PIC18LF2420T-I/ML - 8-bit PIC MCU, 16KB Flash, 40MHz, 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF2420T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.79 | $2.79 |
| 10 | $2.51 | $25.10 |
| 100 | $2.22 | $222.00 |
| 500 | $2.05 | $1,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.85 | $1,850.00 |
PIC18LF2420T-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable integrated circuit that combines a CPU, memory, and peripherals on a single die. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, the PIC18LF2420T-I/ML sits in the hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC18 family -> PIC18LF2420 sub-family -> microchip flash-based RISC controller. 8-bit MCUs remain widely used for cost-sensitive, deterministic control tasks where 32-bit performance is unnecessary, and PIC18 parts in particular are favored for their Harvard architecture, mature toolchain (MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler), and broad peripheral integration.
Key features include a 10-bit ADC (verified from third-party parametric data) with up to 10 channels, a 25 I/O pin count, two analog comparators, a USART, MSSP (I²C/SPI), two 8-bit timers plus three 16-bit timers, a 10-bit PWM module, and nanoWatt Technology power management for low-power sleep modes. The LF prefix indicates the wide-voltage core that supports battery-backed and 3.3V designs, while the -I/ML industrial-grade temperature range and QFN package suit compact, surface-mount industrial and consumer products.
Architecturally, the PIC18LF2420T-I/ML uses an enhanced Harvard RISC core with a hardware multiplier (8x8 single-cycle), a 32-level hardware stack, and 75 instructions including C-optimized extensions. The 16KB self-programmable Flash supports ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) and a configurable oscillator block (8 MHz internal RC) with PLL, eliminating external crystals in many applications.
Typical applications include industrial sensor conditioning with on-chip ADC, USB-less human-interface devices (HIDs), low-power remote controls, small appliances, battery management front-ends, and HVAC controllers. The 28-QFN package also suits motor-control signal boards where board real-estate is constrained.
When designing with this device, note that the LF variant has slightly different DC characteristics than the F variant (PIC18F2420) at >4.2V inputs; for designs that may see >4.2V, consult the family datasheet. The exposed thermal pad on the QFN must be soldered to a sufficiently large copper pour for thermal and electrical performance.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, pin-compatible alternatives, and design notes not collated on any single manufacturer page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF2420T-I/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 PIC18LF2420T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature, Timers, Core, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F2420T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF2520T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF2420-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF2420T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC18 RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory | 16 KB (8K x 16) Flash |
| RAM | 768 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 40 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF series, supports 2.5V/3.3V/5V designs) |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 10 channels |
| Timers | 2x 8-bit + 3x 16-bit |
| PWM Modules | 10-bit CCP/ECCP |
| Communication | 1x USART, 1x MSSP (I2C/SPI) |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, -I suffix) |
| MSL Level | MSL3 (per JEDEC J-STD-020, typical for QFN) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Halogen-Free | Yes |
| ICSP / In-Circuit Programming | Supported |
PIC18LF2420T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 / VREF- |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3 — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input channel 3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN4 — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/RA7 — Crystal oscillator input / PORTA bit 7 |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/RA6 — Crystal oscillator output / PORTA bit 6 |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture/Compare/PWM1 |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX — PORTC bit 6 / USART async transmit |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX — PORTC bit 7 / USART async receive |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 20 | RB0/INT0 — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 21 | RB1/INT1 — PORTB bit 1 / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 22 | RB2/INT2 — PORTB bit 2 / External interrupt 2 |
| Pin 23 | RB3/CCP2 — PORTB bit 3 / Capture/Compare/PWM2 |
| Pin 24 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 25 | RB5/PGM — PORTB bit 5 / LVP programming |
| Pin 26 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 27 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 28 | AVDD — Analog positive supply |
| Pin 29 | EP — Exposed thermal pad - tie to VSS for thermal/electrical performance |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF2420T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Conditioning Node, Low-Power Remote Control / HID, Small Appliance Control Board, HVAC Thermostat / Zone Controller, Battery Management Front-End, User Interface / Display Controller.
Industrial Sensor Conditioning Node
The PIC18LF2420T-I/ML fits industrial sensor nodes because its 10-channel 10-bit ADC (100 ksps) and 25 I/O pins cover typical 4-20 mA loop, RTD, or thermistor bridge inputs without external muxes. The LF wide-voltage core (2.0-5.5V) accepts 3.3V or 5V transducer rails directly, while nanoWatt Technology sleep currents in the microamp range enable multi-year battery life. Its 40 MHz/10 MIPS throughput handles linearization math and MODBUS RTU framing on the USART, and the 28-QFN package supports compact IP65 sensor housings.
Recommended
Low-Power Remote Control / HID
The PIC18LF2420T-I/ML's 16KB Flash and 10 MIPS throughput is sufficient for IR/RF remote control protocols (RC5, NEC), HID report encoding, and simple button/gesture handling on 25 I/O pins. nanoWatt Technology sleep modes drop consumption to ~100 nA typical, enabling multi-year coin-cell operation, and the wake-on-change I/O pins let the CPU sleep until a button is pressed. The 28-QFN 6x6 mm footprint fits slim handheld enclosures common in consumer electronics.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control Board
The PIC18LF2420T-I/ML suits small appliances (coffee makers, blenders, fans) where its 10-bit CCP/PWM modules drive TRIAC or MOSFET gate signals for motor/solenoid control. The 25 I/O pins connect to encoders, thermistors, and user-interface LEDs, while the USART links to a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module for app connectivity. Industrial -40C to +85C rating supports under-hood or kitchen environments, and the 28-QFN withstands vibration when properly soldered with the exposed pad grounded.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat / Zone Controller
The PIC18LF2420T-I/ML drives HVAC zone controllers because its 10-bit ADC reads thermistor temperature inputs at 100 ksps while the PWM modules control damper actuators and fan triacs. The 16KB Flash supports scheduling firmware and MODBUS RTU stacks, and 768-byte RAM is sufficient for sensor fusion state. Wide-voltage operation (2.0-5.5V) tolerates 24VAC half-wave rectified rails after regulation, and 25 I/O accommodates multiple zone outputs.
Recommended
Battery Management Front-End
The PIC18LF2420T-I/ML integrates with 1-4S Li-ion battery management as a low-cost secondary MCU that monitors individual cell voltages via its 10-bit ADC, drives LEDs/SOCs over GPIO, and communicates with the main charger IC over I2C (MSSP). The LF core's 2.0V minimum operating voltage allows direct connection to single-cell packs down to cutoff, while 25 I/O drive cell-balancing FETs and protection status outputs.
Recommended
User Interface / Display Controller
The PIC18LF2420T-I/ML serves as a UI controller for small character LCDs and LED matrices because its 25 I/O pins directly drive 4-bit LCD interfaces, 7-segment displays, or Charlieplexed LED grids without external drivers. The 16KB Flash stores multilingual fonts and menu state machines, while the USART/MSSP talks to a host processor. Industrial temperature rating and 28-QFN small footprint suit rugged handheld terminals and instrument front panels.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF2420T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F2420T-I/ML | PIC18LF2520T-I/ML | PIC18LF2420-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) with EP | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 16 KB Flash | 16 KB Flash | 32 KB Flash | 16 KB Flash |
| RAM | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 1536 bytes | 768 bytes |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) | 4.2 V to 5.5 V (F) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 10 channels | 10-bit, 10 channels | 10-bit, 10 channels | 10-bit, 10 channels |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel (T suffix) | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tray (no T suffix) |
Key Differentiators
- Wide-voltage LF core supports 2.5V/3.3V/5V designs (vs PIC18F2420T-I/ML)
- In-place upgrade path to 32KB Flash on same footprint (vs PIC18LF2520T-I/ML)
- Tape-and-Reel packaging for high-volume assembly (vs PIC18LF2420-I/ML)
Design Notes
The 28-QFN exposed thermal pad (pin 29) must be soldered to a grounded copper pour, with at least 8 thermal vias to the inner ground plane. Per the PIC18F2420 family datasheet, an unsoldered or partially soldered exposed pad can cause a 5-10C junction temperature rise and may degrade EMI performance; Microchip recommends a minimum 1 square inch of 2 oz copper on the top layer.
Decouple VDD/AVDD pairs with a 100 nF X7R placed as close as possible to each VDD pin, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic. For ADC accuracy, place a small ferrite bead or 10 ohm resistor between VDD and AVDD, with separate analog ground plane. Estimated: at 40 MHz CPU and active peripherals, total current consumption is approximately 12 mA typical at 5V.
Do not apply voltages >5.5V to any VDD pin (absolute maximum 7V on F variant, 6.5V on LF variant - check datasheet). The LF and F parts are pin-compatible but have different voltage derating curves for the ADC and comparator, so reusing firmware across LF and F requires re-checking analog performance at the actual supply voltage. Ensure ICSP pins (RB6/RB7) are not loaded with heavy capacitance that prevents in-circuit programming.
Long oscillator traces (>10 mm) should be guarded by a grounded copper pour to reduce radiated EMI, and the crystal load capacitors (typically 15-33 pF) must be sized per the crystal datasheet. The internal 8 MHz RC oscillator with 4x PLL is often sufficient for low-EMI designs, eliminating the crystal entirely. For applications needing accurate USART baud rates, an external crystal is recommended.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page; standard Microchip PIC18 LF family does not carry AEC-Q100 automotive qualification. For automotive applications, use PIC18F/LF25K-series K-grade parts or PIC18F46K80. Industrial temperature range is -40C to +85C.
