PIC18F4680-E/ML - 8-bit 25MHz 64KB Flash MCU w/ECAN | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F4680-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $20.88 | $20.88 |
| 10 | $18.79 | $187.90 |
| 100 | $16.71 | $1,671.00 |
| 250 | $15.66 | $3,915.00 |
| 500 | $14.62 | $7,310.00 |
PIC18F4680-E/ML Overview
A PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) microcontroller is a compact programmable processor that integrates CPU, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (RAM), and a configurable set of peripheral modules on a single silicon die. Within the broader hierarchy, a microcontroller sits below a microprocessor (which typically requires external memory and peripherals) and above a digital signal controller; the 8-bit PIC18 family specifically targets deterministic real-time embedded control with an enhanced instruction set, hardware multiplier, and nanoWatt power management features.
Key features of the PIC18F4680-E/ML include a 25 MHz internal clock with up to 40 MHz external crystal support (10 MIPS throughput), an integrated ECAN (Enhanced Controller Area Network) module compliant with CAN 2.0B, a 10-bit ADC with up to 11 channels, a USART with LIN master/slave support, an MSSP (Master Synchronous Serial Port) for SPI/I2C, and nanoWatt power-saving modes. The 64KB of self-programmable Flash supports in-application updates via ICSP.
The PIC18F4680-E/ML uses Microchip's enhanced Harvard architecture with a 16-bit instruction word and 8-bit data path, providing predictable instruction timing suited to hard real-time control loops. The 25 MHz maximum operating frequency at 5V delivers 10 MIPS, while the integrated ECAN module supports both standard and extended identifiers with hardware acceptance filtering, offloading message processing from the CPU.
Typical applications include automotive body and chassis ECAN nodes, industrial CAN-bus sensor and actuator networks, building automation gateways, and LIN-bus peripherals in automotive clusters. The combination of ECAN, USART, and MSSP allows the device to bridge multiple automotive and industrial communication buses on a single MCU.
When laying out the PCB, connect the exposed thermal pad on the underside of the QFN-44 package directly to the ground plane for electrical grounding and thermal dissipation. The -E suffix indicates the extended operating temperature range of -40C to +125C, suitable for automotive underhood and industrial environments.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the PIC18 family, and practical design notes not found on a single distributor product page, providing a one-stop engineering reference for selecting the PIC18F4680-E/ML in new designs or as a drop-in upgrade path.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F4680-E/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 PIC18F4680-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, ADC, Core Architecture, Program Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F4680-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4585-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4585-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F4685-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.48 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4480-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4680-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory Type | Flash (self-programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 64 KB (32K x 16) |
| SRAM | 3,328 bytes |
| Data EEPROM/HEF | 1,024 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) |
| Operating Frequency | Up to 25 MHz (per DigiKey listing) |
| Supply Voltage | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Ports | 36 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 11 channels |
| CAN Module | ECAN (CAN 2.0B) with hardware acceptance filters |
| UART/USART | 1x USART with LIN master/slave support |
| SPI/I2C | MSSP (SPI / I2C master and slave) |
| Timers | Multiple 8-bit and 16-bit timers with CCP/ECCP |
| Package | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) with exposed thermal pad |
| Pin Count | 44 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended, -E suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F4680-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Digital I/O / AN2 analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Digital I/O / AN3 analog input / VREF+ |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Digital I/O / T0CKI timer0 clock |
| Pin 4 | RA5 — Digital I/O / AN4 / SS |
| Pin 5 | RA6 — Digital I/O / OSC2 |
| Pin 6 | RA7 — Digital I/O / OSC1 |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply (4.2 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 9 | RB0/INT0 — Digital I/O / external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 10 | RB1/INT1 — Digital I/O / external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 11 | RB2/INT2 — Digital I/O / external interrupt 2 |
| Pin 12 | RB3/INT3 — Digital I/O / external interrupt 3 / CCP2A |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — Digital I/O / KBI0 |
| Pin 14 | RB5 — Digital I/O / KBI1 / PGM (LVP) |
| Pin 15 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICD clock |
| Pin 16 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICD data |
| Pin 17 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 19 | RC0 — Digital I/O / T1OSO / T1CKI |
| Pin 20 | RC1 — Digital I/O / T1OSI / CCP2 |
| Pin 21 | RC2 — Digital I/O / CCP1 |
| Pin 22 | RC3 — Digital I/O / SCL / SCK |
| Pin 23 | RC4 — Digital I/O / SDA / SDI |
| Pin 24 | RC5 — Digital I/O / SDO |
| Pin 25 | RC6 — Digital I/O / TX (USART async) |
| Pin 26 | RC7 — Digital I/O / RX (USART async) |
| Pin 27 | RE0/RD — Digital I/O / AN5 / RD (parallel port) |
| Pin 28 | RE1/WR — Digital I/O / AN6 / WR (parallel port) |
| Pin 29 | RE2/CS — Digital I/O / AN7 / CS (parallel port) |
| Pin 30 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 31 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 32 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 33 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 34 | RF0 — Digital I/O / C1OUT / AN8 |
| Pin 35 | RF1 — Digital I/O / C2OUT / AN9 |
| Pin 36 | RF2 — Digital I/O / AN10 / C2IN- |
| Pin 37 | RF3 — Digital I/O / AN11 / C2IN+ |
| Pin 38 | RF4 — Digital I/O / C1IN- |
| Pin 39 | RF5 — Digital I/O / C1IN+ |
| Pin 40 | RF6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 41 | RF7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 42 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 43 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 44 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Crystal oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin EP | EPAD — Exposed thermal pad - connect to ground |
Typical Applications
PIC18F4680-E/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive ECAN Body Control Module, Industrial CAN-bus Sensor Gateway, Building Automation Controller, Automotive Instrument Cluster Peripheral, USB-to-CAN Adapter Bridge, Battery-Powered Sensor Node with ECAN.
Automotive ECAN Body Control Module
The PIC18F4680-E/ML is well suited for automotive ECAN body and chassis nodes because it integrates an Enhanced CAN 2.0B module with hardware acceptance filtering and a 10 MIPS CPU that handles CAN message processing without software bottlenecks. The -40C to +125C extended temperature grade matches underhood and unventilated cabin environments, and the 64 KB Flash accommodates CAN stack, diagnostics (UDS), and bootloader code. Place the part on a 5 V regulated rail, terminate the ECAN TX/RX lines with a TJA1050 or TJA1043 transceiver, and use 36 available I/O for switches, LEDs, and LIN sub-buses via the USART.
Recommended
Industrial CAN-bus Sensor Gateway
The PIC18F4680-E/ML bridges industrial sensors to a CAN network thanks to its 10-bit ADC with 11 channels for analog sensor digitization, ECAN module for upstream communication, and USART for local RS-485/LIN daisy-chaining. The 3,328 B SRAM buffers incoming sensor samples before ECAN transmission, while the 64 KB Flash stores CANopen or DeviceNet object dictionaries. Operate at 5 V, use the MSSP for I2C sensor hubs, and route ECAN through an ISO 1050 isolated transceiver for factory-floor noise immunity.
Recommended
Building Automation Controller
In building automation, the PIC18F4680-E/ML acts as a CAN or LIN sub-bus controller managing HVAC dampers, lighting, and access sensors. The 36 I/O pins handle multiple relay drivers, keypads, and 1-Wire sensor inputs, while the nanoWatt power-saving modes cut standby current for always-on wall controllers. The extended -40C to +125C rating covers unheated equipment rooms, and the 1,024 B EEPROM stores calibration and address settings across power cycles without external memory.
Recommended
Automotive Instrument Cluster Peripheral
Use the PIC18F4680-E/ML as a satellite MCU inside an instrument cluster, offloading gauge/indicator refresh from the main processor over LIN or SPI. The MSSP drives SPI displays and stepper/driver gauges, while the USART runs LIN master/slave for body modules. The ECAN module provides redundant communication when SPI bandwidth is saturated, and the 25 MHz core gives sufficient throughput for refresh-rate graphics at low BOM cost.
Recommended
USB-to-CAN Adapter Bridge
Pair the PIC18F4680-E/ML with an external USB-UART bridge to create a compact USB-to-CAN diagnostic adapter for field service. The 10 MIPS core handles CAN-to-UART frame forwarding with timing-critical CAN acknowledgment, while the 64 KB Flash fits a full CAN 2.0B protocol stack. The 44-QFN footprint is small enough for a dongle form factor, and the -E temperature grade supports automotive shop environments with engine bay heat exposure.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Node with ECAN
Although primarily a 5 V part, the PIC18F4680-E/ML can be deployed in line-powered sensor nodes where its nanoWatt sleep modes, ECAN wake-on-message, and 10-bit ADC minimize average current. A small switching regulator provides the 5 V rail from 12-24 V bus power, and the ECAN module's filter masks keep the MCU asleep until relevant CAN IDs arrive, dramatically cutting quiescent consumption for solar-powered remote monitoring stations.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F4680-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F4680-I/ML | PIC18F4585-I/ML | PIC18F4585-E/ML | PIC18F4685-I/ML | PIC18F4480-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-QFN (8x8) | 44-QFN (8x8) - same | 44-QFN (8x8) - same | 44-QFN (8x8) - same | 44-QFN (8x8) - same | 44-QFN (8x8) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB | 64 KB | 48 KB | 48 KB | 96 KB | 16 KB |
| SRAM | 3,328 B | 3,328 B | 3,328 B | 3,328 B | 3,328 B | 768 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS |
| CAN Module | ECAN (CAN 2.0B) | ECAN (CAN 2.0B) | ECAN (CAN 2.0B) | ECAN (CAN 2.0B) | ECAN (CAN 2.0B) | ECAN (CAN 2.0B) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| ADC | 10-bit, 11 channels | 10-bit, 11 channels | 10-bit, 11 channels | 10-bit, 11 channels | 10-bit, 11 channels | 10-bit, 11 channels |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C operating range vs -40C to +85C -I grade (vs PIC18F4680-I/ML)
- 64 KB Flash with same peripherals as PIC18F4585 family (vs PIC18F4585-I/ML)
- Smaller Flash than PIC18F4685 for cost-sensitive designs (vs PIC18F4685-I/ML)
- Higher memory headroom than PIC18F4480 for richer firmware (vs PIC18F4480-I/ML)
Design Notes
The 44-QFN (8x8) PIC18F4680-E/ML has a center exposed thermal pad (pin EP) that must be soldered to a PCB ground plane for electrical grounding and thermal dissipation. Stencil apertures should be split into an array of smaller openings (typically 0.5 mm pitch, 50% coverage) to prevent solder voids greater than 25% of pad area, per Microchip QFN soldering guidelines. Vias-in-pad are recommended under the EP for high-current or high-temperature environments.
Place 100 nF decoupling capacitors as close as possible to each VDD pin (pins 8, 18, 31, 33) and a single 10 uF bulk capacitor on the 5 V rail within 25 mm of the MCU. The ECAN module draws brief high-current pulses during transmission; a ferrite bead between the digital 5 V supply and the analog AVdd rail (if used) suppresses ECAN switching noise from coupling into ADC measurements.
MCLR must be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up resistor and a 100 nF capacitor to ground for proper reset behavior; omitting the capacitor can cause intermittent reset failures during power glitches. The PGC/PGD pins (RB6/RB7) should not be used as outputs in the final application if ICSP debugging is required - some example code inadvertently drives these pins low and breaks programming. Always populate the ICSP header for prototype builds.
ECAN bus signals CANTX and CANRX must be routed as a 100 ohm differential pair (twisted or tightly coupled microstrip) with characteristic impedance of 120 ohm +/-10% and a 120 ohm termination resistor at each end of the bus. Keep CANTX/CANRX traces away from switching regulator inductors and oscillator traces to maintain EMC margins; add a 4.7 nF series capacitor on each CANTX pin to the transceiver if PCB space permits.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. The -E extended temperature grade is not the same as AEC-Q100 automotive qualification; for AEC-Q100 qualified parts, consider PIC18F4680-I/ML automotive variants. Halogen-free status not stated in web data; defaulted to unknown.
