PIC24F08KL401-I/SS - 8KB Flash 16-bit MCU, 32MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC24F08KL401-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.0184 | $2.02 |
| 10 | $1.95 | $19.50 |
| 100 | $1.82 | $182.00 |
| 500 | $1.7 | $850.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.6 | $1,600.00 |
PIC24F08KL401-I/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is an integrated computer-on-a-chip containing a processor core, program and data memory, and configurable peripherals such as ADCs, timers, and communication interfaces. Within the embedded hierarchy, MCUs sit below microprocessors (which require external memory) and above discrete logic; the 16-bit class offers a balance between 8-bit simplicity and 32-bit performance. The PIC24F family specifically targets ultra-low-power applications through nanoWatt XLP technology, which provides sleep currents in the nanoamp range and multiple power-saving modes, making it well-suited for battery-powered products where standby drain dominates battery life.
Key features include eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology, a 17-channel 10-bit ADC with internal bandgap reference, two analog comparators, a 5-bit DAC, and an 8-bit Parallel Master Port on selected variants. The device includes a 16-bit Timer, three 16-bit Timer/Counters, and a Real-Time Clock Calendar (RTCC) module. The integrated peripherals echo PIC18 simplicity to ease migration from older 8-bit designs.
The PIC24F08KL401 is built on a Harvard architecture with a 16-bit modified RISC CPU using a 24-bit instruction word. Its deterministic interrupt latency, byte-addressable peripheral registers, and rich peripheral set make it appropriate for cost-sensitive real-time control without sacrificing code density. Brown-out Reset, Watchdog Timer, and Power-on Reset are integrated for system robustness.
Typical applications include IoT sensor endpoints, battery-powered sensor nodes, low-power remote controls, appliance user interfaces, and small consumer electronics. Its wide operating voltage range suits 2x AA / coin-cell powered designs where efficiency across the discharge curve is critical. When designing with this MCU, plan the oscillator and decoupling network first; place a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor close to VDD with a bulk 1uF on the same rail. Note that the -I grade limits junction temperatures to -40C to +85C ambient; the -E grade extends this to +125C for harsher environments.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in SSOP-20 alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC24F08KL401-I/SS — 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 PIC24F08KL401-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, Timers, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC24F08KL401-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.69 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24F08KL301-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24F08KA102-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24F08KL401T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC24F08KA101-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC24F08KL401-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC24F (16-bit modified Harvard RISC) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 8 KB (2.75K x 24 words) |
| Data SRAM | 1 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 512 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, -I grade) |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body width) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 12 channels |
| Timers | 5 x 16-bit Timer/Counters + 1 x 16-bit Timer |
| Communication | MSSP (I2C/SPI), 2 x UART, IrDA, LIN |
| I/O Pins | Up to 17 |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP (sleep current in nA range) |
| Comparators | 2 x analog comparators |
| DAC | 5-bit DAC |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC24F08KL401-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — GPIO / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — GPIO / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RB0/AN2 — GPIO / analog input 2 |
| Pin 5 | RB1/AN3 — GPIO / analog input 3 |
| Pin 6 | RB2/AN4 — GPIO / analog input 4 |
| Pin 7 | RB3/AN5 — GPIO / analog input 5 |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI — External oscillator input / clock in |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO — External oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 11 | RB4/SDA1 — GPIO / I2C1 data (MSSP) |
| Pin 12 | RB5/SCL1 — GPIO / I2C1 clock (MSSP) |
| Pin 13 | RB6/AN6 — GPIO / analog input 6 |
| Pin 14 | RB7/AN7 — GPIO / analog input 7 |
| Pin 15 | RA2/AN8 — GPIO / analog input 8 |
| Pin 16 | RA3/AN9 — GPIO / analog input 9 |
| Pin 17 | RA4/AN10 — GPIO / analog input 10 |
| Pin 18 | RA5/AN11 — GPIO / analog input 11 |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC24F08KL401-I/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Low-Power Remote Controls, Appliance User Interface Controllers, Industrial Sensor Transmitters, Portable Medical Monitoring Devices, LED Lighting Controllers, Smart Home Edge Devices.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC24F08KL401-I/SS suits battery-powered IoT sensor endpoints because its nanoWatt XLP technology drops sleep current into the nanoamp range, while 32 MHz performance and 8 KB Flash handle BLE/SX1276-style drivers. Operating from 1.8 V to 3.6 V, the device runs directly from two AA cells or a CR2032 coin cell across the full discharge curve, with 17 I/O and a 10-bit ADC supporting temperature, humidity, and battery monitoring. The 1 KB RAM accommodates small RTOS stacks. Compared to discrete timer+ADC implementations, the integrated KL401 simplifies BOM and reduces standby drain, making it ideal for years-long deployments.
Recommended
Low-Power Remote Controls
For IR remote controls and wireless key fobs, the PIC24F08KL401-I/SS delivers the right balance of cost and capability. Its 8 KB Flash holds standard RC5/RC6 or NEC IR protocols plus button matrix debouncing, while 1 KB RAM supports transmit buffers. The MSSP peripheral drives SPI peripherals and the UART supports LIN for automotive fobs. nanoWatt XLP enables multi-year battery life when the MCU spends most of its time in sleep and wakes only on a button interrupt. Compared to dedicated IR encoder ICs, the KL401 adds flexibility for protocol changes without mask tooling.
Recommended
Appliance User Interface Controllers
The PIC24F08KL401-I/SS is well matched to appliance HMI controllers driving LED/LCD displays and capacitive touch buttons. Its 17 I/O pins handle 4x4 keypads or 7-segment displays plus indicator LEDs, while the 10-bit ADC reads potentiometers and sensors. The 32 MHz speed debounces inputs in real time without jitter. Per Microchip's typical application circuits, the KL401's CCP/ECCP modules generate PWM for backlight dimming. The -I industrial grade supports kitchen and laundry environments where ambient temperatures approach 85C. Compared to PIC16 alternatives, the 16-bit core offers 2x code density and simpler development.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitters
For 4-20 mA loop-powered sensor transmitters, the PIC24F08KL401-I/SS combines low-power operation with deterministic interrupt response needed for accurate ADC sampling. The 1.8 V minimum VDD suits low-voltage regulated rails from buck or LDO converters, while nanoWatt XLP minimizes loop current draw. With LIN/UART support the KL401 interfaces to industrial bus networks, and the 10-bit ADC with internal bandgap reference digitizes bridge sensors for pressure or flow measurement. Compared to ASIC transmitter solutions, the programmable KL401 adapts to multiple sensor types without hardware changes.
Recommended
Portable Medical Monitoring Devices
In portable medical devices such as pulse oximeters, digital thermometers, and single-parameter patient monitors, the PIC24F08KL401-I/SS provides reliable 16-bit performance with low-power operation. Its 10-bit ADC digitizes photodiode or thermistor signals, while 8 KB Flash accommodates pulse-oximetry algorithms. nanoWatt XLP preserves battery life between measurements. The industrial temperature grade supports body-worn applications. Per Microchip's family datasheet, the KL401's deterministic interrupt latency helps meet real-time sampling requirements. Compared to 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0 alternatives, the PIC24F KL401 offers lower cost and simpler toolchain.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
For LED drivers and color-mixing lighting controllers, the PIC24F08KL401-I/SS provides CCP/ECCP PWM outputs for dimming and color control. Its 32 MHz CPU generates smooth PWM at audio-band frequencies to avoid flicker and audible noise. The 10-bit ADC monitors LED current via sense resistors for closed-loop control, while MSSP drives WS2812-style or APA102 addressable LED strips via SPI. The 1.8 V minimum VDD supports direct Li-ion operation. Compared to dedicated LED driver ICs, the programmable KL401 supports custom dimming curves and color algorithms.
Recommended
Smart Home Edge Devices
The PIC24F08KL401-I/SS is ideal for smart home edge devices such as door/window sensors, leak detectors, and HVAC control panels. Its nanoWatt XLP enables multi-year coin-cell operation, while 8 KB Flash accommodates Zigbee or Thread host interface code. The 17 I/O and ADC support multiple sensor inputs, and the MSSP/UART drive wireless modules. Per Microchip's typical designs, the KL401's RTCC provides time-stamping for event logging. Compared to discrete 555-timer-based solutions, the programmable MCU adds wireless protocol flexibility and OTA update capability.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC24F08KL401-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC24F08KL401-E/SS | PIC24F08KL301-I/SS | PIC24F08KA102-I/SS | PIC24F08KL401T-I/SS | PIC24F08KA101-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm body) | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm body) - same | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm body) - same | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm body) - same | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm body) - same | 20-PDIP - different |
| Program Flash | 8 KB | 8 KB | 4 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB |
| Data SRAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS | 32 MHz / 16 MIPS |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 12 channels | 10-bit, up to 12 channels | 10-bit, up to 12 channels | 10-bit, up to 12 channels | 10-bit, up to 12 channels | 10-bit, up to 12 channels |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial operating temperature grade (vs PIC24F08KL401-E/SS)
- Pin-compatible 4 KB Flash alternative available (vs PIC24F08KL301-I/SS)
- nanoWatt XLP for sub-microamp standby (vs PIC24F08KA102-I/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of VDD (pin 20) with traces short and wide to suppress switching transients. Add a 1uF bulk capacitor on the same rail for ADC reference stability. Per Microchip's PIC24F datasheet, VDD must ramp monotonically from 0 to VDD in <1 V/ms; failure to meet this may trigger BOR unexpectedly. For battery applications, ensure the regulator's PSRR holds VDD above 1.8 V across the entire battery discharge curve.
Do not leave the MCLR/VPP pin floating: a 10 kOhm pull-up to VDD is required for normal operation, even when not using the reset function. Without it, the device can enter programming mode randomly or fail to start. The unused pins on RA/RB ports should be configured as outputs (low) rather than left as inputs to avoid current draw through floating CMOS gates. The OSC1 pin must not be left floating if not used; tie it to VSS through a 100 kOhm resistor per Microchip's datasheet recommendation.
Estimated: at 32 MHz active mode the PIC24F08KL401-I/SS consumes approximately 8 mA typical (per Microchip family datasheet), which at 3.3V is 26 mW. The SSOP-20 package has theta_JA around 100 C/W on a 1 oz 4-layer board, giving a junction rise of 2.6 C above ambient - well within the 85 C industrial limit. In sleep with XLP Deep Sleep mode, current drops below 60 nA typical, enabling years of standby on a CR2032 coin cell.
Route the analog signals (AN0-AN11) away from switching digital lines and PWM outputs to minimize ADC noise coupling. Place the analog ground island under the analog pins and stitch it to the digital ground at a single point near the MCU. Per Microchip's analog design guidelines, the ADC reference voltage (AVDD) and AVSS pins (which on this device share VDD/VSS) should be bypassed with a 0.1uF + 10uF combination within 5 mm of the pin.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip's environmental page. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in provided data - flagged as unknown.
