PIC18LF14K50T-I/SO - 8-Bit USB MCU 16KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF14K50T-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.1 | $31.00 |
| 100 | $2.65 | $265.00 |
| 500 | $2.3 | $1,150.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.05 | $2,050.00 |
PIC18LF14K50T-I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), working memory (RAM), non-volatile storage (EEPROM), and a rich set of peripheral interfaces (ADC, timers, communication buses) into one IC. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC18F/LF1XK50 belongs to the 8-bit MCU category, which sits below 16-bit and 32-bit MCUs in arithmetic performance but offers lower cost, simpler toolchains, and lower power - well suited to cost-sensitive, low-power, or USB-equipped applications such as human-interface devices, sensors, and consumer peripherals.
The PIC18LF14K50T-I/SO distinguishes itself with a full-speed USB 2.0 transceiver on-chip (no external PHY required), 15 usable I/O pins, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, an Enhanced USART, MSSP (I2C/SPI), and nanoWatt XLP sleep currents below 1 µA. The "LF" prefix denotes the low-voltage variant; the "F" counterpart (PIC18F14K50) operates up to 5.5 V. The "T" suffix indicates tape-and-reel packaging, and "I/SO" specifies the industrial temperature range (-40 °C to +85 °C) in SOIC-20 (300 mil) form factor.
Architecturally, this MCU uses an enhanced PIC18 RISC core with 16-bit instructions and 8-bit data path, a modified Harvard architecture, and hardware multiplier. The integrated USB SIE (Serial Interface Engine) handles low-level USB protocol automatically, freeing the core for application code. The on-chip high-speed 48 MHz HFINTOSC can be clocked directly to the USB module without an external crystal, simplifying BOM and PCB area.
Typical applications include USB human-interface devices (HID) such as keyboards, mice, and game controllers, USB-to-UART bridges, low-cost data loggers, sensor hubs, and battery-powered consumer devices. The wide operating voltage and nanoWatt XLP technology also make it a fit for wearable medical sensors and IoT edge nodes. When designing with this part, ensure the VUSB pin has a 220 nF decoupling capacitor and that the USB D+/D- lines are routed as a 90 Ω differential pair per USB 2.0 spec for signal-integrity compliance.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, application guidance, and design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone - giving procurement and design engineers a single reference for selecting, sourcing, and implementing the PIC18LF14K50T-I/SO.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF14K50T-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 PIC18LF14K50T-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, ADC, Timers, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18LF14K50-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F14K50T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.7 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F14K50-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF13K50T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF13K50-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF14K22T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.98 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF14K50T-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC18 enhanced RISC (modified Harvard) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| Data RAM | 768 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 48 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 15 (multiplexed with peripherals) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 14 channels |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps) device, on-chip transceiver |
| Communication Peripherals | 1x EUSART, 1x MSSP (I2C/SPI) |
| Timers | 2x 8-bit, 1x 16-bit, 1x WDT |
| Package | SOIC-20 (300 mil) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP (sleep current < 1 µA) |
PIC18LF14K50T-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5/AN4/C2OUT/T1CKI/OSC2/CLKOUT — I/O / Analog input / Comparator output / Timer1 clock / Oscillator / Clockout |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN3/T0CKI/CLKR/OSC1 — I/O / Analog input / Timer0 clock / Clock reference / Oscillator |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN2/VREF+/C1IN+ — I/O / Analog input / ADC Vref+ / Comparator input |
| Pin 5 | RC5/AN11/CCP1/RX/DT — I/O / Analog / CCP / EUSART RX / Data |
| Pin 6 | RC4/AN6/D-/VMO — I/O / Analog / USB D- / VMO |
| Pin 7 | RC3/AN7/AN8/D+/VP — I/O / Analog / USB D+ / VP |
| Pin 8 | RC6/AN8/AN9/SS/TX/CK — I/O / Analog / SPI SS / EUSART TX / Clock |
| Pin 9 | RC7/AN10/SDO — I/O / Analog / SPI SDO |
| Pin 10 | RB7/AN12/ICSPDAT/SDI/SDA — I/O / Analog / ICSP data / SPI SDI / I2C SDA |
| Pin 11 | RB6/AN13/ICSPCLK/SCK/SCL — I/O / Analog / ICSP clock / SPI SCK / I2C SCL |
| Pin 12 | RB5/AN11/CCP2 — I/O / Analog / CCP2 |
| Pin 13 | RB4/AN10 — I/O / Analog input |
| Pin 14 | RC2/AN11/CCP1/P1A — I/O / Analog / CCP1 / PWM output |
| Pin 15 | RC1/AN6/CCP2 — I/O / Analog / CCP2 |
| Pin 16 | RC0/AN4 — I/O / Analog input |
| Pin 17 | VUSB — USB internal 3.3 V regulator output (220 nF decoupling required) |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | RA0/AN0/ULPWU/C1IN0-/INT0 — I/O / Analog / Ultra-Low-Power Wake-up / Comparator / External interrupt |
| Pin 20 | RA1/AN1/C1IN1-/INT1 — I/O / Analog / Comparator / External interrupt |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF14K50T-I/SO is suitable for 7 applications: USB Human Interface Devices (HID), USB-to-UART Bridge Adapters, Battery-Powered Sensor Hubs, USB Charging Cradles and Docks, Industrial Data Loggers, Wearable Medical Sensors, Consumer IR/RF Remote Controls.
USB Human Interface Devices (HID)
The PIC18LF14K50T-I/SO is purpose-built for USB HID peripherals such as keyboards, mice, gamepads, and remote controls. Its integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed transceiver eliminates external PHY components, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. The 48 MHz HFINTOSC can drive the USB module directly without an external crystal, saving 2-3 components. With 16 KB Flash, it accommodates HID report descriptors, bootloader, and application code; the 768 B RAM supports USB endpoint buffers and HID report stacks. Designers must place the 220 nF VUSB decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VUSB pin and route D+/D- as a 90 Ω differential pair for USB-IF compliance.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge Adapters
Using its on-chip USB device and an Enhanced USART, the PIC18LF14K50T-I/SO can implement a CDC-class USB-to-serial bridge at a fraction of the cost of dedicated bridge ICs. The 48 MHz CPU gives ample MIPS for baud rates up to 921,600 bps without flow control. Developers can leverage Microchip's CDC bootloader or open-source Microchip Libraries for Applications (MLA) for a ready-to-fuse firmware image. Its 1.8-3.6 V VDD range suits 3.3 V logic-level targets like ESP32 modules and 3.3 V sensor hubs. The 15 I/O pins allow extra GPIO for RTS/CTS handshaking or status LEDs.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Hubs
nanoWatt XLP technology makes the PIC18LF14K50T-I/SO a fit for battery-powered sensor hubs that wake periodically to take a measurement, transmit over USB or store locally, then return to sleep. Sleep currents under 1 µA extend coin-cell or 2x AA battery life to years for duty-cycled applications. The 14-channel 10-bit ADC reads thermistors, photocells, and battery voltage without external components. The 256-byte EEPROM provides non-volatile configuration storage for calibration constants. Designs typically use the 32 kHz internal LFINTOSC for RTC tick generation, switching to 48 MHz only during active USB enumeration.
Recommended
USB Charging Cradles and Docks
In USB charging cradles or sync-and-charge docks for consumer electronics, the PIC18LF14K50T-I/SO acts as the USB device enumerator and charge controller interface. Its USB device mode negotiates with the host while I/O pins drive a load switch, status LED, and optional authentication handshake. The 1.8 V minimum VDD supports direct Li-ion battery monitoring via the ADC. Compared to using a dedicated USB power controller, integrating an MCU allows firmware-upgradable charge profiles and diagnostic logs via USB CDC.
Recommended
Industrial Data Loggers
The PIC18LF14K50T-I/SO fits compact industrial data loggers that collect analog or digital sensor readings and offload them via USB. Its 14-channel 10-bit ADC samples multiple sensor inputs sequentially, while the 768-byte RAM buffers readings before USB transfer. The industrial -40 °C to +85 °C temperature range (I-suffix) supports factory-floor deployments. The integrated USB simplifies field service: technicians plug into a laptop to extract logs without opening the enclosure. For larger logs, the on-chip 256-byte EEPROM can store calibration tables or timestamps alongside an external SPI Flash.
Recommended
Wearable Medical Sensors
The PIC18LF14K50T-I/SO is suitable for low-cost wearable medical sensors - such as pulse oximeters, single-lead ECG patches, or temperature patches - that periodically transmit measurements over USB to a host or charger cradle. The 1.8 V minimum VDD operates from a single Li-ion or coin cell; nanoWatt XLP sleep extends runtime to days or weeks. The integrated 10-bit ADC with 14 channels supports multi-sensor fusion (PPG + temperature + motion) when paired with an external I2C accelerometer. The SOIC-20 package enables easy hand-soldering for prototype builds and small-batch clinical trials.
Recommended
Consumer IR/RF Remote Controls
USB-programmable remote controls can use the PIC18LF14K50T-I/SO for both the IR/RF transmit function and the USB programming/debug interface. Its EUSART drives IR or Sub-GHz radio modules; the MSSP handles SPI peripherals. Manufacturing benefits: firmware updates over USB without a dedicated programmer. The 16 KB Flash accommodates IR code libraries (RC5, NEC, SIRC) and small protocol stacks. Designers must include ESD protection on the IR LED output and ensure the 48 MHz HFINTOSC accuracy meets the timing requirements of the chosen IR protocol.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF14K50T-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18LF14K50-I/SO | PIC18F14K50T-I/SO | PIC18F14K50-I/SO | PIC18LF13K50T-I/SO | PIC18LF14K22T-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SOIC-20 (300 mil) | SOIC-20 (300 mil) - same | SOIC-20 (300 mil) - same | SOIC-20 (300 mil) - same | SOIC-20 (300 mil) - same | SOIC-20 (300 mil) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Flash Program Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB |
| Data RAM | 768 B | 768 B | 768 B | 768 B | 768 B | 384 B |
| USB 2.0 Full-Speed | Yes (on-chip transceiver) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (USB-less) |
| I/O Pins | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 64 MHz |
| ADC Channels / Resolution | 14 / 10-bit | 14 / 10-bit | 14 / 10-bit | 14 / 10-bit | 12 / 10-bit | 12 / 10-bit |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest VDD in USB-enabled 14K50 family (vs PIC18F14K50T-I/SO)
- Double the Flash of the 13K50 sibling (vs PIC18LF13K50T-I/SO)
- Integrated USB 2.0 vs no USB (vs PIC18LF14K22T-I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 220 nF decoupling capacitor on VUSB (pin 17) within 5 mm of the IC; VUSB is the internal 3.3 V LDO output that powers the USB transceiver. Add a 100 nF + 10 µF bulk decoupling on VDD (pin 1). For bus-powered designs, ensure VDD derives from the USB 5 V rail via an LDO; the PIC18LF14K50T-I/SO cannot directly run from 5 V VDD. For self-powered designs, tie VUSB to VDD through a 10 kΩ resistor (or directly if VDD is 3.3 V) to keep the internal USB transceiver powered.
Route the USB D+ (pin 7) and D- (pin 6) lines as a 90 Ω differential pair with matched length (±150 mil) to maintain USB 2.0 signal integrity. Keep the pair away from switching signals and clock traces; add a ground guard trace around them. Place the 15 kΩ pull-down resistor on D- (full-speed device identification) per USB spec. The SOIC-20 package is hand-solderable but ensure a reflow profile consistent with JEDEC J-STD-020 (peak 260 °C).
Do not assume the 48 MHz HFINTOSC is accurate enough for USB without calibration - factory-calibrated to ±2% but USB requires ±0.25%. Use the USB module's automatic clock tuning feature against the USB SOF packets or tune against the 32.768 kHz crystal. The LFINTOSC (~31 kHz) is too inaccurate for USB. Also, the LF variant (PIC18LF14K50) cannot run at 48 MHz from 2.0 V VDD reliably - use 48 MHz only at VDD ≥ 2.4 V per datasheet electrical characteristics.
Estimated: at maximum CPU activity (48 MHz, all peripherals enabled, USB active), the PIC18LF14K50T-I/SO draws about 11 mA at 3.3 V, dissipating roughly 36 mW. With the SOIC-20 theta_JA of approximately 80 °C/W, junction temperature rise above ambient is only ~3 °C - no thermal management is needed for typical USB, sensor-hub, or HID use cases. For industrial -40 °C to +85 °C operation, derate CPU clock below 48 MHz at temperatures above 70 °C if VDD is near 1.8 V minimum.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per JLCPCB and DigiKey listings. Halogen-free per Microchip Material Declaration. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (automotive) - use PIC18F variants with the -VAO suffix for automotive applications.
