PIC18LF23K22-E/ML - 8KB Flash XLP MCU 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF23K22-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.95 | $2.95 |
| 10 | $2.66 | $26.60 |
| 100 | $2.31 | $231.00 |
| 500 | $2.07 | $1,035.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.85 | $1,850.00 |
PIC18LF23K22-E/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program and data memory, peripheral interfaces, and interrupt logic into one package. PIC18 microcontrollers sit in Microchip's 8-bit mid-range portfolio above PIC16 and PIC12 parts, using a 16-bit instruction word with 8-bit data path. The 'LF' prefix denotes the 1.8-3.6V low-voltage variant of the K22 family, and 'XLP' indicates the nanoWatt XLP power-management features including sleep currents below 100 nA typical and multiple idle/sleep modes.
Differentiating features of the PIC18LF23K22 include the K-series peripheral set: an integrated mTouch capacitive touch sensing module, multiple PWM outputs with enhanced capture/compare/PWM (ECCP), 12-bit ADC with up to 17 channels, two comparators, an EUSART, MSSP I2C/SPI, and three timers. The 28-QFN package provides 25 programmable I/O pins and the exposed pad enables efficient thermal dissipation for full industrial-temperature operation.
The K22 architecture uses a Harvard bus with separate program and data paths, and supports Microchip's MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler, and PICkit/SNAP ICD programmers. Code developed on the PIC18F23K22 (5V) variant migrates directly to the LF (3.3V) variant, allowing a single firmware image to target multiple rails. The device is suitable for battery-powered applications that require low sleep current combined with sufficient MIPS to handle communication stacks.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, capacitive touch user interfaces, low-power wireless companion MCUs, industrial sensor conditioning, and USB-to-UART bridges using the EUSART. The -40C to +125C operating range and nanoWatt XLP modes extend battery life in remote or energy-harvesting designs.
When designing with this part, ensure the exposed pad on the QFN is soldered to a sufficiently large copper pour for thermal and electrical ground performance, and configure the configuration bits for the desired oscillator mode and watchdog timer behavior. The LF variant must not be powered above 3.6V - use the PIC18F23K22 (5V tolerant) variant for higher rails.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, pin-compatible alternatives in the same 28-QFN footprint, and design notes beyond the manufacturer datasheet to assist engineers evaluating the PIC18LF23K22-E/ML for embedded designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF23K22-E/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 PIC18LF23K22-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Program Memory (Flash), Operating Temperature, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18LF24K22-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF25K22-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F23K22-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF24K22-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.98 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F24K22-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF23K22-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit (Harvard) |
| Series | PIC18 K-series (nanoWatt XLP) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 8 KB (4K x 16 words) |
| RAM | 768 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF variant) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E = Extended) |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (6x6 mm) with exposed pad |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 17 channels |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0/1/2) |
| PWM / ECCP | ECCP + 2 CCP modules |
| Communication | EUSART, MSSP (I2C/SPI) |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Capacitive Touch | mTouch module (CTMU) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC18LF23K22-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP/RE3 — Master Clear reset input / programming voltage / digital I/O |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0/C12IN0- — Digital I/O / analog input 0 / comparator input |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1/C12IN1- — Digital I/O / analog input 1 / comparator input |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/DACOUT/C2IN+ — Digital I/O / analog input 2 / DAC output / comparator input |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+/C1IN+ — Digital I/O / analog input 3 / positive voltage reference / comparator input |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI/C1OUT — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input / comparator output |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS/HLVDIN/C2OUT — Digital I/O / analog input 4 / SPI slave select / high/low voltage detect / comparator output |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input / digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Crystal oscillator output / clock output / digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RC0/SOSCO — Digital I/O / secondary oscillator output |
| Pin 12 | RC1/SOSCI — Digital I/O / secondary oscillator input |
| Pin 13 | RC2/AN11/P1D/T1CKI — Digital I/O / analog input 11 / PWM output / Timer1 clock |
| Pin 14 | RC3/AN12/P1C — Digital I/O / analog input 12 / PWM output |
| Pin 15 | RC4/AN10/P1B — Digital I/O / analog input 10 / PWM output |
| Pin 16 | RC5/AN13/P1A — Digital I/O / analog input 13 / PWM output |
| Pin 17 | RC6/AN8/CK/SS — Digital I/O / analog input 8 / EUSART clock / SPI slave select |
| Pin 18 | RC7/AN9/DT/SDO — Digital I/O / analog input 9 / EUSART data / SPI data out |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0/AN12/INT0/FLT0 — Digital I/O / analog input 12 / external interrupt 0 / PWM fault |
| Pin 22 | RB1/AN10/INT1 — Digital I/O / analog input 10 / external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2/AN8/PWM3 — Digital I/O / analog input 8 / PWM output |
| Pin 24 | RB3/AN9/C12IN2-/PWM2 — Digital I/O / analog input 9 / comparator input / PWM output |
| Pin 25 | RB4/AN11/PWM1 — Digital I/O / analog input 11 / PWM output |
| Pin 26 | RB5/AN13/PWM0 — Digital I/O / analog input 13 / PWM output |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP programming clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP programming data |
| Pin 29 | EP — Exposed thermal pad - connect to VSS |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF23K22-E/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Capacitive Touch User Interface, Industrial Sensor Conditioning, USB-to-UART Bridge Device, Remote Control with Wireless Link, Smart Home Sensor Hub.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC18LF23K22-E/ML is well-suited for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes requiring multi-year battery life. Its nanoWatt XLP technology delivers sleep currents below 100 nA typical with full RAM retention, allowing duty-cycled wake-sleep operation. The 1.8-3.6V supply supports direct connection to lithium coin cells (CR2032) and 2xAA alkaline packs without LDO regulation. The integrated 12-bit ADC with 17 channels handles multiple sensor inputs simultaneously, while the EUSART and MSSP provide interfaces for low-power wireless transceivers like the RN2483 or SX1276. The 28-QFN ML package with exposed pad provides efficient thermal dissipation and a compact 6x6 mm footprint suitable for miniaturized sensor enclosures.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interface
The PIC18LF23K22-E/ML's integrated mTouch capacitive touch sensing module (CTMU) enables direct touch-button and slider implementation without external touch controllers. The mTouch hardware supports up to 17 touch channels through the ADC multiplexer, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. The 64 MHz CPU provides sufficient throughput for capacitive scanning at rates above 100 Hz, ensuring responsive touch detection. The 8 KB Flash accommodates touch firmware libraries with gesture recognition, while 768 bytes RAM is sufficient for runtime touch state. The 1.8-3.6V supply range and 100 nA sleep current extend battery life in remote controls and handheld appliances with touch surfaces.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Conditioning
The PIC18LF23K22-E/ML's -40 to +125 C extended temperature range and 12-bit ADC make it appropriate for industrial sensor conditioning modules. The ADC supports up to 17 single-ended or differential channels for multi-sensor arrays including temperature, pressure, and flow measurements. The integrated comparators enable hardware threshold detection for sensor limit alarms without CPU intervention. The ECCP module drives PWM outputs for proportional valve control or LED indicator dimming. The EUSART provides RS-485/RS-232 communication via external transceivers, supporting industrial protocol bridging. The 28-QFN package with exposed pad handles thermal loads in sealed industrial enclosures.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge Device
The PIC18LF23K22-E/ML can serve as a USB-to-UART bridge when paired with an external USB transceiver such as the MCP2200 or FT232R alternative. The integrated EUSART handles UART communication at up to 1 Mbps, while the MSSP supports SPI/I2C bridging for multi-protocol applications. The 64 MHz CPU executes USB protocol stacks via firmware libraries (Microchip provides MLA/MPLAB Harmony USB frameworks). The 8 KB Flash and 768 bytes RAM are sufficient for basic CDC-class bridge firmware. The 1.8-3.6V supply is compatible with USB-powered 3.3V designs, while the wide operating temperature range supports industrial debug tools and field-programmable devices.
Recommended
Remote Control with Wireless Link
The PIC18LF23K22-E/ML suits handheld remote controls with wireless transceivers due to its nanoWatt XLP sleep modes and compact 28-QFN footprint. Sleep currents below 100 nA enable coin-cell-powered remotes that last multiple years on a single battery. The PWM outputs directly drive IR LEDs for infrared remote control, while the EUSART or MSSP interfaces to sub-GHz or Bluetooth Low Energy transceivers. The mTouch module supports capacitive buttons replacing mechanical switches for improved reliability. The 25 programmable I/O pins accommodate matrix keypads and LED indicators. The K22 family's robust 16 MIPS throughput handles encrypted wireless protocols without latency.
Recommended
Smart Home Sensor Hub
The PIC18LF23K22-E/ML integrates multiple sensor types in smart home hubs: the 12-bit ADC reads analog sensors, the mTouch module handles user controls, the EUSART communicates with Wi-Fi modules, and the MSSP connects to I2C sensor arrays. The 8 KB Flash stores application logic and communication stacks for protocols like MQTT via Wi-Fi backhaul. The extended -40 to +125 C temperature range supports garage, attic, and outdoor installations. Sleep modes with 100 nA typical current allow battery or energy-harvesting powered installations. The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) package fits compact wall-mount and tabletop sensor designs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF23K22-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18LF24K22-E/ML | PIC18LF25K22-E/ML | PIC18F23K22-E/ML | PIC18LF24K22-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) ML with EP | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) ML with EP | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) ML with EP | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) ML with EP | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) ML with EP |
| Flash Memory | 8 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB |
| RAM | 768 bytes | 1024 bytes | 1536 bytes | 768 bytes | 1024 bytes |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 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 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| I/O Pins | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| ADC Channels | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit |
| mTouch Support | Yes (CTMU) | Yes (CTMU) | Yes (CTMU) | Yes (CTMU) | Yes (CTMU) |
Key Differentiators
- nanoWatt XLP sleep current below 100 nA typical (vs PIC18LF14K22-E/ML)
- Extended -40 to +125 C temperature grade standard (vs PIC18LF24K22-I/ML)
- Integrated mTouch CTMU capacitive sensing hardware (vs PIC18F23K22-E/ML (5V variant))
- 16 MIPS throughput at 64 MHz CPU clock (vs PIC18LF24K22-I/ML)
Design Notes
The 28-QFN exposed pad (pin 29) is the primary thermal path and must be soldered to a ground copper pour on the PCB. Recommended minimum copper area is 1 square inch (645 mm^2) on top and bottom layers, connected via thermal vias (0.3 mm drill, 0.5 mm pitch). At full 16 MIPS throughput with all peripherals active, junction temperature rise is approximately 8-12 C above ambient - well within the -40 to +125 C rating. For sealed enclosures with no airflow, reduce clock speed or peripheral duty cycle to maintain margin.
Place the 28-QFN on a single unbroken ground plane with the exposed pad connected via 9-12 thermal vias in a 3x3 grid pattern. Decouple VDD (pins 8/19 and 20) with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed within 3 mm of the supply pins, plus a bulk 1-10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor. Keep the MCLR pin (pin 1) pull-up resistor close to the IC and add a 100 nF capacitor to VSS for noise immunity. Route the ICSP pins (RB6/PGD and RB7/PGC) with short traces to the programming header for reliable in-circuit programming.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum VDD of 4.0V on the LF variant - using PIC18F23K22 is required for 5V rails. Configuration bits must be set correctly for the chosen oscillator mode (HS, XT, INTOSC) before code execution - unconfigured parts default to a state that may not match your design intent. The LF variant's sleep current specification assumes the ADC, comparators, and voltage reference are disabled in firmware - leaving these modules active will increase sleep current by orders of magnitude and eliminate the nanoWatt XLP benefit.
For lowest power consumption, configure the PIC18LF23K22 for sleep mode with all peripherals disabled and use the Watchdog Timer (WDT) or external interrupt to wake. Typical sleep current is below 100 nA with full RAM retention; with RTCC enabled, expect 800 nA to 1.5 uA. Use DSBOREN (brown-out reset) and DSWDTEN (deep sleep WDT) configuration bits to extend battery life in unattended applications. The internal 16 MHz HFINTOSC provides adequate clock accuracy for most UART communications at 9600 baud without a crystal.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - automotive applications should verify qualification status directly with Microchip. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip environmental compliance data.
