PIC18LF13K50-I/SO - 8-bit 48MHz USB MCU 8KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF13K50-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.56 | $25.60 |
| 100 | $2.28 | $228.00 |
| 500 | $2.03 | $1,015.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.82 | $1,820.00 |
PIC18LF13K50-I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM/EEPROM), and peripherals such as timers, ADC, and communication interfaces into one IC. The PIC18LF13K50 belongs to the 8-bit RISC PIC18 family, which sits within Microchip's 8-bit MCU hierarchy alongside PIC16 and PIC12 sub-families. Its eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology category enables sleep currents under 1 µA typical, making it suitable for USB-powered or battery-powered embedded designs where power budgets are tight.
Key features include 512 bytes of data RAM, 256 bytes of EEPROM, 15 I/O pins, a 10-bit ADC with multiple channels, and hardware USB 2.0 full-speed with on-chip transceiver. The 48 MHz internal oscillator eliminates the need for an external crystal in many designs. CIP (Core Independent Peripherals) such as CWG, CCP, and EUSART reduce firmware overhead. Master Clear Reset (MCLR), ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming), and debug support are integrated.
Typical applications include USB human-interface devices (HID) such as keyboards and mice, USB-to-UART bridges, low-cost USB dongles, consumer electronics with USB charging/communication, and battery-powered IoT edge nodes. The wide 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range (F variant) or 2.0 V to 3.6 V (LF variant) supports both 3.3 V and 5 V system rails commonly used in legacy and modern USB designs.
When designing, route the USB D+/D- pair with 90-ohm differential impedance, place decoupling capacitors within 2 mm of VDD/VSS pins, and confirm regulator headroom. For the SOIC-20 variant, ensure the PCB land pattern matches JEDEC MS-013 standards. Designers should verify whether their application requires the 'F' (wider voltage) or 'LF' (low-power 3.3 V max) variant.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives from the PIC18F1xK50 family, design notes, and PCB layout guidance that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet. All pricing references are as of 2026-09-28.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF13K50-I/SO — 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 PIC18LF13K50-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, USB, ADC, Timers, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F13K50-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F14K50-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF14K50-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF13K50-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC18 8-bit RISC |
| Family | PIC® XLP™ 18K |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 8 KB (4K x 16) |
| Data RAM | 512 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (LF) | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 15 |
| ADC | 10-bit, multi-channel |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed with on-chip transceiver |
| Package | 20-pin SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (I grade) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| Timers | Multiple 8/16-bit timers |
| Communication | EUSART, USB, I2C/SPI via MSSP |
PIC18LF13K50-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V-3.6V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/RA3 — Master Clear reset / digital I/O |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 8 | RC6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 9 | RC7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB7 — Digital I/O / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 11 | RB6 — Digital I/O / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 12 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 15 | RC1 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 16 | RC0 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 19 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF13K50-I/SO is suitable for 7 applications: USB HID Keyboard/Mouse Dongle, USB-to-UART Bridge, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, USB Charging Controller, USB Audio Class 1.0 Device, Industrial USB Data Logger, USB Bootloader Host (Consumer).
USB HID Keyboard/Mouse Dongle
The PIC18LF13K50's integrated USB 2.0 full-speed peripheral with on-chip transceiver makes it a drop-in fit for USB HID keyboards, mice, game controllers, and remote controls. Its 8 KB Flash accommodates typical HID boot loader and report descriptor firmware, while 512 bytes RAM handles 8-byte HID reports plus stack scratch. Operating at 48 MHz CPU clock from a regulated 3.3 V rail, the part enumerates at full USB speed without external PHY or pull-up resistor. The XLP sleep current under 1 µA enables battery-powered wireless HID dongles, where the MCU wakes only on user input. The 10-bit ADC supports battery monitoring and LED brightness control. Designers should reserve 4 bytes of RAM for the USB endpoint buffer per endpoint per the Microchip datasheet 50002173B.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge
The PIC18LF13K50's integrated USB device and hardware EUSART make it an excellent USB-to-UART bridge IC for legacy serial peripherals, replacing dedicated bridges like CP2102 or FT232 in cost-sensitive designs. The 48 MHz CPU clock provides sufficient headroom for USB CDC-ACM class firmware plus UART baud-rate generation up to 115200 bps without CPU stall. Operating from 2.0 V to 3.6 V, the LF variant suits 3.3 V target MCUs, while the F variant bridges 5 V legacy systems. The 10-bit ADC can monitor VBUS voltage for USB detection. Pin-compatible with the PIC18F14K50-I/SO when more Flash is needed for larger CDC command sets per Microchip datasheet 50002173B.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC18LF13K50's XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology with sub-µA sleep currents makes it ideal for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes that wake periodically to report temperature, humidity, or motion data. Operating from a single CR2032 or single-cell Li-ion battery at 2.0 V to 3.6 V, the LF variant draws minimal quiescent current while sleeping and wakes via WDT, INT, or pin-change interrupts. The 10-bit ADC reads sensor outputs with 12-channel mux flexibility, and the integrated USB supports enumeration when the user plugs in for data download or firmware update. Designers can leverage eXtreme Low Power sleep modes to achieve multi-year coin-cell battery life per the Microchip datasheet 50002173B.
Recommended
USB Charging Controller
The PIC18LF13K50's USB 2.0 peripheral and 10-bit ADC enable smart USB charging controllers that negotiate current limits with the upstream port. The MCU reads BC1.2 signaling on D+/D- via the integrated analog comparators and reports negotiated current to the battery charger IC. The 8 KB Flash holds BC1.2, Apple 1A/2.1A, and Qualcomm QC 2.0 detection algorithms. Operating from 2.0 V to 3.6 V matches single-cell Li-ion battery voltage, eliminating the need for a separate LDO. Pin-compatible with PIC18F14K50-I/SO for higher-end QC 3.0 and USB-PD controllers needing larger firmware per Microchip datasheet 50002173B.
Recommended
USB Audio Class 1.0 Device
The PIC18LF13K50's USB full-speed peripheral and 48 MHz CPU clock make it suitable for low-bandwidth USB Audio Class 1.0 devices such as USB speakers, USB microphones, and USB headphone dongles. The hardware PWM module drives a Class-D amplifier output stage, while the USB isochronous endpoint carries 8 kHz to 48 kHz mono PCM audio at low CPU overhead. Operating from a regulated 5 V USB rail via the F variant (PIC18F13K50-I/SO), the design needs no external LDO. The 10-bit ADC can monitor supply voltage for cable-powered vs bus-powered detection per Microchip datasheet 50002173B.
Recommended
Industrial USB Data Logger
The PIC18LF13K50's 256 bytes of EEPROM and 8 KB Flash make it well-suited for industrial USB data loggers that record sensor readings to internal EEPROM and dump data to a PC via USB. The 10-bit ADC with multiple channels reads thermocouples (with external amp), 4-20 mA sensors (with shunt), and digital inputs. The hardware EUSART interfaces to RS-485 transceivers for industrial Modbus RTU. The industrial -40 °C to +85 °C operating temperature range supports factory-floor deployment. Pin-compatible with PIC18LF14K50-I/SO for larger logs needing 16 KB Flash per Microchip datasheet 50002173B.
Recommended
USB Bootloader Host (Consumer)
The PIC18LF13K50's integrated USB 2.0 peripheral makes it ideal for consumer USB bootloader hosts that re-flash target microcontrollers via USB CDC commands. The MCU presents itself as a USB CDC-ACM device, receives firmware hex files from the PC, and bridges the firmware to a target MCU via SPI, I2C, or UART bootloader protocol. The 8 KB Flash holds both the bootloader host firmware and the CDC stack, while 256 bytes of EEPROM stores last-known-good firmware metadata. Operating from 2.0 V to 3.6 V matches battery-powered tools, and XLP sleep current extends battery life per Microchip datasheet 50002173B.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF13K50-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F13K50-I/SO | PIC18LF14K50-I/SO | PIC18F14K50-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm) | 20-SOIC - same | 20-SOIC - same | 20-SOIC - same |
| Core | PIC18 8-bit | PIC18 8-bit | PIC18 8-bit | PIC18 8-bit |
| Flash Memory | 8 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| Data RAM | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 768 bytes | 768 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Max CPU Frequency | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| USB Peripheral | USB 2.0 Full-Speed | USB 2.0 Full-Speed | USB 2.0 Full-Speed | USB 2.0 Full-Speed |
| I/O Pins | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| ADC | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-voltage 3.3V variant in PIC18F1xK50 family (vs PIC18F13K50-I/SO)
- Same 20-SOIC footprint as PIC18F14K50-I/SO with 8KB Flash (vs PIC18F14K50-I/SO)
- Integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver (vs PIC18F1320-I/P)
Design Notes
Route the USB D+ (DPLUS) and D- (DMINUS) signals as a 90-ohm differential pair with matched trace lengths and continuous reference plane on the layer beneath. Keep the pair as short as practical (under 50 mm) and avoid routing over power plane splits. Place a ferrite bead on VBUS if the design is bus-powered, plus a 10 µF and 100 nF decoupling pair within 2 mm of VDD pin 1. Reference Microchip ANSEL/USBB guidelines in the PIC18F1xK50 datasheet family.
For the LF variant (PIC18LF13K50-I/SO), ensure VDD never exceeds 3.6 V including USB cable transients. Add a TVS diode (e.g., USBLC6-2SC6) on D+/D- and a 4.7 µF bulk capacitor on VBUS. For battery designs, a low-Iq LDO like MCP1700 (1.6 µA Iq) is recommended over a switching regulator to avoid USB signaling noise. Decouple each VDD/VSS pair with 100 nF ceramic X7R as close to the pins as physically possible.
Do not leave MCLR floating - tie it to VDD through a 10 kΩ pull-up for normal operation, or to the ICD programmer for debug. The ICSPDAT/ICSPCLK pins (RB7/RB6) are shared with GPIO and must be tri-stated during reset to avoid contention with the debugger. When migrating firmware between F and LF variants, verify the CONFIG1L register's voltage range setting matches the silicon revision per Microchip datasheet 50002173B.
Keep the 48 MHz HFINTOSC traces away from the USB D+/D- pair and the analog AVSS/AVDD rails. Place the 20-SOIC part over a continuous ground pour for thermal dissipation and EMI reduction. The 20-pin SOIC (0.295"/7.50mm) package follows JEDEC MS-013 land pattern standards - use the standard SOIC-20 footprint from your PCB library for compatibility with hand-soldering and inspection.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial -40C to +85C operating temperature; AEC-Q100 not applicable for non-automotive grade. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip material declaration.
