PIC18LF448T-I/PT - 8-bit 40MHz MCU 16KB Flash CAN 44-TQFP | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF448T-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.55 | $8.55 |
| 10 | $7.65 | $76.50 |
| 100 | $6.78 | $678.00 |
| 500 | $5.97 | $2,985.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.32 | $5,320.00 |
PIC18LF448T-I/PT Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data-path CPU, on-chip program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (SRAM), and a rich set of peripherals (timers, ADC, communication interfaces, GPIO). PIC18F-series MCUs sit at the upper end of Microchip's 8-bit portfolio, offering an enhanced RISC instruction set, hardware multiplier, priority-interrupt controller, and up to 16 MIPS performance at 40MHz. This places the PIC18LF448T-I/PT within the broader hierarchy: microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC18F family -> CAN-enabled automotive/industrial MCU -> embedded control semiconductor.
Key features include 16KB (8K x 16) Flash program memory, 256 bytes of EEPROM data memory, an integrated ECAN module, master I2C, SPI, and an addressable USART. The 10-bit ADC provides 8 input channels with 100K samples-per-second conversion rate, while four timer modules (Timer0/1/2/3) support capture, compare, and PWM operation. The NanoWatt power-management technology provides multiple idle and sleep modes that draw microampere-level currents for battery-backed and energy-harvesting designs.
Architecturally, the PIC18LF448T-I/PT uses a 16-bit-wide instruction word with an 8-bit data path, a hardware multiply unit, and a vectored interrupt controller. The Harvard architecture separates program and data buses, allowing simultaneous fetch and read/write. The integrated CAN module implements the CAN 2.0B active specification with three transmit and two receive buffers plus maskable filters - a feature uncommon in 8-bit MCUs and the primary reason this family was specified into automotive body, industrial sensor, and building-automation networks.
Typical applications include CAN node endpoints in automotive body and chassis networks, industrial sensor hubs, building-automation gateways, HVAC control boards, and low-cost motor-control subsystems. The wide 2.0V-5.5V operating range and integrated 5V-tolerant digital inputs make the part compatible with both 3.3V and 5V system rails without external level shifters.
When designing with this device, allocate the 44-pin TQFP land pattern carefully: the pinout exposes VDD/VSS pairs at multiple positions that must each be decoupled with a 100nF ceramic cap placed within 3mm of the respective pin. For CAN bus designs, a 120 ohm termination resistor and a CAN transceiver such as the MCP2551 or TJA1050 are mandatory between the MCU's CANRX/CANTX pins and the bus.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet - information the Microchip datasheet alone does not provide for procurement and second-source decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF448T-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 PIC18LF448T-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature, Package, Core, CAN Module.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18LF448-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF458-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF458T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F448T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F448-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F458-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F458T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF448T-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18F, 8-bit RISC, 16-bit instruction word |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| Data SRAM | 768 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 34 digital I/O (5V tolerant on digital inputs) |
| ADC | 10-bit, 8 channels, up to 100 ksps |
| CAN Module | ECAN 2.0B active, 3 TX / 2 RX buffers |
| Communication Interfaces | 1x I2C (master), 1x SPI, 1x USART (addressable) |
| Timers | Timer0/1/2/3 (capture/compare/PWM) |
| PWM Outputs | Up to 4 channels (10-bit resolution) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial grade) |
| Package | 44-pin TQFP (PT), 10 x 10 x 1 mm body |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount, tape and reel (T suffix) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18LF448T-I/PT 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 / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| 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 / Read control for parallel slave port / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 9 | RE1/WR/AN6 — PORTE bit 1 / Write control for parallel slave port / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 10 | RE2/CS/AN7 — PORTE bit 2 / Chip select for parallel slave port / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V-5.5V) |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 15 | RC0/T1OSO/T13CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1/Timer3 clock input |
| Pin 16 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / Capture-Compare-PWM 2 |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 output |
| Pin 18 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 19 | RD0/PSP0 — PORTD bit 0 / Parallel Slave Port data bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | RD1/PSP1 — PORTD bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port data bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RD2/PSP2 — PORTD bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port data bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RD3/PSP3 — PORTD bit 3 / Parallel Slave Port data bit 3 |
| 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 async transmit / USART sync clock |
| Pin 26 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART async receive / USART sync data |
| Pin 27 | RD4/PSP4 — PORTD bit 4 / Parallel Slave Port data bit 4 |
| Pin 28 | RD5/PSP5 — PORTD bit 5 / Parallel Slave Port data bit 5 |
| Pin 29 | RD6/PSP6 — PORTD bit 6 / Parallel Slave Port data bit 6 |
| Pin 30 | RD7/PSP7 — PORTD bit 7 / Parallel Slave Port data bit 7 |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V-5.5V) |
| Pin 33 | RB0/INT0 — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 34 | RB1/INT1 — PORTB bit 1 / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 35 | RB2/INT2 — PORTB bit 2 / External interrupt 2 |
| Pin 36 | RB3/INT3 — PORTB bit 3 / External interrupt 3 / PGM (low-voltage ICSP) |
| Pin 37 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 / IOC (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 38 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 / IOC (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 39 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / IOC / ICSP clock (programming) |
| Pin 40 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / IOC / ICSP data (programming) |
| Pin 41 | CANTX — CAN bus transmit output to external transceiver |
| Pin 42 | CANRX — CAN bus receive input from external transceiver |
| Pin 43 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF448T-I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive CAN Body-Control Node, Industrial Sensor Hub, Building Automation Gateway, HVAC Control Board, Low-Cost Motor Control Subsystem, Medical Device Sensor Interface.
Automotive CAN Body-Control Node
The PIC18LF448T-I/PT's integrated ECAN 2.0B module makes it a natural fit for CAN node endpoints in automotive body and chassis networks such as door modules, seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and lighting ECUs. The device's 5V-tolerant digital inputs can directly drive 5V relays and LEDs without external level shifters, while its 2.0V-5.5V supply range supports key-off loads running from backup batteries. With 16KB Flash and 768 bytes of RAM, it comfortably fits a CANopen or J1939 lightweight stack plus application logic. Connect the CANTX/CANRX pins to a high-speed transceiver such as the MCP2551 or TJA1050, with 120 ohm termination at the bus ends.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Hub
The PIC18LF448T-I/PT serves as a low-cost aggregator for industrial sensors requiring digital I/O, a 10-bit ADC, and CAN backhaul to a PLC or SCADA system. The 8-channel 10-bit ADC can sample 4-20 mA loop sensors via burden resistors or 0-10V signals through resistor dividers, while 34 digital I/O handle discrete limit switches, encoders, and indicator LEDs. The wide 2.0V-5.5V supply range allows direct operation from 24V industrial rails with a simple linear regulator. With NanoWatt sleep modes drawing <1 uA, it suits battery-backed remote sensor nodes that wake periodically to transmit readings over CAN.
Recommended
Building Automation Gateway
The PIC18LF448T-I/PT functions as a CAN-to-RS485 or CAN-to-Modbus bridge in building-automation systems, connecting HVAC controllers, lighting dimmers, and access-control panels to a central BMS. The integrated USART can drive an RS485 transceiver such as the MAX485 or ISL3179 for Modbus RTU communication, while the ECAN module handles the BACnet MS/TP or vendor-specific CAN backbone. The 256-byte EEPROM is sufficient for storing configuration parameters and node addresses in non-volatile memory. The 10-bit ADC reads analog sensors (temperature, humidity, CO2) for environmental monitoring.
Recommended
HVAC Control Board
The PIC18LF448T-I/PT is well-suited for HVAC control boards running compressors, fans, and damper motors via PWM outputs and CAN feedback to a central thermostat. The four 10-bit PWM channels can directly drive MOSFET gates for variable-speed blower motors, while the high-speed ADC samples thermistor temperature sensors in real time. The wide operating temperature range (-40C to +85C) handles the harsh thermal environment of an HVAC plenum. With 16KB Flash, the firmware easily fits a PID control loop, defrost cycle management, and CANopen stack.
Recommended
Low-Cost Motor Control Subsystem
The PIC18LF448T-I/PT can drive small BLDC or stepper motors in appliance and pump applications where its 10-bit PWM, capture/compare timers, and CAN diagnostics offer a complete motor-control solution. The 40MHz core executes field-oriented control (FOC) loops for low-RPM BLDC motors, while the ECAN module streams motor telemetry (RPM, current, temperature) to a master controller. The 34 digital I/O include high-current pins capable of sourcing/sinking 25 mA, sufficient for optocoupler interfaces to IGBT gate drivers. NanoWatt sleep modes enable standby power well below regulatory limits.
Recommended
Medical Device Sensor Interface
The PIC18LF448T-I/PT serves as a low-power sensor interface in portable medical devices such as patient monitors, infusion pumps, and diagnostic analyzers where reliable CAN bus communication and 5V-tolerance are critical. The 10-bit ADC samples analog physiological signals (ECG, SpO2, temperature) at up to 100 ksps, while the 256-byte EEPROM stores calibration coefficients and patient settings in non-volatile memory. The NanoWatt sleep modes keep quiescent current below 1 uA for extended battery operation between charges. CAN connectivity allows integration into hospital bed networks and asset-tracking systems.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF448T-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18LF448-I/PT | PIC18LF458-I/PT | PIC18F448T-I/PT | PIC18F458T-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-pin TQFP (PT) 10x10 mm | 44-pin TQFP (PT) 10x10 mm - same | 44-pin TQFP (PT) 10x10 mm - same | 44-pin TQFP (PT) 10x10 mm - same | 44-pin TQFP (PT) 10x10 mm - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB | 16 KB - identical | 32 KB (+100%) | 16 KB - identical | 32 KB (+100%) |
| Data SRAM | 768 bytes | 768 bytes - identical | 1536 bytes (+100%) | 768 bytes - identical | 1536 bytes (+100%) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) - identical | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) - identical | 4.2 V to 5.5 V (F) - different | 4.2 V to 5.5 V (F) - different |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) | 40 MHz - identical | 40 MHz - identical | 40 MHz - identical | 40 MHz - identical |
| CAN Module | ECAN 2.0B (3 TX / 2 RX) | ECAN 2.0B - identical | ECAN 2.0B - identical | ECAN 2.0B - identical | ECAN 2.0B - identical |
| I/O Pins | 34 | 34 - identical | 34 - identical | 34 - identical | 34 - identical |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C - identical | -40 C to +85 C - identical | -40 C to +85 C - identical | -40 C to +85 C - identical |
| Unit Price (qty 1) | $8.55 | ~$8.50 (tray) | ~$9.20 | ~$8.10 | ~$8.80 |
Key Differentiators
- Wide 2.0V-5.5V supply range (LF variant) (vs PIC18F448T-I/PT)
- Higher memory capacity in same package (vs PIC18LF448-I/PT)
- Integrated ECAN 2.0B module (vs PIC18F45K40-I/P)
- 5V-tolerant digital I/O (vs PIC18FxxK40 family)
Design Notes
The PIC18LF448T-I/PT has multiple VDD/VSS pin pairs (pins 11/12 and 31/32) that must each be decoupled with a 100nF ceramic capacitor placed within 3mm of the respective pin. Add a bulk 10uF tantalum or aluminum-polymer capacitor near the VDD entry point to suppress load transients. For battery-backed designs, use a low-Iq LDO such as Microchip MCP1700 (1.6 uA quiescent) to maximize NanoWatt sleep-mode efficiency. Estimated: at 3.3V VDD with the ADC and ECAN disabled in sleep, the device draws approximately 0.1 uA, allowing >1 year of battery life on a 220 mAh coin cell with hourly wake events.
Route the high-speed ECAN signals (CANTX/CANRX) as a short differential pair to the MCP2551 or TJA1050 transceiver, keeping trace length below 25mm to minimize EMI. The two CAN signals should be length-matched within 5mm to maintain signal integrity at 1 Mbps CAN bus speeds. Provide 120 ohm termination resistors at each end of the CAN bus only - never at intermediate nodes. Place a TVS diode (such as PESD1CAN) close to the bus connector for ESD and transient protection in industrial environments.
Do not connect the MCLR pin directly to VDD - always use the recommended RC network (10 kohm pull-up to VDD, 100 nF to ground) for proper reset timing. Configure the CONFIG words (CONFIG1H through CONFIG5H) correctly: FOSC must match the oscillator source (HS for >4 MHz crystal), WDT must be enabled/disabled based on the application, and the LVP (low-voltage programming) bit should be disabled to free up the PGM/ RB5 pin for general I/O. Failing to set CONFIG bits correctly is the most common reason PIC18F prototypes fail to start. Per the Microchip datasheet, an unprogrammed device defaults to all CONFIG bits asserted, which can lock the device into an unexpected oscillator mode.
The PIC18LF448T-I/PT is rated for industrial temperature operation of -40 C to +85 C ambient. At 40 MHz with all peripherals active, the typical supply current is approximately 25 mA at 5V, dissipating 125 mW - well within the thermal envelope of the 44-pin TQFP package. Estimated: with theta_JA of approximately 50 C/W on a standard JEDEC 4-layer test board, the junction temperature rise is roughly 6.25 C above ambient, providing substantial margin to the 150 C junction maximum. For sealed enclosures without airflow, derate CPU speed to 20 MHz at 85 C ambient to maintain safe junction temperature.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C). Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC18F458-I/PT or PIC18F448-I/PT automotive variants (E, -Q1 suffix) for AEC-Q100 designs.
