PIC18F44K22T-I/ML - 8-bit 64MHz 16KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F44K22T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.1 | $3.10 |
| 10 | $2.85 | $28.50 |
| 100 | $2.55 | $255.00 |
| 500 | $2.3 | $1,150.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.05 | $2,050.00 |
PIC18F44K22T-I/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program and data memory, peripherals, and I/O on a single silicon die. The PIC18 family implements an enhanced 8-bit RISC architecture with 200 ns instruction execution (up to 16 MIPS at 64 MHz), targeting high-performance yet power-sensitive embedded designs. Within the broader taxonomy, PIC18F44K22 belongs to the 8-bit MCU category, which sits below 16-bit dsPIC and 32-bit ARM Cortex-M devices in both complexity and per-unit cost. It is one of three pin-compatible variants (40-pin, 44-pin, and 28-pin) sharing the same K22 peripheral family and codebase.
Key features include nanoWatt XLP extreme-low-power technology with sleep currents down to ~20 nA, a 10-bit ADC with up to 28 channels, two Enhanced USART modules, two MSSP (SPI/I2C) ports, a 5-bit DAC, three ECCP and two CCP modules, two comparators, and a hardware RTCC. The integrated 16 MHz internal oscillator is factory calibrated to +/-1 percent, eliminating the need for an external crystal in many cost-sensitive designs.
The architecture combines a 16-bit instruction word with an 8-bit data path, using a hardware multiplier for 8x8 unsigned operations in a single cycle and supporting C-compiler-friendly memory models. Internal self-programmability allows bootloader-based field upgrades, while the ICD/ICSP interface supports in-circuit debugging via tools such as MPLAB PICkit 5.
Typical applications include low-power sensor nodes, AEC-Q100 automotive subsystems, industrial control (HMI, motor drive interfaces), consumer white goods, USB/serial bridge firmware, and battery-powered instrumentation. The QFN-44 footprint suits compact layouts where thermal performance matters.
Design tip: leverage the nanoWatt XLP idle/sleep modes and run the CPU from the 16 MHz internal oscillator at 1 MHz during idle periods to extend battery life. Always tie the exposed pad of the QFN to a clean GND plane with multiple thermal vias for EMC and thermal performance.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, providing engineers with a single source for sourcing, comparison, and design-in decisions for the PIC18F44K22T-I/ML.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F44K22T-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 PIC18F44K22T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture, MSL Level.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F44K22-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF44K22-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F45K22-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F44K20T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F44K22T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 Enhanced 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB (8K x 16 words) |
| CPU Clock Frequency (Max) | 64 MHz |
| Performance (MIPS) | 16 MIPS |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5V / 3.3V / 5V nominal; 1.8V to 5.5V extended |
| I/O Pins | 36 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 28 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit, 2 outputs |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Timers | 8-/16-bit, multiple CCP/ECCP |
| Communication | 2x EUSART, 2x MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, I grade) |
| Package | 44-pin QFN (ML) 8x8 mm with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount, Tape & Reel |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP (sleep current ~20 nA typical) |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz factory-calibrated (+/- 1%) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Programming/Debug | ICSP / ICD via MPLAB PICkit 5 |
PIC18F44K22T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — I/O port A bit 2 / ADC input |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 — I/O port A bit 3 / ADC input |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — I/O port A bit 4 |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN4 — I/O port A bit 5 / ADC input |
| Pin 5 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | RA6/OSC2 — I/O port A bit 6 / crystal output |
| Pin 8 | RA7/OSC1 — I/O port A bit 7 / crystal input |
| Pin 9 | RB0/INT0 — I/O port B bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 10 | RB1/INT1 — I/O port B bit 1 / external interrupt |
| Pin 11 | RB2/INT2 — I/O port B bit 2 / external interrupt |
| Pin 12 | RB3/CCP2 — I/O port B bit 3 / CCP2 |
| Pin 13 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 14 | RB4 — I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 15 | RB5 — I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 16 | RB6/PGC — I/O port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 17 | RB7/PGD — I/O port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | RC0 — I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 21 | RC1 — I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 22 | RC2 — I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 23 | RC3/SCL1 — I/O port C bit 3 / I2C clock |
| Pin 24 | RC4/SDA1 — I/O port C bit 4 / I2C data |
| Pin 25 | RC5/SDO1 — I/O port C bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 26 | RC6/TX1 — I/O port C bit 6 / EUSART1 TX |
| Pin 27 | RC7/RX1 — I/O port C bit 7 / EUSART1 RX |
| Pin 28 | RE3 — I/O port E bit 3 (MCLR alternative) |
| Pin 29 | RD0 — I/O port D bit 0 |
| Pin 30 | RD1 — I/O port D bit 1 |
| Pin 31 | RD2 — I/O port D bit 2 |
| Pin 32 | RD3 — I/O port D bit 3 |
| Pin 33 | RC4 — (duplicated alt on this variant - consult datasheet) |
| Pin 34 | RD4 — I/O port D bit 4 |
| Pin 35 | RD5/P1B — I/O port D bit 5 / PWM output |
| Pin 36 | RD6/P1C — I/O port D bit 6 / PWM output |
| Pin 37 | RD7/P1D — I/O port D bit 7 / PWM output |
| Pin 38 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 39 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 40 | RE0 — I/O port E bit 0 |
| Pin 41 | RE1 — I/O port E bit 1 |
| Pin 42 | RE2 — I/O port E bit 2 |
| Pin 43 | MCLR — Master clear / reset input |
| Pin 44 | EP — Exposed thermal pad - tie to GND |
Typical Applications
PIC18F44K22T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Power IoT Sensor Node, Automotive Body Control Modules, Industrial Control / HMI, Consumer White Goods Controller, USB-to-Serial/UART Bridge Firmware, Battery-Powered Medical/Wellness Devices.
Low-Power IoT Sensor Node
The PIC18F44K22T-I/ML's nanoWatt XLP technology makes it ideal for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes where sleep current dominates battery life. With sleep current as low as ~20 nA typical and a fast 1 MHz wake-up from the internal 16 MHz oscillator, duty-cycled sensor reads can extend a CR2032 cell lifetime into multi-year ranges. The 16 KB Flash is sufficient for ZigBee/BLE-proprietary stacks plus sensor drivers, and the 10-bit ADC with 28 channels can scan temperature, humidity, and battery voltage directly. Place decoupling on VDD/VSS within 2 mm, use the LF-version alternate (PIC18LF44K22-I/ML) when running from 3.6V Li-ion primaries for best sleep efficiency.
Recommended
Automotive Body Control Modules
The PIC18F44K22 family is AEC-Q100 qualified, making PIC18F44K22T-I/ML suitable for automotive body-control and HMI subsystems like interior lighting controllers, door modules, and HVAC panel MCU. Its 16 KB Flash with ICSP allows field firmware updates, while 36 I/O drive relays and LED matrices directly. The 64 MHz CPU enables PWM-intensive fan/motor control and CAN-routing firmware, and the 1.8V-5.5V range tolerates automotive cranking transients. Use the E-grade temperature part for under-hood modules and pair with a CAN transceiver such as MCP2515 for in-vehicle networking.
Recommended
Industrial Control / HMI
In industrial PLCs and HMI panels, the PIC18F44K22T-I/ML's 64 MHz / 16 MIPS core delivers responsive menu rendering, while its dual EUSART and MSSP ports support multiple fieldbus interfaces (RS-485 Modbus, I2C sensor expansion, SPI displays). The 10-bit ADC reads 4-20 mA analog inputs and the 5-bit DAC generates reference voltages for analog calibration loops. Add an RS-485 transceiver such as LTC2875 for industrial-bus robustness. For factory-floor EMI, follow the exposed-pad soldering rule with multiple thermal vias to ground.
Recommended
Consumer White Goods Controller
Washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave oven controllers rely on the PIC18F44K22T-I/ML for its balanced mix of analog sensing (ADC), digital I/O, and PWM channels for motor/valve control. The 36 I/O can drive keypad inputs, LED indicators, relay outputs, and triac-fired heater elements directly. The nanoWatt XLP modes allow the MCU to remain in low-power standby waiting for a button or interrupt, reducing standby power below regulatory limits. Pair with zero-cross triac drivers for AC-load switching and EEPROM (24LC256) for user preference storage.
Recommended
USB-to-Serial/UART Bridge Firmware
The PIC18F44K22T-I/ML is widely used as the host MCU inside USB-to-UART converter dongles, exploiting its dual EUSART (for TX/RX) and one MSSP (for USB or I2C). Running at 64 MHz, it can sustain 921600 bps UART throughput while handling command parsing and protocol translation. The 16 KB Flash is sufficient for a CDC-class USB stack plus vendor commands, and the 5-bit DAC can drive LED status indicators. Use a USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver (e.g., USB3340) externally for designs where on-chip USB is desired.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Medical/Wellness Devices
Glucose meters, pulse oximeters, and wearable health monitors benefit from the PIC18F44K22T-I/ML's 64 MHz CPU with fast DSP-like throughput for FFT-based heart-rate analysis, paired with nanoWatt XLP sleep for weeks-to-months battery life. The 10-bit ADC acquires PPG/IR photodiode signals, the 5-bit DAC biases the sensor analog front-end, and the I2C/SPI ports drive a small OLED or segmented LCD display. Use Li-MnO2 primary cells at 3.0V and pick the LF-grade variant for sub-microamp sleep current.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F44K22T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F44K22-I/ML | PIC18F43K22-I/ML | PIC18LF44K22-I/ML | PIC18F45K22-I/ML | PIC18F44K20T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | QFN-44 (ML) 8x8 mm | QFN-44 (ML) - same | QFN-28 (ML) - different | QFN-44 (ML) - same | QFN-44 (ML) - same | QFN-44 (ML) - same |
| Flash Program Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB |
| Max CPU Clock | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V-5.5V (extended F-grade) | 1.8V-5.5V | 1.8V-5.5V | 1.8V-3.6V (LF-grade) | 1.8V-5.5V | 1.8V-5.5V |
| nanoWatt XLP Sleep Current | ~20 nA typical | ~20 nA | ~20 nA | ~20 nA | ~20 nA | Not available (older K20 family) |
| AEC-Q100 Automotive | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| I/O Pins | 36 | 36 | 25 | 36 | 36 | 36 |
| Tape & Reel Packaging | Yes (T suffix) | No - tray | Optional | Optional | Optional | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Tape-and-reel factory packaging for high-volume SMT production (vs PIC18F44K22-I/ML (tray pack))
- Full nanoWatt XLP ultra-low-power architecture (vs PIC18F44K20T-I/ML (older K20 family))
- AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive body-control modules (vs Consumer-grade MCUs without AEC-Q100)
Design Notes
The QFN-44 (ML) package requires the exposed pad to be soldered directly to a continuous GND plane with at least 8-12 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill, 0.6 mm pad). This both grounds the substrate and provides the only significant heat-dissipation path for the MCU. Without the EP properly soldered, junction temperature can rise 15-20C above ambient at 16 MIPS sustained operation, violating the 85C industrial limit. Reference: Microchip QFN PCB layout application note (DS-00000017A).
Place 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitors within 2 mm of every VDD/VSS pair (there are three pairs on the 44-pin QFN). Add a bulk 1-10 uF low-ESR capacitor on the main VDD rail. For sleep-current-sensitive designs, add 100 ohm ferrite beads between the analog AVdd/AVss pins and digital supplies and ensure the nanoWatt XLP regulator mode is selected in the firmware (VREGPM=1).
Do NOT leave the ICSP clock/data pins (RB6/RB7) floating; pull RB6 to VDD and RB7 to VDD with 4.7k-10k resistors so the device does not enter debug mode spuriously. The MCLR pin requires a 10 kOhm pull-up to VDD for normal operation; omitting it traps the MCU in reset. The CONFIG words must be set explicitly - factory-default FOSC=INTIO may surprise designs expecting HS crystal mode.
Route the ICSP PGC/PGD traces as a 6-inch or shorter parallel pair, kept away from high-frequency PWM or relay-switching traces. For QFN-44 land-pattern, do not ignore the central EP - it is NOT optional. Use a 4x4 thermal-via array under the EP (0.3 mm via diameter, 0.6 mm pad) to spread heat into inner ground planes. Keep ADC traces short and isolated from PWM outputs by at least 0.5 mm to preserve 10-bit ADC accuracy.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 qualified per Microchip product specifications (retrieved 2026-09-27). RoHS/REACH compliant per Microchip material declaration. Halogen-free per Microchip packaging statement.