PIC18LF46K80-I/PT - 8-bit 64MHz 64KB Flash XLP MCU w/ ECAN | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF46K80-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.1 | $6.10 |
| 10 | $5.49 | $54.90 |
| 100 | $4.62 | $462.00 |
| 500 | $4.18 | $2,090.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.74 | $3,740.00 |
PIC18LF46K80-I/PT Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory, and peripherals around an 8-bit data path. The PIC18 family uses an enhanced RISC Harvard design with a 16-bit instruction word and 8-bit data path, belonging to the broader category of microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> semiconductors. The 'LF' prefix indicates a low-voltage variant supporting 1.8V-3.6V operation with extended XLP sleep currents below 100 nA typical, while 'F' (non-LF) variants support 1.8V-5.5V. The 'K80' sub-family adds integrated ECAN (CAN 2.0B active), CTMU (Charge Time Measurement Unit) for mTouch capacitive sensing, and 12-bit ADC with up to 12 channels.
Key specifications include 35 I/O pins, 12-bit ADC resolution, two UART/USART modules, one I2C, one SPI, and seven 10-bit PWM outputs. The device operates across -40C to +85C (industrial 'I' temperature grade) at 1.8V to 3.6V supply. It features nanoWatt XLP technology with typical sleep currents of <100 nA and Run currents of approximately 7 mA at 4 MHz. The CTMU peripheral enables capacitive touch buttons, sliders, and proximity sensing without external components.
The architecture uses a 2-stage pipeline with single-cycle instruction execution at 64MHz (16 MIPS), a hardware multiplier, C-compiler-optimized instruction set, and a priority-level interrupt controller. The 64KB Flash is self-programmable under firmware control (ICSP) and supports bootloader operation. ECAN supports CAN 2.0B active with hardware acceptance filters, providing automotive-grade bus connectivity.
Typical applications include industrial CAN nodes, automotive body and comfort modules, building automation, capacitive touch human-machine interfaces, sensor hubs with analog front-ends, and low-power remote battery-powered monitoring. The integrated ECAN and XLP make it particularly suited for sleep-dominated networks such as automotive LIN/CAN gateways and HVAC controllers.
Design consideration: when migrating between 'LF' (1.8V-3.6V) and 'F' (1.8V-5.5V) variants, verify that any 5V peripherals are tolerant of the lower VDD. ECAN bus termination (120 ohm) must be placed at each end of the bus segment. For CTMU touch sensing, PCB layout guidelines from Microchip AN1250 should be followed.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF46K80-I/PT — 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 PIC18LF46K80-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Communication, Core Architecture, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F46K80-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F46K80-E/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF45K80-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF46K42-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF46K40-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF46K80-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 (8-bit enhanced RISC) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 64 MHz |
| Instruction Throughput | 16 MIPS |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 64 KB (32K x 16) |
| Data RAM | 3.56 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 1 KB (1024 bytes) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF variant) |
| I/O Pins | 35 |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 11 channels |
| PWM Outputs | 7 channels (10-bit) |
| Communication | ECAN, 2x UART, 1x I2C, 1x SPI |
| Special Features | ECAN 2.0B Active, CTMU (mTouch), nanoWatt XLP |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial -I) |
| Package | TQFP-44 (10x10x1 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC18LF46K80-I/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RB5/AN11/C2INB — PORTB bit 5 / ADC ch11 / Comparator C2 input B |
| Pin 2 | RB4/AN10/C2INA — PORTB bit 4 / ADC ch10 / Comparator C2 input A |
| Pin 3 | RB3/AN9/CTMUI/C1INA — PORTB bit 3 / ADC ch9 / CTMU input / Comparator C1 input A |
| Pin 4 | RB2/AN8/CTMUE — PORTB bit 2 / ADC ch8 / CTMU edge |
| Pin 5 | RB1/AN7/CTMUN — PORTB bit 1 / ADC ch7 / CTMU negative |
| Pin 6 | RB0/AN6/CTMUP — PORTB bit 0 / ADC ch6 / CTMU positive |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V-3.6V) |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RD7/ECANRX — PORTD bit 7 / ECAN RX |
| Pin 10 | RD6/ECANTX — PORTD bit 6 / ECAN TX |
| Pin 11 | RC7/AN12/C2OUT — PORTC bit 7 / ADC ch12 / Comparator C2 output |
| Pin 12 | RC6/AN11/C1OUT — PORTC bit 6 / ADC ch11 / Comparator C1 output |
| Pin 13 | RC5/C2INB — PORTC bit 5 / Comparator C2 input B |
| Pin 14 | RC4/C2INA — PORTC bit 4 / Comparator C2 input A |
| Pin 15 | RC3/SCL1 — PORTC bit 3 / I2C1 SCL |
| Pin 16 | RC2/SDA1 — PORTC bit 2 / I2C1 SDA |
| Pin 17 | RC1/CCP8 — PORTC bit 1 / PWM output 8 |
| Pin 18 | RC0/SOSCO — PORTC bit 0 / Secondary oscillator output |
| Pin 19 | OSC2/RA6 — Crystal oscillator output / PORTA bit 6 |
| Pin 20 | OSC1/RA7 — Crystal oscillator input / PORTA bit 7 |
| Pin 21 | RA0/AN0/C1INA — PORTA bit 0 / ADC ch0 / Comparator C1 input A |
| Pin 22 | RA1/AN1/C1INB — PORTA bit 1 / ADC ch1 / Comparator C1 input B |
| Pin 23 | RA2/AN2/C2INA — PORTA bit 2 / ADC ch2 / Comparator C2 input A |
| Pin 24 | RA3/AN3/C2INB — PORTA bit 3 / ADC ch3 / Comparator C2 input B |
| Pin 25 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 26 | RA5/AN4 — PORTA bit 5 / ADC ch4 |
| Pin 27 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V-3.6V) |
| Pin 29 | RB7/AN13 — PORTB bit 7 / ADC ch13 |
| Pin 30 | RB6/AN12 — PORTB bit 6 / ADC ch12 |
| Pin 31 | RE3/MCLR — PORTE bit 3 / Master Clear (reset) |
| Pin 32 | RE2/CCP10 — PORTE bit 2 / PWM output 10 |
| Pin 33 | RE1/CCP9 — PORTE bit 1 / PWM output 9 |
| Pin 34 | RE0/CCP8 — PORTE bit 0 / PWM output 8 |
| Pin 35 | RD0/C1INA — PORTD bit 0 / Comparator C1 input A |
| Pin 36 | RD1/C1INB — PORTD bit 1 / Comparator C1 input B |
| Pin 37 | RD2/C2INA — PORTD bit 2 / Comparator C2 input A |
| Pin 38 | RD3/C2INB — PORTD bit 3 / Comparator C2 input B |
| Pin 39 | RD4 — PORTD bit 4 |
| Pin 40 | RD5 — PORTD bit 5 |
| Pin 41 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 42 | VDDCORE — Core voltage regulator output (decoupling required) |
| Pin 43 | RC8/CCP2 — PORTC bit 8 / PWM output 2 |
| Pin 44 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 (alt) |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF46K80-I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial CAN Node, Automotive Body & Comfort Module, Capacitive Touch HMI (mTouch), Battery-Powered Sensor Hub, Building Automation Controller, Industrial Sensor Transmitter (4-20mA).
Industrial CAN Node
The PIC18LF46K80-I/PT's integrated ECAN 2.0B active peripheral with hardware acceptance filters and timestamping makes it ideal for industrial CAN node applications. The 16 MIPS CPU throughput handles CANopen or DeviceNet stack processing alongside sensor polling, while 3.56KB RAM accommodates CAN message buffers. At 64MHz with 1.8V-3.6V VDD, the device sustains real-time bus response under load. The ECAN module supports bit rates up to 1 Mbps, matching CiA 301 CANopen requirements; nanoWatt XLP enables sleep current under 100 nA typical, allowing battery-backed nodes to wake on CAN bus activity.
Recommended
Automotive Body & Comfort Module
The PIC18LF46K80-I/PT (industrial grade) is widely deployed in automotive body controllers for window lifters, seat controllers, mirror modules, and interior lighting. Its 35 I/O pins directly drive relays, LEDs, and H-bridge MOSFETs, while 12-bit ADC reads position sensors and current shunt monitors. CTMU enables touch-sensitive door handles and proximity switches without external ICs. For AEC-Q100-grade designs, the PIC18F46K80-E/PT variant extends the temperature range to +125C. LIN bus via UART and ECAN provides dual-network flexibility.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch HMI (mTouch)
The PIC18LF46K80-I/PT's integrated CTMU (Charge Time Measurement Unit) supports Microchip's mTouch capacitive touch library, enabling buttons, sliders, proximity sensors, and water-tolerant touch panels. CTMU measures capacitance to femtofarad resolution using charge time pulses, eliminating external analog components. Combined with 12-bit ADC for force/temperature compensation, the device delivers robust touch HMI in appliances, industrial controls, and consumer products. The 64MHz core handles touch scanning of 16+ electrodes at >100Hz refresh rate.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Hub
The PIC18LF46K80-I/PT's nanoWatt XLP technology enables sensor hub designs that run for years on a single battery. Sleep current is below 100 nA typical with RTCC and watchdog active, and Run current is approximately 7 mA at 4 MHz / 2V. The 12-bit ADC reads temperature, humidity, and analog sensors, while I2C/SPI interfaces digital sensors. With 64KB Flash, designers can implement application logic, calibration tables, and BLE/Sigfox wake-up sequencing. The 1.8V-3.6V VDD range is ideal for 2xAA or Li-primary cells.
Recommended
Building Automation Controller
The PIC18LF46K80-I/PT suits HVAC controllers, smart thermostats, and BACnet/LonWorks node applications. ECAN or UART-based protocol stacks run on the 16 MIPS core; 64KB Flash stores BACnet object dictionaries and scheduling logic. CTMU supports touch-panel interfaces, and 12-bit ADC reads thermistor/thermocouple inputs via external front-end. With 35 I/O and PWM outputs, the device directly drives triacs, optocouplers, and LCD modules. Sleep current below 100 nA suits battery-backed thermostat designs.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter (4-20mA)
In 4-20mA loop-powered sensor transmitters, the PIC18LF46K80-I/PT's low-voltage operation (1.8V-3.6V) and 7 mA typical Run current at 4 MHz enable designs powered entirely from the loop with a 3.3V LDO. The 12-bit ADC achieves 0.024% FS accuracy for process-variable measurement, and the ECAN/UART enables HART modem communication via external AD5700. Sleep current below 100 nA supports multi-year battery backup. The CTMU can detect broken-sensor or open-loop conditions for diagnostic reporting.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF46K80-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F46K80-I/PT | PIC18F46K80-E/PT | PIC18LF46K42-I/PT | PIC18LF46K40-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | TQFP-44 | TQFP-44 (same) | TQFP-44 (same) | TQFP-44 (same) | TQFP-44 (same) |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C (AEC-Q100) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| ECAN | Yes (2.0B Active) | Yes (2.0B Active) | Yes (2.0B Active) | Yes (with CIP) | No |
| CTMU (mTouch) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (improved) | No |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit (faster) | 10-bit |
| Typical 1k-piece Price (USD) | 3.74 | 3.74 (approx) | 4.20 (approx) | 2.95 (approx) | 2.50 (approx) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated ECAN 2.0B Active peripheral (vs PIC18LF46K40-I/PT)
- CTMU mTouch capacitive sensing (vs PIC18LF46K40-I/PT)
- Lower-voltage XLP nanoWatt operation (vs PIC18F46K80-I/PT)
Design Notes
The PIC18LF46K80-I/PT operates from 1.8V to 3.6V (LF variant). When migrating from F (1.8V-5.5V) to LF, verify that 5V-tolerant peripherals are connected through proper level shifters. Place 100nF and 10uF decoupling capacitors as close as possible to VDD/VSS pairs (pins 7/8 and 28/27). Add a 100nF on VDDCORE (pin 42) for the internal voltage regulator. Estimated: at 4 MHz / 3.3V active mode, current draw is approximately 7 mA; sleep current below 100 nA.
For ECAN designs, the CANH and CANL traces must be routed as a differential pair with 120 ohm characteristic impedance, matching the bus termination. Place MCP2551 (or equivalent 3.3V CAN transceiver) within 50 mm of the MCU's CANTX/CANRX pins (RD6/RD7) to minimize EMI. Keep CAN bus traces away from switching power and clock lines. Reference: Microchip AN228 - CAN Physical Layer Design.
Critical pitfalls: (1) The CTMU peripheral requires a 1 ms stabilization delay after enabling before accurate capacitance readings. (2) The 'LF' low-voltage part CANNOT be used at 5V VDD - check for accidental 5V supply. (3) ICSP programming requires the PGD/PGC pins to be 5V-tolerant only in the F variant; on LF, voltage above VDD on PGD/PGC may damage the MCU. (4) MCLR must be tied to VDD through a 10k resistor for normal operation; do not leave floating.
Compliance Information
Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C); not AEC-Q100 qualified - select PIC18F46K80-E/PT for automotive. RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page.
