PIC18LF44K22-I/ML - 8-bit 16KB Flash MCU, nanoWatt XLP, 44-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF44K22-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.07 | $30.70 |
| 100 | $2.65 | $265.00 |
| 500 | $2.31 | $1,155.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.04 | $2,040.00 |
PIC18LF44K22-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable processor that executes instructions on an 8-bit data bus. It sits within the broader taxonomy of microcontrollers -> microprocessors -> semiconductor devices -> integrated circuits. The PIC18 family is Microchip's high-performance 8-bit line featuring a RISC-based Harvard architecture, hardware multiplier, and C-optimized instruction set, sitting architecturally between the baseline PIC10/12/16 families and the 16-bit dsPIC/PIC24 families.
Key features include up to 16 MIPS performance at 64 MHz internal oscillator, 30 source/sink I/O capable of 25 mA per pin, two Enhanced USART modules, two MSSP (SPI/I2C) modules, two 10-bit ADC converters with up to 28 channels, two analog comparators with rail-to-rail inputs, a 5-bit DAC, three 8/16-bit timer/counters, a 16-bit capture/compare/PWM module, and CTMU for capacitive touch sensing. The XLP nanoWatt technology delivers sub-microamp sleep currents with retention.
Typical applications include compact handheld design (portable consumer, IoT sensor nodes), industrial control (sensor hubs, simple motor control, lighting controllers), medical devices (compact patient monitoring, point-of-care instruments), and consumer electronics (small appliance controllers, smart-home bridges, battery-powered toys). The integrated peripherals enable single-chip designs that previously required external ADC, EEPROM, and driver ICs.
When designing with this device, ensure the QFN-44 thermal pad is soldered to a sufficient copper pour to dissipate power and provide mechanical robustness. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor close to each pin pair, and add a bulk 1 uF to 10 uF capacitor on the main rail. Always configure unused pins as outputs to minimize sleep current.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF44K22-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 PIC18LF44K22-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, ADC, Program Memory (Flash), Core Architecture.
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View Datasheet →PIC18LF44K22-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC18 (Harvard RISC) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB |
| SRAM | 768 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF variant) |
| I/O Pins | 30 (source/sink 25 mA) |
| Package | 44-pin QFN (ML) 8x8 mm |
| ADC | 2x 10-bit, up to 28 channels |
| Comparators | 2 (rail-to-rail input) |
| DAC | 5-bit |
| UART/USART | 2x Enhanced USART |
| SPI/I2C (MSSP) | 2x MSSP |
| Timers | 3x (8-bit or 16-bit configurable) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 1x 16-bit ECCP |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt eXtreme Low Power (XLP) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial -I) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18LF44K22-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 4 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 5 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 6 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 9 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 10 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 11 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 (interrupt-on-change capable) |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 (interrupt-on-change capable) |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 (interrupt-on-change capable) |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 (interrupt-on-change capable) |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 (interrupt-on-change capable) |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 (interrupt-on-change capable) |
| Pin 17 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 (ICSP PGC / interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 18 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 (ICSP PGD / interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 21 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 22 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 23 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 24 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 25 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 26 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 27 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 (TX/USART) |
| Pin 28 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 (RX/USART) |
| Pin 29 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 30 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 31 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 32 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 33 | RD4 — Port D bit 4 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 34 | RD5 — Port D bit 5 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 35 | RD6 — Port D bit 6 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 36 | RD7 — Port D bit 7 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 37 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 38 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 39 | RE0 — Port E bit 0 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 40 | RE1 — Port E bit 1 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 41 | RE2 — Port E bit 2 (digital I/O or analog) |
| Pin 42 | RE3 — Port E bit 3 (digital I/O or analog, MCLR alternate) |
| Pin 43 | VDDCORE — Digital core voltage decoupling |
| Pin 44 | ENVREG — Voltage regulator enable for digital core |
| Pin EP | Exposed Pad — Thermal pad (must be soldered to PCB ground plane) |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF44K22-I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Industrial Control & HMI, Portable Medical Devices, Consumer Appliance Controllers, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Smart Home Sensor Hub, Capacitive Touch User Interface.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC18LF44K22-I/ML is ideal for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes thanks to its nanoWatt eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology with sub-microamp Sleep currents as low as 20 nA and Watchdog Timer current around 300 nA. The 1.8V to 3.6V operating range is compatible with single-cell Li-Ion or two-AA alkaline batteries. The 2x 10-bit ADC with up to 28 channels can directly interface with temperature, humidity, and analog sensor outputs, while the integrated comparators enable threshold-based wake-up events. With 16 KB Flash and 768 bytes RAM, the part runs sensor sampling loops and lightweight protocol stacks (e.g., Modbus RTU or proprietary RF telemetry). Placed on a compact PCB with the QFN-44 (ML) 8x8 mm footprint, it enables small-form-factor sensor products.
Recommended
Industrial Control & HMI
In industrial control and HMI applications, the PIC18LF44K22-I/ML provides 30 I/O pins capable of 25 mA source/sink current, allowing direct drive of relays, LEDs, and small displays without external driver ICs. The 16-bit ECCP module supports precision PWM for motor control and dimming, while 2x Enhanced USART enables RS-485 communication with industrial sensor networks. The 10-bit ADC with 28 channels handles multiple analog inputs from pressure, flow, and temperature transducers. The CTMU peripheral supports capacitive touch keys for HMI panels. Operating from -40C to +85C, the part is rated for industrial environments. The 44-QFN (ML) package with exposed pad provides thermal stability for continuous-operation designs.
Recommended
Portable Medical Devices
For portable medical devices such as handheld pulse oximeters, glucometers, and patient thermometers, the PIC18LF44K22-I/ML offers low-voltage operation from 1.8V to 3.6V suitable for 2xAA or rechargeable Li-Ion cells. The XLP nanoWatt Sleep mode with sub-microamp current extends battery life to support multi-month usage without recharge. The 2x analog comparators with rail-to-rail inputs enable low-side battery voltage monitoring and signal conditioning for photodiode or thermistor sensor front-ends. The 5-bit DAC provides bias voltages for sensor excitation. With industrial -40C to +85C operating range, the part meets typical home and clinical environment requirements. The QFN-44 footprint supports compact medical device enclosures.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Controllers
The PIC18LF44K22-I/ML fits small consumer appliances such as coffee makers, air purifiers, blenders, and smart-home control panels where 30 I/O pins and rich peripherals replace multiple discrete components. The 16-bit ECCP delivers precise PWM for motor speed control and LED brightness, while 2x MSSP (SPI/I2C) supports digital sensors and EEPROM expansion. The integrated 5-bit DAC and 2x analog comparators support simple audio chirp generation and threshold detection. With 16 KB Flash, the part runs UI logic, scheduling, and simple BLE/Mesh interface via external transceiver. The QFN-44 8x8 mm package fits within compact appliance enclosures. Operating from -40C to +85C covers typical home and kitchen environments.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
For non-safety automotive body electronics such as interior lighting controllers, seat adjustment switches, mirror controllers, and HVAC auxiliaries, the PIC18LF44K22-I/ML provides 30 I/O pins that can directly drive low-current loads and interface with LIN or CAN PHY transceivers via 2x Enhanced USART. The 16 MIPS performance supports real-time seat position memory and lighting fade algorithms. The 16-bit ECCP provides precise PWM for motor speed control in HVAC blowers. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature rating covers cabin environments, though for under-hood or safety-critical systems the PIC18F or dsPIC automotive AEC-Q100 grades are required. The 44-QFN package supports compact ECU designs.
Recommended
Smart Home Sensor Hub
In smart-home sensor hub applications such as multi-zone security panels, environmental monitors, and lighting controllers, the PIC18LF44K22-I/ML aggregates signals from multiple analog and digital sensors. The 2x 10-bit ADC with up to 28 channels reads numerous analog sensors simultaneously, while 2x MSSP (SPI/I2C) interfaces with digital temperature, humidity, and air-quality sensors. The 2x Enhanced USART enables communication with wireless modules (Sub-GHz, BLE, LoRa) for cloud connectivity. The CTMU peripheral supports capacitive touch keys for user input. The XLP nanoWatt Sleep with RTC keeps the hub alive on backup battery during power outages, drawing less than 1 uA in Sleep. The 44-QFN package fits into wall-mount and tabletop enclosures.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interface
For capacitive touch user interface panels in appliances, access control keypads, and consumer electronics, the PIC18LF44K22-I/ML leverages its integrated CTMU (Charge Time Measurement Unit) and 2x analog comparators to implement up to 30 touch channels without external touch ICs. The CTMU provides precise time-domain charge measurements for differentiating touched from untouched pads, supporting both buttons and sliders. The 16 MIPS performance runs touch scanning, debounce, and gesture recognition in real time. Low-power Sleep with sub-microamp current allows battery-powered remote controls and wireless switches to wake on touch. The 44-QFN package fits behind thin overlay panels. Operating from 1.8V to 3.6V supports direct Li-Ion battery operation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF44K22-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F44K22-I/ML | PIC18LF45K22-I/ML | PIC18LF43K22-I/ML | PIC18LF46K22-I/ML | PIC18F45K22-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-pin QFN (ML) 8x8 mm | 44-pin QFN (ML) 8x8 mm - same | 44-pin QFN (ML) 8x8 mm - same | 44-pin QFN (ML) 8x8 mm - same | 44-pin QFN (ML) 8x8 mm - same | 44-pin QFN (ML) 8x8 mm - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB | 16 KB (same) | 32 KB (+100%) | 8 KB (-50%) | 64 KB (+300%) | 32 KB (+100%) |
| SRAM | 768 bytes | 768 bytes (same) | 1.5 KB (+96%) | 512 B (-33%) | 3.8 KB (+395%) | 1.5 KB (+96%) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (F) - wider | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) - same | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) - same | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) - same | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (F) - wider |
| CPU Speed | 64 MHz / 16 MIPS | 64 MHz / 16 MIPS - same | 64 MHz / 16 MIPS - same | 64 MHz / 16 MIPS - same | 64 MHz / 16 MIPS - same | 64 MHz / 16 MIPS - same |
| I/O Pins | 30 | 30 (same) | 30 (same) | 25 (-17%) | 30 (same) | 30 (same) |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (same) | -40C to +85C (same) | -40C to +85C (same) | -40C to +85C (same) | -40C to +85C (same) |
Key Differentiators
- LF variant for low-voltage battery applications (vs PIC18F44K22-I/ML)
- 16 KB Flash is the sweet spot for cost-performance (vs PIC18LF45K22-I/ML)
- Industry-standard 44-QFN package with industrial temperature grade (vs PIC18LF44K22-E/ML)
- Integrated CTMU for capacitive touch without external IC (vs PIC18F46K22-I/ML)
Design Notes
Solder the QFN-44 exposed pad (EP) directly to a PCB ground plane with multiple thermal vias for heat dissipation. QFN packages depend on this pad for both electrical grounding and mechanical robustness. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor on each VDD/VSS pair (pins 8/7, 20/19, 38/37) within 2 mm of the package, plus a bulk 1 uF to 10 uF capacitor on the main supply trace. Keep the QFN land pattern exactly per Microchip package specification for reliable solder joint formation and to avoid voids.
Unused pins must be explicitly configured as outputs and tied low (or high for inputs with pull-ups) in firmware to minimize Sleep current. Floating unused pins can draw microamps per pin and ruin low-power battery life. For the PIC18LF44K22-I/ML, ensure the Watchdog Timer is disabled when not used, and configure unused analog channels as digital to prevent ADC bias current. The MCLR pin (RE3) requires proper pull-up configuration per the datasheet to avoid unintended resets.
Route the ICSP programming pins (PGD = RB7, PGC = RB6) with short, parallel traces and a solid ground return for reliable in-circuit programming. Place a 4.7 kohm pull-up on MCLR and consider an in-line resistor for isolation between the programmer and the application circuit. For the analog ADC inputs, isolate digital switching traces and place a ground pour around sensitive analog sections to minimize crosstalk. The 10-bit ADC accuracy depends on clean VDD - use a ferrite bead and capacitor pi-filter if digital and analog supplies share a source.
Take advantage of nanoWatt XLP Sleep modes for battery-powered designs. According to Microchip PIC18 K22 datasheet, Sleep current is 20 nA typical with WDT disabled. Wake sources include INTx interrupts, port change-on-interrupt, ADC threshold, comparators, timers, and CTMU. For energy harvesting or coin-cell applications, use the RTC with external 32.768 kHz crystal to maintain timekeeping at sub-microamp current. Always measure actual current on your finished board - PCB leakage paths and external components can dominate the MCU's own Sleep current.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC18F automotive variants (e.g., PIC18F46K22-I/PT with AEC-Q100) for automotive applications. Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C.