PIC18LF248-I/SP - 8-bit MCU, 16KB Flash, 40MHz, CAN, 28-SPDIP
MPN: PIC18LF248-I/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.94 | $9.94 |
| 10 | $8.85 | $88.50 |
| 100 | $7.85 | $785.00 |
| 500 | $7.2 | $3,600.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.5 | $6,500.00 |
PIC18LF248-I/SP Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip programmable computer integrating a CPU, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (RAM), and a set of on-chip peripherals such as timers, ADC, communication interfaces, and I/O. The PIC18 family uses Microchip's enhanced Harvard RISC architecture with a 16-bit instruction word and 8-bit data path, giving one instruction per clock and deterministic interrupt latency. The 'LF' prefix designates the low-voltage F-process variant, which extends the operating voltage down to 2.0V, while the 'F' variant (e.g., PIC18F248) requires 4.2V minimum. The '-I' suffix denotes the industrial operating-temperature grade -40°C to +85°C, and '/SP' specifies the 28-pin Skinny Plastic DIP (SPDIP) through-hole package.
The PIC18LF248 includes 23 digital I/O pins, a 10-bit 5-channel ADC, two 8-bit and three 16-bit timers, an Enhanced USART, an MSSP (SPI/I2C) module, and the headline feature: a hardware CAN 2.0B peripheral with bit rates up to 1 Mbps. The integrated CAN controller removes the external MCP2515 that designers would otherwise need, saving BOM cost and board area in Node and Cluster designs. The 256-byte EEPROM supports non-volatile user settings without external storage.
Typical applications include industrial CAN node terminals (DeviceNet/CANopen slaves), building automation controllers, automotive body and HVAC modules running at 12V, sensor-interface boards with CAN reporting, and low-cost legacy-system retrofits. Industrial networks built on CANopen or DeviceNet often specify the PIC18F248/LF248 family because the silicon is qualified for 8 MHz oscillator operation with CAN bit rates to 1 Mbit/s, and the firmware toolchain (MPLAB X + XC8 + MCC) is mature and free.
When designing in this part, take care that the LF variant's max VDD (5.5V) is identical to the F variant, but the minimum is 2.0V rather than 4.2V - if your application requires 5V-only operation, the PIC18F248 is interchangeable. The integrated CAN module requires an external 3.3V or 5V CAN transceiver (e.g., MCP2551 or MCP2562) to drive the physical bus; the MCU handles only the digital protocol layer.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same PIC18 family, and practical CAN-application design notes that go beyond the bare datasheet to give engineers a real procurement and design start.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF248-I/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 PIC18LF248-I/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, ADC, Timers, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F248-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF248-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.79 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F258-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF242-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF248-I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC18F |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC (PIC18 enhanced Harvard) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB (8K x 16 words) |
| RAM | 768 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Instruction Frequency | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 23 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 5 channels |
| CAN Module | CAN 2.0B active, 1 Mbps max |
| Timers | 2x 8-bit + 3x 16-bit |
| Communication | Enhanced USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C), CAN |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) |
| Package | 28-SPDIP (Skinny Plastic DIP), through-hole |
| Process Variant | LF (low-voltage F-process, 2.0V min) |
PIC18LF248-I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP/RE3 — Master clear (reset) input / programming voltage / digital I/O |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA analog/digital I/O; analog channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA analog/digital I/O; analog channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — PORTA analog input; analog channel 2; ADC VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA analog input; analog channel 3; ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA digital I/O; Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA analog channel 4; SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO — Crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC digital I/O; Timer1 oscillator output / clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC I/O; Timer1 oscillator input; CCP2 PWM/capture |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC I/O; CCP1 PWM/capture/compare |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC I/O; MSSP SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC I/O; MSSP SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — PORTC I/O; MSSP SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC I/O; EUSART TX / clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC I/O; EUSART RX / data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V-5.5V) |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT0 — PORTB I/O; external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 22 | RB1/INT1 — PORTB I/O; external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2/INT2/CANTX — PORTB I/O; external interrupt 2; CAN TX output |
| Pin 24 | RB3/INT3/CANRX — PORTB I/O; external interrupt 3; CAN RX input |
| Pin 25 | RB4/PGM — PORTB I/O; ICSP programming pin |
| Pin 26 | RB5/PGM — PORTB I/O; ICSP programming pin |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — PORTB I/O; ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — PORTB I/O; ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF248-I/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial CANopen Node Controller, Automotive Body Control Module (CAN Node), Building Automation Sensor / Actuator Node, Industrial Sensor Interface Board, Low-Cost Industrial Gateways and Bridges, Educational and Hobby Robotics.
Industrial CANopen Node Controller
The PIC18LF248-I/SP's integrated CAN 2.0B controller delivers 1 Mbps protocol handling for industrial CANopen and DeviceNet slave nodes, removing the external MCP2515 typical of earlier 8-bit designs and shrinking BOM by about $0.80. Its 2.0V-5.5V supply range lets the node run directly from a 3.3V regulated rail or from a 5V PLC backplane with no level shifter, while the 16KB Flash / 768B RAM are sufficient for CiA 401 generic I/O profiles. Industrial temperature grade -40°C to +85°C handles factory-floor mounting close to motors and drives. Pair it with an MCP2551 or MCP2562 transceiver between the MCU and the bus; the MCU handles bit-timing, acceptance filters, and interrupt-driven frame handling entirely on-chip.
Recommended
Automotive Body Control Module (CAN Node)
For 12V automotive body and HVAC subsystems the PIC18LF248-I/SP runs off a 5V post-regulator rail and reports to the vehicle CAN bus without an external protocol chip. The LF variant's wide 2.0V-5.5V supply handles cranking transients on a regulated rail, while 23 digital I/O drive relays, LEDs, and switch-matrix inputs. Designers should note the LF248 itself is industrial-grade only; AEC-Q100 automotive builds must use the PIC18F248 automotive extension family. In retrofit and accessory markets this LF248 part is a top choice for CAN-key, CAN-mirror, and CAN-trim controllers because MPLAB XC8 + MCC + CANopen libraries are free and the 28-SPDIP package simplifies hand-reworkable prototype boards.
Recommended
Building Automation Sensor / Actuator Node
Building automation controllers such as BACnet gateways, HVAC damper actuators, and lighting relays benefit from the PIC18LF248-I/SP because the integrated CAN interface supports DeviceNet industrial networking while the LF supply range accommodates 3.3V sensor rails. The 10-bit ADC with five channels reads thermostat inputs, light sensors, and pressure transducers without an external ADC; the Enhanced USART bridges to BACnet MS/TP RS-485 networks through an external transceiver. Total system cost remains low because no external CAN controller is needed, and Microchip's free firmware library covers DeviceNet slave stacks. Designers typically pair this MCU with an SP485E transceiver for EIA-485 and an MCP2562 for the CAN branch.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Board
For distributed sensor boards in factories, the PIC18LF248-I/SP consolidates CAN communications and signal conditioning into a single 8-bit MCU. The five 10-bit ADC channels read 4-20 mA current-loop or 0-10V analog sensors, the 16-bit timers drive PWM outputs to drive proportional valves, and the integrated CAN 2.0B controller broadcasts digitized measurements back to a master PLC. The 28-SPDIP package stands up well to hand-soldered prototypes and rugged industrial enclosures where mechanical retention matters more than SMD miniaturization. Engineers cite the LF supply range as a key advantage in 24V industrial buses stepped down to 3.3V through an external switching regulator.
Recommended
Low-Cost Industrial Gateways and Bridges
Engineers building CAN-to-UART or CAN-to-MODBUS protocol bridges frequently select the PIC18LF248-I/SP because both CAN and Enhanced USART are integrated, eliminating the external bridge ICs that other 8-bit families would require. The 768-byte RAM is sufficient for buffering multiple incoming CAN frames, and 16KB Flash holds a full protocol-conversion state machine. The device easily handles passive monitoring modes where the controller acts as a sniffer on the bus without driving it, providing diagnostic data to a host computer. With industrial temperature grade, the LF248-based bridges are deployed in factory floor cabinets and outdoor enclosure installations for years of unattended operation.
Recommended
Educational and Hobby Robotics
Universities teaching embedded systems and hobby robotics teams building CAN-based robot swarms favor the PIC18LF248-I/SP for its low price, breadboard-friendly 28-SPDIP package, and free Microchip tooling including MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler, and MCC code configurator. The LF voltage range lets students power the MCU from a 3.3V battery pack or a 5V USB rail. CAN bus creates robust peer-to-peer robot communication immune to the EMI of motor drivers, while the 16KB Flash is enough for sensor-fusion and motion-control firmware. The PIC18LF248-I/SP remains a popular teaching example because the integrated CAN peripheral illustrates protocol concepts without an external controller chip.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF248-I/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F248-I/SP | PIC18F258-I/SP | PIC18LF242-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same |
| Process Variant / VDD Range | LF, 2.0 V to 5.5 V | F, 4.2 V to 5.5 V | F, 4.2 V to 5.5 V | LF, 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB |
| RAM | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 1536 bytes | 768 bytes |
| CAN Module | 1x CAN 2.0B | 1x CAN 2.0B | 1x CAN 2.0B | No CAN module |
| Max Frequency | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest VDD-minimum in the PIC18F248 family (vs PIC18F248-I/SP)
- Integrated CAN 2.0B eliminates external protocol chip (vs PIC18LF242-I/SP)
- Smaller Flash vs PIC18F258 step-up (vs PIC18F258-I/SP)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin 20 and a second 100 nF on the AVdd rail if used. Add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum polymer capacitor near the package to handle CAN RX/TX switching transients. Route the OSC1/OSC2 traces short and symmetrical to avoid EMI; place the crystal within 10 mm of the MCU and ground the case. The MCLR pin requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF capacitor to ground for clean reset; do not leave the pin floating as noise will false-reset the MCU.
CAN bus termination is mandatory: place 120 ohm 1% resistors at each end of the bus segment, between CANH and CANL, NOT at every node. For 1 Mbps operation keep the bus stub (node to backbone) under 0.3 m to keep reflections below the CAN timing margin. The CANTX/CANRX pins of the PIC18LF248 should route to the transceiver with trace impedance matched to the bus and twisted-pair length matched; design CAN hardware errata lists common pitfalls in Microchip DS80328.
Do not connect the PIC18LF248 to a 5V supply if you designed around the F variant - the LF accepts 2.0V minimum but some PIC18F derivatives require 4.2V minimum. Always verify the suffix: LF means low-voltage F process. The CAN module requires software configuration of the BRP, SJW, PROPSEG, PHSEG1, and PHSEG2 registers before any frame can transmit; an unconfigured CAN module silently ignores bus traffic. Finally, the ICSP clock (PGC) and data (PGD) pins are shared with PORTB and must be released by programmer firmware before normal PORTB function resumes.
Estimated: at 40 MHz and 5.0V VDD with all peripherals active, the PIC18LF248 draws approximately 15 mA = 75 mW. Sleep current is under 1 uA at 3.3V (LF process), making this MCU attractive for battery-backed industrial sensors. Decoupling budget: 100 nF ceramic per VDD plus 10 uF bulk keeps ripple under 50 mVpp during CAN transitions.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page; -I suffix indicates industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C only, not AEC-Q100 automotive qualified.
