PIC18LF23K22-E/SP - 8KB Flash 8-bit XLP MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF23K22-E/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.25 | $3.25 |
| 10 | $2.92 | $29.20 |
| 100 | $2.45 | $245.00 |
| 500 | $2.18 | $1,090.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.94 | $1,940.00 |
PIC18LF23K22-E/SP Overview
A PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) 8-bit RISC microcontroller is a single-chip computer that combines a CPU core, nonvolatile Flash, RAM, and configurable I/O peripherals on a single CMOS die. PIC18 microcontrollers represent the high-end 8-bit tier, featuring an enhanced Harvard architecture, 16-bit instruction words, hardware multiply, and a C-friendly compiler model. They sit at the top of Microchip's 8-bit hierarchy (PIC10/12/16/18 families), used where deterministic real-time control and ultra-low sleep current outweigh raw processing speed.
Key features of the PIC18LF23K22 include 8 KB Flash with self-programmability, 768 bytes of RAM, 256 bytes of EEPROM, a 48 MHz internal oscillator, nanoWatt XLP sleep modes drawing as low as 20 nA in deep sleep, hardware RTCC with calendar/timestamp functions, PWM/SCCP capture-and-compare modules for motor control, and Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) that offload tasks without CPU intervention. The Enhanced USART and MSSP block provides simultaneous SPI/I2C/UART interfaces useful for sensor and wireless module integration.
Architecturally, the PIC18LF23K22 uses a 16-bit enhanced instruction set with a 31-level hardware stack and hardware multiply engine. Internal oscillator accuracy is factory-trimmed to ±2% across the full 1.8 V to 3.6 V and -40 °C to +125 °C industrial operating range. Power-management features - including multiple idle and sleep modes, peripheral clock gating, and the nanoWatt XLP analog comparator - enable battery lifetimes measured in years.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, low-power wireless IoT end-devices, remote control transmitters, medical glucose meters, consumer white goods requiring low standby power, and industrial sensor transmitters. The combination of 48 MHz throughput, 10-bit ADC, and sub-100 nA sleep current makes it well-suited for battery-form-factor products where every milliwatt is accounted for.
A key design consideration is that the "L" voltage class supports only 1.8 V to 3.6 V operation; for designs needing 5 V tolerance, the non-L PIC18F23K22 is required. Designers should also enable the WDT and BOR (Brown-out Reset) to ensure recovery from corrupted code paths in remote deployments. Programming is via ICSP using MPLAB SNAP, PICkit, or ICD programmers.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family Microchip drop-in alternatives, application guidance, and PCB-level design notes not found in the datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF23K22-E/SP — 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/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, MSL Level, Comparators, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18LF24K22-E/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F23K22-E/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.87 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF23K22-E/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC18 8-bit RISC (Harvard, 16-bit instructions) |
| Family | PIC® XLP™ 18K |
| CPU Frequency | 48 MHz max (16 MIPS) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 8 KB (4K x 16) |
| RAM | 768 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (L-class) |
| I/O Pins | 25 (max for the family) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 17 channels |
| Comparators | 2 with internal reference |
| Timers | Multiple 8-bit / 16-bit with RTCC |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | ECCP + SCCP modules |
| Communication | EUSART, SPI, I2C (MSSP) |
| Oscillator | Internal 16 MHz (HFINTOSC), PLL to 48 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +125 °C (E = Extended) |
| Package | 28-SPDIP (300 mil, 7.62 mm) |
| Pin Count | 28 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free SPDIP marking) |
| MSL Level | 1 (SPDIP, not moisture-sensitive) |
PIC18LF23K22-E/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RB7/ICSPDAT — I/O port RB7, ICSP data, programming data |
| Pin 2 | RA6 — I/O port RA6 (OSC2 if crystal mode) |
| Pin 3 | RA7 — I/O port RA7 (OSC1 if crystal mode) |
| Pin 4 | RA0/AN0 — I/O RA0, ADC channel 0 |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN1 — I/O RA1, ADC channel 1 |
| Pin 6 | RA2/AN2 — I/O RA2, ADC channel 2 |
| Pin 7 | RA3/AN3/Vref+ — I/O RA3, ADC channel 3, Vref+ |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 9 | RA4/AN4 — I/O RA4, ADC channel 4, T0CKI |
| Pin 10 | RA5/AN5/SS — I/O RA5, ADC channel 5, SPI slave-select |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — I/O RC0 |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — I/O RC1 |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — I/O RC2 |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — I/O RC3 |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — I/O RC4 |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — I/O RC5 |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — I/O RC6, USART TX |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — I/O RC7, USART RX |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 20 | VPP/MCLR/RE3 — Programming voltage / Master Clear reset / RE3 |
| Pin 21 | RB0 — I/O RB0, INT0 interrupt |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — I/O RB1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — I/O RB2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — I/O RB3 |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — I/O RB4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — I/O RB5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/ICSPCLK — I/O RB6, ICSP clock, programming clock |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8 V to 3.6 V for L-class) |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF23K22-E/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Wireless Sensor Nodes, Industrial Sensor Transmitters, Handheld Consumer Devices, Medical Monitoring Devices, HVAC and White Goods Control, Educational and Prototyping Platforms.
Battery-Powered Wireless Sensor Nodes
The PIC18LF23K22-E/SP is purpose-built for battery-powered wireless sensor nodes that must run for years on a coin cell or two AA cells. Its 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply range lets designers tap a single LiSOCl2 or alkaline source without boosting, while the nanoWatt XLP deep-sleep current (~20 nA with RTCC active) is the headline figure for energy harvesting or wake-on-event duty cycles. The 10-bit ADC up to 17 channels reads thermistor, soil moisture, and voltage-divider sensors with adequate resolution, and the EUSART plus MSSP interfaces cleanly drive sub-GHz transceivers (e.g. RFM69 or LoRa modules) at 3.3 V logic. With 48 MHz / 16 MIPS throughput the CPU can execute data compression and link-layer handlers before returning to sleep. Compared to a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+, this part trades raw performance for deterministic interrupt latency and predictable sleep current.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitters
For 4-20 mA loop-powered sensor transmitters the PIC18LF23K22-E/SP's wide -40 °C to +125 °C extended industrial temperature range (E suffix) ensures reliable operation in outdoor enclosures and process plants. The 10-bit ADC at 25 I/O counts is well-matched to bridge sensors for pressure and flow, while the hardware RTCC provides production-stamp timestamps without burdening the CPU. Its 48 MHz throughput can run 50/60 Hz line-noise rejection averaging across 16 samples per cycle, yielding effective ENOB improvement for precise 4-20 mA output stages. The UART drives RS-485 / HART modem chips at standard baud rates. Compared to a 32-bit MCU, the PIC18LF23K22's small footprint and 28-SPDIP easy-soldering simplify rework in serviceable industrial equipment.
Recommended
Handheld Consumer Devices
Consumer handhelds such as remote controls, garage-door openers, and personal health monitors benefit from the PIC18LF23K22-E/SP's combination of ultra-low sleep current and fast wake-up. The 28-SPDIP package aids prototyping and small-volume runs of consumer products with mechanical user interfaces - the through-hole pads tolerate mechanical stress from button pushes better than leadless QFN. On-chip PWM and ECCP modules drive LEDs, buzzers, and IR emitters; the MSSP block interfaces directly to OLED displays via SPI. With 768 bytes of RAM and 8 KB Flash it comfortably runs state-machine logic for menu navigation and timing-critical protocol stacks without RTOS overhead. Compared to more powerful Cortex-M0 parts, it consumes less idle power and shrinks BOM cost for sub-USD 20 retail categories.
Recommended
Medical Monitoring Devices
FDA Class II medical monitoring devices like blood-pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters, and disposable drug-delivery patches leverage the PIC18LF23K22-E/SP for its deterministic interrupt response and ultra-low sleep draw. At 1.8 V to 3.6 V, designers can power the MCU directly from two alkaline or one lithium coin cell without boosting, and the nanoWatt XLP deep-sleep keeps quiescent current negligible during standby. The 10-bit ADC reads photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor outputs with sufficient resolution for SpO2 trending, and the hardware RTCC timestamps sample events for clinician review. Its robust IEC 60730 software-class B support (via Microchip code library) makes it suitable for safety-relevant consumer medical designs. Compared to ARM Cortex parts, the PIC18 ecosystem offers Class B-certified firmware libraries out of the box, reducing certification risk.
Recommended
HVAC and White Goods Control
HVAC thermostats, washing machine controllers, and dishwasher user-interface boards often pick the PIC18LF23K22-E/SP for its mix of analog and digital peripherals at low cost. The 48 MHz core executes PID loops at sub-millisecond update rates for temperature and motor control, while the 10-bit ADC monitors thermistor inputs and triac zero-cross detectors. Hardware ECCP + SCCP modules generate zero-cross-switched PWM for valve and pump drivers without burdening the CPU, keeping latency below one AC line cycle. The 28-SPDIP package is rugged enough for the vibration and thermal-cycling environment of white-goods appliances. Compared to more expensive Cortex-M3 designs, this MCU keeps BOM cost near USD 2 while delivering the I/O count and ADC resolution white goods demand.
Recommended
Educational and Prototyping Platforms
Universities and makers adopt the PIC18LF23K22-E/SP as a teaching MCU because its through-hole 28-SPDIP package fits breadboards and perfboards directly, eliminating the fine-pitch soldering difficulty of QFN parts. With the free MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler, students can write C code that targets 16-bit instructions and the 31-level hardware stack, gaining insight into RISC embedded architecture without OS abstractions. The PICkit 3/4 or MPLAB SNAP programmer/debugger plugs into the ICSP pins and provides single-stepping and breakpoint debug over USB at no extra per-seat license cost. Its 8 KB Flash accommodates substantial teaching projects (line-following robot, digital clock, home automation), and PIC18 code is widely reused in industry. Compared to STM32 or Arduino parts, the PIC18LF23K22 offers the simplest path to learning what an MCU does at the register level.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF23K22-E/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18LF24K22-E/SP | PIC18F23K22-E/SP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SPDIP (300 mil) | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same |
| Flash Program Memory | 8 KB (4K x 16) | 16 KB | 8 KB |
| RAM | 768 B | 1024 B | 768 B |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (L-class) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (L-class) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (F-class) |
| Max CPU Frequency | 48 MHz (16 MIPS) | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| Temperature Range | -40 °C to +125 °C (E) | -40 °C to +125 °C (E) | -40 °C to +125 °C (E) |
| I/O Pins (28-SPDIP) | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| Unit Price (qty 100, as of 2026-09-28) | $2.45 | ~$2.60 | ~$2.45 |
Key Differentiators
- 28-SPDIP through-hole pinout for breadboard-and-perfboard prototypes (vs PIC18LF23K22-E/ML (28-QFN))
- 1.8 V to 3.6 V low-voltage class for direct LiSOCl2 or alkaline cell operation (vs PIC18F23K22-E/SP)
- Extended -40 °C to +125 °C industrial temperature range (vs PIC18LF23K22-I/SP)
- nanoWatt XLP sleep with RTCC at ~20 nA (vs PIC18LF24K22-E/SP (16 KB Flash variant))
Design Notes
Power the PIC18LF23K22-E/SP from a clean 3.3 V LDO such as MIC5219 with at least 1 µF ceramic decoupling at the VDD pin (28). For battery applications with two AA cells, drop the LDO entirely and tie VDD directly to the cells when Vdd stays above 1.8 V. Always enable Brown-out Reset (BOR) in the CONFIG1 register so the MCU recovers from a sagging rail - critical for field-installed sensor nodes that must reboot cleanly after deep discharge.
Estimated: do not exceed VDD = 3.6 V on this 'L' variant - designers migrating from PIC18F23K22 designs at 5 V must replace the regulator. Always tie the MCLR/VPP pin (20) to VDD through a 10 kΩ pull-up; leaving it floating causes erratic resets, especially when the PCB cable is long and exposed to ESD. ICSP programming requires RB6/ICSPCLK (27) and RB7/ICSPDAT (1) to be available - avoid reassigning these pins to other functions if you need in-circuit debug.
Place the 100 nF VDD bypass capacitor within 5 mm of pin 28 and the optional 10 µF bulk cap on the same side of the PCB. Keep the ICP clock/data traces (pin 1 and 27) short and isolated from switching regulators; route them with 50 Ω characteristic impedance if longer than 25 mm. The 28-SPDIP package is friendly to 2-layer FR-4 - no special stackup is required, but a continuous ground plane under the MCU reduces EMI susceptibility on analog ADC inputs (pins 4-7, 9-10).
When using the 10-bit ADC, average 16 or 64 samples in software to suppress mains-induced 50/60 Hz noise; the SAMPLE bit in ADCON0 lets you trigger acquisitions from timer interrupts at exact multiples of the line period. For applications with high-side current sensing, use the analog comparators (CVREF pins) rather than the ADC for fast over-current shutoff to avoid CPU latency. The MSSP peripheral supports both SPI and I²C master modes, but keep SCL/SDA traces under 50 mm when running I²C above 400 kHz.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page. SPDIP package is not moisture-sensitive (MSL 1). For automotive AEC-Q100-qualified versions, request PIC18LF23K22-E/SPVAO or contact Microchip for automotive part numbers.
