PIC18F46K22-E/P - 8-bit 64KB Flash XLP MCU 40-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F46K22-E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.2 | $6.20 |
| 10 | $5.58 | $55.80 |
| 100 | $4.94 | $494.00 |
| 500 | $4.42 | $2,210.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.92 | $3,920.00 |
PIC18F46K22-E/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, integrating a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (RAM), and a rich set of peripherals (ADCs, timers, communication modules, and I/O) on one die. 8-bit MCUs belong to the broader category of microcontrollers, which sit within embedded controllers and ultimately under the semiconductor device family. Compared with 16-bit and 32-bit MCUs, 8-bit parts like the PIC18F offer deterministic instruction execution, ultra-low sleep currents, and a simpler tool chain, at the cost of lower raw compute throughput.
Key features include a 12-bit A/D converter with up to 28 input channels, two 8-bit DAC modules, a 16-bit Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM (ECCP) plus standard CCP modules, three analog comparators, a hardware RTCC with calendar mode, and the nanoWatt XLP energy-saving extensions that allow sleep currents down to the nanoampere range. Communication peripherals include two MSSP (I2C/SPI), two EUSART (RS-232/RS-485), and a USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver with on-chip transceiver on select variants. The 36 digital I/O pins tolerate 5V logic and can wake the core from sleep.
Architecturally, the PIC18F46K22 family uses an enhanced Harvard architecture with a 16-bit instruction word and an 8-bit data path, a hardware multiplier, indirect addressing modes, and a vectored interrupt controller with two priority levels. The wide 31-level hardware stack and 78 instructions support real-time control loops in C or assembly.
Typical applications include industrial sensor nodes, building automation, white-goods control boards, low-power battery data loggers, USB human-interface devices, and HVAC thermostats. The extended temperature grade makes this -E/P variant a fit for underhood industrial enclosures and outdoor metering.
When designing with this part, reserve one of the I/O pins for the ICSP/ICD interface (PGECx/PGEDx) so the device remains in-circuit programmable on the production board. Choose the -I/P grade for benign indoor environments and the -E/P for harsher thermal stress.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that are not aggregated in the manufacturer datasheet, including 40-pin PDIP pinout context and extended-grade selection guidance.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F46K22-E/P — 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/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, Supply Voltage (VDD), Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F46K22-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.61 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F45K22-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46K22-E/MV
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46K20-E/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46J53T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46K22-E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 8-bit Harvard |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB (32K x 16) |
| Data RAM | 3968 B |
| Data EEPROM | 1 KB |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended, -E grade) |
| I/O Pins | 36 |
| Package | 40-pin PDIP (P) |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 28 channels |
| DAC | Two 8-bit DAC modules |
| Analog Comparators | 3 |
| Timers | 8/16-bit with RTCC calendar |
| PWM/CCP | ECCP + 2x CCP |
| Communication | 2x MSSP (I2C/SPI), 2x EUSART |
| Low-Power Tech | nanoWatt XLP |
| ICSP/ICD Debug | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per DigiKey listing) |
PIC18F46K22-E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/RE3 — Master Clear (reset) input or digital input RE3 |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 / AN0 analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 / AN1 analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 / AN2 analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 / AN3 / VREF+ analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — PORTA bit 4 / AN4 / T0CKI |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — PORTA bit 5 / AN5 / SS1 |
| Pin 8 | RE0 — PORTE bit 0 / AN6 |
| Pin 9 | RE1 — PORTE bit 1 / AN7 |
| Pin 10 | RE2 — PORTE bit 2 / AN8 |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | RA7 — PORTA bit 7 / OSC1 |
| Pin 14 | RA6 — PORTA bit 6 / OSC2 |
| Pin 15 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 16 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 / CCP2 |
| Pin 17 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 / P1A |
| Pin 18 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 / SCL1 / SCK1 |
| Pin 19 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 / SDA1 / SDI1 |
| Pin 24 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 / SDO1 |
| Pin 25 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 / TX1 / CK1 |
| Pin 26 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 / RX1 / DT1 |
| Pin 27 | RD4 — PORTD bit 4 |
| Pin 28 | RD5 — PORTD bit 5 / P1B |
| Pin 29 | RD6 — PORTD bit 6 / P1C |
| Pin 30 | RD7 — PORTD bit 7 / P1D |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 33 | RB0 — PORTB bit 0 / INT0 / FLT0 |
| Pin 34 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 / INT1 |
| Pin 35 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 / INT2 |
| Pin 36 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 / CCP2 |
| Pin 37 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 38 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 / PGM |
| Pin 39 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 / PGC / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 40 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 / PGD / ICSPDAT |
Typical Applications
PIC18F46K22-E/P is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Sensor Nodes, Battery-Powered Data Loggers, White Goods / Home Appliance Control, Building Automation / HVAC, USB Human Interface Devices, Automotive Aftermarket Modules, Educational / Maker Development Boards.
Industrial Sensor Nodes
The PIC18F46K22-E/P fits industrial sensor nodes because its nanoWatt XLP technology drops core sleep current into the nanoampere range while the 12-bit ADC with up to 28 channels digitizes multiple analog sensors at the same time. The 64KB Flash holds protocol stacks such as Modbus RTU or wireless M-Bus without external memory, and the 5V supply tolerance matches 24V-derived industrial rails. Extended -40 to +125 C operation survives underhood and outdoor cabinet placement without derating. Designers pair it with an EUSART for RS-485 multidrop communication.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Data Loggers
The PIC18F46K22-E/P is well matched to battery-powered data loggers because XLP sleep currents in the tens of nanoampere range allow multi-year operation on a single coin cell when periodic wake-ups are used. The hardware RTCC with calendar mode schedules wake events without CPU intervention, and the 1KB EEPROM stores calibration and configuration data without taxing Flash endurance. 64KB Flash fits FAT-style file headers or compressed sensor records. The 5V tolerant I/O eases interfacing with lithium-thionyl-chloride battery chemistries whose voltage ranges span this part's VDD window.
Recommended
White Goods / Home Appliance Control
The PIC18F46K22-E/P drives white-goods control boards where its 16 MIPS throughput runs motor-control and user-interface code simultaneously. The Enhanced CCP module generates PWM for triac or IGBT-based driver stages, while two 8-bit DACs set analog references for sensors and audio feedback. Extended temperature grade tolerates compressor-adjacent thermal stress in refrigerators and washing machines. 36 I/O pins directly interface with keypads, displays, and rotary encoders, removing the need for external I/O expanders in mid-complexity appliance designs.
Recommended
Building Automation / HVAC
The PIC18F46K22-E/P suits building automation controllers because its 5V supply and extended temperature grade handle thermostat back-of-display heat and 24V HVAC bus transients. The MSSP peripherals drive I2C temperature/humidity sensors and SPI EEPROMs, while the EUSART links to BACnet or Modbus networks. The hardware RTCC maintains time-of-day for scheduling even across brownouts. Three analog comparators monitor line-voltage zero-cross events for triac-based load switching without external op-amps.
Recommended
USB Human Interface Devices
The PIC18F46K22 family integrates a USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver on-die for HID-class peripherals such as keyboards, mice, custom input panels, and data-acquisition dongles. The 64KB Flash accommodates USB stacks and HID report descriptors without external memory, while the 12-bit ADC supports multi-channel analog inputs for joysticks or analog control surfaces. Extended temperature operation suits industrial USB input devices used in factory automation. Designers should verify the 40-pin PDIP exposes USB D+/D- per the specific pinout for their layout.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket Modules
The PIC18F46K22-E/P serves aftermarket automotive modules such as gauge clusters, alarm interfaces, and lighting controllers where extended temperature grade handles under-dash thermal load. The EUSART links to OBD-II diagnostic buses via an external transceiver, while the Enhanced CCP module drives PWM for LED tail-light controllers. The 36 I/O pins interface with switches, rotary encoders, and discrete sensors. Note this is the Extended grade not AEC-Q100 qualified, so it suits aftermarket accessories rather than safety-critical OEM ECUs.
Recommended
Educational / Maker Development Boards
The PIC18F46K22-E/P is widely used on educational and hobbyist development boards because the 40-pin PDIP package is breadboard-friendly, supports through-hole soldering without reflow equipment, and exposes enough I/O for typical learning labs. The MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler is free, and ICSP programming only needs PGD/PGC plus VPP for inline debug. 64KB Flash fits complete coursework projects including USB stacks, sensor libraries, and RTOS demonstrations. The extended temperature grade allows student projects to survive rough handling and lab environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F46K22-E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F46K22-I/P | PIC18F45K22-E/P | PIC18F46K22-E/MV | PIC18F46K20-E/PT | PIC18F46J53T-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 40-pin PDIP (P) | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin family footprint | 40-pin family footprint |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB | 64 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Supply Voltage | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 48 MHz (12 MIPS) |
| ADC Resolution / Channels | 12-bit / 28 ch | 12-bit / 28 ch | 12-bit / 28 ch | 12-bit / 28 ch | 10-bit / 13 ch | 10-bit / 13 ch |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt (no XLP) | nanoWatt |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature grade coverage (vs PIC18F46K22-I/P)
- Larger Flash for USB stacks and protocol libraries (vs PIC18F45K22-E/P)
- Higher ADC resolution and channel count (vs PIC18F46K20-E/PT)
- 5V supply tolerance (vs PIC18F46J53T-I/PT)
Design Notes
The PIC18F46K22-E/P requires a stable 4.2-5.5 V supply on VDD with adequate decoupling. Place a 100 nF ceramic capacitor as close as possible to each VDD/VSS pair (pins 11/12 and 31/32), plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic at the regulator output. For battery applications, use the nanoWatt XLP sleep modes with RTCC wake to keep average current below 1 uA and extend coin-cell life into multi-year range. Avoid large voltage transients above 5.5 V; the absolute maximum rating on VDD is 6.5 V per the Microchip datasheet.
Reserve RB6 (PGC) and RB7 (PGD) for ICSP even if used as GPIO during normal operation; routing traces that interfere with these pins makes in-circuit programming impossible without rework. For 40-pin PDIP through-hole layout, allow a 0.1 inch (2.54 mm) pitch footprint with standard 0.6 mm through-holes, and provide test-pad access to MCLR/RE3 (pin 1) so the debugger can reset the part. Keep the crystal or external clock traces short and guard them with a ground ring to limit EMI on noisy industrial boards.
Do not assume USB is available on every PIC18F46K22 package - USB D+/D- availability is pin-count dependent. For 40-pin PDIP, verify the specific pinout in the Microchip datasheet for USB signal exposure; the 44-pin TQFP and 64-pin variants are typically chosen for guaranteed USB. Also avoid the MCLR pin being left floating - tie it through a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD, with a capacitor to ground for noise immunity, otherwise spurious resets occur on noisy industrial rails.
The Extended grade (-E) is qualified from -40 C to +125 C junction temperature. At sustained high ambient with high CPU activity, self-heating from 16 MIPS operation is typically modest (<100 mW) but in sealed enclosures without airflow the junction can climb 10-15 C above ambient. Estimate: Pdiss ~ VDD * IDD_active. Add a small copper pour under the PDIP body if the design is sealed, or use the TQFP/MV package variants for better thermal spreading to inner PCB layers.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per DigiKey listing. Extended (-E) temperature grade is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified - for OEM automotive safety applications use a Q100-qualified Microchip MCU instead. Lead-free and halogen-free status not explicitly stated in verified data.
