PIC18F442-I/P - 8-Bit 40MHz 16KB Flash MCU | Microchip DIP-40
MPN: PIC18F442-I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.2 | $8.20 |
| 10 | $7.55 | $75.50 |
| 100 | $6.8 | $680.00 |
| 500 | $6.1 | $3,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.4 | $5,400.00 |
PIC18F442-I/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (Flash, SRAM, EEPROM), and programmable I/O peripherals on one die. PIC18F microcontrollers belong to Microchip's enhanced 8-bit PIC architecture, occupying the mid-tier of the PIC family hierarchy (PIC10/12/14/16 base → PIC18 enhanced → PIC24/dsPIC 16-bit → PIC32 32-bit). They are widely used in industrial control, automotive body electronics, and consumer appliances where deterministic real-time response and a mature toolchain outweigh the raw throughput of 32-bit cores.
The PIC18F442 features 34 digital I/O pins, an 8-channel 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), two Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules, a synchronous serial port configurable as SPI or I2C, an Addressable USART, and nanoWatt power management. The Harvard architecture and 77 single-word instruction set deliver deterministic execution suited to interrupt-driven control loops. Operating voltage spans 4.2 V to 5.5 V from a single supply.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, motor control firmware, HVAC thermostats, security panel keypads, and white-goods user interfaces. The combination of Flash self-programming, ICD, and a 10-bit ADC enables in-field firmware updates and direct sensor interfacing without external components. According to the manufacturer datasheet, the device offers upwards source-code compatibility with PIC16C5X, PIC12CXXX, PIC16CXX, and PIC17CXX families, providing a seamless migration path. When designing, allocate decoupling capacitors within 5 mm of VDD/AVDD pins and reserve the MCLR pin for a proper reset network to ensure robust operation in electrically noisy industrial environments.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F442-I/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 PIC18F442-I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Mounting Type, ADC, Core.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F452-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F442-E/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F442-I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18F (8-bit) |
| Program Memory | 16 KB Flash |
| SRAM | 768 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 40 MHz |
| Performance | 10 MIPS (100 ns instruction cycle) |
| Instruction Set | 77 single-word instructions |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| Digital I/O Pins | 34 |
| ADC | 8-channel, 10-bit |
| CCP Modules | 2 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Serial Interfaces | SPI / I2C (MSSP), Addressable USART |
| Package | 40-pin PDIP (DIP-40) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial, 'I') |
| In-Circuit Debug | Yes (ICD) |
| Self-Programming | Yes |
| Power Management | nanoWatt Technology |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F442-I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (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 port read / analog input 5 |
| Pin 9 | RE1/WR/AN6 — PORTE bit 1 / parallel port write / analog input 6 |
| Pin 10 | RE2/CS/AN7 — PORTE bit 2 / parallel port chip select / analog input 7 |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply (4.2V-5.5V) |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 15 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 16 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 output |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 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 (4.2V-5.5V) |
| 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 (alternate) |
| Pin 37 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 38 | RB5/PGM — PORTB bit 5 / LVP programming |
| Pin 39 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICD clock |
| Pin 40 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICD data |
Typical Applications
PIC18F442-I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Controller, HVAC Thermostat and Climate Control, Motor Control and BLDC/PWM Drives, Security and Alarm Panel Keypads, Consumer Appliance User Interface, Educational and Hobby Development Platform.
Industrial Automation Controller
The PIC18F442-I/P fits industrial automation controllers that demand deterministic real-time response, moderate code complexity, and field-reprogrammability. Its 40 MHz / 10 MIPS core executes PID loops and state machines well within millisecond scan budgets, while 16 KB Flash supports multiple control tables and self-programming enables factory-line firmware updates. The 8-channel 10-bit ADC reads thermocouples, pressure transducers, and 4-20 mA loop inputs via external signal conditioning. The 34 digital I/O drive relays, optocouplers, and indicator LEDs directly. Two CCP modules generate PWM outputs for proportional valves or variable-frequency drive enable signals. Industrial -40C to +85C operation tolerates unheated cabinet environments. Deploy this MCU in PLCs, conveyor controllers, and process-control front-ends.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat and Climate Control
The PIC18F442-I/P is well suited to HVAC thermostat and climate-control panels that combine temperature sensing, keypad input, LCD display driving, and relay-switched fan/valve control. The 10-bit ADC reads NTC thermistors and setpoint potentiometers with adequate resolution for 0.5C display increments; an external I2C temperature sensor like the MCP9808 can be polled via the MSSP peripheral. nanoWatt sleep modes drop consumption below 1 µA between sensor scans, allowing battery-backed thermostats to operate for years on a single coin cell. The 256-byte EEPROM stores schedule profiles and setpoints across power cycles. 34 digital I/O drive character LCDs, multiplexed keypads, and triac-gated outputs. Industrial temperature rating suits unconditioned interior-wall installations.
Recommended
Motor Control and BLDC/PWM Drives
The PIC18F442-I/P drives small brushless DC (BLDC) and stepper motor control boards where its two CCP modules deliver complementary PWM channels with programmable dead-band and fault input. The 10 MIPS throughput runs sensorless back-EMF zero-cross detection algorithms in real time, while the 8-channel 10-bit ADC samples phase currents, bus voltage, and back-EMF comparators within microseconds. The 34 digital I/O interface Hall sensors, gate-driver ICs, and direction-control inputs. Self-programming Flash lets OEMs ship firmware updates for new motor profiles without a programmer. Combined with the MCP8024 3-phase gate driver and current-sense op-amps, the PIC18F442-I/P forms a complete low-cost motor-control platform for fans, pumps, and appliance drives.
Recommended
Security and Alarm Panel Keypads
The PIC18F442-I/P integrates well into security and alarm panel keypads where it scans 4x4 or larger key matrices, drives piezo buzzers and indicator LEDs, and interfaces with the central panel via RS-485 or UART. The 16 KB Flash holds zone-configuration tables, event logs, and communication protocol stacks; the 256-byte EEPROM stores installer-programmed parameters that survive battery replacement. Two CCP modules generate the multi-tone piezo driver waveforms and the LED-strobe flash cadence. Addressable USART supports the addressable keybus protocol used in many commercial alarm systems. The industrial temperature rating handles unheated closets and outdoor equipment cabinets. Combine with an external RTC like the MCP79410 for time-stamped event logging.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance User Interface
The PIC18F442-I/P serves consumer appliance user-interface boards (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, induction cooktops) that combine a multi-segment LCD or LED display, capacitive touch buttons via the CTMU peripheral, and relay-controlled load switching. The 40 MHz core runs segmented LCD driver routines and serial communication with the appliance's main controller without noticeable lag. The 34 I/O drive discrete LEDs, scan rotary encoders, and switch triac-gated mains loads through optocouplers. Self-programming Flash enables after-sales firmware updates via the service-port UART. Industrial temperature range suits under-counter appliance environments. Use it as a low-cost UI coprocessor paired with a higher-pin-count main controller.
Recommended
Educational and Hobby Development Platform
The PIC18F442-I/P is ideal for educational labs, university microcontroller courses, and hobbyist projects because the DIP-40 through-hole package plugs directly into breadboards and standard IC sockets without surface-mount soldering. The MPLAB X IDE plus XC8 compiler and the PICkit 3/4 in-circuit debugger/programmer offer a free, well-documented toolchain that students can install and run on Windows, macOS, or Linux. 16 KB Flash accommodates introductory C programs, interrupt-driven exercises, and peripheral libraries for ADC, PWM, and serial communication. The 77-instruction PIC18 ISA is approachable for first-time embedded programmers while still teaching register-level concepts. Sample code is widely available from Microchip's application library and academic resources.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F442-I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F452-I/P | PIC18F442-E/P |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | DIP-40 (PDIP-40) | DIP-40 (PDIP-40) - same | DIP-40 (PDIP-40) - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB |
| SRAM | 768 bytes | 1536 bytes | 768 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Clock Speed | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +125C (extended) |
| ADC | 8-ch 10-bit | 8-ch 10-bit | 8-ch 10-bit |
| I/O Pins | 34 | 34 | 34 |
Key Differentiators
- Larger memory headroom with same DIP-40 footprint (vs PIC18F442-I/P)
- Extended temperature rating for outdoor/harsh environments (vs PIC18F442-I/P)
- Same die, different package for SMD migration (vs PIC18F442-I/P)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 40 MHz CPU clocking VDD = 5.0V, the PIC18F442-I/P draws approximately 16 mA active I-DD and < 1 µA in sleep mode (with peripherals off). Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin (pin 11 and pin 32) and a bulk 10 µF tantalum or aluminum polymer on the supply rail. Connect AVSS to VSS at a single point under the IC, and route AVDD separately with its own 100 nF + 10 µF filter when ADC accuracy matters.
Keep the MCLR pin (pin 1) tied to VDD through a 10 kΩ resistor and a 100 nF capacitor to VSS to form a hardware reset network. Without this network, transient noise can falsely reset the MCU. For ICD operation, route PGC (RB6) and PGD (RB7) traces as short and parallel as possible, with no other signal switching nearby, to avoid debugger communication failures at high CPU speeds.
Do not leave the OSC1/OSC2 pins floating - either populate the crystal with two 22 pF load capacitors to ground or configure the FOSC fuse for the correct oscillator mode (HS for >4 MHz crystal). When using the internal RC oscillator instead, expect ±2% frequency tolerance across temperature, which may be insufficient for UART baud rates above 9600 without using the MSSP or auto-baud detect feature.
The DIP-40 plastic package has θJA ≈ 60 °C/W in still air; at typical 16 mA active + 10 mA I/O sink current at 5 V, dissipation is under 150 mW, so no heatsink is needed. Estimated: at the maximum ambient of 85 °C, junction rise is only ~9 °C, well below the 150 °C absolute maximum. Avoid mounting the device near power transformers or other heat sources.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product declaration. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C). Not AEC-Q100 qualified; choose PIC18F442-E/P for extended temp or automotive-grade applications. Lead-free Pb-free packaging.
