PIC18LF13K22-I/ML - 8-bit MCU, 8KB Flash, 64MHz, QFN-20 | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF13K22-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.71 | $2.71 |
| 10 | $2.43 | $24.30 |
| 100 | $2.16 | $216.00 |
| 500 | $1.94 | $970.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.72 | $1,720.00 |
PIC18LF13K22-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer on a single integrated circuit that combines a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM), non-volatile storage (EEPROM), and programmable peripherals. Within the broader taxonomy, PIC18LF13K22 belongs to: PIC18 family -> 8-bit PIC microcontroller -> microcontroller (MCU) -> embedded processor -> semiconductor device. Compared with 32-bit Cortex-M0+ or MSP430 parts, the PIC18LF13K22 trades raw processing throughput for extreme energy efficiency and a much smaller instruction footprint in C, making it ideal for cost- and power-constrained node devices.
Key features include nanoWatt XLP technology for sub-uA sleep currents, an integrated 10-bit ADC with up to 12 channels, enhanced USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C), multiple 8/16-bit timers, and a wide set of power-managed modes including Idle, Sleep, and Deep Sleep. The chip also exposes internal oscillator options that allow designs to operate without an external crystal, reducing BOM cost and board area.
The PIC18LF13K22 uses a Harvard-architecture 8-bit data path with a 16-bit instruction word, executing most instructions in one cycle through a two-stage pipeline. Its C-optimized instruction set simplifies code generation with the MPLAB XC8 compiler, while CIP (Core Independent Peripheral) blocks let timing-critical functions run without CPU intervention, freeing the core for application logic and lowering overall active-mode current.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, wearable fitness bands, IoT endpoints, low-energy remote controls, and small consumer appliances where long battery life is critical. It is also commonly used in industrial control modules that need deterministic timing combined with low standby current.
When designing with this part, ensure decoupling capacitors are placed within 5 mm of VDD and that the MCLR reset pin uses the recommended pull-up network. For deep sleep operation, verify the wake-up sources are configured correctly to avoid unintended resets and to achieve the lowest possible sleep current.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF13K22-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 PIC18LF13K22-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Program Memory (Flash), ADC, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F13K22-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF13K22T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF13K22-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF13K22-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF13K22-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 8 KB |
| Data RAM | 256 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 64 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF variant) |
| Package | 20-pin QFN (ML) 4x4 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| ADC | 10-bit, multiple channels |
| Communication Interfaces | EUSART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Timers | 8/16-bit timer modules |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Power-Saving Modes | nanoWatt XLP, Idle, Sleep |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18LF13K22-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / Analog input / Voltage reference plus |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5/SS1/HLVDIN — Digital I/O / Analog / SPI slave select / High/Low voltage detect input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN/RA7 — Crystal oscillator input / External clock input / Digital I/O |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT/RA6 — Crystal oscillator output / Clock output / Digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Digital I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — Digital I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — Digital I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — Digital I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — Digital I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — Digital I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — Digital I/O port C bit 6 |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — Digital I/O port C bit 7 |
| Pin 18 | RB0/INT0 — Digital I/O port B bit 0 / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 19 | RB1/INT1 — Digital I/O port B bit 1 / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF13K22-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Wearable Fitness and Health Devices, Industrial Control Modules and Sensor Hubs, Low-Power Remote Controls, Small Consumer Appliances, Automotive Interior Accessories (Non-Safety).
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC18LF13K22-I/ML's nanoWatt XLP technology delivers sub-uA sleep current while the LF core keeps the MCU running down to 1.8V, extending coin-cell and Li-ion battery life in wireless sensor nodes. With 8KB Flash and 256B RAM it fits lightweight Zigbee/Thread/BLE application profiles (using an external radio). The QFN-20 footprint is small enough for back-of-sensor PCBAs, and the integrated 10-bit ADC supports direct connection to analog sensors without a front-end IC.
Recommended
Wearable Fitness and Health Devices
Wearable fitness bands demand extreme battery life, small form factor, and just enough MIPS for sensor fusion. The PIC18LF13K22-I/ML runs a step counter, heart-rate sampling loop, and BLE beaconing with a 64MHz internal oscillator while sleeping at sub-uA. The 1.8V VDD matches single-cell Li-ion discharge curves, eliminating boost converters. The 20-pin QFN allows the MCU to fit on a wristband flex PCB alongside a 3-axis accelerometer.
Recommended
Industrial Control Modules and Sensor Hubs
Industrial sensor hubs need deterministic timing, robust I/O, and tolerance for 3.3V industrial rails. The PIC18LF13K22-I/ML's EUSART and MSSP provide SPI/I2C links to digital sensors and isolated UART to upstream PLCs, while the 10-bit ADC with multiple channels handles analog field instrumentation. Its -40C to +85C industrial temperature rating covers harsh cabinet environments, and the LF variant supports low-voltage battery-backed telemetry nodes.
Recommended
Low-Power Remote Controls
TV/STB remote controls require years of battery life from two AAA cells and minimal cost. The PIC18LF13K22-I/ML drives the IR LED via PWM in active mode and sleeps at sub-uA between button presses, easily achieving 5+ year battery life. Its 8KB Flash holds standard RC5/RC6/Sony IR protocol stacks, and the integrated EUSART supports firmware updates through the IR LED itself in production test fixtures.
Recommended
Small Consumer Appliances
Small kitchen appliances, electric toothbrushes, and personal care devices need a low-cost, low-power MCU with PWM, ADC, and timing peripherals. The PIC18LF13K22-I/ML drives a brushless or brushed motor via PWM, reads battery voltage with the 10-bit ADC, and runs user-interface logic in 8KB of C code. The LF voltage range makes it ideal for direct Li-ion cell operation without a boost converter.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessories (Non-Safety)
Non-safety interior accessories like ambient lighting controllers, USB charging hubs, and seat-heater switches run from 12V automotive rails regulated down to 3.3V. The PIC18LF13K22-I/ML handles PWM dimming, button debouncing, and LIN or UART communication while keeping quiescent current low for key-off battery drain compliance. Note: this part is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for safety-critical or AEC-Q100 needs, select an automotive-grade PIC18 K-series variant.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF13K22-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F13K22-I/ML | PIC18LF13K22T-I/ML | PIC18LF13K22-I/SS | PIC18LF13K22-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-pin QFN (ML) | 20-pin QFN (ML) - same | 20-pin QFN (ML) - same | 20-pin SSOP (SS) - same pinout | 20-pin PDIP (P) - same pinout |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (F) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) |
| Flash Memory | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB |
| RAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Max CPU Frequency | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | No | No | No | No | No |
| 1.8 V VDD Operation | Yes (LF core) | No (2.0V minimum) | Yes (LF core) | Yes (LF core) | Yes (LF core) |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest VDD operation in the PIC18F1XK22 family (vs PIC18F13K22-I/ML)
- Compact 20-pin QFN for space-constrained designs (vs PIC18LF13K22-I/P (PDIP-20))
- Long-term Microchip continuity via Q10 family migration path (vs Generic PIC18 LF K22 drop-ins)
Design Notes
Decoupling: place a 100 nF ceramic capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 20) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same rail. For battery-powered designs, add a 1 uF tantalum or ceramic at the MCU VDD node to suppress transient dips when the ADC or PWM peripherals switch on. Per Microchip PIC18F1XK22 datasheet section 2, VDD must rise monotonically; a soft-start RC on VDD is recommended if the supply has a slow ramp.
The 20-pin QFN (ML) package has an exposed thermal pad that MUST be soldered to a grounded copper pour on the PCB for both thermal dissipation and electrical ground reference. A minimum 0.5 sq. in. of 1 oz copper is recommended. Estimated: at 64 MHz active mode and 3.3 V supply, power dissipation is approximately 12 mW; thermal rise above ambient is negligible given the small die, but the exposed pad is still mandatory per IPC-7351 QFN land pattern guidance.
PIC18LF vs PIC18F confusion: the LF (low-voltage) variant supports 1.8-3.6 V while the F variant supports 2.0-5.5 V. Substituting an F-variant into an LF-designed board can cause brown-out failures during low-battery conditions. Conversely, an LF part in a 5 V design will be damaged. Always match the LF/F suffix to your power rail design. The I (industrial) temperature grade suffix is independent and supports -40 C to +85 C.
Place the 32.768 kHz crystal (if used for RTCC) within 5 mm of the SOSCO/SOSCI pins to minimize stray capacitance. Keep ADC analog traces away from PWM and switching signals; use a ground pour under the MCU and route analog references (VREF+/VREF-) with a guard trace tied to analog ground. The MPLAB ICD 3 / ICD 4 / PICkit 4 programming connector should be brought out to a 6-pin header per Microchip debug specification AC244023.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status inferred from Microchip product page packaging materials disclosure; AEC-Q100 not qualified (this is a general-purpose industrial part, not automotive-grade); halogen-free status not explicitly stated in retrieved web data and marked unknown.
