PIC18LF26J50T-I/ML - 8-bit USB MCU 64KB Flash 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF26J50T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.95 | $3.95 |
| 10 | $3.55 | $35.50 |
| 100 | $3.18 | $318.00 |
| 500 | $2.82 | $1,410.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.5 | $2,500.00 |
PIC18LF26J50T-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller (MCU) is a Harvard-architecture microcontroller using an enhanced RISC instruction set, a Flash program store and SRAM data memory, integrated peripherals such as timers, ADC, PWM, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and increasingly USB. The PIC18F26J50 / PIC18LF26J50 sub-family is positioned in the mid-range PIC18 tier: more memory and more peripherals than PIC16, but simpler than the PIC24 / dsPIC. It is a drop-in replacement-friendly family with pinout compatibility across the PIC18F/LF24J50, 25J50 and 26J50 line.
Key features include 64 KB on-chip Flash (32K x 16), 3.8 KB RAM, 1 KB EEPROM, 48 MHz internal oscillator (12 MIPS), 10-bit ADC up to 13 channels, two comparators, two CCP modules, two EUSART (LIN-capable) and one MSSP (SPI / I2C), plus on-board full-speed USB 2.0 with internal pull-up and 3.3 V regulator. The 'LF' variant operates down to 2.0 V supply, and the XLP nanoWatt technology provides sub-uA sleep currents for battery-powered applications.
The architecture uses a 16-bit wide instruction path with an 8-bit data path, single-cycle hardware multiply, and a 31-level deep hardware stack. The integrated USB transceiver meets USB 2.0 full-speed (12 Mbps) requirements without external components other than the mandatory pull-up and decoupling. On-chip regulated 3.3 V from Vbus powers the USB transceiver even when the MCU is self-powered.
Typical applications include USB HID class devices (keyboards, mice, game controllers), USB CDC virtual COM ports, low-cost data loggers, sensor interfaces with USB upload, consumer electronics with USB charging and data, industrial USB-to-UART bridges, and embedded learning platforms (this family is supported by MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler and the Microchip Code Configurator).
When designing with this part, pay attention to the LF vs F suffix - the LF variant is the low-voltage (2.0-3.6 V) part and the F variant accepts 4.2-5.5 V. Both share the same pinout, so a board can be assembled with either. The QFN package requires thermal pad soldering for rated thermal performance and is recommended to be assembled by JLCPCB or professional SMT lines.
This page combines distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives in the same 28-QFN package, and practical USB design notes that complement but do not replace the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF26J50T-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 PIC18LF26J50T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Timers, ADC, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F26J50T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF26J53T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF26J11T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF25J50T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F27J53T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF26J50-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF26J50T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC18F J-series (PIC18LF26J50) |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC enhanced RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB (32K x 16) |
| Data RAM | 3.8 KB (3,808 bytes) |
| Data EEPROM | 1 KB |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz (12 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage (LF variant) | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps) on-chip transceiver |
| I/O Pins | Up to 22 (varies by package; 28-QFN = 22 GPIO) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 13 channels |
| Comparators | 2 |
| CCP / ECCP Modules | 2 CCP |
| UART / EUSART | 2 EUSART (LIN-capable) |
| SPI / I2C (MSSP) | 1 MSSP (SPI or I2C) |
| Timers | 4 (Timer0/1/2/3) |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (ML) 6x6 mm with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| nanoWatt XLP | Yes (sub-uA sleep modes) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18LF26J50T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RB5/KBI1/PGM/RP5 — GPIO RB5 / Keyboard interrupt / VBUS sense |
| Pin 2 | RB4/KBI0/SCL2 — GPIO RB4 / I2C clock secondary |
| Pin 3 | RB3/AN9/C1INA/CTED1/RP3 — GPIO RB3 / ADC ch9 / Comparator input |
| Pin 4 | RB2/AN8/C1INB/CTED2/RP2 — GPIO RB2 / ADC ch8 / Comparator input |
| Pin 5 | RB1/AN10/C1INC/RTCC/RP1 — GPIO RB1 / ADC ch10 / RTCC output |
| Pin 6 | RB0/AN12/INT0/RP0 — GPIO RB0 / ADC ch12 / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply (2.0-3.6 V for LF variant) |
| Pin 9 | RA7/OSC1/CLKI — GPIO RA7 / Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 10 | RA6/OSC2/CLKO — GPIO RA6 / Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — GPIO RC0 / Timer1 oscillator output |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — GPIO RC1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/AN11/CTPLS/RP6 — GPIO RC2 / ADC ch11 / CTMU pulse |
| Pin 14 | RC3/REFO/SCL1 — GPIO RC3 / Reference output / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/D-/VMO — USB D- data line |
| Pin 16 | RC5/D+/VPO — USB D+ data line |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX1/CK1 — GPIO RC6 / EUSART1 transmit |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX1/DT1 — GPIO RC7 / EUSART1 receive |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 21 | RB6/PGC — GPIO RB6 / ICSP clock (ICD clock) |
| Pin 22 | RB7/PGD — GPIO RB7 / ICSP data (ICD data) |
| Pin 23 | RA0/AN0/CVREF — GPIO RA0 / ADC ch0 / Comparator VREF |
| Pin 24 | RA1/AN1 — GPIO RA1 / ADC ch1 |
| Pin 25 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — GPIO RA2 / ADC ch2 / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 26 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — GPIO RA3 / ADC ch3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 27 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI — GPIO RA4 / ADC ch4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 28 | RA5/AN5/SS1/HLVDIN — GPIO RA5 / ADC ch5 / SPI slave select / HLVD input |
| Pin EP | EPAD — Exposed thermal pad (must be soldered to GND copper pour) |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF26J50T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Input Devices (Keyboard / Mouse / Game Controller), USB CDC Virtual COM Port / USB-to-UART Bridge, USB Data Logger / Sensor Upload Device, Industrial USB Sensor Interface Module, Consumer USB Charging + Data Dongle, Educational Embedded Platform / Maker Board.
USB HID Input Devices (Keyboard / Mouse / Game Controller)
The PIC18LF26J50T-I/ML is a strong fit for USB HID-class input peripherals thanks to its integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver (12 Mbps) and 64 KB Flash for HID descriptors plus scan matrix logic. The 3.8 KB RAM is sufficient for HID report buffers (8-byte typical keyboard reports) and debounce state. The 2.0 V minimum supply enables single-cell Li-ion or 2x AA battery power, and the nanoWatt XLP sleep mode drops quiescent current below 1 uA between keystrokes, critical for wireless HID dongles. Compared to PIC16F designs, the LF26J50 adds USB hardware without an external transceiver. Compared to PIC24F, it costs roughly 30% less in volume. Recommended companion: a USB Type-C or Micro-B connector, ESD protection array (USBLC6-2SC6), and the Microchip MLA USB HID stack.
Recommended
USB CDC Virtual COM Port / USB-to-UART Bridge
The PIC18LF26J50T-I/ML serves as a USB-to-UART bridge by enumerating as a CDC ACM class device and forwarding data between the USB endpoint and one of its two on-chip EUSART modules. The 48 MHz oscillator yields 12 MIPS of CPU headroom for full-speed USB polling without starving the UART FIFO. Operating from 2.0-3.6 V, the LF26J50 can interface directly to 3.3 V logic-level sensors and radios without level shifters. The 1 KB EEPROM stores CDC line coding and product descriptor overrides. Microchip provides reference CDC firmware in MPLAB Harmony, shortening design-in to a few hours. Recommended companion: FTDI-style USB Type-B connector, ferrite bead on VBUS, and 10 uF + 100 nF decoupling close to the MCU supply pins.
Recommended
USB Data Logger / Sensor Upload Device
With 64 KB Flash for application code and 3.8 KB RAM for sample buffers, the PIC18LF26J50T-I/ML fits battery-powered USB data loggers that sample sensors via the 10-bit ADC and upload logs over USB. The 1 KB EEPROM holds calibration constants and the on-chip 3.3 V regulator can power external low-power sensors directly from VBUS. nanoWatt XLP sleep currents under 1 uA allow multi-month battery life on a coin cell for slow-logging applications. The exposed thermal pad on the 28-QFN package helps dissipate heat during high ADC sampling rates. Compared to PIC18F46K22 designs, the LF26J50 integrates USB eliminating the FT232RL bridge chip. Recommended companion: Microchip MCP9808 temperature sensor and SPI Flash (SST25VF016B) for log storage.
Recommended
Industrial USB Sensor Interface Module
For industrial sensor modules exposed to factory USB ports, the PIC18LF26J50T-I/ML industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C) and integrated USB 2.0 transceiver simplify designs that previously required a separate bridge chip. The two EUSARTs (LIN-capable) and one MSSP (SPI / I2C) interface to RS-485 transceivers, LIN slaves, and SPI sensors. The 10-bit ADC with 13 channels handles 4-20 mA current loop and 0-10 V analog sensor inputs after external signal conditioning. The 28-QFN exposed pad improves thermal dissipation for hot-spot industrial enclosures. Compared to PIC18F97J94, the LF26J50 is more compact and lower cost. Recommended companion: ADM3251E isolated RS-232 transceiver and TPS7A3001 LDO for clean analog rails.
Recommended
Consumer USB Charging + Data Dongle
The PIC18LF26J50T-I/ML fits compact consumer USB-C charging and data accessories that negotiate BC1.2 or proprietary charging protocols over the USB D+/D- lines and monitor VBUS current. Its 48 MHz CPU runs the USB state machine plus charger-detection state machine in real time. The LF supply range (2.0-3.6 V) lets the dongle operate from VBUS without an external LDO, while the integrated 3.3 V regulator provides clean logic supply. Compared to dedicated charger ICs like FUSB302, the LF26J50 adds programmable logic for custom protocols. Recommended companion: FUSB302 USB-C PD controller (when PD is needed) and TPD4E05U06 USB ESD diode array.
Recommended
Educational Embedded Platform / Maker Board
The PIC18LF26J50T-I/ML is a popular choice for low-cost educational boards (PIC18F J-series Explorer, custom hobbyist boards) because the full-speed USB eases programmer-less bootloading, and 64 KB Flash is enough for moderately-sized student projects. Microchip's MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler (free), and Microchip Code Configurator (MCC) are all available at no cost, lowering the entry barrier for students. The 28-QFN QFN package fits sub-25 mm x 25 mm PCBs ideal for wearable or handheld projects. nanoWatt XLP modes let students measure sub-uA sleep currents with a uCurrent or a 1 Mohm resistor. Compared to PIC16F1455, the LF26J50 offers 4x Flash and more RAM. Recommended companion: PICkit 4 programmer/debugger and Curiosity Development Board.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF26J50T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F26J50T-I/ML | PIC18LF26J53T-I/ML | PIC18LF26J11T-I/ML | PIC18LF25J50T-I/ML | PIC18F27J53T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm | 28-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm - same | 28-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm - same | 28-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm - same | 28-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm - same | 28-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm - same |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 3.6 V | 2.15 V to 3.6 V |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 32 KB (-50%) | 128 KB (+100%) |
| RAM | 3.8 KB | 3.8 KB | 3.8 KB | 3.8 KB | 2 KB (-47%) | 3.8 KB |
| USB 2.0 Full-Speed | Yes (integrated) | Yes | Yes | No (no USB) | Yes | Yes |
| CAN Peripheral | No | No | Yes (CAN 2.0B) | No | No | Yes (CAN 2.0B) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 48 MHz (12 MIPS) | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-voltage USB MCU in PIC18F J-series (2.0 V min) (vs PIC18F26J50T-I/ML (4.2 V min))
- On-chip USB 2.0 Full-Speed transceiver with internal 3.3 V regulator (vs PIC18LF26J11T-I/ML (no USB))
- 64 KB Flash / 3.8 KB RAM at industrial temperature range (vs PIC18LF25J50T-I/ML (32 KB / 2 KB))
Design Notes
The LF26J50 requires a stable 2.0 V to 3.6 V supply at VDD pins 8 and 20. Place a 100 nF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of each VDD pin and a 10 uF X5R bulk capacitor on the same PCB side. For USB applications the internal 3.3 V regulator powered from VBUS supplies the USB transceiver pull-up; tie VBUS to a VDD pin via a 10 kohm resistor divider to RB5 for VBUS sense. Add a 4.7 uF bulk capacitor on the VBUS node to meet USB inrush current requirements during plug-in events.
The 28-QFN exposed thermal pad is the primary heat-dissipation path; it must be soldered to a copper pour with at least 6 thermal vias to the inner ground plane. Without the thermal pad soldered, the device derates sharply above 60 C ambient. Estimated: with a 2-layer 1 oz copper 50 mm x 50 mm board, theta_JA is approximately 35 C/W. For high ambient enclosures, consider the PIC18F46J50 in 44-QFN for better thermal performance at the cost of board area.
Do not assume a 5 V-tolerant I/O - the LF26J50 VDD is 3.6 V maximum, and forcing 5 V on any GPIO will exceed absolute maximum ratings and latch-up the part. Use a level translator (TXS0108E or resistor divider) when interfacing to 5 V logic. Also note that the LF and F variants share the same pinout but different supply ranges - mix-ups cause either under-voltage errors (F part on 3.3 V rail) or latch-up (LF part on 5 V rail).
Route the USB D+ and D- lines as a 90 ohm differential pair with matched lengths within 150 mil tolerance, and keep them on the same PCB layer with a continuous ground reference plane beneath. Place the USBLC6-2SC6 ESD array within 5 mm of the USB connector and add a common-mode choke for EMI compliance. Avoid routing the differential pair near switching regulator inductors or high-frequency clock traces to prevent radiated emissions failures on USB compliance testing.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page and distributor listings (DigiKey, Mouser, Octopart). Lead-free matte-tin QFN finish per JEDEC J-STD-020 reflow profile. Industrial temperature grade only - not AEC-Q100 automotive qualified.
