PIC18LF24K50T-I/ML - 16KB Flash, 48MHz USB MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF24K50T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.93 | $2.93 |
| 10 | $2.65 | $26.50 |
| 100 | $2.31 | $231.00 |
| 500 | $2.05 | $1,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.82 | $1,820.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.65 | $4,950.00 |
PIC18LF24K50T-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path that integrates a CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory, and peripherals. The PIC18 family belongs to the broader category of microcontrollers -> embedded microcontrollers -> CMOS RISC microcontrollers -> semiconductor ICs. The 'LF' prefix indicates a wide-voltage, low-power variant supporting 1.8V to 3.6V operation; the 'F' (PIC18F) variants run at 2.0V to 5.5V. The K50 family is purpose-built for USB connectivity applications.
Key features include 16 KB self-programmable Flash, 2 KB SRAM, 256 B EEPROM, a 10-bit ADC with up to 14 channels, two analog comparators, three timers, two capture/compare/PWM modules, two UART, one SPI, one I2C, and one full-speed USB 2.0 transceiver. The device supports 48 MHz operation from its internal oscillator, achieving up to 12 MIPS throughput, and is available in industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C).
The architecture is built on Microchip's enhanced PIC18 Harvard RISC core with a 16-bit instruction word and hardware multiplier, enabling efficient C code execution. On-chip mTouch capacitive sensing support, nanoWatt XLP sleep modes (down to <100 nA typical), and on-board 3.3V LDO provide design flexibility for battery-powered and USB-bus-powered applications.
Typical applications include USB Human Interface Devices (HID) such as keyboards, mice, and game controllers, USB-to-UART bridge dongles, low-cost USB sensor nodes, capacitive touch human-machine interface panels, and battery-powered data loggers. According to Microchip's datasheet, the integrated USB transceiver eliminates the typical external 12 MHz crystal on USB designs.
When designing with the PIC18LF24K50T-I/ML, ensure the exposed thermal pad is soldered to a sufficient copper pour for thermal dissipation and ground integrity. The /T suffix indicates tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume SMT assembly lines. Developers can program and debug using Microchip's MPLAB X IDE with the PICkit 3/4 or MPLAB Snap tools.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF24K50T-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 PIC18LF24K50T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, I/O Pins, Package, Core Architecture, MSL Level.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18LF24K50-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.58 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F24K50-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF24K50-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF23K22T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF24K22T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF24K50T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 (8-bit RISC, 16-bit instruction word) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz |
| MIPS Throughput | 12 MIPS |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF variant) |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps), on-chip transceiver |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 14 channels |
| I/O Pins | Up to 25 (varies by package) |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0/1/2) |
| PWM Outputs | 2 (CCP modules) |
| Communication Peripherals | 1x USB, 2x UART, 1x SPI, 1x I2C |
| Comparators | 2 analog comparators |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (ML) with exposed thermal pad, 6x6 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (per Hotenda listing) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes (T suffix indicates lead-free finish) |
PIC18LF24K50T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / Analog input 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4 — Digital I/O / Analog input 4 |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN5 — Digital I/O / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 4 | RA6/OSC2 — Digital I/O / Oscillator output |
| Pin 5 | RA7/OSC1 — Digital I/O / Oscillator input |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 8 | RB0/AN12/INT0 — Digital I/O / Analog input 12 / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 9 | RB1/AN10 — Digital I/O / Analog input 10 |
| Pin 10 | RB2/AN8 — Digital I/O / Analog input 8 |
| Pin 11 | RB3/AN9 — Digital I/O / Analog input 9 |
| Pin 12 | RB4/AN11 — Digital I/O / Analog input 11 |
| Pin 13 | RB5/AN13 — Digital I/O / Analog input 13 |
| Pin 14 | RB6/ICSPCLK — Digital I/O / In-Circuit Serial Programming clock |
| Pin 15 | RB7/ICSPDAT — Digital I/O / In-Circuit Serial Programming data |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Positive supply (decoupling pin) |
| Pin 17 | VSS — Ground reference (decoupling pin) |
| Pin 18 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 19 | RC1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 20 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 21 | RC3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 22 | RC4/D-/VMO — Digital I/O / USB D- / USB VBUS monitor |
| Pin 23 | RC5/D+/VPO — Digital I/O / USB D+ / USB VBUS power output |
| Pin 24 | RC6 — Digital I/O / UART TX |
| Pin 25 | RC7 — Digital I/O / UART RX |
| Pin 26 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 27 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 28 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Digital I/O / Analog input 2 / ADC negative reference |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF24K50T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Peripherals (Keyboard, Mouse, Gamepad), USB-to-UART Bridge Dongles, Low-Cost USB Sensor Nodes, Capacitive Touch HMI Panels, Battery-Powered Data Loggers, USB Charging Dongles and Power Meters.
USB HID Peripherals (Keyboard, Mouse, Gamepad)
The PIC18LF24K50T-I/ML is purpose-built for USB Human Interface Devices thanks to its integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver that eliminates the external 12 MHz crystal typically required for PIC USB designs. The 16 KB Flash comfortably fits HID class drivers and scan-matrix firmware for keyboards, mice, or game controllers, while the 2 KB SRAM supports keyboard rollover buffers and protocol state. nanoWatt XLP sleep modes below 100 nA extend battery life on wireless peripherals. The 28-pin QFN package is compact enough for thin consumer peripherals.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge Dongles
The integrated USB transceiver and dual UART peripherals make the PIC18LF24K50T-I/ML ideal for USB-to-UART bridge dongles that translate USB CDC virtual COM port traffic to RS-232 levels. The 48 MHz internal oscillator delivers 12 MIPS throughput, sufficient for full 115200 baud plus simultaneous USB traffic. Operating voltage from 1.8V to 3.6V supports direct 3.3V logic without external level shifters. Use the PIC18LF24K50T-I/ML with a USB Type-C connector and an external charge-pump for true RS-232 output levels.
Recommended
Low-Cost USB Sensor Nodes
The PIC18LF24K50T-I/ML is well suited for USB-attached sensor nodes where the host provides power and data. The 10-bit ADC with up to 14 channels reads analog sensors directly, and the dual I2C/SPI peripherals support digital sensors. The LF variant's 1.8V minimum supply enables dual-source operation from a coin-cell backup plus USB. Combined with nanoWatt XLP sleep modes below 100 nA, the same firmware can run in USB-attached or battery-only modes with no redesign.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch HMI Panels
On-chip mTouch capacitive sensing support and 14 ADC channels make the PIC18LF24K50T-I/ML a good fit for capacitive touch human-machine interface panels with up to 12 buttons. The QFN-28 footprint is small enough for panel-mount PCBs, and the 1.8V minimum supply simplifies Li-ion or 2x AA battery power designs. The 16 KB Flash holds mTouch library plus custom UI logic, while the 256 B EEPROM stores user calibration data across power cycles.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Data Loggers
The nanoWatlt XLP technology on the PIC18LF24K50T-I/ML delivers deep sleep currents below 100 nA, extending coin-cell battery life in portable data loggers. The 256 B EEPROM provides non-volatile log storage for short event capture, while the 16 KB Flash fits firmware with compression and sensor scheduling. The 14 ADC channels monitor battery voltage and multiple sensors. Industrial -40C to +85C range supports outdoor and field-deployment environments.
Recommended
USB Charging Dongles and Power Meters
The PIC18LF24K50T-I/ML's built-in 10-bit ADC and 1.8V to 3.6V supply make it suitable for USB charging monitoring dongles that read voltage and current via external sense resistors. USB enumeration draws a small fraction of the 500 mA USB budget, leaving power for the measurement circuit. The 2 KB SRAM buffers measurement logs while the 16 KB Flash runs averaging algorithms and USB HID reporting. The exposed-pad QFN provides mechanical robustness for daily plug-unplug cycles.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF24K50T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18LF24K50-I/ML | PIC18F24K50-I/ML | PIC18LF24K50-E/ML | PIC18LF23K22T-I/ML | PIC18LF24K22T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | QFN-28 (ML) with EP, 6x6 mm | QFN-28 (ML) with EP - same | QFN-28 (ML) with EP - same | QFN-28 (ML) with EP - same | QFN-28 (ML) with EP - same | QFN-28 (ML) with EP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| USB Transceiver | Yes (USB 2.0 Full-Speed) | Yes (USB 2.0 Full-Speed) | Yes (USB 2.0 Full-Speed) | Yes (USB 2.0 Full-Speed) | No | No |
| CPU Frequency (max) | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Pricing Tier (1 qty USD) | $2.93 | Lower (tube format) | Comparable | Higher (extended temp) | Lower (less Flash) | Lower (less Flash) |
Key Differentiators
- USB without external crystal (vs PIC18LF23K22T-I/ML)
- Extended industrial temperature grade option available (vs PIC18LF24K50-I/ML)
- Higher Flash for richer USB stacks (vs PIC18LF24K22T-I/ML)
- Same-family USB migration path (vs PIC18F14K50T-I/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: The QFN-28 exposed thermal pad on pin 29 must be soldered to a continuous copper pour of at least 25 mm^2 on the top or bottom layer to meet thermal and electrical ground requirements. Use 6-9 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill, 0.6 mm pad) under the EP to spread heat and provide a low-inductance ground return. Keep USB D+/D- traces (RC4/RC5) at matched length and isolated from high-frequency switching nodes.
Place two VDD/VSS decoupling capacitor pairs as close to pins 7/6 and 16/17 as possible: one 100 nF ceramic for high-frequency noise and one 4.7 uF ceramic for transient load support. The integrated USB transceiver draws short peak currents during packet transmission; insufficient decoupling can cause VDD droop and USB enumeration failures. Per Microchip datasheet, the on-chip 3.3V LDO requires a 1 uF minimum output capacitor on the VUSB3V3 pin.
Do not assume that omitting the external 12 MHz crystal always works for USB; while the K50 internal 48 MHz oscillator is USB-accurate, certain operating conditions (extreme temperature, low VDD below 2.0V) may require switching to an external crystal via the OSCCON register. Always validate USB-IF compliance and check the device errata published on Microchip's website for any USB clock-related advisories on your silicon revision.
Route RC4 (D-) and RC5 (D+) as a 90-ohm differential pair with matched length (delta < 1 mm) directly from the IC to the USB connector. Avoid routing near noisy signals such as PWM outputs, oscillator traces, or switching regulator inductors. Place the USB connector's shield to chassis ground, not signal ground, and provide a single-point chassis-to-signal ground connection via a ferrite bead to avoid ground loops.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade only; AEC-Q100 not applicable for consumer-grade MCU. Halogen-free status not specified in the verified web data.
