PIC12LF1840-E/SN - 8-bit 32MHz MCU 7KB Flash 8-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC12LF1840-E/SN ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.65 | $1.65 |
| 10 | $1.49 | $14.90 |
| 100 | $1.27 | $127.00 |
| 500 | $1.1 | $550.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.96 | $960.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.85 | $2,550.00 |
PIC12LF1840-E/SN Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small, single-chip computer built around a CPU with an 8-bit data path, integrated Flash program memory, RAM, EEPROM, and a rich set of peripherals including timers, ADC, and serial interfaces. Within the broader taxonomy, an 8-bit MCU is a subset of microcontrollers (MCU), which themselves belong to the integrated circuit (IC) hierarchy. PIC microcontrollers use a modified Harvard RISC architecture with a small instruction set optimized for deterministic interrupt response and low-power operation. The PIC12 sub-family targets space-constrained, cost-sensitive, and low-power embedded designs, with the 'LF' grade allowing direct operation from a single lithium cell.
Key features include nanoWatt XLP extreme low-power technology with sleep currents as low as 20 nA typical, an active clock tuning mechanism for the internal 32 MHz oscillator, an integrated 5-bit DAC and selectable voltage reference, on-chip ICD debugging support, and 25 mA source/sink capability on I/O pins. The internal 32 MHz oscillator provides instruction cycle times down to 125 ns, eliminating the need for an external crystal in many designs.
Architecturally, the PIC12LF1840 uses a 14-bit instruction word enhanced mid-range core with 16 stack levels, self-read/write capable Flash, and an instruction set optimized for compiler efficiency. The Data Signal Modulator allows mixing of peripheral outputs (PWM, comparator, etc.) for advanced signal conditioning without CPU intervention.
Typical applications include battery-powered IoT sensor nodes, low-cost remote controls, capacitive touch user interfaces, automotive body electronics (under-the-hood modules needing extended temp), LED lighting controllers with dimming/PWM, and portable consumer devices powered by coin-cell or single Li-ion cells.
Design consideration: when migrating from the F-version (PIC12F1840) the L-voltage range must be respected (1.8 V to 3.6 V); programming voltage and ICSP timing parameters should be reviewed against the datasheet. The 8-SOIC package has limited I/O (5 usable), so pin function multiplexing via PPS-equivalent remap must be planned early.
This page synthesizes distributor inventory from DigiKey/Mouser, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design considerations beyond what the datasheet alone provides.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12LF1840-E/SN — 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/SN (same form factor and footprint) — differing in MSL Level, ADC, Package, I/O Pins, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12LF1840-I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F1840-E/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F1840-I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LF1840-E/SN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC enhanced mid-range 8-bit (14-bit instruction) |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz (DC to 32 MHz clock input) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| RAM | 256 bytes |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 5 |
| Package | 8-SOIC (SN) 3.90 mm |
| Temperature Range | -40 °C to +125 °C (Extended) |
| ADC | 4-channel 10-bit with selectable voltage reference |
| Internal Oscillator | 32 MHz with active clock tuning |
| Communication | MI2C, SPI, EUSART w/auto-baud |
| PWM | ECCP module |
| Special Features | mTouch, Data Signal Modulator, Comparator, 5-bit DAC |
| I/O Sink/Source | 25 mA per pin |
| Low Power | nanoWatt XLP (sleep ~20 nA typical) |
| MSL Level | MSL1 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC12LF1840-E/SN Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive power supply (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O pin / ADC channel |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O pin / ADC channel / T0CKI |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR — Input only / Master Clear reset / ICSP programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O pin / CCP1 / PWM output |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O pin / MI2C/SPI |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O pin / SCL/MI2C / SPI |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12LF1840-E/SN is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Capacitive Touch User Interface, LED Lighting Controller with PWM Dimming, Automotive Body Electronics (Under-Hood Modules), Low-Cost Remote Control Transmitter, Portable Consumer Health Device, Industrial Sensor Transmitter (4-20 mA Loop Powered).
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC12LF1840-E/SN is ideal for coin-cell powered IoT sensor nodes because it operates down to 1.8 V from a single CR2032 lithium cell, with nanoWatt XLP sleep currents around 20 nA typical that extend battery life into years. Its 32 MHz internal oscillator eliminates an external crystal, reducing BOM cost and board area in compact wireless sensor modules. The 4-channel 10-bit ADC with selectable voltage reference supports direct sensor interfacing (temperature, light, humidity) without external signal conditioning. Combined with the 256 B EEPROM for user-configurable calibration storage and MI2C/SPI/EUSART for radio module connectivity, this MCU is a strong fit for wireless sensor networks. The 8-SOIC package (3.90 mm body) fits within tight sensor enclosure dimensions.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interface
The PIC12LF1840-E/SN is well-suited for capacitive touch buttons and sliders thanks to its integrated mTouch sensing module that reads capacitive sensors through the ADC, eliminating dedicated touch ICs. The Data Signal Modulator (DSM) can mix PWM with comparator outputs for advanced touch feedback and proximity detection. Its 32 MHz core runs touch-scan algorithms with sub-millisecond latency, while the low-voltage operation (1.8-3.6 V) supports direct Li-ion or 2xAA battery power. Designers can use the EUSART or MI2C to report touch events to a host MCU or display controller. The 5-bit DAC and comparator module provide additional analog signal conditioning for HMI applications.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller with PWM Dimming
For LED drivers and decorative lighting, the PIC12LF1840-E/SN provides an Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM (ECCP) module that generates high-resolution PWM for smooth dimming curves, plus a 25 mA source/sink I/O capability that can drive small LED strings directly. The 32 MHz internal oscillator delivers accurate PWM frequencies without external components, while the LF voltage range (1.8-3.6 V) matches single-cell Li-ion or 3.3 V regulated rails. The integrated comparator with selectable voltage reference enables over-current protection for LED current sensing without external analog ICs. Low-power sleep modes help meet ENERGY STAR standby requirements.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Under-Hood Modules)
The PIC12LF1840-E/SN Extended temperature grade (-40 to +125 C) qualifies it for automotive under-hood and body electronics where commercial-grade parts fail. Its small 8-SOIC footprint suits space-constrained modules like seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and lighting ballasts. The 32 MHz internal oscillator and PWM peripherals drive actuators and read sensors in LIN-based sub-networks via the EUSART. The ECCP module can control DC motor or solenoid PWM at high resolution, while the ADC reads automotive sensors (temperature, position, current). For higher-voltage environments, pair with TVS protection and a 3.3 V LDO.
Recommended
Low-Cost Remote Control Transmitter
For IR/RF remote controls, the PIC12LF1840-E/SN's low cost (sub-1 USD at high volume), small 8-SOIC package, and low-power sleep make it ideal for battery-powered transmitters that may sit idle for years. The EUSART with auto-baud generates IR RC-5, NEC, or proprietary protocols directly without external timers. The 256 B EEPROM stores user preferences, device pairings, and learned codes. Active clock tuning maintains accurate carrier frequencies across temperature, ensuring reliable IR/RF transmission. The 32 MHz core executes button-scan and protocol encoding in microseconds, drawing minimal average current.
Recommended
Portable Consumer Health Device
The PIC12LF1840-E/SN fits portable consumer health devices (pulse oximeters, thermometers, fitness bands) because it operates from a single coin cell down to 1.8 V, with nanoWatt XLP technology that keeps sleep current in the tens of nA for multi-year battery life. The 4-channel 10-bit ADC reads biometric sensors (heart rate, SpO2, temperature) directly, while the EUSART/MI2C connects to BLE modules for smartphone connectivity. The compact 8-SOIC package fits wearable form factors, and the extended temp grade handles body-heat and cold-storage conditions. Integrated mTouch enables button-free user interfaces sealed against moisture.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter (4-20 mA Loop Powered)
The PIC12LF1840-E/SN operates in industrial 4-20 mA loop-powered sensor transmitters because its LF voltage range (1.8-3.6 V) can be derived from a loop regulator, and its extended temperature grade (-40 to +125 C) handles harsh industrial environments. The 32 MHz core runs sensor linearization and HART or proprietary protocol stacks via the EUSART. The ADC with selectable voltage reference digitizes process variables (pressure, flow, level) accurately, while the ECCP module can generate the loop-side PWM for analog output. The 256 B EEPROM stores calibration constants, and nanoWatt XLP minimizes loop current consumption.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12LF1840-E/SN — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12LF1840-I/SN | PIC12F1840-E/SN | PIC12F1840-I/SN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 8-SOIC (SN) | 8-SOIC (SN) - same | 8-SOIC (SN) - same | 8-SOIC (SN) - same |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Grade | Extended -40 to +125 C | Industrial -40 to +85 C | Extended -40 to +125 C | Industrial -40 to +85 C |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| RAM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| I/O Pins | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Unit Price @ 1000 (USD) | 0.96 | 0.92 | 0.95 | 0.90 |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature grade for harsh environments (vs PIC12LF1840-I/SN)
- Low-voltage variant for single-cell battery designs (vs PIC12F1840-E/SN)
- Same silicon, lower cost when temp grade not needed (vs PIC12LF1840-I/SN)
Design Notes
Estimated: at VDD = 3.3 V and active 32 MHz operation, the PIC12LF1840 draws approximately 5-8 mA depending on peripherals enabled. In sleep mode with WDT disabled, current drops to ~20 nA typical per the Microchip datasheet. For battery-life calculations, use the duty-cycle weighted average: I_avg = I_active * t_active + I_sleep * t_sleep. The LF voltage range requires a clean LDO; ripple above 50 mVpp can corrupt ADC readings on the 1.024 V internal reference.
Place the 0.1 uF VDD decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of pin 1, with a wide ground return directly to pin 8. For ICSP programming, route the PGD/PGC traces (RC4/RC3) with short stubs to a programming header. If using the internal 32 MHz oscillator, keep RC3/RC4 traces away from switching nodes to avoid clock jitter. The 8-SOIC thermal pad is not present; standard SOIC thermal dissipation is adequate for the LF power profile.
Do not apply voltages above 3.6 V to the PIC12LF1840-E/SN - the LF grade silicon is not 5 V tolerant and will suffer EOS damage. The MCLR pin (RA3, pin 4) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation; floating MCLR will cause intermittent resets. When using ICSP, ensure the programmer's VDD matches the target voltage; mismatched voltages can latch-up the I/O cells. The 14-bit Flash self-read/write requires the EECON1/WR sequence - consult the datasheet section on flash programming.
The internal 32 MHz oscillator is tunable via the OSCTUNE register; calibrate at room temperature for best UART baud-rate accuracy across the industrial temp range. For long MI2C buses, enable the SMBus levels via the CKE bit and use 4.7 kohm pull-ups (not 10 kohm) to meet rise-time specs at 400 kHz. The ADC's internal 1.024 V reference has ~+/- 5% initial accuracy; for precision measurements enable the FVR module and use the 2.048 V or 4.096 V fixed reference with calibration in EEPROM.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the E temperature grade is extended industrial, not automotive qualified. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip packaging materials disclosure.
