PIC18F26K20-E/SP - 8-bit 48MHz 64KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F26K20-E/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.2 | $4.20 |
| 10 | $3.78 | $37.80 |
| 100 | $3.36 | $336.00 |
| 500 | $3.02 | $1,510.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.85 | $2,850.00 |
PIC18F26K20-E/SP Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (Flash, RAM, EEPROM), and peripherals on one die. PIC microcontrollers from Microchip use a modified Harvard RISC architecture, executing one instruction per clock cycle (except branches), making them deterministic and well-suited for real-time control. Within the broader taxonomy, a microcontroller belongs to the integrated circuit family, specifically the embedded processor segment, alongside DSPs and microprocessors. PIC18 series devices are considered mid-range 8-bit MCUs, sitting between the entry-level PIC16 family and the high-performance PIC24/dsPIC families.
Key features include 1,000,000 erase/write cycle Flash endurance, 256-byte EEPROM with 1,000,000 erase/write cycles, a 10-bit ADC with 17 channels and 100K samples per second conversion rate, dual analog comparators with input multiplexing, and nanoWatt XLP technology providing sleep currents down to 20 nA typical. The enhanced PWM module supports up to four PWM outputs with complementary mode, programmable dead time, and automatic shutdown. Hardware multipliers support 8x8 single-cycle multiplication.
The PIC18F26K20-E/SP employs an enhanced Harvard architecture with a 16-bit instruction word and 8-bit data path, featuring 31-level hardware stack, 32 kHz secondary oscillator for low-power modes, and an on-chip 32 MHz internal oscillator. The device supports In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) and In-Circuit Debug (ICD) via the MPLAB ICD 5 tool chain. Extended temperature range (-40C to +125C) is indicated by the -E suffix.
Typical applications include industrial control systems, sensor nodes with battery backup, low-power IoT edge devices, automotive body electronics, HVAC controls, and home appliances. The wide operating voltage of 1.8V to 5.5V supports both 3.3V and 5V system designs. With its rich peripheral set, this part serves as a versatile general-purpose MCU for designs requiring deterministic real-time response.
When designing with this MCU, allocate attention to the clock configuration: the internal 16 MHz HFINTOSC reduces BOM cost but introduces accuracy constraints for UART baud-rate-sensitive applications. Always place decoupling capacitors (100 nF and 10 uF) within 5 mm of VDD/VSS pairs to minimize switching noise on the analog rail shared with the ADC.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives including PIC18F26K20-I/SP and PIC18F25K20-E/SP, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet. Cross-reference comparison data is provided against same-family variants in SPDIP-28 package.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F26K20-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 PIC18F26K20-E/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature, Package, RoHS Status, Core.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F26K20-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.94 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26K20-E/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F25K20-E/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26K22-E/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46K20-E/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F2620-E/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F26K20-E/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 (8-bit RISC, modified Harvard) |
| CPU Speed (Max) | 48 MHz (12 MIPS) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB (32K x 16) |
| Data RAM | 3,968 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 17 channels, 100 ksps |
| Comparators | 2 (with input multiplexing) |
| EUSART | 1 |
| MSSP (SPI / I2C) | 1 |
| PWM Outputs | 4 (enhanced, complementary mode) |
| Timers (8-bit / 16-bit) | 2 x 8-bit, 3 x 16-bit |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended, -E suffix) |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (SP), 300 mil |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Pb-Free | Yes |
PIC18F26K20-E/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | /MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset input / programming voltage |
| 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/VREF- — Digital I/O / analog input 2 / ADC negative reference |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / analog input 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4 — Digital I/O / analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/RA7 — External oscillator input / digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/RA6 — External oscillator output / digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output / clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCL — Digital I/O / I2C clock (MSSP) |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDA — Digital I/O / I2C data (MSSP) |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out (MSSP) |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / EUSART TX / clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / EUSART RX / data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive power supply |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT0 — Digital I/O / external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 22 | RB1/INT1 — Digital I/O / external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2/INT2 — Digital I/O / external interrupt 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Capture/Compare/PWM 2 |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP clock (programming/debug) |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP data (programming/debug) |
Typical Applications
PIC18F26K20-E/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control & Sensor Nodes, Battery-Powered IoT Edge Devices, HVAC Climate Control Systems, Automotive Body Electronics, Consumer Appliance Control Boards, Home Automation & Smart Home Hubs.
Industrial Control & Sensor Nodes
The PIC18F26K20-E/SP fits industrial sensor nodes because its 17-channel 10-bit ADC handles multiple sensor inputs simultaneously while the nanoWatt XLP technology with 20 nA sleep current extends battery life to multiple years in remote deployments. The 1.8V to 5.5V supply range accepts unregulated industrial rails, and the EUSART plus MSSP peripherals connect to RS-485 transceivers and I2C sensor arrays. The -40C to +125C extended temperature grade covers outdoor and underhood installations. Designers benefit from the 64 KB Flash for protocol stacks like Modbus RTU while the 3,968 bytes RAM buffers incoming sensor bursts without data loss.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Edge Devices
This MCU suits battery-powered IoT edge devices because the nanoWatt XLP platform delivers sub-microamp sleep currents down to 20 nA typical, enabling multi-year coin-cell operation. The integrated RTCC with 32 kHz secondary oscillator wakes the device periodically for sensor sampling, and the 48 MHz CPU completes processing in microseconds before returning to deep sleep. The 25 I/O pins accommodate multiple sensor interfaces and a low-power RF module. The 1.8V minimum VDD supports 2x AA alkaline or single lithium primary cells, simplifying power architecture.
Recommended
HVAC Climate Control Systems
HVAC climate control systems leverage the PIC18F26K20-E/SP's 4-channel enhanced PWM module to drive blower motors, valve actuators, and damper servos directly with complementary outputs and programmable dead time. The 10-bit ADC reads multiple thermistor inputs for zone temperature monitoring, while the dual comparators detect over-temperature faults without CPU intervention. The 64 KB Flash accommodates complex control algorithms including PID loops and adaptive scheduling. The extended temperature grade ensures reliable operation in equipment rooms and rooftop units where ambient temperatures routinely exceed 70C.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
Automotive body modules such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and lighting drivers benefit from the PIC18F26K20-E/SP's 25 I/O pins that handle multiple motor and LED outputs simultaneously. The PWM module drives LED dimming and motor speed control with hardware dead-time insertion preventing shoot-through in H-bridge drivers. The extended -40C to +125C temperature range meets automotive Grade 1 environmental requirements. The 1,000,000-cycle Flash endurance supports frequent firmware updates during development, and the ICSP interface enables production-line programming plus dealer-tier reflashing.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Boards
Washing machines, dishwashers, and small kitchen appliances integrate the PIC18F26K20-E/SP because its 48 MHz CPU handles user-interface processing, motor control loops, and safety monitoring without external logic. The 64 KB Flash stores multiple language variants and diagnostic routines, while the 3,968 bytes RAM supports real-time display buffering. The 10-bit ADC reads water level sensors, motor current feedback, and temperature inputs simultaneously through input scanning. The enhanced PWM with auto-shutdown protects the motor during fault conditions by latching outputs within microseconds.
Recommended
Home Automation & Smart Home Hubs
Smart home bridges and sensor stations use the PIC18F26K20-E/SP as a low-power hub controller thanks to its combination of EUSART, MSSP SPI/I2C, and 25 GPIO that natively interface with wireless modules like the RN2483 LoRa or NRF24L01. The nanoWatt XLP technology reduces standby power below 50 uA, allowing always-on operation from USB or solar power. The 10-bit ADC monitors battery voltage and environmental sensors, while the 64 KB Flash stores mesh networking stacks and OTA update logic. The extended temperature range supports garage and outdoor installations.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F26K20-E/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F26K20-I/SP | PIC18F25K20-E/SP | PIC18F26K22-E/SP | PIC18F2620-E/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SPDIP-28 | SPDIP-28 - same | SPDIP-28 - same | SPDIP-28 - same | SPDIP-28 - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| CPU Max Frequency | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 64 MHz | 40 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB | 64 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| RAM | 3,968 bytes | 3,968 bytes | 1,536 bytes | 3,896 bytes | 3,968 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 1,024 bytes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| nanoWatt XLP Sleep Current | 20 nA typical | 20 nA typical | 20 nA typical | 20 nA typical | Not available |
| 10-bit ADC Channels | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 13 |
Key Differentiators
- Highest temperature range with 64 KB Flash in SPDIP-28 PIC18 family (vs PIC18F26K20-I/SP)
- Double the Flash of the lowest-cost K20 sibling (vs PIC18F25K20-E/SP)
- Modern nanoWatt XLP architecture vs legacy 5V PIC18F2620 (vs PIC18F2620-E/SP)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD/VSS pairs with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of each pin pair, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor on the main VDD rail. The PIC18F26K20-E/SP has multiple VDD/VSS pins on opposite sides of the package to minimize ground bounce; connect all of them. Estimated: in noisy switching environments above 50 mA peak, increase bulk capacitance to 22 uF to prevent voltage droop during ADC conversions. Always tie unused I/O pins to either VDD or VSS through software configuration to prevent floating inputs from triggering parasitic current paths exceeding 1 uA per pin.
Estimated: at maximum 48 MHz CPU clock and peripheral-heavy workload, the PIC18F26K20-E/SP draws approximately 12 to 15 mA active current at 5V, dissipating 60 to 75 mW of power. The SPDIP-28 package has a theta_JA of approximately 70 C/W in still air, allowing a junction temperature rise of only 4 to 5 C above ambient under normal conditions. No heatsink is required even in enclosed industrial housings. For sustained 125C ambient operation, verify I/O current loading remains within the 200 mA total sink/source budget to avoid thermal shutdown activation.
Always configure the Configuration Words (CONFIG1H through CONFIG7H) correctly before code execution - particularly the oscillator selection, watchdog timer enable, and code-protect bits. A common mistake is leaving the internal HFINTOSC disabled while expecting external crystal operation, causing the device to appear dead on power-up. The /MCLR pin must be pulled high through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation; if left floating, the device may enter programming mode intermittently. When using the ICD 5 debugger, ensure the PGC/PGD pins (RB6/RB7) are not assigned to peripheral functions in the application firmware, or debug communication will be unreliable.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Pb-Free SPDIP-28 package confirmed. AEC-Q100 qualification not formally obtained; extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) supports automotive underhood but does not substitute for full AEC-Q100 testing required for safety-critical modules.
