PIC18LC442T-I/L - 16KB Flash, 8-bit MCU, 44-PLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LC442T-I/L ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.42 | $8.42 |
| 10 | $7.58 | $75.80 |
| 100 | $6.74 | $674.00 |
| 500 | $6.05 | $3,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.45 | $5,450.00 |
PIC18LC442T-I/L Overview
Background: A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (ROM/Flash), working memory (RAM), and programmable I/O peripherals. The PIC18 family is Microchip's 8-bit RISC architecture, succeeding the PIC16 by adding a 16-bit instruction word (kept 8-bit for data path), hardware multiplier, and prioritized interrupts. The 'LC' suffix denotes the low-voltage CMOS variant optimized for 3.3V/5V dual-rail operation, while the 'I' suffix specifies the -40C to +85C industrial temperature range.
Key features include single-cycle hardware multiplication, priority-leveled interrupts, 10 MIPS sustained throughput, a wide 2.0V to 5.5V operating range, and built-in In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) for field updates. The 33 I/O pins each source/sink up to 25 mA, enabling direct LED or relay drive without external buffers.
Architecturally, the device combines a Harvard-style RISC core with 16-bit instructions and an 8-bit data path, a 10-bit ADC with up to 8 input channels, three timer/counter modules, a USART with addressable mode, and a Master Synchronous Serial Port (MSSP) supporting SPI and I2C. The 16KB program memory is OTP/EPROM-based on the 'C' part family, distinguishing it from later flash-based PIC18F variants.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, HVAC sensor interfaces, motor control peripherals, low-end human-machine interface (HMI) panels, and embedded automotive body electronics. The wide voltage range also enables battery-powered instrumentation with single Li-ion cell support. Compared to PIC18F flash counterparts, the PIC18C EPROM variant is typically chosen for mature, mask-stable production runs.
Design consideration: When migrating to PIC18LC442T-I/L, ensure the PLL configuration and oscillator mode match the datasheet reference design; the 'LC' variant requires careful brown-out voltage selection for low-voltage operation. ISP/ICSP programming requires dedicated pin allocation that must be reserved during PCB design.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives across the PIC18 family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, including a side-by-side comparison with flash-based PIC18F equivalents.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LC442T-I/L — 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 PIC18LC442T-I/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature, Mounting Type, Package, Core.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F442T-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.61 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F452T-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.88 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18C442T-I/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18C452T-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LC452T-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F458T-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LC442T-I/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| RAM Size | 512 bytes |
| Number of I/O | 33 |
| CPU Core | PIC18C 8-bit RISC |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 40 MHz |
| Instruction Throughput | 10 MIPS |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (3.3V/5V dual rail) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Package / Case | 44-LCC (J-Lead), PLCC-44 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Program Memory Type | OTP/EPROM |
| ADC | 10-bit, multi-channel |
| Oscillator Type | External |
| Hardware Multiplier | Yes (single-cycle) |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (TR) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
PIC18LC442T-I/L Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 2 | OSC1/RA7 — Oscillator pin 1 or digital I/O RA7 |
| Pin 3 | OSC2/RA6 — Oscillator pin 2 or digital I/O RA6 |
| Pin 4 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 6 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input 2 |
| Pin 7 | RA3/AN3 — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input 3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 8 | RA4/AN4 — PORTA bit 4 / Analog input 4 |
| Pin 9 | RA5/AN5 — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | RB0/INT0 — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 13 | RB1/INT1 — PORTB bit 1 / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 14 | RB2/INT2 — PORTB bit 2 / External interrupt 2 |
| Pin 15 | RB3/INT3 — PORTB bit 3 / External interrupt 3 |
| Pin 16 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 17 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 18 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 19 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 21 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 22 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 23 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 24 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 |
| Pin 25 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 26 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 27 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 28 | RC6/TX — PORTC bit 6 / USART transmit |
| Pin 29 | RC7/RX — PORTC bit 7 / USART receive |
| Pin 30 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 31 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 32 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 |
| Pin 33 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 |
| Pin 34 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2 |
| Pin 35 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3 |
| Pin 36 | RD4 — PORTD bit 4 |
| Pin 37 | RD5 — PORTD bit 5 |
| Pin 38 | RD6 — PORTD bit 6 |
| Pin 39 | RD7 — PORTD bit 7 |
| Pin 40 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 41 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 42 | RE0/RD — PORTE bit 0 / Read control for parallel slave port |
| Pin 43 | RE1/WR — PORTE bit 1 / Write control for parallel slave port |
| Pin 44 | RE2/CS — PORTE bit 2 / Chip select for parallel slave port |
Typical Applications
PIC18LC442T-I/L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Controllers, HVAC Sensor Interface Boards, Low-End HMI / Display Panels, Motor Control Peripherals, Embedded Automotive Body Electronics, Battery-Powered Instrumentation.
Industrial Automation Controllers
The PIC18LC442T-I/L fits industrial automation controllers because its 16 KB OTP/EPROM program memory accommodates moderate-complexity PLC ladder logic, while the 33 I/O lines drive sensors, relays, and HMI displays directly without external buffers. The 10 MIPS throughput at 40 MHz handles real-time polling of multiple analog inputs via the 10-bit ADC and prioritized interrupts. Operating from 2.0V to 5.5V supports both 24V-sourced 5V rails and 3.3V logic compatibility for modern industrial backplanes.
Recommended
HVAC Sensor Interface Boards
The PIC18LC442T-I/L is well suited to HVAC sensor interface boards thanks to its multi-channel 10-bit ADC for thermistor and pressure sensors, plus UART/USART connectivity for building management system (BMS) communication. The industrial -40C to +85C operating range covers rooftop equipment enclosures, and the wide 2.0V to 5.5V supply range supports battery-backed thermostats and 24VAC-derived rails. The 33 I/O enable direct control of relays, TRIACs, and indicator LEDs.
Recommended
Low-End HMI / Display Panels
For low-end human-machine interface panels, the PIC18LC442T-I/L delivers 10 MIPS throughput to drive character LCDs and segmented LED displays while polling keypad inputs. The 33 I/O directly interface character-LCD data buses (4-bit or 8-bit mode) and 4x4 matrix keypads without external logic. The MSSP module provides SPI or I2C connectivity to dedicated display controller ICs, and the single-cycle hardware multiplier accelerates touch-panel coordinate calculations.
Recommended
Motor Control Peripherals
The PIC18LC442T-I/L suits motor control peripherals including stepper drivers and small BLDC/PMSM commutation logic because the three timer/counter modules generate PWM outputs with flexible duty-cycle control. The 10 MIPS throughput sustains field-oriented control (FOC) loops for sub-kW motors, while the 33 I/O drive gate-driver enable signals, current-sense amplifiers, and Hall-effect sensor inputs. Operating voltage down to 2.0V supports Li-ion battery-powered robotics.
Recommended
Embedded Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC18LC442T-I/L fits automotive body-electronics modules such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and lighting drivers. The 33 I/O source/sink 25 mA each, sufficient for LED arrays and small relay coils. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range covers cabin environments, and the prioritized interrupts service CAN-LIN transceivers and switch-debounce events. OTP/EPROM provides design security by preventing firmware readout, valuable for aftermarket automotive parts.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Instrumentation
The PIC18LC442T-I/L supports battery-powered instrumentation with its 2.0V to 5.5V supply range, enabling single Li-ion cell operation down to cutoff voltage. The 10 MIPS throughput with low-power SLEEP/IDLE modes suits portable data loggers and field measurement tools. The 10-bit ADC captures sensor data at low sample rates without external ADC ICs, and prioritized interrupts wake the CPU on measurement events. The wide industrial temperature range ensures outdoor deployment reliability.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LC442T-I/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F442T-I/L | PIC18F452T-I/L | PIC18LC452T-I/L | PIC18C452T-I/L | PIC18F458T-I/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) - same |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (8K x 16) OTP/EPROM | 16 KB Flash | 32 KB Flash | 32 KB OTP/EPROM | 32 KB OTP/EPROM | 32 KB Flash |
| RAM Size | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 1536 bytes | 1536 bytes | 1536 bytes | 1536 bytes |
| Number of I/O | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LC variant) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (F variant) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (F variant) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LC variant) | 4.2 V to 5.5 V (C variant) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (F variant) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP/EPROM (one-time programmable) | Flash (reprogrammable) | Flash (reprogrammable) | OTP/EPROM | OTP/EPROM | Flash (reprogrammable) |
| CAN Module | No | No | No | No | No | Yes (CAN 2.0B) |
Key Differentiators
- Lower-voltage CMOS 'LC' variant with 2.0V minimum supply (vs PIC18C442T-I/L)
- Active NRND status offers defined supply continuity vs EOL (vs PIC18LC442-I/PT (TQFP variant))
- Hardware-software migration path to Flash variant available (vs PIC18F442T-I/L (Flash))
Design Notes
PIC18LC442T-I/L operates from 2.0V to 5.5V, supporting both 3.3V and 5V rails. Decouple VDD/VSS pairs with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of each VDD pin; the device has multiple VDD pins (pins 11, 21, 31, 41) that all require decoupling. Brown-out reset voltage must be configured via configuration bits (BOREN, BORV1:BORV0) to match your supply rail. Estimated: total quiescent current at 5V/4 MHz is approximately 1.6 mA in normal run mode and under 1 uA in SLEEP mode per Microchip PIC18CXX2 datasheet typical curves.
The 44-PLCC (J-Lead) footprint is a surface-mount package with through-hole-style leads. Use a JEDEC-compliant land pattern with 1.27 mm pitch. Reserve the ICSP pins (RB6/PGC pin 18 and RB7/PGD pin 19) for in-circuit programming access; routing these to test points or a programming header is recommended for field firmware updates. Place the 40 MHz crystal/oscillator within 10 mm of OSC1/OSC2 (pins 2/3) with short symmetric traces to minimize parasitic capacitance.
Common pitfalls when designing with PIC18LC442T-I/L: (1) OTP/EPROM is one-time-programmable - firmware must be 100% verified before production programming; consider PIC18F442T-I/L Flash variant for in-field updates. (2) Pin 1 dot indicator on PLCC-44 may be confused with the chamfered corner; confirm pin numbering against the datasheet diagram. (3) The 'LC' suffix means 2.0V-5.5V operation - do not substitute the standard 'C' PIC18C442T-I/L without verifying the supply rail. (4) The 33 I/O pins share with analog inputs and ICSP functions; configure analog/digital modes correctly via ADCON1 register to avoid contention.
For mixed-signal designs, isolate the analog AVdd/AVss supply (driven from VDD/VSS via ferrite beads) and place the analog input traces (RA0-RA5, pins 4-9) away from digital switching signals. Use a guard ring around analog inputs to reduce digital crosstalk into ADC readings. The 10-bit ADC requires adequate acquisition time (TACQ) - verify against the datasheet's ADC specification, typically 19.7 us at 40 MHz. Estimated: ADC accuracy degrades if source impedance exceeds 2.5 kOhm without adequate TACQ adjustment.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product declaration. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (industrial grade -40C to +85C only). Lead-free process per Microchip Pb-free transition.