PIC18F4553T-I/ML - 8-Bit 48MHz 32KB Flash USB MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F4553T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.2 | $8.20 |
| 10 | $7.46 | $74.60 |
| 100 | $6.74 | $674.00 |
| 500 | $5.92 | $2,960.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.21 | $5,210.00 |
| 3,000 | $4.65 | $13,950.00 |
PIC18F4553T-I/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (Flash/ROM), volatile data memory (RAM), and a configurable set of peripherals such as timers, communication interfaces, and analog-to-digital converters. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC18F4553 belongs to the 8-bit MCU class (one ALU path per clock for byte-wide data), which sits below 16-bit MCUs (e.g., dsPIC, MSP430) and 32-bit MCUs (e.g., Cortex-M) in computational throughput but above them in deterministic interrupt latency, code density, and cost-effectiveness for embedded control. The PIC18F family specifically is Microchip's enhanced 8-bit line, featuring a 16-bit instruction word, hardware multiplier, and a C-optimized architecture.
Key features include: integrated Full-Speed (12 Mbit/s) USB 2.0 transceiver with on-chip PHY; 32 KB Flash configured as 16K x 16 words; 2 KB SRAM; 256 B EEPROM; 13-channel 10-bit ADC; multiple communication peripherals (I2C, SPI up to 10 Mbit/s, USART, USB); 4 timer modules (Timer0/1/2/3) with Capture/Compare/PWM; nanoWatt power management with multiple idle and sleep modes; and standard safety peripherals including brown-out reset (BOR), power-on reset (POR), watchdog timer (WDT), and low-voltage detect (HLVD).
Architecturally, the device combines the standard PIC18 RISC core with an enhanced Flash program memory interface and a dedicated USB Serial Interface Engine (SIE). The 48 MHz oscillator drives the system clock through a programmable PLL that derives the 48 MHz needed for Full-Speed USB. The on-chip 12-bit ADC uses a successive-approximation register (SAR) topology with selectable acquisition time and conversion clock, supporting both single-ended and differential inputs.
Typical applications include USB-to-UART bridges, HID-class peripherals (custom keyboards, mice, joysticks), industrial control interfaces, sensor data acquisition nodes, low-cost data loggers, and consumer devices requiring embedded USB connectivity. The combination of USB, ADC, and adequate Flash memory positions the PIC18F4553 for low-to-mid complexity connected embedded systems where BOM cost and footprint are critical.
Design considerations: route the exposed thermal pad (EP) to a continuous ground plane to provide both thermal dissipation and a low-impedance ground reference for the ADC. Place the 20 MHz fundamental or 48 MHz external clock crystal within 5 mm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins with a guarded ground ring to minimize EMI. Decouple VUSB, VDD, and AVDD with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed as close to the IC pins as physically possible.
This page consolidates current distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, design notes, and parametric comparisons not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F4553T-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 PIC18F4553T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory (Flash), Timers, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F4553-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F4458T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4550T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4455T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F4480T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4523T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4553T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 (8-bit enhanced RISC Harvard) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB (16K x 16 words) |
| Data SRAM | 2 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz (12 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 36 |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbit/s) with on-chip PHY |
| Analog-to-Digital Converter | 13-channel, 12-bit SAR |
| Communication Peripherals | I2C, SPI (up to 10 Mbit/s), USART, USB |
| Timers | 4 (Timer0/1/2/3 with Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| PWM Channels | 5 (CCP + ECCP) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial "I") |
| Package | 44-pin QFN (8x8 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Power-Saving Modes | nanoWatt (Run, Idle, Sleep, etc.) |
| Safety Peripherals | Brown-out Reset (BOR), POR, Watchdog Timer (WDT), HLVD |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Lead-free finish, RoHS compliant |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
PIC18F4553T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / Capture-Compare-PWM channel 1 |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 2 / ADC negative reference |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 8 | RE0 — Digital I/O (PORTE) |
| Pin 9 | RE1 — Digital I/O (PORTE) |
| Pin 10 | RE2 — Digital I/O (PORTE) |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply (4.2 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKI — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKO — Crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 15 | RC0 — Digital I/O (PORTC) |
| Pin 16 | RC1 — Digital I/O (PORTC) |
| Pin 17 | RC3 — Digital I/O (PORTC) |
| Pin 18 | RC4 — Digital I/O (PORTC) |
| Pin 19 | RC5 — Digital I/O (PORTC) |
| Pin 20 | RC6 — Digital I/O (PORTC) |
| Pin 21 | RC7 — Digital I/O (PORTC) |
| Pin 22 | RB0/AN12 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 12 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 23 | RB1/AN10 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 10 |
| Pin 24 | RB2/AN8 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 8 |
| Pin 25 | RB3/AN9 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 9 |
| Pin 26 | RB4/AN11 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 11 |
| Pin 27 | RB5/AN13 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 13 |
| Pin 28 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 29 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 30 | VUSB — USB transceiver supply (3.3 V from internal regulator) |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply (4.2 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 33 | RD0 — Digital I/O (PORTD) |
| Pin 34 | RD1 — Digital I/O (PORTD) |
| Pin 35 | RD2 — Digital I/O (PORTD) |
| Pin 36 | RD3 — Digital I/O (PORTD) |
| Pin 37 | RD4 — Digital I/O (PORTD) |
| Pin 38 | RD5 — Digital I/O (PORTD) |
| Pin 39 | RD6 — Digital I/O (PORTD) |
| Pin 40 | RD7 — Digital I/O (PORTD) |
| Pin 41 | D- — USB differential data minus |
| Pin 42 | D+ — USB differential data plus |
| Pin 43 | RA6/OSC1 — Digital I/O / secondary oscillator input (RA6 function) |
| Pin 44 | RA7/OSC2 — Digital I/O / secondary oscillator output (RA7 function) |
Typical Applications
PIC18F4553T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: USB-to-UART Bridge Adapter, USB HID Peripheral (Keyboard / Mouse / Joystick), Industrial Sensor Data Acquisition Node, Low-Cost Data Logger with USB Mass Storage, Custom Consumer USB Peripheral, Educational / Development Platform (PICDEM FS USB).
USB-to-UART Bridge Adapter
The PIC18F4553T-I/ML is purpose-built for USB-to-UART bridge applications thanks to its integrated Full-Speed USB 2.0 device controller with on-chip PHY. With 32 KB Flash and 2 KB SRAM, it runs Microchip's CDC class driver comfortably, exposing a virtual COM port over USB while relaying bytes through the hardware USART to a downstream UART device. The 12-bit ADC remains available for side-channel monitoring. Engineering note: route the D+/D- pair (pins 24/23) as a 90-ohm differential trace with matched length to ensure USB compliance, and tie VUSB to a 220 nF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the pin.
Recommended
USB HID Peripheral (Keyboard / Mouse / Joystick)
The PIC18F4553T-I/ML's 32 KB Flash is sufficient to implement USB HID-class firmware using the Microchip USB stack with report descriptors for keyboards, mice, gamepads, or custom HID devices. With 12 MIPS throughput, the device polls a matrix-scanned keypad, debounces, and emits HID reports at the standard 125 us interval without CPU loading issues. The 13-channel 12-bit ADC can be repurposed for analog joystick axes. Engineering note: HID boot protocol requires only a single endpoint; the PIC18F4553's USB SIE handles all low-level USB framing so firmware stays focused on application logic.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Data Acquisition Node
The PIC18F4553T-I/ML's 13-channel 12-bit ADC and USB connectivity make it suitable for compact industrial sensor acquisition nodes that report to a host PC. At 48 MHz, the device digitizes up to 13 analog channels at the SAR ADC's specified throughput and forwards aggregated data over USB Full-Speed in bulk transfers. The -40 C to +85 C industrial temperature grade supports factory-floor environments. Engineering note: for 12-bit accuracy, use a separate AVDD rail with an LC filter and a 100 nF + 10 uF capacitor network at the AVDD pin; route analog inputs guarded by GND to suppress digital switching noise.
Recommended
Low-Cost Data Logger with USB Mass Storage
With 32 KB Flash and 2 KB SRAM, the PIC18F4553T-I/ML can act as a USB device controller reading a FAT-formatted SD card or external EEPROM and presenting itself as a USB Mass Storage device to the host. The combination of USB SIE, sufficient Flash for the file-system stack, and 13 ADC channels allows the device to log analog measurements while exposing the data as files over USB. Engineering note: the 2 KB RAM limits FAT sector buffering; use small clusters (512 B) and avoid large block transfers, or pair with a serial Flash for overflow buffering.
Recommended
Custom Consumer USB Peripheral
Consumer products such as digital photo frames, USB IR receivers, programmable remote controls, and bespoke input devices leverage the PIC18F4553T-I/ML's integrated USB and ample peripheral mix. The 36 I/O pins can drive LED indicators, scan key matrices, and PWM-control small actuators while the 12-bit ADC digitizes audio or sensor inputs. Engineering note: for bus-powered designs, the internal voltage regulator (5 V to 3.3 V from VUSB) must be enabled with the ENVREG pin configuration; tie D+ to a 1.5 kohm pull-up to VUSB for full-speed device enumeration.
Recommended
Educational / Development Platform (PICDEM FS USB)
The PIC18F4553T-I/ML is the silicon foundation of Microchip's PICDEM FS USB development board, which has been widely used in universities and embedded-training labs. With full USB, ADC, timers, and 32 KB Flash, it covers most introductory embedded topics - interrupt handling, PWM, ADC, USB enumeration - in a single package. Engineering note: students should consult the PICDEM FS USB schematic as a reference for bypass capacitor placement (220 nF on VUSB, 100 nF on VDD, 10 uF bulk) and crystal layout (within 5 mm of OSC1/OSC2, guarded by GND ring).
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F4553T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F4553-I/ML | PIC18F4458T-I/ML | PIC18F4550T-I/ML | PIC18F4455T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-pin QFN (8x8 mm) | 44-pin QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-pin QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-pin QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-pin QFN (8x8 mm) - same |
| Flash Program Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 24 KB | 20 KB | 24 KB |
| SRAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit (13 channels) | 12-bit (13 channels) | 12-bit (13 channels) | 10-bit (13 channels) | 10-bit (13 channels) |
| USB Full-Speed | Yes (on-chip PHY) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 48 MHz (12 MIPS) | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Approx. Unit Price (1k) | USD 5.21 | USD 4.95 (tray) | USD 4.75 | USD 4.55 | USD 4.65 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated Full-Speed USB PHY eliminates external transceiver BOM (vs PIC18F4550T-I/ML)
- 12-bit ADC for higher sensor precision (vs PIC18F4455T-I/ML)
- 36 I/O pins with broad peripheral mix (vs PIC18F4523T-I/ML)
- Tape-and-Reel packaging for SMT production (vs PIC18F4553-I/ML)
Design Notes
Solder the exposed thermal pad (EP) of the QFN-44 package directly to a continuous ground plane using a 4x4 via array (0.3 mm via diameter, 1 mm pitch). This serves as both the electrical ground return for the digital core and as the thermal dissipation path. Estimated: with EP soldered to a 1 oz copper pour on a 4-layer FR4 board, theta_JA drops from ~40 C/W (no EP solder) to approximately 28 C/W, sufficient for all 8-bit MCU thermal use cases.
Route the USB D+ (pin 42) and D- (pin 41) traces as a 90-ohm differential pair with matched length (within 150 mil delta) and continuous ground reference below. Place a 15 kohm pull-up on D+ to VUSB for full-speed device enumeration, with a 0 ohm series ferrite bead if bus-power noise is a concern. Keep the pair away from switching signals (PWM, oscillator) for at least 200 mil. Estimated: a properly routed pair achieves USB-compliance eye-mask margin greater than 25% on the bench.
Decouple VDD (pins 11, 32) with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed within 3 mm of each pin. Decouple VUSB (pin 30) with a 220 nF capacitor (recommended value per datasheet) within 3 mm. Add a single 10 uF bulk capacitor near the chip. If using the internal 3.3 V regulator for USB, ensure the ENVREG fuse is set so the regulator is enabled. Do not back-feed VUSB externally before USB power is applied, or the device may enter an indeterminate state.
Place the 20 MHz crystal (or 48 MHz resonator) within 5 mm of OSC1 (pin 13) and OSC2 (pin 14). Use a guard ring of GND around the oscillator traces. Load capacitors (typically 15-22 pF on each side) should be placed close to the MCU pins. For best USB performance, use a 20 MHz crystal with the internal PLL generating the 48 MHz USB clock; this avoids an additional 48 MHz oscillator that would radiate harmonics.
Do not omit the 1.5 kohm pull-up resistor on D+ for USB Full-Speed - this is required for device enumeration. Do not enable the internal USB voltage regulator AND drive VUSB from an external 3.3 V rail simultaneously, as this can cause the regulator to oscillate. Do not skip configuration of the CONFIG registers (CONFIG1L, CONFIG3H) for oscillator and USB settings, or the device will fail to start USB correctly. Always verify that the brown-out reset voltage (BORV) configuration matches your supply range.
Compliance Information
Lead-free finish (NiPdAu) per Microchip RoHS compliance statement. Industrial temperature grade (-40 C to +85 C). AEC-Q100 qualification not applicable - PIC18F4553 family is not automotive-grade; for automotive USB MCUs, evaluate PIC18F46K50 or dsPIC33EV families.
