PIC18F26K42-E/SO - 64KB Flash 8-bit XLP MCU 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F26K42-E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.95 | $3.95 |
| 10 | $3.56 | $35.60 |
| 100 | $3.17 | $317.00 |
| 500 | $2.85 | $1,425.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.54 | $2,540.00 |
PIC18F26K42-E/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer-on-a-chip built around an 8-bit data bus and Harvard architecture. PIC18F-series parts sit in Microchip's mid-range 8-bit portfolio, hierarchically classified as MCU -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC18 -> PIC18FxxK42 family. They typically serve low-power, mixed-signal embedded roles where deterministic behavior, long battery life, and rich on-chip peripherals outweigh raw compute throughput.
Key features of the PIC18F26K42 include XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology with nanoWatt sleep currents, hardware CVD for capacitive touch sensing, vector interrupts with two-level priority, and a Memory Access Partition (MAP) feature for bootloader write protection. The device supports an operating voltage range of 2.3 V to 5.5 V and is qualified for the extended -40 °C to +125 °C industrial temperature range (E suffix). The integrated charge pump allows ADC operation below 1.5 V, broadening battery-powered use cases.
Architecturally, the PIC18F26K42 uses an enhanced Harvard core with a modified RISC instruction set, hardware multiply, and a C-compiler-friendly instruction set. Core-independent peripherals (CLC, NCO, PWM, CWG) can run without the CPU, enabling deterministic timing in motor control, lighting, and sensor signal-conditioning designs while the CPU remains in sleep, drawing only nanoWatt-level currents.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, capacitive touch user interfaces, low-power wireless sensor platforms, building automation, battery chargers, and small BLDC/PMSM motor control. It is also well suited as a companion MCU to a Wi-Fi/BLE module (e.g., Microchip RN4870 or external ESP32) for command translation in connected products.
When designing with this part, ensure that the ICSP/ICD pins (PGx, PGCx) are not loaded down by external circuitry that would prevent in-circuit programming or debugging. Decoupling should follow Microchip's AN583 recommendation: one 100 nF per VDD pin and a bulk 10 µF near the regulator.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, organized for engineers who need a quick, citable comparison across the PIC18 K-series portfolio.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F26K42-E/SO — 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 PIC18F26K42-E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Program Memory (Flash), Operating Temperature, DAC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F26K42-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.43 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26K40-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26K22-E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F25K42-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46K42-E/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F26K42-E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC18 enhanced Harvard |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB (32K x 16) |
| SRAM | 4 KB |
| EEPROM | 1 KB |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 64 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (E suffix) |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO) |
| I/O Pins | 24 |
| ADC | 12-bit ADC2 with Computation, up to 35 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit DAC |
| Comparators | On-chip |
| PWM Modules | Yes (multiple, with CWG) |
| DMA | Yes |
| Vector Interrupts | Yes, programmable single/dual priority |
| Capacitive Touch (CVD) | Hardware CVD for touch sensing |
| Memory Access Partition (MAP) | Yes, with bootloader write protection |
| XLP (nanoWatt) | Yes |
| ICSP / Debug | Yes (PGECx/PGEDx) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F26K42-E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/ICDDAT — PORTA bit 0 / ICD Data |
| Pin 2 | RA1/ICDCLK — PORTA bit 1 / ICD Clock |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — PORTA bit 4 |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — PORTA bit 5 |
| Pin 7 | RA6/OSC1 — PORTA bit 6 / Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 8 | RA7/OSC2/CLKO — PORTA bit 7 / Crystal oscillator output / Clock output |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 10 | RB0 — PORTB bit 0 |
| Pin 11 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 12 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 13 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 14 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 15 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 16 | RB6/ICSPCLK — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP Clock |
| Pin 17 | RB7/ICSPDAT — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP Data |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground (second) |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply (first) |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply (second) |
| Pin 21 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 22 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 25 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 |
| Pin 28 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 |
Typical Applications
PIC18F26K42-E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: IoT Sensor Node with Capacitive Touch, Battery-Powered Building Automation Sensor, Small BLDC/PMSM Motor Control (Fan or Pump), User Interface / Touch Control Panel, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Industrial Sensor Transmitter (4-20 mA Loop-Powered).
IoT Sensor Node with Capacitive Touch
The PIC18F26K42-E/SO is well suited for low-power IoT sensor nodes that combine capacitive touch input with periodic sensor sampling. Its hardware CVD peripheral automates touch acquisition in sleep, allowing the CPU to remain in nanoWatt sleep while scanning up to 16 touch channels. The 12-bit ADC2 with Computation handles sensor post-processing (averaging, threshold compare, oversampling) without CPU wakeup, and the 64 KB Flash supports over-the-air firmware update via a dual-partition Memory Access Partition bootloader. Pair with an external RN4870 BLE module for command translation. Reference design: Microchip AN2389 (IoT sensor node with touch).
Recommended
Battery-Powered Building Automation Sensor
For wireless building automation sensors (PIR occupancy, CO2, humidity, lighting), the PIC18F26K42-E/SO delivers the right balance of low power and on-chip peripherals. The XLP nanoWatt technology keeps idle current at sub-µA, while the integrated 5-bit DAC, comparators, and ADC2 support direct sensor interfacing without external signal conditioning. The 64 MHz CPU allows fast enough wake cycles to sustain multiple sensor readings between deep sleeps. A single CR2032 can power a multi-year occupancy node using the ADC2 hardware averaging. Reference design: Microchip AN1966 (low-power wireless sensor).
Recommended
Small BLDC/PMSM Motor Control (Fan or Pump)
The PIC18F26K42-E/SO can drive small brushless DC or PMSM motors in fan, pump, and appliance subsystems using its PWM modules, Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), and comparators. Hardware fault handling (overcurrent via comparator, zero-cross detection via CVD) lets the MCU shut down outputs without CPU latency. The 12-bit ADC2 samples back-EMF or current-sense signals with hardware averaging, supporting sensorless trapezoidal commutation up to a few kW. The 4 KB SRAM holds field-oriented control loops for moderate-speed applications. Reference design: Microchip AN1160 (PIC18 sensorless BLDC).
Recommended
User Interface / Touch Control Panel
The PIC18F26K42-E/SO is a strong fit for capacitive touch panels (buttons, sliders, wheel) on white goods, automotive interior controls, and industrial HMIs. Hardware CVD supports up to 35 channels of touch acquisition with mTouch Studio tuning, while the PIC18 core remains in sleep. The 64 KB Flash handles large mTouch libraries and customizable UI logic. The 5-bit DAC can drive LED backlights or audio cues. The vector interrupt controller ensures low-latency response to touch events, critical for responsive UI. Reference design: Microchip mTouch App Note suite.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The PIC18F26K42-E/SO serves automotive body modules such as interior lighting, HVAC flap control, and seat-position memory where AEC-Q100 is not required. Its 28-SOIC package is compatible with existing automotive PCB footprints. The 12-bit ADC2 with computation reads potentiometers for seat position, while PWM modules drive LED lighting with smooth dimming. DMA moves sensor data to RAM without CPU overhead, freeing cycles for LIN or CAN message handling via a companion transceiver. Note: for safety-critical automotive, choose an AEC-Q100 qualified MCU such as dsPIC33 or PIC18F-Q family parts.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter (4-20 mA Loop-Powered)
The PIC18F26K42-E/SO is ideal for industrial 4-20 mA loop-powered sensor transmitters where low power, on-chip ADC accuracy, and small footprint are paramount. The 2.3 V minimum operating voltage (with charge-pump-assisted ADC down to 1.5 V) makes it suitable for loop-powered designs where only 3.6 V is available after the sense resistor. The 12-bit ADC2 provides 0.024% FS accuracy, and the 5-bit DAC can drive a calibration voltage to the loop. Reference design: Microchip AN1415 (loop-powered 4-20 mA sensor).
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F26K42-E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F26K42-I/SO | PIC18F26K40-E/SO | PIC18F25K42-E/SO | PIC18F26K22-E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC (SO) | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same |
| Flash | 64 KB | 64 KB | 32 KB (-50%) | 32 KB (-50%) | 64 KB |
| SRAM | 4 KB | 4 KB | 2 KB (-50%) | 2 KB (-50%) | 3.8 KB (-5%) |
| EEPROM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| DMA Controller | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Hardware CVD (Capacitive Touch) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Temperature Grade (E suffix) | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C (I suffix) | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty-1, as of 2026-09-27) | $3.95 | $3.60 | $3.20 | $3.10 | $3.30 |
Key Differentiators
- Highest Flash in 28-SOIC PIC18 K42 family (vs PIC18F25K42-E/SO)
- ADC2 with computation and hardware CVD (vs PIC18F26K22-E/SO)
- DMA controller present (vs PIC18F26K40-E/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC18F26K42-E/SO includes VDDcore and VDDIO pins. Both must be tied together with separate 100 nF decoupling capacitors placed within 1 mm of each pin; add a shared 10 µF bulk capacitor at the regulator output, per Microchip datasheet 40000191B. AVDD and AVSS must be tied to VDD/VSS directly at the IC pins (not at the regulator) when the ADC2 is used. Failure to follow these rules can cause nanoWatt sleep current to exceed 1 µA due to leakage through the I/O ESD diodes.
Do not load the ICSP/ICD pins (RB6/ICSPCLK and RB7/ICSPDAT, and on PORTA RA0/ICDDAT, RA1/ICDCLK) with more than 50 pF of external capacitance or with a pull-up strong enough to sink below Vih during programming. Series resistors above 10 kΩ can prevent reliable ICSP handshake. Reserve these pins for programming access or include test points in the PCB layout per Microchip AN1516.
The 28-SOIC package has moderate thermal resistance (Theta-JA approximately 80 °C/W) and is generally adequate for the PIC18F26K42's low internal power dissipation (<100 mW). For designs in enclosed housings with limited airflow, place the IC away from thermal hotspots and provide a continuous ground copper pour under the SOIC body. PCB layout should follow Microchip AN2480 (8-bit MCU layout checklist): keep oscillator traces short, separate analog and digital grounds, and place the ICSP connector within 50 mm of the ICSP pins.
The PIC18F26K42-E/SO operates from -40 °C to +125 °C (E suffix). At 64 MHz with all peripherals active, core current is roughly 15 mA at 5 V (75 mW). At 125 °C ambient, the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of the 28-SOIC package ensures the junction stays below 125 °C if the device is not driving external loads. If the MCU is sourcing heavy current through I/O pins (e.g., driving LEDs directly), sum the I/O dissipation into the thermal budget.
Compliance Information
PIC18F26K42-E/SO is RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive safety-critical applications, choose dsPIC33 or PIC18F-Q family parts with explicit AEC-Q100 qualification.
