PIC18LF4525-I/P - 8-Bit 48KB Flash MCU 40MHz 40-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF4525-I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.2 | $7.20 |
| 10 | $6.48 | $64.80 |
| 100 | $5.76 | $576.00 |
| 500 | $5.12 | $2,560.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.56 | $4,560.00 |
PIC18LF4525-I/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory, data RAM, and peripherals such as timers, ADC, and communication interfaces. The PIC18 family uses Microchip's enhanced Harvard RISC architecture with a 16-bit instruction word and an 8-bit data path, providing up to 10 MIPS performance at 40MHz. The LF suffix designates low-voltage operation enabled by NanoWatt power management technology, which reduces active current and adds multiple sleep modes for battery-powered designs. Within Microchip's taxonomy, this part sits at the high-pin-count (36 I/O) performance tier of the PIC18F mainstream family.
Key features of the PIC18LF4525-I/P include 48KB (24K x 16) of self-programmable Enhanced Flash, an internal 10-bit ADC with up to 13 input channels, two 8-bit and three 16-bit timers, two capture/compare/PWM modules, a synchronous serial port configurable for SPI or I2C master mode, an Enhanced USART with auto-baud, and a 10 MIPS instruction throughput at 40MHz. The device also integrates nanoWatt technology with multiple power-managed modes (RUN, IDLE, SLEEP) and a 31 kHz low-power secondary oscillator for real-time clock applications.
Internally the PIC18LF4525 uses Microchip's enhanced 8-bit RISC core with a hardware multiplier, 32-level stack, and 16-bit instruction word with 8-bit data bus. The Enhanced Flash supports self-programming, ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming), and ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) interfaces, while the 3968-byte SRAM and 256-byte EEPROM provide ample headroom for data buffering and parameter storage. The ADC subsystem can convert up to 13 channels at 100 ksps with selectable 2.5V internal voltage reference.
Typical applications for the PIC18LF4525-I/P include industrial control panels, sensor signal conditioning and data acquisition, low-power battery-powered instrumentation, USB/HID bridge controllers (paired with an external PHY), HVAC thermostat controllers, automotive body and accessory modules, and consumer white-goods motor control boards. The wide 2.0V-5.5V range supports both 3.3V and legacy 5V designs.
When designing with this MCU, plan a decoupling network of 100 nF plus 10 uF bulk capacitors close to VDD/VSS pins, and keep the MCLR reset trace short to avoid spurious resets. Designers should also confirm the 40-pin PDIP footprint (0.1 inch / 2.54 mm pitch) against the target PCB.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF4525-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 PIC18LF4525-I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, ADC, Operating Temperature, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F4525-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF4525-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF4525T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF4620-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF4523-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF4525-I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC18 enhanced RISC |
| Instruction Set | 16-bit instructions, 8-bit data path |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 48 KB (24K x 16) |
| Data RAM | 3968 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz (10 MIPS) |
| Operating Voltage (LF) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 36 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 13 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 3 x 16-bit |
| CCP Modules | 2 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Communication | EUSART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Package | 40-pin PDIP (P) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Power-Saving Modes | nanoWatt (RUN, IDLE, SLEEP) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18LF4525-I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP/RE3 — Reset input / programming voltage / PORTE bit 3 |
| 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 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Oscillator input / external clock / PORTA bit 7 |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Oscillator output / clock output / PORTA bit 6 |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator out / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator in / CCP2 output |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 output |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / EUSART TX / EUSART clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / EUSART RX / EUSART data |
| Pin 18 | RD0/PSP0 — PORTD bit 0 / Parallel Slave Port bit 0 |
| Pin 19 | RD1/PSP1 — PORTD bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port bit 1 |
| Pin 20 | RD2/PSP2 — PORTD bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port bit 2 |
| Pin 21 | RD3/PSP3 — PORTD bit 3 / Parallel Slave Port bit 3 |
| Pin 22 | RD4/PSP4 — PORTD bit 4 / Parallel Slave Port bit 4 |
| Pin 23 | RD5/PSP5 — PORTD bit 5 / Parallel Slave Port bit 5 |
| Pin 24 | RD6/PSP6 — PORTD bit 6 / Parallel Slave Port bit 6 |
| Pin 25 | RD7/PSP7 — PORTD bit 7 / Parallel Slave Port bit 7 |
| Pin 26 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Positive supply (2.0V-5.5V) |
| Pin 28 | RB0/INT0/FLT0 — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt 0 / PWM fault input |
| Pin 29 | RB1/INT1 — PORTB bit 1 / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 30 | RB2/INT2 — PORTB bit 2 / External interrupt 2 |
| Pin 31 | RB3/INT3/CCP2 — PORTB bit 3 / External interrupt 3 / CCP2 alt |
| Pin 32 | RB4/KBI0 — PORTB bit 4 / Interrupt-on-change bit 0 |
| Pin 33 | RB5/KBI1 — PORTB bit 5 / Interrupt-on-change bit 1 |
| Pin 34 | RB6/KBI2/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / Interrupt-on-change bit 2 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 35 | RB7/KBI3/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / Interrupt-on-change bit 3 / ICSP data |
| Pin 36 | RE0/RD/AN5 — PORTE bit 0 / Read control / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 37 | RE1/WR/AN6 — PORTE bit 1 / Write control / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 38 | RE2/CS/AN7 — PORTE bit 2 / Chip select / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 39 | AVDD — Analog positive supply |
| Pin 40 | AVSS — Analog ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF4525-I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panels, Sensor Data Acquisition, HVAC Thermostat Controllers, USB HID Bridge Controllers, Consumer White-Good Motor Control, Automotive Body & Accessory Modules.
Industrial Control Panels
The PIC18LF4525-I/P suits industrial control panels thanks to its 36 I/O lines for keypad scan, relay drive, and discrete I/O expansion, plus 48KB of Flash for state-machine logic and HMI protocol stacks. The 2.0V-5.5V operating range simplifies designs with mixed 3.3V sensors and 5V relay drivers. The 10-bit ADC with 13 input channels directly digitizes 4-20 mA loopback voltages and potentiometer feedback, while two CCP modules generate PWM for proportional valves. The 40-pin PDIP through-hole package supports ruggedized wiring and field-replaceable modules. Pair with a MAX232 or MAX3485 for RS-232/RS-485 panel networking.
Recommended
Sensor Data Acquisition
The PIC18LF4525-I/P delivers 48KB of Flash for averaging/filtering routines and 3968 bytes of RAM for sample buffers, ideal for multi-channel sensor data acquisition. Its 10-bit ADC at up to 100 ksps captures 13 analog inputs from thermocouples (via amplifiers), RTDs, and bridge sensors. The EUSART and MSSP support simultaneous UART logging to a host and I2C sensor reads from MEMS accelerometers or pressure sensors. The wide 2.0V-5.5V supply enables battery-powered remote sensor nodes, while nanoWatt sleep modes extend field lifetime. Pair with an MCP3421 18-bit ADC for precision channels.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat Controllers
The PIC18LF4525-I/P's 48KB Flash and 3968B RAM comfortably hold PID control loops for HVAC thermostat applications, while its 36 I/O drives triac interfaces for compressor, fan, and reversing-valve control. The 10-bit ADC reads multiple temperature sensors (NTC thermistors) and humidity probes, while three 16-bit timers schedule sample-and-hold cycles. The 2.0V-5.5V supply enables 24VAC-derived 5V or 3.3V rails. nanoWatt sleep with RTCC keeps time-of-day scheduling accurate across power cycles. Pair with an MCP9808 high-accuracy temperature sensor over I2C.
Recommended
USB HID Bridge Controllers
The PIC18LF4525-I/P supports USB full-speed device operation via the internal SIE and an external USB transceiver, making it a viable USB HID bridge controller. The 48KB Flash holds HID report descriptors, bootloader logic, and protocol stacks, while 3968 bytes of RAM buffer HID reports and command queues. The MSSP supports SPI/I2C peripheral bridging to sensors or displays, and the EUSART handles legacy RS-232. The 40-pin PDIP package simplifies breadboard-based prototype development. Pair with an MCP2200 USB-UART bridge for simpler designs.
Recommended
Consumer White-Good Motor Control
The PIC18LF4525-I/P handles BLDC and brushed-DC motor control in white goods (washing machines, dishwashers) via two CCP modules for PWM generation and three 16-bit timers for commutation timing. Its 36 I/O drive MOSFET gate drivers, tacho feedback, and door-latch interlocks, while the 10-bit ADC monitors current shunt and temperature. The 48KB Flash holds FOC or trapezoidal commutation routines plus UI logic for push-buttons and 7-segment displays. The wide 2.0V-5.5V supply simplifies design across universal mains-derived rails. Pair with an IR2104 gate driver for half-bridge output stages.
Recommended
Automotive Body & Accessory Modules
The PIC18LF4525-I/P, though not AEC-Q100 qualified, supports non-safety automotive body and accessory modules such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, ambient lighting, and aftermarket accessories. Its 36 I/O drive LEDs, H-bridges, and CAN/LIN transceivers, while 48KB of Flash handles LIN stack and proprietary protocols. The 10-bit ADC reads current shunts and position sensors, and nanoWatt sleep with wake-on-change minimizes quiescent draw to under 1 uA. Pair with a TJA1027T LIN transceiver and BTS50010-1TMA smart high-side switch. For AEC-Q100-grade designs, choose a PIC18F46K22-Q1 instead.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF4525-I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F4525-I/P | PIC18LF4525-I/PT | PIC18LF4525T-I/PT | PIC18LF4620-I/P | PIC18LF4523-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 40-pin PDIP | 40-pin PDIP - same | 44-pin TQFP | 44-pin TQFP | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0V-5.5V | 4.2V-5.5V (5V only) | 2.0V-5.5V - same | 2.0V-5.5V - same | 2.0V-5.5V - same | 2.0V-5.5V - same |
| Flash Memory | 48 KB | 48 KB - same | 48 KB - same | 48 KB - same | 64 KB (+33%) | 32 KB (-33%) |
| RAM | 3968 bytes | 3968 bytes - same | 3968 bytes - same | 3968 bytes - same | 3986 bytes - same | 3968 bytes - same |
| I/O Pins | 36 | 36 - same | 36 - same | 36 - same | 36 - same | 36 - same |
| ADC | 10-bit, 13 ch | 10-bit, 13 ch - same | 10-bit, 13 ch - same | 10-bit, 13 ch - same | 10-bit, 13 ch - same | 10-bit, 13 ch - same |
| Max CPU Speed | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS - same | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS - same | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS - same | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS - same | 40 MHz / 10 MIPS - same |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes - same | 256 bytes - same | 256 bytes - same | 1024 bytes | 256 bytes - same |
Key Differentiators
- Wide 2.0V-5.5V supply range with nanoWatt power management (vs PIC18F4525-I/P)
- 40-pin PDIP through-hole footprint for ruggedized assemblies (vs PIC18LF4525-I/PT (44-pin TQFP))
- 48KB Flash with self-programmable Enhanced Flash memory (vs PIC18LF4523-I/P (32KB))
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD/AVDD pin and a single 10 uF bulk tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the main supply rail. For ADC accuracy, use a separate analog ground (AVSS) trace and tie it back to the digital ground at a single point near the device. The PIC18LF4525-I/P requires a stable VDD ramp for proper brown-out reset operation; add a 4.7 uF-10 uF bulk capacitor if the source impedance is high.
Keep the MCLR pin trace short (less than 25 mm) to minimize noise coupling and avoid spurious resets. Place the 10 kohm MCLR pull-up resistor within 5 mm of the pin and add a 100 nF cap to ground if the trace must run longer. Route the ICSP PGD/PGC traces (RB6/RB7) parallel and equal-length to maintain signal integrity during in-circuit programming. Keep crystal traces short and symmetric with a ground guard ring to reduce EMI.
Do not assume the LF suffix implies lower current consumption - the LF and F variants share the same active current, but the LF adds extended low-voltage operation. If the design must work at 3.3V or 2.5V, the LF part is mandatory; if 5V-only, the F variant is pin-compatible and often cheaper. For ICD debugging with PICkit 5, ensure the PGC/PGD pins are not pulled low by external circuitry during programming.
Configure all unused I/O pins as outputs driving low (or as inputs with the internal weak pull-up enabled) to minimize supply current noise. For ADC measurements below 100 mV, average 16-64 samples to reduce noise to within 1 LSB. Use the ADC's 2.5V internal voltage reference for ratiometric sensor measurements to avoid noise pickup on external VREF pins.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive-grade designs choose a Q-suffix variant or a PIC18F46K22-Q1 equivalent. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip environmental certifications.
