Microchip PIC18F25K20-I/SO 8-bit Microcontroller Data Sheet and Technical Specifications
The Microchip PIC18F25K20-I/SO is a high-performance, enhanced flash 8-bit microcontroller unit (MCU) from Microchip Technology’s renowned PIC18 family. Fabricated with advanced nanoWatt XLP technology, this device is engineered for applications requiring robust performance, low power consumption, and a rich set of peripherals within a compact 28-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package. It is an ideal solution for a diverse range of embedded control applications, including industrial, automotive, consumer, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Core Architecture and Performance
At its heart, the PIC18F25K20 features an enhanced PIC18 core with a 16-bit instruction set and a 31-level deep hardware stack. The MCU operates at a maximum frequency of 64 MHz, delivering a performance of 16 MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second). This processing power is supported by a single-cycle 8x8 hardware multiplier, enhancing computational efficiency for mathematical operations. The core is designed for C compiler optimization, simplifying development and accelerating time-to-market.
Memory Configuration
The device boasts a substantial and flexible memory structure:
24 KB (KiloBytes) of self-read/write capable Flash program memory.
1536 bytes of RAM (data memory) for efficient data handling.
256 bytes of EEPROM data memory for storing critical data that must be retained even during power cycles, ensuring data integrity.
Power Efficiency and Management
A standout feature of this microcontroller is its nanoWatt XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology. This enables exceptionally low power consumption in all modes of operation:
Sleep current: 20 nA (typical)
Watchdog Timer current: 400 nA (typical)
Real-Time Clock/Calendar current: 600 nA (typical)
This makes it exceptionally suited for battery-powered and energy-harvesting applications where power budgets are extremely tight.
Integrated Peripherals and Features
The PIC18F25K20-I/SO is packed with a comprehensive suite of system and communication peripherals that minimize external component count and total system cost.
Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): A 10-bit ADC with up to 17 channels and a programmable acquisition time.
Timers: Includes four timers (Timer0 to Timer3), with Timer1 capable of operating as a real-time counter with a secondary oscillator.
Communication Interfaces: Supports multiple independent serial communication protocols:
EUSART (Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter)
MSSP (Master Synchronous Serial Port) module for SPI and I²C communication.
Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM (ECCP) Module: Provides for sophisticated pulse width modulation applications, such as motor control.
Comparator: Two analog comparators for simple analog signal monitoring.
Enhanced Voltage Regulator: Provides a stable operating voltage, allowing the device to operate from a range of 2.0V to 5.5V, accommodating various power supply scenarios.
Development Support
Microchip provides a complete ecosystem for developing with this MCU, including the MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and the PICkit™ 4 In-Circuit Debugger/Programmer. This robust toolchain supports debugging and programming, streamlining the entire design process.
The Microchip PIC18F25K20-I/SO represents a powerful and versatile 8-bit MCU solution. Its combination of high computational performance, exceptional low-power capabilities via nanoWatt XLP technology, and a rich integrated peripheral set makes it a superior choice for designers tackling complex embedded control challenges while constrained by power and space. Its balance of features, performance, and cost-effectiveness ensures its relevance across a wide spectrum of modern electronic applications.
Keywords: PIC18F25K20, nanoWatt XLP, 8-bit Microcontroller, Low Power, Embedded Control
