PIC12LF1840T-I/SN - 8-bit XLP MCU, 7KB Flash, 32MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC12LF1840T-I/SN ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.96 | $0.96 |
| 10 | $0.87 | $8.70 |
| 100 | $0.75 | $75.00 |
| 500 | $0.66 | $330.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.58 | $580.00 |
PIC12LF1840T-I/SN Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and peripheral interfaces onto a single silicon die. Within the system hierarchy, MCUs sit between discrete logic and full microprocessors, occupying the role of programmable decision-makers in embedded systems. The 8-bit PIC12 family in particular targets compact, cost-sensitive applications where 6 or fewer I/O pins suffice, with variants like the PIC12LF1840 optimized for ultra-low standby current.
Key features of the PIC12LF1840 include an enhanced mid-range core with 49 instructions and a 16-level hardware stack, four 10-bit ADC channels with selectable voltage reference, an enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM (ECCP) module, a comparator with selectable voltage reference, an integrated mTouch capacitive sensing module, and a Data Signal Modulator (DSM). Communication interfaces cover MI2C, SPI, and EUSART with auto-baud. Per I/O pin, the device can source or sink up to 25 mA, simplifying direct LED or transistor drive without external buffers.
Architecturally, the device pairs a single-cycle ALU with self-read/write Flash, supporting field firmware updates and EEPROM emulation. The internal 32 MHz oscillator is factory-calibrated and selectable down to 31 kHz for low-power timing, while the nanoWatt XLP sleep modes drop current consumption into the nanoampere range - critical for coin-cell and energy-harvesting applications.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, IoT edge devices, capacitive touch user interfaces, LED lighting controllers, and low-cost consumer electronics. The combination of small footprint, low power, and rich peripherals also makes it suitable for automotive body electronics subsystems and industrial control front-ends.
When designing with this part, prioritize decoupling close to VDD, keep analog traces short, and use the ICSP pins (RA0/RA1) carefully to avoid conflicts with high-impedance analog channels. The tape-and-reel -T suffix is intended for high-volume assembly.
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, drop-in SOIC-8 alternatives, and practical design notes not aggregated on any single manufacturer or distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12LF1840T-I/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 PIC12LF1840T-I/SN (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Core Architecture, I/O Pins, MSL Level.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12LF1840-I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LF1840T-I/MF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F1840T-I/SN
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1840-I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LF1840-E/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LF1822T-I/SN
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1822T-I/SN
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12LF1612T-I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LF1840T-I/SN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC enhanced mid-range |
| Instruction Set | 49 instructions, 16-level hardware stack |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Data SRAM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz (internal oscillator) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| ADC | 4-channel, 10-bit |
| Comparators | 1 with selectable voltage reference |
| PWM Module | ECCP (Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Communication Interfaces | MI2C, SPI, EUSART with auto-baud |
| Special Modules | mTouch capacitive sensing, Data Signal Modulator (DSM) |
| I/O Source/Sink Current | 25 mA per pin |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Package | 8-pin SOIC (SN), 3.90 mm body width |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, I grade) |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC12LF1840T-I/SN Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Digital I/O pin 5; analog input AN4; also ICSPCLK |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Digital I/O pin 4; AN3; comparator output; T0CKI |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Digital I/O pin 3; AN2; comparator input; VREF+ |
| Pin 5 | RA2 — Digital I/O pin 2; AN1; comparator input; DAC output |
| Pin 6 | RA1 — Digital I/O pin 1; AN0; ICSPDAT; INT input |
| Pin 7 | RA0 — Digital I/O pin 0; AN0; ICSPDAT; ultra-low-power wake |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12LF1840T-I/SN is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Capacitive Touch User Interfaces, LED Lighting Controllers, Consumer Remote Controls, Industrial Sensor Front-Ends, Automotive Body Electronics.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC12LF1840T-I/SN fits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its nanoWatt XLP technology delivers nanoampere-range sleep currents while the 1.8-3.6 V VDD range directly accepts 3 V coin-cell or 2xAA battery stacks. The 7 KB Flash and 256 bytes SRAM are sufficient for a sensor acquisition loop plus a lightweight protocol such as Modbus RTU or LoRaWAN over EUSART. The internal 32 MHz oscillator eliminates external crystal cost and the 4-channel 10-bit ADC handles temperature, light, or voltage telemetry without an external MUX.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interfaces
The PIC12LF1840T-I/SN is well-suited to capacitive touch interfaces because it integrates Microchip's mTouch sensing module, which uses the ADC and comparator to detect capacitance changes on touch electrodes without dedicated touch ICs. The 4 ADC channels allow up to 4 touch buttons or a 1D slider in an 8-pin SOIC, while the ECCP can drive LED or haptic feedback. With only 6 I/O used for sensing, designers still retain I2C or SPI for host communication, enabling drop-in touch replacements for mechanical buttons.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC12LF1840T-I/SN drives LED lighting applications by combining the ECCP PWM module with 25 mA source/sink I/O, allowing direct low-current LED drive without external MOSFETs in small arrays. The MI2C interface accepts DMX or DALI commands, while the Data Signal Modulator can mix analog and PWM signals for color-mixing or color-temperature control. With 7 KB Flash, designers can implement dimming curves, fade transitions, and addressable lighting protocols in firmware on a single 8-pin device.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Controls
The PIC12LF1840T-I/SN is ideal for consumer remote controls due to its nanoWatt XLP sleep current, which extends coin-cell battery life across years of standby, and its MI2C/SPI/EUSART interfaces that connect to RF or IR transmitters. The internal 31 kHz to 32 MHz selectable oscillator supports both low-power standby timing and active transmission bursts. Only 6 I/O are needed for typical 4-6 button layouts, leaving resources for IR PWM modulation through the ECCP module.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Front-Ends
The PIC12LF1840T-I/SN serves as an industrial sensor front-end by combining a 4-channel 10-bit ADC with a selectable voltage reference comparator, allowing direct interface to bridge sensors, thermistors, or 4-20 mA loops. Its EUSART auto-baud simplifies RS-485 MODBUS slave designs at baud rates from 1200 to 115200, and the 1.8-3.6 V operation tolerates regulated 3.3 V industrial supplies. Although the LF variant is limited to 3.6 V max, an LDO front-end enables safe integration into 5 V or 12 V systems.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC12LF1840T-I/SN is suited to non-safety automotive body electronics such as ambient lighting, door modules, or simple sensor interfaces where an 8-bit MCU with low quiescent current suffices. Although this -I/SN variant is rated to +85C, the -E grade (-40C to +125C) of the same die (PIC12LF1840-E/SN) handles under-hood or cabin environments. The ECCP drives small motors or PWM-controlled lighting, and the MI2C bus talks to body control modules at standard 100 kHz or 400 kHz rates.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12LF1840T-I/SN — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12LF1840-I/SN | PIC12F1840T-I/SN | PIC12LF1822T-I/SN | PIC12LF1612T-I/SN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-SOIC (SN) | 8-SOIC (SN) - same | 8-SOIC (SN) - same | 8-SOIC (SN) - same | 8-SOIC (SN) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB |
| SRAM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 128 B | 128 B |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| 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 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Max CPU Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| ECCP / PWM | Yes (ECCP) | Yes (ECCP) | Yes (ECCP) | No (CCP only) | Yes (PWM) |
| Capacitive mTouch | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Data Signal Modulator (DSM) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- Higher Flash density (7 KB) vs lower-cost PIC12LF1822 siblings (vs PIC12LF1822T-I/SN)
- Integrated Data Signal Modulator for analog/PWM mixing (vs PIC12LF1822T-I/SN)
- ECCP module for advanced PWM control (vs PIC12LF1612T-I/SN)
- Tape-and-reel packaging optimized for SMT lines (vs PIC12LF1840-I/SN)
- Capacitive mTouch sensing module built in (vs PIC12LF1612T-I/SN)
Design Notes
The PIC12LF1840T-I/SN is designed for low-power operation but VDD decoupling directly affects sleep current and ADC accuracy. Place a 100 nF X7R ceramic capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin (pin 1), with a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the regulator output. For nanoWatt XLP sleep currents, disable unused peripherals via PMD registers and switch to the 31 kHz LFINTOSC before Sleep(). According to the Microchip PIC12(L)F1840 datasheet, average sleep current can fall below 100 nA with proper configuration.
The 8-pin SOIC has only 6 usable I/O pins (RA0-RA5), so pin allocation is critical. Reserve RA0/RA1 for ICSP (programming/debug) unless ICSP is disabled in production. If both analog and digital functions are needed on the same pin, route analog signals to RA0-RA3 (lower-noise port) and digital signals to RA4-RA5. The ICSP connector should add ESD protection and a high-impedance isolation buffer to avoid disturbing the application during debug sessions.
For I2C bus designs using MI2C, add 4.7 kohm pull-ups to VDD even though the module includes weak pull-ups - the internal pull-ups are typically 20-50 kohm and insufficient for 400 kHz or 1 MHz operation. For EUSART RS-485 networks, add 120 ohm termination at bus ends only. The Data Signal Modulator (DSM) output can route modulated signals to a CCP/PWM for high-resolution waveform generation, useful for DALI or 0-10 V analog control.
Do not exceed 3.6 V on VDD - the 'LF' variant has lower abs-max than the 'F' variant. When migrating from PIC12F1840 code, verify that supply rail transitions stay within the LF envelope, especially during brownout or hot-plug events. Watch for configuration bit settings: the LF variant disables extended VDD range options in configuration word 1. The BOR (brownout reset) voltage must be configured below the minimum operating rail; default BOR may be too low for 3.3 V systems.
Keep the analog inputs (AN0-AN3) short and away from switching signals. For ADC accuracy, use a ground plane under the analog traces and route the AVSS pin (pin 8) directly to the ground plane via a single via. Place the ICSP header at the board edge for production programming access. The SOIC-8 footprint requires standard reflow profiles; the -T suffix indicates tape-and-reel orientation compatible with standard 8-mm SMT feeders.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial -I grade temperature range (-40C to +85C) only - choose PIC12LF1840-E/SN (-40C to +125C) for automotive or extended-temperature applications. Not AEC-Q100 qualified.
