PIC18F46K20-I/PT - 8-Bit 64MHz 64KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F46K20-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.66 | $2.66 |
| 10 | $2.4 | $24.00 |
| 100 | $2.18 | $218.00 |
| 500 | $1.95 | $975.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.78 | $1,780.00 |
PIC18F46K20-I/PT Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable computing device built around an 8-bit data path, on-chip Flash for program storage, RAM for runtime variables, and a rich set of peripherals (ADC, timers, communication ports). MCUs sit within the broader hierarchy of microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> semiconductors, providing deterministic real-time control for everything from household appliances to industrial machinery. The 'K20' family suffix in particular denotes the XLP (eXtreme Low Power) nanoWatt generation, optimized for battery-operated and energy-harvesting designs.
Key features of the PIC18F46K20-I/PT include 64 KB (32K x 16) of self-programmable Flash, 3936 bytes of SRAM, 256 bytes of EEPROM, 36 digital I/O pins, a 10-bit ADC with up to 14 channels, multiple Enhanced USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C), and 10-bit PWM modules. The device supports an operating voltage range of 1.8V to 3.6V and offers nanoWatt XLP modes including sleep currents in the sub-microamp range, making it well-suited for always-on applications.
The 44-pin TQFP (PT) package provides 36 I/O pins in a 10x10 mm body with 0.8 mm pitch for hand or reflow soldering. The architecture uses a 16-bit instruction word with an 8-bit data path, and the 64 MHz internal oscillator eliminates the need for an external crystal in many designs. AEC-Q100 automotive qualification is supported across the family.
Typical applications include consumer white goods, industrial control panels, battery-powered sensor nodes, automotive body and comfort electronics, USB/HID peripherals using the MSSP, and low-cost embedded control boards. Design considerations include ensuring Vdd decoupling near the supply pins, configuring the configuration bits for the chosen oscillator, and following Microchip AN1229 for low-power sleep mode usage.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F46K20-I/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 PIC18F46K20-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Timers, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F46K20-E/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46K22-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F45K20-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46J53T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F45K80-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46K20-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 (8-bit data, 16-bit instruction) |
| CPU Speed (Max) | 64 MHz |
| Flash Program Memory | 64 KB (32K x 16) |
| SRAM | 3936 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Digital I/O Pins | 36 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 14 channels |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | 44-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial -I) |
| Communication Interfaces | Enhanced USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| PWM Channels | 10-bit |
| Timers | Multiple 8-bit and 16-bit timers |
| Low Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Automotive Qualification | AEC-Q100 (family level) |
PIC18F46K20-I/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0/ULPWU — PORTA bit 0 / ADC input / Ultra Low-Power Wake-up |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / ADC input |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / ADC input / ADC negative reference |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / ADC input / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / ADC input / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5/SS/HLVDIN — PORTA bit 5 / ADC input / SPI slave select / High/Low Voltage Detect |
| Pin 7 | RA6/OSC2/CLKO — PORTA bit 6 / Crystal oscillator output / Clock output |
| Pin 8 | RA7/OSC1/CLKI — PORTA bit 7 / Crystal oscillator input / Clock input |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 11 | RB0/AN12/INT0/FLT0 — PORTB bit 0 / ADC input / External interrupt 0 / PWM fault |
| Pin 12 | RB1/AN10/INT1 — PORTB bit 1 / ADC input / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 13 | RB2/AN8/INT2 — PORTB bit 2 / ADC input / External interrupt 2 |
| Pin 14 | RB3/AN9/CCP2A — PORTB bit 3 / ADC input / CCP2 channel A |
| Pin 15 | RB4/AN11/KBI0 — PORTB bit 4 / ADC input / Keyboard interrupt 0 |
| Pin 16 | RB5/KBI1/PGM — PORTB bit 5 / Keyboard interrupt 1 / LVP programming |
| Pin 17 | RB6/KBI2/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / Keyboard interrupt 2 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 18 | RB7/KBI3/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / Keyboard interrupt 3 / ICSP data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RC0/SOSCO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Secondary oscillator output / Timer1 clock |
| Pin 22 | RC1/SOSCI/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Secondary oscillator input / Timer1 oscillator / CCP2 |
| Pin 23 | RC2/CCP1/P1A — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 / PWM output 1A |
| Pin 24 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 25 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 26 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 27 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART transmit / USART clock |
| Pin 28 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART receive / USART data |
| Pin 29 | RE3/RD/CCP5 — PORTE bit 3 / Read signal / CCP5 |
| Pin 30 | RD0/PSP0 — PORTD bit 0 / Parallel Slave Port bit 0 |
| Pin 31 | RD1/PSP1 — PORTD bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port bit 1 |
| Pin 32 | RD2/PSP2 — PORTD bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port bit 2 |
| Pin 33 | RD3/PSP3 — PORTD bit 3 / Parallel Slave Port bit 3 |
| Pin 34 | RD4/PSP4/SDO2 — PORTD bit 4 / Parallel Slave Port / SPI2 data out |
| Pin 35 | RD5/PSP5/SDI2 — PORTD bit 5 / Parallel Slave Port / SPI2 data in |
| Pin 36 | RD6/PSP6/SCK2/SCL2 — PORTD bit 6 / Parallel Slave Port / SPI2 clock / I2C2 clock |
| Pin 37 | RD7/PSP7/SS2 — PORTD bit 7 / Parallel Slave Port / SPI2 slave select |
| Pin 38 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 39 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 40 | RE0/AN5/RD — PORTE bit 0 / ADC input / Read control |
| Pin 41 | RE1/AN6/WR — PORTE bit 1 / ADC input / Write control |
| Pin 42 | RE2/AN7/CS — PORTE bit 2 / ADC input / Chip select |
| Pin 43 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 44 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC18F46K20-I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panels, Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes, Automotive Body and Comfort Electronics, Consumer White Goods, USB/HID Peripherals, IoT Edge Sensor Hubs.
Industrial Control Panels
The PIC18F46K20-I/PT fits industrial control panels because its 64 KB Flash and 3.9 KB RAM handle HMI state machines, while its 36 digital I/O pins drive relays, keypads, and segment displays. The 64 MHz CPU ensures sub-millisecond scan loop response for PLC-style logic. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade survives factory floor environments. The nanoWatt XLP modes reduce idle power consumption below 100 nA during standby.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes
The PIC18F46K20-I/PT is ideal for battery-powered sensor nodes due to its nanoWatt XLP technology offering sub-microamp sleep currents. The 10-bit ADC with 14 channels handles multiple sensor inputs (temperature, humidity, battery voltage), while the 64 KB Flash stores local data logging buffers. The 1.8V to 3.6V operating range suits single-cell Li-Ion or 2xAA battery sources.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Comfort Electronics
The PIC18F46K20-I/PT is AEC-Q100 qualified at family level and is widely used in non-safety automotive body controllers (door modules, seat controllers, HVAC dampers, mirror adjusters). Its 36 I/O drive small motors and switches, while the Enhanced USART interfaces with LIN-bus transceivers for in-vehicle networking. The Extended -40C to +125C grade variant is recommended for under-hood zones.
Recommended
Consumer White Goods
The PIC18F46K20-I/PT powers washing machine control boards, microwave ovens, and dishwasher HMI due to its low cost and high peripheral integration. The 10-bit PWM drives motor speed control, the 14-channel ADC reads temperature and water level sensors, and the I2C/SPI interfaces connect to LED/LCD display drivers. The 64 KB Flash accommodates multi-language UI code.
Recommended
USB/HID Peripherals
The PIC18F46K20-I/PT works in USB HID peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and custom input devices when paired with the MCP2200 or MCP2210 USB bridge ICs. The 64 MHz CPU handles USB HID report parsing and debounce logic, while 64 KB Flash stores multi-layer keyboard matrices. The 36 I/O support large keypad scan matrices.
Recommended
IoT Edge Sensor Hubs
The PIC18F46K20-I/PT operates as an edge sensor hub aggregating multiple sensor inputs over I2C/SPI for low-cost IoT bridges. Its nanoWatt XLP sleep modes combined with timer-based wake-up enable multi-year battery life on coin cells. The 14-channel ADC reads analog sensor arrays, while Enhanced USART relays data to wireless modules like the RN2483 LoRa transceiver.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F46K20-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F46K20-E/PT | PIC18F46K22-I/PT | PIC18F45K20-I/PT | PIC18F46J53T-I/PT | PIC18F45K80-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) | 44-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 44-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 44-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 44-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 44-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) - same |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 32 KB (-50%) |
| SRAM | 3936 bytes | 3936 bytes | 8 KB (+108%) | 3936 bytes | 3.8 KB | 3.6 KB |
| CPU Speed | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 48 MHz | 64 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 2.0V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40C to +85C | Extended -40C to +125C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C |
| Special Features | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP, more peripherals | nanoWatt XLP | USB OTG, Full-Speed USB 2.0 | CAN 2.0B peripheral |
Key Differentiators
- Same-family upgrade with extended temperature grade (vs PIC18F46K20-E/PT)
- 2x RAM and more peripherals in same package (vs PIC18F46K22-I/PT)
- USB OTG integrated on same die family (vs PIC18F46J53T-I/PT)
- CAN 2.0B peripheral for automotive networking (vs PIC18F45K80-I/PT)
Design Notes
Place 100 nF decoupling capacitors as close as possible to each VDD pin (pins 10, 20, 39, 44) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the MCU power entry point. The PIC18F46K20-I/PT has multiple VDD/VSS pairs to reduce digital switching noise coupling into the analog ADC reference. For nanoWatt XLP sleep operation, ensure all unused I/O pins are configured as outputs driven low (not floating) to minimize leakage current below 100 nA.
Estimated: The TQFP-44 (10x10 mm) package has a typical theta_JA of approximately 50 C/W on a standard JEDEC 4-layer PCB. At maximum CPU load (64 MHz, all peripherals active), internal power dissipation is roughly 30 mW, giving a junction temperature rise of only 1.5 C above ambient - well within the -40C to +85C industrial grade. For Extended -40C to +125C applications, choose the -E/PT variant directly.
Route the ICSP signals PGC (pin 17) and PGD (pin 18) with traces no longer than 50 mm and avoid routing them near switching signals or analog inputs to prevent programming failures. The MCLR pin is internally tied to VDD on some K20 variants - consult the configuration bits section of the datasheet for the exact connection requirement. Place the 4-pin ICSP header at the PCB edge for production programming access.
Common pitfalls when designing with the PIC18F46K20-I/PT: (1) Failing to configure the oscillator selection bits in CONFIG1H - the device may boot at an unexpected frequency. (2) Not enabling the watchdog timer for safety-critical applications. (3) Using ADC channels above AN11 on PORTB without disabling digital input buffers first, which adds noise. (4) Over-driving the analog reference VREF+/VREF- above VDD + 0.3V (clamp diodes will forward-bias and damage the MCU).
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 qualified at the family level (K20 family). Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip environmental policy.