PIC18F26K42-I/SP - 64KB Flash 8-bit MCU, 64MHz, 28-SPDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F26K42-I/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.96 | $3.96 |
| 10 | $3.57 | $35.70 |
| 100 | $3.18 | $318.00 |
| 500 | $2.81 | $1,405.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.46 | $2,460.00 |
PIC18F26K42-I/SP Overview
A PIC18 microcontroller is an 8-bit RISC Harvard-architecture MCU family from Microchip, sitting in the taxonomy: PIC18 microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC. PIC18 devices are widely used in consumer, industrial, and automotive applications where mature toolchains (MPLAB X, XC8 compiler) and reliable peripherals are valued. The K42 sub-family specifically targets low-power applications with peripheral-driven designs.
Key differentiating features include 64KB of Flash (32K x 16), 4KB of SRAM, 1KB of EEPROM for non-volatile data, a 12-bit ADC with Computation (ADC2), a 5-bit DAC, vector interrupts, DMA, peripheral pin select (PPS), and a vectored interrupt controller. The 64MHz internal oscillator eliminates the need for external clock components, and core independent peripherals such as the CWG, PWM, and comparators enable complex timing operations without CPU intervention.
Typical applications include industrial sensor nodes, low-power IoT edge devices, motor control subsystems (small BLDC or stepper), USB-to-UART bridges, household appliances, and battery-powered data loggers. The combination of DMA, vector interrupts, and 12-bit ADC2 supports efficient multi-channel sampling with low CPU load.
When designing with this part, leverage the peripheral pin select (PPS) to remap digital functions and minimize PCB rework. The /SP package is most often chosen for breadboard-style development and legacy system replacements where through-hole assembly is required.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible same-family alternatives (PIC18F25K42-I/SP, PIC18F24K42-I/SP), and practical design notes not found on the manufacturer datasheet cover page, giving engineers a consolidated decision aid for PIC18F26K42-I/SP selection.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F26K42-I/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 PIC18F26K42-I/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash), Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F25K42-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.51 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F24K42-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46K42-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F26K42-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26K42-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.43 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F27K42-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26K42-I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB (32K x 16) |
| SRAM | 4 KB |
| EEPROM | 1 KB |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 64 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5V / 3.3V / 5V |
| ADC | 12-bit ADC2 (Computation) |
| DAC | 5-bit DAC |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (SP) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) | CWG, PWM, Comp, DMA |
| Vector Interrupts | Yes |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Low-Power Mode | XLP (eXtreme Low Power) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F26K42-I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/RE3 — Master Clear (reset) input / digital input only |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — PORTA bit 4 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — PORTA bit 5 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 8 | RE0 — PORTE bit 0 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 9 | RE1 — PORTE bit 1 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 10 | RE2 — PORTE bit 2 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V-5.5V) |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | RA7 — PORTA bit 7 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 14 | RA6 — PORTA bit 6 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 15 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 16 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 17 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 18 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS / SCL (I2C default) |
| Pin 19 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS / SDA (I2C default) |
| Pin 20 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS |
| Pin 21 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS / TX (default) |
| Pin 22 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS / RX (default) |
| Pin 23 | RB0 — PORTB bit 0 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 24 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 25 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 26 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 27 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 28 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 / analog input / digital I/O via PPS / interrupt-on-change / ICSPDAT |
Typical Applications
PIC18F26K42-I/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Node, Battery-Powered IoT Edge Device, Small Motor Control (BLDC / Stepper), USB-to-UART Bridge / CDC Device, Household Appliance Control Board, Battery-Powered Data Logger.
Industrial Sensor Node
The PIC18F26K42-I/SP fits industrial sensor hubs thanks to its 12-bit ADC2 with computation, 4KB SRAM buffer, and core independent peripherals that handle sampling without CPU load. The 64KB Flash accommodates protocol stacks such as Modbus RTU or IO-Link while DMA offloads ADC-to-memory transfers, freeing the CPU for processing. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature range and 5V tolerance match factory floor environments with long cable runs. XLP low-power modes enable battery-backed or energy-harvested operation, while PPS pin mapping simplifies routing on mixed-signal boards with multiple sensor types.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Edge Device
For battery-powered IoT edge devices, the PIC18F26K42-I/SP delivers nanoamp sleep currents via XLP modes, peripheral-driven wake from RTCC, and 64KB Flash for over-the-air update buffers. The 12-bit ADC2 monitors battery voltage and sensor inputs without waking the CPU frequently, while DMA streams data into 4KB SRAM for batch processing. The 28-SPDIP package supports hand-soldered prototypes and battery-isolated through-hole modules. Compared to Cortex-M0 alternatives, the PIC18F26K42 is typically lower cost and easier to source for low-volume IoT deployments.
Recommended
Small Motor Control (BLDC / Stepper)
The PIC18F26K42-I/SP suits small BLDC or stepper motor control applications through its 10-bit PWM with complementary outputs, CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator), and 5-bit DAC for reference ramp generation. The CIP architecture lets the PWM and CWG run autonomously while the CPU handles commutation logic, freeing cycles for sensor feedback loops. At 64MHz, the device delivers 16 MIPS, sufficient for trapezoidal commutation of small motors. The 28-SPDIP package accommodates hand-soldered prototyping on breakout boards, and the 5V tolerance supports noisy motor power environments.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge / CDC Device
The PIC18F26K42-I/SP works as a USB-to-UART bridge or CDC device thanks to its 64MHz operation, 4KB SRAM for USB buffers, and 64KB Flash for USB stack plus application code. The PPS peripheral pin select maps UART signals to any I/O pin, simplifying PCB layout across multiple bridge variants. DMA transfers USB packets to/from UART without CPU intervention, sustaining full-speed USB throughput. Industrial -40C to +85C range suits point-of-sale terminals, while the 28-SPDIP package eases legacy equipment retrofits where through-hole assembly is required.
Recommended
Household Appliance Control Board
For household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and small kitchen appliances, the PIC18F26K42-I/SP delivers 64KB Flash for state machines plus UI drivers, 4KB SRAM for display buffers, and 1KB EEPROM for user setting persistence. The 12-bit ADC2 reads temperature sensors and analog knobs, while PWM drives triac/SCR-based heaters and pumps. The 5V tolerance and -40C to +85C range accommodate harsh appliance environments. Compared to discrete logic designs, this MCU consolidates timing, sensing, and user interface into one IC, lowering BOM cost.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Data Logger
The PIC18F26K42-I/SP fits standalone data loggers thanks to its 1KB EEPROM for non-volatile storage, 4KB SRAM for sample buffering, and XLP nanoamp sleep currents that enable multi-year battery operation. DMA streams ADC samples into SRAM while the CPU sleeps, and periodic RTCC wakes trigger batch writes to EEPROM or external FRAM. The 12-bit ADC2 with computation performs local filtering without burdening the CPU, while PPS lets you remap ADC channels as sensor configurations change. Industrial temperature range suits outdoor environmental monitoring deployments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F26K42-I/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F25K42-I/SP | PIC18F24K42-I/SP | PIC18F27K42-I/SP | PIC18F26K42-I/SS | PIC18F26K42-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SPDIP (through-hole) | 28-SPDIP (through-hole) - same | 28-SPDIP (through-hole) - same | 28-SPDIP (through-hole) - same | 28-SSOP (SMD) - same die | 28-SOIC (SMD) - same die |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB | 32 KB (-50%) | 16 KB (-75%) | 128 KB (+100%) | 64 KB (same die) | 64 KB (same die) |
| SRAM | 4 KB | 2 KB (-50%) | 1 KB (-75%) | 8 KB (+100%) | 4 KB (same) | 4 KB (same) |
| EEPROM | 1 KB | 1 KB (same) | 1 KB (same) | 1 KB (same) | 1 KB (same) | 1 KB (same) |
| Maximum Frequency | 64 MHz | 64 MHz (same) | 64 MHz (same) | 64 MHz (same) | 64 MHz (same) | 64 MHz (same) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V |
| ADC | 12-bit ADC2 | 12-bit ADC2 | 12-bit ADC2 | 12-bit ADC2 | 12-bit ADC2 | 12-bit ADC2 |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) |
Key Differentiators
- Highest Flash density in K42 28-pin SPDIP family (vs PIC18F25K42-I/SP)
- Same 28-SPDIP pinout across the entire K42 28-pin family (vs PIC18F46K42-I/P)
- Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) without external intervention (vs PIC18F26K22 (legacy family))
Design Notes
When using the PIC18F26K42-I/SP at 5V with all peripherals active, plan decoupling with a 100nF ceramic on each VDD/VSS pair plus a 10uF bulk capacitor on the main supply. The XLP modes drop current to nanoamp range during sleep; ensure no floating analog inputs leak current by configuring unused pins as outputs or enabling internal pull-ups. Estimated: with 12-bit ADC2 active at 64MHz, core current is approximately 10-15 mA, so total board current including I/O is typically under 20 mA from a 3.3V LDO.
For the 28-SPDIP package, route ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) signals on pins RB5/ICSPDAT and RB6/ICSPCLK (or RB7) to a 6-pin header for field programming and debug. The MCLR/RE3 pin requires a 10k pull-up to VDD for normal operation, with a 100nF capacitor to ground for noise immunity. Place the ICSP header near the MCU with short traces to avoid signal integrity issues during programming. Leave space around the package for socket-based prototyping on breadboard-compatible layouts.
Do not exceed 5.5V on any VDD or I/O pin - the PIC18F26K42 is not 5V tolerant on I/O when operating at 3.3V. When migrating firmware from PIC18F26K22 (older family), note that the K42 family uses PPS for peripheral pin mapping instead of fixed pin assignments; verify each peripheral's PPS register configuration before porting. The ADC2 module requires proper acquisition time configuration - sample time too short yields noisy readings. Enable the ADCRC clock source for ADC operation in sleep mode to maintain accuracy.
Keep analog and digital grounds separated on the PCB for optimal ADC2 performance. Place the MCU's AVSS/AVDD pair close to a 10uF + 100nF decoupling pair, and route analog inputs with short traces away from switching nodes. The 28-SPDIP package allows easy hand prototyping; for production migration to PIC18F26K42-I/SS or /SO, the same schematic can be reused - only the PCB land pattern changes. Use a star-ground topology if the design mixes motor drive, USB, and analog sensing.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; choose PIC18F27K42-E/SP or other -E suffix variants for automotive. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip Material Declaration.
