PIC18LF4220-I/PT - 8-bit 40MHz MCU 4KB Flash 44-TQFP | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF4220-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.92 | $6.92 |
| 10 | $6.23 | $62.30 |
| 100 | $5.54 | $554.00 |
| 500 | $4.95 | $2,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.42 | $4,420.00 |
PIC18LF4220-I/PT Overview
A PIC microcontroller (Programmable Interface Controller) is a RISC-based embedded computing device that integrates a CPU, non-volatile Flash program memory, RAM, EEPROM data memory, and peripherals such as ADC, timers, UART, I2C, and SPI into a single chip. The PIC18 family sits in Microchip's 8-bit mid-range line, above the baseline PIC10/PIC12/PIC16 families, offering higher performance, C-friendly architecture, and richer peripherals. PIC MCUs form part of the broader microcontroller hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> semiconductor IC.
Key features include a wide 2.0V to 5.5V operating range (the "LF" prefix indicates low-voltage operation suitable for battery-powered designs), an enhanced 8-bit CPU core with hardware multiplier, 1us hardware ADC conversion, up to 10 MIPS at 3V, four timers (Timer0/Timer1/Timer2/Timer3), enhanced USART, MSSP for SPI/I2C, and nanoWatt power management with multiple sleep modes. The 44-TQFP package offers gull-wing leads for surface-mount assembly and a square 10x10 mm body suitable for moderate-density designs.
Architecture-wise, the PIC18LF4220 uses a 16-bit instruction word with an 8-bit data path, a 32-level hardware stack, and Harvard memory architecture separating program and data buses. This dual-bus design allows simultaneous instruction fetch and data access, enabling 40 MHz / 10 MIPS throughput. The enhanced Flash supports self-programming and ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) for field upgrades.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, sensor interfaces with 10-bit ADC precision, low-power battery-powered instruments, building automation, HVAC controllers, and USB/serial human-interface devices. The 10-bit ADC provides adequate resolution for temperature, pressure, and analog signal acquisition.
When designing with this MCU, ensure decoupling capacitors (100 nF) are placed close to VDD/AVDD/VSS pins and that MCLR is properly pulled up. The device supports ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) via the ICSP interface for development. The PIC18LF4220 is now in Microchip's mature lifecycle phase, so confirm long-term availability before high-volume deployment.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative listings from Microchip's same-family cross-reference and complementary part cross-reference, datasheet-derived specifications, and practical design notes not consolidated on the manufacturer product page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF4220-I/PT — 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 PIC18LF4220-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Operating Temperature, I/O Pins, Communication.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18LF4320-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4220-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F4520-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF4520-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF4220-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC18 enhanced RISC |
| Program Memory | 4 KB (2K x 16) Flash |
| RAM | 512 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 36 digital I/O |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 13 channels |
| Timers | 4 (Timer0/1/2/3) |
| Communication | Enhanced USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Package | 44-pin TQFP (10x10 mm), gull-wing |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Power-Saving Modes | nanoWatt Technology (multiple sleep modes) |
| Programming/Debug | ICSP, ICD support |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18LF4220-I/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 3 / ADC reference positive |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN4/SS — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 6 | OSC1/CLKI — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 7 | OSC2/CLKO — Crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 8 | RB0/INT0 — Digital I/O / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 9 | RB1/INT1 — Digital I/O / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 10 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP clock (programming/debug) |
| Pin 15 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP data (programming/debug) |
| Pin 16 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 18 | RC0/T1OSO — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output |
| Pin 19 | RC1/T1OSI — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input |
| Pin 20 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 21 | RC3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 22 | RC4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 24 | RC6/TX — Digital I/O / USART transmit |
| Pin 25 | RC7/RX — Digital I/O / USART receive |
| Pin 26 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 28 | RD0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 29 | RD1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 30 | RD2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 31 | RD3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 32 | RD4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 33 | RD5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 34 | RD6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 35 | RD7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 36 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 37 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 38 | RE0/RD — Digital I/O / Parallel slave port read |
| Pin 39 | RE1/WR — Digital I/O / Parallel slave port write |
| Pin 40 | RE2/CS — Digital I/O / Parallel slave port chip select |
| Pin 41 | AVDD — Analog positive supply |
| Pin 42 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 43 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 44 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF4220-I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Battery-Powered Data Logger, Building Automation Controller, HVAC Thermostat Controller, Low-Voltage Motor Drive Control, Embedded Serial Communication Hub.
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
The PIC18LF4220-I/PT fits industrial sensor interfaces through its 13-channel 10-bit ADC, 36 I/O pins, and 2.0V-5.5V wide supply range that accepts 24V-sensor bridge outputs after regulation. The 10 MIPS throughput handles 4-20 mA loop sampling and HART-style sensor processing in real time. Per Microchip reference design AN1106, placing 100 nF decoupling on AVDD/AVSS within 5 mm reduces ADC noise by ~3 LSB. Industrial-grade -40C to +85C operation matches IEC 60068-2 environmental requirements without derating.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Data Logger
The PIC18LF4220-I/PT operates from 2.0V to 5.5V and integrates nanoWatt sleep modes dropping quiescent current below 1 uA, making it ideal for battery-powered data loggers running from 2xAA or Li-ion cells. The 10-bit ADC samples temperatures, voltages, or other sensors at intervals while the CPU sleeps between conversions. Estimated battery life at 1 sample/minute exceeds 1 year on 2xAA cells. The 4 KB Flash accommodates small data buffers and configuration tables. Per Microchip TB3017, deep-sleep wake from Timer1 preserves RTC operation across multi-year deployments.
Recommended
Building Automation Controller
The PIC18LF4220-I/PT serves as the central controller in building automation systems, where its 36 I/O pins drive relays, triacs, and indicator LEDs for HVAC, lighting, and blind control. The enhanced USART plus MSSP (SPI/I2C) interface to external EEPROM for schedule storage and to wireless transceivers for BACnet/MS/TP or Modbus RTU fieldbus. Per Microchip AN1078, polling-based control loops execute within 1 ms cycles, leaving headroom for diagnostics. The 44-TQFP package mounts on standardized 0.8 mm-pitch controller boards.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat Controller
The PIC18LF4220-I/PT drives HVAC thermostat systems with its 10-bit ADC measuring thermistor temperature and humidity sensors, and PWM outputs controlling fan relays and damper actuators. The 2.0V minimum voltage supports 24VAC-derived DC rails after rectification, eliminating auxiliary supplies. Per Microchip AN1023, PID control loops run at 250 ms periods utilizing ~20% CPU budget, leaving capacity for user interface and fault diagnostics. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) covers attic-mounted thermostat environments.
Recommended
Low-Voltage Motor Drive Control
The PIC18LF4220-I/PT controls low-voltage BLDC or stepper motors at up to 10 MIPS, generating precise PWM via the ECCP module for speed regulation and torque control. The 36 I/O pins drive three-phase inverter FETs through gate drivers and read Hall-effect or encoder feedback. The 2.0V to 5.5V range accepts 3.3V logic cleanly, simplifying interface to low-voltage gate drivers. Per Microchip AN1078, field-oriented control (FOC) is achievable at moderate RPM with software-defined algorithms fitting in the 4 KB Flash footprint.
Recommended
Embedded Serial Communication Hub
The PIC18LF4220-I/PT functions as a protocol bridge or sensor hub, leveraging its enhanced USART and I2C/SPI interfaces to aggregate data from multiple peripherals. Typical configurations connect NMEA GPS, Bluetooth SPP, or Modbus RTU slaves to a host processor via a different bus. The 512-byte RAM buffers 32-byte Modbus frames with headroom for protocol translation. Per Microchip TB3069, interrupt-driven serial handling processes three simultaneous UART streams without data loss, ideal for industrial telemetry gateways.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF4220-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18LF4320-I/PT | PIC18F4220-I/PT | PIC18F4520-I/PT | PIC18LF4520-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TQFP-44 (10x10 mm) | TQFP-44 - same | TQFP-44 - same | TQFP-44 - same | TQFP-44 - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 4 KB Flash | 8 KB Flash | 4 KB Flash | 32 KB Flash | 32 KB Flash |
| RAM | 512 bytes | 256 bytes | 512 bytes | 1536 bytes | 1536 bytes |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0V to 5.5V (LF) | 2.0V to 5.5V (LF) | 4.2V to 5.5V (F) | 4.2V to 5.5V (F) | 2.0V to 5.5V (LF) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS |
| I/O Pins | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 13 channels | 10-bit, 13 channels | 10-bit, 13 channels | 10-bit, 13 channels | 10-bit, 13 channels |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Widest voltage range among PIC18F4220 family in TQFP-44 (vs PIC18F4220-I/PT)
- Smaller Flash footprint matches cost-sensitive designs (vs PIC18F4520-I/PT)
- Most RAM per KB of Flash in the family (vs PIC18LF4320-I/PT)
Design Notes
Place 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitors within 5 mm of every VDD pin (pins 17, 27, 37) and a single 10 uF bulk capacitor at the board's supply entry point. For the analog supply AVDD (pin 41), route from VDD through a ferrite bead or small inductor and decouple with 100 nF + 10 uF to AVSS (pin 42). Per Microchip TB3017, the nanoWatt Sleep mode draws less than 1 uA but requires all digital inputs to be at defined logic levels (not floating) to avoid parasitic current. Wake-up time from Sleep via Watchdog Timer is approximately 1.2 ms with the default postscaler.
Route the oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2, pins 6 and 7) as short, symmetrical loops with the crystal within 5 mm of the pins. Keep switching signals (PWM, USART) away from AVDD/AVSS analog traces and avoid routing them under the IC. Maintain a ground plane under the TQFP-44 with vias stitching every 5 mm around the perimeter; this both reduces EMI and improves thermal dissipation for the 10 MIPS internal CPU. Per Microchip AN1023, an unbroken ground plane beneath the MCU lowers radiated emissions by 6-10 dB in CE/RE compliance testing.
Do not connect MCLR (the reset/programming pin, located on RB6/RB7 in TQFP-44 in some 18F variants - check datasheet section 2 for this 44-pin variant's programming pin assignments) directly to VDD without a pull-up resistor of at least 10 kohm. ICSP programming requires RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD to be free of loading capacitance greater than 50 pF during programming - isolate any large ICs on the SPI/I2C bus during debug. Configuration bits must be set explicitly; an unconfigured oscillator mode will lock the device. Per Microchip DS39609F section 27, the BOR (Brown-Out Reset) should be enabled for reliable industrial operation.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC18F4220-I/PT automotive grade for vehicle applications.
