PIC18LF46J53T-I/ML - 8-bit USB MCU 64KB Flash 48MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF46J53T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.62 | $4.62 |
| 10 | $4.18 | $41.80 |
| 100 | $3.74 | $374.00 |
| 500 | $3.39 | $1,695.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.05 | $3,050.00 |
PIC18LF46J53T-I/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM), and a rich set of peripherals such as timers, communication interfaces, and analog converters. PIC18LF46J53 belongs to the PIC18 8-bit RISC family, the low-power (LF) variant of the J-series, and within the power management hierarchy it sits at the embedded control IC level, sitting above simple logic ICs and below MPU-class devices. This places the part in the broader semiconductor hypernym chain: MCU -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC18 -> PIC18F/LF J-series -> PIC18LF46J53.
Key differentiating features include 34 programmable I/O pins, a 12-bit A/D converter with up to 13 input channels, two analog comparators, two UART/USART, SPI and I2C (MSSP) peripherals, a full-speed USB 2.0 device/host/OTG transceiver, two 8-bit and three 16-bit timers, and nanoWatt XLP technology for sub-microamp sleep currents. The internal 31 kHz and 8 MHz oscillators with PLL flexibility reduce external component count. The "J" series core runs from 2.0 V to 3.6 V versus the 2.0 V to 5.5 V of classic PIC18F, making it suited to low-voltage USB and battery designs.
The architecture uses a modified Harvard RISC core with 16-bit opcodes and a 16-bit data path, enabling single-cycle 16-bit fetches. With hardware multiplier, deterministic interrupt latency, and instruction pre-fetch, the device achieves 12 MIPS at 48 MHz while still supporting nanoWatt sleep modes useful for battery-powered peripherals. The integrated USB SIE eliminates the external PHY requirement for low-speed and full-speed USB.
Typical applications include USB Human Interface Devices (HID), CDC serial bridges, USB audio peripherals, low-power sensor nodes, and consumer electronics with USB charging/data ports. The exposed pad (EP) on the VQFN provides a low-thermal-resistance path (~28 C/W) for higher-power USB-host applications.
When designing with this MCU, place the decoupling capacitors as close as possible to VDD/VSS pairs and connect the exposed pad to a contiguous ground plane for thermal dissipation. For USB applications, the D+/D- traces must be 45-ohm impedance-controlled and length-matched within 150 mil.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the PIC18 J-series family, and practical design notes not found in the bare manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF46J53T-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 PIC18LF46J53T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Timers, I/O Pins, Communication.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18LF46J53-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F46J53T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F47J53T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F47J53-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$5.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF46J50-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF46J13-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF46J53T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC18F/LF J-series (PIC18 8-bit) |
| Core | PIC18 RISC, 8-bit data path, 16-bit instruction |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB (32K x 16) |
| RAM | 3.8 KB (3800 bytes) |
| Data EEPROM | 0 bytes (not present on J-series) |
| Max CPU Speed | 48 MHz (12 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 34 programmable |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG Device/Host/Embedded |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 13 input channels |
| Comparators | 2 analog comparators |
| Communication | 2x UART, SPI, I2C (MSSP) |
| Timers | 2x 8-bit, 3x 16-bit |
| Package | 44-pin VQFN with Exposed Pad (ML) 8x8 mm |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC18LF46J53T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RB5/KBI1/PGC — Port B bit 5 / Keyboard interrupt / ICSP clock |
| Pin 2 | RB4/KBI0/PGD — Port B bit 4 / Keyboard interrupt / ICSP data |
| Pin 3 | RB3/AN9/CANRX/CCP2 — Port B bit 3 / ADC input / ECAN RX / CCP2 |
| Pin 4 | RB2/AN8/CANTX — Port B bit 2 / ADC input / ECAN TX |
| Pin 5 | RB1/AN7/C1INA/RX1/DT1 — Port B bit 1 / ADC / Comparator input / EUSART1 RX |
| Pin 6 | RB0/AN6/C1INB — Port B bit 0 / ADC input / Comparator input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/C2INB/T1CKI — Port A bit 5 / ADC input / Comparator / Timer1 clock |
| Pin 8 | RA4/AN3/C1OUT — Port A bit 4 / ADC input / Comparator output |
| Pin 9 | RA3/AN2/VREF+ — Port A bit 3 / ADC input / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 10 | RA2/AN1/C2OUT — Port A bit 2 / ADC input / Comparator output |
| Pin 11 | RA1/AN0/C1INA — Port A bit 1 / ADC input / Comparator input |
| Pin 12 | RA0/AN0/ULPWU — Port A bit 0 / ADC input / Ultra-Low-Power Wake-up |
| Pin 13 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply (2.0-3.6V) |
| Pin 15 | RC7/RX1/DT1 — Port C bit 7 / EUSART1 RX |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX1/CK1 — Port C bit 6 / EUSART1 TX |
| Pin 17 | RC5/D+/VP — Port C bit 5 / USB D+ / ADC programming voltage |
| Pin 18 | RC4/D-/VM — Port C bit 4 / USB D- / ADC programming mode |
| Pin 19 | RC3/AN12/SCL1 — Port C bit 3 / ADC input / I2C clock |
| Pin 20 | RC2/AN11/SDA1 — Port C bit 2 / ADC input / I2C data |
| Pin 21 | RC1/AN10/CCP2 — Port C bit 1 / ADC input / CCP2 |
| Pin 22 | RC0/AN12 — Port C bit 0 / ADC input |
| Pin 23 | VUSB — USB internal voltage regulator bypass |
| Pin 24 | RD7 — Port D bit 7 |
| Pin 25 | RD6 — Port D bit 6 |
| Pin 26 | RD5 — Port D bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RD4 — Port D bit 4 |
| Pin 28 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 |
| Pin 29 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 30 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 31 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 |
| Pin 32 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 33 | VDD — Positive supply (2.0-3.6V) |
| Pin 34 | RE3/RP19 — Port E bit 3 |
| Pin 35 | RE2/CS — Port E bit 2 / SPI chip select |
| Pin 36 | RE1/WR — Port E bit 1 / External memory write |
| Pin 37 | RE0/RD — Port E bit 0 / External memory read |
| Pin 38 | RF7 — Port F bit 7 |
| Pin 39 | RF6 — Port F bit 6 |
| Pin 40 | RF5 — Port F bit 5 |
| Pin 41 | RF4 — Port F bit 4 |
| Pin 42 | RF3/AN13 — Port F bit 3 / ADC input |
| Pin 43 | RF2 — Port F bit 2 |
| Pin 44 | RF1 — Port F bit 1 |
| Pin EP | EP — Exposed thermal pad - connect to ground |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF46J53T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Peripheral (Keyboard/Mouse/Gamepad), USB CDC Serial Bridge (USB-to-UART Converter), USB Audio Class 1.0 Peripheral (Headset/Speaker), Low-Power Sensor Hub with USB Charging Port, Industrial USB Data Logger, USB Host / Embedded Host (Mass Storage, HID Dongles).
USB HID Peripheral (Keyboard/Mouse/Gamepad)
The PIC18LF46J53T-I/ML is well matched to USB HID class devices because its integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed SIE plus 12 MIPS core can handle HID report generation at 1 kHz without CPU loading. With 64 KB Flash it fits standard HID report descriptors, multiple keymaps, and macro logic for gaming peripherals, while the 3.8 KB RAM holds HID ring buffers and debounce state. Operates directly from the USB 5 V line through a 3.3 V LDO, drawing <25 mA in HID active mode. Recommended partners include a 3.3 V LDO (Microchip MCP1700), ESD protection (USBLC6-2SC6), and a low-cost 12 MHz crystal with the internal PLL driving the core to 48 MHz for 12 MIPS. NanoWatt XLP sleep reduces idle current to sub-microamp levels for battery-powered wireless HID dongles.
Recommended
USB CDC Serial Bridge (USB-to-UART Converter)
The PIC18LF46J53T-I/ML serves as a USB-to-UART bridge, using its integrated USB SIE plus a hardware UART to provide CDC ACM class conversion. This eliminates external USB-to-serial ICs like the FT232, saving cost and PCB area. The 48 MHz core sustains CDC line speeds up to 921600 baud without dropped bytes, and 64 KB Flash holds CDC descriptors and command parsers. The 2.0-3.6V supply lets the MCU draw power directly from USB VBUS through a 3.3V LDO, supporting USB suspend current requirements with nanoWatt XLP sleep. Compared to dedicated USB-UART bridges, this approach adds programmability for custom IO commands while keeping the BOM simple. Pair with a Microchip MCP1700 LDO and an external 12 MHz crystal.
Recommended
USB Audio Class 1.0 Peripheral (Headset/Speaker)
For USB audio peripherals, the PIC18LF46J53T-I/ML implements UAC1 isochronous endpoints, driving PWM audio directly to a class-D amplifier or interfacing an external codec over I2S. The 12 MIPS core handles UAC1 descriptor handling, sample rate conversion, and HID volume controls simultaneously. With 64 KB Flash you can fit the full UAC1 stack plus custom DSP, and 3.8 KB RAM supports double-buffered isochronous packets at 48 kHz/16-bit. The 12-bit ADC provides microphone input for USB headsets. The exposed pad of the VQFN package keeps junction temperature low during sustained USB host operation. For 24-bit/96 kHz paths, consider the higher-performance dsPIC33 or move to an STM32 Cortex-M4 platform.
Recommended
Low-Power Sensor Hub with USB Charging Port
The PIC18LF46J53T-I/ML acts as a low-power sensor hub that aggregates I2C/SPI sensor data and exposes it to a host over USB, while also managing a lithium battery charger over USB VBUS. NanoWatt XLP technology brings idle current below 1 uA, critical for battery-powered wearables and IoT edge nodes. The 12-bit ADC with 13 channels can directly read analog sensor outputs alongside digital sensor interfaces. The 64 KB Flash accommodates USB stack plus sensor fusion algorithms. Its 2.0-3.6V range lets it run directly from a single Li-ion cell with no boost regulator. Pair with a Microchip MCP73831 Li-ion charger IC for USB-powered rechargeable designs.
Recommended
Industrial USB Data Logger
The PIC18LF46J53T-I/ML is well-suited to industrial USB data loggers that stream 4-20 mA sensor readings, thermocouple data, or Modbus RTU over USB to a host PC. The 12-bit ADC with 13 channels reads multiple analog sensors simultaneously, while the UART/USART interfaces to RS-485 transceivers for industrial protocols. 64 KB Flash stores USB CDC stack plus Modbus handlers and logging firmware. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range allows deployment in factory floors, outdoor enclosures, and HVAC cabinets. Pair with an ADM2587E isolated RS-485 transceiver for high-noise industrial environments, and add external FRAM like Cypress FM25V01 for non-volatile log storage.
Recommended
USB Host / Embedded Host (Mass Storage, HID Dongles)
The PIC18LF46J53T-I/ML's integrated USB OTG controller enables embedded USB host operation, supporting USB mass-storage devices, keyboards, and mice without an external USB hub. The 48 MHz core sustains USB host stack plus a FAT12/16 file system, allowing the MCU to read data from USB flash drives in industrial data-logging or kiosk applications. With 64 KB Flash the file-system and USB host stack fit comfortably, leaving room for application code. The 3.3V VBUS power-switch requirement is met by an external TPS2051B or MIC2026 load switch. For designs that need full host + device USB on the same port, the J53's OTG support eliminates the need for a separate USB hub IC.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF46J53T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18LF46J53-I/ML | PIC18F46J53T-I/ML | PIC18F47J53T-I/ML | PIC18F47J53-I/ML | PIC18LF46J50-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-VQFN EP (ML) 8x8mm | 44-VQFN EP (ML) - same | 44-VQFN EP (ML) - same | 44-VQFN EP (ML) - same | 44-VQFN EP (ML) - same | 44-VQFN EP (ML) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 64 KB |
| RAM | 3.8 KB | 3.8 KB | 3.8 KB | 3.8 KB | 3.8 KB | 3.8 KB |
| USB | Yes (Full-Speed OTG) | Yes (Full-Speed OTG) | Yes (Full-Speed OTG) | Yes (Full-Speed OTG) | Yes (Full-Speed OTG) | Yes (Full-Speed) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0-3.6 V (LF) | 2.0-3.6 V (LF) | 2.0-3.6 V (F, 5V tol I/O) | 2.0-3.6 V (F, 5V tol I/O) | 2.0-3.6 V (F, 5V tol I/O) | 2.0-3.6 V (LF) |
| Max Frequency | 48 MHz (12 MIPS) | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG with no external PHY required (vs PIC18LF46J13-I/ML)
- Double the Flash program memory for firmware expansion headroom (vs PIC18LF46J53T-I/ML (vs PIC18F47J53T-I/ML))
- Industrial temperature range with exposed-pad VQFN for compact designs (vs PIC18F46K22-I/PT)
Design Notes
Estimated: At active 48 MHz operation with USB host mode drawing ~25 mA, the MCU at 3.3V dissipates roughly 82.5 mW. For USB device-only suspend mode, current drops to under 1 uA with nanoWatt XLP sleep. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD/VSS pin pair (the 44-VQFN has multiple VDD/VSS pins), and a 4.7 uF bulk capacitor on the main 3.3V rail. Add a ferrite bead between VUSB and VDD to isolate USB noise from the digital core supply.
The 44-pin VQFN has an exposed pad (EP) that MUST be soldered to a contiguous ground plane for both thermal dissipation and electrical grounding. Without proper EP soldering, junction temperature can rise 25-40 C during USB host operation, risking thermal shutdown. For USB applications, route the D+ and D- differential pair with 90-ohm differential impedance and length-match within 150 mil (3.8 mm) of each other. Use a ground keep-out under the differential pair and stitch vias every 200 mil along the trace edges.
When using the internal 31 kHz low-power oscillator for RTC-like functions, keep the SOSC pins (RA4/RA5) away from high-frequency switching traces and surrounded by a ground ring to minimize noise pickup. For the 12 MHz external crystal, place the load capacitors (typically 15-30 pF) within 3 mm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins. If using the internal 8 MHz oscillator with PLL (HF-INTOSC mode), configure the PLL for 48 MHz operation by setting OSCTUNE.PLLEN and using the PLL block - this eliminates the external crystal entirely for cost-sensitive designs.
Do not confuse the LF and F variants: PIC18LF46J53T-I/ML does NOT have 5V-tolerant I/O. Connecting 5V signals directly to any I/O pin can damage the MCU. Use the PIC18F46J53T-I/ML (F variant) if your design requires 5V-tolerant digital inputs. Additionally, the J-series requires careful configuration of CONFIG3L for fail-safe clock monitor and 2-speed startup; leaving these bits in default state can cause USB enumeration failures in noisy environments. Always validate USB compliance with a USB-IF certified analyzer before volume production.
For USB full-speed operation, the D+/D- pair must meet USB 2.0 spec requirements: 90-ohm differential impedance, common-mode voltage 0.8V to 2.5V, and rise/fall times between 4 ns and 20 ns. Series termination resistors are NOT required on the D+/D- pins as the MCU has internal impedance matching. Place the 15 kohm pull-down resistor on D- to bias the line during USB reset signaling. Add a 1 nF capacitor in parallel with VUSB (pin 23) to stabilize the internal USB voltage regulator output.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page and Besenchips distributor listing. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive applications consider PIC18F46J53T-I/ML or dedicated automotive MCUs. Halogen-free status not explicitly confirmed in verified data.
