PIC18LF26K22T-I/SO - 8-bit XLP MCU 64KB Flash 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF26K22T-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.06 | $5.06 |
| 10 | $4.55 | $45.50 |
| 100 | $3.55 | $355.00 |
| 500 | $3 | $1,500.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.55 | $2,550.00 |
PIC18LF26K22T-I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, Flash program memory, RAM, and configurable peripherals such as ADC, UART, I2C, SPI, timers, and PWM. PIC18 XLP parts add nanoWatt XLP technology for ultra-low sleep currents below 50 nA typical. Within the broader taxonomy, MCUs sit at the embedded controller level - above 8-bit processors but below application processors and microprocessors.
Key features include nanoWatt XLP extreme low-power technology, an integrated 10-bit A/D converter with up to 19 channels, multiple communication peripherals (UART, SPI, I2C), PWM modules, and the standard PIC18 peripheral set. The CPU executes instructions at 64MHz (16 MIPS) thanks to a 4-cycle pipeline, while flexible oscillator options include internal 16MHz HF and 31kHz LF sources.
Architecturally, the PIC18LF26K22 uses an enhanced Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, a 16-bit instruction word, and a rich instruction set. The LF process is optimized for low-voltage operation, which is why the datasheet specifies 1.8V-3.6V (compared to the F variant's 2.3V-5.5V range). Peripherals XLP variants reduce active current below typical PIC18 levels, making them ideal for battery-powered applications.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered metering devices, low-power remote controls, HVAC thermostats, and portable industrial instruments. Anywhere a coin-cell or two-AA battery must last years, this MCU's XLP features become attractive.
When designing with this device, choose the LF variant (1.8V-3.6V) if the system is battery-powered or uses a regulated 3.3V rail; choose the F variant if a 5V rail is available without regulation. The 'T' suffix only affects packaging - the die is identical to the non-T version, so firmware developed on PIC18LF26K22-I/SO ports directly to the T variant.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing from DigiKey, Mouser, and LCSC, plus drop-in SOIC alternatives and practical design notes not aggregated on a single manufacturer datasheet page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF26K22T-I/SO — 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 PIC18LF26K22T-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, I/O Pins, MSL Level, ADC, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18LF26K22-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F26K22-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F26K22-E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF26K22-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.96 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF25K22-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF46K22-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF26K22T-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | PIC XLP 18K |
| Core Processor | PIC18 |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Program Memory Type | FLASH |
| Program Memory Size | 64KB (32K x 16) |
| RAM Size | 3.9KB (3968 bytes) |
| EEPROM Size | 1KB (1024 bytes) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 64MHz |
| Supply Voltage (LF variant) | 1.8V to 3.6V |
| I/O Pins | 24 (on 28-SOIC, per datasheet 24 general-purpose) |
| A/D Converter | 10-bit, up to 19 channels |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-SOIC (7.50mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Connectivity | I2C, SPI, UART/USART |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T suffix) |
| MSL Level | MSL1 (unlimited floor life at <30C / 85% RH) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18LF26K22T-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/VREF+/T7CKI — GPIO RA3 / ADC ch3 / positive voltage reference / Timer7 clock input |
| Pin 2 | RA4/T0CKI — GPIO RA4 / Timer0 clock input (open-drain) |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN4/C2IN+ — GPIO RA5 / ADC ch4 / comparator 2 positive input |
| Pin 4 | RA6 — GPIO RA6 / oscillator pin |
| Pin 5 | RA7 — GPIO RA7 / oscillator pin |
| Pin 6 | RC0/SOSCO — GPIO RC0 / secondary oscillator output |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V-3.6V for LF variant) |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RC1/SOSCI — GPIO RC1 / secondary oscillator input |
| Pin 10 | RC2 — GPIO RC2 |
| Pin 11 | RC3/AN12 — GPIO RC3 / ADC ch12 |
| Pin 12 | RC4/AN16 — GPIO RC4 / ADC ch16 |
| Pin 13 | RC5/AN17 — GPIO RC5 / ADC ch17 |
| Pin 14 | RC6/AN18/TX/CK1 — GPIO RC6 / ADC ch18 / UART TX / clock I/O |
| Pin 15 | RC7/AN19/RX/DT — GPIO RC7 / ADC ch19 / UART RX / data I/O |
| Pin 16 | RB0/AN10/FLT0 — GPIO RB0 / ADC ch10 / PWM fault input |
| Pin 17 | RB1/AN8 — GPIO RB1 / ADC ch8 |
| Pin 18 | RB2/AN9 — GPIO RB2 / ADC ch9 |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB3/AN11 — GPIO RB3 / ADC ch11 |
| Pin 22 | RB4 — GPIO RB4 / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 23 | RB5 — GPIO RB5 / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 24 | RB6/PGC — GPIO RB6 / ICD clock (programming/debug) |
| Pin 25 | RB7/PGD — GPIO RB7 / ICD data (programming/debug) |
| Pin 26 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+ — GPIO RA0 / ADC ch0 / comparator 1 positive input |
| Pin 27 | RA1/AN1/C1IN- — GPIO RA1 / ADC ch1 / comparator 1 negative input |
| Pin 28 | RA2/AN2/VREF-/CVREF/C2IN- — GPIO RA2 / ADC ch2 / negative voltage reference / CVref out / comparator 2 negative input |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF26K22T-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, HVAC Thermostats and Building Climate Control, Portable Consumer Electronics and Wearables, Industrial Sensor Interface Modules, Smart Meter Data Concentrators, Remote Controls and Wireless Key Fobs.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC18LF26K22T-I/SO is ideal for IoT sensor nodes due to its nanoWatt XLP Sleep current below 50nA typical and 1.8V-3.6V operating range. Per Microchip datasheet DS41391G, the 10-bit ADC with up to 19 channels interfaces directly with temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors; UART/SPI/I2C ports connect to sub-GHz radios like the MRF89XA or LoRa modules. Typical node battery life exceeds 5 years on 2x AA cells with periodic sensor reads. Use Sleep + WDT wake-up pattern, sample ADC, transmit, then return to Sleep for maximum energy efficiency. The 64KB Flash supports OTA-capable bootloader and full application stack.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostats and Building Climate Control
The PIC18LF26K22T-I/SO suits HVAC thermostat designs because of its rich peripheral set (PWM for triac phase control, ADC for NTC thermistor sensing, UART for HVAC bus communication) and 1.8V-3.6V operation that lets it run from 24VAC-derived low-voltage rails. Per Microchip datasheet DS41391G, multiple timers support scheduled temperature sampling, while the 3.9KB RAM holds state machines for PID control loops. The XLP Sleep mode drops to <50nA during display idle periods, extending battery backup runtime. Drive TFT or character LCD directly via GPIO/PSP ports.
Recommended
Portable Consumer Electronics and Wearables
Wearables and portable consumer devices benefit from the PIC18LF26K22T-I/SO's 1.8V operation, low Sleep current, and small 28-SOIC footprint. Per Microchip datasheet DS41391G, the device drives segment LCDs, e-paper, or simple OLED displays via SPI, while I2C ports read motion sensors (e.g., LSM6DS3-class IMUs). The 64KB Flash accommodates UI graphics libraries and BLE command stacks when paired with external RN4871 modules. Low-cost, low-power peripherals reduce BOM cost below ARM Cortex-M0 alternatives while retaining Microchip's MPLAB X toolchain and free XC8 compiler.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Modules
Industrial 4-20mA loop-powered sensor modules use the PIC18LF26K22T-I/SO for its ADC accuracy and robust peripheral set. Per Microchip datasheet DS41391G, the 10-bit ADC and PGA amplifiers handle bridge sensor inputs, while UART with RS-485 driver support (via external transceiver) enables Modbus RTU communications. Industrial sensors benefit from the -40C to +85C operating range and 1.8V-3.6V supply that integrates with 24V loop or 12V/24V industrial rails via low-drop regulators. The 28-SOIC package withstands vibration better than smaller QFN packages in DIN-rail mounted equipment.
Recommended
Smart Meter Data Concentrators
Smart electricity/water meter data loggers use the PIC18LF26K22T-I/SO for low-power operation and ample Flash/RAM. Per Microchip datasheet DS41391G, EEPROM (1KB) stores non-volatile metering parameters and rolling consumption data across power cycles. UART connects to cellular or PLC modems for AMI backhaul, while I2C interfaces with metering ICs like the MCP39F511 power monitor. The 10-bit ADC supports auxiliary analog measurements (temperature, battery voltage). Low Sleep current extends battery life during AC-line outages, ensuring billing data integrity.
Recommended
Remote Controls and Wireless Key Fobs
Low-cost remote controls and key fobs are classic applications for the PIC18LF26K22T-I/SO due to its ultra-low Sleep current below 50nA typical. Per Microchip datasheet DS41391G, the device wakes from Sleep via an external interrupt (button press), drives an IR LED or sub-GHz transmitter for a brief moment, then returns to Sleep, achieving coin-cell battery life of >10 years. The 28-SOIC package is suitable for hand-assembled remote control PCBs. PWM modules generate IR carrier frequencies (38kHz typical), and timers handle button debounce and multi-button matrices without external logic.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF26K22T-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18LF26K22-I/SO | PIC18F26K22-I/SO | PIC18F26K22-E/SO | PIC18LF26K22-E/SO | PIC18LF25K22-I/SO | PIC18LF46K22-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 64KB Flash | 64KB Flash | 64KB Flash | 64KB Flash | 64KB Flash | 32KB Flash | 64KB Flash |
| RAM | 3.9KB | 3.9KB | 3.9KB | 3.9KB | 3.9KB | 1.5KB | 3.9KB |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V - 3.6V | 1.8V - 3.6V | 2.3V - 5.5V | 2.3V - 5.5V | 1.8V - 3.6V | 1.8V - 3.6V | 1.8V - 3.6V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Max CPU Frequency | 64MHz | 64MHz | 64MHz | 64MHz | 64MHz | 64MHz | 64MHz |
| Tape & Reel | Yes (T suffix) | No (tube) | No (tube) | No (tube) | No (tube) | No (tube) | No (tube) |
Key Differentiators
- nanoWatt XLP Sleep current below 50nA typical (vs PIC18F26K22-I/SO)
- Wider operating voltage range to 1.8V minimum (vs PIC18F26K22-I/SO)
- Tape & Reel packaging for high-volume SMT assembly (vs PIC18LF26K22-I/SO)
- More Flash than smaller PIC18 K-series siblings (vs PIC18LF25K22-I/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: At VDD = 3.3V and 64MHz active CPU, the PIC18LF26K22 draws approximately 8-12 mA active current. Use a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5mm of each VDD pin (pins 7 and 20 on 28-SOIC) plus a bulk 4.7uF tantalum or ceramic at the regulator output. Add a ferrite bead in series with VDD if the rail comes from a noisy switching regulator. For Sleep mode, place a 10kohm pull-up on MCLR to prevent spurious resets; Sleep current should drop below 50nA typical per datasheet DS41391G.
Do not apply 5V to VDD on the LF variant - the PIC18LF26K22 is rated for 1.8V-3.6V maximum. Exceeding 3.6V can damage internal flash and cause latch-up. If 5V rails exist on the board, use the F variant (PIC18F26K22) or add a 3.3V LDO regulator. The configuration bits must be set correctly (or the ICSP will fail): use low-voltage ICSP mode (LVP=ON) for in-circuit programming, or route PGC/PGD (RB6/RB7) to a dedicated programming header per datasheet DS41391G.
Recommended: Route the 28-SOIC footprint with a 7.50mm body width and 1.27mm pin pitch per JEDEC MS-013. Use 0.5mm-wide traces between SOIC pads and a continuous ground pour on the bottom layer. Place a 4-layer stackup with dedicated ground plane for best EMI performance; for 2-layer boards, use a ground pour stitched with vias around the MCU. Reserve 4-5mm clearance around the IC for probe access during debugging. Add a 2-pin ICSP header (PGC/PGD/MCLR/VSS/VDD) on every board revision to enable in-field firmware updates.
Recommended: For high-speed SPI (>8MHz) or external oscillator use above 16MHz, place 33 ohm series-termination resistors on clock and data lines to dampen ringing on the 28-SOIC bond-wire inductance. Keep SPI traces under 50mm or use impedance-controlled routing. Decouple analog references (VREF+/VREF-) with a 100nF ceramic plus a 10uF bulk capacitor per datasheet DS41391G to minimize ADC noise; the PIC18LF26K22 10-bit ADC achieves full performance only with proper reference decoupling.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC18LF26K22-E/SO (extended temp) or automotive-graded PIC18 variants for AEC-Q100 applications.
