PIC18F4331-E/P - 8-bit MCU, 8KB Flash, 40MHz, 40-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F4331-E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.84 | $6.84 |
| 10 | $6.12 | $61.20 |
| 100 | $5.38 | $538.00 |
| 500 | $4.82 | $2,410.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.21 | $4,210.00 |
PIC18F4331-E/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable processor with an internal 8-bit data path, on-chip flash for code storage, RAM for volatile data, and a peripheral set including timers, communications and analog blocks. PIC18F devices sit in the PIC family hierarchy between the smaller PIC16F MCUs and the larger PIC24/dspIC devices, and they target motor-control, sensor and industrial-automation applications that need DSP-like PWM peripherals without leaving the 8-bit architecture. The PIC18F4331 specifically targets AC induction motor and BLDC drives through its integrated Power Control PWM and quadrature encoder interface.
Key features that differentiate this part include the integrated 14-bit resolution Power Control PWM (up to 8 PWM channels with complementary outputs and programmable dead time), an integrated quadrature encoder interface for closed-loop motor commutation, two analog comparators with reference ladders, and the nanoWatt power-managed modes (Idle, Sleep, and a low-power Timer1 oscillator) that allow battery-backed designs. The 'E' suffix indicates the extended industrial temperature grade of -40 °C to +125 °C, while the '/P' suffix denotes the 40-pin PDIP package.
Technically, the device uses a Harvard RISC architecture with a 16-bit instruction word and 8-bit data path, providing 16-bit opcode efficiency while keeping the data bus compact. The flash memory supports 100k erase/write cycles typical, and the part retains data for 40 years minimum. On-chip peripherals are mapped through a flexible PPS-like scheme (PIC18F4331 has fixed peripheral pin mapping), and the device is supported by the MPLAB X IDE, MPLAB XC8 compiler, and the MPLAB ICD in-circuit debuggers.
Typical applications include motor control (BLDC, PMSM, AC induction), power conversion (UPS, PFC boost converters), industrial automation with encoder feedback, LED lighting control, and embedded control in industrial sensor hubs. The integrated quadrature encoder and PWM make it particularly well suited for variable-frequency drives.
When designing with this device, choose a switching frequency between 1 kHz and 20 kHz for PWM to balance audible noise and switching losses, and ensure the analog supply (AVDD) is decoupled with a 0.1 µF + 10 µF pair close to the pin. The PDIP package simplifies hand prototyping and breadboarding, while the QFN/ML variants of the same die target space-constrained production designs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that go beyond what is in the bare manufacturer datasheet, including cross-family replacements and tooling guidance.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F4331-E/P — 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 PIC18F4331-E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Power-Saving Modes, Analog Comparators, Communication, Core.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F4331-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F4431-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4321-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F4539-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F4420-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F4331-E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Family | PIC18F |
| Core | PIC 8-bit RISC Harvard |
| Program Memory | 8 KB Flash (4K x 16) |
| RAM | 768 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz (10 MIPS, 16-bit instruction) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 36 |
| A/D Converter | 10-bit, up to 9 channels |
| Power Control PWM | 14-bit resolution, up to 8 PWM outputs |
| Quadrature Encoder Interface | Yes (QEI) |
| Analog Comparators | 2 with programmable reference |
| Timers | Timer0, Timer1, Timer2, Timer3 |
| Communication | EUSART (UART), MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Package | 40-pin PDIP (0.600 inch, plastic DIP-40) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +125 °C (Extended grade 'E') |
| Power-Saving Modes | nanoWatt (Idle, Sleep, Low-Power Timer1) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC18F4331-E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (Reset) input, active low |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Port A bit 2 / Analog input 2 / VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Port A bit 3 / Analog input 3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4 — Port A bit 5 / Analog input 4 |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO — Port C bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI — Port C bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply (4.2V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT0 — Port B bit 0 / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 22 | RB1/INT1 — Port B bit 1 / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2/INT2 — Port B bit 2 / External interrupt 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — Port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 29 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 30 | VDD — Positive supply (4.2V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 31 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 32 | AVDD — Analog positive supply (4.2V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 33 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 / PWM output |
| Pin 34 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 / PWM output |
| Pin 35 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 / PWM output |
| Pin 36 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 / PWM output |
| Pin 37 | RD4 — Port D bit 4 / PWM output |
| Pin 38 | RD5 — Port D bit 5 / PWM output |
| Pin 39 | RD6 — Port D bit 6 / PWM output |
| Pin 40 | RD7 — Port D bit 7 / PWM output |
Typical Applications
PIC18F4331-E/P is suitable for 6 applications: BLDC Motor Control, AC Induction Motor VFD, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), Industrial Sensor Hub, LED Lighting Control, Automotive Auxiliary Motor Control.
BLDC Motor Control
The PIC18F4331-E/P is purpose-built for brushless DC motor control thanks to its 14-bit Power Control PWM with up to 8 channels and programmable dead time, which directly drives a 3-phase inverter. The integrated quadrature encoder interface connects straight to incremental encoders for closed-loop commutation. With 40 MHz (10 MIPS) CPU speed, scalar V/Hz and trapezoidal commutation algorithms run in real time without external DSP. Designers typically use 20 kHz PWM to keep switching above audible band, and the 8 KB flash holds the commutation table, ramp-up profile and current-limit state machine.
Recommended
AC Induction Motor VFD
Variable-frequency drives for AC induction motors rely on sinusoidal PWM with dead-time compensation, exactly what the PIC18F4331-E/P's Power Control PWM module delivers. The 10-bit ADC samples DC-bus voltage and motor current at the PWM cycle rate for over-current and brown-out protection. The nanoWatt power-managed modes let the VFD enter Sleep between commands, reducing idle consumption below 1 µA. For HVAC blower and pump drives, this MCU replaces separate PWM controllers plus encoder ICs, cutting BOM cost and board area while running the scalar V/Hz algorithm in firmware.
Recommended
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
The PIC18F4331-E/P is well suited to small UPS and inverter control loops, where the 40 MHz CPU runs a PFC boost or voltage-mode inverter control loop. The two integrated analog comparators monitor battery voltage and AC-line zero-cross without external circuitry. Its extended -40 °C to +125 °C temperature grade ensures operation in outdoor enclosures or near transformer heat sinks. The 8 KB flash holds a state-machine for grid/battery transfer, sine PWM tables and fault logging - all on a single chip without external DSP.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Hub
Industrial sensor hubs aggregate multiple 4-20 mA, 0-10 V and digital inputs and expose them over RS-485 or CAN. The PIC18F4331-E/P's 36 I/O lines accept the typical 8-channel analog plus 16-channel digital mix, and its EUSART plus MSSP support RS-485 Modbus RTU or SPI sensor front-ends. The 10-bit ADC with 9 channels is sufficient for thermocouple and process-variable conditioning when paired with op-amp front ends. nanoWatt sleep keeps battery-backed hubs in deep Sleep between scan cycles, waking on Timer1 interrupts.
Recommended
LED Lighting Control
Architectural and horticultural LED drivers need dimming control from 0 to 100% with high-frequency PWM to avoid flicker. The PIC18F4331-E/P's 14-bit PWM resolution produces 16384 dimming steps, smooth enough for human-perceived continuous brightness. The integrated analog comparators close a constant-current feedback loop without external op-amps. The extended temperature grade supports sealed outdoor fixture environments, and 8 KB flash holds multi-channel dimming curves and DALI or 0-10V protocol state machines.
Recommended
Automotive Auxiliary Motor Control
Within automotive body and chassis systems, the PIC18F4331-E/P drives pumps, fans and HVAC blend doors using its integrated Power Control PWM. The extended -40 °C to +125 °C temperature grade covers under-hood and engine-bay requirements, and the 40-pin PDIP simplifies qualification and rework in low-volume ECU modules. The integrated quadrature encoder interface handles blend-door position feedback, eliminating external decoder chips. CAN or LIN connectivity via the EUSART plus external transceiver ties the module into the vehicle network.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F4331-E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F4331-I/P | PIC18F4431-I/P | PIC18F4321-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PDIP-40 (DIP-40, 0.600 inch) | PDIP-40 - same | PDIP-40 - same | PDIP-40 - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 8 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB |
| Maximum Clock | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 12-bit |
| Power Control PWM | 14-bit, 8 channels | 14-bit, 8 channels | 14-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 6 channels |
| Quadrature Encoder Interface | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated Power Control PWM with 14-bit resolution (vs PIC18F4321-I/P)
- Extended temperature grade for harsh environments (vs PIC18F4331-I/P)
- Larger flash headroom for advanced control firmware (vs PIC18F4420-I/P)
Design Notes
Decouple both VDD pins (20 and 30) with 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of each pin, and add a single 10 µF tantalum or ceramic bulk capacitor on the same rail. AVDD (pin 32) requires an additional 0.1 µF + 10 µF pair to keep ADC reference noise below 1 LSB. VSS pins (8, 19, 29) and AVSS (pin 31) must all be tied to a single low-impedance ground plane - splitting grounds degrades ADC accuracy by several LSBs.
Route the PWM outputs (RD0-RD7, pins 33-40) away from the analog inputs (RA0-RA5, pins 2-7) to prevent PWM-edge coupling into the ADC. Keep the oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2, pins 9-10) short and surround them with a ground pour. Place the ICSP pins (RB6/RB7, pins 27-28) so that an in-circuit debugger can clip on without disturbing the board, and add a 4.7 kΩ pull-up on MCLR (pin 1).
The PIC18F4331-E/P requires 4.2 V minimum on VDD - it does NOT operate at 3.3 V. Designs migrating from a 3.3 V PIC18LF variant need a level shifter on every I/O. Also note that the Power Control PWM shares its timing base with Timer2/Timer3; reconfiguring Timer2 for a software function silently changes the PWM frequency. Estimated: at 40 MHz FOSC with PTPER=0x3FFF, the PWM period is (1/40 MHz)*4*16384 ≈ 1.638 ms (≈610 Hz fundamental).
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive AEC-Q100, look at PIC18FxxK80 family. Halogen-free status not stated in available data.
