PIC18F46K42T-I/ML - 64KB Flash 8-bit MCU | Microchip | XLP 18K
MPN: PIC18F46K42T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.07 | $30.70 |
| 100 | $2.61 | $261.00 |
| 500 | $2.31 | $1,155.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.04 | $2,040.00 |
PIC18F46K42T-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable semiconductor that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, RAM, and peripherals onto a single die. The PIC18 architecture uses a 16-bit modified Harvard instruction word that delivers roughly 16 MIPS at 64MHz, sitting in the MCU hierarchy as: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC. This family targets low-power, mixed-signal embedded designs.
Key features include 12-bit ADC2 with Computation and Context Sequencing (eliminates CPU post-processing), 8-bit DAC, fast comparators, 16-bit PWM, DMA controller, Vector Interrupts, Device Information Area (DIA), Memory Access Partition (MAP), and CIPs such as CLC, NCO and ZCD. The device supports 1.8V-5.5V operation with nanoWatt XLP sleep currents below 50 nA in Deep Sleep.
The PIC18F46K42T-I/ML uses a 16-bit instruction path with 31-level hardware stack and an internal 64MHz oscillator accurate to +/-2% across -40C to +125C. The 44-QFN exposed pad gives theta_JA around 28 C/W, allowing sustained operation at industrial temperatures without forced airflow.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, BLDC/PMSM motor control loops, smart energy metering, USB/HID peripherals and industrial HMI panels. Designers choose it when deterministic real-time response, large analog integration and XLP sleep currents are required without stepping up to a 32-bit ARM core.
When designing, allocate the exposed pad (EP) to a continuous ground plane and keep analog traces short. The 12-bit ADC2 with averaging typically achieves 11.5 ENOB at 1 ksps - derate this at higher sampling rates and ensure the AVdd pin is properly decoupled.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F46K42T-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 PIC18F46K42T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, DAC, Program Memory (Flash), Communication.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F46K42-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F46K42-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F46K42-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F45K42T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46K40T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F46K42T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC18 8-bit RISC, 16-bit instruction word |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB (32K x 16) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 4 KB |
| EEPROM | 1 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 5.5 V (F variant, industrial) |
| I/O Pins | 36 |
| ADC | 12-bit ADC2 with computation, up to 35 channels |
| DAC | 8-bit DAC, 1 channel |
| Comparators | Yes, fast rail-to-rail |
| PWM | 16-bit PWM, multiple channels |
| Timers | 8-/16-bit timers with SMT, CCP, ECCP |
| Communication | UART, SPI, I2C (MSSP), DMA, Vector Interrupts |
| Package | 44-pin QFN (8x8 mm) with exposed pad (ML) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, I-temp) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F46K42T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA7 — I/O port A bit 7 |
| Pin 2 | RA6 — I/O port A bit 6 |
| Pin 3 | RC0 — I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 4 | RC1 — I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 5 | RC2 — I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 6 | RC3 — I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 7 | RC4 — I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 8 | RC5 — I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 9 | RC6 — I/O port C bit 6 |
| Pin 10 | RC7 — I/O port C bit 7 |
| Pin 11 | RE3 — I/O port E bit 3 (MCLR in some configs) |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 14 | RB0 — I/O port B bit 0 (PGC) |
| Pin 15 | RB1 — I/O port B bit 1 (PGD) |
| Pin 16 | RB2 — I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 17 | RB3 — I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 18 | RB4 — I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 19 | RB5 — I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 20 | RB6 — I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 21 | RB7 — I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 22 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 23 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 24 | RD0 — I/O port D bit 0 |
| Pin 25 | RD1 — I/O port D bit 1 |
| Pin 26 | RD2 — I/O port D bit 2 |
| Pin 27 | RD3 — I/O port D bit 3 |
| Pin 28 | RD4 — I/O port D bit 4 |
| Pin 29 | RD5 — I/O port D bit 5 |
| Pin 30 | RD6 — I/O port D bit 6 |
| Pin 31 | RD7 — I/O port D bit 7 |
| Pin 32 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 33 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 34 | RA0 — I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 35 | RA1 — I/O port A bit 1 |
| Pin 36 | RA2 — I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 37 | RA3 — I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 38 | RA4 — I/O port A bit 4 |
| Pin 39 | RA5 — I/O port A bit 5 |
| Pin 40 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 41 | VCAP — Core regulator decoupling capacitor |
| Pin 42 | OSC1 — Oscillator input or external clock |
| Pin 43 | OSC2 — Oscillator output |
| Pin 44 | MCLR — Master clear / reset input |
Typical Applications
PIC18F46K42T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: IoT Sensor Nodes (XLP / Battery Powered), BLDC / PMSM Motor Control, Smart Energy Metering, Industrial HMI / Touch Panels, USB HID Peripherals (Custom Keyboards, Controls), Sensor Signal Conditioning & Data Logging.
IoT Sensor Nodes (XLP / Battery Powered)
The PIC18F46K42T-I/ML suits battery-powered IoT nodes thanks to its XLP nanoWatt technology with deep-sleep current under 50 nA and full RAM retention, allowing years of operation on a CR2032 coin cell. Its 12-bit ADC2 with computation can run autonomously on threshold events, waking the CPU only when needed. The 44-QFN (8x8 mm) footprint fits compact sensor PCBAs, while CLC, NCO and DMA remove CPU overhead entirely in event-driven designs.
Recommended
BLDC / PMSM Motor Control
The PIC18F46K42T-I/ML's 16-bit PWM, fast comparators and 64MHz CPU make it a strong choice for low-cost BLDC or PMSM motor drives under 200W. The CIPs (CLC, ZCD, NCO) implement zero-cross detection and FOC pre-processing in hardware, offloading the core. Its DMA can service ADC2 sample streams at high rate without CPU intervention, freeing cycles for the control loop. The 44-QFN exposed pad dissipates up to 2W cleanly, important in closed motor enclosures.
Recommended
Smart Energy Metering
Energy metering applications benefit from the PIC18F46K42T-I/ML's 12-bit ADC2 with simultaneous dual-channel sampling and on-chip computation (RMS, mean, threshold). The DMA and Vector Interrupts allow periodic sample windows without CPU load, ideal for tamper detection on both line and neutral. Wide 2.3V-5.5V operation tolerates mains-derived auxiliary rails. The PIC18 EEPROM provides non-volatile billing and event log storage across power cycles.
Recommended
Industrial HMI / Touch Panels
Industrial HMI front panels leverage the PIC18F46K42T-I/ML for capacitive touch sensing via mTouch (PIC's capacitive touch peripheral), with ADC2 supporting both self-cap and mutual-cap electrode patterns. The 64MHz CPU drives small TFTs via SPI, while CLC/NCO generate precise timing for display refresh and backlight PWM. Industrial -40C to +85C operation and 36 GPIO fit key matrices, RGB indicators and segment LCDs on a single chip in 44-QFN.
Recommended
USB HID Peripherals (Custom Keyboards, Controls)
The PIC18F46K42T-I/ML is well suited to custom USB HID peripherals such as programmable keyboards, foot pedals, and industrial controllers. Its MSSP ports provide SPI/I2C for sensors and expanders, while the UART supports debug channels. The 64KB Flash accommodates USB stacks (HID, CDC) plus user HID Report descriptors and macros in flash. The 44-QFN small footprint allows miniaturized USB dongles and integrated panels. Internal 64MHz oscillator eliminates external crystal cost.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning & Data Logging
Portable data loggers and sensor hubs use the PIC18F46K42T-I/ML's 12-bit ADC2 with computation, DMA and 1KB EEPROM to sample, filter and store sensor data without external components. The PIC18 XLP sleep currents below 1 uA extend field deployments. The CLC and ZCD blocks condition PWM/IR detector inputs in hardware, offloading the CPU. Internal EEPROM and Flash retain calibration coefficients and event history without an external memory IC.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F46K42T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F46K42-I/ML | PIC18F46K42-E/ML | PIC18F45K42T-I/ML | PIC18F46K40T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) with EP | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) - same |
| Flash / RAM / EEPROM | 64KB / 4KB / 1KB | 64KB / 4KB / 1KB | 64KB / 4KB / 1KB | 32KB / 4KB / 1KB (-50% Flash) | 64KB / 4KB / 1KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 64 MHz / 16 MIPS | 64 MHz / 16 MIPS | 64 MHz / 16 MIPS | 64 MHz / 16 MIPS | 64 MHz / 16 MIPS |
| ADC | 12-bit ADC2 with computation | 12-bit ADC2 with computation | 12-bit ADC2 with computation | 12-bit ADC2 with computation | 10-bit ADC (no ADC2) |
| DMA / Vector Interrupts | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | No / No |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (I-temp) | -40C to +85C (I-temp) | -40C to +125C (E-temp) | -40C to +85C (I-temp) | -40C to +85C (I-temp) |
| 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 |
| Unit Price (qty 1000, USD) | $2.04 (as of 2026-09-28) | $2.04 (same die, tray) | $2.40 (E-temp upcharge) | $1.85 (half Flash) | $1.95 (older generation) |
Key Differentiators
- 12-bit ADC2 with computation and Context Sequencing (vs PIC18F46K40T-I/ML)
- Hardware DMA + Vector Interrupts (vs PIC18F45K42T-I/ML)
- 64KB Flash / 4KB RAM in 44-QFN (vs PIC18F45K42T-I/ML)
Design Notes
The 44-QFN exposed pad (EP) on PIC18F46K42T-I/ML must be soldered to a continuous, low-impedance ground copper plane to achieve the rated theta_JA of approximately 28 C/W. Estimated: with the EP properly landed, ambient 25C operation at full 64MHz CPU and peripheral load is well within industrial range. Without EP soldering, theta_JA rises dramatically and self-heating can trigger thermal fold-back or EEPROM write faults in sealed enclosures.
PIC18F46K42T-I/ML integrates a 1.8V core LDO with a dedicated VCAP pin (pin 41). Place a low-ESR 1uF-4.7uF X7R capacitor as close as possible to the VCAP pin, with a loop area under 5mm. Combined with AVdd/A-Vss star routing, this layout suppresses switching-noise coupling into the ADC2 analog front end. AVdd should be tied to the same 3.3V/5V rail as Vdd with an LC ferrite bead and 10uF + 0.1uF decoupling.
Estimated: route the ICSP PGC (RB0, pin 14) and PGD (RB1, pin 15) signals to a 6-pin ICSP header with traces < 25mm and 1k series resistors as close to the device pins as possible. Keep the MCLR line short with a 10k pull-up and reverse-biased diode clamp to Vdd. These routing rules preserve in-circuit serial programming reliability and prevent ESD latch-up during in-system programming cycles.
Do not leave unused I/O pins floating - configure them as digital outputs low or inputs with weak pull-up to avoid excessive IDD current in sleep mode (XLP leakage). When using ADC2 in computation mode, sample rate above 100 ksps requires source impedance under 1 kOhm to maintain 11.5 ENOB; add a unity-gain op-amp buffer if your sensor output impedance is higher. The PIC18F46K42 internal oscillator requires the OSCTUNE register to be set to a calibrated value from factory DIA registers for +/-2% accuracy.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. This is the industrial I-temp variant, not AEC-Q100 automotive qualified; for automotive applications use the AEC-Q100 qualified K42 ordering code from Microchip's automotive selector.
