PIC18F26Q43-I/SP - 8-bit 64MHz 64KB Flash MCU 28-SPDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F26Q43-I/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.52 | $2.52 |
| 10 | $2.27 | $22.70 |
| 100 | $2.02 | $202.00 |
| 500 | $1.85 | $925.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.74 | $1,740.00 |
PIC18F26Q43-I/SP Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small, low-power processor on a single chip that combines a CPU, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (SRAM), and a set of on-chip peripherals such as timers, communication interfaces, and analog blocks. PIC microcontrollers use a modified Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, and the PIC18 family extends the baseline 8-bit instruction set with hardware multiply, indexed addressing, and a C-friendly design. Within the Microchip portfolio, the PIC18 sits between the PIC16 baseline family and the 16-bit dsPIC/PIC24 family, targeting real-time control, sensor processing, and general-purpose embedded designs.
Key features of the PIC18F26Q43 include a 12-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter with Computation (ADCC) that automates capacitive voltage-divider (CVD) touch sensing, averaging, filtering, oversampling, and threshold comparison. A new 16-bit Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) peripheral, multiple Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs), and configurable logic cells let sophisticated hardware behaviour be implemented without CPU intervention. The device also integrates a 5-bit DAC, comparators, configurable communications (UART/SPI/I2C), and a windowed watchdog timer for functional-safety-capable designs.
Typical applications for the PIC18F26Q43-I/SP include capacitive touch user interfaces, LED lighting control, sensor hub nodes, motor and fan control, low-cost IoT edge nodes, and industrial automation controllers. Its 64 KB Flash, 4 KB SRAM, and rich peripheral set allow designers to consolidate what would otherwise require an external ADC plus logic into a single 28-pin through-hole part, simplifying layout and BOM.
When designing with this MCU, reserve a 100 nF decoupling capacitor close to each VDD pin, configure the MCLR pin correctly for in-circuit serial programming (ICSP), and review the ADCC sequencing if capacitive touch performance is critical. The 28-SPDIP footprint also makes it an easy hand-solderable option for prototypes, education, and field-service replacements.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, giving engineers an at-a-glance comparison against same-package PIC18 K-series and Q-series options.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F26Q43-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 PIC18F26Q43-I/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Mounting Type, DAC, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F26Q43-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26Q43-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F25Q43-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26K83-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26K42-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.46 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26Q10-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F26Q43-I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC18 8-bit RISC (enhanced mid-range) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB |
| Data SRAM | 4 KB |
| EEPROM | 1 KB |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 64 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial, "-I") |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC with computation |
| DAC | 5-bit |
| PWM | 16-bit Pulse-Width Modulation |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (0.300") |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| Communication Interfaces | UART, SPI, I2C |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | Not applicable (through-hole package) |
PIC18F26Q43-I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — I/O / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — I/O / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — I/O / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — I/O / analog input |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — I/O / analog input |
| Pin 8 | RA6 — I/O / analog input |
| Pin 9 | RA7 — I/O / analog input |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | RB0 — I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 13 | RB1 — I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 14 | RB2 — I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 15 | RB3 — I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 16 | RB4 — I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 17 | RB5 — I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 18 | RB6 — I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 19 | RB7 — I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 20 | RC0 — I/O |
| Pin 21 | RC1 — I/O |
| Pin 22 | RC2 — I/O |
| Pin 23 | RC3 — I/O |
| Pin 24 | RC4 — I/O |
| Pin 25 | RC5 — I/O |
| Pin 26 | RC6 — I/O / UART TX |
| Pin 27 | RC7 — I/O / UART RX |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC18F26Q43-I/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Capacitive Touch User Interface, LED Lighting Control, Industrial Sensor Hub Node, Motor and Fan Control, Low-Cost IoT Edge Node, Functional-Safety Sensor Module.
Capacitive Touch User Interface
The PIC18F26Q43-I/SP's 12-bit ADCC with built-in CVD hardware acceleration makes it a natural fit for capacitive touch keypads, sliders, and proximity sensors. The on-chip CVD engine automates charge and measurement sequencing so the CPU is not burdened with microsecond-level timing loops, enabling more touch channels per scan cycle. With 64 KB Flash it can host a full USB-CDC/HID touch stack, and the 4 KB SRAM buffers raw scans plus running averages. The 1.8 V-5.5 V range lets the same PCB work for battery-powered remotes and 5 V industrial panels. Best paired with a 100 nF decoupling cap on each VDD pin and a guard ring around touch electrodes per Microchip TB3064 guidance.
Recommended
LED Lighting Control
The PIC18F26Q43-I/SP's 16-bit PWM peripheral delivers high-resolution dimming with fine granularity at typical LED switching frequencies (1-4 kHz) without CPU intervention. Up to four 16-bit PWM channels can drive RGBW strips, while additional PWMs or CCPs handle white-balance and fade transitions. The 64 MHz core and 4 KB SRAM comfortably run DMX-512, DALI, or proprietary LED protocols in parallel with housekeeping tasks. The 1.8 V-5.5 V supply range simplifies single-cell Li-Ion and 5 V mains designs. The 28-SPDIP footprint is ideal for hand-soldered prototype fixtures and small-batch production runs.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Hub Node
The PIC18F26Q43-I/SP acts as a low-cost Modbus RTU or CAN sensor hub, combining 12-bit ADCC measurements from multiple analog sensors with UART/SPI/I2C communication to upstream controllers. The 64 KB Flash hosts protocol stacks plus application logic, while the 4 KB SRAM buffers sensor frames. Industrial -40 °C to +85 °C rating lets it operate in factory cabinets without thermal derating. Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) handle timing-critical ADC scans without CPU load, freeing MIPS for diagnostics, and value calibration.
Recommended
Motor and Fan Control
The PIC18F26Q43-I/SP's 16-bit PWM plus on-chip comparators and 5-bit DAC simplify BLDC, brushed DC, and PWM fan control loops. ADCC automates back-EMF and current-sense sampling at PWM boundaries, while CIPs trigger ADC scans from PWM edges to remove software jitter. The 64 MHz core runs speed PI loops in tens of microseconds, and the 64 KB Flash holds state-machine firmware plus tuning tables. The 28-SPDIP package is convenient for evaluation boards and low-volume controller production. Pair with external gate drivers such as MCP8024 or NCP81074 for higher-current loads.
Recommended
Low-Cost IoT Edge Node
The PIC18F26Q43-I/SP serves as a UART-attached edge node that aggregates sensor data and forwards it via SPI to a Wi-Fi, LoRa, or BLE module. The 64 KB Flash is enough for protocol glue, command parsers, and small JSON payloads, while 4 KB SRAM handles stream buffers. The 1.8 V-5.5 V supply range allows direct battery connection, and the 12-bit ADCC digitizes battery voltage and environmental sensors without an external ADC. The 28-SPDIP form factor simplifies hobby and education use, while industrial temperature grade supports outdoor IoT deployments.
Recommended
Functional-Safety Sensor Module
The PIC18F26Q43-I/SP supports functional-safety designs through its windowed watchdog timer, CRC engine, and CIP-based diagnostics, allowing safety-adjacent sensing with a single MCU. The 12-bit ADCC provides redundant measurements of safety-relevant analog signals, and the 16-bit PWM can be used to drive safety indicators or alarms. Industrial -40 °C to +85 °C rating and Microchip functional-safety collateral make the Q43 family usable in IEC 61508 SIL-rated subsystems. The 28-SPDIP package simplifies through-hole assembly for safety-certified boards with conservative manufacturing processes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F26Q43-I/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F26Q43-I/SS | PIC18F26Q43-I/SO | PIC18F25Q43-I/SP | PIC18F26K83-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SPDIP (0.300") | 28-SSOP - different footprint | 28-SOIC - different footprint | 28-SPDIP (0.300") - same | 28-SPDIP (0.300") - same |
| Flash | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 32 KB (-50%) | 64 KB |
| SRAM | 4 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| Max CPU Frequency | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V (no 1.8 V) |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADC (no ADCC engine) |
| PWM | 16-bit PWM | 16-bit PWM | 16-bit PWM | 16-bit PWM | 10-bit PWM (lower resolution) |
Key Differentiators
- On-chip ADCC automates capacitive touch + ADC averaging/filtering (vs PIC18F26K83-I/SP)
- 16-bit PWM with independent time bases vs 10-bit PWM on K-series (vs PIC18F26K83-I/SP)
- Largest Flash in the 28-SPDIP Q43 family (vs PIC18F25Q43-I/SP)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD/AVDD pin (pin 11) and a bulk 10 µF tantalum or ceramic on the supply rail. For ADC accuracy on the AVdd pin (when separated from VDD), add a small ferrite bead plus 1 µF and 100 nF capacitor pair. Keep analog and digital returns stitched together only at one point near the MCU. Estimated: total bulk budget for a typical 64 MHz Q43 design is 22 µF distributed across VDD rails.
Configure MCLR (pin 1) with the proper external pull-up resistor (typically 10 kΩ to VDD) and ensure ICSP programming connector isolation is correct; floating MCLR is a leading cause of intermittent resets. When migrating firmware from PIC18F26K83 to PIC18F26Q43, the SFR map differs in peripheral configuration registers - existing code will not run without recompilation even though the package pinout is identical.
At 64 MHz with active peripherals, the PIC18F26Q43-I/SP typically draws 10-15 mA active current and <1 µA in sleep mode. The 28-SPDIP plastic package has ample thermal margin (θJA ~70 °C/W) for normal commercial/industrial use, so no heatsink is required. Estimated: at 25 °C ambient and 15 mA active current, junction temperature rises only ~3 °C above ambient at 5 V VDD - no thermal concerns under normal use.
Keep the 28-SPDIP layout straightforward: route ICSP lines (RB6=ICSPCLK, RB7=ICSDAT) directly to a 6-pin header with series 100 Ω termination close to the MCU pins to avoid reflections during in-circuit programming. Place the quartz crystal or external oscillator traces within 1 cm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins with a guard ground to reduce EMI. Avoid routing analog traces under or near the PWM outputs to minimize digital switching noise coupling into ADC readings.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial -40 °C to +85 °C temperature grade ("-I"). Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC18F26Q43-E/SP extended or automotive-graded Q43 variants for automotive applications.
