PIC18F4439T-I/ML - 8-bit MCU, 12KB Flash, 40MHz, QFN-44 | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F4439T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.18 | $5.18 |
| 10 | $4.66 | $46.60 |
| 100 | $4.14 | $414.00 |
| 500 | $3.73 | $1,865.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.32 | $3,320.00 |
PIC18F4439T-I/ML Overview
What is a PIC18F microcontroller? The PIC18F family is a high-performance 8-bit RISC MCU line from Microchip Technology that pairs a modified Harvard core with on-chip Flash, EEPROM, and a rich peripheral set, bridging the gap between classic PIC16F parts and 16-bit dsPIC devices. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC18F sits as: 8-bit MCU -> PIC microcontroller -> Microchip MCU portfolio -> embedded semiconductor. The 'F' suffix denotes Flash program memory, 'I' denotes the industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C), and 'ML' is the QFN-44 package code.
Key features include 12KB (6K x 16) of Flash program memory, 640 bytes of data RAM, 256 bytes of EEPROM, a 10-bit ADC with up to 8 channels, and a dedicated motor-control PWM kernel with Power Control PWM (PCPWM) modules, a 16-bit Capture/Compare/PWM block, and quadrature encoder interfaces. Additional peripherals include two USART modules, an MSSP (SPI/I2C) port, an enhanced CCP module, and nanoWatt power management features. The QFN-44 exposed-pad package delivers a typical theta-JA around 24 C/W when properly soldered to a thermal land, supporting continuous operation at 40 MHz with full peripheral activity.
Typical applications include single-phase induction motor drives (fans, pumps, compressors), brushless DC (BLDC) and switched-reluctance motor control, white-goods appliances (washing machines, refrigerators, range hoods), industrial HVAC blowers, and sensor-conditioned IoT edge nodes. The integrated motor-control kernel eliminates the need for an external DSP or FPGA for sinusoidal commutation and field-oriented control entry-level designs.
Design consideration: the QFN-44 exposed pad MUST be soldered to a thermal land on the PCB (Microchip TB040/TC040 thermal pattern recommended) to meet the rated thermal performance; otherwise the die will derate under sustained 40 MHz operation. Use the MPLAB X IDE with the XC8 compiler and configure the ICD3/ICD4 or PICkit 4 for in-circuit debugging via the ICSP header. For drop-in migration to PIC18F4431 or PIC18F2439 parts, verify the peripheral map against the target datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F4439T-I/ML — 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 PIC18F4439T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Core Architecture, Package, Communication, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F4431T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F4331T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4539T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F4439-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4431-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4439T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC18F |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit enhanced Harvard RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 12 KB (6K x 16) |
| Data RAM | 640 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 40 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 36 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 8 channels |
| PWM Channels | Power Control PWM (PCPWM), 16-bit ECCP |
| Communication | 1x MSSP (SPI/I2C), 1x USART/Enhanced USART |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | QFN-44 (ML) with exposed thermal pad, 8x8 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Special Features | Motor-control kernel, nanoWatt power management, ICSP |
PIC18F4439T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (Reset) input, active-low |
| Pin 2 | OSC1 — Crystal/oscillator input or external clock |
| Pin 3 | OSC2 — Crystal/oscillator output |
| Pin 4 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 6 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 |
| Pin 7 | RA3/AN3 — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 |
| Pin 8 | RA4/AN4 — PORTA bit 4 / analog input 4 |
| Pin 9 | RA5/AN5 — PORTA bit 5 / analog input 5 |
| Pin 10 | RA6/OSC2 — PORTA bit 6 / secondary oscillator |
| Pin 11 | RA7/OSC1 — PORTA bit 7 / secondary oscillator |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.2-5.5V) |
| Pin 14 | RB0/INT0 — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 15 | RB1/INT1 — PORTB bit 1 / external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 16 | RB2/INT2 — PORTB bit 2 / external interrupt 2 |
| Pin 17 | RB3/INT3 — PORTB bit 3 / external interrupt 3 |
| Pin 18 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 19 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 20 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 21 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 22 | RC0/T1OSO — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output |
| Pin 23 | RC1/T1OSI — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input |
| Pin 24 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 25 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 26 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 27 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 28 | RC6/TX — PORTC bit 6 / USART transmit |
| Pin 29 | RC7/RX — PORTC bit 7 / USART receive |
| Pin 30 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 |
| Pin 31 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 |
| Pin 32 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2 |
| Pin 33 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3 |
| Pin 34 | RD4 — PORTD bit 4 |
| Pin 35 | RD5/PWM1 — PORTD bit 5 / PWM output 1 |
| Pin 36 | RD6/PWM2 — PORTD bit 6 / PWM output 2 |
| Pin 37 | RD7/PWM3 — PORTD bit 7 / PWM output 3 |
| Pin 38 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 39 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.2-5.5V) |
| Pin 40 | RE0 — PORTE bit 0 |
| Pin 41 | RE1 — PORTE bit 1 |
| Pin 42 | RE2 — PORTE bit 2 |
| Pin 43 | RE3 — PORTE bit 3 |
| Pin 44 | AVSS — Analog ground (must connect to VSS) |
| Pin EP | EP — Exposed thermal pad - connect to VSS for thermal dissipation |
Typical Applications
PIC18F4439T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Single-Phase Induction Motor Drive, BLDC Motor Control, White-Goods Appliance Control, Industrial HVAC Blower Control, Sensor-Conditioned IoT Edge Node, Switched-Reluctance Motor Drive.
Single-Phase Induction Motor Drive
The PIC18F4439T-I/ML is the reference MCU for single-phase induction motor control in fans, pumps, and compressors. Its integrated Power Control PWM (PCPWM) kernel generates complementary outputs with programmable dead time, eliminating the need for an external DSP. The 40 MHz CPU and 10-bit ADC with up to 8 channels handle back-EMF sensing and closed-loop torque regulation. With 12 KB Flash and 640 bytes RAM, the device runs sinusoidal commutation and field-oriented control entry-level algorithms while keeping BOM cost low. The QFN-44 package's exposed thermal pad supports continuous switching losses in variable-frequency drives.
Recommended
BLDC Motor Control
For brushless DC motor applications, the PIC18F4439T-I/ML provides three-phase PWM generation, Hall-sensor or back-EMF commutation, and quadrature encoder interface on a single chip. The motor-control kernel supports sensored and sensorless trapezoidal commutation with programmable current limits and fault shutdown. The 36 I/O pins connect directly to gate drivers and current-sense amplifiers, while the 10-bit ADC samples phase currents synchronously to the PWM. Designers use the MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC) plug-in for rapid motor-control firmware development.
Recommended
White-Goods Appliance Control
The PIC18F4439T-I/ML targets home appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, and range hoods where motor control, user-interface scanning, and sensor acquisition must coexist on one MCU. The 12 KB Flash holds appliance state machines and safety diagnostics, while the USART and MSSP interfaces connect to HMI boards and external EEPROM. The industrial temperature grade (-40 C to +85 C) and nanoWatt power management features support always-on appliance standby designs. The 44-pin QFN keeps the PCB footprint compact for space-constrained appliance chassis.
Recommended
Industrial HVAC Blower Control
Variable-speed blower control in HVAC systems uses the PIC18F4439T-I/ML for sinusoidal AC induction motor commutation with closed-loop airflow regulation. The motor-control PWM kernel supports soft-start ramps and stall detection, while the 10-bit ADC reads thermistor inputs for temperature-dependent airflow curves. The 4.2-5.5V supply is compatible with 24V industrial rails after regulation. The QFN-44 exposed pad provides reliable thermal performance at sustained switching duty cycles in commercial HVAC plenums.
Recommended
Sensor-Conditioned IoT Edge Node
The PIC18F4439T-I/ML functions as an IoT edge controller conditioning sensor inputs and driving actuators in industrial sensing networks. Its 36 I/O and 10-bit ADC handle analog sensors, while the MSSP (SPI/I2C) port connects to digital sensors and the USART links to wireless modules. The 12 KB Flash supports edge-processing algorithms and protocol stacks (Modbus, sensor-fusion pre-processing). The industrial temperature grade and nanoWatt sleep modes extend battery life in remote deployments.
Recommended
Switched-Reluctance Motor Drive
Switched-reluctance motor (SRM) drives benefit from the PIC18F4439T-I/ML's flexible PWM kernel and fast ADC triggering. The PCPWM module handles asymmetric half-bridge commutation required by SRM phases, while the quadrature encoder interface reads rotor position. The 12 KB Flash holds commutation tables and torque-sharing functions for high-efficiency SRM operation. With 36 I/O and 40 MHz CPU bandwidth, the MCU controls 4-quadrant SRM drives in traction and servo applications.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F4439T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F4431T-I/ML | PIC18F4331T-I/ML | PIC18F4539T-I/ML | PIC18F4439-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | QFN-44 (ML) | QFN-44 (ML) - same | QFN-44 (ML) - same | QFN-44 (ML) - same | QFN-44 (ML) - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 12 KB | 16 KB (+33%) | 8 KB (-33%) | 32 KB (+167%) | 12 KB (same) |
| Data RAM | 640 bytes | 768 bytes | 336 bytes | 1408 bytes | 640 bytes |
| Maximum Clock | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 4.2-5.5 V | 4.2-5.5 V | 4.2-5.5 V | 4.2-5.5 V | 4.2-5.5 V |
| Motor-Control Kernel | Yes (PCPWM) | Yes (PCPWM) | Yes (PCPWM) | Yes (PCPWM) | Yes (PCPWM) |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40 to +85 C) | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tube / Tray |
Key Differentiators
- Larger Flash than PIC18F4331T-I/ML for richer firmware (vs PIC18F4331T-I/ML)
- Smaller Flash than PIC18F4431T-I/ML for cost-sensitive designs (vs PIC18F4431T-I/ML)
- Motor-control kernel optimized for single-phase induction motors (vs General-purpose PIC18F46J50-I/PT)
Design Notes
Estimated: with the QFN-44 exposed thermal pad properly soldered to a 1 square-inch copper pour (4-layer FR4 with thermal vias), theta_JA is approximately 24 C/W. At sustained 40 MHz operation with all peripherals active, internal dissipation is typically under 0.3 W, producing a junction-temperature rise of ~7 C above ambient. For applications near the +85 C industrial limit, add a top-side thermal land or copper pour on inner layers. Always follow Microchip's TB040 thermal pattern and use at least 9 thermal vias under the pad.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of each VDD pin (pins 13 and 39) and a single 10 uF bulk capacitor near the MCU. The AVSS pin (44) must connect directly to the ground plane with a short trace; do NOT run noisy digital return currents under the analog section. For the ICSP header, use a 6-pin 0.1 inch header layout with MCLR pulled up to VDD through a 10 kOhm resistor and a 100 nF cap to ground.
Critical: the PIC18F4439T-I/ML requires the ICSP PGC/PGD pins (RB6/RB7) to be available for in-circuit programming - do NOT lock these pins as outputs in application firmware without considering debug recovery. The 'T' suffix in T-I/ML indicates tape-and-reel packaging; the tray-packaged equivalent is PIC18F4439-I/ML. Configure the configuration bits (CONFIG1L through CONFIG3H) for the correct oscillator mode BEFORE first programming to avoid bricking the device.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade only; not AEC-Q100 qualified - select PIC18F4439T-E/ML (extended grade) for automotive applications.