PIC18LF448-I/L - 8-bit 40MHz MCU 16KB Flash 44-PLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF448-I/L ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.92 | $8.92 |
| 10 | $8.21 | $82.10 |
| 100 | $7.4 | $740.00 |
| 500 | $6.72 | $3,360.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.1 | $6,100.00 |
PIC18LF448-I/L Overview
A PIC microcontroller (Peripheral Interface Controller) is a Harvard-architecture RISC MCU family originally developed by Microchip. Within that taxonomy, the PIC18F line is the high-performance 8-bit tier (16-bit instruction word, 8-bit data path) that adds hardware multiply, C-compiler-friendly architecture, and on-chip peripherals such as CAN, USB, and ADC. The PIC18LF448 sits in the sub-family with on-board CAN 2.0B, making it a fit point between the basic PIC18F442 and the higher-pin PIC18F458.
Key features include 34 digital I/O pins, an internal 10-bit ADC, two analog comparators, a CAN 2.0B controller, two USART modules, a Master SSP (SPI/I2C), three timers and a 10-bit PWM module with capture/compare. Brown-out Reset (BOR), Low-Voltage Detect (LVD), Power-On Reset (POR) and a Watchdog Timer (WDT) give the part fault-recovery capability suitable for industrial control loops and automotive body electronics.
Architecturally, the PIC18LF448 uses a 16-bit instruction path with an 8-bit data bus, 32-level hardware stack, and 8 x 8 hardware multiplier, allowing efficient C code generation. The LF core runs at 10 MHz at 2.0V and 40 MHz at 5V, and the in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) interface permits field firmware updates through just two pins.
Typical applications include CAN-node automotive body modules, HVAC fan controllers, industrial sensor hubs, small motor-control boards and low-power instrumentation nodes. The combination of on-chip CAN, EEPROM and PLCC through-hole package makes the part a long-life-cycle fit for industrial backplanes.
When designing, ensure the CAN bus uses proper 120-ohm termination at each end, place a 100 nF decoupling cap close to each VDD/VSS pair, and keep oscillator traces short. The LF silicon tolerates 2.0V to 5.5V, so a single LDO can power both MCU and 5V sensors. This page combines distributor pricing, drop-in alternative cross-references, and PCB design guidance not bundled in the datasheet PDF.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF448-I/L — 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 PIC18LF448-I/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Mounting Type, Operating Temperature, Package, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18LF448-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F448-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F448A-I/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF458-I/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF442-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.28 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF448-I/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Family | PIC18F |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB (8K x 16 instructions) |
| Data SRAM | 768 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 34 |
| Timers | 4 (Timer0/1/2/3) |
| Communication | CAN 2.0B, 2x USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Comparators | 2 analog comparators |
| Package | 44-pin PLCC (16.59 x 16.59 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (J-Lead) |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18LF448-I/L Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (Reset) input, active-low |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input 2 / DAC negative reference |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input 3 / DAC positive reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input 4 / SPI Slave Select |
| Pin 8 | RE0/RD/AN5 — PORTE bit 0 / Parallel port read / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 9 | RE1/WR/AN6 — PORTE bit 1 / Parallel port write / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 10 | RE2/CS/AN7 — PORTE bit 2 / Parallel port chip select / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKI — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKO — Crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 15 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 16 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture Compare PWM 1 |
| Pin 18 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 19 | RD0/PSP0/C1IN+ — PORTD bit 0 / Parallel Slave Port data bit / Comparator 1 non-inverting input |
| Pin 20 | RD1/PSP1/C1IN- — PORTD bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port data bit / Comparator 1 inverting input |
| Pin 21 | RD2/PSP2/C2IN+ — PORTD bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port data bit / Comparator 2 non-inverting input |
| Pin 22 | RD3/PSP3/C2IN- — PORTD bit 3 / Parallel Slave Port data bit / Comparator 2 inverting input |
| Pin 23 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 24 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 25 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART asynchronous transmit / USART synchronous clock |
| Pin 26 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART asynchronous receive / USART synchronous data |
| Pin 27 | RD4/PSP4 — PORTD bit 4 / Parallel Slave Port data bit |
| Pin 28 | RD5/PSP5/P1B — PORTD bit 5 / Parallel Slave Port data bit / PWM output 1B |
| Pin 29 | RD6/PSP6/P1C — PORTD bit 6 / Parallel Slave Port data bit / PWM output 1C |
| Pin 30 | RD7/PSP7/P1D — PORTD bit 7 / Parallel Slave Port data bit / PWM output 1D |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 33 | RB0/INT0/FLT0 — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt 0 / PWM fault input |
| Pin 34 | RB1/INT1 — PORTB bit 1 / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 35 | RB2/INT2/CANTX — PORTB bit 2 / External interrupt 2 / CAN bus transmit |
| Pin 36 | RB3/INT3/CANRX — PORTB bit 3 / External interrupt 3 / CAN bus receive |
| Pin 37 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 38 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 39 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 40 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 41 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 42 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 43 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF448-I/L is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive CAN Node Body Electronics, Industrial HVAC Fan Controller, Sensor Hub with CAN Bus Aggregation, Small Motor Control Board, Low-Power Instrumentation Node, Industrial Backplane PLCC Module.
Automotive CAN Node Body Electronics
The PIC18LF448-I/L's integrated CAN 2.0B controller supports up to 1 Mbps bit rates, ideal for body-control modules on CAN bus networks. Its 2.0V-5.5V LF supply lets the MCU share a single LDO with 3.3V sensors, while 16 KB of flash covers typical door/seat/lighting logic. Decoupling 100 nF on each VDD pin and a 120-ohm CAN termination keep the bus EMI-compliant.
Recommended
Industrial HVAC Fan Controller
Industrial HVAC controllers benefit from the PIC18LF448-I/L's hardware PWM (10-bit, 2 channels), 10-bit ADC for temperature feedback, and industrial -40C to +85C rating. With 16 KB flash and 768 B SRAM, the MCU can run a closed-loop PID in C while driving TRIAC or IGBT motor drivers via PWM. The 44-pin PLCC through-hole package survives high-vibration environments better than fine-pitch SMD alternatives.
Recommended
Sensor Hub with CAN Bus Aggregation
For aggregating multiple analog/digital sensors onto a CAN bus, the PIC18LF448-I/L offers 34 digital I/O lines plus its 10-bit ADC and MSSP (SPI/I2C) for connecting external sensors. The 256-byte EEPROM allows per-node calibration storage. The LF voltage range lets a single rail power 3.3V sensors and 5V actuators while the MCU arbitrates CAN traffic with built-in acceptance filters.
Recommended
Small Motor Control Board
Stepper and BLDC motor control leverages the PIC18LF448-I/L's three timers, 2-channel 10-bit PWM, and quadrature encoder inputs on the IOC ports. With 40 MHz CPU throughput the part can execute field-oriented control loops up to a few kHz, and the LF silicon runs from 2.0V allowing single-cell Li-ion packs. The PLCC socket footprint enables field-replaceable modules on the production line.
Recommended
Low-Power Instrumentation Node
Battery-powered instrumentation nodes take advantage of the PIC18LF448-I/L's 2.0V minimum VDD, allowing two AA cells or a single Li-ion cell. The integrated USART plus MSSP enables wired or wireless link layers via low-power RF transceivers, and the BOR/LVD/POR/WDT safety chain provides graceful brown-out recovery for unattended sensor installations.
Recommended
Industrial Backplane PLCC Module
PLCC through-hole sockets remain popular in industrial backplanes where field-replaceable modules reduce MTTR. The PIC18LF448-I/L's 44-pin PLCC can be inserted in a low-cost IC socket, and its CAN or USART ports bridge to the backplane bus. With 100K flash endurance and -40C to +85C industrial rating, the part supports decades-long industrial lifetimes typical of building automation and process control.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF448-I/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18LF448-I/PT | PIC18F448-I/L | PIC18F448A-I/L | PIC18LF458-I/L | PIC18LF442-I/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-pin PLCC (16.59 x 16.59 mm) | 44-pin TQFP (SMD) | 44-pin PLCC - same | 44-pin PLCC - same | 44-pin PLCC - same | 44-pin PLCC - same |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB |
| SRAM | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 1536 bytes | 768 bytes |
| CAN Controller | Yes (CAN 2.0B) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 4.2V to 5.5V | 4.2V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated CAN 2.0B controller in a 44-pin PLCC footprint (vs PIC18LF442-I/L)
- Wide 2.0V to 5.5V LF voltage range versus standard 4.2V to 5.5V F-range parts (vs PIC18F448-I/L)
- Drop-in pin compatibility with both PLCC through-hole and TQFP SMD packages (vs PIC18LF448-I/PT)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pair (pins 11/12 and 31/32) and a single bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic at the package entry. The LF silicon draws approximately 16 mA at 40 MHz/5V, so a 100 mA LDO is sufficient; for battery applications pair with an MCP1700 LDO for sub-microamp quiescent current.
Keep the crystal traces between pins 13 (OSC1) and 14 (OSC2) short and symmetric. Guard the crystal with a ground ring and avoid routing signal traces under it. For CAN pins 35 (CANTX) and 36 (CANRX), route a differential pair to the MCP2551 transceiver with 120-ohm characteristic impedance and place the 120-ohm termination resistor within 10 mm of each bus end.
Configuration bits must be programmed to enable the internal oscillator or to specify the external clock range - leaving them at the default (HS oscillator) on the LF variant can prevent startup below 2.0V. Also verify the BOR is enabled for the application supply range; the LF silicon supports BOR voltages down to 2.0V but requires the LBOR fuse correctly set.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance per Microchip product page. The 'I' industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) is rated for industrial environments but is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for AEC-Q100 automotive use, choose the PIC18F458 or PIC18F448A with 'E' extended temperature grade.
