PIC18LF448-I/PT - 8-Bit 40MHz 16KB Flash MCU w/ CAN | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF448-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.12 | $4.12 |
| 10 | $3.85 | $38.50 |
| 100 | $3.5 | $350.00 |
| 500 | $3.2 | $1,600.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.95 | $2,950.00 |
PIC18LF448-I/PT Overview
This device belongs to the broader microcontroller (MCU) category - a programmable semiconductor that combines CPU core, memory, and peripherals in a single IC. Within that hierarchy, it sits at: MCU -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC18 family -> PIC18F sub-family -> PIC18LF448 variant. The PIC18LF448 specifically integrates a CAN 2.0B controller, distinguishing it from the PIC18F448 variant mainly through the LF (low-power) voltage operating range that supports 2.0V-5.5V operation.
Key features include 34 I/O pins, hardware CAN 2.0B module, USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C), 10-bit ADC with up to 8 channels, nanoWatt power management for low-power operation, ICD (In-Circuit Debug) support, and 100K erase/write cycle Flash endurance. The 'LF' suffix indicates the low-voltage core supporting operation down to 2.0V, ideal for battery-powered and energy-conscious designs.
Typical applications include industrial CAN bus nodes, automotive body electronics, sensor interfaces, building automation, HVAC controls, and embedded control systems requiring networked communication. The integrated CAN peripheral eliminates the need for an external CAN transceiver MCU-side controller, reducing BOM cost and PCB area.
When designing with this MCU, pay attention to the CAN bus termination (typically 120 ohm at each end of the bus) and ensure the external CAN transceiver (e.g., MCP2551 or MCP2561) is properly matched. The 40 MHz maximum oscillator frequency requires careful PCB layout for crystal placement to minimize EMI.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF448-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 PIC18LF448-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Timers, Core Architecture, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18LF458-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
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View Datasheet →PIC18LF4480T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF4458-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF4455T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$5.03 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF4450T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF4431T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF448-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 (8-bit RISC) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| RAM | 768 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 34 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 8 channels |
| CAN Module | CAN 2.0B (1 controller) |
| UART/USART | 1x USART |
| SPI/I2C (MSSP) | 1x MSSP (SPI or I2C) |
| Timers | 4 (Timer0/1/2/3) |
| Package | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18LF448-I/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — I/O port / Timer1 oscillator output |
| Pin 2 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — I/O port / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 3 | RC2/CCP1 — I/O port / CCP1 |
| Pin 4 | RC3/SCK/SCL — I/O port / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 5 | RC4/SDI/SDA — I/O port / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 6 | RC5/SDO — I/O port / SPI data out |
| Pin 7 | RC6/TX/CK — I/O port / USART TX / clock |
| Pin 8 | RC7/RX/DT — I/O port / USART RX / data |
| Pin 9 | RD0/PSP0/C1IN+ — I/O port / Parallel Slave Port / CAN RX |
| Pin 10 | RD1/PSP1/C1IN- — I/O port / PSP / comparator |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Oscillator output |
| Pin 15 | RA0/AN0 — I/O port / analog input 0 |
| Pin 16 | RA1/AN1 — I/O port / analog input 1 |
| Pin 17 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — I/O port / analog input 2 / VREF- |
| Pin 18 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — I/O port / analog input 3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 19 | RA4/T0CKI/C1OUT — I/O port / Timer0 clock / comparator out |
| Pin 20 | RA5/AN4/SS/HLVDIN — I/O port / analog / SPI SS / HLVD |
| Pin 21 | RE0/RD/AN5 — I/O port / read control / analog |
| Pin 22 | RE1/WR/AN6 — I/O port / write control / analog |
| Pin 23 | RE2/CS/AN7 — I/O port / chip select / analog |
| Pin 24 | RE3 — I/O port (digital only) |
| Pin 25 | RB0/INT0/CCP2 — I/O port / external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 26 | RB1/INT1 — I/O port / external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 27 | RB2/INT2/CANTX — I/O port / external interrupt 2 / CAN TX |
| Pin 28 | RB3/CANRX — I/O port / CAN RX |
| Pin 29 | RB4 — I/O port (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 30 | RB5/PGM — I/O port / LVP program |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 33 | RB6/PGC — I/O port / ICD clock |
| Pin 34 | RB7/PGD — I/O port / ICD data |
| Pin 35 | RD2/PSP2 — I/O port / PSP |
| Pin 36 | RD3/PSP3 — I/O port / PSP |
| Pin 37 | RD4/PSP4 — I/O port / PSP |
| Pin 38 | RD5/PSP5 — I/O port / PSP |
| Pin 39 | RD6/PSP6 — I/O port / PSP |
| Pin 40 | RD7/PSP7 — I/O port / PSP |
| Pin 41 | RC0 — I/O port (alternate) |
| Pin 42 | RC1 — I/O port (alternate) |
| Pin 43 | RC2 — I/O port (alternate) |
| Pin 44 | RC3 — I/O port (alternate) |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF448-I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial CAN Bus Nodes, Automotive Body Electronics, Building Automation & HVAC, Sensor Interface Modules, Embedded Control with Networked Communication, Medical & Diagnostic Devices.
Industrial CAN Bus Nodes
The PIC18LF448-I/PT is purpose-built for industrial CAN bus networks such as CANopen and DeviceNet slave nodes. Its integrated CAN 2.0B controller with hardware acceptance filters and message assembly buffers handles 1 Mbit/s CAN traffic without CPU intervention, freeing the 8-bit core for application logic. With 16KB Flash and 768B RAM, the MCU comfortably runs CANopen CIA 401 I/O profile stacks or DeviceNet group 2 slave firmware. The 2.0V-5.5V supply range supports 24V industrial backplanes with on-board regulation. An external MCP2551 CAN transceiver converts the on-chip CAN TX/RX differential signaling to the physical bus.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
In automotive body control modules such as door, seat, mirror, and lighting controllers, the PIC18LF448-I/PT provides networked CAN communication between ECUs at low cost. The hardware CAN peripheral handles 500 kbit/s body CAN traffic reliably, while 34 I/O pins drive LEDs, switches, and motor drivers directly. The 10-bit ADC reads sensor inputs (temperature, position, current) for diagnostics. Operating from -40C to +85C industrial temperature range, the MCU tolerates cabin and engine-bay-adjacent thermal environments. The nanoWatt power-down modes reduce quiescent current below 1 uA for key-off sleep compliance, extending battery life in parked vehicles.
Recommended
Building Automation & HVAC
The PIC18LF448-I/PT excels in building automation controllers where CAN networking interconnects thermostats, VAV dampers, fan coil units, and chiller controls. The integrated CAN controller eliminates the need for separate communication ASICs, while 16KB Flash stores BACnet or LonWorks protocol stacks for HVAC gateways. The 10-bit ADC with 8 channels reads multiple temperature sensors (NTC or digital via I2C), humidity sensors, and pressure transducers for closed-loop HVAC control. Low-voltage operation (2.0V minimum) supports 24VAC-powered systems with simple rectification, while nanoWatt modes reduce standby power below ENERGY STAR thresholds for green-building compliance.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Modules
For industrial sensor interface modules reading analog and digital field devices, the PIC18LF448-I/PT provides 8 channels of 10-bit ADC, MSSP SPI/I2C master capability, and CAN uplink to the factory network. The MCU digitizes 4-20mA current-loop sensors via a shunt resistor, then broadcasts engineering-unit values over CANopen PDOs to the PLC. With 16KB Flash and 768B RAM, the device handles sensor linearization, calibration tables, and diagnostic state machines. The 40 MHz core executes these tasks with 100 ms cycle times typical. The PIC18LF448-I/PT's 2.0V-5.5V supply range simplifies integration with 24V industrial sensors using onboard DC-DC converters.
Recommended
Embedded Control with Networked Communication
In distributed embedded control systems such as solar inverters, motor drives, and battery management slave units, the PIC18LF448-I/PT provides local intelligence plus CAN connectivity. The MCU implements PWM outputs for power-stage control, ADC for current/voltage sensing, and CAN for master-slave communication with the central controller. With 16KB Flash and 768B RAM, it accommodates control loops, protection algorithms, and CAN communication stacks. The 2.0V-5.5V supply range suits 3.3V logic systems, while the industrial -40C to +85C operating range tolerates outdoor solar and traction-motor thermal environments. NanoWatt technology enables deep-sleep modes below 100 nA for energy harvesting applications.
Recommended
Medical & Diagnostic Devices
The PIC18LF448-I/PT supports portable medical and diagnostic equipment such as handheld analyzers, patient monitors, and lab instrumentation requiring networked data logging. The hardware CAN interface connects to bedside monitors and central stations for continuous vital-sign data transmission. With 16KB Flash, the MCU stores communication stacks, calibration constants, and patient-specific profiles. The 10-bit ADC reads sensor signals from pulse oximeters, temperature probes, and ECGs with adequate resolution for clinical diagnostics. Operating from 2.0V to 5.5V, the device supports both line-powered and battery-powered medical devices. NanoWatt sleep modes extend battery life in portable diagnostic equipment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF448-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18LF458-I/PT | PIC18LF4480T-I/PT | PIC18LF4458-I/PT | PIC18LF4455T-I/PT | PIC18LF4450T-I/PT | PIC18LF4431T-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-TQFP (10x10 mm) | 44-TQFP - same | 44-TQFP - same | 44-TQFP - same | 44-TQFP - same | 44-TQFP - same | 44-TQFP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 24 KB | 32 KB | 8 KB |
| RAM | 768 bytes | 1536 bytes | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 2048 bytes | 2048 bytes | 768 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 40 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V |
| Integrated Peripheral | CAN 2.0B | CAN 2.0B | CAN 2.0B + enhanced ADC | USB 2.0 FS OTG | USB 2.0 FS OTG | USB 2.0 FS OTG | CAN 2.0B |
| I/O Pins | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage 2.0V operation for battery-powered designs (vs PIC18F448-I/PT)
- Drop-in memory upgrade to PIC18LF458-I/PT (vs PIC18LF458-I/PT)
- Hardware CAN 2.0B with acceptance filters (vs PIC18LF4458-I/PT)
Design Notes
Place the external crystal (typically 10 MHz or 20 MHz) within 1 cm of pins 13 (OSC1) and 14 (OSC2) to minimize parasitic capacitance and EMI. Use a grounded guard ring around the crystal traces and keep high-speed digital signals (CAN TX/RX, SPI) away from the oscillator area. Decoupling capacitors (100 nF ceramic) should be placed within 3 mm of each VDD pin (11 and 32).
The PIC18LF448-I/PT CAN peripheral requires an external transceiver such as MCP2551 or MCP2561 - the on-chip CAN controller only handles the protocol layer, not physical bus signaling. Do not connect CAN TX/RX pins directly to the bus. Also, configure the CONFIG words for the correct oscillator mode (HS, XT, or internal RC) before programming, as incorrect settings can lock the device.
For CAN bus networks, place 120 ohm termination resistors at both ends of the bus (NOT at every node). Keep CAN bus traces short, matched in length, and routed as a differential pair with 100 ohm characteristic impedance. Avoid routing CAN signals near noisy switching power converters; use ground planes and vias stitching to maintain signal integrity at 1 Mbit/s.
Compliance Information
Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose automotive grade variants for automotive safety applications.