PIC18LF452-I/P - 8-bit 40MHz 32KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF452-I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.2 | $12.20 |
| 10 | $11.3 | $113.00 |
| 100 | $10.1 | $1,010.00 |
| 500 | $8.95 | $4,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.8 | $7,800.00 |
PIC18LF452-I/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, integrating CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), data RAM, peripherals (timers, ADC, UART, I/O), and interrupt control on one die. The PIC18F family sits in the PIC16 -> PIC18 -> PIC24/DSPIC hierarchy and is widely used in industrial control, automotive body electronics, instrumentation, and consumer appliances where deterministic timing and ease of development matter more than raw CPU throughput.
The PIC18LF452 features a 16-bit instruction word with only 77 single-word instructions and a 16-level hardware stack with hardware/software interrupt priority. Peripherals include a 10-bit ADC with up to 8 channels, two 8-bit and three 16-bit timers, two capture/compare/PWM (CCP) modules, an enhanced CCP module, a master synchronous serial port (MSSP) configurable for SPI or I2C, an enhanced USART with autobaud, a parallel slave port, and a 10-bit ADC with up to 8 channels. It supports In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) via two pins plus clock and data, plus a low-voltage programming option.
The architecture is based on Microchip's enhanced Harvard design with separate code and data buses, allowing an instruction fetch and a data access in the same clock cycle. The wide 2.0 V - 5.5 V range allows the device to run from a single Li-ion cell (with regulator), two alkaline cells, or a 5 V regulated rail, simplifying power-tree design in portable and battery-backed products.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, HVAC fan and damper controllers, sensor signal conditioning, small appliance control (coffee machines, washing machines, microwave ovens), and battery-powered instrumentation. The wide VDD range and ICSP make it especially attractive for through-hole hobbyist and educational designs where hand-soldering is preferred. Through-hole PDIP remains the package of choice for prototype boards, breadboards, and replacement parts in legacy designs.
When designing with this part, note that the LF (low-voltage) revision differs from the PIC18F452 in its minimum VDD: PIC18F452 needs 4.2 V minimum, while PIC18LF452 works down to 2.0 V. Use the LF variant for battery and low-rail designs; use the F variant for 5 V-only systems where you do not need low-voltage operation. Ensure all VDD and VSS pins are connected per datasheet - leaving any power pin open can cause programming or operation failures.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF452-I/P — 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 PIC18LF452-I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Timers, Program Memory (Flash), Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18LF4520-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF4523-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF4525-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.56 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF442-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF4510-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.34 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F452-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF452-I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory | 32 KB Flash (16K x 16) |
| Data RAM | 1.5 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 Bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 40 MHz |
| MIPS | 10 MIPS |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 34 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 8 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 3 x 16-bit |
| CCP/ECCP Modules | 2 CCP + 1 ECCP |
| Serial Interfaces | MSSP (SPI/I2C), Enhanced USART |
| Parallel Slave Port | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 40-pin PDIP (600 mil) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Programming | ICSP (2-wire) + LVP |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18LF452-I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (Reset) input / Programming voltage |
| 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 / Parallel Slave Port read / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 9 | RE1/WR/AN6 — PORTE bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port write / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 10 | RE2/CS/AN7 — PORTE bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port chip select / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKI — Oscillator crystal input / External clock input |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKO — Oscillator crystal output / Clock output |
| Pin 15 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 16 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 I/O |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 I/O |
| Pin 18 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 19 | RD0/PSP0 — PORTD bit 0 / Parallel Slave Port bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | RD1/PSP1 — PORTD bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RD2/PSP2 — PORTD bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RD3/PSP3 — PORTD bit 3 / Parallel Slave Port 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 transmit / USART clock |
| Pin 26 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART receive / USART data |
| Pin 27 | RD4/PSP4 — PORTD bit 4 / Parallel Slave Port bit 4 |
| Pin 28 | RD5/PSP5 — PORTD bit 5 / Parallel Slave Port bit 5 |
| Pin 29 | RD6/PSP6/TX2 — PORTD bit 6 / Parallel Slave Port bit 6 / Secondary USART TX (not on this part) |
| Pin 30 | RD7/PSP7/RX2 — PORTD bit 7 / Parallel Slave Port bit 7 / Secondary USART RX (not on this part) |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| 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/CCP2 — PORTB bit 3 / External interrupt 3 / CCP2 I/O |
| Pin 37 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 38 | RB5/PGM — PORTB bit 5 / Low-voltage programming input |
| Pin 39 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 40 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF452-I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panels, Battery-Powered Instrumentation, HVAC Fan and Damper Controllers, Small Appliance Motor Control, Educational and Hobbyist Electronics, Sensor Hub and Data Acquisition Front-Ends.
Industrial Control Panels
The PIC18LF452-I/P fits industrial control panels because of its 34 I/O pins, 10 MIPS deterministic performance, and 2.0 V to 5.5 V VDD range that accepts industrial 24 V bus rails after regulation. The 32 KB Flash comfortably holds a multi-state control loop, a Modbus RTU slave on the Enhanced USART, and a keypad/HMI driver; the 1.5 KB RAM is enough for buffering several sensor channels and the SPI-master connection to a TFT display. With 10-bit 8-channel ADC it reads potentiometers, thermistors, and 4-20 mA current loops directly. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) ensures operation inside unheated cabinets. Drop-in replacement PIC18LF4520-I/P is preferred for new designs in the same 40-pin PDIP footprint.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Instrumentation
The PIC18LF452-I/P is well suited to portable, battery-driven instruments thanks to its 2.0 V minimum VDD that allows direct operation from two alkaline or NiMH cells. The wide VDD range combined with PIC18 sleep and idle modes enables months to years of runtime on a small battery pack. The 10-bit ADC and Enhanced USART (with autobaud detect) simplify sensor reading and PC-side data logging at 115.2 kbaud. The 32 KB Flash can store lookup tables for sensor linearization, calibration constants, and a USB-CDC or RS-232 protocol stack. The industrial temperature range and through-hole PDIP also suit field-deployed instruments that must survive thermal cycling.
Recommended
HVAC Fan and Damper Controllers
The PIC18LF452-I/P drives small HVAC actuators thanks to its two CCP modules and one ECCP module, which deliver up to three independent PWM channels for EC fan speed control and damper servos. The 10 MIPS deterministic core gives a fixed control-loop period essential for PID regulators running at 1 kHz or faster. The MSSP supports SPI or I2C to digital temperature/humidity sensors like the SHT series, while the Enhanced USART connects to a wired thermostat or building-automation bus. The 40-pin PDIP is convenient for service-replaceable controller boards. Drop-in upgrade PIC18LF4520-I/P is recommended for new HVAC designs.
Recommended
Small Appliance Motor Control
The PIC18LF452-I/P runs small appliance motor-control firmware - washing-machine pumps, dishwasher drain valves, coffee-machine boilers, microwave turntables - because of its 32 KB Flash, real-time 10 MIPS core, and ECCP/CCP modules that produce precise PWM for brushed DC and universal motors. The wide 2.0-5.5 V VDD range lets the same firmware run on both rectified-24 V and regulated-5 V power sections. The 10-bit ADC monitors motor current via a shunt for soft-start and stall detection. The 40-pin PDIP supports through-hole assembly that survives vibration and thermal stress typical in motor-driven appliances.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Electronics
The PIC18LF452-I/P is the workhorse MCU for university embedded-systems courses and hobbyist projects because of its through-hole 40-pin PDIP package - easily inserted into breadboards and perfboards without hot air or reflow. Its 32 KB Flash and 77 single-word instructions give a comfortable learning envelope for assembly and C projects; the free MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler support it natively. The wide 2.0-5.5 V VDD allows students to power the part from a USB 5 V, a 3.3 V LDO, or two AA cells without modification. The 10-bit ADC, UART, SPI, and I2C teach all major peripherals in one chip.
Recommended
Sensor Hub and Data Acquisition Front-Ends
The PIC18LF452-I/P works as a sensor-hub front-end because its 10-bit 8-channel ADC, MSSP (SPI + I2C), and Enhanced USART can simultaneously aggregate data from analog sensors, digital SPI sensors, and I2C peripherals. The 32 KB Flash buffers data-acquisition tables and calibration curves; 1.5 KB RAM is enough for circular buffers of a few hundred samples at typical environmental rates. The 2.0-5.5 V VDD range lets the same board accept 3.3 V or 5 V sensor power. Drop-in replacement PIC18LF4523-I/P adds 8 KB RAM for higher-rate streaming or larger buffers.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF452-I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18LF4520-I/P | PIC18LF4523-I/P | PIC18LF4525-I/P | PIC18LF442-I/P | PIC18F452-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 40-pin PDIP | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same |
| Program Memory | 32 KB Flash | 32 KB Flash | 32 KB Flash | 32 KB Flash | 16 KB Flash (-50%) | 32 KB Flash |
| Data RAM | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 8 KB (+433%) | 8 KB (+433%) | 0.75 KB (-50%) | 1.5 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V (NOT drop-in below 4.2 V) |
| Maximum Frequency | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| EEPROM | 256 Bytes | 256 Bytes | 256 Bytes | 256 Bytes | 256 Bytes | 256 Bytes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit (12-bit option on some variants) | 10-bit | 10-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Wide 2.0 V to 5.5 V VDD allows direct battery operation without a boost regulator (vs PIC18F452-I/P)
- Same 40-pin PDIP footprint as the rest of the PIC18F452 family for easy migration (vs PIC18LF4520-I/P)
- Through-hole PDIP is preferred for prototyping, education, and field-serviceable designs (vs PIC18LF452-I/L)
Design Notes
Decouple every VDD/VSS pair (pins 11/12 and 31/32) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the IC pins. Add a bulk 10 uF electrolytic or tantalum capacitor on the supply rail near the MCU. Both VDD pins MUST be connected even if the application does not need the second supply path, and both VSS pins MUST be connected - leaving either disconnected can cause ADC noise, programming failures, or brown-out resets. The LF variant can run from 2.0 V; if powered directly from batteries, add a 10 kohm MCLR pull-up and a decoupling capacitor on MCLR to ensure clean reset.
Common design pitfalls include: (1) using the PIC18F452 datasheet values for VDD - the F version requires 4.2 V minimum while the LF version works down to 2.0 V; (2) confusing the LVP pin (RB5/PGM) - leaving it floating can cause unintentional entry into low-voltage programming mode; (3) using the parallel slave port (PORTD/RE0-RE2) without external memory, which can cause bus contention; (4) leaving the ICSP PGC/PGD pins (RB6/RB7) without series resistors for in-circuit programming isolation. For battery applications, use the LF variant and enable brown-out reset (BOR) in configuration bits to prevent undefined behavior during voltage dips.
For the 40-pin PDIP (600 mil wide), route the crystal traces (OSC1/OSC2) as short as possible and place the load capacitors within 5 mm of the MCU pins. Keep high-current traces (motor drive, relay coils) away from the analog input pins (RA0-RA5) and the VREF+ pin (RA3) to minimize ADC noise. Use a ground plane on the bottom layer to provide low-impedance return paths for switching currents. If using ICSP, route PGC (RB6) and PGD (RB7) to a 6-pin header with series 10 kohm resistors to isolate the programming signals from the application circuit.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - not recommended for automotive safety-critical applications. Lead-free (Pb-free) PDIP package.
