PIC18F442-E/PT - 8-bit 40MHz 16KB Flash MCU 44-TQFP | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F442-E/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.95 | $9.95 |
| 10 | $9.16 | $91.60 |
| 100 | $8.21 | $821.00 |
| 500 | $7.43 | $3,715.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.65 | $6,650.00 |
PIC18F442-E/PT Overview
A PIC18 microcontroller belongs to Microchip's 8-bit PIC family, which sits in the broader category of microcontrollers (MCU) - self-contained computing subsystems built around a CPU core, program memory, data memory, and integrated peripherals. The PIC18 family uses a RISC architecture with 77 single-word instructions and a 16-bit instruction word, which provides an upgrade path from earlier PIC16 and PIC12 devices while preserving code compatibility. PIC18F parts are commonly used in industrial control, automotive body electronics, and consumer appliances that require deterministic real-time behavior.
Key features include 10 MIPS performance, self-programming Flash, an ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) interface, nanoWatt power management with multiple idle and sleep modes, and an 8-channel 10-bit ADC. The Harvard architecture separates program and data buses for predictable instruction timing, and the peripheral pin-select function (on related F-series devices) simplifies PCB routing.
Typical applications for the PIC18F442-E/PT include industrial automation controllers, automotive body and HVAC modules, sensor signal conditioning, low-cost motor control (with PWM), embedded user interfaces, and battery-powered instruments that benefit from nanoWatt sleep current. The 256-byte EEPROM is useful for storing calibration constants or configuration data without external storage.
When designing with this part, note that the 4.2 V minimum supply voltage precludes true 3.3 V operation - choose the PIC18LF442 variant for low-voltage systems. Also verify the I/O current budget: total source/sink current across all ports must stay within the device's 200 mA aggregate limit.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in TQFP-44 alternatives, and practical design notes drawn from Microchip datasheets and the PIC18F family reference manual - data not combined on any single manufacturer or distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F442-E/PT — 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 PIC18F442-E/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, ADC, Timers, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F452-E/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F442-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F452-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4420-E/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$5.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F43K22-E/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F442-E/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Family | PIC18F |
| Core | 8-bit PIC18 RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB (8K x 16 words) |
| Data Memory (RAM) | 768 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended / Automotive grade) |
| I/O Pins | 36 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 8 channels |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 2 modules |
| Serial Interfaces | SPI / I2C (MSSP) + USART |
| Timers | 4 (Timer0/1/2/3) |
| Package | 44-pin TQFP (10x10 mm), 'PT' suffix |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Instruction Set | 77 instructions, 16-bit word |
| Power-Saving Modes | nanoWatt (Idle, Sleep, RC_RUN) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F442-E/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Reset input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 / ADC Vref- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / ADC Vref+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | RE0/RD/AN5 — PORTE bit 0 / parallel read / analog input 5 |
| Pin 9 | RE1/WR/AN6 — PORTE bit 1 / parallel write / analog input 6 |
| Pin 10 | RE2/CS/AN7 — PORTE bit 2 / parallel chip select / analog input 7 |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply (+5V typical) |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKI — Crystal input / external clock |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKO — Crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 15 | RC0/T1OSO/T13CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1/3 clock |
| Pin 16 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 18 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 19 | RD0/PSP0 — PORTD bit 0 / parallel slave port bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | RD1/PSP1 — PORTD bit 1 / parallel slave port bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RD2/PSP2 — PORTD bit 2 / parallel slave port bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RD3/PSP3 — PORTD bit 3 / parallel slave port bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 24 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 25 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART transmit / USART clock |
| Pin 26 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART receive / USART data |
| Pin 27 | RD4/PSP4 — PORTD bit 4 / parallel slave port bit 4 |
| Pin 28 | RD5/PSP5 — PORTD bit 5 / parallel slave port bit 5 |
| Pin 29 | RD6/PSP6 — PORTD bit 6 / parallel slave port bit 6 |
| Pin 30 | RD7/PSP7 — PORTD bit 7 / parallel slave port bit 7 |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply (+5V typical) |
| Pin 33 | RB0/INT0 — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 34 | RB1/INT1 — PORTB bit 1 / external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 35 | RB2/INT2 — PORTB bit 2 / external interrupt 2 |
| Pin 36 | RB3/CCP2 — PORTB bit 3 / CCP2 output |
| Pin 37 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 38 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 39 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 40 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 41 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 42 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 43 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC18F442-E/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Controller, Automotive Body Electronics, Sensor Signal Conditioning Node, Low-Cost DC Motor / PWM Control, Embedded User Interface Controller, Battery-Powered Measurement Instrument.
Industrial Automation Controller
The PIC18F442-E/PT fits industrial automation controllers because its 40 MHz CPU (10 MIPS) executes deterministic control loops in well under 1 ms, the 36 I/O lines multiplex buttons, relays, and HMI lines without external logic, and the 10-bit 8-channel ADC reads 4-20 mA sensors with 0.1% resolution. Its 4.2-5.5V supply matches 24V->5V regulator rails common on PLC cards. Compared with newer Cortex-M0 parts, the PIC18F442 has deterministic interrupt latency and the well-documented PIC18 toolchain (MPLAB X + XC8) which simplifies maintenance.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC18F442-E/PT operates from -40C to +125C (E-grade) and is therefore suitable for non-safety automotive body modules such as HVAC flaps, seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and lighting nodes. Its 2 CCP/PWM modules drive small DC motors or LED strings directly with 10-bit duty resolution, while the MSSP drives SPI/I2C peripherals (sensor ICs, EEPROM, displays). For OBD-II or CAN-bus body integration, prefer the PIC18F26K80 family; for HVAC the PIC18F442-E/PT remains cost-optimized.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Node
The PIC18F442-E/PT's 8-channel 10-bit ADC samples multiple analog sensors at up to ~50 kS/s aggregate and applies digital filtering in firmware, eliminating external signal-conditioning ICs. The MSSP reads digital sensors (SPI temperature, I2C accelerometers) while the CPU publishes the processed result over USART or SPI. NanoWatt sleep modes reduce quiescent current below 1 uA for battery-driven environmental sensor nodes - useful in wireless mesh or remote-monitoring installations.
Recommended
Low-Cost DC Motor / PWM Control
The PIC18F442-E/PT's two CCP/PWM modules generate 10-bit PWM outputs up to 40 kHz for brushed DC motors, solenoid drivers, and heater elements. Its 36 I/O handle direction, brake, and tachometer feedback, while the 10 MIPS throughput executes PI control loops at 10 kHz without jitter. The 4.2-5.5V supply powers directly from 5V USB or 6V battery packs - eliminating extra regulators. Drop in the PIC18F452-E/PT for code-heavy field-oriented control (FOC) variants.
Recommended
Embedded User Interface Controller
The PIC18F442-E/PT drives character LCDs, LED matrices, and keypads with its 36 I/O and USART, hosting menus for appliances, instrument panels, or vending machines. Its 16 KB Flash stores multilingual UI strings, and the 256-byte EEPROM retains user settings through power cycles. The MSSP drives I2C/SPI peripherals such as RTCs, GPIO expanders, and OLED displays. Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C handles outdoor kiosks and HVAC user interfaces.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Measurement Instrument
The PIC18F442-E/PT's nanoWatt technology drops quiescent current below 1 uA in Sleep mode and ~10 uA in Idle, enabling multi-year battery life in portable meters, dataloggers, and wireless sensor nodes. The 10-bit ADC and 16 KB Flash store calibration tables in EEPROM and run statistical algorithms in firmware. The 4.2V minimum supply means a 3-cell AA or single Li-ion (3.7V) is not enough; choose the LF variant for true 3.3V operation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F442-E/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F452-E/PT | PIC18F442-I/PT | PIC18F452-I/PT | PIC18F4420-E/PT | PIC18F43K22-E/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TQFP-44 | TQFP-44 - same | TQFP-44 - same | TQFP-44 - same | TQFP-44 - same | TQFP-44 - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 32 KB (+100%) | 16 KB (same) | 32 KB (+100%) | 16 KB (same) | 8 KB (-50%) |
| RAM | 768 bytes | 1536 bytes (+100%) | 768 bytes (same) | 1536 bytes (+100%) | 768 bytes (same) | 512 bytes (-33%) |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes (same) | 256 bytes (same) | 256 bytes (same) | 256 bytes (same) | 256 bytes (same) |
| Maximum Clock | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 40 MHz (same) | 40 MHz (same) | 40 MHz (same) | 40 MHz (same) | 64 MHz (60% faster) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| Supply Voltage | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (broader) |
| I/O Pins | 36 | 36 (same) | 36 (same) | 36 (same) | 36 (same) | 36 (same) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C automotive temperature grade (vs PIC18F442-I/PT)
- Twice the Flash and RAM of nearest I-grade sibling (vs PIC18F452-I/PT)
- 40 MHz PIC18 performance with full peripheral set (vs PIC18F43K22-E/PT)
Design Notes
The PIC18F442-E/PT requires a clean 5V rail: place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin (pins 11 and 32) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the main 5V supply. Estimated: at 40 MHz the core draws ~15 mA, so the regulator should source at least 50 mA with adequate headroom. Below 4.2V the device is out of specification - choose the PIC18LF442 variant for 3.3V systems.
Route the 40 MHz crystal traces (OSC1/OSC2) symmetrically and keep them short, surrounded by a ground pour to minimize EMI. The MCLR/VPP pin needs a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF capacitor to ground for reliable reset; do not leave it floating. Place ICSP test points (PGC/RB6, PGD/RB7, MCLR, VDD, VSS) on the PCB edge to allow programming without disassembly.
Common pitfalls: (1) Total I/O current per pin is 25 mA source / 25 mA sink, but the aggregate for all pins is limited to 200 mA - exceeding this triggers thermal shutdown. (2) Configuration bits must be set correctly (oscillator, watchdog, brown-out, code protect) - failing to do so leaves the device unprogrammed. (3) The ADC requires the acquisition time (Tad) to be at least 1.6 us; default settings may not work with slow ADC clocks above 1 MHz.
The MSSP/SPI bus on PORTC (RC3 SCK, RC4 SDI/SDA, RC5 SDO) can run up to 10 MHz; at speeds above 5 MHz add 33 ohm series-termination resistors close to the source pins to dampen ringing. The I2C bus requires 4.7 kohm pull-ups to VDD (not 3.3V - the device is 5V); failing to provide adequate pull-up strength produces bus errors above 100 kHz.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and lead-free per Microchip product page; the 'E' temperature grade is suited for many automotive body-electronics applications per Microchip's product family documentation, though AEC-Q100 conformance is family-level rather than part-level.