PIC18LF26K42-E/ML - 64KB Flash XLP 8-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF26K42-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.07 | $30.70 |
| 100 | $2.61 | $261.00 |
| 500 | $2.27 | $1,135.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.94 | $1,940.00 |
PIC18LF26K42-E/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, volatile data memory, and I/O peripherals. The PIC18 family uses an enhanced Harvard RISC architecture with a 16-bit instruction word that provides single-cycle execution except for branches, delivering deterministic throughput at low clock rates. The 'LF' prefix designates a low-voltage FOSC-qualified silicon, while the 'K42' suffix signals the XLP (eXtreme Low Power) family with nanoWatt XLP technology, IDLE/DOZE power-management modes, and Peripheral Module Disable (PMD) registers that allow unused peripherals to be clock-gated to microamp-level standby current.
Key features of the PIC18LF26K42-E/ML include Vectored Interrupts, DMA with automatic data transfer, MAP (Memory Access Partitioning), DIA (Device Information Area) for unique serialization, Scan/CRC blocks, Windowed Watchdog Timer (WWDT), Hardware Limit Timer (HLT), Peripheral Pin Select (PPS), UART/SPI/I2C, and a unique ID for traceability. The 12-bit ADC2 supports up to 35 channels with hardware accumulation and threshold scanning, eliminating CPU overhead for sensor-array sampling.
Typical applications include low-power IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered home automation, industrial control with deterministic 64MHz performance, USB-to-UART bridges via the dedicated UART, LED lighting controllers using CWG and PWM, and consumer appliances requiring 64KB program space with peripheral-rich integration. The wide 1.8-3.6V range also simplifies designs powered directly from single-cell Li-ion or two-AA batteries.
When designing with this MCU, ensure the 28-QFN (6x6) thermal pad is soldered to a copper pour to keep junction temperature within the -40C to +125C range. The PPS feature requires careful configuration to avoid conflicts; consult the datasheet pin mapping tables before locking the layout. Always verify the FOSC (oscillator) configuration bits match the chosen crystal or internal oscillator mode at programming time.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF26K42-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 PIC18LF26K42-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Program Memory (Flash), Core Architecture, EEPROM.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F26K42-E/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF26K42-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF25K42-E/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF26K40-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF26K22-E/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.51 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF26K42-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC18 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB (32K x 16) |
| Data SRAM | 4 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 1 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 64 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 12-bit ADC2 with Computation |
| DAC | Yes (5-bit / 8-bit) |
| Comparators | Yes |
| PWM Channels | Yes (multiple) |
| DMA | Yes |
| UART | Yes |
| SPI / I2C | Yes |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended, 'E') |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18LF26K42-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 / digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 / digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 / digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 / digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 / analog / digital I/O |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 / analog / digital I/O |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 / oscillator / digital I/O |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 / oscillator / digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 / digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 / digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 / digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 / digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 / digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 / digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 / digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 / digital I/O with PPS |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8-3.6V) |
| Pin 20 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 / analog / digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 21 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 / analog / digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 22 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 / analog / digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 23 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 / analog / digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 24 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 / analog / digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 25 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 / analog / digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 26 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 / ICSPCLK / digital I/O |
| Pin 27 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 / ICSPDAT / digital I/O |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8-3.6V) |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF26K42-E/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Industrial Control & Automation, USB-to-UART Bridge Dongles, LED Lighting & Signage Controllers, Home Automation & Smart Appliances, Consumer Electronics HMI Controllers.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC18LF26K42-E/ML is ideal for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes due to its nanoWatt XLP technology with sub-1uA sleep current, IDLE/DOZE/PMD power modes that gate unused peripherals, and 1.8-3.6V operation from a single Li-ion or 2x AA cell. The 12-bit ADC2 with hardware computation (averaging, oversampling, threshold scan) reads multiple sensors autonomously via DMA, waking the CPU only when a buffer threshold is crossed - cutting active time to milliseconds per measurement cycle. With 64KB Flash and 4KB RAM, the device hosts full sensor-fusion firmware, BLE provisioning stacks, and OTA update handlers in a compact 28-QFN (6x6) package.
Recommended
Industrial Control & Automation
The PIC18LF26K42-E/ML's deterministic 64MHz PIC18 core delivers 16 MIPS throughput, vectored interrupts with prioritized context save, and PPS remapping that simplifies PCB routing of UART/SPI/I2C buses to motor drivers and PLC I/O modules. The 12-bit ADC2 with up to 35 channels handles analog sensor arrays (temperature, pressure, current) while the CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) drives half-bridge motor or solenoid stages directly. With 1KB EEPROM for parameter storage and WWDT for safety, it meets industrial reliability expectations in PLC expansion cards, conveyor controllers, and HVAC damper actuators in the -40C to +125C extended temp range.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge Dongles
The PIC18LF26K42-E/ML's dedicated UART/SPI/I2C peripherals, 64KB Flash for USB CDC class drivers, and PPS remappability make it a solid host-side MCU for USB-to-serial bridge dongles. Combined with an external USB-UART IC, the MCU serves as a protocol converter, command processor, or firmware boot loader for legacy equipment. The 4KB RAM accommodates USB endpoint buffers plus application logic, while the 12-bit ADC2 monitors supply voltage and cable IR-drop for diagnostics. The 28-QFN (6x6) keeps the dongle footprint under 36mm squared.
Recommended
LED Lighting & Signage Controllers
The PIC18LF26K42-E/ML's CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator), multi-channel PWM, and high-resolution 12-bit ADC2 suit it to addressable RGBW LED strip controllers, architectural dimmers, and digital signage pixel drivers. The DMA controller shifts color data into PWM compare registers without CPU intervention, freeing the core for DMX-512, Art-Net, or SPI-based LED protocols. At 64MHz, the MCU generates glitch-free PWM at 20kHz for flicker-free dimming, and the 1KB EEPROM stores calibration curves and fixture identity for field serviceability in commercial lighting installations.
Recommended
Home Automation & Smart Appliances
The PIC18LF26K42-E/ML fits white-good controllers, smart thermostats, and home-automation gateways that require low standby power, multi-protocol connectivity (UART/SPI/I2C), and reliable firmware in a small package. The XLP nanoWatt modes achieve sub-1uA standby with RTC active, helping appliances meet Energy Star and EU Ecodesign standby limits below 0.5W. Vectored interrupts allow rapid response to user inputs while DMA offloads background communication with Wi-Fi or Sub-GHz radio modules. The 1.8-3.6V range simplifies direct Li-ion or USB-powered designs.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics HMI Controllers
The PIC18LF26K42-E/ML's 12-bit ADC2 with touch sensing capability, multi-channel PWM for backlight and motor control, and PPS flexibility make it suitable for HMI front panels in coffee machines, microwave ovens, and audio equipment. The vectored interrupt controller handles capacitive touch button scanning, rotary encoder input, and display SPI updates deterministically. With 64KB Flash, designers embed full graphics protocols, multilingual UI strings, and sound-effect WAV samples in a compact 28-QFN package that fits behind a touch panel.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF26K42-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F26K42-E/ML | PIC18LF26K42-I/ML | PIC18LF25K42-E/ML | PIC18LF26K40-I/ML | PIC18LF26K22-E/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB |
| RAM | 4 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB | 2 KB | 3.8 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 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 3.6 V |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz | 64 MHz |
| ADC | 12-bit ADC2 | 12-bit ADC2 | 12-bit ADC2 | 12-bit ADC2 | 10-bit ADC | 10-bit ADC |
| DMA Controller | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
Key Differentiators
- 12-bit ADC2 with Computation vs 10-bit ADC on K40 family (vs PIC18LF26K40-I/ML)
- DMA Controller offloads CPU during peripheral transfers (vs PIC18LF26K22-E/ML)
- Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible PCB routing (vs PIC18LF26K22-E/ML)
- 1.8V minimum VDD vs 2.3V on F variants (vs PIC18F26K42-E/ML)
Design Notes
The PIC18LF26K42-E/ML achieves sub-1uA standby current in Sleep mode with RTC running and PMD bits configured to disable unused peripherals. Decouple VDD with a 100nF ceramic cap placed within 3mm of the package pin and a bulk 10uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor. The exposed thermal pad (EP) on the 28-QFN must be soldered to a ground copper pour to provide thermal dissipation and a low-impedance ground return - omitting the EP solder connection may cause ESD latch-up under high-current switching loads on adjacent pins.
Use the PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) feature to route digital peripherals (UART, SPI, I2C, PWM) to convenient I/O pins, simplifying PCB layout. However, PPS registers must be unlocked via PPSLOCK before configuration writes and locked afterward to prevent accidental runtime remapping. Reserve analog-capable pins (RA0-RA5, RB0-RB5) for ADC/comparator inputs and avoid assigning digital outputs to them when analog readings are active - cross-coupling can degrade ADC2 accuracy by 1-2 LSB.
Configuration bits (FOSC, WDTE, LVP, etc.) must be set correctly in the source code or programming tool before locking the firmware - a wrong FOSC setting can prevent oscillator startup and brick the part. The ICSP pins (RB6/RB7) must not be tied directly to external pull-ups stronger than 10kohm, as this can interfere with in-circuit programming. Always check the silicon errata (DS80000796 or equivalent) for the specific device revision before committing to a peripheral feature in production firmware.
The 12-bit ADC2 achieves datasheet accuracy only with proper PCB layout: keep analog traces short, surround the analog ground with a guard ring tied to AVSS, and place the analog reference capacitor (0.1uF-1uF) within 5mm of the VREF+ pin. Avoid switching digital signals on adjacent pins to analog channels during ADC2 conversions - this can inject 1-2 LSB of noise. Use the ADC2 hardware computation modes (averaging, oversampling) to improve effective resolution by 1-2 bits in noisy environments.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page; lead-free and halogen-free. Standard 'E' temperature grade (-40C to +125C) is not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive, choose the PIC18F26K42-E/MLVAO or PIC18F26K42T-I/MLVAO qualified variants.
