PIC18F26K22-I/ML - 8-Bit XLP MCU, 64KB Flash, 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F26K22-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.15 | $6.15 |
| 10 | $5.6 | $56.00 |
| 100 | $4.92 | $492.00 |
| 500 | $4.34 | $2,170.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.85 | $3,850.00 |
PIC18F26K22-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit MCU in the PIC family is a Harvard-architecture microcontroller whose instruction set, peripherals and interrupt model are optimized for deterministic control loops. Within the taxonomy, this part belongs to: microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC18 RISC MCU -> nanoWatt XLP family -> Microchip PIC18F K-series. Its 16-bit opcode instruction set, 31-level hardware stack, and 8x8 hardware multiplier make it suitable for embedded control where predictability and code density matter more than raw MHz performance.
Key features include five timers (Timer0/1/2/3/4/5/6 depending on configuration), two Enhanced USART modules supporting LIN/IrDA, two MSSP ports configurable for SPI or I2C (master/slave), 10-bit ADC with up to 17 channels, a 5-bit DAC and four CCP/ECCP modules for PWM/motor control. On-chip peripherals include the standard PIC18 interrupt controller, watchdog timer with on-chip LPRC, and the nanoWatt XLP sleep/idle/doze power-saving modes that drop active current to microamp levels for battery-powered designs.
Architecturally, the PIC18F26K22 uses a RISC core with single-cycle ALU operations, instruction pre-fetch, and an internal 16MHz oscillator that is software-configurable from 32kHz to 16MHz. The 64KB Flash is partitioned as 32K x 16 to support both C and assembly workflows, and is rated for 10K erase/write cycles typical - sufficient for in-application firmware updates via bootloader.
Typical applications include home-appliance control panels (HVAC, washing machines), industrial sensor transmitters running on battery or 4-20mA loops, USB/HID human-interface devices, low-cost motor control for fans and pumps, automotive body controllers (LIN slave nodes), and IoT edge nodes that wake on interrupt, take a measurement and return to deep sleep.
When designing with this device, observe the 5.5V absolute maximum on VDD, place a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the QFN EP pin, and pick the appropriate package variant up front. For new designs Microchip now recommends the PIC18F26Q10, which provides a more modern peripheral set and lower power for similar cost - the K22 remains fully supported for existing designs and long-life industrial platforms.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-package drop-in compatible variants across the PIC18F26K22 family, and practical design notes that do not appear as a single digest in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F26K22-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 PIC18F26K22-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Core Architecture, Communication, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F26Q10-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26K20-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.96 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F24K22-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26K22-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC18F K-series (nanoWatt XLP) |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC18 RISC, Harvard |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB (32K x 16) |
| RAM | 3968 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 1024 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 64 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.5V, 3.3V, 5V (range 1.8V-5.5V typical) |
| I/O Pins | 24 |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) with exposed pad |
| Number of Pins | 28 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 17 channels |
| Timers | Five 16-bit / 8-bit timer modules (T0-T6 family) |
| Communication | 2x Enhanced USART (LIN/IrDA), 2x MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| CCP/ECCP | 4 modules (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level | MSL 3 |
PIC18F26K22-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input channel 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN4 — PORTA bit 4 / Analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN5 — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input channel 5 |
| Pin 5 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | RA7/OSC1 — PORTA bit 7 / external crystal input |
| Pin 8 | RA6/OSC2 — PORTA bit 6 / external crystal output |
| Pin 9 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 10 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 11 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 12 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / LVP programming |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 14 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 15 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 16 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 21 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 22 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 23 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / EUSART TX/CK |
| Pin 24 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / EUSART RX/DT |
| Pin 25 | RE0 — PORTE bit 0 (Read-only, no output) |
| Pin 26 | RE1 — PORTE bit 1 (Read-only, no output) |
| Pin 27 | RE2 — PORTE bit 2 (Read-only, no output) |
| Pin 28 | EP — Exposed pad - must be soldered to GND |
Typical Applications
PIC18F26K22-I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Sensor Transmitter (4-20mA loop), Home Appliance Control Panels (HVAC, Washing Machines), USB/HID Human Interface Devices, Low-Cost Variable-Frequency Motor Drivers, Automotive LIN/Body Controllers, Battery-Powered IoT Edge Sensors, User Interface with Character LCD and Pushbuttons.
Industrial Sensor Transmitter (4-20mA loop)
The PIC18F26K22-I/ML fits industrial 4-20mA loop-powered sensors because its nanoWatt XLP technology keeps sleep current under 1uA, allowing a single PCB to derive operating power directly from the 4-20mA loop current budget without a separate supply rail. Engineers typically configure the part to wake on RTCC alarm or an analog comparator interrupt, take a measurement via the 10-bit ADC (channels configurable for 4-20mA loop current sensing), then return to sleep. The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) package is small enough for in-head sensor enclosures while its exposed pad provides thermal relief at elevated industrial temperatures up to +85C.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control Panels (HVAC, Washing Machines)
The PIC18F26K22-I/ML is well-suited to home appliance user-interface panels that combine a segmented or character LCD, push-button matrix, and a triac/SCR-driven load. Its 24 I/O pins comfortably accommodate an 8x8 keypad matrix, an SPI-driven LCD controller, and four ECCP PWM channels for variable-speed motor drives such as washing-machine drum motors or HVAC fan blowers. The K22's proven appliance-grade supply chain and its ability to run from a single 5V rail simplifies the SMPS design.
Recommended
USB/HID Human Interface Devices
For USB keyboard, mouse, gaming peripheral or HID-class input devices, the PIC18F26K22-I/ML is a common Microchip reference design. Its 64KB Flash and 3968 bytes RAM fit HID descriptors, button matrix scanning logic and debounce algorithms, while a single Enhanced USART configured for IrDA demonstrates legacy support. Designers also value its retention of firmware across soft-via brown-out events thanks to PIC18's hardware BOR module, which prevents HID enumeration hangs if the USB host toggles power during enumeration.
Recommended
Low-Cost Variable-Frequency Motor Drivers
PIC18F26K22-I/ML drives low-cost BLDC or single-phase variable-frequency motor controllers by leveraging its four hardware ECCP modules for complementary PWM and its 10-bit ADC for current/voltage feedback. The K22's fast PWM edge-alignment combined with the fast ADC trigger source lets the firmware implement sensorless back-EMF zero-crossing detection without external comparators. Designers value that the same firmware scales between 28-pin (K22) and 44-pin (K42/K46) packages by re-mapping I/O, protecting code investment across SKUs.
Recommended
Automotive LIN/Body Controllers
Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, the PIC18F26K22-I/ML is widely used in non-safety automotive body modules that already implement LIN slaves for seat and mirror control. Its Enhanced USART hardware LIN support and the 64KB Flash enable a LIN-compliant stack plus application code in a single MCU. The 28-QFN footprint is small enough to fit behind trim panels while the industrial -40C to +85C range covers interior cabin environments. For safety-relevant nodes Microchip recommends AEC-Q100 PIC18F K-series Q variants.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Edge Sensors
The PIC18F26K22-I/ML's nanoWatt XLP technology makes it a strong fit for IoT edge sensors that spend most of their life in deep sleep. With the on-board LFINTOSC and RTCC the device typically draws under 1uA in sleep while still keeping a 16-bit timer accurate to roughly 1 second per minute, so a wake-and-transmit sensor can run 3-5 years on a single CR2032 cell. The 64KB Flash accommodates an embedded LoRaWAN or Wireless M-Bus protocol stack and OTA bootloader, while the MSSP ports let the MCU directly drive SPI LoRa modules or I2C sensors.
Recommended
User Interface with Character LCD and Pushbuttons
Adding a character LCD (e.g. HD44780-controller 16x2 or 20x4) and a pushbutton matrix is a classic PIC18F26K22-I/ML application where the 24 I/O pins host both bus/control signals and key-scan columns. Designers can run the LCD in 4-bit mode to reclaim I/O, and use the CCP modules to drive piezo-buzzer tones. The K22's internal 16MHz oscillator is accurate enough for serial debug output without an external crystal, simplifying the BOM for low-cost commercial products.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F26K22-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F26Q10-I/ML | PIC18F26K20-I/ML | PIC18F24K22-I/ML | PIC18F26K22-I/SO | PIC18F46K22-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | QFN-28 (6x6 mm) | QFN-28 (6x6 mm) - same | QFN-28 (6x6 mm) - same | QFN-28 (6x6 mm) - same | SOIC-28 - different | QFN-44 - different |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Flash | 64 KB | 64 KB | 32 KB (-50%) | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| RAM | 3968 bytes | 4096 bytes | 1536 bytes | 3896 bytes | 3968 bytes | 3896 bytes |
| Max CPU Frequency | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 24 | 24 | 24 | 20 | 24 | 36 |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit | 12-bit (improved) | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| nanoWatt XLP Sleep Current | Sub-uA range | Sub-uA (improved) | Sub-uA | Sub-uA | Sub-uA | Sub-uA |
| Lifecycle Recommendation | Active (use Q10 for new designs) | Active and recommended | Active | Active | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Largest Flash in the K22 28-pin QFN family (vs PIC18F26K20-I/ML)
- Recommended-newer PIC18F26Q10 shares footprint (vs PIC18F26Q10-I/ML)
- nanoWatt XLP sleep current over PB design choice (vs PIC18F46K22-I/ML)
- Lower-pin 24-pin variant exists for ultra-compact designs (vs PIC18F24K22-I/ML)
Design Notes
The nanoWatt XLP modes on PIC18F26K22-I/ML require careful VDD decoupling per the datasheet - place a 100nF ceramic X7R capacitor within 3mm of the VDD/VSS pins and a bulk 10uF tantalum or ceramic at the regulator output. Estimated: in sleep mode at 3.0V VDD with RTCC running and no peripherals enabled, the typical current is well under 1uA; firmware must switch all unused peripherals to OFF in the firmware before entering Sleep to achieve this. Powering cycle VDD to less than 0.2V for at least 100us ensures a deterministic restart - this matters for battery designs where the cell may flicker under load.
The QFN-28 (6x6) package MUST have its exposed pad (EP) soldered to a PCB ground plane at least 2cm x 2cm to meet the industrial +85C operating range at full CPU speed. Estimated: with EP unsoldered, the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance rises from approximately 30 C/W to over 80 C/W, risking thermal shutdown at sustained 64MHz operation. For continuous 64MHz operation add a copper pour connected to EP on at least one inner layer and a top-side thermal relief pattern around the package.
Two common pitfalls when bringing up PIC18F26K22-I/ML designs: (1) Configure CONFIG4H.LVP to 0 (HV-only programming) BEFORE the first ICSP write, otherwise the part expects PG to be driven low at 5V - mistakes here can lock the device. (2) The 28-QFN does NOT have Read-Only RE pins as outputs - attempting to write PORTE in firmware is silently ignored and confuses bring-up. Always refer to the datasheet pinout table for which ports are read-only.
Use a four-layer or at least a heavy two-layer PCB with a continuous ground plane for PIC18F26K22-I/ML layouts. The QFN-28 (6x6) land pattern requires IPC-7351 compliant 0.5mm pitch pads - export from the Microchip package specification as the trusted source. SDO is shared with RB7 on RGx-package QFN variants; designers often forget that MSSP's SPI select mapping must be reconfigured in firmware when mapping SDO to other PORTB bits at runtime.
For PIC18F26K22-I/ML designs running the EUSART at high baud rates, place the crystal/oscillator within 5mm of OSC1/OSC2 and keep the lines over a continuous ground plane. When using the internal HFINTOSC, expect device-to-device frequency variation of approximately 1-2% across temperature - tightly specified UART links above 115,200 baud may need a calibrated crystal reference. For LIN-bus designs enable the autobaud EUSART feature so the firmware can adapt to LIN master clocks that vary from 1% to 14%.
Compliance Information
Industrial temperature -40C to +85C. NOT AEC-Q100 qualified; Microchip recommends AEC-Q100 PIC18F K-series Q variants for automotive. RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page; halogen-free and lead-free per Microchip environmental statement.
