PIC18LF4220T-I/ML - 4KB Flash 8-bit MCU 44-VQFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF4220T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.95 | $3.95 |
| 10 | $3.55 | $35.50 |
| 100 | $3.15 | $315.00 |
| 500 | $2.78 | $1,390.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.45 | $2,450.00 |
PIC18LF4220T-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller is a RISC-based single-chip computer that integrates CPU core, Flash program memory, RAM, EEPROM, peripherals, and I/O on one die. Within the broader taxonomy it sits as a microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor -> integrated circuit. The PIC18 family specifically uses a 16-bit instruction word with 8-bit data path and a modified Harvard architecture, delivering deterministic instruction timing and an interrupt structure suitable for real-time embedded control.
Key features include 4 KB self-programmable Flash, 512 bytes SRAM, 256 bytes data EEPROM, hardware USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C), a 10-bit ADC, two 8-bit and one 16-bit timer, and nanoWatt power-saving modes (Idle, Sleep, Run modes) with on-board low-power Timer1 oscillator. The 44-VQFN exposed pad package is specified to 8x8 mm with 0.65 mm pitch for compact SMD layouts, and the -I temperature grade covers the industrial -40C to +85C range.
Typical applications include industrial sensor nodes, low-power remote controls, small appliance controllers, HVAC interface boards, battery-backed instrumentation, USB HID firmware (with companion parts), and consumer white-goods main boards. The wide voltage range and nanoWatt modes make this part attractive for energy-constrained designs.
When designing with this device, ensure the exposed thermal pad is soldered to a sufficiently large copper pour for mechanical and thermal performance; missing this connection reduces power dissipation capability and can violate the solder-joint reliability spec. The wide VDD range simplifies direct battery connection without external LDO stages.
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, drop-in replacement options, and engineering design notes drawn from manufacturer documentation, providing information not assembled on any single distributor or manufacturer page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF4220T-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 PIC18LF4220T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Operating Temperature, Communication, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18LF4320T-I/ML
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View Datasheet →PIC18LF4220-I/ML
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View Datasheet →PIC18LF4620-I/ML
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View Datasheet →PIC18LF2420T-I/ML
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$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F4220T-I/ML
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$3.64 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF2320T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF4220T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC18F |
| Core | 8-bit PIC RISC (modified Harvard) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 4 KB (2K x 16) |
| RAM | 512 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 40 MHz @ 5V |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF wide-range core) |
| Digital I/O Pins | 36 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 13 channels |
| Timers | 2x 8-bit, 1x 16-bit (Timer1/3) |
| Communication | 1x USART (EUSART), 1x MSSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Package | 44-pin VQFN with exposed thermal pad (8x8 mm, 0.65 mm pitch) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, 'I') |
| Power-Saving Features | nanoWatt Technology (Idle / Sleep / Run modes, low-power Timer1 oscillator) |
| ICSP / In-Circuit Programming | Yes (ICSP via PGC/PGD) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18LF4220T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Digital I/O / Analog input 2 / DAC negative reference |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / Analog input 3 / DAC positive reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI/RCV — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input / USART RCV |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN4/SS/HLVDIN — Digital I/O / Analog input 4 / SPI Slave Select / High/Low Voltage Detect input |
| Pin 5 | RA6/OSC2/CLKO — Digital I/O / Oscillator crystal output / Clock output |
| Pin 6 | RA7/OSC1/CLKI — Digital I/O / Oscillator crystal input / Clock input |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RB0/INT0/FLT0 — Digital I/O / External interrupt 0 / PWM Fault input |
| Pin 10 | RB1/INT1 — Digital I/O / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 11 | RB2/INT2 — Digital I/O / External interrupt 2 |
| Pin 12 | RB3/INT3/CCP2A — Digital I/O / External interrupt 3 / CCP2 channel A |
| Pin 13 | RB4/KBI0 — Digital I/O / Interrupt-on-change bit 0 |
| Pin 14 | RB5/KBI1 — Digital I/O / Interrupt-on-change bit 1 |
| Pin 15 | RB6/KBI2/PGC — Digital I/O / Interrupt-on-change bit 2 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 16 | RB7/KBI3/PGD — Digital I/O / Interrupt-on-change bit 3 / ICSP data |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | RC0/T1OSO/T13CKI — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1/Timer3 clock |
| Pin 20 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2B — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 channel B |
| Pin 21 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / CCP1 PWM/capture/compare |
| Pin 22 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Digital I/O / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 23 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 24 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 25 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / USART TX / Clock |
| Pin 26 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / USART RX / Data |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 29 | RD0/PSP0 — Digital I/O / Parallel Slave Port bit 0 |
| Pin 30 | RD1/PSP1 — Digital I/O / Parallel Slave Port bit 1 |
| Pin 31 | RD2/PSP2 — Digital I/O / Parallel Slave Port bit 2 |
| Pin 32 | RD3/PSP3 — Digital I/O / Parallel Slave Port bit 3 |
| Pin 33 | RD4/PSP4 — Digital I/O / Parallel Slave Port bit 4 |
| Pin 34 | RD5/PSP5/PMD5 — Digital I/O / Parallel Slave Port bit 5 |
| Pin 35 | RD6/PSP6/PMD6 — Digital I/O / Parallel Slave Port bit 6 |
| Pin 36 | RD7/PSP7/PMD7 — Digital I/O / Parallel Slave Port bit 7 |
| Pin 37 | RE0/RD/AN5 — Digital I/O / Read control / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 38 | RE1/WR/AN6 — Digital I/O / Write control / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 39 | RE2/CS/AN7 — Digital I/O / Chip Select / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 40 | AVDD — Analog positive supply (must be tied to VDD) |
| Pin 41 | AVSS — Analog ground (must be tied to VSS) |
| Pin 42 | MCLR/VPP/RE3 — Reset input (active low) / Programming voltage / Digital I/O |
| Pin 43 | RA0/AN0/ULPWU — Digital I/O / Analog input 0 / Ultra Low-Power Wake-up input |
| Pin 44 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 45 | EP — Exposed thermal pad - must be soldered to ground pour per datasheet |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF4220T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Industrial Control Interface Board, Small Appliance Main Board, HVAC Sensor and Interface Module, Low-Cost Remote Control Transmitter, Energy Metering Sub-Board.
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC18LF4220T-I/ML's 2.0-5.5 V VDD range and nanoWatt Technology make it ideal for battery-powered sensor nodes. Typical supply current in Sleep mode is below 100 nA, and the 10-bit ADC with up to 13 input channels can digitize temperature, battery voltage, and environmental sensors without external analog front-end. Placing the MCU in a 44-VQFN exposed-pad package on a compact SMD board enables years of operation from 2x AA cells with duty-cycled wake-on-interrupt from the integrated low-power Timer1.
Recommended
Industrial Control Interface Board
With 36 digital I/O pins, USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C), and a 10-bit ADC, the PIC18LF4220T-I/ML fits industrial control interface boards for motor drivers, valve controllers, and panel interfaces. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade handles factory floor conditions, and the wide 2.0-5.5 V supply allows direct 24V-bus-derived power with a simple linear regulator. The exposed-pad 44-VQFN package provides robust thermal dissipation for sustained I/O switching loads.
Recommended
Small Appliance Main Board
The PIC18LF4220T-I/ML is well-suited as the main controller for small appliances such as coffee makers, blenders, and washing machine sub-boards. The 4 KB Flash supports feature firmware, the 10-bit ADC reads NTC temperature sensors, and the PWM module drives TRIAC or IGBT motor stages. The 2.0-5.5 V supply accepts either rectified mains-derived 5 V or 2x AA backup for clock retention, and the 44-VQFN exposed-pad layout supports reflow soldering at high volume.
Recommended
HVAC Sensor and Interface Module
The PIC18LF4220T-I/ML's nanoWatt Technology and wide VDD range make it suitable for HVAC sensor modules that measure temperature, airflow, and humidity while running an LCD keypad interface. Its 36 I/O pins drive character LCDs, keypads, and relay coils without external logic. Industrial-grade -40C to +85C operation covers rooftop and basement installations, and the 44-VQFN exposed-pad package withstands conformal coating for humid environments.
Recommended
Low-Cost Remote Control Transmitter
For low-cost RF remote controls and IR transmitters, the PIC18LF4220T-I/ML delivers low Sleep current that preserves coin-cell battery life, while its 4 KB Flash holds custom protocol stacks. The 40 MHz CPU clock generates accurate IR carrier frequencies via PWM, and the USART drives UART-based RF modules. The 44-VQFN exposed-pad package supports miniaturized PCB designs typical of handheld transmitters, and the ICSP pins enable factory programming.
Recommended
Energy Metering Sub-Board
The PIC18LF4220T-I/ML functions as a metering sub-board MCU for single-phase energy meters, with its 10-bit ADC digitizing current and voltage shunt outputs, and USART forwarding data to a main display MCU. The 2.0-5.5 V supply operates from the meter's regulated rail, the 256-byte EEPROM stores calibration constants, and the industrial -40C to +85C grade meets outdoor enclosure requirements. The 44-VQFN package and exposed pad support compact meter form factors.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF4220T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18LF4320T-I/ML | PIC18LF4220-I/ML | PIC18LF4620-I/ML | PIC18LF2420T-I/ML | PIC18F4220T-I/ML | PIC18LF2320T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-VQFN (ML) - 8x8 mm exposed pad | 44-VQFN (ML) - same | 44-VQFN (ML) - same | 44-VQFN (ML) - same | 44-VQFN (ML) - same | 44-VQFN (ML) - same | 44-VQFN (ML) - same |
| Program Flash | 4 KB | 8 KB | 4 KB | 64 KB | 16 KB | 4 KB | 8 KB |
| RAM | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 3.6 KB | 768 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V (F core) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Max CPU Frequency | 40 MHz @ 5V | 40 MHz @ 5V | 40 MHz @ 5V | 40 MHz @ 5V | 40 MHz @ 5V | 40 MHz @ 5V | 40 MHz @ 5V |
| Digital I/O | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 23 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| nanoWatt / Low-Power | Yes (Idle/Sleep/Run) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest VDD minimum for battery-only operation in the PIC18F4220 family (vs PIC18F4220T-I/ML)
- Drop-in firmware headroom without PCB rework (vs PIC18LF4320T-I/ML)
- nanoWatt Technology for sub-microamp Sleep current (vs PIC18LF2320T-I/ML)
Design Notes
Estimated: the 44-VQFN exposed-pad package dissipates power primarily through its exposed pad (EP / pin 45). When the EP is soldered to a 1 square inch ground pour on a 2-layer FR4 board, theta_JA is typically in the 30-35 C/W range. At maximum 40 MHz operation from 5 V drawing roughly 11 mA, total power is ~55 mW and junction rise above ambient is well under 5 C. For continuous high-current GPIO switching, increasing the EP copper area to 2 square inches further reduces thermal resistance.
Place 0.1 uF ceramic bypass capacitors as close as possible to each VDD/VSS pair (pins 7/8, 17/18, 27/28) and a single 10 uF bulk capacitor near the supply pin. Keep the exposed pad continuous under the IC with multiple thermal vias to the bottom layer. The ICSP pins (RB6/PGC, RB7/PGD) should be routed to a 5-pin header with MCLR (pin 42) tied to VDD via 10 kohm pull-up for in-circuit programming and debugging.
The LF core accepts 2.0 V to 5.5 V; verify your brown-out and voltage-regulator behavior. When using Sleep mode for power savings, set all unused peripherals to off in their respective SFRs before issuing the Sleep instruction to minimize leakage. Use Timer1 with a 32.768 kHz crystal on RC0/RC1 for low-power timekeeping - the dedicated low-power Timer1 oscillator can keep the rest of the chip in Sleep while the timer keeps counting.
The exposed pad (pin 45) MUST be soldered to the PCB - omitting it causes both mechanical reliability failures and degraded thermal performance. Do not assume the LF suffix means identical silicon to the F variant; only operate at 2.0 V if the LF datasheet specifically allows it. The AVDD/AVSS pins (40/41) should be tied to VDD/VSS even if the ADC is unused, otherwise floating analog supply can cause unexpected ADC behavior.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliant per Microchip product page. Halogen-free status not stated explicitly in the verified data; set to 'unknown'.
