PIC18LF44J10T-I/ML - 8-Bit 40MHz MCU, 16KB Flash, 44-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF44J10T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.2 | $4.20 |
| 10 | $3.78 | $37.80 |
| 100 | $3.36 | $336.00 |
| 500 | $2.94 | $1,470.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.52 | $2,520.00 |
PIC18LF44J10T-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, RAM, program memory, and peripherals onto one die. PIC18J-series devices specifically belong to the broader PIC18 microcontroller family (8-bit RISC) within the Microchip MCU product hierarchy: PIC18J -> PIC18 -> 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded IC. The PIC18F45J10 family incorporates nanoWatt technology, meaning it is engineered for applications where energy efficiency is critical.
Key features include 16KB FLASH organized as 8K x 16 words, 1KB RAM, full-speed USB 2.0 compliance via the internal transceiver, two Enhanced USART modules, two MSSP (SPI/I2C) ports, a 10-bit ADC with up to 13 input channels, and four 16-bit timers. The nanoWatt power management suite supports ultra-low-power Sleep mode with wake-up via RTCC, allowing designs to extend battery life for years. The part carries an industrial temperature rating of -40C to +85C.
The PIC18LF44J10 architecture uses a modified Harvard bus with separate program and data paths, enabling single-cycle instruction fetch and decode. The wide 16-bit instruction word and 8-bit data path provide deterministic execution for real-time control loops. Internal oscillator options reduce external component count, while the integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver removes the need for an external PHY.
Typical applications include low-power USB peripherals, industrial sensor nodes, portable data loggers, home automation controllers, and battery-powered consumer devices. Designers select the PIC18LF44J10 specifically when they need a balance of low power consumption, USB connectivity, and ample code space within an industry-standard 8-bit architecture.
When designing with the PIC18LF44J10, note that the LF prefix indicates the low-voltage (2.0-3.6V) variant; the non-LF PIC18F44J10 supports 2.0-3.6V as well but is distinguished by a different power-on-reset trip point and nanoWatt tuning. Decoupling capacitors (100nF) on each VDD pin and bulk capacitance on VUSB are required per the manufacturer datasheet to maintain USB signal integrity.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives in the same QFN-44 (ML) package, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet to accelerate prototyping and sourcing decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF44J10T-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 PIC18LF44J10T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, MSL Level, Operating Temperature Range, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18LF44J10-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF45J10-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.61 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF46J50-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF46J11-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF4458-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF44J10T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Family | PIC18J (PIC18F45J10 family) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 40 MHz |
| Program Memory (FLASH) | 16 KB (8K x 16 words) |
| Data RAM | 1 KB (1024 bytes) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | 44-QFN (8x8 mm), designated ML |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, I) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 13 channels |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed, internal transceiver |
| UART | 2x Enhanced USART (EUSART) |
| SPI / I2C | 2x MSSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Timers | 4x 16-bit timers |
| Power-Saving Modes | nanoWatt Idle, Sleep, RTCC run |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18LF44J10T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RB5/KBI1/PGM — PORTB I/O bit 5 / Keyboard interrupt 1 / LVP programming |
| Pin 2 | RB4/KBI0 — PORTB I/O bit 4 / Keyboard interrupt 0 |
| Pin 3 | RB3/AN9/CCP2 — PORTB I/O bit 3 / Analog input 9 / Capture Compare 2 |
| Pin 4 | RB2/AN8/INT2 — PORTB I/O bit 2 / Analog input 8 / External interrupt 2 |
| Pin 5 | RB1/AN10/INT1 — PORTB I/O bit 1 / Analog input 10 / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 6 | RB0/AN12/INT0/FLT0 — PORTB I/O bit 0 / Analog input 12 / External interrupt 0 / PWM Fault |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RC7/RX1/DT1 — PORTC I/O bit 7 / EUSART1 RX / Synchronous data |
| Pin 10 | RC6/TX1/CK1 — PORTC I/O bit 6 / EUSART1 TX / Synchronous clock |
| Pin 11 | RC5/D+/VP — PORTC I/O bit 5 / USB D+ / Programming voltage |
| Pin 12 | RC4/D-/VM — PORTC I/O bit 4 / USB D- / Voltage monitor |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCL1/SCK1 — PORTC I/O bit 3 / I2C1 clock / SPI1 clock |
| Pin 14 | RC2/SDA1/SDI1 — PORTC I/O bit 2 / I2C1 data / SPI1 data in |
| Pin 15 | RC1/SCL2/CCP2 — PORTC I/O bit 1 / I2C2 clock / Capture Compare 2 |
| Pin 16 | RC0/SDA2 — PORTC I/O bit 0 / I2C2 data |
| Pin 17 | OSC1/RA7 — Crystal oscillator input / PORTA bit 7 |
| Pin 18 | OSC2/RA6 — Crystal oscillator output / PORTA bit 6 |
| Pin 19 | RA0/AN0/CVREF — PORTA I/O bit 0 / Analog input 0 / Comparator VREF |
| Pin 20 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA I/O bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 21 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — PORTA I/O bit 2 / Analog input 2 / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 22 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA I/O bit 3 / Analog input 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 23 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI — PORTA I/O bit 4 / Analog input 4 / Timer0 clock in |
| Pin 24 | RA5/AN5/SS1/HLVDIN — PORTA I/O bit 5 / Analog input 5 / SPI1 slave select / HLVD input |
| Pin 25 | RE3/RD — PORTE bit 3 / Debug read |
| Pin 26 | MCLR/RE2 — Master clear reset / PORTE bit 2 |
| Pin 27 | VUSB — USB internal transceiver supply (3.3V) |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 29 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 30 | RD7/PSP7/SS2 — PORTD bit 7 / Parallel slave port / SPI2 slave select |
| Pin 31 | RD6/PSP6/SCK2 — PORTD bit 6 / Parallel slave port / SPI2 clock |
| Pin 32 | RD5/PSP5/SDI2 — PORTD bit 5 / Parallel slave port / SPI2 data in |
| Pin 33 | RD4/PSP4/SDO2 — PORTD bit 4 / Parallel slave port / SPI2 data out |
| Pin 34 | RD3/PSP3/CCP1 — PORTD bit 3 / Parallel slave port / Capture Compare 1 |
| Pin 35 | RD2/PSP2 — PORTD bit 2 / Parallel slave port |
| Pin 36 | RD1/PSP1 — PORTD bit 1 / Parallel slave port |
| Pin 37 | RD0/PSP0 — PORTD bit 0 / Parallel slave port |
| Pin 38 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 39 | VDDCORE/VCAP — Internal core regulator output (bypass capacitor required) |
| Pin 40 | RE0/AN6 — PORTE bit 0 / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 41 | RE1/AN7 — PORTE bit 1 / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 42 | RB7/KBI3/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / Keyboard interrupt 3 / ICD data |
| Pin 43 | RB6/KBI2/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / Keyboard interrupt 2 / ICD clock |
| Pin 44 | PAD — Exposed thermal pad (must be soldered to ground plane) |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF44J10T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Power USB Peripherals, Industrial Sensor Nodes, Portable Data Loggers, Home Automation Controllers, Battery-Powered Consumer Devices, Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Panels.
Low-Power USB Peripherals
The PIC18LF44J10T-I/ML is ideally suited for low-power USB peripherals such as HID-class devices (keyboards, mice, game controllers) and CDC-class virtual COM ports. Its integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed transceiver eliminates the need for an external PHY, and the 2.0-3.6V operating range supports bus-powered and self-powered designs. With 16 KB FLASH and 1 KB RAM, the device has ample code space for USB stacks such as the Microchip USB Framework, while nanoWatt Sleep modes keep idle current in the microamp range for battery-powered dongles.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Nodes
Industrial sensor nodes benefit from the PIC18LF44J10T-I/ML's industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating and its 10-bit ADC with 13 input channels. The device's two EUSART modules enable simultaneous RS-232 and RS-485 sensor-bus connections, while SPI/I2C MSSP ports interface with digital sensors and EEPROMs. With 40 MHz core performance delivering 10 MIPS throughput, the MCU can sample, filter, and transmit sensor data in real time while nanoWatt Sleep modes extend battery life in remote, maintenance-free installations.
Recommended
Portable Data Loggers
Portable data loggers leverage the PIC18LF44J10T-I/ML's nanoWatt Sleep mode with RTCC wake-up to enable multi-year battery life. The internal RTCC can wake the MCU from Sleep at programmable intervals (typically 1 second to 1 hour) to sample sensors, log data to external SPI flash, and re-enter Sleep. With 1 KB RAM buffering and 16 KB FLASH for logger firmware, the device can run simple packetizing algorithms while consuming only microamps during Sleep. The wide 2.0-3.6V range supports lithium coin-cell or 2x AA battery configurations.
Recommended
Home Automation Controllers
Home automation controllers use the PIC18LF44J10T-I/ML as a central or peripheral MCU for lighting, blinds, HVAC, and security subsystems. Its 2x EUSART modules support wired RS-485 networks (Modbus, BACnet), while SPI and I2C connect to wireless modules (XBee, LoRa, BLE), sensor front-ends, and HMI displays. The USB interface simplifies firmware updates and PC-based commissioning tools. Operating from 2.0-3.6V, the device fits directly into 3.3V-regulated home automation rails without level shifters.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Consumer Devices
Battery-powered consumer devices such as remote controls, wearables, and electronic toys benefit from the PIC18LF44J10T-I/ML's low 2.0V minimum supply voltage, allowing operation from a single discharged lithium coin cell down to its cutoff. The nanoWatt power-saving modes (Idle, Sleep, RTCC run) reduce average current to single-digit microamps, extending battery life by orders of magnitude versus always-on designs. The integrated USB transceiver is a bonus for products requiring firmware updates or charging via USB.
Recommended
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Panels
HMI panels with LCD/keypad interfaces use the PIC18LF44J10T-I/ML to drive character or graphical LCDs, scan keypads, and manage communication with host controllers. The PIC18J core at 40 MHz can refresh a 128x64 graphical LCD over SPI without taxing CPU bandwidth, while the 1 KB RAM holds display buffers and keypad state. The 10-bit ADC reads analog inputs such as potentiometers or light sensors. The 44-QFN (8x8 mm) package fits in compact HMI modules behind LCD bezels.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF44J10T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18LF44J10-I/ML | PIC18LF45J10-I/ML | PIC18LF46J50-I/ML | PIC18LF46J11-I/ML | PIC18LF4458-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology (TQFP-44) |
| Package | 44-QFN (8x8 mm, ML) | 44-QFN (8x8 mm, ML) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm, ML) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm, ML) - same | 44-QFN (8x8 mm, ML) - same | 44-TQFP (PT) - NOT same footprint |
| Core / Architecture | PIC18 8-bit RISC, 40 MHz | PIC18 8-bit, 40 MHz - same | PIC18 8-bit, 40 MHz - same | PIC18 8-bit, 48 MHz - +20% speed | PIC18 8-bit, 48 MHz - +20% speed | PIC18 8-bit, 48 MHz |
| FLASH Program Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB (+100%) | 64 KB (+300%) | 64 KB (+300%) | 24 KB (+50%) |
| Data RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 3.8 KB (+280%) | 3.8 KB (+280%) | 2 KB (+100%) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 3.6 V - same | 2.0 V to 3.6 V - same | 2.0 V to 3.6 V - same | 2.0 V to 3.6 V - same | 2.0 V to 3.6 V - same |
| USB 2.0 Full-Speed | Yes (integrated transceiver) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ADC Channels | 13 x 10-bit | 13 x 10-bit | 13 x 10-bit | 13 x 10-bit | 13 x 10-bit | 13 x 10-bit |
| Unit Price (qty 1, USD) | $4.20 | ~$4.20 (same die) | ~$4.60 | ~$5.50 | ~$5.50 | ~$4.80 |
Key Differentiators
- Identical silicon in different packaging formats (vs PIC18LF44J10-I/ML)
- Doubling FLASH memory in same package for code growth (vs PIC18LF45J10-I/ML)
- Quadrupling FLASH and RAM for advanced USB applications (vs PIC18LF46J50-I/ML)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin (pins 7, 28) and a single 10 uF bulk capacitor near the VDDCORE/VCAP pin (pin 39). VUSB (pin 27) requires its own 100 nF decoupling capacitor for USB signal integrity. Estimated: total bulk capacitance of at least 10 uF is recommended per the Microchip PIC18F45J10 family datasheet to suppress switching transients during USB enumeration and ADC conversions.
The 44-QFN (8x8 mm) ML package has an exposed thermal pad (pin 44) that MUST be soldered to a ground pour of at least 1 square inch to meet thermal and electrical performance. Without proper soldering of the e-pad, the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (theta_JA) increases dramatically, potentially causing thermal shutdown under sustained USB traffic or full-load CPU activity.
Do not confuse the PIC18LF44J10 (2.0-3.6V, low-voltage) with the PIC18F44J10 (2.0-3.6V with different POR trip points). The LF variant is intended for battery applications with stricter low-voltage operation. Also, ensure MCLR (pin 26) is pulled high through a 10 kohm resistor; leaving it floating causes intermittent resets. The internal oscillator is factory-calibrated but the PLL mode for 40 MHz requires the HS PLL configuration bits to be set correctly in configuration words.
Route the USB D+ and D- traces (pins 11, 12) as a 90 ohm differential pair with matched length, keeping the pair as short as possible and isolated from high-speed switching signals. Place the VUSB decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of pin 27. The crystal traces (pins 17, 18) should be short and surrounded by a ground guard ring to reduce EMI susceptibility.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade (I suffix) is not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose AEC-Q100 qualified PIC18 variants for automotive applications.
