PIC18F46J13-I/ML - 8-bit 48MHz 64KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F46J13-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.3 | $7.30 |
| 10 | $6.57 | $65.70 |
| 100 | $5.84 | $584.00 |
| 500 | $5.11 | $2,555.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.38 | $4,380.00 |
PIC18F46J13-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small, self-contained computer-on-a-chip that integrates a CPU, memory (Flash/RAM), and peripherals on a single die. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, an MCU is a subset of microprocessors and belongs to the embedded computing category, commonly used in consumer, industrial, automotive, and IoT products where deterministic real-time control is required. The PIC18F46J13 is part of Microchip's enhanced Flash microcontroller family targeting cost-sensitive applications that still require substantial code space and analog integration.
Key features include 64KB (32K x 16) of self-programmable Flash, 3.72KB of RAM, 36 digital I/O pins, two 12-bit A/D converters with up to 13 input channels, multiple PWM outputs, and serial interfaces including I2C, SPI, and enhanced USART. The device operates from 2.0V to 3.6V, includes a 4x phase-locked loop (PLL) for the 48MHz system clock, and supports in-circuit debugging via ICD.
The PIC18F46J13 utilizes a Harvard architecture with separate code and data buses, an 8-bit ALU, and a RISC-style instruction set with 77 instructions. The device supports priority levels for interrupts and a vectored interrupt controller that allows for deterministic response times, which is essential in real-time control applications such as motor drives and sensor fusion.
Typical applications include low-power sensor nodes, USB/HID peripherals, capacitive touch interfaces, industrial control panels, white goods (washing machines, dishwashers), and battery-powered handheld instruments where deep-sleep current in the nanoampere range enables years of standby operation. The wide peripheral set and 64KB code space also support small graphical user interfaces on segment LCDs.
When designing with this part, verify that your power supply rail is within the 2.0V-3.6V range; the J-series variants operate strictly from 2.0V to 3.6V (not 5V tolerant). The exposed pad on the QFN package must be soldered to the PCB ground plane to meet thermal and electrical performance specifications.
This page synthesizes Microchip datasheet specifications, distributor stock and pricing data, cross-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that supplement - but do not replace - the official datasheet from Microchip Technology.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F46J13-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 PIC18F46J13-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Series, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F46J50-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F46J11-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F47J13-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.46 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F45J11-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46K22-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46K80-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.23 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46J13-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 (8-bit Harvard) |
| Series | PIC18F J-series (XLP) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB (32K x 16) |
| Data RAM | 3.72 KB |
| CPU Speed | 48 MHz (up to 12 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 36 |
| A/D Converter | 2 x 12-bit, up to 13 channels |
| Package | 44-pin QFN (ML) 8x8 mm with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Low-Power Feature | XLP nanoWatt with Deep Sleep mode |
| PLL | 4x phase-locked loop |
| Communications | 2x SPI, 2x I2C, 2x EUSART |
| PWM Channels | Multiple enhanced CCP/ECCP |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F46J13-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 3 |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Digital I/O (no analog) |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN4 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0-3.6V) |
| Pin 11 | RB0/INT0 — Digital I/O / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 12 | RB1/INT1 — Digital I/O / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 17 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 18 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 22 | RC1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 24 | RC3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 25 | RC4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 26 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 27 | RC6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 28 | RC7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 29 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 30 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 31 | RD0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 32 | RD1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 33 | RD2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 34 | RD3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 35 | RD4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 36 | RD5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 37 | RD6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 38 | RD7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 39 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 40 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 41 | RE0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 42 | RE1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 43 | RE2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 44 | RE3 — Digital I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC18F46J13-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Industrial Control Panel with Segment LCD, USB HID Peripheral (Mouse/Keyboard/Custom HID), White Goods Appliance Controller, Capacitive Touch User Interface, Handheld Medical Device Data Logger.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC18F46J13-I/ML fits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because of its XLP nanoWatt Deep Sleep mode with standby current below 100 nA, 64 KB Flash for over-the-air update stacks, and 2.0-3.6V supply range compatible with single-cell Li-Ion or CR2032 coin cells. With 48 MHz CPU speed and 12 MIPS throughput, the device can wake, sample multiple sensors via its dual 12-bit ADC (up to 13 channels), transmit via a connected Sub-GHz or BLE module over SPI/I2C, and return to sleep within milliseconds. The 36 digital I/O pins allow direct drive of LEDs, push buttons, and sensor enables without external glue logic. Compared to higher-performance Cortex-M0+ alternatives, the J13's nanoampere standby current yields multi-year battery life on a coin cell, making it the right choice when quiescent power dominates the energy budget.
Recommended
Industrial Control Panel with Segment LCD
The PIC18F46J13-I/ML drives industrial control panels with segment LCDs by leveraging its 36 I/O pins (enough to multiplex 8-digit segment LCDs with backlight, button matrix, and rotary encoder) and its 64 KB Flash for menu/HMI firmware. The integrated 12-bit ADC reads potentiometers, NTC temperature sensors, and 4-20 mA current loop transducers with sufficient resolution for setpoint control. The wide -40C to +85C industrial temperature range and 3.3V operation suit cabinet environments where 24V is stepped down to logic levels. Designers benefit from Microchip's free MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler with hardware debug over ICD, accelerating firmware iteration. The QFN-44 8x8 mm package fits beneath the LCD module on a single-side PCB.
Recommended
USB HID Peripheral (Mouse/Keyboard/Custom HID)
The PIC18F46J13-I/ML pairs with the sister PIC18F46J50-I/ML (same QFN-44 footprint, adds on-chip USB 2.0 full-speed) for USB HID peripherals like keyboards, mice, custom input devices, and CDC virtual COM ports. With 64 KB Flash it accommodates the Microchip USB stack plus class-specific HID descriptors and report formats. The 48 MHz core supports USB frame-rate polling at 1 kHz without timing margin issues, and the 12-bit ADC enables analog joystick or slider integration. The 3.3V rail is USB-spec compliant for VBUS-derived supplies after regulation. End-product certifications (USB-IF, FCC) are easier when the silicon integrator is Microchip's USB-qualified firmware stack.
Recommended
White Goods Appliance Controller
The PIC18F46J13-I/ML serves as the main controller in white goods (washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, microwave ovens) where cost-effective 8-bit processing, robust peripheral set, and long-term Microchip supply are critical. With 64 KB Flash and 3.72 KB RAM, the device handles motor control via enhanced CCP PWM (driving triacs or MOSFETs), temperature sensing via dual 12-bit ADC, and user-interface scan via 36 I/O. The QFN-44 8x8 mm package with exposed pad supports sustained operation in a sealed appliance chassis where thermal dissipation is acceptable through PCB copper. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating covers under-hood and outdoor white-goods environments.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interface
The PIC18F46J13-I/ML implements capacitive touch buttons, sliders, and proximity sensors using the Microchip mTouch software library running on the 12-bit ADC and CTMU (Charge Time Measurement Unit) peripherals. The 64 KB Flash accommodates the touch-sensing algorithms plus application code, while the 48 MHz core delivers sub-10 ms response times for 16+ touch electrodes. The 2.0-3.6V supply range is compatible with battery-powered touch remotes and panel controls. Compared to dedicated touch controllers, integrating touch in the main MCU reduces BOM cost and PCB area, particularly in space-constrained consumer products like remote controls and small appliances.
Recommended
Handheld Medical Device Data Logger
The PIC18F46J13-I/ML operates in handheld medical device data loggers (pulse oximeters, glucose meters, spirometers) where low power, integrated ADC, and deterministic real-time performance are required. The XLP Deep Sleep mode extends battery life between measurements, while the 12-bit ADC delivers sufficient resolution for biosensor signal conditioning. With 64 KB Flash, the firmware stores event logs, calibration data, and USB/serial protocol stacks for clinic-side data transfer. The industrial temperature range and robust QFN package suit disinfection-friendly sealed enclosures. Designers must implement IEC 62304 software lifecycle processes and validate firmware per FDA guidance when targeting Class II medical devices.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F46J13-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F46J50-I/ML | PIC18F47J13-I/ML | PIC18F46K22-I/ML | PIC18F46K80-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-pin QFN (ML) 8x8 mm | 44-pin QFN (ML) 8x8 mm - same | 44-pin QFN (ML) 8x8 mm - same | 44-pin QFN (ML) 8x8 mm - same | 44-pin QFN (ML) 8x8 mm - same |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB | 64 KB | 128 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| RAM | 3.72 KB | 3.72 KB | 3.93 KB | 3.89 KB | 3.65 KB |
| CPU Speed | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS | 64 MHz / 16 MIPS | 64 MHz / 16 MIPS |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0-3.6 V | 2.0-3.6 V | 2.0-3.6 V | 1.8-5.5 V (5V-tolerant I/O) | 1.8-5.5 V (5V-tolerant I/O) |
| I/O Pins | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 |
| USB 2.0 | No | Yes (Full-Speed USB) | No | No | No |
| CAN Bus | No | No | No | No | Yes (CAN 2.0B) |
| Low-Power Family | XLP (nanoWatt, Deep Sleep <100 nA) | XLP | XLP | nanoWatt (higher sleep current) | nanoWatt (higher sleep current) |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest sleep current in 64KB PIC18 family (Deep Sleep <100 nA) (vs PIC18F46K22-I/ML)
- On-chip USB 2.0 available in same footprint variant (vs PIC18F46J50-I/ML)
- Doubles Flash at same footprint for future-proofing (vs PIC18F47J13-I/ML)
- 5V-tolerant I/O option at same footprint (vs PIC18F46K22-I/ML)
Design Notes
The PIC18F46J13-I/ML operates strictly from 2.0V to 3.6V; the J-series does NOT include 5V-tolerant I/O. If your design requires 5V signal compatibility, choose a K-series variant (e.g., PIC18F46K22-I/ML) instead. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of each VDD pin (the QFN-44 has multiple VDD/VSS pairs), plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the supply entry. The exposed thermal pad (EP) on the QFN-44 must be soldered to a PCB ground plane to meet thermal and electrical performance specifications.
Route the ICSP signals (PGC = RB6, PGD = RB7) directly to a 0.1 inch header for in-circuit debugging and programming. Keep the ICSP traces short and away from high-frequency switching nodes (PWM outputs, oscillator) to avoid coupling noise into the debug interface. Place a 4.7 kohm pull-up on MCLR if external reset is required; the J-series uses an internal pull-up but external reset is recommended for noisy industrial environments. Use a ground pour under and around the QFN-44 exposed pad to dissipate the modest 250 mW worst-case power.
Do not apply voltages above 3.6V to any I/O pin - the J-series is NOT 5V tolerant and will be damaged. When migrating firmware from a K-series PIC, verify that the configuration register CONFIG3L bits match the new oscillator and PLL settings; the F46J13 uses a different default PLL configuration than the F46K22. When entering Deep Sleep mode, ensure the ADC, comparator, and any peripheral drawing bias current is disabled to achieve the datasheet's <100 nA standby current - leaving one ADC channel enabled can draw 10-100 uA and ruin battery life.
When using the SPI peripheral at 10 MHz or higher, keep the SCK/MOSI/MISO traces short and matched in length to avoid setup/hold violations with the slave device. Place a 33 ohm series resistor near the SCK driver if the trace length exceeds 50 mm. For I2C bus, use 4.7 kohm pull-ups to 3.3V at 100 kHz Standard mode, or 2.2 kohm at 400 kHz Fast mode; verify against the slave device's input capacitance budget. The 12-bit ADC requires a clean VREF+ reference - if using VDD as VREF, add a ferrite bead and 10 uF decoupling to prevent digital switching noise coupling into analog readings.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade only (-40C to +85C); not AEC-Q100 qualified - automotive designs should consider PIC18F46K80 with CAN or qualified K-series variants. Halogen-free per Microchip material declaration.