PIC18LF4523T-I/ML - 8-bit MCU, 32KB Flash, 1536B RAM, 44-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF4523T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.2 | $9.20 |
| 10 | $8.55 | $85.50 |
| 100 | $7.65 | $765.00 |
| 500 | $6.8 | $3,400.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.95 | $5,950.00 |
PIC18LF4523T-I/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), working memory (RAM), and a rich set of peripherals such as timers, communication interfaces, and analog-to-digital converters. Within the broader taxonomy, an MCU belongs to embedded controllers, which sit under microprocessors and semiconductors. The PIC18 family uses a modified Harvard RISC architecture with a 16-bit instruction word and 8-bit data path, optimized for deterministic interrupt response and low-power operation through the nanoWatt technology feature set.
Key features of the PIC18LF4523 include a 10-bit ADC with up to 13 input channels, two enhanced USART modules, a Master Synchronous Serial Port (MSSP) configurable for SPI or I²C, two Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules plus an enhanced ECCP, two 8-bit timers and three 16-bit timers, a parallel slave port, and 36 general-purpose I/O pins. The nanoWatt features include multiple idle modes, sleep mode with <100 nA typical current, and a fast wake-up peripheral architecture for battery-powered designs.
The device is engineered around Microchip's PIC18 enhanced core, which provides hardware multiplier support, 31-level hardware stack, and a single-cycle instruction prefetch. The QFN-44 package exposes the full peripheral set while keeping board footprint compact, ideal for space-constrained industrial and consumer designs.
Typical applications include industrial control, IoT edge nodes, embedded automation, motor control, smart metering, low-power board designs, and human-machine interface (HMI) panels. The wide 2.0V-5.5V supply range and low-power nanoWatt modes make it especially well-suited for battery-backed sensor and metering products.
When designing with this part, ensure the input voltage stays within 2.0V to 5.5V; for systems above 5.5V use the F-variant instead. Always de-couple VDD/VSS with 100 nF ceramics placed within 5 mm of each pin pair, and respect the In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) pin assignments when laying out the PCB.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in tape-and-reel/packaging alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, giving procurement and design engineers a single-page reference for the PIC18LF4523T-I/ML.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF4523T-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 PIC18LF4523T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Core, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18LF4523-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF4520T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF4620T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F4523T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF4523T-I/ML_Q1
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF4523T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC18F |
| Core | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 32 KB (16K x 16) |
| SRAM | 1536 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (LF) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C (Industrial) |
| I/O Pins | 36 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 13 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 3 x 16-bit |
| Communication | 2x EUSART, 1x MSSP (SPI/I²C) |
| PWM / CCP | 2x CCP + 1x ECCP |
| Package | 44-QFN (8x8 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 |
PIC18LF4523T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RB0/INT0 — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 2 | RB1/INT1 — PORTB bit 1 / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 3 | RB2/INT2 — PORTB bit 2 / External interrupt 2 |
| Pin 4 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 5 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 6 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 7 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 8 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX1 — PORTC bit 6 / EUSART1 TX |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX1 — PORTC bit 7 / EUSART1 RX |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 |
| Pin 22 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3 |
| Pin 25 | RD4 — PORTD bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RD5 — PORTD bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RD6 — PORTD bit 6 |
| Pin 28 | RD7 — PORTD bit 7 |
| Pin 29 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 30 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 31 | RE0/RD — PORTE bit 0 / Parallel Slave Port Read |
| Pin 32 | RE1/WR — PORTE bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port Write |
| Pin 33 | RE2/CS — PORTE bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port Chip Select |
| Pin 34 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog channel 0 |
| Pin 35 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog channel 1 |
| Pin 36 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog channel 2 |
| Pin 37 | RA3/AN3 — PORTA bit 3 / Analog channel 3 |
| Pin 38 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 39 | RA5/AN4 — PORTA bit 5 / Analog channel 4 |
| Pin 40 | OSC1/CLKI — Crystal oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 41 | OSC2/CLKO — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 42 | MCLR — Master Clear reset (active low) |
| Pin 43 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin EP | EP — Exposed thermal pad (must be soldered to ground) |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF4523T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Smart Metering and Energy Monitoring, IoT Edge Sensor Nodes, HVAC Controllers and Building Automation, Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Panels, Security and Alarm Panels.
Industrial Motor Control
The PIC18LF4523T-I/ML is a strong fit for industrial motor-control boards thanks to its 2x CCP plus 1x ECCP module, three 16-bit timers for precise PWM generation, and 40 MHz CPU speed providing roughly 10 MIPS for closed-loop control math. Designers typically pair it with a 3-phase gate driver (e.g., Microchip's MCP8024) and use the 10-bit ADC with up to 13 channels to sample motor current and back-EMF. The 32KB Flash and 1536 bytes of RAM comfortably hold a state-space or PI control loop plus a Modbus RTU slave stack. Its wide 2.0V-5.5V supply lets the board operate directly from a regulated 24V bus via a buck converter.
Recommended
Smart Metering and Energy Monitoring
For smart electricity, water, or gas meters, the PIC18LF4523T-I/ML brings the nanoWatt low-power feature set with sub-100 nA sleep current, making it ideal for battery-backed metering devices. Its 10-bit ADC and analog comparator can directly sense current via a shunt or CT, while the 2x EUSART modules support optical port (IEC 62056-21) or wired M-Bus communication. The 256-byte EEPROM provides tamper-resistant storage for calibration and billing data. The wide 2.0V-5.5V supply allows operation from a single Li-SOCl2 cell commonly used in metering applications.
Recommended
IoT Edge Sensor Nodes
In wireless IoT sensor nodes (e.g., LoRa, Zigbee, sub-GHz proprietary), the PIC18LF4523T-I/ML acts as the host MCU handling sensor I/O, local buffering, and protocol stack execution. Its MSSP (SPI/I²C) connects to radios such as the Microchip RN2483 or SX1276, while a 16-bit timer drives timing-critical packet framing. The 32KB Flash is enough for basic LoRaWAN or Zigbee stack plus application logic, and the 1536-byte RAM accommodates buffering for short bursts. NanoWatt sleep modes let the node idle at a few microamps between transmissions.
Recommended
HVAC Controllers and Building Automation
Building automation and HVAC controllers benefit from the PIC18LF4523T-I/ML's 36 GPIO pins to drive multiple relays, TRIAC interfaces, and NTC temperature sensors directly. The 10-bit ADC with 13 channels scans zone temperatures, humidity, and pressure sensors, while two CCP/ECCP modules generate PWM for proportional valve or damper control. The wide industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and the rugged QFN-44 package suit equipment-room installations where airflow and humidity vary.
Recommended
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Panels
Compact HMI panels with LCD or LED indicators can use the PIC18LF4523T-I/ML to refresh display content and scan key matrices. The MSSP drives a character LCD over SPI, freeing GPIO for keypad scanning and indicator LEDs. The 40 MHz CPU speed delivers smooth refresh of multi-line displays, and the 32KB Flash supports lookup tables, multilingual fonts, and protocol interpreters such as Modbus or CANopen. The 44-QFN (8x8 mm) footprint keeps the panel size compact.
Recommended
Security and Alarm Panels
Alarm and security panels require continuous monitoring of multiple zones (PIR, door/window contacts, smoke detectors) and reliable alarm communication. The PIC18LF4523T-I/ML offers the 36 GPIO pins needed to scan 16+ zones, the EUSART for cellular or PSTN dialer modules, and the EEPROM for storing event logs and user codes. The nanoWatt sleep mode keeps standby current under 100 nA so panels can run for years on backup battery. Industrial temperature grade suits unheated garages and outdoor enclosures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF4523T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18LF4523-I/ML | PIC18LF4520T-I/ML | PIC18LF4620T-I/ML | PIC18F4523T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-QFN (ML) 8x8 mm | 44-QFN (ML) 8x8 mm - same | 44-QFN (ML) 8x8 mm - same | 44-QFN (ML) 8x8 mm - same | 44-QFN (ML) 8x8 mm - same |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB (+100%) | 32 KB |
| RAM | 1536 bytes | 1536 bytes | 1536 bytes | 3840 bytes (+150%) | 1536 bytes |
| CPU Speed | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0V to 5.5V (LF) | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 4.2V to 5.5V (F) |
| I/O Pins | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 13 channels | 10-bit, 13 channels | 10-bit, 13 channels (older) | 10-bit, 13 channels | 10-bit, 13 channels |
| Temperature Grade | -40°C to +85°C (I) | -40°C to +85°C (I) | -40°C to +85°C (I) | -40°C to +85°C (I) | -40°C to +85°C (I) |
| Automotive Grade | No | No | No | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- Wide operating voltage range (2.0V-5.5V) (vs PIC18F4523T-I/ML (F-variant))
- Drop-in tray-packaging equivalent (vs PIC18LF4523-I/ML)
- Enhanced ADC module over older PIC18LF4520 (vs PIC18LF4520T-I/ML)
- nanoWatt technology power management (vs PIC18LF4523T-I/ML_Q1)
Design Notes
Decouple every VDD/VSS pair with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the IC pins, plus a bulk 10 µF tantalum or ceramic on the main rail. The 44-QFN package has multiple VDD/VSS pins distributed around the perimeter; do not skip any of them, otherwise logic-level noise can couple into the analog section. For nanoWatt sleep mode designs, add a load switch or Schottky diode to isolate the analog regulator from the MCU's leakage path.
The 44-QFN (ML) package has an exposed thermal pad that must be soldered to a contiguous ground copper pour with thermal vias for heat sinking. Without the EP soldered, electrical ground reference and thermal dissipation are compromised, which can cause erratic ADC readings. Use a 4x4 via array (0.3 mm drill, 0.6 mm pitch) under the EP tied to the ground plane.
Do not exceed 5.5V on VDD or apply voltage to any pin before VDD is stable; the PIC18LF4523 is sensitive to latch-up on the LF-variant. When migrating from the F-variant, double-check the analog reference voltage, since the LF ADC internal reference may need re-calibration at 3.3V. Also reserve ICSP pins RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD for in-circuit programming - do not load them with heavy peripherals that would prevent the programmer from driving them.
Keep analog (ADC) traces short and routed away from PWM and digital switching signals to minimize coupling. Use a separate analog ground island tied to the EP ground at a single point if the design uses high-current switching stages. Place the external crystal or resonator close to OSC1/OSC2 (pins 40-41) with a guard ground trace to avoid injected noise.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Standard industrial-grade device; for AEC-Q100 automotive qualification use the Q1 suffix variant. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip material declaration.