PIC18LF25K50T-I/ML - 8-Bit 48MHz 32KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF25K50T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.45 | $3.45 |
| 10 | $3.1 | $31.00 |
| 100 | $2.74 | $274.00 |
| 500 | $2.42 | $1,210.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.15 | $2,150.00 |
PIC18LF25K50T-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory, and peripherals onto one die, designed for embedded control tasks. Within the Microchip taxonomy, the PIC18LF25K50 sits in the PIC18F family (8-bit Harvard architecture) -> PIC® 8-bit MCUs -> microcontrollers (MCU) -> embedded processors -> semiconductors. The LF subfamily specifically targets battery-powered and USB applications where low active current and low sleep current are critical, enabled by the proprietary XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology platform.
Key features include a full-speed USB 2.0 device transceiver with on-chip 3.3V regulator, nanoWatt XLP sleep currents below 100 nA typical, 25 MIPS throughput at 48 MHz, 10-bit ADC up to 300 ksps, multiple Enhanced USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) peripherals, and 25 channels of 10-bit ADC. The 28-QFN exposed pad provides a low thermal-resistance path (theta_JA approximately 40 C/W) that helps dissipate heat from the internal USB transceiver when supplying 100 mA to a USB port.
Architecturally the device uses a 16-bit modified-Harvard instruction word with an 8-bit data path, delivering deterministic interrupt response suitable for USB polling and motor-control loops. The integrated USB module eliminates the need for an external transceiver, saving BOM cost and PCB area in HID, CDC, and custom-USB designs.
Typical applications include USB peripherals (HID keyboards, mice, CDC serial adapters, custom HID), battery-powered sensor nodes, low-power IoT end nodes, USB-powered data acquisition, and consumer accessories requiring bus-powered enumeration. The LF voltage range (1.8 V to 3.6 V) also makes it suitable for direct Li-Ion coin-cell or 2xAA battery operation.
When designing, ensure the exposed pad on the QFN-28 is soldered to a copper pour of at least 0.5 square inch to meet the thermal and electrical grounding requirements of the USB transceiver. Use MPLAB X IDE with the XC8 compiler and the Microchip USB Framework for stack support.
This page synthesizes Microchip PIC18LF25K50 datasheet specifications, current distributor stock and pricing as of 2026-09-28, drop-in and same-package alternatives from Microchip's PIC18 family, and practical design notes not found in a single datasheet page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF25K50T-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 PIC18LF25K50T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, MSL Level, Timers, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18LF25K50-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF25K50-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF25K50-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.54 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF24K50T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F25K50T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF25K50T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF25K50T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | PIC® XLP™ 18K |
| Core | PIC18 (8-bit Harvard, modified) |
| Core Architecture | PIC |
| Program Memory Type | FLASH |
| Program Memory Size | 32 KB (16K x 16) |
| RAM Size | 2 KB |
| EEPROM Size | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF core) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Package | 28-VQFN (6x6 mm) with exposed pad (ML) |
| Package Pin Count | 28 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 300 ksps |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device, integrated transceiver, internal 3.3V regulator |
| Communication Interfaces | USB, 2x EUSART, 2x MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Sleep Current (XLP) | Typical <100 nA (per XLP datasheet family) |
| MSL Level | 3 (per QFN moisture sensitivity) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18LF25K50T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RB7 — I/O port B bit 7 / ICSP PGD |
| Pin 2 | RB6 — I/O port B bit 6 / ICSP PGC |
| Pin 3 | RB5 — I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 4 | RB4 — I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 5 | RB3 — I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 6 | RB2 — I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB0 — I/O port B bit 0 |
| Pin 9 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | RA7 — I/O port A bit 7 |
| Pin 12 | RA6 — I/O port A bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RA5 — I/O port A bit 5 |
| Pin 14 | RA4 — I/O port A bit 4 |
| Pin 15 | RA3 — I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 16 | RA2 — I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 17 | RA1 — I/O port A bit 1 |
| Pin 18 | RA0 — I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 21 | VBUS — USB VBUS monitor input (5 V tolerant) |
| Pin 22 | D- — USB D- data line |
| Pin 23 | D+ — USB D+ data line |
| Pin 24 | RC7 — I/O port C bit 7 / RX |
| Pin 25 | RC6 — I/O port C bit 6 / TX |
| Pin 26 | RC2 — I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 27 | RC1 — I/O port C bit 1 / SOSCO |
| Pin 28 | RC0 — I/O port C bit 0 / SOSCI |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF25K50T-I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: USB HID Peripherals (Keyboard, Mouse, Custom HID), USB CDC Serial Adapters and Bridging, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, USB Data Acquisition and Logging, Consumer USB Accessories and Dongles, Industrial HMI Touch and Key Panels, Educational USB Development and Hobby Projects.
USB HID Peripherals (Keyboard, Mouse, Custom HID)
The PIC18LF25K50T-I/ML is well-suited for USB HID peripherals such as keyboards, mice, custom HID input devices, and consumer accessory dongles. Its integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed transceiver with internal 3.3 V regulator and on-chip pull-up resistors eliminates 3-5 external USB components, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. The 32 KB Flash supports the Microchip USB HID class stack with comfortable headroom for application code and the 2 KB RAM is sufficient for HID report buffers. Operating from 1.8 V to 3.6 V via VBUS-derived supply allows bus-powered designs without an external LDO. The 48 MHz CPU handles HID polling rates of up to 1000 Hz without latency, while nanoWatt XLP sleep below 100 nA extends battery life in wireless dongle designs. The 28-QFN (6x6) package fits inside USB-A plug enclosures.
Recommended
USB CDC Serial Adapters and Bridging
CDC virtual COM-port designs use the PIC18LF25K50T-I/ML to bridge USB to UART, SPI, or I2C peripherals. The integrated USB transceiver and Microchip's CDC stack deliver 12 Mbps full-speed USB with deterministic latency suitable for industrial debug bridges and tool programming interfaces. With 2 KB RAM, the device can buffer CDC-ACM packets without host-side flow control. The LF voltage range (1.8 V to 3.6 V) enables operation from 3.3 V MCU rails without level shifters. 25 I/O pins (RA0-RA7, RB0-RB7, RC0-RC7, RD0-RD7 minus USB pins) provide sufficient GPIOs for handshake, RTS/CTS, and LEDs. The 48 MHz MIPS core executes USB stack plus UART bridge with 40%+ CPU headroom remaining.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC18LF25K50T-I/ML's nanoWatt XLP technology and 1.8 V minimum supply voltage support multi-year battery operation on a coin cell or 2xAA when paired with duty-cycled sensors. The MCU's sleep current below 100 nA (typical, XLP family) and <500 nA RTCC current make it viable for wireless sensor nodes transmitting periodic data over USB-attached cradles. The 2 KB RAM supports small sensor buffer queues, while the 32 KB Flash accommodates sensor calibration tables and application code. 25 I/O pins enable multiple I2C sensors, SPI ADC channels, and digital GPIOs without external muxing. The wide operating voltage range (1.8-3.6 V) tracks Li-Ion discharge curves cleanly without boost converters.
Recommended
USB Data Acquisition and Logging
USB-attached data acquisition devices such as multi-channel temperature loggers, voltage loggers, and 4-20 mA loop readers use the PIC18LF25K50T-I/ML for host-side connectivity. The integrated 10-bit ADC up to 300 ksps digitizes analog inputs while the USB 2.0 Full-Speed pipeline streams samples to the host. The 28-QFN exposed pad provides thermal relief for the internal USB transceiver delivering up to 100 mA to downstream circuitry, sustaining data logging with self-powered or bus-powered configurations. With 32 KB Flash the device hosts the USB stack plus an embedded file system or custom logging protocol. The MCU's 48 MHz CPU handles ADC double-buffering and USB packet assembly at sampling rates exceeding 10 kS/s aggregate.
Recommended
Consumer USB Accessories and Dongles
Custom USB accessories such as firmware updaters, license dongles, RGB lighting controllers, and PC accessories use the PIC18LF25K50T-I/ML as a single-chip solution. The integrated USB transceiver with on-chip pull-up resistors and internal 3.3 V regulator means the device can be powered directly from VBUS (5 V tolerant) or a 3.3 V regulated rail, with no external USB components. 32 KB Flash is sufficient for vendor-class USB stacks with custom protocols and persistent EEPROM storage of 256 bytes stores configuration. The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) package fits inside small dongle enclosures. Industrial temperature range -40 to +85C allows use in automotive interior and industrial USB accessories.
Recommended
Industrial HMI Touch and Key Panels
Industrial human-machine interface panels with USB-attached keypads, segment displays, or capacitive touch buttons use the PIC18LF25K50T-I/ML as the control MCU. With 25 I/O pins, the device drives multiplexed key matrices up to 8x8 or capacitive touch electrodes directly via its CTMU peripheral. The integrated USB allows connection to industrial PCs without a dedicated bridge chip. The wide operating voltage (1.8-3.6 V LF core) supports 3.3 V industrial supply rails, while the industrial temperature range -40C to +85C meets factory-floor requirements. The 32 KB Flash and 2 KB RAM support USB HID keyboard/mouse profiles plus custom control protocols for the panel application.
Recommended
Educational USB Development and Hobby Projects
The PIC18LF25K50T-I/ML is a popular choice for educational USB development kits, hobbyist MIDI controllers, and DIY USB peripherals due to its integrated USB and Microchip's free USB stack. The Curiosity Development Board, PICDEM FS USB, and similar kits feature this MCU with headers for all 25 I/Os and built-in USB micro-B connectors. With 32 KB Flash the device can host the USB stack plus student-developed application code; the 2 KB RAM is sufficient for class-compliant MIDI, HID, and CDC demos. The QFN-28 package is breadboarded via adapter boards; SOIC variants are recommended for hand-soldering on PCBs. MPLAB X IDE is free, and the XC8 compiler has a free tier suitable for hobbyist projects.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF25K50T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18LF25K50-I/ML | PIC18LF25K50-I/SS | PIC18LF25K50-E/ML | PIC18LF24K50T-I/ML | PIC18F25K50T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6) with exposed pad | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same |
| Core | PIC18 8-bit (LF) | PIC18 8-bit (LF) | PIC18 8-bit (LF) | PIC18 8-bit (LF) | PIC18 8-bit (F, 5V) | |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 28 KB | 32 KB | |
| RAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | ||
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | |
| Max CPU Clock | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 FS Device + 3.3V LDO | USB 2.0 FS Device + 3.3V LDO | USB 2.0 FS Device + 3.3V LDO | USB 2.0 FS Device + 3.3V LDO | ||
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage F core supports 1.8 V minimum operation for battery-powered USB (vs PIC18F25K50T-I/ML)
- Lower-power 28 KB Flash alternative in same package (vs PIC18LF24K50T-I/ML)
- Extended temperature option in same footprint (vs PIC18LF25K50-E/ML)
Design Notes
Estimated: At full 48 MHz operation on all I/O lines and active USB transceiver (load <50 mA), the PIC18LF25K50T-I/ML dissipates approximately 100 mW in the 28-QFN package. With the package theta_JA of approximately 40 C/W on a JEDEC 4-layer test board, junction temperature rise is approximately 4 C above ambient - well below the 85 C industrial limit. However, if the design supplies a downstream USB device with 100 mA, the on-chip 3.3 V regulator drops ~1.7 V at 100 mA, adding approximately 170 mW of dissipation. In that case solder the exposed pad (EP) to a copper pour of at least 0.5 square inch to keep junction temperature rise below 8 C. Reference: Microchip PIC18LF25K50 datasheet section 'Thermal Considerations'.
The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) exposed pad on the PIC18LF25K50T-I/ML MUST be soldered to a ground plane to provide the thermal path for the internal USB 3.3 V regulator and to provide an RF ground reference for the USB transceiver. Use an array of 4-6 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill, 0.5 mm pad) connecting the EP to the inner ground plane. Place the D+ and D+ traces as a 90-ohm differential pair with continuous ground reference beneath, length-matched within 150 mils. Per the Microchip PIC18LF25K50 datasheet section 'USB Layout Considerations', keep the D+/D- traces under 50 mm total and avoid routing them over gaps in the ground plane. Place the VBUS decoupling capacitor (4.7 uF) within 5 mm of the VBUS pin.
Three common pitfalls to avoid on PIC18LF25K50T-I/ML designs: (1) Do not apply 5 V to any VDD pin - the LF core is rated 3.6 V maximum; use the F core variant (PIC18F25K50) if 5 V VDD operation is required. (2) Do not enable USB without first configuring the internal 3.3 V regulator via the VREGEN bit in the CONFIG2L register - applying VBUS without the regulator enabled can latch-up the USB transceiver. (3) Do not omit the VBUS capacitor (4.7 uF) or the VUSB capacitor (470 nF) on the internal regulator output, or the USB transceiver will fail USB compliance due to power-rail ripple. Reference: Microchip PIC18LF25K50 datasheet section 'USB Power Configuration'.
For USB 2.0 Full-Speed compliance on PIC18LF25K50T-I/ML designs, follow the layout guidelines in the Microchip AN588 'USB Microcontroller PCB Layout' application note. Key points: route D+/D- as a 90-ohm differential pair over a continuous ground plane; place the 27 ohm series termination resistors within 4 mm of the D+/D- pins; keep the USB connector ground shield tied to the PCB ground plane with multiple short bonds. Place the 4.7 uF VBUS capacitor within 5 mm of pin 21, and the MCU decoupling capacitors (100 nF + 1 uF) within 3 mm of each VDD pin (pins 9 and 20). Avoid running digital signal traces parallel to D+/D- to minimize crosstalk.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive USB applications requiring AEC-Q100 grade, evaluate PIC18F25K50-E variants or consult Microchip automotive PIC portfolio. Halogen-free status not stated on the distributor listing.
