PIC18F56Q43-E/6LX - 8-bit 64MHz 64KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F56Q43-E/6LX ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.41 | $2.41 |
| 10 | $2.18 | $21.80 |
| 100 | $1.86 | $186.00 |
| 500 | $1.64 | $820.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.42 | $1,420.00 |
PIC18F56Q43-E/6LX Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable computing device built around a CPU, program memory and data memory on a single silicon die, optimized for deterministic real-time control, low power consumption, and a rich set of on-chip peripherals. The PIC18-Q43 family combines Microchip's most popular Core Independent Peripherals with new interconnection fabric so that hardware customization no longer requires complex firmware. The product type hierarchy is: MCU -> microcontroller -> 8-bit microcontroller -> PIC18 microcontroller -> PIC18-Q43 family -> power management/real-time control IC.
Key features of the PIC18F56Q43 include six Direct Memory Access (DMA) controllers that move data without CPU intervention, three 16-bit dual PWMs giving six PWM outputs for motor and power conversion control, a 12-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter with Computation (ADCC) supporting Capacitive Voltage Divider (CVD) touch sensing, a vectored interrupt controller with selectable priorities and fixed three-cycle latency, and a Zero-Cross Detect (ZCD) peripheral. The device also includes five UARTs (one with LIN/DMX/DALI support), configurable logic cells (CLCs), and a 1.024/2.048/4.096 V voltage reference.
Typical applications include industrial motor control, LED lighting and dimming, capacitive touch user interfaces, automotive body and sensor nodes, white-goods and small appliance control, and USB-to-UART bridge designs. The wide 1.8V to 5.5V operating range and low-power XLP technology make the part suitable for battery-backed appliances that must run from coin cells or 2xAA chemistries while still delivering 64 MIPS throughput.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F56Q43-E/6LX — 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 PIC18F56Q43-E/6LX (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Core, DAC, Operating Temperature Range, DMA Controllers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F57Q43T-I/6LX
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.26 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F56Q43T-I/6LX
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F56Q43-I/6LX
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F56Q43-E/6LX Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC18 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB (64K x 8) |
| SRAM | 4 KB |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 64 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) |
| Package | 48-pin VQFN (6x6 mm) |
| Pin Count | 48 |
| DMA Controllers | 6 |
| 16-bit PWM Outputs | 6 (3 dual PWM modules) |
| ADC | 12-bit with Computation (ADCC) |
| DAC | 8-bit |
| Comparators | Yes |
| UART | 5 (one supports LIN/DMX/DALI) |
| XLP Technology | Yes (eXtreme Low Power) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F56Q43-E/6LX Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 / analog input |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 / oscillator |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 / oscillator |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 11 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 18 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 19 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 24 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 25 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 / TX |
| Pin 26 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 / RX |
| Pin 27 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 29 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 |
| Pin 30 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 31 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 32 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 |
| Pin 33 | RD4 — Port D bit 4 |
| Pin 34 | RD5 — Port D bit 5 |
| Pin 35 | RD6 — Port D bit 6 |
| Pin 36 | RD7 — Port D bit 7 |
| Pin 37 | RE0 — Port E bit 0 |
| Pin 38 | RE1 — Port E bit 1 |
| Pin 39 | RE2 — Port E bit 2 |
| Pin 40 | RE3 — Port E bit 3 |
| Pin 41 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 42 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 43 | RF0 — Port F bit 0 |
| Pin 44 | RF1 — Port F bit 1 |
| Pin 45 | RF2 — Port F bit 2 |
| Pin 46 | RF3 — Port F bit 3 |
| Pin 47 | RF4 — Port F bit 4 |
| Pin 48 | RF5 — Port F bit 5 |
Typical Applications
PIC18F56Q43-E/6LX is suitable for 6 applications: Brushless DC Motor Control, Capacitive Touch User Interface, LED Lighting and Dimming Control, Automotive Body and Sensor Nodes, Industrial Sensor Hub, USB-to-UART Bridge and Debug Probe.
Brushless DC Motor Control
The PIC18F56Q43-E/6LX drives BLDC and PMSM motors with its three 16-bit dual PWM modules producing six complementary outputs for 3-phase inverter control. The 12-bit ADCC samples phase currents at up to roughly 200 ksps while six DMA channels move conversion data without CPU load, freeing cycles for sensorless FOC or trapezoidal commutation algorithms. At 64 MIPS, the vectored interrupt controller with three-cycle fixed latency delivers deterministic torque-loop response. The -40C to +125C extended grade supports underhood automotive or industrial cabinet environments.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interface
The PIC18F56Q43-E/6LX implements capacitive touch buttons, sliders and proximity sensors using the 12-bit ADCC with built-in Capacitive Voltage Divider (CVD) hardware that automates charge measurement and averaging. This offloads the firmware burden of touch scanning, allowing the MCU to handle up to several dozen electrodes while the DMA moves conversion results directly to memory. The XLP low-power modes let the device wake on a touch and return to sleep within microseconds, ideal for battery-powered appliances.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Dimming Control
The PIC18F56Q43-E/6LX drives high-channel-count LED lighting fixtures with its six 16-bit PWM outputs plus additional CCP modules, providing smooth 16-bit dimming without flicker. The CLCs (Configurable Logic Cells) implement hardware-based fade engines and zero-cross detect for TRIAC dimmer decoding. With 64 KB Flash and 4 KB RAM, designers can stack DMX, DALI, or 0-10V protocols on top of PWM generation. The wide 1.8-5.5V supply range simplifies integration with constant-current LED drivers.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Sensor Nodes
The PIC18F56Q43-E/6LX in its -40C to +125C extended grade suits LIN-connected automotive body controllers, smart sensors, and LED tail-light modules. The dedicated LIN/DMX/DALI UART implements the LIN 2.x protocol in hardware, while DMA moves message buffers without waking the core. The ZCD peripheral detects mains zero crossings for solid-state relay control. Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, the E temperature grade supports many underhood-adjacent and cabin applications.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Hub
The PIC18F56Q43-E/6LX aggregates signals from multiple analog and digital sensors, using the 12-bit ADCC with hardware averaging and threshold comparison to free the CPU. DMA transfers ADC results, comparator events, and UART bytes between peripherals and memory, leaving the 64 MIPS core to run protocol stacks such as Modbus RTU, IO-Link, or proprietary RS-485 variants. Five UARTs allow simultaneous fieldbus, debug, and sensor connections.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge and Debug Probe
The PIC18F56Q43-E/6LX builds a compact USB-to-UART bridge using one of its five UARTs plus DMA to bulk-transfer data at high baud rates. The 64 KB Flash hosts protocol handlers and command shells, while 4 KB of RAM buffers data streams. Designers can add GPIO toggle, PWM, and ADC readback commands on the same device, effectively creating a multifunction debug probe. The 1.8-5.5V supply range interfaces directly to target MCUs at any common logic level.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F56Q43-E/6LX — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F57Q43T-I/6LX | PIC18F56Q43T-I/6LX | PIC18F56Q43-I/6LX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 48-pin VQFN (6x6 mm) | 48-pin VQFN (6x6 mm) - same | 48-pin VQFN (6x6 mm) - same | 48-pin VQFN (6x6 mm) - same |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB | 128 KB (+100%) | 64 KB (identical) | 64 KB (identical) |
| SRAM | 4 KB | 8 KB (+100%) | 4 KB (identical) | 4 KB (identical) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) |
| DMA Controllers | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 16-bit PWM Outputs | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Approx. Unit Price (1 pc) | $2.41 | $2.85 (est.) | $2.41 (est.) | $2.20 (est.) |
Key Differentiators
- Double the Flash and SRAM (vs PIC18F57Q43T-I/6LX)
- Same VQFN-48 footprint across Q43 family (vs PIC18F47Q43-E/PT (44-pin TQFP))
- XLP technology with DMA + CLC (vs PIC18F46Q43-I/P (32 KB Flash))
Design Notes
Decouple each VDD/VSS pair with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the package pin, and add a bulk 1-10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the main 3.3 V or 5 V rail. The PIC18F56Q43 datasheet recommends a low-ESR ceramic with at least 1 uF effective capacitance at the operating frequency to suppress switching transients from the on-chip PWM modules.
Route the ICSPDAT and ICSPCLK pins (RB6/RB7) directly to a 0.1 inch header or test pad for in-circuit programming and debugging. Keep the traces short and avoid crossing them with high-current motor or LED driver lines. Place the external crystal or resonator within 5 mm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins if used, and guard the analog AVSS/AVDD pair with a ferrite bead from the digital supply.
Do not exceed 5.5 V on any I/O pin - the absolute maximum rating is 6.5 V but operating transients above 5.5 V can latch up the device. Configure unused I/O pins as outputs low or inputs with internal pull-ups to minimize supply current in sleep mode. When using the 12-bit ADCC, ensure the conversion source impedance stays below 10 kOhm to avoid ADC gain errors per the datasheet electrical characteristics.
Estimated: at 64 MHz and 5.5 V supply with all peripherals active, the PIC18F56Q43-E/6LX draws roughly 15-20 mA, dissipating approximately 80-110 mW. The 6x6 mm VQFN package has a typical theta-JA near 30 C/W, so junction temperature rises 2.5-3.5 C above ambient - well within the 125 C maximum. No external heatsink is required for the -40C to +125C E-grade envelope.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. The -E temperature grade is -40C to +125C but the part is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for AEC-Q100 automotive duty consider PIC18F-Q43 variants marketed as automotive grade.
