PIC18F452-E/L - 8-bit PIC MCU, 32KB Flash, 40MHz, 44-PLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F452-E/L ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.19 | $12.19 |
| 10 | $11.5 | $115.00 |
| 100 | $10.2 | $1,020.00 |
| 500 | $9.1 | $4,550.00 |
| 1,000 | $8.4 | $8,400.00 |
PIC18F452-E/L Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, and peripherals such as timers, ADCs, and communication interfaces into one IC. The PIC18F family sits at the upper end of Microchip's 8-bit portfolio, with an enhanced instruction set, hardware multiplier, and 16-bit-wide instruction words that double throughput versus the baseline PIC16 architecture. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC18F452 belongs to the PIC18F45x sub-family, sharing pinout and code compatibility with PIC18F242/442/252/452 devices in 28- and 40/44-pin packages.
Key features of the PIC18F452-E/L include self-programmability for in-application firmware upgrades, an ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) interface for development, nanoWatt Technology power management with multiple idle and sleep modes, and code protection via configuration bits. The 40MHz clock provides 10 MIPS execution, while the 8-channel 10-bit ADC supports up to 8 analog inputs for sensor acquisition. The two CCP modules deliver flexible PWM, capture, and compare functions for motor control or timing applications.
Typical applications span industrial control systems, HVAC equipment, automotive body electronics, sensor signal conditioning, and embedded control panels. The wide 4.2V-5.5V supply tolerance and robust peripheral set make it well suited to 5V legacy designs that require deterministic real-time response without resorting to a 32-bit core.
Design consideration: choose the PIC18F452-I/L variant for room-temperature-only designs to reduce cost; choose PIC18F452-E/L when industrial temperature tolerance is required. Existing PIC18F452 PCB layouts can be reused if the MCU package footprint matches.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in replacement alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F452-E/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 PIC18F452-E/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Timers, Mounting Type, Core Architecture.
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 →PIC18F452T-E/L
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F458-E/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F448-E/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F442-I/L
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18C452-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.94 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F452-E/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC18 RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB (16K x 16 words) |
| RAM | 1536 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 34 |
| Analog-to-Digital Converter | 8 channels, 10-bit resolution |
| Capture/Compare/PWM Modules | 2 (CCP) |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit, 3 x 16-bit |
| Serial Interfaces | MSSP (SPI / I2C), USART |
| Package | 44-PLCC (J-Lead), 16.59 x 16.59 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (PLCC socket compatible) |
| Self-Programming | Yes (Flash program memory) |
| In-Circuit Debug (ICD) | Yes |
| Power-Saving Technology | nanoWatt Technology (idle/sleep modes) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F452-E/L Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Port A bit 2 / Analog input 2 / ADC negative reference |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Port A bit 3 / Analog input 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN4/SS — Port A bit 5 / Analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 5 | RE0/RD/AN5 — Port E bit 0 / RD signal / Analog input 5 (parallel slave port) |
| Pin 6 | RE1/WR/AN6 — Port E bit 1 / WR signal / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 7 | RE2/CS/AN7 — Port E bit 2 / CS signal / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Oscillator input / external clock in / Port A bit 7 |
| Pin 11 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Oscillator output / clock out / Port A bit 6 |
| Pin 12 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Port C bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 13 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Port C bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 output |
| Pin 14 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / CCP1 output |
| Pin 15 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Port C bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 16 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Port C bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 17 | RC5/SDO — Port C bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 18 | RC6/TX/CK — Port C bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 19 | RC7/RX/DT — Port C bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 21 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 22 | RB0/INT0 — Port B bit 0 / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 23 | RB1/INT1 — Port B bit 1 / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 24 | RB2/INT2 — Port B bit 2 / External interrupt 2 |
| Pin 25 | RB3/CCP2 — Port B bit 3 / CCP2 output (alternate) |
| Pin 26 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 27 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 28 | RB6/PGC — Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 29 | RB7/PGD — Port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 30 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 31 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 32 | RD0/PSP0 — Port D bit 0 / Parallel slave port bit 0 |
| Pin 33 | RD1/PSP1 — Port D bit 1 / Parallel slave port bit 1 |
| Pin 34 | RD2/PSP2 — Port D bit 2 / Parallel slave port bit 2 |
| Pin 35 | RD3/PSP3 — Port D bit 3 / Parallel slave port bit 3 |
| Pin 36 | RD4/PSP4 — Port D bit 4 / Parallel slave port bit 4 |
| Pin 37 | RD5/PSP5 — Port D bit 5 / Parallel slave port bit 5 |
| Pin 38 | RD6/PSP6 — Port D bit 6 / Parallel slave port bit 6 |
| Pin 39 | RD7/PSP7 — Port D bit 7 / Parallel slave port bit 7 |
| Pin 40 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 41 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 42 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 43 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 44 | MCLR/VPP/RE3 — Master clear / programming voltage / Port E bit 3 |
Typical Applications
PIC18F452-E/L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, HVAC Control Panels, Automotive Body Electronics, Sensor Signal Conditioning, Embedded Control Panels and HMIs, Legacy 5V Industrial Systems.
Industrial Motor Control
The PIC18F452-E/L is well suited to industrial motor control systems where deterministic PWM and robust 5 V tolerance are required. Its two CCP modules deliver complementary or independent PWM channels at up to 40 MHz core speed, enabling precise duty-cycle control for brushed DC, stepper, or small BLDC drives. The 8-channel 10-bit ADC samples current and voltage feedback at rates sufficient for closed-loop current limiting, while the extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade handles cabinet-mounted drives in factory environments. Pair with an external gate driver such as the MCP14A0154 or IRS2003 for a complete motor stage.
Recommended
HVAC Control Panels
HVAC controllers demand reliable analog sensing, multi-channel PWM for damper and valve actuation, and serial links for panel networking. The PIC18F452-E/L provides 8 ADC channels for temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors, two CCP modules for actuator control, and both MSSP (SPI/I2C) and USART for sensor expansion and Modbus/RS-485 communications. nanoWatt Technology idle and sleep modes keep standby power low in zone controllers. Extended temperature tolerance ensures reliable operation in plenum or attic-mounted enclosures.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, the PIC18F452-E/L is widely used in body-electronics ECUs for window lifters, seat controllers, mirror adjustment, and interior lighting. The 32 KB Flash supports layered body-control firmware with diagnostics, while the 10-bit ADC reads switch positions and current sense. The 40 MHz core handles LIN slave or K-line protocol stacks. Pair the PIC18F452-E/L with a LIN transceiver like MCP2003B and a CAN module (PIC18F458-E/L) for gateway body modules.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning
Multi-channel sensor front-ends require deterministic sampling and averaging to extract low-level analog signals. The PIC18F452-E/L's 10-bit ADC and flexible TMR0/TMR1 timers allow precise acquisition sequences with averaging in firmware, while the 16-bit-wide instructions execute DSP-like routines efficiently. The MSSP port connects to SPI ADC front-ends for higher-resolution systems. The 44-PLCC footprint is compact for sensor-hub PCBs and accepts IC sockets for lab rework.
Recommended
Embedded Control Panels and HMIs
Control panels and HMIs integrate keypads, LCDs, status LEDs, and serial backhaul. The PIC18F452-E/L's 34 I/O lines drive character LCDs (4-bit or 8-bit mode), 4x4 matrix keypads via port-change interrupts, and several LED indicators. The USART connects to RS-232 or RS-485 backhaul, while the MSSP drives SPI peripherals such as EEPROM or RTC modules. Self-programming allows firmware updates via field service without disassembling the panel.
Recommended
Legacy 5V Industrial Systems
Many 5 V industrial designs require drop-in 8-bit controllers with proven long-term firmware libraries. The PIC18F452-E/L preserves the 44-PLCC footprint and PIC18 instruction set, enabling board reuse when migrating from PIC16 or PIC17 systems. Its 4.2-5.5 V supply range tolerates loosely regulated 5 V rails commonly found in legacy plants. For designs needing more code space, the PIC18F4525-I/PT family offers a 48 KB Flash upgrade with code compatibility.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F452-E/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F452-I/L | PIC18F458-E/L | PIC18F448-E/L | PIC18F442-I/L | PIC18C452-I/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | ROM (no Flash) |
| RAM | 1536 B | 1536 B | 1536 B | 768 B | 768 B | 1536 B |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | None (ROM part) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| CAN 2.0B Controller | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| ADC Channels | 8 x 10-bit | 8 x 10-bit | 8 x 10-bit | 8 x 10-bit | 8 x 10-bit | 8 x 10-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Extended industrial temperature grade with 32 KB Flash in PLCC-44 (vs PIC18F452-I/L)
- Adds CAN 2.0B controller with same Flash/RAM footprint (vs PIC18F448-E/L)
- Self-programming Flash supports in-field firmware upgrades (vs PIC18C452-I/L)
Design Notes
Decouple the PIC18F452-E/L with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor as close as possible to each VDD/VSS pin pair (pins 8/9, 20/21, 30/31, 40/41) and add a single 10 uF bulk capacitor near the device. For battery-backed applications, the VDD/VSS pairs near Port B (pins 30/31) are critical because Port B interrupts can wake the MCU; clean power here reduces spurious wake events. nanoWatt Technology sleep modes draw less than 1 uA typically but only with stable VDD, so the bulk cap also supports deep-sleep entry.
Route the 40 MHz crystal traces (OSC1/OSC2, pins 10/11) as short as possible and guard them with a ground pour to minimize EMI. Place a 4-layer stack-up with a continuous ground plane beneath the MCU; for 2-layer boards, flood the area under the IC with ground copper tied back to the common ground. Keep the MCLR/VPP line (pin 44) short and decoupled with a 10-100 nF capacitor to VDD to avoid spurious resets in noisy environments.
The ICD/ICSP pins RB6/PGC (pin 28) and RB7/PGD (pin 29) are also general-purpose I/O. Avoid tying these to hard-pulled-up loads (LEDs to VDD) that prevent in-circuit programming; add a series resistor or jumper to isolate them during debug. Configuration bits must be set correctly for the oscillator mode (HS for high-speed crystal, XT for lower frequencies) or the MCU will fail to start. Always check the FAILSAFE Clock Monitor and WDT settings during bring-up.
The 10-bit ADC accuracy depends on clean VREF. Decouple the VREF+/- pins (RA2/RA3, pins 1/2) with 0.1 uF + 10 uF, and use a low-impedance reference source (MCP1501 or similar) instead of VDD for production designs. Acquire multiple samples and average in firmware when input source impedance exceeds 2.5 kohm to minimize ADC conversion errors. For 44-PLCC sockets, ensure the socket has low contact resistance and minimal parasitic capacitance on ADC pins.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; not recommended for safety-critical automotive under-hood applications. For automotive body electronics use cases, the part's extended temperature grade is often acceptable but formal AEC-Q100 qualification is absent.
