PIC16F1618-E/SO - 8-bit MCU, 7KB Flash, 512B RAM, 20-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1618-E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.4 | $1.40 |
| 10 | $1.26 | $12.60 |
| 100 | $1.05 | $105.00 |
| 500 | $0.91 | $455.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.78 | $780.00 |
PIC16F1618-E/SO Overview
A PIC microcontroller (Programmable Interface Controller) is a compact, low-power 8-bit RISC microprocessor with on-chip Flash, RAM, EEPROM, and peripherals designed for embedded control. The PIC architecture belongs to the broader category of microcontrollers (MCUs), which in turn fall under microprocessors and semiconductors. PICs are widely adopted because of their deterministic instruction set, low power consumption, low cost, and rich peripheral integration that minimizes external components.
Key features include 7KB Flash program memory, 512 bytes RAM, a 32 MHz internal oscillator, 10-bit ADC, 24-bit SMT, Zero-Cross Detect (ZCD), Windowed Watchdog Timer (WWDT), CRC/Scan, and configurable logic with up to 18 I/O pins. The 20-pin SOIC package provides ample I/O for typical embedded designs while remaining easy to hand-solder or rework, making the device attractive for low-to-mid-volume industrial and consumer products.
The PIC16F1618 uses an enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC core with a 14-bit instruction word, allowing most instructions to execute in a single instruction cycle. This architecture delivers deterministic interrupt latency and predictable code execution, which is essential for motor control loops, signal measurement, and timing-critical sensing tasks. The integrated 32 MHz internal oscillator reduces BOM cost and frees an external crystal pin.
Typical applications include small motor control (BLDC, brushed DC, fan control), LED lighting and dimming, general-purpose embedded control, home appliances, sensor interfacing, and consumer electronics. The wide operating voltage and extended temperature range also suit industrial control and appliance motor drive boards.
When designing with this device, ensure that the configuration bits are set correctly for the chosen oscillator and watchdog behavior. For motor-control applications, place the ZCD sensing traces away from switching nodes to avoid noise injection, and follow Microchip AN1914 and AN1606 for sensorless BLDC reference designs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same PIC16 family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1618-E/SO — 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 PIC16F1618-E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, I/O Pins, Program Memory (Flash), ADC, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1615-I/SL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1614-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1574-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1575-I/SL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.93 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F15356-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.22 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1618-E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Core Architecture | PIC RISC (Enhanced Mid-Range, 14-bit instruction) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB |
| Data RAM | 512 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz (using internal oscillator) |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| I/O Pins | Up to 18 |
| Package | 20-pin SOIC (SO, 0.295 inch / 7.50 mm width) |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (-40C to +125C) |
| Special Features | 24-bit SMT, Zero-Cross Detect (ZCD), Windowed WDT (WWDT), CRC/Scan, Configurable Logic, CCP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (SMD/SMT) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16F1618-E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/Vref+/T1G — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / voltage reference / Timer1 gate |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4/T1G/C1OUT — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / Timer1 gate / comparator output |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN5/VCAP/SS — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / voltage capacitor / SPI SS |
| Pin 4 | RA0/AN0/C1IN0+/ICSPDAT — Bidirectional I/O / ADC / comparator input / ICSP data |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN1/C1IN0-/ICSPCLK — Bidirectional I/O / ADC / comparator input / ICSP clock |
| Pin 6 | RA2/AN2/ZCD/SR — Bidirectional I/O / ADC / zero-cross detect / shift register |
| Pin 7 | RC0/SOSC0/SCLKI — I/O / secondary oscillator / clock input |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RC1/SOSC1/CCP4 — I/O / secondary oscillator / CCP4 |
| Pin 10 | RC2/CCP3 — I/O / CCP3 |
| Pin 11 | RC3/SCL/SCK — I/O / I2C SCL / SPI SCK |
| Pin 12 | RC4/SDA/SDI — I/O / I2C SDA / SPI SDI |
| Pin 13 | RC5/SDO/C2OUT — I/O / SPI SDO / comparator 2 output |
| Pin 14 | RC6/TX/CK — I/O / UART TX / clock |
| Pin 15 | RC7/RX/DT — I/O / UART RX / data |
| Pin 16 | RB4/AN10/SDA1 — I/O / ADC / I2C1 SDA |
| Pin 17 | RB5/AN11/RX1 — I/O / ADC / UART1 RX |
| Pin 18 | RB6/ICSPCLK/TX1 — I/O / ICSP clock / UART1 TX |
| Pin 19 | RB7/ICSPDAT/DT1 — I/O / ICSP data / UART1 DT |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1618-E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Small Motor Control (BLDC / Brushed DC / Fan), LED Lighting & Dimming Control, Home Appliance Control Boards, Industrial Sensor Interfacing, Consumer Electronics & Toy Robotics, Battery Charging & Power Management.
Small Motor Control (BLDC / Brushed DC / Fan)
The PIC16F1618-E/SO is purpose-built for small-motor embedded control, with on-chip 24-bit Signal Measurement Timer (SMT), Zero-Cross Detect (ZCD), CCP module, and configurable logic cells that implement sensorless commutation without an external DSP. Its 32 MHz internal oscillator supplies deterministic PWM timing for trapezoidal or sinusoidal commutation of fans, pumps, and small appliance motors. The 10-bit ADC reads back-link EMF, current shunt, or thermistor feedback at typical 50-100 kHz rates, while the -40C to +125C extended temperature grade survives under-hood and motor-housing environments. Microchip AN1914 and AN1606 reference designs use this family for 3-phase sensorless BLDC drives up to several hundred watts, and the 20-SOIC package offers enough I/O for 3 half-bridges plus analog feedback.
Recommended
LED Lighting & Dimming Control
The PIC16F1618-E/SO drives constant-current LED strings with closed-loop dimming using the 10-bit ADC for ambient-light sensing and the CCP/PWM module for accurate duty-cycle control. The Zero-Cross Detect (ZCD) peripheral detects AC mains zero-crossings to phase-cut dim TRIAC or trailing-edge MOSFET controls for line-voltage LED retrofits. The 7KB Flash comfortably hosts DALI, 0-10V, or DMX512 receive-only lighting protocols alongside dimming algorithms, while the 20-SOIC package exposes enough I/O for multi-channel lighting PCBs. Its 32 MHz internal oscillator eliminates an external crystal, lowering BOM cost for retrofit lamps and fixtures, and the extended temperature grade ensures stable output across -40C to +125C thermal environments typical of enclosed luminaires.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16F1618-E/SO is widely used in home appliance control boards for washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and induction cooktops, where its 8-bit PIC RISC core delivers deterministic real-time control. The 24-bit SMT captures time-of-flight or zero-crossing intervals for sensorless position and speed feedback, while the 10-bit ADC reads NTC thermistors and water-level probes. The Windowed WDT (WWDT) and CRC/Scan peripherals satisfy IEC 60730 Class B safety requirements for unattended appliance operation. With 18 I/O pins in a 20-SOIC package, designers can drive relay coils, triac gates, keypads, and seven-segment displays without an external bus expander, and the -40C to +125C extended grade supports oven and refrigerator thermal environments.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interfacing
The PIC16F1618-E/SO serves as an industrial sensor-conditioning MCU, providing multi-channel 10-bit ADC sampling, on-chip configurable logic for threshold comparators, and the WWDT for fail-safe operation in field-deployed sensor pods. Its 32 MHz internal oscillator and 8-bit RISC core deliver deterministic timing for 4-20 mA current-loop or HART-style sensor protocols. The 20-SOIC package provides adequate I/O for analog inputs, digital I/O, and UART/SPI/I2C connectivity to upstream PLCs or gateways. Extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) suits outdoor cabinets and factory-floor enclosures, while 7KB Flash accommodates MODBUS RTU, IO-Link, or custom serial stacks.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics & Toy Robotics
The PIC16F1618-E/SO drives consumer toys, robotics kits, and small appliances where low BOM cost and integrated peripherals outweigh raw CPU performance. Its 24-bit SMT can decode RC-servo pulses or IR remote protocols in real time, while the CCP module produces servo PWM for hobby-grade robotics. With 7KB Flash and 512B RAM, designers can implement basic state machines, sound playback via PWM, and multi-channel motor control on a single chip. The 20-SOIC package is hand-solder-friendly, useful for prototyping and small-batch production, and the -40C to +125C grade provides headroom for hot consumer enclosures like audio amplifiers or set-top boxes.
Recommended
Battery Charging & Power Management
The PIC16F1618-E/SO implements CC/CV battery charging algorithms and intelligent load management for small Li-Ion/LiPo packs in portable tools and IoT edge devices. Its 10-bit ADC accurately samples charge current via a shunt, battery voltage, and NTC temperature, while the CCP module generates PWM for a buck or buck-boost stage. The 24-bit SMT measures precise timing for safety timers and end-of-charge detection. The 20-SOIC package provides enough I/O for SMBus/I2C battery authentication, status LEDs, and a single-wire commutation line. Extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) supports both outdoor chargers and engine-bay applications.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1618-E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1615-I/SL | PIC16F1614-I/P | PIC16F1574-I/SO | PIC16F1575-I/SL | PIC16F15356-E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-pin SOIC (0.295 inch) | 20-pin SOIC family footprint | 20-pin DIP/SOIC family | 20-pin SOIC | 20-pin SOIC family | 20-pin SOIC |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Enhanced Mid-Range) | PIC 8-bit RISC | PIC 8-bit RISC | PIC 8-bit RISC | PIC 8-bit RISC | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Flash Program Memory | 7 KB | 14 KB (larger) | 4 KB (smaller) | 7 KB (similar) | 14 KB (larger) | 28 KB (much larger) |
| RAM | 512 bytes | 1024 bytes | 256 bytes (smaller) | 512 bytes | 1024 bytes | 2048 bytes |
| ADC | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| Zero-Cross Detect (ZCD) | Yes (integrated) | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Windowed WDT (WWDT) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 24-bit SMT for precision signal measurement (vs PIC16F1574-I/SO)
- Integrated Zero-Cross Detect (ZCD) for AC line applications (vs PIC16F1575-I/SL)
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade (vs PIC16F1615-I/SL)
- WWDT and CRC/Scan for IEC 60730 Class B safety (vs PIC16F1614-I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16F1618-E/SO VDD range (per Microchip datasheet DS40001770) is typically 1.8V-5.5V for the 'F' (Flash) variant. Add a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to VDD (pin 20), plus a bulk 10 uF capacitor near the MCU. For motor-control boards, separate digital VDD from analog AVdd supply rails and use a ferrite bead to isolate switching noise from the ADC reference. The internal 32 MHz oscillator eliminates an external crystal for most cost-sensitive designs, but if the application requires tight UART baud-rate tolerance, use an external HS crystal.
Route the Zero-Cross Detect (ZCD) input trace on the RA2/AN2/ZCD pin as short and direct as possible, keeping it well away from switching nodes and gate-drive traces to avoid capacitive coupling that can cause false ZCD triggers. Provide a series resistor (typically 100 kohm) and 100 nF RC filter on the ZCD input to attenuate RF noise. For motor-control designs, place shunt resistors for current sensing in the low-side return path, route Kelvin connections back to the MCU ADC pins, and use a 4-layer PCB with a dedicated ground plane for best EMI performance.
Configuration bits must be set correctly before code execution: choose INTOSC oscillator, disable MCLR (or wire it through 10 kohm pull-up), and configure the WWDT window to suit your software loop. The 24-bit SMT requires careful register initialization - read Microchip AN1307 and the relevant SMT section of DS40001770 before using the peripheral for motor commutation. For IEC 60730 Class B compliance in home appliances, enable WWDT and CRC/Scan and follow the safe-ISR pattern documented in TB3141. Always assert unused I/O pins as outputs low to minimize current draw in sleep mode.
At the maximum 32 MHz clock and 5.5V VDD with full peripheral activity, the PIC16F1618-E/SO dissipation is well below 100 mW, so the 20-SOIC package dissipates heat without a heatsink across the -40C to +125C range. However, in enclosed motor-control housings where ambient can reach 85C-105C, derate clock speed or use sleep modes between commutation cycles to keep junction temperature below 150C. The theta_JA of 20-SOIC at standard JEDEC test conditions is approximately 55-70 C/W, leaving ample thermal headroom for typical 8-bit MCU workloads.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page and distributor listings (Heisener, Mouser, LCSC). Industrial temperature grade E, not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive.
