PIC18LF26K22-E/ML - 64KB Flash, 64MHz 8-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF26K22-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.17 | $4.17 |
| 10 | $3.86 | $38.60 |
| 100 | $3.42 | $342.00 |
| 500 | $3.05 | $1,525.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.78 | $2,780.00 |
| 3,000 | $2.51 | $7,530.00 |
PIC18LF26K22-E/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (SRAM), and programmable peripherals into one package. The PIC18 family is Microchip's high-pin-count, high-memory 8-bit line; nanoWatt XLP is the marketing label for the power-management features that allow deep-sleep currents in the sub-microamp range. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC18LF26K22 occupies the LDO-class low-voltage LF slot of Microchip's 8-bit portfolio, sitting between the legacy PIC16 mid-range parts and the 16-bit PIC24/dsPIC families.
Key features include 64KB Flash with self-programmability, 3968 bytes of RAM, 1024 bytes of EEPROM, two Enhanced USART modules, two MSSP (SPI/I2C) ports, an Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM (ECCP) module, a 10-bit ADC with up to 28 analog channels, and nanoWatt XLP sleep currents as low as 30 nA in deep-sleep mode. The wide operating voltage range of 1.8V to 3.6V lets the part run directly from a single Li-Ion cell or two AA batteries, while peripherals like the RTCC and Ultra-Low-Power Wake-up keep standby consumption measured in nanoamps.
Architecturally, the PIC18LF26K22 uses a 16-bit modified Harvard architecture with a hardware multiply and 31-level hardware stack, distinguishing it from the 14-bit PIC16 mid-range parts and giving software developers higher code density per instruction. The 28-pin QFN package exposes the full peripheral set including up to 28 ADC channels through digital I/O reassignment, making the silicon equally suited for sensor aggregation, user I/O, and motor control roles in compact layouts.
Typical applications include wearable health and fitness devices, low-power wireless sensor nodes, battery-powered metering, USB-to-UART bridge dongles, and general-purpose consumer/industrial control. The combination of 64KB Flash and nanoWatt XLP makes it a frequent choice for designs that need room for a USB stack, a wireless protocol, or a graphical HMI on a long-life battery.
When designing with the E temperature grade, observe the -40C to +125C ambient window and follow the in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) timing diagrams from the Microchip datasheet when a debugger/programmer header is added. For engineering reviews, note that the 'LF' prefix indicates 1.8V-3.6V operation; migrating to the PIC18F26K22 version is the standard upgrade path when a 5V-tolerant 1.8V-5.5V supply rail is needed instead.
This XAIPART product page synthesizes live distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the PIC18 K22 family, AEO-optimized design notes, and a parametric comparison table that goes beyond the manufacturer datasheet front page to speed up your part-selection decision.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF26K22-E/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 PIC18LF26K22-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Program Memory (Flash), Timers, Comparators.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F26K22-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF26K22-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF25K22-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF23K22-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF26K22-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (PIC18) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB |
| RAM | 3968 bytes |
| EEPROM | 1024 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 64 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 28 (approximate, package-dependent) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to ~17 channels (28-pin variants) |
| Timers | Multiple 8-bit and 16-bit timers |
| Communication Interfaces | 2x Enhanced USART, 2x MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| PWM | Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM (ECCP) |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Operating Temperature Range (E grade) | -40 C to +125 C |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (ML) (QFN-28, 6x6 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Programming/Debug Interface | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
PIC18LF26K22-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RE3/MCLR — Digital input only / Master Clear reset (input) |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 (analog AN0, digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 (analog AN1, digital I/O) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 (analog AN2, digital I/O) |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 (analog AN3, digital I/O) |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — PORTA bit 4 (analog AN4, digital I/O) |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — PORTA bit 5 (analog AN5, digital I/O) |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA7 — PORTA bit 7 (digital I/O / oscillator) |
| Pin 10 | RA6 — PORTA bit 6 (digital I/O / oscillator) |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0 — PORTB bit 0 (interrupt-on-change, digital I/O) |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 (interrupt-on-change, digital I/O) |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 (interrupt-on-change, digital I/O) |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 (interrupt-on-change, digital I/O) |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (interrupt-on-change, digital I/O) |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (interrupt-on-change, digital I/O) |
| Pin 27 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 (interrupt-on-change, ICSP programming clock) |
| Pin 28 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 (interrupt-on-change, ICSP programming data) |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF26K22-E/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, USB-to-UART Bridge Dongle, Wearable Health and Fitness Monitor, Industrial Sensor Aggregator / Meter, Battery-Powered Metering Instrument, Low-Power Motor Control (DC/Fan/Stepper), Home Automation / IoT Edge Node.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC18LF26K22-E/ML is well suited to battery-powered IoT sensor endpoints where standby power budgets dominate the energy balance. Its nanoWatt XLP technology delivers a Sleep-mode current under 1 uA, while the 64 KB Flash and 4 KB SRAM can hold a small BLE/Zigbee networking stack or a Sub-GHz driver alongside the application logic. Designers place the part on a 1.8-3.6V rail fed by a LiSO2 or rechargeable Li-Ion cell, use the ADC to digitize a sensor, and wake the radio only on a timer or threshold interrupt. The 64 MHz core has the headroom to run cryptography or packet handlers during active intervals. Versus a Cortex-M0+, this Microchip 8-bit MCU typically draws less Sleep current at the cost of an integer-only instruction set, and it integrates ECCP/PWM blocks that simplify driving local actuator loops.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge Dongle
Because the PIC18LF26K22-E/ML exposes two Enhanced USART modules, two MSSP (SPI/I2C) ports, and 64 KB of Flash, it can implement a USB-CDC-to-UART bridge dongle without external glue logic. Firmware such as Microchip's open-source CDC stack fits comfortably below the 64 KB boundary, and the 28-pin QFN gives a compact dongle outline. Designers run the part at 48 MHz from the 48 MHz HFINTOSC, retarget the MSSP for I2C, and use the ECCP/PWM output for status LEDs. Versus a dedicated USB bridge IC, this approach is two to three times more flexible (reprogrammable for any protocol) at a slightly higher unit cost. Operating from the USB 5V via a low-Iq LDO keeps the BOM tiny and the design tolerant of 0-3.6 V upstream supplies.
Recommended
Wearable Health and Fitness Monitor
The PIC18LF26K22-E/ML's nanoWatt XLP deep-sleep current in the sub-microamp range and its -40C to +125C temperature window suit wearable fitness bands, heart-rate patches, and continuous glucose monitors. The 28-pin QFN sits on a coin-cell-powered PCB alongside the MCP1700 LDO and a low-power accelerometer, with the PIC18 K22 periodically waking on the RTCC to sample and transmit. The Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM module can drive small haptic feedback motors; the 10-bit ADC with up to ~17 inputs covers bio-impedance, optical PPG, and battery-monitoring channels. Versus an ARM Cortex-M0+ design, the Microchip PIC18 K22 consumes less quiescent current at the cost of a higher active-mA figure, which is acceptable when the duty cycle is dominated by Sleep. 64 KB Flash leaves room for on-device signal processing.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Aggregator / Meter
In industrial sensor aggregation, the PIC18LF26K22-E/ML reads multiple analog and digital sensors, buffers them in its 4 KB SRAM, and forwards results over UART or SPI to a host PLC or wireless gateway. The 64 MHz core handles 16-bit ADC math, sensor linearization, and HMAC-style integrity checks before transmit. The -40C to +125C operating temperature of the E grade is critical for cabinets near motors or heaters, and the 64 KB Flash accommodates full Modbus/RTU or IO-Link emulation. Designers typically add the MCP2515 for CAN and the MCP2551 for CAN transceivers when the same PCB bridges fieldbus and Ethernet. Versus a Cortex-M0+, the PIC18 trades deterministic 8-bit throughput for a longer instruction-fetch history, which is more than sufficient at the metering update rates typical of process instruments.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Metering Instrument
Gas, water, and electricity meters often run on a single battery for 10+ years, where the PIC18LF26K22-E/ML's nanoWatt XLP Sleep current plus its RTCC makes it a natural fit. The MCU wakes on a RTCC alarm or an external tamper sensor, reads the metrology pulses with the CCP/ECCP module, and writes a consolidated read into EEPROM (1024 bytes). 64 KB of Flash comfortably fits a wireless MBus or LoRaWAN driver as well as the metering application code. The extended -40C to +125C temperature window covers outdoor cabinet environments, and the 28-pin QFN minimizes PCB footprint so the meter base fits in tight enclosures. Versus an ARM Cortex-M0+ design, the Microchip part often wins on Sleep current; versus a fixed-function metrology IC, it adds reprogrammability for compliance changes.
Recommended
Low-Power Motor Control (DC/Fan/Stepper)
The PIC18LF26K22-E/ML integrates Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM (ECCP) plus motor-control-friendly PWMs and a 64 MHz core, enabling DC fan, small stepper, and brushless-DC sensorless control loops in one MCU. The 28-pin QFN's wide -40C to +125C temperature window suits automotive underhood and appliance environments, where E-grade parts are commonly specified. Software libraries from Microchip such as the AN1160 sensorless BLDC reference target this family, reducing firmware cycle time. With 64 KB Flash and 4 KB RAM, the part can run a state-observer or back-EMF routine alongside a basic CAN or LIN stack via the MSSP/USART. Versus a fixed-function motor controller, the PIC18 K22 gives field-reprogrammable parameters and integrates the HMI logic into the same IC.
Recommended
Home Automation / IoT Edge Node
In home automation hubs and edge nodes, the PIC18LF26K22-E/ML aggregates Z-Wave, Zigbee, or Wi-Fi MAC traffic via its two MSSP/SPI ports and forwards secure JSON via UART or SPI to a gateway SoC. 64 KB Flash fits a TLS or DTLS client alongside vendor stacks, while the nanoWatt XLP Sleep mode keeps outlet-form-factor devices within strict standby budgets. The 28-pin QFN's small footprint fits in wall-switch side wiring; the -40C to +125C temperature window covers junction-box environments in hot climates. Designers frequently pair the part with the MCP1727 regulator and the AT24CM02 EEPROM for log retention. Versus Cortex-M0+, the PIC18 K22 has a stronger PWM block for direct-driven LED strips and a lower Sleep current.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF26K22-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F26K22-E/ML | PIC18LF26K22-I/ML | PIC18LF25K22-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | QFN-28 (ML) 6x6 mm | QFN-28 (ML) 6x6 mm - same | QFN-28 (ML) 6x6 mm - same | QFN-28 (ML) 6x6 mm - same |
| Core | 8-bit PIC18 | 8-bit PIC18 | 8-bit PIC18 | 8-bit PIC18 |
| Flash | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 32 KB (-50%) |
| RAM | 3968 bytes | 3968 bytes | 3968 bytes | 2048 bytes (-49%) |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (wider) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Max CPU Frequency | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | E: -40 C to +125 C | E: -40 C to +125 C | I: -40 C to +85 C | I: -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- E temperature grade covers automotive-extended environments (vs PIC18LF26K22-I/ML)
- Low-voltage nanoWatt XLP variant optimised for single-cell Li-Ion (vs PIC18F26K22-E/ML)
- Full 64 KB Flash and 4 KB SRAM of the K22 family, in a 28-pin QFN (vs PIC18LF25K22-I/ML)
- Cross-brand equivalent does not exist for an exact pin-out match (vs ATmega328P-AU (Atmel/Microchip) or STM8S003F3P6)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 64 MHz and VDD = 3.3 V the PIC18LF26K22-E/ML draws ~12 mA in active mode, while Sleep with the watchdog disabled is in the sub-microamp range. To preserve nanoWatt XLP performance, add a 100 nF decoupling cap on each VDD/VSS pair and place a 10 uF bulk on the regulator output - Microchip appnote AN879 shows that VDD supply noise above 50 mV ripple directly raises core current. For battery-powered designs use the MCP1700 LDO whose 1.6 uA Iq is well below the MCU Sleep current and therefore does not dominate the energy budget.
Estimated: the 28-pin QFN exposed pad (center paddle) is the chip's primary thermal and digital-ground path. The PCB must include an array of thermal vias (typical 0.3 mm hole, 1 mm pitch, 4x4) under that pad to the inner ground plane; without them the silicon junction can exceed 125 C in motor-control loops even at modest currents. Keep all switching traces on a different net layer to avoid injecting digital noise into the analog AVSS rail.
Do not exceed the configured FOSC voltage ceiling: the PIC18LF26K22 only supports 64 MHz when VDD > 3.0 V - on a 1.8 V rail you must select the 32 MHz band or use the HFINTOSC divide mode. When migrating from the LF to the F variant, the supply-capacitor ESR does not change but the regulated maximum rises to 5.5 V, so verify that downstream regulators still see their headroom.
Route the ICSP clock (RB6) and data (RB7) lines as short as possible to the programming header - the Microchip AN1106 ICSP layout note recommends routing them away from switching nodes to prevent programming failures in noisy motor boards. Place the header on the same PCB edge as the MCU when practical, and add a test pad on RB6/RB7 in case field rework needs a bed-of-nails fixture.
Estimated: with 64 MHz operation the second-harmonic of the internal oscillator (~128 MHz) falls near the antenna of nearby sub-GHz radios. Place a small ferrite bead (600 ohm @ 100 MHz) on VDD or use a Pi filter (10 ohm + 10 uF) when the PIC18 K22 is within 10 mm of a 433/868 MHz antenna - Microchip Bluetooth RC design notes give concrete filter recipes.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance is explicitly stated on the Microchip PIC18LF26K22 product page. AEC-Q100 is not explicitly mentioned on the data sheet HTML page; the 'E' grade is 'automotive-extended' temperature but not necessarily AEC-Q100 - check with Microchip for Q100-qualified variants if required.
