flushing to Flash. The MSSP (I2C/SPI) interfaces support external EEPROM or SD card expansion for high-capacity logging. Compared to discrete ADC + logger solutions, this MCU integrates the entire signal chain in one 28-QFN package.
Recommended
Low-Power Sensor Hub (nanoWatt XLP)
The PIC18F26J50T-I/ML uses Microchip's nanoWatt XLP technology with deep-sleep current below 100 nA, making it suitable for battery-powered sensor hubs that wake periodically to measure and transmit. Sleep, idle, and run modes with dynamic clock switching allow fine-grained power optimization. The 25 I/O pins provide plenty of GPIO for multiple sensors, while two MSSP peripherals support I2C sensor arrays. Unlike higher-power Cortex-M0 alternatives, this PIC18 device achieves years of battery life on a single CR2032 coin cell in deep-sleep dominated duty cycles.
Recommended
USB MIDI / Audio Device
The PIC18F26J50T-I/ML is widely deployed in USB-MIDI controller applications due to its on-chip USB 2.0 full-speed and sufficient CPU throughput (12 MIPS) for MIDI class descriptor handling. The 64KB Flash comfortably holds the USB-MIDI stack plus application logic for button/scanning matrices. Multiple CCP modules generate PWM outputs for LED indicators. Compared to USB Host-capable alternatives, this device operates strictly as a USB Device which matches most controller use cases. Use interrupt-on-change for low-latency button scanning.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface
With an industrial temperature range of -40C to +85C and 2.0V-3.6V supply tolerance, the PIC18F26J50T-I/ML is qualified for industrial sensor interface applications including 4-20mA loop monitors, RTD conditioners, and process-control bridges. The 10-bit ADC and dual USART support Modbus RTU or custom serial protocols. Brown-out reset and power-on reset ensure reliable startup in noisy industrial environments. Compared to commercial-grade only MCUs, this part's industrial temperature range supports factory-floor deployments without thermal derating.
Recommended
Consumer USB Charger / Power Bank Controller
The PIC18F26J50T-I/ML's integrated USB peripheral and nanoWatt XLP deep-sleep mode make it well-suited for USB-charging controller applications in power banks, charging cradles, and USB-powered LED controllers. The ADC monitors battery voltage and current, while PWM drives status LEDs and switching elements. Sleep current under 100 nA preserves battery shelf life. Compared to dedicated charger ICs, this MCU adds programmability for custom charging profiles, OLED displays, and user interfaces. The 28-QFN footprint keeps PCB size minimal for compact power bank designs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F26J50T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F26J50-I/ML | PIC18F26J13T-I/ML | PIC18F24J50T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6) - ML | 28-QFN (6x6) - ML (same) | 28-QFN (6x6) - ML (same) | 28-QFN (6x6) - ML (same) |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 16 KB (-75%) |
| RAM | 4 KB | 4 KB | 3.7 KB | 1 KB (-75%) |
| USB 2.0 Peripheral | Yes (integrated full-speed) | Yes | No | Yes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS |
| I/O Pins | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated USB 2.0 full-speed with on-chip transceiver (vs PIC18F26J13T-I/ML)
- 64 KB Flash versus 16 KB Flash in PIC18F24J50 (vs PIC18F24J50T-I/ML)
- Tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume assembly (vs PIC18F26J50-I/ML)
Design Notes
USB signal integrity is critical for the PIC18F26J50T-I/ML. Route the D+ (pin 16) and D- (pin 15) traces as a 90-ohm differential pair with controlled impedance, length-matched within 1mm. Keep the pair as short as possible and away from noisy switching nodes. Place the VUSB pin decoupling capacitors (0.01uF ceramic in parallel with 1uF ceramic) within 2mm of the pin. The exposed thermal pad (EP) on the 28-QFN must be soldered to the ground plane for proper thermal dissipation and mechanical reliability.
The PIC18F26J50T-I/ML operates from a single 2.0V to 3.6V supply rail. Place a bulk 10uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the VDD pins (pins 1 and 20) plus 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitors adjacent to each VDD pin for high-frequency noise suppression. The internal USB voltage regulator requires VUSB (pin 14) to be decoupled with both 0.01uF and 1uF capacitors. Brown-out reset is configurable; the default 2.1V BOR threshold is suitable for most 3.3V designs.
Common pitfalls when designing with the PIC18F26J50T-I/ML: (1) Forgetting to solder the QFN thermal pad leads to overheating and unreliable USB operation; (2) MCLR pin (when used as reset) must have a pull-up resistor and decoupling capacitor per the datasheet; (3) The USB internal pull-up resistor must be enabled in firmware for device-mode operation; (4) Programming via ICSP requires the PGC/PGD pins (RB6/RB7) accessible on the PCB; (5) Deep-sleep mode requires careful peripheral re-initialization on wake-up. Refer to the PIC18F46J50 family datasheet DS39731 section 28 (DC/AC characteristics) for timing parameters.
The 28-QFN package with exposed pad provides a thermal resistance of approximately 28 C/W (theta_JA) on a standard JEDEC 4-layer test PCB. For USB applications where the device draws up to 25 mA from VBUS, total power dissipation is approximately 80 mW (3.3V x 25 mA), producing a 2.2C temperature rise - well within safe operating limits. For industrial environments with ambient temperatures approaching 85C, ensure the PCB has sufficient ground-plane copper under the exposed pad for heat spreading.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C; not AEC-Q100 qualified (use PIC18F26J50-E/ML extended grade for automotive if needed). Lead-free reflow profile per JEDEC J-STD-020.
