PIC12LF1840-E/MF - 8-Bit XLP MCU 7KB 8-DFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC12LF1840-E/MF ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.63 | $1.63 |
| 10 | $1.52 | $15.20 |
| 100 | $1.4 | $140.00 |
| 500 | $1.27 | $635.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.15 | $1,150.00 |
PIC12LF1840-E/MF Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM), EEPROM, and on-chip peripherals. Within the hierarchy, PIC12LF1840 belongs to the 8-bit PIC10/12/16 family of microcontrollers -> mid-range enhanced core architecture -> RISC microcontrollers -> embedded computing ICs -> semiconductors. The PIC12LF1840 is the low-voltage 'LF' member of the PIC12F1840 family, optimized for battery-friendly operation with nanoWatt XLP technology achieving sub-uA sleep currents.
Key features include 32MHz max CPU speed via internal oscillator (8MHz factory calibrated), 256 bytes of EEPROM data memory, 256 bytes of RAM, six I/O pins multiplexed with peripherals, 10-bit ADC with up to 4 channels, enhanced PWM, comparators, EUSART, MSSP (SPI/I2C), and configurable logic cells. The 8-DFN package at 3x3mm makes it one of the smallest PIC microcontrollers available while retaining an exposed pad for thermal dissipation and ground integrity.
The PIC12LF1840 uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range core with 49 instructions, 16-level hardware stack, and self-read/write Flash capability. Internal oscillator accuracy reaches ±1% after calibration, supporting UART communication without an external crystal in most designs. The nanoWatt XLP technology delivers typical sleep currents below 100 nA, enabling multi-year battery life on coin cells.
Typical applications include battery-powered IoT sensor nodes, wearable electronics, remote controls, low-power wireless sensor transmitters, LED lighting controllers, and consumer accessories. The combination of small footprint, wide peripheral integration, and ultra-low sleep current makes it ideal for space- and energy-constrained designs.
When designing with the PIC12LF1840-E/MF, note the 8-DFN package requires careful PCB layout with thermal pad soldering to the ground plane for mechanical reliability and thermal performance. The 'E' temperature grade denotes -40C to +125C operation, making it suitable for industrial and automotive underhood applications. Programming is supported by MPLAB X IDE with PICkit, ICD, or Curiosity development tools.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, application guidance, and engineering design notes that extend beyond the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers select, source, and integrate the PIC12LF1840-E/MF efficiently.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12LF1840-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 PIC12LF1840-E/MF (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Comparators, Operating Temperature, RoHS Status, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12LF1840-I/MF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1840-E/MF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LF1822-E/MF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12LF1840-E/MF Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC enhanced mid-range 8-bit |
| Instruction Set | 49 instructions, 16-level hardware stack |
| Max CPU Frequency | 32 MHz (internal oscillator) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 256 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 4 channels |
| PWM Channels | Enhanced PWM (4 channels, 10-bit) |
| Comparators | Yes (on-chip) |
| Communication | EUSART + MSSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Configurable Logic Cells | Yes (CLC) |
| Package | 8-pin DFN (3x3 mm) with exposed pad |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) |
| nanoWatt XLP Sleep Current | Typical <100 nA (per datasheet) |
| RoHS Status | Lead-free / RoHS compliant |
PIC12LF1840-E/MF Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GP5/AN5/CIN+/T1G/CCP1/P1A/SDA/SDO/RX — Bidirectional I/O with multiple peripheral functions |
| Pin 2 | GP4/AN4/CIN-/T1G/C2OUT/SCL/SCK/TX — Bidirectional I/O with multiple peripheral functions |
| Pin 3 | GP3/MCLR/VPP — Input only; Master Clear (reset) or programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | GP2/AN2/C1OUT/T0CKI/INT/CCP1/P1A — Bidirectional I/O with multiple peripheral functions |
| Pin 5 | GP1/AN1/CIN-/VREF+/ICSPCLK/CCP2/P1B — Bidirectional I/O with multiple peripheral functions |
| Pin 6 | GP0/AN0/CIN+/VREF-/ICSPDAT/CCP1/P1B — Bidirectional I/O with multiple peripheral functions |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12LF1840-E/MF is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Wearable Health and Fitness Devices, Remote Control Transmitters (RF/IR), LED Lighting Controllers and Drivers, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Automotive Aftermarket Accessories.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC12LF1840-E/MF fits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes thanks to its nanoWatt XLP sleep current below 100 nA and 1.8V minimum VDD for direct coin-cell operation. The integrated 10-bit ADC handles temperature, light, or analog sensor readings while the EUSART and MSSP connect to radios like LoRa or sub-GHz transceivers. The 32MHz internal oscillator eliminates external crystals, reducing BOM cost and board area. With 7KB Flash, designers can implement application firmware, basic command parsing, and low-power MAC protocols. The 8-DFN package at 3x3mm is small enough for wearable or stick-on tags, and the -40 to +125C E temperature grade supports industrial IoT deployments in harsh environments.
Recommended
Wearable Health and Fitness Devices
The PIC12LF1840-E/MF's 8-DFN 3x3mm footprint and sub-uA sleep current make it ideal for wearables like fitness bands, heart-rate straps, and smartwatches. The 6 I/O pins interface with optical heart-rate sensors, accelerometers, and LED drivers via I2C (MSSP). The on-chip comparators can directly drive LED indicators without external op-amps. The enhanced PWM module generates precise pulse patterns for SpO2 measurement. With 1.8V operation, the part runs directly from a single Li-ion or Li-poly cell, eliminating boost converters. The nanoWatt XLP technology ensures multi-month battery life in always-on wearable scenarios, while the E temp grade supports body-temperature operation.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitters (RF/IR)
The PIC12LF1840-E/MF is well-matched to remote-control transmitters for consumer electronics, garage doors, and industrial key fobs. The PWM outputs drive IR LEDs directly, while the EUSART interfaces with sub-GHz or 2.4GHz RF modules like the MRF89XA. With 7KB Flash and 256B RAM, designers can implement rolling-code encryption and button debouncing. The 1.8-3.6V operation supports a single CR2032 coin cell for multi-year battery life, and the 32MHz internal oscillator provides accurate timing for IR protocols (RC5, NEC, Sony). The 8-DFN package fits inside miniature fob enclosures.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers and Drivers
The PIC12LF1840-E/MF serves as an intelligent controller for LED lighting strips, dimmers, and architectural fixtures. The 4-channel enhanced PWM generates high-resolution dimming with 10-bit duty control, while the configurable logic cells (CLC) handle real-time LED feedback without CPU intervention. The integrated comparators sense current through sense resistors for constant-current LED regulation. With MSSP supporting both SPI and I2C, the MCU can drive WS2812-style addressable LEDs or receive DMX512 commands. The 1.8V operation and XLP sleep modes suit battery-backed emergency lighting designs. The 8-DFN package enables integration into MR16 bulbs and small fixtures.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC12LF1840-E/MF is suitable for industrial sensor signal conditioning and front-end processing with its 10-bit ADC and on-chip comparators. The E temperature grade (-40 to +125C) ensures operation in factory automation, motor control feedback, and process monitoring environments. The CLC blocks combine sensor signals digitally, offloading the CPU. With 7KB Flash, engineers can implement linearization, calibration tables, and Modbus RTU framing over EUSART. The 8-DFN package fits miniature PCB modules embedded inside sensor heads. The 1.8V operation enables 4-20mA loop-powered designs with local regulation.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket Accessories
The PIC12LF1840-E/MF, with its E temperature grade and 8-DFN compactness, fits automotive aftermarket accessories like alarm modules, tire-pressure monitor indicators, and interior LED controllers. The wide 1.8-3.6V supply tolerates 12V-battery transients when paired with proper regulators. The nanoWatt XLP technology supports always-on accessory designs that survive weeks of vehicle parking without draining the battery. The MSSP interfaces with CAN-LIN translator ICs for body-control networks, and the PWM drives high-current MOSFETs for accessory switching. The exposed pad ensures mechanical robustness in high-vibration under-dash mounting.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12LF1840-E/MF — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12LF1840-I/MF | PIC12F1840-E/MF | PIC12LF1822-E/MF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | 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 |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB (-50%) |
| RAM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 128 B (-50%) |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Max CPU Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (wider) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Temperature Grade | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +85 C (I) | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +125 C (E) |
| I/O Pins | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Key Differentiators
- Industry-lowest sleep current with XLP technology (vs PIC12LF1822-E/MF)
- Wider voltage range option available in same package (vs PIC12F1840-E/MF)
- Higher temperature grade than I-temp equivalent (vs PIC12LF1840-I/MF)
Design Notes
The 8-DFN package (3x3 mm) has an exposed thermal pad on the underside that MUST be soldered to a ground-plane pad on the PCB for both mechanical reliability and thermal dissipation. Without proper pad soldering, the part can crack under thermal stress. Recommended pad layout is given in Microchip datasheet 41441A; use NSMD (non-solder mask defined) pads with 0.2mm solder mask clearance for best solder joint reliability. Estimated: with a 5x5mm copper ground pour on a 1oz board, theta_JA is approximately 60-80 C/W.
For lowest sleep current, configure unused peripherals to OFF in firmware and disable the ADC, comparators, and FVR before entering SLEEP mode. The PIC12LF1840-E/MF achieves typical sleep currents below 100 nA with retention RAM preserved, but only if watchdog timer is disabled and the MCLR pin is held high internally. The brown-out reset (BOR) should be configured to the lowest voltage setting that matches VDD_min to avoid unwanted resets during battery droop.
Do not connect MCLR (pin 3) directly to VDD without a pull-up; Microchip recommends a 10k pull-up to VDD and a 100nF decoupling capacitor adjacent to the pin for proper reset behavior. The GP3/MCLR pin is input-only and cannot be used as a general-purpose output. Programming via ICSP requires dedicated connections on PGD/PGC, which share pins with GP0/GP1, so isolation resistors may be needed if those pins drive external circuitry during in-circuit programming.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page and DigiKey listing. AEC-Q100 is not applicable for this part - this is the standard E temperature grade; for AEC-Q100 qualified 8-pin PIC MCUs, refer to Microchip automotive-grade portfolio separately.
