PIC18F46K22-E/ML - 8-bit 48MHz 64KB Flash MCU QFN-44 | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F46K22-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.1 | $5.10 |
| 10 | $4.65 | $46.50 |
| 100 | $4.05 | $405.00 |
| 500 | $3.55 | $1,775.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.2 | $3,200.00 |
PIC18F46K22-E/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that combines a CPU core, program memory, data memory, and configurable peripherals around a single IC. The PIC18 family is Microchip's 8-bit RISC architecture with a C-compiler-optimized instruction set, linear program-memory addressing up to 64 KB, and linear data-memory addressing up to 4 KB. Within the broader taxonomy, PIC18F46K22 sits at: 8-bit microcontroller -> PIC18 family -> PIC18F K-series -> general-purpose low-power MCU -> embedded computing -> semiconductor. The "nanoWatt XLP" suffix indicates Microchip's ultra-low-power extensions aimed at battery- and energy-harvesting designs where quiescent current in microamps determines battery life.
Key features of the PIC18F46K22 family include a 10-bit ADC differential front-end and a true 12-bit ADC with computation contexts, up to 36 I/O pins, four 16-bit timers, two analog comparators, hardware CCP/ECC PWM modules, and the EUSART with LIN support. Supply voltage spans 2.3 V to 5.5 V depending on variant; the E-suffix part specified here is the extended-temperature version. Internal oscillator blocks provide selectable frequencies up to 16 MHz, removing the external crystal in cost-sensitive designs while still supporting USB-style baud-rate timing through PLL multipliers.
Architecturally, the PIC18F46K22 uses a Harvard memory layout with separate program and data buses, allowing simultaneous instruction fetch and data access in two clock cycles. The 16-bit instruction word and 8-bit data path give the family high code density for C compilers, while 49 instructions cover arithmetic, bit manipulation, and interrupt handling. The flash endurance is rated at 10,000 erase/write cycles per cell typical, with 40-year data retention at 85 °C - matching industrial-grade expectations.
Typical applications include industrial sensor hubs, consumer human-interface devices, low-power remote controls, USB HID class devices, and mains-powered white goods. Engineered for low-power battery-backed nodes such as thermostats, smart locks, and metering, the XLP run, doze, and sleep modes drop quiescent current below typical regulator leakage. Suitable also for hobbyist/professional firmware development because the device is fully supported by MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compilers, and PICkit 5 in-circuit debuggers.
When selecting this part, mind the temperature suffix: "-E" indicates the -40 °C to +125 °C extended industrial range; "-I" indicates the -40 °C to +85 °C industrial range. Newer PIC18F46Q10 is identified by Microchip as a recommended replacement for new designs, but the K22 remains active and is widely stocked for legacy and refresh programs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative candidate parts, and practical design considerations to speed up your selection and procurement cycle. Always cross-check the latest Microchip product page before committing to high-volume designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F46K22-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 PIC18F46K22-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, Timers, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F46K22-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46K22-E/MV
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F45K22-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F44K22-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46K20-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46K22-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC18 |
| Series | PIC18F K-series (XLP) |
| Core | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz |
| Performance | 16 MIPS |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB (32K x 16) |
| RAM | 3,968 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 1,024 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 36 |
| Package | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) |
| Supply Voltage (E suffix) | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E suffix) |
| ADC | 12-bit (with computation), up to 28 channels |
| Timers | Multiple 8/16-bit timers |
| Communication | EUSART, I2C, SPI, USB-capable via PLL |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP (sleep current microamp range) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F46K22-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 2 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (analog AN2) |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 (analog AN3) |
| Pin 4 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 (analog AN4 / Timer0 clock) |
| Pin 5 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 (analog AN5) |
| Pin 6 | RE0 — Port E bit 0 (analog AN6) |
| Pin 7 | RE1 — Port E bit 1 (analog AN7) |
| Pin 8 | RE2 — Port E bit 2 (analog AN8) |
| Pin 9 | AVDD — Analog supply |
| Pin 10 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 11 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 (oscillator) |
| Pin 12 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 (analog AN0) |
| Pin 13 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 (analog AN1) |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 15 | VDD — Digital supply |
| Pin 16 | OSC1 — Crystal / external clock input |
| Pin 17 | OSC2 — Crystal / clock output |
| Pin 18 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 (analog AN16) |
| Pin 19 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 (analog AN17) |
| Pin 20 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 (analog AN18) |
| Pin 21 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 (analog AN19 / SCL) |
| Pin 22 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 (analog AN20 / SDA) |
| Pin 23 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 (analog AN21) |
| Pin 24 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 (TX) |
| Pin 25 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 (RX) |
| Pin 26 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 (interrupt) |
| Pin 27 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 28 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 29 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 30 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 31 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 32 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 (ICSPCLK) |
| Pin 33 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 (ICSPDAT) |
| Pin 34 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 35 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 |
| Pin 36 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 37 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 38 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 |
| Pin 39 | RD4 — Port D bit 4 |
| Pin 40 | RD5 — Port D bit 5 (PWM) |
| Pin 41 | RD6 — Port D bit 6 (PWM) |
| Pin 42 | RD7 — Port D bit 7 (PWM) |
| Pin 43 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 44 | VDD — Digital supply |
Typical Applications
PIC18F46K22-E/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Hub, Battery-Powered Smart Lock, USB HID Class Device, White-Goods Control Board, Consumer Human-Interface Device, Energy / Gas Metering.
Industrial Sensor Hub
The PIC18F46K22-E/ML fits industrial sensor hubs because it provides 36 I/O lines, a 12-bit ADC with up to 28 channels, and nanoWatt XLP sleep currents in the microamp range. Placed as the data-acquisition MCU, it can sample multiple analog sensors, run local filtering, and forward packets via EUSART or SPI without bus contention. Its 48 MHz / 16 MIPS throughput allows 100 Hz polling loops on dozens of channels with headroom for diagnostics.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Smart Lock
Smart-locks and door sensors benefit from the XLP sleep currents and 64 KB flash of the PIC18F46K22-E/ML. The MCU can sleep under 1 microamp between user events, waking on interrupt to drive a motor or read a keypad. With 3,968 bytes of RAM, the device can buffer encryption keys and event logs without external memory, while the 12-bit ADC monitors battery health accurately.
Recommended
USB HID Class Device
By configuring the 48 MHz HFINTOSC with PLL, the PIC18F46K22-E/ML achieves the 48 MHz bus clock required for full-speed USB on the PIC18 USB-capable families. The 64 KB flash stores HID report descriptors and application state, while 3,968 bytes RAM holds the HID report buffer and protocol stacks. Designers appreciate that XC8 compiler support plus the device ID and configuration bits let a single chip act as a USB mouse, keyboard, or custom HID control panel.
Recommended
White-Goods Control Board
White goods such as washing machines and dishwashers rely on the extended -40 to +125 C temperature range of the PIC18F46K22-E/ML for under-hood reliability. The 12-bit ADC reads multiple temperature and level sensors, the ECCP modules drive PWM motor controls, and the EUSART links to a UI panel or inverter board. Its 64 KB flash supports full state-machine firmware plus diagnostics, all in a small 44-QFN footprint.
Recommended
Consumer Human-Interface Device
Remote controls, e-bike dashboards, and fitness handhelds use the PIC18F46K22-E/ML because of its strong low-power story and rich peripheral set. The hardware CCP/PWM modules support dual-tone buzzer drivers or backlight LED control, the 12-bit ADC reads battery voltage and motion-sensor analogs, and the 36 I/O are enough to scan 4x5 key matrices directly. The 3,968 bytes RAM holds display buffer and protocol stacks comfortably.
Recommended
Energy / Gas Metering
Energy meters, gas meters, and water meters run years on a single battery, which is exactly the use case the PIC18F46K22-E/ML is designed for. Its nanoWatt XLP modes drop quiescent current to a level where coin cells last the 10+ year service life, while the 12-bit ADC accurately measures front-end CT or shunt outputs. 64 KB of flash supports segmented metering firmware with Tamper detection and DLMS/COSEM protocol stacks.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F46K22-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F46K22-I/ML | PIC18F46K22-E/MV | PIC18F45K22-E/ML | PIC18F44K22-E/ML | PIC18F46K20-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-QFN (8x8) | 44-QFN (8x8) - same | 44-QFN (8x8) - same | 44-QFN (8x8) - same | 44-QFN (8x8) - same | 44-TQFP (PT) - same pin-out function |
| Flash Program Memory | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB |
| RAM | 3,968 bytes | 3,968 bytes | 3,968 bytes | 1,536 bytes | 768 bytes | 3,936 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz (16 MIPS) | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 40 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +85 C (I) | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +85 C (I) |
| ADC | 12-bit up to 28 channels | 12-bit up to 28 channels | 12-bit up to 28 channels | 12-bit up to 28 channels | 12-bit up to 28 channels | 10-bit, no computation engine |
| USB On-Chip | No (PLL-capable clock) | No (PLL-capable clock) | No (PLL-capable clock) | No (PLL-capable clock) | No (PLL-capable clock) | No |
Key Differentiators
- Doubled program memory vs PIC18F45K22-E/ML sibling (vs PIC18F45K22-E/ML)
- Extended -40 to +125 C temperature range vs -I grade (vs PIC18F46K22-I/ML)
- 12-bit ADC with hardware computation (vs PIC18F46K20-I/PT)
Design Notes
The PIC18F46K22-E/ML operates from 2.3 V to 5.5 V, but the -E extended-temperature suffix requires supply voltage to stay above 4.2 V per datasheet section 2. Estimated: at 5 V VDD with MCU active and 36 I/O loaded, the supply current reaches 7-9 mA typical, so choose a regulator with at least 50 mA headroom to manage motor-control in-rush.
The 44-QFN package has an exposed thermal pad (EP) that MUST be soldered to a PCB pad of at least the same size as the die footprint, with thermal vias to the inner ground plane. Per Microchip application note AN2586, otherwise thermal dissipation drops and the die can overheat in 1-W continuous-load applications. Use a 4x4 via array at 1 mm pitch to keep the junction below 100 C.
When the ICSP pins (RB6/RB7) are used for in-circuit programming, isolate them from high-speed signals. Per Microchip layout hints, leaving a 5 mm trace gap and 100 pF load cap on the PGECLK/PGEDAT lines improves debug reliability and prevents bricking during firmware updates. The /ML variants lack the standard TQFP test pads, so test points must be added for production.
Configuration bits must be set correctly during programming or the MCU will lock up: enable the internal oscillator (FOSC = INTIO67) for applications using the USB-capable clock tree. Watch for the -E suffix voltage floor: at 3.3 V supply the part may run, but Microchip's datasheet only guarantees performance down to 4.2 V. Use the -I variant when designing for 3.3 V rails.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status per Microchip product page; AEC-Q100 qualification status not listed - this E suffix is extended industrial, not automotive grade
