Product Overview
The PIC18F46K42-I is a 40-pin, 8-bit high-performance microcontroller from Microchip Technology featuring the PIC18 architecture with next-generation Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs), DMA, vectored interrupts, and a 12-bit ADC with computation capability. With 64KB (32K x 16) of Flash program memory, 4096 bytes of RAM, and 1024 bytes of data EEPROM, it operates at up to 64 MHz across 2.3V to 5.5V. Advanced features include a 35-channel 12-bit ADC with computation and context switching (ADCC), Direct Memory Access (DMA) controller, vectored interrupts, Memory Access Partition (MAP), Device Information Area (DIA) with factory calibration, four standalone PWMs, one CCP, one NCO, one DSM, two comparators, a 5-bit DAC, a Zero-Cross Detector (ZCD), two UARTs, one SPI, and two I2C interfaces. With its rich set of intelligent peripherals that operate without CPU intervention, the K42 family represents the latest evolution of PIC18 MCUs, ideal for complex sensor interfaces, touch applications, industrial control, automotive systems, and IoT devices requiring high performance and low power.
Key Specifications
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC18 RISC Architecture |
| Program Memory | 64KB Flash (32K x 16 words) |
| RAM | 4096 bytes (4 KB) |
| Data EEPROM | 1024 bytes (1 KB) |
| Maximum Speed | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3V to 5.5V |
| I/O Pins | 36 |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC, 35 channels, with computation & context switching |
| Comparators | 2 high-speed analog comparators |
| DAC | 5-bit rail-to-rail DAC |
| Zero-Cross Detect | Yes (ZCD module) |
| PWM | 4 standalone PWMs + 1 CCP = 5 total PWM outputs |
| NCO | 1 Numerically Controlled Oscillator |
| DSM | 1 Data Signal Modulator |
| Communication | 2 x UART, 1 x SPI, 2 x I2C |
| DMA | DMA controller for CPU-less data transfers |
| Interrupts | Vectored interrupts with programmable priority |
| Voltage Reference | FVR: 1.024V / 2.048V / 4.096V |
| Low Power | XLP, 50 nA Sleep typical @ 1.8V |
| Stack Levels | 31-level hardware stack |
| Hardware Multiplier | 8 x 8 single-cycle hardware multiplier |
| CRC/Scan | 32-bit CRC with memory scanner |
| Debug | In-Circuit Debug (ICD) integrated on-chip |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 40-pin PDIP / 44-pin TQFP / UQFN |
Features
- C compiler optimized PIC18 RISC architecture, 16 MIPS at 64 MHz
- 31-level deep hardware stack, 8×8 single-cycle hardware multiplier
- Vectored interrupts with programmable single/dual priority
- Two-level hardware context saving for fast interrupt response
- Direct Memory Access (DMA) controller – CPU-less data transfers
- Memory Access Partition (MAP) – bootloader write protection
- Device Information Area (DIA) – factory calibration data
- 32-bit CRC with Memory Scan for Class B safety
- 12-bit ADC with Computation (ADCC) – averaging, filtering, oversampling
- 35 ADC channels with context switching for multi-sensor applications
- Two high-speed analog comparators with hysteresis
- 5-bit rail-to-rail DAC with buffered output
- Zero-Cross Detection (ZCD) for AC signal sensing
- Fixed Voltage Reference (FVR): 1.024V, 2.048V, 4.096V
- Four standalone PWM modules
- One Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module
- Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO) for frequency synthesis
- Data Signal Modulator (DSM) for IR/RF modulation
- Two UART modules with 2-byte FIFO and DMA support
- One SPI module and two I2C modules (SMBus/PMBus compatible)
- eXtreme Low-Power (XLP): 50 nA Sleep, 500 nA WDT
- DOZE mode – CPU runs slower than peripherals
- IDLE and SLEEP modes for selective power reduction
- Peripheral Module Disable (PMD) for selective peripheral power-down
- High/Low-Voltage Detect (HLVD) for supply monitoring
- Programmable Brown-out Reset (BOR)
- Windowed Watchdog Timer (WWDT)
- 36 I/O pins with 25 mA sink/source capability
- Self-programmable Flash under software control
- In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) and In-Circuit Debug (ICD)
- Recommended for Automotive Design
Applications
- Advanced sensor interfaces with 12-bit precision
- Touch sensing and HMI applications (buttons, sliders, touchscreen)
- Industrial control and automation with DMA offload
- Automotive body electronics and sensor modules
- IoT devices with multiple communication protocols
- Medical devices requiring safety and precision
- Smart home and consumer appliances