PIC18LF4480-I/ML - 8-bit MCU 16KB Flash ECAN 44-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF4480-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.2 | $7.20 |
| 10 | $6.55 | $65.50 |
| 100 | $5.88 | $588.00 |
| 500 | $5.3 | $2,650.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.78 | $4,780.00 |
PIC18LF4480-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, integrating a CPU core, program and data memory, digital I/O, and a set of on-chip peripherals such as timers, ADC, and communication controllers. Within the PIC taxonomy it sits as PIC18 -> 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded IC -> semiconductor. The PIC18LF4480 belongs to the PIC18F4480 family, which was designed to bring cost-effective ECAN connectivity to industrial and automotive CAN nodes while keeping the developer-friendly PIC18 instruction set.
Key features include 16 KB Flash program memory with self-programmability, 768 bytes SRAM, 256 bytes EEPROM, an Enhanced CAN module supporting CAN 2.0B, a 10-bit ADC with up to 11 channels, two Enhanced USART modules, one MSSP (SPI/I2C) module, and nanoWatt power-saving modes that drop Iq to below 1 uA in sleep. The part supports an internal 8 MHz oscillator and an external clock up to 40 MHz, yielding 10 MIPS execution.
Typical applications include CAN nodes on the CAN bus, automotive CAN nodes with body/comfort/chassis networking, industrial CAN nodes in PLCs, sensor and actuator networks using ECAN. The wide operating voltage and industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) also suit process-control and building-automation CAN nodes.
When designing with this device, ensure your programmer/debugger supports the ICSP interface and that you budget for the 44-QFN thermal pad soldering to the PCB ground plane for proper heat sinking and electrical reference.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF4480-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 PIC18LF4480-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Timers, ADC, MSL Level.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F4480-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF4480T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF4580-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF46K80T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F4580-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF4480-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC18 (8-bit RISC) |
| Program Memory | 16 KB Flash |
| RAM | 768 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Typical Operating Voltages | 2.5 V / 3.3 V / 5 V |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) |
| I/O Pins | 36 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 11 channels |
| CAN | 1x Enhanced CAN (ECAN, CAN 2.0B) |
| UART | 2x Enhanced USART |
| SPI / I2C | 1x MSSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Timers | 4 (Timer0/1/2/3) |
| Package | 44-pin QFN (ML) with exposed pad |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Halogen-Free | Yes / Yes |
PIC18LF4480-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / ADC input channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / ADC input channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Port A bit 2 / ADC input / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Port A bit 3 / ADC input / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN4/SS — Port A bit 5 / ADC input / SPI slave select |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 / oscillator pin |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 / oscillator pin |
| Pin 9 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | Vdd — Positive supply (2.0-5.5V) |
| Pin 11 | RB0/INT0 — Port B bit 0 / external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 12 | RB1/INT1 — Port B bit 1 / external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 13 | RB2/INT2 — Port B bit 2 / external interrupt 2 |
| Pin 14 | RB3/CCP2 — Port B bit 3 / CCP2 PWM/capture |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | RB6/ICSPCLK — Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 18 | RB7/ICSPDAT — Port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 19 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | Vdd — Positive supply (2.0-5.5V) |
| Pin 21 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Port C bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator out / clock in |
| Pin 22 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Port C bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator in / CCP2 |
| Pin 23 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / CCP1 PWM/capture |
| Pin 24 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Port C bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 25 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Port C bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 26 | RC5/SDO — Port C bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 27 | RC6/TX1/CK1 — Port C bit 6 / USART1 TX / clock |
| Pin 28 | RC7/RX1/DT1 — Port C bit 7 / USART1 RX / data |
| Pin 29 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 30 | Vdd — Positive supply (2.0-5.5V) |
| Pin 31 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 |
| Pin 32 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 33 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 34 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 |
| Pin 35 | RD4 — Port D bit 4 |
| Pin 36 | RD5 — Port D bit 5 |
| Pin 37 | RD6 — Port D bit 6 |
| Pin 38 | RD7 — Port D bit 7 |
| Pin 39 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 40 | Vdd — Positive supply (2.0-5.5V) |
| Pin 41 | RE0/RD/AN5 — Port E bit 0 / CAN RX / ADC input |
| Pin 42 | RE1/WR/AN6 — Port E bit 1 / CAN TX / ADC input |
| Pin 43 | RE2/CS/AN7 — Port E bit 2 / CAN CS / ADC input |
| Pin 44 | RE3/MCLR — Port E bit 3 / Master Clear (reset, active-low) |
| Pin 45 | EP (Thermal Pad) — Exposed thermal pad - solder to PCB ground for thermal dissipation |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF4480-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial CAN Node, Automotive Body Electronics, Building Automation Sensor Network, Process Control and Instrumentation, Medical Device CAN Interface, Industrial Sensor and Actuator Networks.
Industrial CAN Node
The PIC18LF4480-I/ML is a classic choice for industrial CAN nodes on a CAN bus, where its integrated Enhanced CAN module implements CAN 2.0B active protocol with standard and extended identifiers. With 16 KB Flash for application logic, 768 bytes of RAM for protocol buffers, and 36 I/O for sensor/actuator interfacing, the device handles a single CAN node with adequate headroom. Operate from 3.3 V to keep noise margins clean on long CAN trunks.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
For automotive CAN nodes in body and comfort domains, the PIC18LF4480-I/ML offers ECAN connectivity, 10-bit ADC for sensor reading, and industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature range. Use it to drive seat controllers, HVAC blend doors, mirror modules, and lighting controllers where a small 44-QFN footprint saves PCB space. For under-hood or safety-critical systems, migrate to the AEC-Q100 qualified variants.
Recommended
Building Automation Sensor Network
In building automation CAN nodes (HVAC, lighting, access control), the PIC18LF4480-I/ML supports wide-Vdd operation down to 2.0 V, enabling battery-backed sensor nodes that wake on CAN traffic. The 16 KB Flash stores protocol stacks (CANopen, DeviceNet slave) plus application code, and 36 I/O handle keypads, displays, and relays. nanoWatt sleep modes drop Iq to <1 uA for energy-harvested nodes.
Recommended
Process Control and Instrumentation
For process control and instrumentation CAN nodes, the PIC18LF4480-I/ML brings deterministic 10 MIPS performance, a 10-bit ADC with up to 11 channels, and ECAN for backplane networking in PLC racks. Industrial temperature grade and wide-Vdd tolerance handle 24V industrial bus systems with simple linear regulation. The 44-QFN exposed pad aids thermal dissipation in enclosed cabinets.
Recommended
Medical Device CAN Interface
In medical device CAN nodes (patient monitors, infusion pumps, lab analyzers), the PIC18LF4480-I/ML offers a reliable 8-bit core for sensor data acquisition with ECAN backhaul to a central station. Its wide-Vdd range simplifies battery-management designs, while the 10-bit ADC is sufficient for vital-sign analog front-ends. For higher-performance signal paths, pair with external 16-bit ADCs over the MSSP SPI port.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor and Actuator Networks
The PIC18LF4480-I/ML anchors distributed CAN nodes in industrial sensor and actuator networks, where each node reads local sensors via the 10-bit ADC, drives actuators via PWM/CCP, and reports over ECAN. With 36 I/O and four 16-bit timers, a single MCU can multiplex multiple sensing channels. The exposed-pad QFN package keeps the board footprint under 7x7 mm.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF4480-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F4480-I/ML | PIC18LF4480T-I/ML | PIC18LF4580-I/ML | PIC18LF46K80T-I/ML | PIC18F4580-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-pin QFN (ML) | 44-pin QFN (ML) - same | 44-pin QFN (ML) - same | 44-pin QFN (ML) - same | 44-pin QFN (ML) - same | 44-pin QFN (ML) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 16 KB Flash | 16 KB Flash | 16 KB Flash | 32 KB Flash | 64 KB Flash | 32 KB Flash |
| RAM | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 1536 bytes | 3648 bytes | 1536 bytes |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| CAN Module | ECAN (CAN 2.0B) | ECAN (CAN 2.0B) | ECAN (CAN 2.0B) | ECAN (CAN 2.0B) | ECAN (CAN 2.0B) | ECAN (CAN 2.0B) |
| Max CPU Clock | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) |
| ADC | 10-bit, 11 channels | 10-bit, 11 channels | 10-bit, 11 channels | 10-bit, 11 channels | 12-bit, 11 channels | 10-bit, 11 channels |
| Packaging | Tube (industrial) | Tube (industrial) | Tape & Reel (industrial) | Tube (industrial) | Tape & Reel (industrial) | Tube (industrial) |
Key Differentiators
- Wide-Vdd operation down to 2.0 V vs 4.2 V on F variant (vs PIC18F4480-I/ML)
- Same 44-QFN footprint across the entire LF/F 4480/4580 family (vs PIC18LF4580-I/ML)
- Industrial temperature grade standard (no AEC-Q100) (vs PIC18F4580-I/ML)
Design Notes
The 44-pin QFN (ML) package has an exposed thermal pad (pin 45) that MUST be soldered to the PCB ground plane for both thermal dissipation and electrical reference. Use an array of thermal vias under the pad to conduct heat into inner copper layers. Inadequate soldering will cause erratic operation, overheating, and reduced ADC accuracy due to ground bounce.
Decouple every Vdd/Vss pair (pins 10/9, 20/19, 30/29, 40/39) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the pin. Add a single 10 uF bulk tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the MCU to handle peak current transients when the ECAN module and timers switch simultaneously. The 'LF' variant operates down to 2.0 V but still requires stable Vdd for ADC accuracy.
Do not confuse the PIC18LF4480 (wide-Vdd 2.0-5.5 V) with the PIC18F4480 (4.2-5.5 V) - using the F variant on a 3.3 V rail will cause undefined behavior. Also verify that your ICSP programmer (PICkit 3, MPLAB ICD 4) is configured for the correct Vdd; the 'LF' part needs the low-voltage programming entry sequence enabled in the configuration bits.
Keep the CANRX (RE0/RA5 alt) and CANTX (RE1/RA5 alt) traces short and route them away from switching converter nodes. Use a 120-ohm termination resistor at each end of the CAN bus and place the MCP2551 transceiver within 20 mm of the MCU. Implement a TVS diode (e.g., SMAJ24CA) on the bus for transient protection in industrial environments.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade only; not AEC-Q100 qualified. Use automotive-grade PIC18F4580-I/ML variants for AEC-Q100 applications.
