PIC18LF25K42T-I/ML - 32KB Flash 8-bit XLP MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF25K42T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.85 | $1.85 |
| 10 | $1.66 | $16.60 |
| 100 | $1.48 | $148.00 |
| 500 | $1.32 | $660.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.18 | $1,180.00 |
PIC18LF25K42T-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer on a single integrated circuit containing a CPU, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM), non-volatile storage (EEPROM) and peripheral interfaces. Within the broader taxonomy, a microcontroller falls under the categories: microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor -> integrated circuit. The "PIC18" core implements an enhanced Harvard RISC architecture with 16-bit instructions and 8-bit data path, optimized for deterministic interrupt response and C-compiler efficiency. This PIC18LF25K42T-I/ML belongs to the low-power "LF" silicon variant, supporting the lower 1.8V VDD rail versus the standard "F" variant.
Key features include 64MHz maximum clock (16 MIPS performance), 32KB self-programmable Flash with program counter self-read, 2KB SRAM, 256B EEPROM, and Microchip's CIPs (Core Independent Peripherals) that offload tasks from the CPU. A built-in 32MHz internal oscillator eliminates external crystals in cost-sensitive designs. The 28-QFN package with 6x6 mm footprint exposes an EP pad (exposed pad) for thermal dissipation, enabling sustained operation across the -40C to +85C industrial temperature range.
Architecturally, the PIC18LF25K42 uses an enhanced Harvard bus with separate program Flash and data SRAM buses, 31-level stack hardware, and 256B of non-volatile EEPROM for parameter storage. The PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) module routes digital peripherals to any I/O pin, simplifying PCB routing when relocating UART/SPI/I2C functions across revisions. The DMA controller moves data between peripherals and memory without CPU intervention, reducing active mode duty cycle and saving power.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered remote controls, low-power wireless accessories, industrial sensor interfaces, white-goods user interfaces, low-cost motor control, and consumer electronics requiring USB or capacitive-touch sensing. The XLP features suit any application where standby current must be minimized to extend battery life.
When designing, place a 100nF decoupling capacitor adjacent to each VDD pin and connect the EP thermal pad to a ground copper pour to maintain junction temperature within specifications. PPS reassignments should be locked early in firmware to avoid accidental peripheral re-routing during in-field programming.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, application reference circuits and design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet summary, organized for engineers verifying a sourcing decision.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF25K42T-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 PIC18LF25K42T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, DAC, Operating Temperature, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F25K42T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.68 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF25K40T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F25K40T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F45K42T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF25K42-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF25K42T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC18 (8-bit RISC, enhanced Harvard) |
| Family | PIC18(L)FxxK42 |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Program Flash | 32 KB (16K x 16) |
| Data SRAM | 2 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 12-bit ADC with Computation |
| DAC | 5-bit DAC |
| Comparators | 2 |
| DMA Channels | 2 |
| PWM Outputs | Yes (CCP/PWM) |
| Timers | 10 |
| Package | 28-QFN-EP (6x6 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Internal Oscillator | 32 MHz (no external crystal required) |
| Low-Power Feature | XLP (eXtreme Low Power) |
PIC18LF25K42T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Digital I/O / analog input / MCLR |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Digital I/O / OSC1 |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — Digital I/O / OSC2 |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — Digital I/O / SCL |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — Digital I/O / SDA |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — Digital I/O / TX |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — Digital I/O / RX |
| Pin 18 | RB7 — Digital I/O / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 19 | RB6 — Digital I/O / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 20 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 21 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 22 | RB3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 24 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 25 | RB0 — Digital I/O / INT |
| Pin 26 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 27 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 28 | EP — Exposed thermal pad - connect to ground |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF25K42T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Consumer Remote Control, White-Goods User Interface (HMI), Low-Cost BLDC Motor Control, Portable Medical Monitoring Accessory.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC18LF25K42T-I/ML fits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its 1.8V to 3.6V VDD lets it run directly from a single Li-ion cell (3.0-4.2V with a small LDO) or two AA cells down to 1.8V end-of-life. The XLP sleep currents (under 50 nA in Sleep with RTCC) and 12-bit ADC with oversampling enable years of operation from a coin cell. The 32KB Flash holds an RTOS kernel plus application code, while the 25 I/O pins interface sensors, a UART-connected radio, and I2C peripherals.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
The PIC18LF25K42T-I/ML fits industrial sensor interface modules thanks to its industrial -40C to +85C temperature range, 12-bit ADC with Computation for averaging 4-20 mA loop signals, and 32KB Flash for calibration tables. The PPS module lets designers reassign UART/SPI/I2C to any I/O pin, simplifying PCB routing for field-mounted sensor boards. The 5-bit DAC and two comparators enable threshold detection and analog output for process control loops.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control
The PIC18LF25K42T-I/ML suits consumer remote controls due to its XLP sleep currents enabling multi-year battery life on 2x AAA cells, integrated 32MHz internal oscillator removing the external crystal, and CLC + PWM peripherals for IR carrier generation. The 32KB Flash supports multiple protocol stacks (RC5, NEC, SIRC, custom), and 256B EEPROM remembers last paired device and user preferences through battery swaps.
Recommended
White-Goods User Interface (HMI)
The PIC18LF25K42T-I/ML is ideal for white-goods HMI panels where it drives LED segment displays, capacitive touch buttons and UART links to a main controller. The CLC (Configurable Logic Cell) implements custom glue logic without external gates, while DMA offloads LED multiplexing from the CPU. The 28-QFN-EP package with 6x6 mm footprint fits behind slim front-panel bezels, and the 2KB SRAM buffers message queues for the user interface.
Recommended
Low-Cost BLDC Motor Control
The PIC18LF25K42T-I/ML handles low-cost BLDC motor control with its CCP/PWM modules generating complementary 6-step or FOC switching signals, 12-bit ADC sampling back-EMF for sensorless commutation, and CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) for dead-band insertion. The 64MHz CPU executes control loops at 32 kHz with sufficient margin. The 5-bit DAC provides analog speed reference output to drive external op-amps for gate drivers.
Recommended
Portable Medical Monitoring Accessory
The PIC18LF25K42T-I/ML serves portable medical accessories like pulse oximeters, glucose meters and wearable patches thanks to its deterministic 8-bit PIC18 core for predictable interrupt latency in safety-critical sampling, 12-bit ADC with hardware oversampling for accurate biosignal measurement, and XLP modes that extend battery life across multi-day wear. The 256B EEPROM logs patient-specific calibration, and the 28-QFN-EP package fits sub-1 cubic centimeter enclosures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF25K42T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F25K42T-I/ML | PIC18LF25K40T-I/ML | PIC18F25K40T-I/ML | PIC18LF25K42-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-QFN-EP (6x6 mm) | 28-QFN-EP (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN-EP (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN-EP (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN-EP (6x6 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| VDD Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Program Flash | 32 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB |
| SRAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Maximum Clock | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| DMA Channels | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest VDD operating range in K42 family (vs PIC18F25K42T-I/ML)
- Largest memory configuration in 28-QFN PIC18 K42 family (vs PIC18LF25K40T-I/ML)
- XLP technology with hardware DMA and vectored interrupts (vs PIC18LF25K40T-I/ML)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF X7R decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD/VDDCORE pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the MCU supply input. The PIC18LF25K42T-I/ML's XLP sleep mode can pull IDD below 50 nA with RTCC running - use a low-quiescent LDO like MCP1700 to avoid negating the MCU's low-power advantage. Tie unused I/O pins to defined logic levels (not floating) to minimize shoot-through current during POR.
The 28-QFN-EP exposed pad is the primary thermal path. Solder the EP to a ground copper pour of at least 100 mm^2 with 0.5 mm thermal vias (9-12 vias in a 3x3 grid) for production reliability. Although the PIC18LF25K42T-I/ML draws only milliamps in normal operation, the EP also serves as the ground reference for ADC accuracy - poor EP soldering raises ADC noise floor by 1-2 LSB.
Route the ICSP lines (ICSPCLK on RB6, ICSPDAT on RB7) with short traces and avoid routing them adjacent to high-current switching signals or PWM outputs to prevent in-circuit programming failures. Place the MCLR pull-up resistor (typically 10 kOhm) close to the pin. The 32 MHz internal oscillator eliminates the need for external crystal traces on RA6/RA7, freeing those pins for GPIO - configure PPS to remap accordingly.
Do not apply 5V to VDD on the LF silicon - the absolute maximum is 3.6V. Verify regulator output before applying power. The PPS module can re-route peripherals at runtime; lock PPS assignments before configuring interrupts to avoid accidentally swapping UART RX/TX pins after firmware updates. The 32KB Flash is partitioned; allocate the last 512 bytes for device ID/calibration and do not allow bootloader overwrites to touch this region.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page; REACH compliance statement available on request. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this part targets industrial/consumer, not automotive. AEC-Q100 grade-0 variants are not offered in this family; for automotive applications, Microchip recommends the PIC18F46K42 with Q100 qualification.
