PIC18LF13K50-I/SS - 8-bit USB MCU, 48MHz, 8KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF13K50-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.62 | $2.62 |
| 10 | $2.36 | $23.60 |
| 100 | $2.05 | $205.00 |
| 500 | $1.82 | $910.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.55 | $1,550.00 |
PIC18LF13K50-I/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory (Flash), working RAM, and a rich set of peripherals (ADC, timers, communication ports, and I/O). The PIC18 family sits within Microchip's 8-bit PIC architecture hierarchy, between the baseline PIC10/12/16/17 families (lower pin count / simpler peripherals) and the 16-bit PIC24/dsPIC families. It is a popular choice when deterministic interrupt response, low cost, and easy C or assembly programming matter more than raw MIPS. The LF prefix indicates the low-voltage/F-version silicon that runs down to 1.8 V, while the F-version requires 2.0 V minimum.
Key features include 15 general-purpose I/O pins, a 10-bit ADC with up to 9 channels, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, a 10-bit PWM module, two comparators, an I2C/SPI/EUSART set, and the on-chip full-speed USB 2.0 transceiver with internal pull-up and clock recovery. The internal 48 MHz oscillator is accurate enough for USB full-speed operation, eliminating the need for an external crystal in many designs.
The architecture combines a Harvard RISC CPU with hardware Multiply and a 31-level stack, providing predictable interrupt latency for real-time USB, sensor, and Human Interface Device (HID) tasks. The nanoWatt XLP technology adds multiple low-power modes (Idle, Sleep with peripherals running) and a hardware RTCC that can run from a 32 kHz source.
Typical applications include low-cost USB peripherals (HID keypads, mice, sensors, custom CDC devices), battery-powered data loggers, portable medical accessories, industrial USB-to-UART bridges, and any compact embedded design that needs USB connectivity without the BOM cost of an external PHY.
When laying out the PCB, place the VDD/VSS decoupling network as close to the IC body as possible (typically 100 nF plus a bulk 1-10 uF), respect the USB DP/DM trace impedance requirement of 45 ohm differential, and leave the ICSP/ICD pins accessible for in-system programming and debugging.
This page combines distributor pricing, parameter-by-parameter comparison against compatible same-package PIC18 alternates, and engineering design notes that go beyond what the manufacturer datasheet alone provides.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF13K50-I/SS — 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/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Program Memory (Flash), Core Architecture, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18LF14K50-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F13K50-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F14K50-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF14K50-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF13K50-E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF13K50-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (PIC18) |
| Family | PIC18F/LF1XK50 (XLP nanoWatt) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 8 KB (4K x 16) |
| Data RAM | 512 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) |
| I/O Pins | 15 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 9 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| PWM Channels | 10-bit resolution (1 channel) |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Communication | USB 2.0 Full-Speed, EUSART, I2C, SPI |
| USB | Full-Speed 12 Mbps, internal pull-up, no external PHY required |
| Internal Oscillator | 31 kHz to 48 MHz selectable |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | SSOP-20 (5.30 mm body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Programming/Debug | ICSP, ICD via PGD/PGC |
PIC18LF13K50-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive power supply (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog input AN4 / CVD cap |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Digital I/O / analog input AN3 / CVD cap |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Digital I/O / ICSP PGD (programming data) |
| Pin 5 | RA2 — Digital I/O / ICSP PGC (programming clock) |
| Pin 6 | RA1 — Digital I/O / analog input AN1 / CVD cap |
| Pin 7 | RA0 — Digital I/O / analog input AN0 / CVD cap |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA7 — Digital I/O / OSCO (crystal out, not used with internal osc.) |
| Pin 10 | RA6 — Digital I/O / OSCI (crystal in, not used with internal osc.) |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — Digital I/O / SOSCO (32 kHz secondary oscillator out) |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — Digital I/O / SOSCI (32 kHz secondary oscillator in) |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — Digital I/O / analog input AN6 / CVREF |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — Digital I/O / analog input AN7 / CCP1 / USB D- |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — Digital I/O / analog input AN8 / CCP2 / USB D+ |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — Digital I/O / analog input AN9 |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — Digital I/O / AN10 / TX (EUSART) |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — Digital I/O / AN11 / RX (EUSART) |
| Pin 19 | VUSB3V — USB internal 3.3 V regulator output (bypass cap required) |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive power supply (tie to pin 1) |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF13K50-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Peripheral (Keypad, Mouse, Custom HID), USB-to-UART Bridge / CDC Virtual COM Port, Battery-Powered Sensor / Data Logger, Industrial USB Sensor / Test Probe, Custom Medical Accessory (USB Tethered), Low-Cost Development Platform / Educational MCU.
USB HID Peripheral (Keypad, Mouse, Custom HID)
The PIC18LF13K50-I/SS is well matched to low-cost USB HID peripherals because the on-chip full-speed USB 2.0 transceiver (12 Mbps) eliminates external PHY and pull-up components, cutting BOM cost and PCB area. With 15 I/O and 10-bit ADC it can scan a 5x5 keypad matrix plus a rotary encoder while sampling a joystick position with no external glue logic. The 8 KB Flash holds Microchip's free USB HID bootloader and a custom report descriptor. Designers drop the device on the bus with no external crystal thanks to the internal 48 MHz oscillator that meets USB jitter requirements.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge / CDC Virtual COM Port
Using the integrated USB peripheral, the PIC18LF13K50-I/SS implements a CDC class device to expose a virtual COM port over USB, replacing legacy RS-232 bridges. The internal 48 MHz oscillator and on-chip pull-up remove external components, and the 1.8-3.6 V range is ideal for 3.3 V-only systems interfacing a host PC. With 8 KB Flash the device can run Microchip's CDC stack plus a small command parser. Compared to the FTDI FT232R the BOM is lower, and the MCU adds general-purpose I/O and ADC for a smart bridge.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor / Data Logger
The PIC18LF13K50-I/SS nanoWatt XLP technology offers sleep currents in the microamp range, making it ideal for battery-powered sensors that wake periodically, read the 10-bit ADC, store data in the 256-byte EEPROM, and return to sleep. The 1.8 V minimum rail lets a single lithium coin cell power the design for years. The 512-byte SRAM is sufficient to buffer several readings before a USB transfer when the device is plugged in. Compared to the PIC18LF13K22 (no USB) the LF13K50 adds the option to dock for data offload without a separate programming header.
Recommended
Industrial USB Sensor / Test Probe
Industrial USB probes that stream ADC samples to a PC benefit from the PIC18LF13K50-I/SS integrated USB plus 10-bit ADC and 15 I/O. The -I/SS industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) is rated for factory environments, and the 48 MHz CPU is fast enough to sample and packetize ADC data over USB CDC at hundreds of samples per second. Compared to the PIC18F2550 (28-pin), the SSOP-20 footprint fits in a much smaller probe housing while keeping the USB peripheral.
Recommended
Custom Medical Accessory (USB Tethered)
For USB-tethered medical accessories such as therapy dongles, pillbox reminders, or USB diagnostic probes, the PIC18LF13K50-I/SS offers a single-chip USB interface with low BOM and small SSOP-20 footprint. The LF low-voltage silicon and nanoWatt XLP support battery operation when unplugged, while the integrated USB provides bus-powered operation when connected. Designers must add the required IEC 60601 isolation externally; this part handles the local MCU and USB tasks.
Recommended
Low-Cost Development Platform / Educational MCU
The PIC18LF13K50-I/SS is widely used in hobbyist and university USB-development boards (for example Microchip's Low Pin Count USB Development Kit) because it integrates USB in a DIP-or-SSOP package with on-chip pull-up, internal oscillator, and ICSP/ICD debug. The 8 KB Flash and 15 I/O are enough to teach USB enumeration, HID/CDC classes, and embedded C programming without external crystals or PHYs. Compared to PIC16F1455 the LF13K50 adds more Flash and more I/O at a similar price.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF13K50-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18LF14K50-I/SS | PIC18F13K50-I/SS | PIC18F14K50-I/SS | PIC18LF14K50-I/SS | PIC18LF13K50-E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SSOP-20 | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same |
| Flash | 8 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB |
| RAM | 512 B | 768 B | 512 B | 768 B | 768 B | 512 B |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (F) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (F) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) |
| CPU Frequency | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| USB Peripheral | Full-Speed 12 Mbps + internal pull-up | Full-Speed 12 Mbps + internal pull-up | Full-Speed 12 Mbps + internal pull-up | Full-Speed 12 Mbps + internal pull-up | Full-Speed 12 Mbps + internal pull-up | Full-Speed 12 Mbps + internal pull-up |
| I/O Pins | 15 | 15 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 15 |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver with internal pull-up and internal 48 MHz oscillator (vs PIC18LF13K22-I/SS)
- 1.8 V minimum operating voltage for battery-powered designs (vs PIC18F13K50-I/SS)
- Smallest-footprint USB MCU in SSOP-20 with full Microchip toolchain support (vs PIC18F2550-I/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: USB 2.0 full-speed requires a 45 ohm differential impedance on the D+ and D- traces (pins 14/15 on the SSOP-20). Route the pair as an edge-coupled differential with no splits, keep the maximum length under 50 mm, and place the VUSB3V bypass capacitor (typically 220 nF) as close to pin 19 as possible. Avoid routing D+/D- near switching nodes; this is the most common cause of USB enumeration failure on PIC18F1XK50 boards.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor directly between VDD (pin 1 or 20) and VSS (pin 8) using short, wide traces. Add a bulk 1-10 uF ceramic at the board power-entry point. The internal USB 3.3 V regulator on pin 19 (VUSB3V) requires its own 220 nF bypass; do not load this pin with external circuitry beyond the bypass. When using the LF variant below 2.5 V, confirm the USB peripheral still meets the USB 2.0 electrical spec - the 5 V high-level input requirement of USB signalling is handled internally.
Do not forget the ICSP header. The PIC18LF13K50-I/SS uses pins 4 (PGD) and 5 (PGC) plus MCLR/VPP for in-circuit programming; if these pads are not accessible, factory programming is required. Also note that pins 14/15 are shared between the analog/CCP peripherals and the USB D-/D+ signals, so be careful when remapping PPS - on SSOP-20 there is no PPS and these are fixed. Finally, ensure the CONFIG words disable the watchdog and brown-out reset during initial bring-up to simplify debugging.
Estimated: the SSOP-20 package has theta_JA around 80-100 C/W on a 1 oz copper, 2-layer board (typical JEDEC test conditions). At 48 MHz active with USB on, core current is roughly 10 mA, so at 3.3 V the part dissipates around 33 mW and self-heating is negligible (junction rise under 4 C). In nanoWatt XLP sleep the device draws under 1 uA, so thermal design is not a concern for this part.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade only; AEC-Q100 automotive grade not offered in this family - designers requiring automotive should look at PIC18F46J50 or PIC18F26K83 families.
