Microchip PIC18F25K50-I/SO: A Comprehensive Technical Overview

The Microchip PIC18F25K50-I/SO stands as a prominent member of the enhanced mid-range PIC18 family, engineered to deliver a powerful combination of performance, peripheral integration, and power efficiency. This 8-bit microcontroller is housed in a 28-pin SOIC (SO) package, making it suitable for a wide array of embedded control applications in consumer, industrial, and automotive systems.

At its core, the device operates at up to 48 MHz using its internal oscillator, allowing for a performance of 12 MIPS (Millions of Instructions Per Second). A significant architectural advantage is its nanoWatt XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology, which enables it to operate in power-critical battery-powered applications, achieving deep sleep currents as low as 20 nA.

The PIC18F25K50 boasts a substantial 24 KB of self-read/write capable Flash program memory and 2 KB of RAM, providing ample space for complex application code and data handling. It also features 256 Bytes of non-volatile EEPROM for storing critical data without power. A key feature is its integrated USB 2.0 full-speed (12 Mbps) module. With an on-chip USB transceiver, it can function as a USB communication device with minimal external components, enabling the development of PC peripherals, data loggers, and custom HID devices.

Its rich set of peripherals enhances its application scope:

Analog Capabilities: A 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with up to 13 channels and two comparators.

Communication Interfaces: Multiple serial communication modules, including EUSART (for RS-232/485), SPI, and I²C™.

Timing and Control: Four timers, along with two Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules and a 5-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC).

The microcontroller is supported by the comprehensive MPLAB® X IDE and the XC8 compiler, streamlining the development, debugging, and programming process. Its robustness is further underscored by features like a high-stability internal oscillator, a Windowed Watchdog Timer (WWDT), and a fail-safe clock monitor.

ICGOOODFIND: The PIC18F25K50-I/SO is a highly versatile and cost-effective solution, distinguished by its integrated USB functionality, ultra-low power consumption with XLP technology, and a robust peripheral set. It is an optimal choice for designers developing connected, power-sensitive embedded systems that require reliable performance and a compact form factor.

Keywords: USB Microcontroller, nanoWatt XLP Technology, 8-bit MCU, Integrated Peripherals, Low-Power Operation.