PIC18F26K40-E/SS - 64KB Flash 8-bit MCU, 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F26K40-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.58 | $25.80 |
| 100 | $2.21 | $221.00 |
| 500 | $1.94 | $970.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.65 | $1,650.00 |
PIC18F26K40-E/SS Overview
What is a microcontroller? A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and peripherals such as ADC, timers, and communication interfaces. MCUs sit at the bottom of the embedded computing hierarchy and are widely used to sense, decide, and actuate in real-time systems. The PIC18 family sits above baseline PIC10/12/16 parts by offering a 16-bit-wide instruction path with 8-bit data, C-optimized architecture, and rich peripheral integration, making it suited to consumer, industrial, and low-power IoT designs.
Key features include 64 KB self-programmable Flash with device-ID protection, 4 KB SRAM, 256 B EEPROM, a 10-bit ADCC capable of up to 35 channels with automated Capacitive Voltage Divider (CVD) for touch sensing, hardware 5-bit DAC, three operational amplifiers usable as signal-conditioning front-ends, and four 16-bit timers. Communication peripherals include I2C, SPI, EUSART with auto-baud detect, and the CIPs enable deterministic, CPU-independent operation such as waveform generation and windowed watchdog timing.
Architecturally, the PIC18F26K40 combines a Harvard RISC core running at up to 16 MIPS with an XLP (eXtreme Low Power) design that achieves nanoWatt sleep currents (typical < 60 nA in Sleep with RTCC) and active currents in the low microampere range. This makes it suitable for battery-powered applications that must wake, sense, transmit, and return to sleep quickly. The 5V-tolerant digital and analog blocks permit direct interfacing with legacy industrial sensors and 5V actuators without level shifters.
Typical applications include capacitive touch user interfaces (CVD), IoT sensor nodes with sleep duty-cycling, motor control (BLDC and stepper) using the CWG and PWM, industrial 4-20 mA loop instrumentation, automotive body and HVAC peripherals (non-safety), USB-to-UART bridges via the EUSART, and battery-powered medical devices such as glucose meters and pulse oximeters. The wide 1.8-5.5V range and 5V-tolerant I/O simplify mixed-voltage designs.
When designing with this MCU, select the appropriate -I (Industrial, -40C to +85C) or -E (Extended, -40C to +125C) grade for the target thermal envelope. Plan the Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) mapping early because remapping at runtime can break timing-critical CIP chains. Always enable the Windowed Watchdog and Memory Scan in safety-relevant designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F26K40-E/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 PIC18F26K40-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, DAC, Program Memory (Flash), Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F26K40-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26K22-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26K20-E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F26K40-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC18 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Max CPU Frequency | 64 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB |
| Data SRAM | 4 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP |
| ADC | 10-bit ADCC (Computation), up to 35 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit hardware DAC |
| Op-Amps | 3 integrated operational amplifiers |
| Timers | 4 x 16-bit |
| PWM Channels | Multiple (CWG + PWM/CCP) |
| Communication | I2C, SPI, EUSART (auto-baud) |
| XLP Sleep Current | Typical < 60 nA (Sleep with RTCC) |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CWG, WWDT, CRC/Memory Scan, ZCD, Hardware CVD, PPS |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | MSL-1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F26K40-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/ANA0 — Analog-capable I/O / ADC channel |
| Pin 2 | RA1/ANA1 — Analog-capable I/O / ADC channel |
| Pin 3 | RA2/ANA2 — Analog-capable I/O / ADC channel |
| Pin 4 | RA3/ANA3 — Analog-capable I/O / ADC channel |
| Pin 5 | RA4/ANA4 — Analog-capable I/O / ADC channel |
| Pin 6 | RA5/ANA5 — Analog-capable I/O / ADC channel |
| Pin 7 | RA6/CLKO — I/O / clock output |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 9 | RA7 — I/O / CCP1 |
| Pin 10 | RB0/ANB0 — Analog-capable I/O / ADC channel |
| Pin 11 | RB1/ANB1 — Analog-capable I/O / ADC channel |
| Pin 12 | RB2/ANB2 — Analog-capable I/O / ADC channel |
| Pin 13 | RB3/ANB3 — Analog-capable I/O / ADC channel |
| Pin 14 | RB4 — I/O / SDA1 |
| Pin 15 | RB5 — I/O / SCK1 |
| Pin 16 | RB6 — I/O / PGC (ICSP clock) |
| Pin 17 | RB7 — I/O / PGD (ICSP data) |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground (second ground pin) |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8-5.5V) |
| Pin 20 | RC0 — I/O / SOSCO |
| Pin 21 | RC1 — I/O / SOSCI |
| Pin 22 | RC2 — I/O |
| Pin 23 | RC3 — I/O / SCL1 |
| Pin 24 | RC4 — I/O / SDA2 |
| Pin 25 | RC5 — I/O / SDO2 |
| Pin 26 | RC6 — I/O / TX1 |
| Pin 27 | RC7 — I/O / RX1 |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8-5.5V, second VDD) |
Typical Applications
PIC18F26K40-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Capacitive Touch User Interface, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, BLDC and Stepper Motor Control, Industrial 4-20 mA Loop Transmitter, Battery-Powered Medical Device, Automotive Body and HVAC Peripheral.
Capacitive Touch User Interface
The PIC18F26K40-E/SS is purpose-built for capacitive touch human-machine interfaces thanks to its integrated 10-bit ADCC with Hardware Capacitive Voltage Divider (CVD). The 28-SSOP variant exposes enough PPS-mappable pins to drive 8-12 mTouch buttons plus a slider, while the 4 KB RAM and 64 KB Flash easily host the mTouch library plus a real-time UI state machine. Designers can implement a water-tolerant, proximity-aware touch panel without an external touch controller, reducing BOM cost by $0.40-$0.80 per node and freeing PCB area in appliance, kitchen-equipment, and consumer-electronics front panels.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC18F26K40-E/SS is ideal for IoT sensor nodes that spend most of their lifetime in sleep mode. XLP nanoWatt technology delivers typical sleep currents under 60 nA with RTCC, while the 64 MHz active core executes sensor reads and transmits in microseconds before returning to sleep. The 5V-tolerant 10-bit ADCC handles battery voltage monitoring and analog sensor front-ends directly, and the 256 B EEPROM stores calibration coefficients and node identity across firmware updates. Over a 3-year deployment on two AA cells, the part can achieve 99.9% sleep duty cycle, making it competitive with dedicated SoCs.
Recommended
BLDC and Stepper Motor Control
The PIC18F26K40-E/SS integrates the Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) and multiple PWM/CCP channels, enabling sensorless or Hall-sensor BLDC commutation plus microstepping stepper control. The 64 MHz core executes FOC loops in single-digit microseconds per PWM period at 20 kHz switching, and the three integrated op-amps sense back-EMF or shunt current without external amplifiers. Designers using the 28-SSOP variant can drive fans, small pumps, and 12V/24V motor stages directly through gate drivers, with the WWDT and CRC/Memory Scan providing functional-safety diagnostic coverage.
Recommended
Industrial 4-20 mA Loop Transmitter
The PIC18F26K40-E/SS supports the 1.8-5.5V supply range and 5V-tolerant I/O required for loop-powered industrial transmitters. The integrated 10-bit ADCC plus 5-bit DAC provides sensor digitization and 4-20 mA loop drive directly via PWM-filtered output or external op-amp, and the -E grade Extended temperature range (-40C to +125C) is essential for outdoor process instrumentation. Designers can implement HART modem functions via the EUSART with carrier detect, and the Memory Scan plus WWDT deliver IEC 61508 SIL-1 capable diagnostics with firmware CRC verification.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Medical Device
The PIC18F26K40-E/SS suits battery-powered medical peripherals such as handheld pulse oximeters, glucose meters, and electronic thermometers thanks to its low sleep current, integrated 10-bit ADCC for photodiode or thermistor front-ends, and 5V-tolerant I/O for direct LCD drive. The Extended temperature grade ensures reliable operation across refrigerated storage and warm-patient environments, while the CRC/Memory Scan and WWDT support FDA cybersecurity guidance for medical firmware integrity. Designers can implement Bluetooth Low Energy via an external module such as the RN4870, with the MCU handling UI, sensor fusion, and safety diagnostics.
Recommended
Automotive Body and HVAC Peripheral
Although not AEC-Q100 qualified as a stand-alone part, the PIC18F26K40-E/SS Extended grade is widely used in non-safety automotive body controllers, HVAC control heads, and lighting modules that must operate from -40C to +125C. The LIN-compatible EUSART with auto-baud detect simplifies LIN-bus slave designs, while the CWG and PWM channels drive LED backlighting and small brush motors. Designers pair it with LIN transceivers such as the MCP2003B and CAN transceivers for gateway roles, with the Windowed Watchdog and Memory Scan providing functional-safety features required by modern OEM firmware standards.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F26K40-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F26K40-I/SS | PIC18F26K22-E/SS | PIC18F26K20-E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Core / Max Frequency | PIC18 8-bit / 64 MHz | PIC18 8-bit / 64 MHz | PIC18 8-bit / 64 MHz | PIC18 8-bit / 64 MHz |
| Flash / RAM / EEPROM | 64 KB / 4 KB / 256 B | 64 KB / 4 KB / 256 B | 64 KB / 3.8 KB / 256 B | 64 KB / 3.8 KB / 1 KB |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) |
| Hardware CVD (Touch) | Yes (integrated ADCC) | Yes (integrated ADCC) | No (mTouch via CTMU) | No (mTouch via CTMU) |
| CWG (Complementary WG) | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| WWDT / Memory Scan | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | No / Yes | No / No |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated Hardware CVD for capacitive touch without external IC (vs PIC18F26K20-E/SS)
- Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) for deterministic motor/lighting (vs PIC18F26K22-E/SS)
- 4 KB RAM versus 3.6-3.8 KB on older K-series parts (vs PIC18F26K22-E/SS and PIC18F26K20-E/SS)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 64 MHz active with all peripherals on, the PIC18F26K40-E/SS consumes approximately 8-12 mA from a 3.3V supply. In Sleep mode with RTCC and WWDT enabled, typical current falls below 1 uA, and nanoWatt Sleep with no peripherals reaches under 60 nA per the Microchip datasheet. For battery-powered designs, gate the ADCC and op-amps via PPS and peripheral disable bits so that each active transaction is < 100 us, restoring sleep duty cycle > 99.9%.
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin (pins 19 and 28 on the 28-SSOP) and a single 10 uF bulk capacitor near the MCU. Connect both VSS pins (pins 8 and 18) to a low-impedance ground plane. The analog-capable pins (RA0-RA5, RB0-RB3) should route on a separate analog island if CVD touch or 16-bit ADC accuracy matters; Microchip recommends guarding traces with grounded copper on both sides to suppress coupled noise from PWM outputs.
Do not rely on the internal 64 MHz HFINTOSC without reading the OSCTUNE register to compensate for temperature drift in time-sensitive communication peripherals such as EUSART auto-baud and SPI master mode. Always configure the Windowed Watchdog (WWDT) window to be strictly shorter than the worst-case control-loop cycle, otherwise the WWDT will reset the MCU during legitimate long computations. Finally, enable code protection bits only after final firmware sign-off, because re-enabling debug access on protected parts requires a device erase.
When using the SSOP package, route the ICSP signals (PGC on RB6, PGD on RB7) to an in-system programming header with series 4.7 kohm pull-ups to VDD. Avoid assigning RB6/RB7 to output peripherals that drive during reset, because the ICSP programmer cannot assert Reset while those pins are actively driven. For touch-sensing layouts, follow the mTouch layout guide and ensure all touch electrodes have a hatched ground shield except for a 1-2 mm guard ring around each pad to maximize SNR.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified as a stand-alone part; the -E/MLVAO variant offers automotive-grade screening but the -E/SS is industrial/extended-temperature only. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip material declarations.
