PIC12F1840-E/MF - 8-bit 32MHz 7KB Flash MCU 8-DFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC12F1840-E/MF ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.42 | $1.42 |
| 10 | $1.28 | $12.80 |
| 100 | $1.12 | $112.00 |
| 500 | $0.96 | $480.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.84 | $840.00 |
PIC12F1840-E/MF Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), volatile data memory (RAM), non-volatile data memory (EEPROM), and configurable peripheral blocks such as timers, ADCs, and communication controllers. Within the broader hierarchy of semiconductor devices, an MCU sits under microcontrollers -> microcomputer ICs -> integrated circuits. The PIC12F1840 belongs to Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit PIC12 family, which traces its lineage back to the original Harvard-architecture PIC® RISC cores and is the smallest-footprint 8-bit MCU family Microchip ships in production.
Key features include 7 KB self-programmable Flash, 256-byte EEPROM, 256-byte SRAM, six I/O pins, four 10-bit PWM outputs, four 10-bit ADC channels, a comparator module, and nanoWatt XLP sleep currents as low as 20 nA typical, with an active current of approximately 1.8 mA at 4 MHz / 2 V. Core-independent peripherals such as the Configurable Logic Cell (CLC), Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO), and Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) offload timing-critical tasks from the CPU, allowing continued peripheral operation in sleep mode. The integrated 32 MHz internal oscillator eliminates the need for an external resonator in space-constrained designs.
Typical applications include battery-powered IoT sensor nodes, portable consumer devices, LED lighting controllers, low-cost motor control, and remote/wireless control transmitters. The wide 1.8 V-5.5 V operating range and nanoWatt XLP sleep performance make it especially suitable for energy-harvesting and coin-cell applications where quiescent current is critical.
When designing with this device, allocate the six I/O pins carefully because three are shared with the ICSP programming interface, leaving only three usable for application I/O if ICSP is retained in-circuit. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin and reserve the exposed pad (DFN package) for proper thermal dissipation and ground return. The internal 32 MHz oscillator is factory calibrated to ±2% typical, so designs that need precise UART baud rates over temperature should use the PLL or external crystal options.
This page synthesizes distributor stock and pricing, drop-in package-equivalent alternatives, and practical design notes that are not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet alone, helping procurement and design engineers evaluate the PIC12F1840-E/MF against pin-compatible options in the Microchip PIC10/PIC12/PIC16 families.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12F1840-E/MF — 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 PIC12F1840-E/MF (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, ADC, Operating Temperature, Instruction Set.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12F1840-I/MF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1822-E/MF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.98 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F1572-E/MF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F1612-E/MF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1571-E/MF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1501-E/MF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1840T-E/MF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1840-E/MF Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC® XLP™ 12F |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Core Speed | 32 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) Flash |
| EEPROM Size | 256 bytes |
| RAM Size | 256 bytes |
| Number of I/O | 6 |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (operating); 2.5 V to 5.5 V (datasheet spec) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +125 °C (Extended, -E suffix) |
| ADC | 10-bit, 4 channels |
| PWM | 10-bit, 4 outputs |
| Connectivity | I²C, SPI, EUSART (UART) |
| Timers | 4 (Timer0/1/2 + WDT) |
| Comparators | 1 (with selectable references) |
| Package | 8-pin DFN (3x3 mm), exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free) |
| MSL Level | MSL1 / MSL3 (per JEDEC J-STD-020, DFN) |
PIC12F1840-E/MF Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 2 | ICSPCLK/GP1 — ICSP clock / GPIO GP1 |
| Pin 3 | ICSPDAT/GP0 — ICSP data / GPIO GP0 |
| Pin 4 | GP3/MCLR — GPIO GP3 / Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 5 | GP4 — GPIO GP4 |
| Pin 6 | GP5 — GPIO GP5 |
| Pin 7 | GP2 — GPIO GP2 (also analog AN2 / INT) |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference (EP exposed pad is also VSS) |
Typical Applications
PIC12F1840-E/MF is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, LED Lighting and Backlight Controller, Low-Cost Motor Control (BLDC / Stepper), Remote Control / IR Transmitter, Portable Consumer Electronics / Wearables, Industrial Sensor Interface / Signal Conditioning, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety).
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC12F1840-E/MF fits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because of its 20 nA typical nanoWatt XLP sleep current and 1.8 V-5.5 V operating range, enabling multi-year coin-cell operation. The 7 KB Flash accommodates sensor drivers and a small BLE/Wi-Fi co-processor comms stack, while the 10-bit 4-channel ADC directly reads analog sensor outputs without an external amplifier. Core-independent peripherals (CLC, NCO) can wake the CPU only on qualified sensor events, extending battery life further.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Backlight Controller
The PIC12F1840-E/MF is well-suited to LED lighting and small backlight controllers because of its four 10-bit PWM outputs that generate independent dimming waveforms, plus the Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) for half-bridge LED drivers. The high-speed 10-bit ADC reads ambient light sensors for closed-loop brightness control, and the 256-byte EEPROM stores calibration constants across power cycles. The 8-DFN footprint enables the entire controller to fit behind a small LED fixture or key fob.
Recommended
Low-Cost Motor Control (BLDC / Stepper)
The PIC12F1840-E/MF handles low-cost brushless DC or stepper motor commutation tasks via its CWG peripheral, which generates complementary PWM with programmable dead-band timing to drive MOSFET half-bridges. The NCO can synthesize high-resolution step pulses without CPU intervention, leaving the 7 KB Flash for application logic. Its wide 1.8 V-5.5 V supply and -40C to +125C temperature grade suit under-hood automotive and industrial pump applications.
Recommended
Remote Control / IR Transmitter
The PIC12F1840-E/MF is ideal for IR or sub-GHz remote control transmitters because the CLC/NCO peripherals generate precise 38 kHz carrier waveforms in hardware without CPU load, while the EUSART supports optional bidirectional feedback channels. The 256-byte EEPROM stores pairing and configuration codes, and the 1.8 V-5.5 V supply supports single-cell lithium or 2xAAA operation. The 8-DFN 3x3 mm footprint lets the entire remote fit inside a thin key fob.
Recommended
Portable Consumer Electronics / Wearables
The PIC12F1840-E/MF fits portable consumer and wearable devices where PCB area is at a premium, thanks to its 8-DFN 3x3 mm footprint and six integrated I/O that drive buttons, piezo buzzers, and OLED segments without external glue logic. The nanoWatt XLP 20 nA sleep mode enables months of standby from a coin cell, and the 10-bit ADC reads battery voltage directly for fuel-gauge functions. The 256-byte EEPROM stores user preferences across power cycles.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface / Signal Conditioning
The PIC12F1840-E/MF is appropriate for industrial sensor interfaces that require analog conditioning, local processing, and serial reporting in a tiny 3x3 mm package. The 10-bit ADC with 4 channels accepts 4-20 mA loop signals via a series resistor, the comparator implements threshold alarms, and the EUSART or SPI/I²C ports drive an isolated transceiver or local HMI display. The extended -40C to +125C temperature grade and 5.5 V supply tolerance suit plant-floor and outdoor installations.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The PIC12F1840-E/MF can serve non-safety automotive body electronics such as LED interior lighting, ambient sensor nodes, and accessory controllers, given its -40C to +125C extended grade and 1.8 V-5.5 V supply tolerance compatible with 12 V battery after a small LDO. The CWG peripheral drives MOSFET half-bridges, and the 256-byte EEPROM logs fault codes. Note: this part is not AEC-Q100 qualified; safety-critical applications require the automotive-grade PIC12F1840 variant.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12F1840-E/MF — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12F1840-I/MF | PIC12F1822-E/MF | PIC12F1572-E/MF | PIC12F1612-E/MF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 8-DFN (3x3 mm) | 8-DFN (3x3 mm) - same | 8-DFN (3x3 mm) - same | 8-DFN (3x3 mm) - same | 8-DFN (3x3 mm) - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB - identical | 3.5 KB (-50%) | 7 KB - identical | 7 KB - identical |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| ADC Resolution / Channels | 10-bit / 4-ch | 10-bit / 4-ch | 10-bit / 4-ch | 10-bit / 4-ch | 8-bit / 4-ch |
| PWM Outputs | 10-bit x 4 | 10-bit x 4 | 10-bit x 4 | 16-bit x 3 | 16-bit x 2 |
| Core-Independent Peripherals | CLC, NCO, CWG, AT, DSM, mathACC | CLC, NCO, CWG, AT, DSM, mathACC | CLC, NCO (subset) | CLC, NCO, CWG (subset) | CLC, PRG, CWG |
| Unit Price (qty 100) | $1.12 | $0.95 | $1.05 | $1.20 | $1.25 |
Key Differentiators
- Core-independent peripherals (CLC, NCO, CWG) at nanoWatt sleep current (vs PIC12F1822-E/MF)
- 7 KB Flash vs 3.5 KB Flash (vs PIC12F1822-E/MF)
- Extended -40C to +125C operating range (vs PIC12F1840-I/MF)
- Integrated ICSP with no external components (vs PIC12F1572-E/MF)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 1) using a wide, short trace to minimize inductance. The exposed pad (EP) of the 8-DFN package is internally connected to VSS and MUST be soldered to a ground pad of at least 2x2 mm with thermal vias for proper ground return and thermal dissipation. Avoid routing noisy signals (PWM, switched loads) directly under the EP pad.
The nanoWatt XLP sleep current is only achievable when all unused peripherals are disabled in firmware and all unused I/O are configured as outputs driven low. The on-chip brown-out detect (BOR) should be enabled with a threshold (1.8 V / 2.0 V / 2.7 V / 3.0 V selectable) appropriate to the supply to prevent Flash corruption on voltage dips. Estimated: typical active current is 1.8 mA at 4 MHz / 2 V per the datasheet DC characteristics table.
The PIC12F1840 has only six I/O pins total, and three of them (GP0/GP1/GP3) are multiplexed with the ICSP programming interface (ICSPDAT/ICSPCLK/MCLR). If ICSP is retained in-circuit, only three pins remain for application I/O; design for an in-circuit programming header (5-pin DIL or Tag-Connect) early in the schematic phase. Forgetting this is the most common reason a PIC12F1840 design must be respun to a 14-pin PIC.
The internal 32 MHz oscillator is factory calibrated to ±2% typical across voltage and temperature; for UART baud rates above 115200 bps, expect framing errors over the full temperature range. Use the PLL-driven 32 MHz with the baud-rate generator's BRGH bit set, or switch to an external crystal (HS mode) for UART rates above 57600 bps in production designs. The 10-bit ADC requires the internal RC oscillator settling time (1 µs typical) before each conversion - consult datasheet section 17.
Route the analog ADC inputs (AN0-AN3) away from digital switching lines, and place a small RC low-pass filter (10 ohm + 10 nF) at each ADC pin when reading 4-20 mA loop signals to suppress conducted noise from relay or PWM outputs. Keep the analog VDD/VSS paths short and star-connected to the main VDD/VSS to avoid digital ground bounce coupling into ADC readings.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page; lead-free 8-DFN package; not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose AEC-Q100-qualified PIC12F1840 automotive variant for safety-critical applications. Halogen-free per Microchip green-product statement.
