PIC18F442-I/L - 40MHz 8-bit MCU 16KB Flash 44-PLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F442-I/L ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.99 | $5.99 |
| 10 | $5.39 | $53.90 |
| 100 | $4.79 | $479.00 |
| 500 | $4.25 | $2,125.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.75 | $3,750.00 |
PIC18F442-I/L Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path and a small but powerful instruction set optimized for embedded control. PIC18-family devices sit in the upper tier of Microchip's 8-bit portfolio, sitting above the PIC16 family in code density, peripheral count, and MIPS throughput, while remaining part of the broader MCU -> embedded controller -> semiconductor taxonomy. The PIC18F442 specifically targets designs that need more code space and RAM than the PIC16 mid-range parts but do not yet justify stepping up to a PIC24 dsPIC or 32-bit MCU.
Key features include 34 digital I/O lines, a 10-bit A/D converter with 8 input channels, two Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules, an enhanced USART, an MSSP configurable as SPI or I2C, and nanoWatt Technology dynamic power management. The 8-channel 10-bit ADC supports up to 8 multiplexed analog inputs, and the CCP peripherals make the device well-suited for motor control, power conversion, and PWM-driven actuator applications. The 256-byte on-chip EEPROM provides non-volatile data storage for calibration constants or user settings without external memory.
The architecture combines a 16-bit-wide instruction word with an 8-bit data path, allowing most instructions to execute in a single cycle. Self-programming capability, an ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) interface, and C-compiler friendly design reduce development friction. The PIC18F442 is upwardly code-compatible with PIC16C5X, PIC12CXXX, PIC16CXX, and PIC17CXX devices, giving engineers a migration path to higher performance without rewriting firmware.
Typical applications include industrial automation and control, automotive body and sensor subsystems, home appliances, sensor interfacing, small motor control, and low-power embedded nodes. The combination of EEPROM, ADC, CCP, and serial peripherals in a 44-pin package is a common fit for HVAC, vending, lighting control, and instrument front-end boards.
When designing with this device, budget the oscillator startup time and decoupling carefully; the PLCC package benefits from a ground plane and 100 nF ceramic bypass caps on each supply pin. Note that the PIC18F442-I/L is in Not Recommended for New Designs (NRND) status; existing designs can continue using it but new programs should evaluate the PIC18F452 successor family.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F442-I/L — 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-I/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture, Mounting Type, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F452-I/L
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$6.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4520-I/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F442-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F442T-I/L
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.61 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F458-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.79 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4420-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F442-I/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| RAM Size | 768 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 40 MHz |
| Instruction Set | 77 instructions, 16-bit opcode, 8-bit data |
| Throughput | 10 MIPS |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 34 |
| A/D Converter | 10-bit, 8 channels |
| CCP Modules | 2 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Serial Interfaces | MSSP (SPI / I2C), Enhanced USART |
| Package | 44-pin PLCC (J-Lead, 16.59 x 16.59 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Power-Saving Modes | nanoWatt Technology (sleep, idle, etc.) |
PIC18F442-I/L Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active-low |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/Vref- — Digital I/O / Analog input 2 / ADC Vref- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/Vref+ — Digital I/O / Analog input 3 / ADC Vref+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — Digital I/O / Analog input 4 / SPI Slave Select |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKI — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Oscillator output / I/O |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Digital I/O / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / USART TX / clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / USART RX / data |
| Pin 18 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | Vdd — Positive supply (4.2V - 5.5V) |
| Pin 20 | RB0/INT0 — Digital I/O / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 21 | RB1/INT1 — Digital I/O / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 22 | RB2/INT2 — Digital I/O / External interrupt 2 |
| Pin 23 | RB3/CCP2 — Digital I/O / CCP2 alternate |
| Pin 24 | RB4 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 25 | RB5 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 26 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 27 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 29 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 30 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 31 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 32 | RD0/PSP0 — Digital I/O / Parallel Slave Port bit 0 |
| Pin 33 | RD1/PSP1 — Digital I/O / Parallel Slave Port bit 1 |
| Pin 34 | RD2/PSP2 — Digital I/O / Parallel Slave Port bit 2 |
| Pin 35 | RD3/PSP3 — Digital I/O / Parallel Slave Port bit 3 |
| Pin 36 | RD4/PSP4 — Digital I/O / Parallel Slave Port bit 4 |
| Pin 37 | RD5/PSP5 — Digital I/O / Parallel Slave Port bit 5 |
| Pin 38 | RD6/PSP6 — Digital I/O / Parallel Slave Port bit 6 |
| Pin 39 | RD7/PSP7 — Digital I/O / Parallel Slave Port bit 7 |
| Pin 40 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 41 | Vdd — Positive supply (4.2V - 5.5V) |
| Pin 42 | RE0/RD/AN5 — Digital I/O / Read control / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 43 | RE1/WR/AN6 — Digital I/O / Write control / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 44 | RE2/CS/AN7 — Digital I/O / Chip select / Analog input 7 |
Typical Applications
PIC18F442-I/L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation & Sensor Hubs, Automotive Body & Sensor Subsystems, Home Appliance Control Boards, HVAC & Climate Control Systems, Small Motor & Stepper Control, Test & Measurement Instruments.
Industrial Automation & Sensor Hubs
The PIC18F442-I/L is well-matched to industrial sensor-hub and PLC-front-end designs that require reliable 8-bit control over a 4.2-5.5 V supply. Its 8-channel 10-bit ADC samples multiple analog sensors (temperature, pressure, current) at up to 40 MHz instruction throughput, and the Enhanced USART supports RS-485 multi-drop industrial networks common in factory automation. The 256-byte on-chip EEPROM stores calibration coefficients and machine ID without external memory.
Recommended
Automotive Body & Sensor Subsystems
The Industrial-temperature PIC18F442-I/L (-40 to +85 C) is used in non-powertrain automotive subsystems such as seat controllers, mirror modules, lighting controls, and HVAC actuators. Its two CCP modules generate PWM for LED drivers and small DC motor speed control, while the 10-bit ADC reads thermistors, position sensors, and current shunts. The 34 I/O pins comfortably drive multi-channel lighting or H-bridge interfaces in 12 V body-electronics environments.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control Boards
Washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and induction cooktops frequently use PIC18F442-class devices for front-panel control and load management. The 8-channel ADC reads keypad touch sensors, NTC thermistors, and motor current; the two CCP channels drive TRIAC firing or variable-frequency inverter PWM at low cost. The 16 KB Flash and 768-byte RAM fit appliance state-machine firmware, and the PLCC-44 package simplifies wave-solder manufacturing.
Recommended
HVAC & Climate Control Systems
HVAC controllers use the PIC18F442-I/L to read multiple temperature sensors, drive damper stepper motors or TRIAC-controlled fans, and communicate with thermostats over the Enhanced USART or MSSP. The 10 MIPS throughput easily handles PID loops for closed-loop temperature control, and the 256-byte EEPROM retains user-set schedules across power cycles. The wide Industrial temperature range supports unconditioned equipment-room installations.
Recommended
Small Motor & Stepper Control
The two CCP modules on PIC18F442-I/L generate complementary PWM outputs suitable for brushed DC motor speed control and small bipolar stepper drives. The 40 MHz clock supports up to 10 MIPS, enabling closed-loop PID with reasonable update rates for fan, pump, and conveyor applications. The 8-channel ADC reads back-EMF or current shunt feedback for torque regulation, while the EUSART provides a diagnostic port for factory tuning.
Recommended
Test & Measurement Instruments
Bench-top instruments such as digital multimeters, panel meters, and simple data loggers use the PIC18F442-I/L for the user interface, ADC scanning, and isolated serial communication to a host PC. The 10-bit ADC handles most general-purpose analog measurements, and the 256-byte EEPROM stores offset/gain calibration. The PLCC-44 footprint supports hand-rework-friendly prototyping while still being suitable for low-volume production.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F442-I/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F452-I/L | PIC18F4520-I/L | PIC18F458-I/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-pin PLCC (J-Lead) | 44-pin PLCC - same | 44-pin PLCC - same | 44-pin PLCC - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| RAM Size | 768 bytes | 1536 bytes | 1536 bytes | 1536 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| CAN Module | No | No | No | Yes |
| ADC Resolution / Channels | 10-bit / 8 channels | 10-bit / 8 channels | 10-bit / 8 channels | 10-bit / 8 channels |
| I/O Pins | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 |
| Operating 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 |
Key Differentiators
- Long-proven 44-pin PLCC footprint with broad ecosystem (vs PIC18F4520-I/L)
- Lower program-memory and RAM than successors (vs PIC18F452-I/L)
- No CAN, no enhanced PWM - simpler for non-networked control (vs PIC18F458-I/L)
Design Notes
The PIC18F442-I/L requires 4.2 V to 5.5 V on Vdd; unlike newer PIC18 K-series parts, it cannot operate down to 2.0 V. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor close to each Vdd pin (pins 19 and 41 on the PLCC-44 package), plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum polymer on the main Vdd rail. The brown-out reset voltage is factory-configured; verify BOR enable bit in your initialization code to avoid unintended resets on noisy industrial supplies.
Estimated: at 40 MHz clock and 5.0 V supply, the PIC18F442-I/L draws approximately 16 mA active and under 1 uA in sleep mode. Total power dissipation at full activity is roughly 80 mW, well within the PLCC-44 package's ~1 W thermal limit, but industrial enclosures should still provide 100 mm^2 of copper on the PLCC thermal pad for margin. The nanoWatt Technology dynamic power-down modes can cut quiescent current by 100x for battery-backed nodes.
The 44-pin PLCC package uses J-lead surface-mount pads on a 1.27 mm pitch. Reserve at least 1 mm of clearance around the part for cleaning and inspection. Keep the OSC1/OSC2 traces short (under 10 mm) and surround them with a ground guard ring if the oscillator is feeding sensitive analog circuits. The MCLR pin should be pulled up to Vdd via 10 kohm and have a 100 nF cap to ground for reliable reset behavior.
PIC18F442-I/L is now NRND - Microchip no longer recommends it for new designs. Existing production can continue, but for new programs evaluate PIC18F452, PIC18F4520, or modern PIC18F K-series parts in the same or smaller packages. When migrating firmware, pay attention to the new oscillator PLL configuration bits, ADC acquisition time, and enhanced CCP register mapping, which differ from the F442 baseline.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliance per Microchip product page. PIC18F442-I/L is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive use consider PIC18F458-I/L or modern AEC-graded parts. Halogen-free status not stated in the verified data.
