PIC18F46K40-I/ML - 64KB Flash, 8-Bit XLP MCU, 44-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F46K40-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.1 | $4.10 |
| 10 | $3.78 | $37.80 |
| 100 | $3.25 | $325.00 |
| 500 | $2.92 | $1,460.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.55 | $2,550.00 |
PIC18F46K40-I/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory (Flash), working memory (RAM), data EEPROM, and a rich set of peripherals on one die. The PIC18 is Microchip’s mid-range 8-bit family positioned above the PIC16 baseline and below the dsPIC/PIC32 16- and 32-bit families in both performance and peripheral depth. The K40 sub-family extends the PIC18 with core-independent peripherals and XLP nanoWatt technology for battery-powered designs.
Key features include 36 capacitive-touch-ready I/O lines, a 10-bit ADC with computation (ADC2), a 5-bit DAC, three analog comparators, three 10-bit PWM modules, a Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), Configurable Logic Cells (CLC), multiple UART/SPI/I2C interfaces, a Windowed Watchdog Timer (WWDT), and a CRC/SCAN module for data integrity. The on-chip ICD (In-Circuit Debug) and over-temperature thermal shutdown support rugged industrial environments.
Architecturally, the K40 uses a Harvard RISC core with a hardware multiplier, 31-level hardware stack, and an internal 64 MHz oscillator with PLL. The ADC2 engine performs automated averaging, threshold comparison, and accumulation, offloading signal-conditioning tasks that would normally require CPU cycles. Combined with CWG and CLC, designers can build motor-control loops and custom logic without external ICs.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, consumer white-goods controls, low-power battery chargers, capacitive-touch user interfaces, fan/HVAC controllers, and USB-to-UART bridges. Its wide 2.3V-5.5V range and robust peripheral mix suit both battery-powered and mains-powered industrial designs.
When designing with this MCU, allocate at least 100 nF and 1 µF decoupling close to each VDD/VSS pair to handle the ADC and PWM switching transients. In-circuit debug via the two ICSP™ pins is recommended for production prototypes.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives and practical design notes not aggregated on any single manufacturer or distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F46K40-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 PIC18F46K40-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Comparators, Program Memory (Flash), I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F46K40-I/MV
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46K40-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46K40T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F45K40-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F46K42-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.97 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46Q43-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F46K40-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB (32K x 16 words) |
| RAM | 4 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| CPU | PIC18 8-bit RISC |
| Max CPU Clock | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 36 |
| ADC | 10-bit ADC2 (35 channels) |
| DAC | 5-bit, 1 channel |
| Comparators | 3 with selectable inputs |
| PWM | 3 x 10-bit PWM (with auto-shutdown) |
| Timers (8/16-bit) | 7 (3 x 8-bit, 4 x 16-bit) |
| Complementary Waveform Generator | Yes (CWG) |
| Configurable Logic Cells | Yes (CLC x4) |
| Windowed Watchdog Timer | Yes (WWDT) |
| Communication Interfaces | 2x SPI, 2x I2C, 2x EUSART |
| CRC / SCAN | Yes |
| Capacitive Touch | mTouch enabled |
| Package | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) with EP |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F46K40-I/ML 44-qfn (8x8 mm) with ep Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC18F46K40-I/ML (44-qfn (8x8 mm) with ep package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for PIC18F46K40-I/ML.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC18F46K40-I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: IoT Sensor Node with Battery, Capacitive-Touch User Interface, Brushless DC (BLDC) Fan Motor Control, White-Goods and Appliance Control, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), USB-to-UART Bridge / Logic Analyzer, Industrial Process Sensor Transmitter.
IoT Sensor Node with Battery
Build ultra-low-power wireless sensor nodes with the PIC18F46K40-I/ML. Its XLP technology delivers sleep currents below 50 nA typical and wakes within 4 µs from the on-board RTCC, extending coin-cell lifetimes past 5 years. The 64 KB Flash holds Zigbee/BLE stack fragments and the 4 KB RAM handles stack tables. ADC2 with computation offloads averaging and threshold crossings, letting the CPU stay in sleep for longer windows.
Recommended
Capacitive-Touch User Interface
The PIC18F46K40-I/ML features Microchip's mTouch peripheral plus the Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) that handle scan timing without CPU intervention. With 36 GPIO available, you can build a 12-button keypad or slider that consumes less than 1 µA in sleep and wakes on a finger event. The 64 MHz core services HF noise filtering on the touch channels, while the 10-bit ADC2 handles debouncing in hardware.
Recommended
Brushless DC (BLDC) Fan Motor Control
Drive small three-phase BLDC fans with the PIC18F46K40-I/ML. The Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) and three 10-bit PWM peripherals produce the six-step or sinusoidal commutation patterns, while the 2.3-5.5 V operating range lets the MCU share the 5 V back-EMF rail. The hardware multiplier and 16 MIPS throughput deliver 50 kHz PWM updates for quiet operation, and the on-chip 5-bit DAC sets the speed reference.
Recommended
White-Goods and Appliance Control
Use the PIC18F46K40-I/ML in washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens for front-panel control. The PIC18's industrial -40 to +85 °C rating, robust 5 V I/O tolerating noisy mains relays, and EUSART/SPI/I2C interfaces to motor control boards make it a strong fit. WWDT and CRC/SCAN modules provide the functional-safety hooks needed for IEC 60730 class B software self-test.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The PIC18F46K40-I/ML suits interior lighting controllers, seat-occupancy switches, and HVAC blend-door drivers. While it lacks AEC-Q100 grade, the -40 to +85 °C industrial range and 5 V I/O tolerate body-electronic environments when a small external regulator provides transients suppression. The CWG peripheral generates the PWM for LED matrix dimming, while EUSART provides LIN-compatible communication.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge / Logic Analyzer
Pair the PIC18F46K40-I/ML with an MCP2221A to create a 5 V-tolerant USB-to-UART bridge for field debugging. The MCU's two EUSART interfaces, 2.3-5.5 V operation, and ICD pins expose itself as a debugging target while the MCP2221A carries USB traffic. With 64 KB Flash, you can host a small command interpreter or a logic-analyzer capture buffer (using 4 KB RAM in ping-pong mode) at less than $5 BOM cost.
Recommended
Industrial Process Sensor Transmitter
In a 4-20 mA loop-powered sensor transmitter, the PIC18F46K40-I/ML runs off a low-voltage clamped supply and reads transducers through its 10-bit ADC2 with computation. The CLC can implement bridge excitation and gain switching on the analog front-end. The on-chip 256-byte EEPROM is sufficient to store calibration constants for pressure, level, or flow sensors. XLP keeps total current draw under 1.8 mA, leaving 2.2 mA budget for the loop.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F46K40-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F46K40-E/ML | PIC18F46K40T-I/ML | PIC18F45K40-I/ML | PIC18F46K42-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB |
| RAM | 4 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB | 2 KB | 8 KB |
| CPU Clock | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Grade | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit (ADC2) | 10-bit (ADC2) | 10-bit (ADC2) | 10-bit (ADC2) | 12-bit (ADC2) |
| Price (USD, qty 1) | 4.10 | 4.65 | 4.10 | 3.55 | 4.35 |
Key Differentiators
- Core-independent peripherals (CWG/CLC/WWDT) offload tasks from the CPU (vs PIC18F45K40-I/ML)
- Extended temperature grade option in the same QFN-44 footprint (vs PIC18F45K22-I/ML)
- On-chip ADC2 with computation for hardware averaging and threshold checks (vs PIC18F46K42-I/ML)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic capacitor as close as possible to each VDD/VSS pin pair, supplemented by a single 1 µF bulk capacitor near the package. The PIC18F46K40-I/ML can source up to 200 mA through its I/O pins so route high-current traces directly to the pins with wide copper pours. Estimated: VDDIO at 5 V with 64 MHz active current is ~14 mA typical, dropping to ~50 nA in sleep with RTC running. Add a series ferrite bead if the supply shares a switching converter.
Solder the 44-QFN exposed thermal pad (pin 45) to a continuous ground plane for thermal dissipation and electrical reference. Use 0.2 mm traces minimum with 0.4 mm via-in-pad for thermal relief, leaving 0.4 mm clearance between adjacent pads. Keep analog ADC inputs away from PWM and CWG output traces to avoid digital switching noise coupling into ADC2 conversions.
Never connect the ICSP Vpp/MCLR pin directly to VDD without a 10 kΩ pull-up; the programmer drives Vpp above VDD during programming. Configure the PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) registers before enabling peripherals - selecting a function on an unmapped pin leaves peripheral output floating. Finally, confirm the CONFIG words lock the JTAGEN bit off when using the ICSP-only pins or the two-wire debugger will not respond.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - select PIC18F46K40-E/ML for automotive applications across the wider operating temperature window. Halogen-free.
