PIC18LF248-I/SO - 8-Bit 16KB Flash MCU, 40MHz, CAN | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF248-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.32 | $6.32 |
| 10 | $5.78 | $57.80 |
| 100 | $5.02 | $502.00 |
| 500 | $4.41 | $2,205.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.79 | $3,790.00 |
PIC18LF248-I/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and configurable I/O peripherals. The PIC18 family uses an enhanced Harvard RISC core with 16-bit instructions and an 8-bit data path, offering higher code density and deterministic interrupt handling compared to legacy PIC16 designs. Microcontrollers sit in the hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC, and they are the computational core of virtually every embedded product.
Key specifications of the PIC18LF248 include 40MHz maximum clock speed, 256 bytes of EEPROM data memory, an internal 10-bit ADC with up to 8 channels, two 8-bit and three 16-bit timers, and integrated CAN 2.0B hardware. The 28-SOIC wide package (0.295 inch / 7.50mm body width) provides generous board footprint, simplifying hand-soldering and prototype rework, while the LF (low-voltage) variant supports 2.0V to 5.5V VDD operation, enabling battery-friendly designs.
The architecture combines a 16-bit instruction word with 8-bit data paths and a hardware multiplier (8x8 in one cycle). Internal oscillator options, an ICD (In-Circuit Debug) port, and self-programming Flash support field updates without external programmers. The CAN module implements the Bosch CAN 2.0A/B protocol with hardware acceptance filtering and a dedicated interrupt, offloading protocol processing from the CPU.
Typical applications include industrial CAN node endpoints, automotive body and comfort ECUs, sensor-interface boards, and low-power embedded controllers. The wide-SOIC package and CAN hardware make this part especially attractive for automotive aftermarket modules and Industrial 4.0 field nodes requiring deterministic network communication.
When designing with the PIC18LF248, plan the VDD decoupling with 100nF plus 10uF bulk capacitors placed within 5mm of the supply pins, and reserve PGD/PGC pins for in-circuit serial programming (ICSP). The internal CAN bus should include a transceiver IC (e.g., MCP2551) and 120-ohm termination at each end of the bus.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the bare manufacturer datasheet, providing an engineering-ready reference.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF248-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 PIC18LF248-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F248-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.66 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F2480-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.13 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF2480T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF258-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.54 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F258-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF248-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Family | PIC18F |
| Program Memory | 16 KB (8K x 16) Flash |
| RAM | 768 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 23 (multiplexed with peripherals) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 8 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 3 x 16-bit |
| CAN | 1 x CAN 2.0B (with mask and filter) |
| UART | 1 x AUSART (Addressable USART) |
| SPI | 1 x SPI (Master/Slave) |
| I2C | 1 x I2C (Master/Slave) |
| Package | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| ICSP/ICD | Yes (PGD/PGC) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free SO package) |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life at <30 C / 85% RH) |
PIC18LF248-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP/RE3 — Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage / digital input only |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Crystal oscillator input / external clock / PORTA bit 7 |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Crystal oscillator output / clock out / PORTA bit 6 |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator out / Timer1 clock in |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator in / CCP2 module |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 module (PWM/capture/compare) |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / UART TX / UART clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / UART RX / UART data |
| Pin 18 | CANTX/RC2 — Note: shared with RC2 in some package variants; CAN TX |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V - 5.5V) |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT0 — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 22 | RB1/INT1 — PORTB bit 1 / external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2/INT2/CANTX — PORTB bit 2 / external interrupt 2 / CAN TX |
| Pin 24 | RB3/INT3/CANRX — PORTB bit 3 / external interrupt 3 / CAN RX |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF248-I/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial CAN Node Endpoint, Automotive Aftermarket Body ECU, Sensor Interface and Data Logger, Building Automation and HVAC Node, Low-Power Battery Monitor, Industrial Sensor Hub / Bridge, Educational and Development Platform.
Industrial CAN Node Endpoint
The PIC18LF248-I/SO is an ideal CAN node controller for Industrial 4.0 field devices, factory automation, and process sensors. The integrated hardware CAN 2.0B peripheral implements standard (11-bit) and extended (29-bit) identifier handling with hardware acceptance filtering, offloading the protocol stack from the CPU and freeing MIPS for application logic. At 40 MHz the device delivers 10 MIPS, sufficient for sensor sampling and a moderate CANopen or DeviceNet slave stack. The wide 2.0V-5.5V VDD range lets designers power the MCU from a 3.3V rail shared with analog sensors, while the industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade supports factory-floor enclosures. Pairing the PIC18LF248 with an MCP2551 CAN transceiver yields a complete isolated CAN node on a 28-SOIC board footprint.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket Body ECU
The PIC18LF248-I/SO is widely adopted in automotive aftermarket body controllers, alarm systems, lighting modules, and comfort ECUs. Its on-chip CAN hardware interfaces directly to the vehicle bus for body-domain communication, while the 16 KB Flash accommodates small OBD-II stacks and custom firmware. The 23 I/O pins handle H-bridge drivers, LED arrays, and switch matrices typical of body ECUs. Although the part is industrial-grade rather than AEC-Q100 qualified, the -40C to +85C range covers most cabin and trunk environments. Designers can place the device on a 28-SOIC footprint for straightforward hand assembly and rework during prototype development, and migrate to AEC-Q100 grades like PIC18F46K80 for production safety-critical nodes.
Recommended
Sensor Interface and Data Logger
The PIC18LF248-I/SO is well-suited to multi-channel sensor interface boards and standalone data loggers. The 10-bit ADC with up to 8 analog channels scans thermistors, pressure transducers, and bridge sensors without external multiplexers. The 256-byte EEPROM stores calibration constants that persist across power cycles, while the 16 KB Flash holds logging firmware and a simple file system in RAM (768 bytes). The UART/SPI/I2C peripherals let the MCU drive external FRAM, RTC, or wireless modules for telemetry. Industrial temperature rating and wide VDD support battery-powered remote sensor installations in unconditioned environments.
Recommended
Building Automation and HVAC Node
Building automation systems use the PIC18LF248-I/SO for HVAC zone controllers, VAV box actuators, and BACnet-to-CAN gateway nodes. The CAN peripheral enables deterministic communication between zone controllers, while the AUSART interfaces with BACnet MS-TP or Modbus RTU field buses. With 23 I/O pins the MCU can drive triacs, read temperature/humidity sensors, and monitor fan speeds simultaneously. The 2.0V to 5.5V VDD range simplifies 3.3V designs with low quiescent draw, and the wide 28-SOIC footprint simplifies hand-prototyping during commissioning. Long-term availability and Microchip's 10-year product longevity program suit building-automation lifecycle requirements.
Recommended
Low-Power Battery Monitor
The PIC18LF248-I/SO operates down to 2.0V VDD, making it a strong choice for battery-powered monitors on 2-cell alkaline or single-cell Li-coin cells. The 10-bit ADC measures battery voltage, current sense amplifiers, and temperature, while the 256-byte EEPROM retains usage logs across power cycles. Sleep current and peripheral gating allow duty-cycled sampling with long battery life. The CAN peripheral is optional for networked battery banks (telecom reserve power). Its wide 28-SOIC package simplifies battery-pack integration where hand-rework during field service is desirable.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Hub / Bridge
Industrial sensor hubs aggregate analog and digital sensor data and forward it over CAN or UART to a master controller. The PIC18LF248-I/SO provides the I/O count, ADC channels, and CAN peripheral for a 4-8 sensor hub in a single chip. Its 40 MHz CPU can run lightweight filtering, while hardware CAN offloads protocol overhead. The wide 28-SOIC footprint simplifies layout and rework on industrial backplanes with mixed through-hole and SMD assemblies. Designers can daisy-chain hubs via the CAN bus for distributed monitoring in factory cells and remote pumping stations.
Recommended
Educational and Development Platform
The PIC18LF248-I/SO is frequently used in university curricula and embedded-systems training kits because of its canonical Harvard architecture, mature documentation, and free Microchip toolchain (MPLAB X, XC8, ICD). Students learn CAN programming, ADC sampling, and timer interrupt handling on a part that retains wide industry adoption. The 28-SOIC package is breadboard-compatible with SOIC-to-DIP adapters, simplifying lab experimentation. Hobbyist projects such as CAN-to-UART bridges, motor controllers, and sensor loggers benefit from the part's affordability and ecosystem of example code on Microchip's MCC (MPLAB Code Configurator).
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF248-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F248-I/SO | PIC18F2480-I/SO | PIC18LF2480T-I/SO | PIC18LF258-I/SO | PIC18F258-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm) | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm) - same | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm) - same | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm) - same | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm) - same | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm) - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB (+100%) | 32 KB (+100%) |
| RAM | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 1536 bytes (+100%) | 1536 bytes (+100%) |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V (NOT LF compatible) | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| CAN Module | 1 x CAN 2.0B | 1 x CAN 2.0B | 1 x CAN 2.0B | 1 x CAN 2.0B | 1 x CAN 2.0B | 1 x CAN 2.0B |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit | 10-bit | 12-bit (upgrade) | 12-bit (upgrade) | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
Key Differentiators
- Hardware CAN 2.0B with mask-and-filter acceptance (vs PIC18LF2480-I/SO)
- Low-voltage 2.0V-5.5V VDD support (LF suffix) (vs PIC18F248-I/SO)
- Mature, multi-decade longevity in Microchip's product tree (vs PIC18LF258-I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 19) and a 10 uF bulk tantalum or aluminum electrolytic on the same rail. For battery-powered designs below 4.5 V, add a 100 nF plus 10 uF cap on the analog AVdd pin if used, and place a small ferrite bead between digital and analog supplies. VSS (pin 20) should connect directly to a low-impedance ground plane to avoid ADC reference drift under switching loads.
Route PGD (pin 28) and PGC (pin 27) traces as short, matched-length pairs and avoid running them parallel to high-current switching traces; this preserves ICSP programming margin. The CAN signals (RB2/CANTX, RB3/CANRX) should be routed as a short, impedance-matched differential pair to the MCP2551 CAN transceiver, with a 120 ohm termination resistor at each end of the bus. Keep the crystal traces (OSC1/OSC2) under 10 mm and surround them with a ground guard ring to attenuate EMI.
Do not assume the LF (low-voltage) part can operate at 40 MHz down to 2.0 V; the voltage-frequency curve in DS39602C restricts 40 MHz operation to VDD >= 4.2 V. At 3.3 V VDD the maximum recommended clock is 25 MHz. The CAN peripheral also requires a software configuration of the I/O mux (TRISRB register) to assign RB2/RB3 to the CAN module instead of general-purpose I/O. Finally, leave MCLR (pin 1) tied to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up, or else the device will not exit reset.
Compliance Information
RoHS-compliant lead-free SOIC package per Microchip product page. NOT AEC-Q100 qualified - use PIC18F46K80 or similar AEC-Q100 grade for automotive safety-critical designs.
