PIC18F4480T-I/ML - 16KB Flash, 40MHz 8-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F4480T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.85 | $4.85 |
| 10 | $4.36 | $43.60 |
| 100 | $3.88 | $388.00 |
| 500 | $3.49 | $1,745.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.1 | $3,100.00 |
PIC18F4480T-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data bus and Harvard architecture, integrating CPU, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, EEPROM, and peripherals such as timers, ADC, communication modules, and I/O. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC18F4480 belongs to PIC microcontrollers -> microcontrollers (MCU) -> integrated circuits -> semiconductors. The 'F' series adds enhanced Flash program memory and a 16-bit instruction word, while the 4480 sub-family specifically integrates a 10-bit ADC, multiple timers, and CAN/EUSART peripherals for industrial and automotive networking applications.
Key features include 36 digital I/O lines, 11 ADC channels with 10-bit resolution, two 8-bit and three 16-bit timers, two enhanced USART modules, a CAN 2.0B controller, and a 4x PLL block. The device supports ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) and ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) interfaces, along with nanoWatt technology for dynamic power management modes including Idle, Sleep, and deep power-down.
The architecture uses an enhanced Harvard design with separate code and data buses, allowing instruction fetch and operand read in the same cycle. This produces a 10 MIPS (million instructions per second) throughput at 40 MHz, with hardware multiplier and C compiler-friendly instruction set optimized for embedded control and deterministic real-time response.
Typical applications include industrial CAN-bus nodes, automotive body and chassis ECUs, sensor interfacing, motor control, and embedded control in factory automation. The wide 2.0V-5.5V operating range and 40 MHz performance make it suitable for both battery-powered instrumentation and line-powered controllers.
Designers should budget adequate copper thermal relief under the exposed pad (EP) to maintain junction temperature within the -40C to +85C industrial range, and follow Microchip AN1281 for QFN PCB layout guidance.
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, giving engineers a one-stop reference for sourcing and engineering decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F4480T-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 PIC18F4480T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash), Timers, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F4480-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4458-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4450-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F4580-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F2480-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F4420-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F4480T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC18 8-bit RISC |
| Series | PIC18F4480 |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| RAM | 768 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 40 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 36 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 11 channels |
| Timers | 2x 8-bit, 3x 16-bit |
| Communication | 2x EUSART, CAN 2.0B |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 44-pin QFN (ML) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Programming Interface | ICSP / ICD |
| Data Brief Status | Production |
PIC18F4480T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | NC — Not connected |
| 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 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 9 | AVDD — Analog supply voltage |
| Pin 10 | RB0/INT0 — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 11 | RB1/INT1 — PORTB bit 1 / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 12 | RB2/INT2 — PORTB bit 2 / External interrupt 2 |
| Pin 13 | RB3/INT3 — PORTB bit 3 / External interrupt 3 |
| Pin 14 | RB4/KBI0 — PORTB bit 4 / Keyboard interrupt 0 |
| Pin 15 | RB5/KBI1 — PORTB bit 5 / Keyboard interrupt 1 |
| Pin 16 | RB6/KBI2/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / Keyboard interrupt 2 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 17 | RB7/KBI3/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / Keyboard interrupt 3 / ICSP data |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 20 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock |
| Pin 21 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 22 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 23 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 24 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 25 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 26 | RC6/TX1/CK1 — PORTC bit 6 / EUSART1 TX / clock |
| Pin 27 | RC7/RX1/DT1 — PORTC bit 7 / EUSART1 RX / data |
| Pin 28 | RE0/RD/AN5 — PORTE bit 0 / Parallel port read / Analog 5 |
| Pin 29 | RE1/WR/AN6 — PORTE bit 1 / Parallel port write / Analog 6 |
| Pin 30 | RE2/CS/AN7 — PORTE bit 2 / Parallel port chip select / Analog 7 |
| Pin 31 | VDD — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 32 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 33 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Oscillator input / Clock input / PORTA bit 7 |
| Pin 34 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Oscillator output / Clock output / PORTA bit 6 |
| Pin 35 | RD0/PSP0 — PORTD bit 0 / Parallel slave port 0 |
| Pin 36 | RD1/PSP1 — PORTD bit 1 / Parallel slave port 1 |
| Pin 37 | RD2/PSP2 — PORTD bit 2 / Parallel slave port 2 |
| Pin 38 | RD3/PSP3 — PORTD bit 3 / Parallel slave port 3 |
| Pin 39 | RD4/PSP4 — PORTD bit 4 / Parallel slave port 4 |
| Pin 40 | RD5/PSP5 — PORTD bit 5 / Parallel slave port 5 |
| Pin 41 | RD6/PSP6/TX2/CK2 — PORTD bit 6 / PSP 6 / EUSART2 TX |
| Pin 42 | RD7/PSP7/RX2/DT2 — PORTD bit 7 / PSP 7 / EUSART2 RX |
| Pin 43 | C1IN+/C2IN+ — Comparator 1 positive input / Comparator 2 positive input |
| Pin 44 | C1OUT/C2OUT — Comparator 1 output / Comparator 2 output |
Typical Applications
PIC18F4480T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial CAN-bus Nodes, Automotive Body and Chassis ECUs, Sensor Interfacing and Data Acquisition, Motor Control and PWM, Smart Home and IoT Edge Nodes, Embedded Instrumentation and Test.
Industrial CAN-bus Nodes
The PIC18F4480T-I/ML is purpose-built for industrial CAN-bus networks. Its integrated hardware CAN 2.0B controller, supporting up to 1 Mbps with 6 acceptance masks and 14 acceptance filters, eliminates the need for an external CAN controller, reducing BOM and PCB area. The 16 KB Flash and 768-byte RAM comfortably host CANopen or DeviceNet slave stack implementations, while the 36 I/O pins connect directly to sensor and actuator interfaces. At 40 MHz / 10 MIPS, the device handles real-time CAN message processing and PID control loops within the same firmware, suiting PLC remote I/O, industrial sensor hubs, and factory-automation slaves in 24V bus systems where the 2.0-5.5V supply range simplifies power design.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Chassis ECUs
For non-safety automotive body and chassis ECUs, the PIC18F4480T-I/ML offers the CAN interface, 40 MHz performance, and -40C to +85C industrial temperature range that vehicle modules require. The device drives body-control functions including lighting, mirror, wiper, and HVAC subsystems where moderate compute is sufficient. Its 16 KB Flash supports AUTOSAR-lite or custom firmware for seat controllers and door modules, while 36 I/O connect to relay drivers and sensor inputs. Note that for safety-critical applications (airbag, ABS, steering), an AEC-Q100-qualified MCU is mandatory; the 4480 is industrial-grade and not automotive-qualified. Engineers typically pair it with external watchdog supervisors and CAN transceivers in 12V battery-fed modules.
Recommended
Sensor Interfacing and Data Acquisition
The PIC18F4480T-I/ML is well suited to multi-sensor data acquisition with its 11-channel 10-bit ADC and 36 I/O. The 10-bit ADC provides 1024 quantization steps at up to approximately 100 ksps, sufficient for temperature, pressure, and flow sensors in industrial instrumentation. The 16 KB Flash holds calibration tables and linearization firmware, while the 256-byte EEPROM stores nonvolatile configuration and sensor compensation data. Three 16-bit timers drive precise sampling rates, and the EUSART modules transmit processed data over RS-232/RS-485 or CAN. Designers typically use this architecture in environmental monitoring stations, HVAC controllers, and process-control front-ends where deterministic timing and embedded intelligence matter more than raw ADC resolution.
Recommended
Motor Control and PWM
The PIC18F4480T-I/ML provides dedicated Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) and Enhanced CCP modules for low-to-medium frequency motor control. With two CCP channels producing 10-bit PWM, the device can drive brushed DC, stepper, and small BLDC motors commonly used in fans, pumps, valves, and small appliances. The 40 MHz clock and 10 MIPS throughput enable real-time PID loop execution, while the 10-bit ADC samples back-EMF or current-sense signals in hardware-triggered conversion. The 36 I/O pins accommodate H-bridge gate drivers, encoder feedback, and fault inputs. This makes the 4480 a fit for HVAC damper actuators, small pump controllers, and consumer appliance motor subsystems where compact, deterministic 8-bit control outperforms software-emulated PWM on larger cores.
Recommended
Smart Home and IoT Edge Nodes
For smart-home and IoT edge nodes, the PIC18F4480T-I/ML balances low power, deterministic control, and connectivity. The nanoWatt technology with Idle, Sleep, and deep-power-down modes enables battery-life extension in thermostats, security sensors, and HVAC peripherals. The integrated CAN and EUSART allow the device to act as a wired sensor concentrator in home-automation backbones that use CAN or RS-485 rather than Wi-Fi. The 16 KB Flash hosts Zigbee-style bridge firmware or Modbus slave stacks, and the 36 I/O read buttons, drive relays, and interface displays. Combined with external wireless modules (sub-GHz, BLE, LoRa), the 4480 serves as the deterministic sensor-processing hub in IoT edge devices where deterministic response beats Linux-based SBCs.
Recommended
Embedded Instrumentation and Test
In bench-top instruments, lab tools, and production-line testers, the PIC18F4480T-I/ML delivers the deterministic timing required for stimulus-response measurements. Its three 16-bit timers provide capture and compare modes for frequency, period, and pulse-width measurements down to 25 ns resolution at 40 MHz. The 10-bit ADC supports up to 11 analog channels for stimulus monitoring, while EUSART provides RS-232/485 connectivity to host PCs. The 16 KB Flash stores calibration constants and test sequencer firmware, and 256 bytes EEPROM retains test limits and unit serial numbers. This profile fits handheld multimeters, function generators, and PC-based production-line programmers where repeatable firmware behavior is essential.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F4480T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F4480-I/ML | PIC18F4458-I/ML | PIC18F4450-I/ML | PIC18F4580-I/ML | PIC18F2480-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-pin QFN (ML) with exposed pad | 44-pin QFN (ML) - same | 44-pin QFN (ML) - same | 44-pin QFN (ML) - same | 44-pin QFN (ML) - same | 44-pin QFN (ML) - same |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 24 KB (+50%) | 32 KB (+100%) | 32 KB (+100%) | 16 KB |
| RAM | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 1408 bytes (+83%) | 1536 bytes (+100%) | 1536 bytes (+100%) | 768 bytes |
| Maximum Clock | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 48 MHz (+20%) | 48 MHz (+20%) | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| CAN 2.0B | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| I/O Pins | 36 | 36 | 35 | 35 | 36 | 25 |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Carrier Format | Tape & Reel (T) | Tray | Tray | Tray | Tray | Tray |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated hardware CAN 2.0B controller (vs PIC18F4450-I/ML)
- Higher Flash density in same footprint (vs PIC18F4458-I/ML)
- Larger RAM buffer for protocol stacks (vs PIC18F4580-I/ML)
- Industrial temperature range with CAN (vs PIC18F2480-I/ML)
Design Notes
The 44-pin QFN (ML) package has an exposed thermal pad (EP) on the underside that MUST be soldered to a copper land pattern on the PCB for both electrical ground connection and heat dissipation. According to Microchip AN1281 (QFN Package PCB Layout Guidelines), thermal vias under the EP should be arranged on a 1.2 mm pitch grid connecting to an internal copper plane. Without proper EP soldering, junction temperature can exceed 125C under continuous 40 MHz operation, leading to thermal shutdown or long-term reliability degradation.
Place the 0.1 uF VDD decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin (the 4480 has two VDD pins: pins 19 and 31) and an additional bulk capacitor (10 uF ceramic or tantalum) near the IC supply entry. The AVss/AVdd analog supply pins (8/9) should be filtered with a ferrite bead from the digital supply to avoid ADC noise coupling. Keep clock traces (OSC1/OSC2) short and routed over a continuous ground plane to minimize EMI radiation at 40 MHz harmonics.
Estimated: at 40 MHz and 5V supply, core current consumption is approximately 16 mA typical (per datasheet DC characteristics). Ensure the chosen LDO or 3.3V regulator can supply at least 50 mA headroom for I/O switching transients. The PGC/PGD pins (RB6/RB7) are dual-use for ICSP and PORTB - if your design uses these as outputs, ensure the programming tool is disconnected or your firmware releases them before assertion to avoid contention.
For CAN bus designs, the CANH and CANL traces on the PCB should be routed as a 120-ohm differential pair with characteristic impedance of 120 ohms, kept under 1/4 wavelength at the maximum bus frequency (1 Mbps). Place termination resistors (120 ohms) at both ends of the bus only, not at every node, to avoid signal reflection. Use an external CAN transceiver IC such as the MCP2551 - the PIC18F4480's internal CAN controller handles protocol only, not the physical bus voltage levels.
Route the ICSP signals (PGC/PGD on RB6/RB7) to an in-circuit programming header with no series resistors; programming tool impedance is high and the 4480's ICSP interface is designed to drive the signals directly. Place the ICD/ICSP header near the MCU for shortest stub length. Reserve the MCLR pin (not present on QFN-44; reset is via internal software or dedicated POR) for proper brown-out configuration via the CONFIG register.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial-grade -40C to +85C; not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive safety-critical applications. Use PIC18F variants with -Q1 suffix (not in this product's family) for AEC-Q100.
