PIC18F26Q43-I/SS - 8-Bit 64MHz 64KB Flash MCU 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F26Q43-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.1 | $2.10 |
| 10 | $1.92 | $19.20 |
| 100 | $1.74 | $174.00 |
| 500 | $1.55 | $775.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.38 | $1,380.00 |
PIC18F26Q43-I/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (Flash/RAM), and peripherals around an 8-bit data path. The 8-bit MCU category occupies the broader hierarchy of microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC, and remains widely deployed for cost-sensitive deterministic control tasks. Functional Safety variants add documentation, development process rigor, and design features that help designers achieve IEC 61508 SIL capability and ISO 26262 ASIL capability at the system level.
Key features include eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology with nanoWatt sleep modes, hardware Custom Logic (CLC), Configurable Logic Cell (CLC), 16-bit PWM with complementary outputs and fault inputs, and zero-cross detection on the ADCC for capacitive voltage divider (CVD) touch sensing. The device operates from 1.8V to 5.5V, supports internal 64MHz oscillator, and offers multiple communication peripherals including UART, SPI, and I2C with SMBus support.
The PIC18F26Q43 architecture uses a RISC-style Harvard bus with a 16-bit instruction word and 8-bit data path, featuring a hardware multiplier, interrupt controller with vector table, and peripheral pin select (PPS) for flexible I/O mapping. The integrated ADCC performs automated averaging, oversampling, threshold comparison, and accumulation, offloading signal-conditioning tasks from the CPU.
Typical applications include capacitive touch user interfaces, LED lighting control with smooth dimming, motor control (BLDC, stepper, and brushed DC), functional safety systems, industrial sensor conditioning, and low-power battery-powered IoT nodes. The combination of CIPs and DMA enables complex timing chains to run without CPU intervention.
When designing with this device, leverage the Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) feature to route digital peripherals to any available I/O pin, reducing PCB layout constraints. For functional safety designs, follow Microchip application note AN2950 and the Functional Safety data sheet supplement for diagnostic and failure-modes guidance.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-package drop-in alternatives drawn from Microchip's Q43 family and cross-brand 28-pin SSOP equivalents, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F26Q43-I/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 PIC18F26Q43-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, DAC, Package, Program Memory (Flash), Comparators.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F25Q43-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46Q43-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F26K83-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26Q10-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26K42-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26K40-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26Q43-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 8-bit RISC Harvard |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB (64K x 8) |
| Data RAM | 4 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 1 KB |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 64 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC with computation, up to 17 channels |
| DAC | 8-bit, 1 channel |
| PWM | 3x 16-bit with complementary outputs and fault inputs |
| DMA Channels | 6 |
| Comparators | Yes (configurable) |
| UART | Yes (multiple) |
| SPI | Yes (multiple) |
| I2C / SMBus | Yes (multiple) |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CLC, CCP, SMT, ZCD, CRC/SCAN, PWM |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| XLP nanoWatt Technology | Yes (deep sleep, < 50 nA typical) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, -I suffix) |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Functional Safety | FuSa (IEC 61508 / ISO 26262 documentation available) |
PIC18F26Q43-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O / SS1 (SPI slave select) |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / MCLR (Reset, active low) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O / PWM |
| Pin 9 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O / SDA1 (I2C data) |
| Pin 10 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O / SCL1 (I2C clock) |
| Pin 11 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O / AN13 (analog input) |
| Pin 14 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / PGC (ICSP clock) |
| Pin 15 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / PGD (ICSP data) |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 17 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O / OSC1 (crystal input) |
| Pin 18 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O / OSC2 (crystal output) |
| Pin 19 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 20 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 21 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 22 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 23 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 24 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 25 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O / UART TX |
| Pin 26 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O / UART RX |
| Pin 27 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet pinout) |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC18F26Q43-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Capacitive Touch User Interface, BLDC and Stepper Motor Control, Functional Safety Systems, LED Lighting and Smart Illumination, Industrial Sensor Conditioning, Battery-Powered IoT Nodes.
Capacitive Touch User Interface
The PIC18F26Q43-I/SS drives cost-effective capacitive touch buttons, sliders, and proximity sensors using its integrated 12-bit ADCC with hardware CVD (Capacitive Voltage Divider) automation. The ADCC handles oversampling, averaging, and threshold comparison autonomously, freeing the CPU from continuous polling. With zero-cross detection (ZCD) and DMA-driven sample acquisition, the Q43 achieves low-latency touch response below 10 ms and high SNR even through 3 mm acrylic overlays. Combined with Peripheral Pin Select, the touch electrodes can be routed to nearly any I/O pin, simplifying PCB layout. Typical implementations include kitchen appliances, consumer electronics, and industrial front panels.
Recommended
BLDC and Stepper Motor Control
The PIC18F26Q43-I/SS is well-suited for small BLDC, stepper, and brushed-DC motor control thanks to its three 16-bit PWMs with complementary outputs, programmable dead-band, and dedicated fault inputs. Combined with the 12-bit ADCC for back-EMF sensing and 6-channel DMA for low-jitter ADC-to-PWM updates, the device delivers deterministic control loops without CPU load. The Peripheral Pin Select lets the designer map PWM outputs to any I/O, simplifying bridge layout for H-bridge and 3-phase topologies. Typical uses include appliance motors, small fans, drones, e-bike controllers, and robotics where 8-bit cost is preferred over 32-bit DSP power.
Recommended
Functional Safety Systems
For IEC 61508 SIL 2 and ISO 26262 ASIL B functional safety designs, the PIC18F26Q43-I/SS provides a documented development process, FMEDA, and diagnostic coverage including hardware CRC/Scan, windowed watchdog, and self-test libraries. The FuSa data sheet supplement details diagnostic measures and failure modes for each peripheral. Designers of safety sensors, industrial safety controllers, and automotive body ECUs can leverage Microchip's TÜV-certified development flow and pre-qualified firmware libraries. The 64KB Flash accommodates safety libraries alongside application code.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Smart Illumination
The PIC18F26Q43-I/SS drives multi-channel LED lighting with smooth dimming and color mixing via its 16-bit PWMs, CLC logic, and 12-bit ADCC for ambient light feedback. The PWM resolution enables flicker-free dimming down to 0.1% duty cycle, while DMA-driven color cross-fades run autonomously from CPU. The XLP nanoWatt sleep modes keep standby power below 50 nA, ideal for battery-powered LED fixtures. Application examples include architectural lighting, horticulture LED drivers, RGB decorative lighting, and smart dimmer switches.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Conditioning
The PIC18F26Q43-I/SS conditions analog sensor signals with its 12-bit ADCC offering hardware accumulation, averaging, oversampling, and threshold comparison. The ADCC performs 18-bit equivalent oversampling by summing 64 12-bit samples, ideal for load-cell, strain-gauge, RTD, and thermocouple interfaces. Combined with the on-chip 8-bit DAC and configurable logic cell (CLC) for hysteresis and signal routing, the Q43 reduces external analog components. The CIPs implement digital filtering without CPU intervention, enabling deterministic response for process-control loops.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Nodes
The PIC18F26Q43-I/SS achieves multi-year battery life in IoT sensor nodes via its XLP nanoWatt technology with deep-sleep currents below 50 nA. The on-chip RTCC, windowed watchdog, and DMA wake from sleep on peripheral events without CPU intervention. UART, SPI, and I2C with SMBus support interface to radios and sensors. The 64KB Flash accommodates wireless protocol stacks (LoRaWAN, BLE HCI) or application firmware. Typical deployments include utility meters, environmental sensors, asset trackers, and remote controls where 8-bit cost and low power outweigh the need for 32-bit compute.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F26Q43-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F25Q43-I/SS | PIC18F46Q43-I/SS | PIC18F26K83-I/SS | PIC18F26Q10-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Program Flash | 64 KB | 32 KB (-50%) | 64 KB (same) | 64 KB (same) | 64 KB (same) |
| Data RAM | 4 KB | 4 KB (same) | 4 KB (same) | 4 KB (same) | 3.6 KB (-10%) |
| Max CPU Clock | 64 MHz | 64 MHz (same) | 64 MHz (same) | 64 MHz (same) | 64 MHz (same) |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC (same) | 12-bit ADCC (same) | 12-bit ADC (older, no ADCC compute) | 10-bit ADC |
| DMA Channels | 6 | 6 (same) | 6 (same) | 2 (-67%) | 0 |
| Functional Safety | FuSa (IEC 61508 / ISO 26262) | FuSa (same family) | FuSa (same family) | Not FuSa | Not FuSa |
Key Differentiators
- 12-bit ADCC with hardware CVD automation (vs PIC18F26Q10-I/SS)
- Three 16-bit PWMs with fault inputs (vs PIC18F26K83-I/SS)
- Functional Safety documentation (vs PIC18F26K83-I/SS)
Design Notes
Estimated: At VDD=3.3V, active current of the PIC18F26Q43-I/SS is approximately 5-8 mA at 64MHz with all peripherals enabled. For battery-powered designs, use Sleep mode with RTCC and peripheral interrupts to drop below 50 nA. Disable unused peripherals via the PMDx register to minimize active current. The on-chip LDO supports 1.8V-5.5V input; for low-noise analog applications, add a 100 nF decoupling cap close to VDD plus a bulk 10 uF cap on the supply rail.
Place the 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin and a bulk 10 uF capacitor on the supply rail. For crystal oscillator circuits, keep the crystal traces short and shield them with a ground guard ring to reduce EMI. The MCLR pin requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD; adding a 100 nF cap to ground provides hardware reset noise immunity. Route analog and digital traces separately, with the analog ground plane connected to digital ground at a single point near the IC.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum VDD of 5.5V or apply voltage to any pin before VDD is powered. Always configure unused I/O pins as outputs low to minimize current draw. The ICSP pins RB6/RB7 must be left in their default state during normal operation; ensure external circuitry does not load these pins. For reliable operation, follow the manufacturer datasheet's recommended programming sequence and verify PPS mapping in MPLAB X IDE before lock-down of the configuration bits.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 qualification not applicable for this industrial-grade part. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip material declaration. Functional Safety (IEC 61508 / ISO 26262) documentation available separately.
