PIC18LF2523T-I/ML - 8-bit 32KB Flash MCU, 40MHz, QFN-28 | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF2523T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.62 | $4.62 |
| 10 | $4.18 | $41.80 |
| 100 | $3.71 | $371.00 |
| 500 | $3.32 | $1,660.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.95 | $2,950.00 |
PIC18LF2523T-I/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program and data memory, plus peripherals such as ADCs, timers, communication interfaces, and I/O ports into one package. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC18LF2523 is an 8-bit CISC-architecture MCU in the PIC18 family, which sits under Microchip's 8-bit MCU portfolio alongside PIC10/12/16 devices, and ultimately under the wider category of microcontrollers and embedded processing. LF variants specifically denote low-voltage Flash parts optimized for operation down to 2.0V, where F parts run from 4.2V to 5.5V.
Key features include a 10-bit ADC with up to 12 channels, multiple communication peripherals (UART, SPI, I2C), enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM (ECCP) modules, and nanoWatt Technology for low-power sleep modes consuming under 100 nA typical. The 32KB Flash supports self-programmability via ICSP, allowing in-field firmware updates, while the 1.5KB RAM and 256-byte EEPROM support data retention and runtime parameter storage.
Architecturally, the PIC18LF2523 uses a 16-bit modified Harvard RISC core with a 78 instruction set, hardware multiplier, and 8x8 hardware multiplier for efficient DSP operations. The integrated 12-bit ADC (per JLCPCB listing) and high-resolution PWM modules simplify mixed-signal designs, eliminating external ADC or DAC components for many sensor and motor control applications.
Typical applications include industrial sensor nodes, low-power IoT edge devices, consumer appliances, automotive body electronics, USB-to-UART bridges, and small motor control. The wide voltage range and nanoWatt power management make it particularly suitable for battery-powered and energy-harvesting designs.
When designing with this part, ensure adequate decoupling on VDD/AVDD (0.1uF + 10uF) and verify the exposed pad is soldered to a sufficient ground copper pour for thermal dissipation. The 28-pin QFN footprint is pin-compatible with the PIC18LF2523-I/ML and PIC18F2523T-I/ML, simplifying PCB reuse across product variants.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found on a single distributor listing, supporting engineers and procurement teams in rapid BOM evaluation.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF2523T-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 PIC18LF2523T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Core Architecture, Timers, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18LF2523-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF2520T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF2520-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F2523T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF2458T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF2523T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC18 RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB |
| RAM | 1.5 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 Byte |
| Operating Frequency | 40 MHz (max) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | QFN-28-EP (6x6 mm) |
| ADC | 12-bit (per JLCPCB listing) |
| ADC Channels | Up to 12 |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| Communication Peripherals | UART, SPI, I2C |
| PWM Modules | Enhanced CCP (ECCP) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18LF2523T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2/VREF-/CVREF — Digital I/O / Analog input / Voltage reference |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / Analog input / Voltage reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI/C1OUT — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input / Comparator output |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN4/SS/HLVDIN/C2OUT — Digital I/O / Analog input / SPI slave select |
| Pin 5 | RA6/OSC2/CLKO — Digital I/O / Oscillator output |
| Pin 6 | RA7/OSC1/CLKI — Digital I/O / Oscillator input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 9 | RB0/INT0/FLT0/AN12 — Digital I/O / External interrupt / Analog input |
| Pin 10 | RB1/INT1/AN10 — Digital I/O / External interrupt / Analog input |
| Pin 11 | RB2/INT2/AN8 — Digital I/O / External interrupt / Analog input |
| Pin 12 | RB3/AN9/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Analog input / Capture/Compare/PWM |
| Pin 13 | RB4/AN11/KBI0 — Digital I/O / Analog input / Keyboard interrupt |
| Pin 14 | RB5/KBI1/PGM — Digital I/O / Keyboard interrupt / LVP programming |
| Pin 15 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 16 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 17 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 19 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output |
| Pin 20 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input |
| Pin 21 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / Capture/Compare/PWM |
| Pin 22 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Digital I/O / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 23 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 24 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 25 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / UART transmit / clock |
| Pin 26 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / UART receive / data |
| Pin 27 | RE0/RD/AN5 — Digital I/O / Parallel port read / Analog input |
| Pin 28 | RE1/WR/AN6 — Digital I/O / Parallel port write / Analog input |
| Pin 29 | EP — Exposed thermal pad - connect to VSS (ground) |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF2523T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, USB-to-UART Bridge / CDC Devices, Small Motor Control (BLDC / Stepper), Consumer Appliance Control Boards, Automotive Body Electronics.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC18LF2523T-I/ML is ideal for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its 2.0V to 5.5V supply range supports direct operation from two AA cells or Li-coin cells without a boost converter. Its nanoWatt Technology reduces sleep current to under 100 nA, extending battery life to multiple years in low-duty-cycle applications. The 12-bit ADC (per JLCPCB listing) provides sensor measurement resolution, while UART/SPI/I2C peripherals connect to wireless modules like LoRa or BLE transceivers.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC18LF2523T-I/ML's 12-bit ADC with up to 12 input channels handles multi-sensor industrial interfaces (temperature, pressure, flow) without external ADCs. Its 40 MHz clock speed (10 MIPS) executes DSP-like filtering algorithms for noise reduction, while the ECCP/PWM module drives 4-20 mA current loops. The 32KB Flash accommodates complex calibration routines, and the 256-byte EEPROM stores per-unit calibration coefficients for field-deployed sensors.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge / CDC Devices
The PIC18LF2523T-I/ML handles USB-to-UART communication tasks using its on-chip USB transceiver (where present in the family) or external USB-serial bridge chips. Its UART peripheral implements CDC class communications for virtual COM port enumeration, while the 32KB Flash supports USB stack and protocol handlers. The wide 2.0V-5.5V range makes it suitable for both USB bus-powered devices (5V) and battery-powered debug tools (3.3V).
Recommended
Small Motor Control (BLDC / Stepper)
The PIC18LF2523T-I/ML's Enhanced CCP (ECCP) PWM module drives small brushless DC or stepper motors up to several hundred mA via external MOSFET drivers. Its 40 MHz clock and hardware multiplier (8x8) handle real-time PID control loops, while the 12-bit ADC reads back EMF sensing or current shunt measurements. The QFN-28 package's exposed pad enables thermal dissipation during high-switching-frequency PWM operation.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Boards
Consumer appliances (washing machines, dishwashers, coffee makers) integrate the PIC18LF2523T-I/ML for user interface handling, sensor monitoring, and actuator control. Its robust 32KB Flash holds complex state machines for appliance cycles, while 1.5KB RAM supports display buffering and parameter storage. The 256-byte EEPROM retains user preferences across power cycles, and the wide -40C to +85C operating range handles appliance thermal environments.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
While not AEC-Q100 qualified, the PIC18LF2523T-I/ML serves automotive aftermarket and non-safety body electronics like LED controllers, ambient lighting, and accessory modules. Its 2.0V-5.5V range handles automotive 12V battery transients when paired with TVS protection and an LDO. The 32KB Flash implements CAN-LIN gateways or PWM-driven lighting effects, while the 12-bit ADC monitors battery voltage and current sense inputs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF2523T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18LF2523-I/ML | PIC18LF2520T-I/ML | PIC18LF2520-I/ML | PIC18F2523T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | QFN-28-EP (6x6 mm) | QFN-28-EP (6x6 mm) - same | QFN-28-EP (6x6 mm) - same | QFN-28-EP (6x6 mm) - same | QFN-28-EP (6x6 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB (-50%) | 16 KB (-50%) | 32 KB |
| RAM | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 4.2V to 5.5V |
| Max Frequency | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Packaging Form | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tape & Reel |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage operation down to 2.0V (vs PIC18F2523T-I/ML)
- 32KB Flash for full-featured firmware (vs PIC18LF2520T-I/ML)
- 12-bit ADC for higher sensor resolution (vs PIC18LF2520T-I/ML)
Design Notes
The QFN-28-EP package's exposed thermal pad (EP, pin 29) MUST be soldered to a ground copper pour for electrical performance and thermal dissipation. Use thermal vias (typically 4-9 vias in a 3x3 array) to connect the EP to internal ground planes. Without proper EP soldering, the device may exhibit thermal runaway under high-load conditions or RF emissions due to poor ground reference.
Place a 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin (pins 8 and 18), with a 10uF bulk capacitor on the main supply rail. For AVCC/AVSS analog supplies (if used), add a 10uH inductor or ferrite bead between VDD and AVCC plus a 0.1uF + 10uF decoupling network to isolate analog and digital sections. Power supply rise time should be less than 0.1V/ms for proper brown-out reset operation.
Do not confuse LF (low-voltage Flash, 2.0V-5.5V) and F (standard Flash, 4.2V-5.5V) variants when sourcing replacements - operation below 4.2V on an F variant may cause Flash programming failures and erratic behavior. Verify the exact voltage range for your design. Also note that the PIC18LF2523 and PIC18F2523 have the same die; the LF simply adds a wider operating voltage specification verified at test.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per JLCPCB and Hotenda product listings. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) but not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive safety applications.
