I wonder why microchip hasn't released updated versions of their 8bit usb parts.
I mean, the PIC16F1455 which is just brillant (love me my cheap spi<->hid bridges for dsPICs) and PIC18F25K50 is perfect when you need 5V+USB on the cheap
 
but they could use a core/peripheral upgrade. A little more MHz maybe too.
I really really really would love to have PPS an pullups on all pins on those chip.
 
Is there maybe something coming in the PIC18F Q series?

I share your pain.  I use the lowly PIC16F1455 as a mere translator as well.  Going dsPIC33 gives you awesome peripherals AND USB, but at 3.3 volts.  I seem to remember a dsPIC30 that had USB @ 5 volts, but it would be as outdated as the two 8-bits you mentioned.

for 5V and grunt i use the dsPIC33EV (which could also benefit from an update like dual partition memory and the "C" core)
the dsPIC33EP with USB is itself an old part with understandable quirks in the analog domain, because they were sovled much later (but it's still very capable)
 
dsPIC33C with USB and i would die happy. but AFAIK it's not on their plans. which i can understand given the intended purpose of the device, but i like the higher throughput of USB for monitoring/programming over UART and CAN. An update of the dsPIC33 EP MU with the C core would be massive
dsPIC33C with 5V and USB.. uuuh.
 
staying 8bit, a PIC18F45Q52 would be awesome

When you can buy a PIC32MM0064GPM028 for about $1.50, which includes USB-OTG, you may have to rethink what a "cheap" processor can do...
 

However, when you need to deal with 5V harsh environments, there is more hardware and board space needed that can easily outweight the lower cost of the MCU
 
Also the PIC32MM was never updated to sole the hardware bugs on the analog side. I just won't use a device with missing codes on the ADC

ric
When you can buy a PIC32MM0064GPM028 for about $1.50, which includes USB-OTG, you may have to rethink what a "cheap" processor can do...

I looked at PIC32MM. It certainly has huge advantage in memory size. But overall, PIC16F1454 is preferable when it comes to achieving speed.
 
It would be nice if Microchip released newer version of PIC16F145x with more memory and all the modern improvements such as logic cells.
 
dsPIC33C with a USB HS module would be nice too.
 
But I don't think there's a big chance for this now when everything is so cloudy and IoTic.

now i have a project with a mcu that NEEDS
- to be 5V because noise immunity, also and transceivers mosfets that now can be directly driven need dedicated drivers
- to have usb for convenience in programming/updating over stupid old uart
- to have two UARTs because after the first prototype they decided to add two LIN channels
 
I managed to find exactly three series of MCUs with 5V+USB
- Our beloved microchip parts, but they only have one UART
- Some ATmel old stuff with 8051 (which i won't use.)
- Some infineon/cypress FR3 that will take up more space and cost almost twice than a 2 mcu solution (main + small 1455 for usb)
depressing.

If you've got 2 LINs, why use USB for updating ?
Either of the LIN interfaces could easily do this.
Which would result in one requirement less - somewhat broadening your choices.

Forgot to add that communication with PC is necessary for data monitoring, programming -configuration of the module-, firmware update. USB required by customer.

Jack_M
Forgot to add that communication with PC is necessary for data monitoring, programming -configuration of the module-, firmware update. USB required by customer.

Use an external chip such as our NSDSP chip - it will program your PIC and will provide USB data converter to UART or SPI, so your chip will be able to communicate to the PC.