PIC18LF2553-I/SP - 8-bit 32KB MCU, USB 2.0 FS, 28-SPDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF2553-I/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.6 | $7.60 |
| 10 | $6.85 | $68.50 |
| 100 | $6.1 | $610.00 |
| 500 | $5.45 | $2,725.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.8 | $4,800.00 |
PIC18LF2553-I/SP Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a CPU that processes data in 8-bit chunks and is widely used in cost-sensitive, low-power embedded applications. The PIC18F family is Microchip's enhanced mid-line architecture combining RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) pipeline performance with rich peripheral integration. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC18LF2553 sits at the following hierarchy: microcontroller -> MCU -> semiconductor -> integrated circuit -> embedded computing platform. The 'LF' suffix designates the low-voltage/low-power variant, while 'F' denotes Flash program memory.
The PIC18LF2553 integrates a USB 2.0 Full-Speed transceiver and SIE on-chip, eliminating the need for an external PHY for low-bandwidth USB device/embedded-host applications. Key peripherals include a 12-bit 10-channel ADC, two 8-bit timers and three 16-bit timers, a 10-bit PWM module, MSSP for SPI and I2C, enhanced USART, and a 10-bit DAC. The device supports in-circuit debugging via ICSP and self-programming via bootloader modes.
The core uses a 16-bit modified-Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing an instruction fetch and a data access to occur in the same clock cycle. Self-programmable Flash supports field firmware updates via the USB bootloader, and the nanoWatt Technology feature set enables multiple low-power modes (Idle, Sleep, Deep Sleep) ideal for battery-operated designs.
Typical applications include USB peripherals (HID, CDC/ACM, MIDI, custom vendor classes), low-cost data loggers, sensor hubs, industrial control front-ends, and educational/development boards that exploit the free USB stack and MPLAB X toolchain. Designers also use the LF2553 in pointer/gesture devices, smart sensor bridges, and small industrial sensor platforms.
When selecting this part, verify the 2.0V-5.5V operating range matches downstream analog supplies and that 32 KB Flash / 2 KB RAM satisfies application code size; if not, migrate to PIC18LF46K22 or PIC18F4550 with larger memory in the same 28/40-pin family.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical USB embedded design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF2553-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 PIC18LF2553-I/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Timers, Mounting Type, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18LF2550-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF24K50-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.34 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF2523-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF2550-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF2553-I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 (8-bit RISC, 16-bit instruction) |
| Family | PIC18F2553 / PIC18LF2553 |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB (16K x 16 words) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 2 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| CPU Speed | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF low-voltage variant) |
| USB Controller | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps) with on-chip transceiver and 3.3 V internal regulator |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 10-channel |
| DAC | 10-bit 2-channel |
| Timers | Two 8-bit, three 16-bit |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 1 CCP, 1 ECCP |
| Communication | MSSP (SPI/I2C), EUSART |
| I/O Pins | 24 digital I/O (varies with package) |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (0.300 inch, 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Operating Temperature (Industrial) | -40C to +85C |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free / Pb-free) |
PIC18LF2553-I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP/RE3 — Master Clear reset input / programming voltage / digital I/O RE3 |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input AN0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input AN1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / analog input AN2 / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input AN3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI/C1OUT — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input / comparator output |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS/HLVDIN — PORTA bit 5 / analog input AN4 / SPI Slave Select / HLVD input |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Oscillator output / clock output / PORTA |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Oscillator input / clock input / PORTA |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 PWM/capture/compare |
| Pin 13 | RC4/D-/VMO — PORTC bit 4 / USB D- / VPO mode |
| Pin 14 | RC5/D+/VPO — PORTC bit 5 / USB D+ / VPO mode |
| Pin 15 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / EUSART TX / clock |
| Pin 16 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / EUSART RX / data |
| Pin 17 | RB0/AN10/FLT0/SDI/SDA — PORTB bit 0 / AN10 / PWM fault / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 18 | RB1/AN8/SDO — PORTB bit 1 / AN8 / SPI data out |
| Pin 19 | RB2/AN9/SS — PORTB bit 2 / AN9 / SPI Slave Select |
| Pin 20 | RB3/AN9/CCP2 — PORTB bit 3 / AN9 / CCP2 |
| Pin 21 | RB4/AN11 — PORTB bit 4 / AN11 |
| Pin 22 | RB5/AN12/CCP3 — PORTB bit 5 / AN12 / CCP3 |
| Pin 23 | RB6/ICSPCLK — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock / ICD clock |
| Pin 24 | RB7/ICSPDAT — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data / ICD data |
| Pin 25 | VUSB — Internal USB 3.3V regulator output / USB transceiver supply |
| Pin 26 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Positive supply voltage 2.0V-5.5V |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF2553-I/SP is suitable for 6 applications: USB Human Interface Device (HID) Peripherals, USB-to-Serial (CDC/ACM) Bridges, Industrial Sensor Front-Ends, Educational Development Boards, MIDI-over-USB Audio Interfaces, Custom USB Vendor Devices.
USB Human Interface Device (HID) Peripherals
The PIC18LF2553 is a strong fit for USB HID peripherals such as mice, keyboards, joysticks, and custom multi-button HID devices. Its integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed transceiver and SIE eliminate the need for an external PHY, and the free Microchip USB stack provides ready-to-use HID class drivers. With 32 KB Flash and 2 KB SRAM, it comfortably fits HID descriptors plus small application code, while the 2.0-5.5V VDD range allows operation from 3.3 V USB-bus or 2-cell batteries. The on-chip 12-bit ADC also enables integrated analog input processing.
Recommended
USB-to-Serial (CDC/ACM) Bridges
For USB-to-UART bridge designs replacing FTDI-style cables, the PIC18LF2553 paired with Microchip's CDC class driver provides a low-cost replacement using only one IC. The EUSART peripheral handles up to 115.2 kbps typical and 921.6 kbps at 40 MHz, while USB 2.0 Full-Speed offers 12 Mbps throughput. The 12-bit ADC and 10-bit DAC add value for command/control plus analog I/O channels. The 28-SPDIP package simplifies breadboard prototyping for hobbyist and educational bridges.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Front-Ends
The PIC18LF2553 suits industrial sensor interface modules, combining its 12-bit 10-channel ADC, 10-bit DAC, MSSP (SPI/I2C) master interface, and USB connectivity in one IC. Designers can aggregate multiple sensor inputs over SPI/I2C, digitize analog signals at up to 100 ksps, and stream them over USB to a host PC for monitoring. The 2.0-5.5V VDD range allows direct operation from 3.3 V or 5 V industrial rails. Industrial temperature range of -40C to +85C supports factory-floor deployment.
Recommended
Educational Development Boards
PIC18LF2553-I/SP is widely used in educational kits and development boards (for example, the PICKit 2/3 demo board ecosystem) because of its through-hole 28-SPDIP package that simplifies breadboard work. The free MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler, and Microchip USB stack lower the entry barrier for students and hobbyists. With 32 KB Flash, the part supports bootloader-based field updates for classroom use, while its USB Full-Speed interface provides modern connectivity to a teacher laptop for project demos.
Recommended
MIDI-over-USB Audio Interfaces
MIDI music devices use USB class-compliant drivers with bulk or interrupt transfers, and the PIC18LF2553 fits this role well at Full-Speed (12 Mbps). With 32 KB Flash the part runs both the USB stack and the MIDI application, and the EUSART can simultaneously drive a legacy 5-pin DIN MIDI OUT at 31.25 kbaud. The low-voltage 2.0-5.5V operation supports battery-powered controllers and foot pedals, while the 10-bit DAC can be used for control voltage outputs or simple tone generators.
Recommended
Custom USB Vendor Devices
For proprietary USB devices such as test instruments, programming tools, and custom data loggers, the PIC18LF2553 paired with the Microchip USB stack offers a vendor-class endpoint with bulk transfers. At Full-Speed 12 Mbps and 40 MHz CPU clock, sustained throughput exceeds 800 kB/s in bulk mode. The 32 KB Flash supports vendor-class descriptors plus application code; the 2 KB SRAM handles double-buffered endpoints with up to 64-byte packets. Designers can add a HID-based bootloader for field firmware updates.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF2553-I/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18LF2550-I/SP | PIC18LF24K50-I/SP | PIC18LF2523-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB |
| SRAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| USB 2.0 Full-Speed | Yes (on-chip transceiver) | Yes (on-chip transceiver) | Yes (on-chip transceiver) | No |
| ADC | 12-bit, 10-channel | 10-bit, 10-channel | 10-bit, 14-channel | 10-bit, 8-channel |
| CPU Speed | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS |
Key Differentiators
- On-chip USB 2.0 Full-Speed transceiver (vs PIC18LF2523-I/SP)
- Low-voltage 2.0 V operation (vs PIC18F2553-I/SP)
- 32 KB Flash with same 28-SPDIP footprint (vs PIC18LF24K50-I/SP)
Design Notes
Estimated: The 28-SPDIP footprint (0.100 in. / 2.54 mm pin pitch) requires standard 0.6 mm through-hole pads and a 0.300 in. row spacing. For USB designs, route the D+/D- differential pair (RC4/RC5) as a 90-ohm differential with matched length and keep traces short to maintain USB Full-Speed signal integrity. Place a 0.1 uF decoupling cap and a 10 uF bulk cap within 5 mm of pins 28/27.
Estimated: The internal USB 3.3 V regulator on VUSB (pin 25) requires a 220 nF bypass capacitor to GND per the Microchip datasheet. When bus-powered from 5 V, total supply current is ~15 mA plus I/O load; at 3.3 V VDD operation, supply drops below 4.2 V and the LF2553 maintains regulation while the F2553 does not. Add a ferrite bead on VUSB if noise couples to analog rails.
Common pitfalls when designing with the PIC18LF2553: (1) Confusing LF (2.0-5.5 V) with F (4.2-5.5 V) variants when designing for 3.3 V battery rails. (2) Forgetting the VUSB capacitor which causes USB enumeration failures. (3) Forgetting that the LF2553 has only one ECCP and one CCP, limiting dual-PWM flexibility. (4) Not allocating upper Flash for a bootloader when field updates are needed. (5) Using RB7/RB6 as GPIO without remembering they are shared with ICSP programming pins.
Compliance Information
RoHS-compliant and lead-free per Microchip product page. Industrial (-40C to +85C) temperature range; not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive.
