PIC18F45K42-E/PT - 32KB Flash 8-bit MCU | Microchip | TQFP-44
MPN: PIC18F45K42-E/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.95 | $2.95 |
| 10 | $2.66 | $26.60 |
| 100 | $2.36 | $236.00 |
| 500 | $2.12 | $1,060.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.89 | $1,890.00 |
| 2,500 | $1.67 | $4,175.00 |
PIC18F45K42-E/PT Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, memory (Flash/RAM/EEPROM), and peripherals that together implement embedded control functions. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, the PIC18F45K42 belongs to the 8-bit microcontroller category -> PIC18 family -> enhanced Harvard architecture -> Microchip PIC microcontrollers. The K42 sub-family in particular is positioned as a mid-range 'Core Independent Peripheral' (CIP) MCU that offloads tasks from the CPU through DMA, timers, CWG, NCO, and configurable logic cells.
Key differentiating features include on-chip Direct Memory Access (DMA) controller for data transfers between memory and peripherals without CPU intervention, vectored interrupts for fast ISR servicing, four 8-bit slope-compensated PWMs with CCP, four UART, two SPI, two I2C peripherals, and a 32-bit CRC with scan. The device also integrates a temperature indicator, windowed watchdog timer, and eXtreme Low Power (XLP) sleep modes drawing under 50 nA typical.
Architecturally the device uses a 16-bit instruction word modified Harvard pipeline executing most instructions in one cycle, with hardware multiply and a 31-level hardware stack. Internal HFINTOSC eliminates the external crystal in many designs while a PLL synthesizes 64MHz from the internal oscillator.
Typical applications include industrial sensor nodes, low-power IoT edge devices, LED lighting controllers, motor control with FOC, USB-less human-interface boards, and automotive body modules where AEC-Q100 grades are not required. The 256-byte EEPROM is well suited for storing calibration constants and serial numbers in field-deployed devices.
When designing with this MCU, observe the 2.3V minimum Vdd for the 'F' (Flash) variant; the 'LF' low-voltage variant supports down to 1.8V. Provide a 100 nF decoupling cap within a few mm of each Vdd pin and a bulk 4.7-10 uF on the main rail. The E/PT suffix indicates the -40C to +125C extended-temperature grade in TQFP tray packaging.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives, and practical design notes not found on the Microchip datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F45K42-E/PT — 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 PIC18F45K42-E/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Comparators, Operating Temperature, Package, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F45K42-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46K42-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F45K22-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F45K42-E/PTVAO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F45K42T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F45K42-E/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC18 K42 |
| Core | PIC 8-bit RISC (modified Harvard) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB (16K x 16) |
| RAM | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| CPU Speed | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 36 |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 35 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit, 2 channels |
| Comparators | 2 (with DAC reference) |
| Op-Amps | 2 internal |
| PWM Channels | 4 (16-bit) |
| UART / SPI / I2C | 4 / 2 / 2 |
| DMA | Yes (4 channels) |
| Package | TQFP-44 (PT), 10x10 mm |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F45K42-E/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RC7/AN7 — I/O / ADC channel 7 |
| Pin 2 | RD0 — I/O port D bit 0 |
| Pin 3 | RD1 — I/O port D bit 1 |
| Pin 4 | RD2 — I/O port D bit 2 |
| Pin 5 | RD3 — I/O port D bit 3 |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 7 | RC5 — I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 8 | RC6 — I/O port C bit 6 |
| Pin 9 | RC7 — I/O port C bit 7 |
| Pin 10 | RC8 — I/O port C bit 8 |
| Pin 11 | RC9 — I/O port C bit 9 |
| Pin 12 | RA0 — I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 13 | RA1 — I/O port A bit 1 |
| Pin 14 | RA2 — I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 15 | RA3 — I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 16 | RA4 — I/O port A bit 4 |
| Pin 17 | RA5 — I/O port A bit 5 |
| Pin 18 | RA6 — I/O port A bit 6 |
| Pin 19 | RA7 — I/O port A bit 7 |
| Pin 20 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 21 | VDD — Positive supply (2.3V-5.5V) |
| Pin 22 | RB0 — I/O port B bit 0 |
| Pin 23 | RB1 — I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 24 | RB2 — I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 25 | RB3 — I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 26 | RB4 — I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 27 | RB5 — I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 28 | RB6 — I/O port B bit 6 / PGC (ICD clock) |
| Pin 29 | RB7 — I/O port B bit 7 / PGD (ICD data) |
| Pin 30 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 31 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 32 | RC0 — I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 33 | RC1 — I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 34 | RC2 — I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 35 | RC3 — I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 36 | RC4 — I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 37 | RC5 — I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 38 | RC6 — I/O port C bit 6 |
| Pin 39 | RC7 — I/O port C bit 7 |
| Pin 40 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 41 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 42 | MCLR — Master clear / reset (active low) |
| Pin 43 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 44 | VDD — Positive supply |
Typical Applications
PIC18F45K42-E/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Node with DMA, Low-Power IoT Edge Device, LED Lighting Color Controller, Brushless DC Motor Control, Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Keypad Controller, Automotive Body Control Module (Non-Safety).
Industrial Sensor Node with DMA
The PIC18F45K42-E/PT is well suited for industrial sensor nodes because its 4-channel DMA controller moves ADC samples into RAM without CPU involvement, freeing the core for protocol stacks like Modbus RTU over UART. The 32 KB Flash accommodates a full TCP/IP-lite or sensor-fusion library, while 2 KB RAM holds rolling buffers. The -40C to +125C extended temperature grade handles factory-floor heat. Place the MCU on a 4-layer PCB with 100 nF caps adjacent to each Vdd pin and route the 12-bit ADC traces as differential pairs to a sensor front-end to maximize noise immunity.
Recommended
Low-Power IoT Edge Device
For battery-powered IoT edge nodes the PIC18F45K42-E/PT draws under 50 nA in XLP sleep mode and wakes via RTC or interrupt in microseconds. The integrated 64 MHz HFINTOSC eliminates external crystal cost, and the eXtreme Low Power technology enables coin-cell operation for years. The 256-byte EEPROM stores calibration coefficients, while the 12-bit ADC reads analog sensors at up to 100 ksps. Program the device with the MPLAB XC8 compiler using the Free mode (no license cost) to keep BOM low.
Recommended
LED Lighting Color Controller
The four 16-bit PWM channels with slope compensation let the PIC18F45K42-E/PT drive multi-channel RGBW LED strips with smooth dimming and color mixing. The CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) and NCO (Numerically Controlled Oscillator) peripherals generate high-resolution frequency and duty cycle without CPU load. The DMA engine updates PWM duty registers from RAM tables autonomously, enabling theater-quality fades. The 44-pin TQFP package offers 36 I/O to drive up to 4 LED channels with individual enable and fault feedback lines.
Recommended
Brushless DC Motor Control
Sensorless BLDC motor control benefits from the PIC18F45K42-E/PT's NCO for precise commutation timing, CWG for synchronous PWM, and DMA for ADC sample sequencing on BEMF zero-cross detection. The 64 MHz CPU executes a 6-step or FOC algorithm at 16 MIPS with vectored interrupts minimizing commutation latency to under 1 us. The two internal op-amps amplify shunt current sense resistors without external amplifiers. Hall-sensor and back-EMF inputs map onto interrupt-on-change pins for flexible feedback.
Recommended
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Keypad Controller
The PIC18F45K42-E/PT serves as a low-cost HMI keypad and LCD controller with 36 I/O scanning a 6x6 matrix plus driving a character LCD via software SPI or I2C. The vectored interrupt controller handles simultaneous key events with deterministic latency, while DMA offloads display refresh. The Core Independent Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) implement debounce and key-encoding in hardware. UART bridges to a host processor for menu selection feedback, all running from a single 5V rail with no external crystal required.
Recommended
Automotive Body Control Module (Non-Safety)
For non-safety automotive body electronics, the PIC18F45K42-E/PT extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) and high-noise-immunity design cover door modules, seat controllers, and ambient lighting. The CAN is not integrated, so an external MCP2515 CAN controller with TJA1050 transceiver is typical. The 32 KB Flash holds LIN stack plus body-control logic, and the 5x5 mm TQFP-44 mechanical fits standard automotive PCB keep-out zones. Choose the PIC18F45K42-E/PTVAO variant for AEC-Q100 qualified safety-related modules.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F45K42-E/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F45K42-I/PT | PIC18F46K42-I/PT | PIC18F45K22-I/PT | PIC18F45K42-E/PTVAO | PIC18F45K42T-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TQFP-44 (PT) | TQFP-44 (PT) - same | TQFP-44 (PT) - same | TQFP-44 (PT) - same | TQFP-44 (PT) - same | TQFP-44 (PT) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB (+100%) | 16 KB (-50%) | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| RAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 1.5 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| CPU Speed | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (AEC-Q100) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| DMA Controller | Yes (4 channels) | Yes (4 channels) | Yes (4 channels) | No | Yes (4 channels) | Yes (4 channels) |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Unit Price (qty-100) | $2.36 | $2.36 | $2.78 | $2.10 | $3.20 | $2.36 |
Key Differentiators
- Core Independent Peripherals with DMA offload (vs PIC18F45K22-I/PT)
- Double the Flash memory at same price (vs PIC18F45K22-I/PT)
- Extended temperature grade for industrial use (vs PIC18F45K42-I/PT)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of every Vdd pin (TQFP-44 has three Vdd pins at pins 21, 31, 44). Add a single 4.7-10 uF bulk capacitor near the MCU to suppress regulator switching noise. The PIC18F45K42-E/PT draws a typical 8 mA at 64 MHz / 5V but only 50 nA in XLP sleep; use the SLPIDLE instruction and turn off unused peripherals via PMD registers to minimize active current.
Route the 12-bit ADC traces as short differential pairs with a ground guard trace on both sides. Place the analog AVdd pin (shared with Vdd in this package) on a 10 uH ferrite bead + 10 uF + 100 nF filter to isolate analog noise from digital switching. Keep switching signals (PWM, UART) at least 5 mm away from ADC traces. The exposed thermal pad on TQFP-44 is internally tied to Vss; do not connect it to a heat sink but provide a ground pour beneath.
Do not omit the 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR pin 42; floating MCLR will cause spurious resets. Ensure the ICD PGC/PGD pins (RB6/RB7) are accessible for in-circuit debugging - do not load them with > 50 pF capacitance. The PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) lock bits must be configured via #pragma config PPSLOCKED = OFF during development and turned ON before production. The 'F' variant requires 2.3V minimum Vdd for Flash programming; use the 'LF' variant for 1.8V operation.
Estimated: at 64 MHz CPU clock with 4 PWM channels at 20 kHz each, the simultaneous switching I/O can inject up to 200 mV of ground bounce on a poorly-decoupled PCB. Use a 4-layer board with continuous ground plane beneath the MCU, keep Vdd/Vss traces wide (> 0.3 mm), and route the PWM outputs through 33 ohm series resistors to dampen transmission-line reflections when driving cables longer than 50 mm.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. The E/PT (non-VAO) variant is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified; choose PIC18F45K42-E/PTVAO for automotive. Lead-free reflow at 260C peak per JEDEC J-STD-020.