PIC18LF2553-I/SO - 8-Bit 40MHz USB MCU 32KB Flash 28-SOIC
MPN: PIC18LF2553-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.42 | $7.42 |
| 10 | $6.79 | $67.90 |
| 100 | $5.83 | $583.00 |
| 500 | $5.21 | $2,605.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.66 | $4,660.00 |
PIC18LF2553-I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a processor core, program and data memory, programmable I/O peripherals, and often communication interfaces. Within the broader taxonomy it sits as: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor -> integrated circuit. PIC18 devices use an enhanced 8-bit RISC architecture with hardware multiplier and 16-bit instructions, a step up from baseline and mid-range PIC16 parts in both performance and peripheral integration.
Key features include a 10-bit ADC with up to 12 input channels, 35 MIPS instruction throughput at 40MHz, nanoWatt Technology power management with multiple idle/sleep modes, an internal 8MHz and 31kHz oscillator, an enhanced USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C), two CCP/ECCP modules, and an on-chip Full-Speed USB 2.0 device/host/OTG transceiver with internal pull-ups. These blocks let the PIC18LF2553 replace external USB interface chips in cost-sensitive embedded designs.
The architecture is built on a 14-bit instruction word FLASH program memory and a 32-level deep hardware stack. Self-programmability via ICSP allows field firmware upgrades, while the nanoWatt Technology modes drop supply current below 1 microampere in sleep, a critical spec for battery-powered USB HID peripherals.
Typical applications include USB Human Interface Devices (keyboards, mice, game controllers), CDC virtual COM port bridges, USB-to-UART converters, low-cost data loggers with USB download, and educational development boards. The wide 2.0V-5.5V operating range also suits lithium battery packs and 5V industrial control.
Designers should note that 5V tolerant digital inputs simplify interface to legacy logic, while USB bus-powered designs must allocate adequate bulk capacitance on VBUS to meet USB inrush requirements. The 28-pin SOIC footprint also offers hand-soldering friendly alternative to QFN.
This page synthesises distributor pricing, same-brand and cross-brand drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet summary.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF2553-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 PIC18LF2553-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Core Architecture, I/O Pins, Maximum CPU Frequency.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F2553-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF2550-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF2455-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF2553-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF25K50-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF24K50-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF14K50-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF2553-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC® 18F |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 32 KB (16K x 16) FLASH |
| RAM Size | 2 KB |
| EEPROM Size | 256 B |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| USB Interface | Full-Speed USB 2.0 (device/host/OTG) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 12 channels |
| Number of I/O Pins | 24 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Package | 28-SOIC (300 mil) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Oscillator | Internal 8 MHz + 31 kHz, PLL optional |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
PIC18LF2553-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/RE3 — Master Clear (reset) input / digital input only on RE3 |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Digital I/O / analog input channel 2 / ADC negative reference |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / analog input channel 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI/C1OUT — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input / Comparator 1 output |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS/HLVDIN/C2OUT — Digital I/O / analog channel 4 / SPI slave select / HLVD input / Comparator 2 output |
| Pin 8 | RE0/RD/AN5 — Digital I/O / Parallel port RD / analog channel 5 |
| Pin 9 | RE1/WR/AN6 — Digital I/O / Parallel port WR / analog channel 6 |
| Pin 10 | RE2/CS/AN7 — Digital I/O / Parallel port CS / analog channel 7 |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKI — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Crystal oscillator output / clock output / GPIO |
| Pin 15 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 16 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input / Capture Compare PWM 2 |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / Capture Compare PWM 1 |
| Pin 18 | RC4/D-/VMO — Digital I/O / USB D- line / external transceiver VMO |
| Pin 19 | RC5/D+/VP — Digital I/O / USB D+ line / external transceiver VP |
| Pin 20 | VUSB — Internal USB 3.3V regulator output (decouple with 220 nF) |
| Pin 21 | RB0/AN12/INT0 — Digital I/O / analog channel 12 / external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 22 | RB1/AN10/INT1 — Digital I/O / analog channel 10 / external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2/AN8/INT2 — Digital I/O / analog channel 8 / external interrupt 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3/AN9/CCP2 — Digital I/O / analog channel 9 / Capture Compare PWM 2 |
| Pin 25 | RB4/AN11/KBI0 — Digital I/O / analog channel 11 / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 26 | RB5/KBI1/PGM — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change / ICSP data |
| Pin 27 | RB6/KBI2/PGC — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/KBI3/PGD — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF2553-I/SO is suitable for 7 applications: USB HID Peripherals (Keyboard / Mouse / Game Controller), USB-to-UART Virtual COM Port Bridge, USB Data Logger with Field Download, Educational Development Board / Trainer, Low-Voltage Battery-Powered USB Dongle, USB Foot Switch / Industrial Control Panel, USB-Connected Sensor Hub for IoT Edge Devices.
USB HID Peripherals (Keyboard / Mouse / Game Controller)
The PIC18LF2553-I/SO's integrated Full-Speed USB 2.0 device transceiver with internal pull-ups eliminates the need for an external USB interface chip, reducing BOM cost by USD 1-2. Its 40 MHz CPU delivers 35 MIPS, sufficient to handle HID report descriptor parsing, debounced key scanning, and LED animations concurrently in a USB keyboard or gamepad. The 2.0-5.5V operating range allows direct connection to a single-cell Li-Ion pack in a wireless keyboard. The 28-SOIC footprint is hand-soldering friendly for prototyping, while the 32KB Flash accommodates full USB stacks and feature-rich firmware without external memory.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Virtual COM Port Bridge
Deploying the PIC18LF2553-I/SO as a CDC virtual COM port requires only the on-chip USB and enhanced USART peripherals, so no external crystal is mandatory (the internal 8 MHz oscillator with PLL suffices). Its 32KB Flash and 2KB RAM easily fit Microchip's free USB CDC stack (about 6KB Flash) plus an application command parser, leaving headroom for custom protocols. The 2.0-5.5V supply range supports bus-powered 3.3V bridges and self-powered 5V industrial adapters alike. Compared to an FTDI FT232R, this Microchip solution is roughly 30% cheaper per unit at qty 100 and gives the firmware designer full control over VID/PID and proprietary extensions.
Recommended
USB Data Logger with Field Download
The 32KB Flash, 2KB SRAM, 256-byte EEPROM and integrated USB 2.0 of the PIC18LF2553-I/SO allow a compact data logger that stores measurements in external EEPROM or SD card via SPI while exposing the log file over USB Mass Storage class. The 10-bit ADC with up to 12 channels samples analog sensors directly, removing external ADC ICs. Its industrial -40C to +85C operating temperature makes it suitable for cold-chain or HVAC monitoring. ICSP self-programmability enables field firmware updates through the same USB port, eliminating service trips. The 2.0V minimum supply supports two-AA battery packs without a boost converter.
Recommended
Educational Development Board / Trainer
The PIC18LF2553-I/SO is widely adopted in university curricula and hobbyist kits because its integrated USB eliminates the need for an external programmer; ICSP via the same USB port handles both programming and debug. Its 28-SOIC package is easy to hand-solder on a through-hole-friendly carrier, and Microchip's free MPLAB X IDE plus XC8 compiler keeps the toolchain cost at zero. The 32KB Flash accommodates multiple laboratory exercises (USB enumeration, ADC sampling, PWM generation) in a single firmware image. The wide 2.0-5.5V supply makes it tolerant of student wiring mistakes that would destroy 3.3V-only MCUs.
Recommended
Low-Voltage Battery-Powered USB Dongle
Operating from 2.0V to 5.5V, the PIC18LF2553-I/SO can be powered directly from two alkaline AA cells or a single CR2032 with a boost converter, ideal for ultra-compact USB security tokens or wireless sensor dongles. Its nanoWatt Technology deep-sleep mode drops current below 1 microampere, extending shelf life in shipment. The on-chip Full-Speed USB draws roughly 25 mA peak from the bus when active, fitting USB 2.0 high-power device class. Designers save board space versus discrete USB-to-UART bridges plus an external 8-bit MCU, and the same 28-SOIC footprint allows end-products to upgrade to PIC18LF25K50 for sub-1uA sleep later without PCB changes.
Recommended
USB Foot Switch / Industrial Control Panel
The PIC18LF2553-I/SO's industrial -40C to +85C temperature range and integrated USB make it suitable for industrial control panels, foot switches, and laboratory instruments that present as USB HID devices to a host PC. Two CCP modules plus one ECCP generate PWM outputs for indicator LEDs or buzzers, while the 10-bit ADC reads up to 12 analog inputs such as pressure sensors or potentiometers. The 28-SOIC package is rated for industrial soldering profiles and tolerates conformal coating. Designers can implement debouncing, signal conditioning, and USB HID report generation in a single chip, eliminating the PLC or FPGA that a discrete design would otherwise require.
Recommended
USB-Connected Sensor Hub for IoT Edge Devices
In IoT edge sensor hubs that connect to a host computer over USB, the PIC18LF2553-I/SO acts as a bridge aggregating I2C sensors (temperature, humidity, accelerometers) and exposing them as HID or vendor-specific USB reports. Its MSSP peripheral supports both I2C and SPI masters, accommodating a wide sensor mix. The 2KB SRAM buffers burst sensor readings while USB enumeration completes, preventing dropped samples. Power can come from VBUS (5V) and a low-Iq LDO drops it to 3.3V for sensors, with the LF variant's 2.0V minimum allowing direct battery fallback during VBUS loss. Field firmware updates via ICSP over the same USB port simplify maintenance of remote nodes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF2553-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F2553-I/SO | PIC18LF2550-I/SO | PIC18LF2455-I/SO | PIC18LF25K50-I/SO | PIC18LF24K50-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same |
| Core / Architecture | 8-bit PIC18 RISC, 35 MIPS | 8-bit PIC18, 48 MHz / 12 MIPS | 8-bit PIC18, 48 MHz | 8-bit PIC18, 48 MHz | 8-bit PIC18, 48 MHz, XLP | 8-bit PIC18, 48 MHz, XLP |
| Program Flash | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 24 KB (-25%) | 32 KB | 16 KB (-50%) |
| RAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (XLP) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (XLP) |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 Full-Speed device/host/OTG | USB 2.0 Full-Speed device/host/OTG | USB 2.0 Full-Speed device/host/OTG | USB 2.0 Full-Speed device/host/OTG | USB 2.0 Full-Speed device/host/OTG | USB 2.0 Full-Speed device/host/OTG |
| ADC | 10-bit, 12 channels | 10-bit, 12 channels | 10-bit, 12 channels | 10-bit, 11 channels | 10-bit, 14 channels | 10-bit, 14 channels |
| Typical Price @ 100 (USD) | 5.83 | 5.79 (similar) | 5.74 (similar) | 5.21 (-11%) | 4.95 (-15%) | 4.66 (-20%) |
| Lifecycle Status | active | active | active | active | active | active |
Key Differentiators
- Wide 2.0V to 5.5V supply range allows single-cell Li-Ion or 2xAA battery operation without an LDO (vs PIC18F2553-I/SO)
- Newer XLP nanoWatt Technology with sub-1uA sleep current (vs PIC18LF2455-I/SO)
- USB 2.0 Full-Speed with internal pull-ups and on-chip 3.3V regulator (vs PIC18LF24K50-I/SO)
- Generous 32KB Flash and 2KB SRAM with nanoWatt Technology (vs PIC18LF14K50-I/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: at full 40 MHz CPU + active USB transceiver the PIC18LF2553-I/SO draws about 25 mA from VDD at 5V and about 13 mA at 3.3V. Decouple VDD (pin 11) with a 100 nF X7R ceramic plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin. Connect VUSB (pin 20) to VDD through a 220 nF decoupling capacitor as required by the internal USB voltage regulator; failure to populate this cap causes USB enumeration failure. For bus-powered designs, source VBUS through a 10 uF tantalum or ceramic bulk capacitor to satisfy USB inrush.
Keep the D+ (pin 19) and D- (pin 18) traces as a 90 ohm differential pair of equal length, no stubs, and routed over a continuous ground plane. Place the VUSB decoupling cap within 2 mm of pin 20 to keep the internal 3.3V USB rail clean. Use a 4-layer stack-up if possible, otherwise stitch the ground plane generously around the USB traces. The 28-SOIC land pattern is standard JEDEC MS-013 with 1.27 mm pin pitch - hand-soldering is feasible with a fine tip.
Do NOT tie MCLR (pin 1) directly to VDD without a 10 kohm pull-up; ICSP programming requires a low-impedance path to ground. Do NOT omit the crystal load capacitors on OSC1/OSC2 unless using the internal oscillator - even a 20 pF cap on each pin is necessary when using an external crystal. Do NOT exceed 5.5V on any I/O pin even though USB signals are 5V tolerant; the LF variant's 2.0V minimum means a 1.8V rail is not supported. Last, do NOT forget to enable the internal USB voltage regulator (UCON<USBEN>) in firmware before USB attach.
The Full-Speed USB D+/D- pair must be AC-terminated by the internal 15 kohm pull-down resistors on the host side; do not add external pull-downs on D+/D- or the device side. Keep total D+/D- trace length below 50 mm for the 28-SOIC package and avoid vias in the differential pair. The internal 1.5 kohm pull-up on D+ signals full-speed attachment; if using external pull-up resistors, connect them to the 3.3V VUSB rail, not VDD. The VMO/VP pins (alternate functions of RC4/RC5) are only needed when using an external USB transceiver, which the 2553 does not require.
Route the ICSP signals (PGC pin 27, PGD pin 28) to a 6-pin header with MCLR nearby so that a PICkit or ICD can be connected without rework. Place the ICSP header at the board edge. Keep analog inputs (RA0-RA5, RB0-RB4) away from the USB differential pair to minimize coupling. Add a ferrite bead or 10 ohm resistor in series with VDD if the supply comes from a switching regulator. The 28-SOIC thermal pad is the lead frame; copper pours on top and bottom layers connected by 4-8 thermal vias improve heat dissipation at 25 mA load.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance confirmed by Microchip product declaration. Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C. Halogen-free status should be confirmed via Microchip's environmental compliance letter; AEC-Q100 not applicable as this is a consumer/industrial MCU.
