PIC16F1618-I/ML - 8-Bit MCU, 7KB Flash, 32MHz, 20-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1618-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.85 | $1.85 |
| 10 | $1.62 | $16.20 |
| 100 | $1.43 | $143.00 |
| 500 | $1.24 | $620.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.05 | $1,050.00 |
PIC16F1618-I/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (Flash/ROM), working memory (RAM), and programmable I/O peripherals. The 8-bit MCU class uses an internal data bus 8 bits wide and is favoured for deterministic real-time control, simple toolchains, and very low active and sleep currents. Within the 8-bit category, the PIC16 family is one of the most widely deployed architectures, spanning general-purpose, motor-control, and low-power XLP variants. The PIC16F1618 sits in the XLP branch, optimised for battery-powered and energy-harvesting applications.
Key features include a 10-bit ADC with up to 12 channels, CCP/SCCP/PWM/24-bit SMT (Signal Measurement Timer) peripherals, Zero Cross Detect, a CLC (Configurable Logic Cell) block, multiple communication interfaces, and 18 I/O pins. The device operates from 2.3 V to 5.5 V, has an instruction cycle of 125 ns at 32 MHz, and supports both industrial (-40C to +85C) and extended (-40C to +125C) temperature ranges.
Architecturally, the PIC16F1618 uses a Harvard RISC core with a 14-bit instruction word, an internal oscillator, and Microchip's nanoWatt XLP technology that delivers sleep currents down to the low nA range. The high-integration peripherals - including 24-bit SMT for precision time measurement, CLC for glue-logic replacement, and PWM with complementary outputs - reduce external component count and BOM cost.
Typical applications include small motor control (BLDC, stepper, fan), LED lighting control, consumer electronics, battery-powered IoT sensor nodes, and general-purpose embedded control. The wide operating voltage range and low power make it well suited for both line-powered industrial and battery-powered portable products.
When designing with the PIC16F1618, ensure the exposed thermal pad (EP) is soldered to a sufficiently large copper pour for both thermal dissipation and mechanical reliability. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed as close as possible to the pin pair, and follow Microchip's recommended ICSP programming layout if in-circuit programming is required.
This page synthesises distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same PIC16 family, and practical PCB/design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, helping procurement and design engineers quickly evaluate the PIC16F1618-I/ML for new designs and existing platform refreshes.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1618-I/ML — 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-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Core Architecture, Package, Operating Temperature, Family.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1618-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1618T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1615-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1509-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1575-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATSAM3N4BA-MU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.48 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1618-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 (8-bit RISC, 14-bit instruction word) |
| Family | PIC® XLP™ 16F |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| SRAM | 512 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 32 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 125 ns @ 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 12 channels |
| Timers | CCP, SCCP, 24-bit SMT |
| PWM | Yes (with complementary outputs) |
| Configurable Logic Cell (CLC) | Yes |
| Zero Cross Detect | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Package | 20-pin QFN (4x4 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16F1618-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O with interrupt-on-change and analog capability |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O / T0CKI timer0 clock input |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / MCLR reset input (weak pull-up enabled by configuration) |
| Pin 4 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O / CCP/PWM output |
| Pin 5 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O / PWM output |
| Pin 6 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O / SCL (I2C clock) / analog input |
| Pin 7 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O / SDA (I2C data) / analog input |
| Pin 8 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 9 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input / ZCD output |
| Pin 12 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPCLK / analog input |
| Pin 13 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPDAT / analog input |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.3 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 15 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 16 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 17 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O / PWM output / analog input |
| Pin 18 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O / PWM output / analog input |
| Pin 19 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O / UART TX/RX |
| Pin 20 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O / UART TX/RX |
| Pin 21 | EP — Exposed thermal pad - connect to VSS for thermal dissipation and mechanical reliability |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1618-I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Small Motor Control (BLDC / Stepper / Fan), LED Lighting Control and Dimming, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Consumer Appliance Control, Power Conversion and SMPS Auxiliary Control, Automotive Body and Interior Modules, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning.
Small Motor Control (BLDC / Stepper / Fan)
The PIC16F1618-I/ML fits small motor-control designs because it integrates a 32 MHz PIC16 core, complementary PWM outputs, and a 24-bit Signal Measurement Timer (SMT) that captures back-EMF period with sub-microsecond resolution - critical for sensorless BLDC commutation. With 7 KB Flash and 512 B SRAM, the MCU can host a sensorless FOC or trapezoidal commutation state machine plus UART diagnostics. The 2.3-5.5 V VDD range allows direct drive from a 1S Li-ion or 5 V regulated rail, and the CLC block replaces external glue logic that would otherwise latch fault signals. Pair with a 3-phase gate driver such as the Microchip TC654 or the TI DRV8313 for a complete 12 V/24 V fan or pump controller.
Recommended
LED Lighting Control and Dimming
The PIC16F1618-I/ML is well matched to dimmable LED drivers thanks to its Zero Cross Detect (ZCD) peripheral, which synchronises TRIAC or MOSFET switching to the AC line without an external optocoupler. The 18 I/O pins drive multiple channels of constant-current LED strings, while the 10-bit ADC senses both supply voltage and LED current for closed-loop regulation. The 32 MHz CPU executes PWM dimming updates at > 10 kHz with no visible flicker, and XLP nanoWatt sleep modes keep standby power below 50 mW for Energy Star compliance. The 20-QFN 4x4 mm footprint fits inside GU10 bulbs and linear LED tubes where PCB area is severely constrained.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16F1618-I/ML is a strong fit for battery-powered sensor nodes thanks to its nanoWatt XLP technology, which delivers sleep currents in the low-nA range and active currents around 1 mA at 1 MHz. The 10-bit ADC reads temperature, humidity, or gas-sensor outputs at intervals measured by the 24-bit SMT for precise wake-up timing. The wide 2.3-5.5 V VDD window accepts direct 3.3 V coin-cell or 1S Li-ion power, and the 20-QFN 4x4 mm package leaves room for a CR2032 holder and a small antenna. The CLC block implements edge-detection and pulse-counting without waking the CPU, extending battery life to several years on a single coin cell.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16F1618-I/ML suits consumer appliances such as coffee makers, rice cookers, air purifiers, and small kitchen devices where its 18 I/O pins drive keypads, relays, seven-segment or LCD displays, and triac outputs. The Zero Cross Detect synchronises AC loads to the mains for quiet switching, and the 32 MHz core runs user-interface state machines plus temperature-control loops in a single chip. The 2.3-5.5 V range supports direct 3.3 V or 5 V operation, and the QFN-20 footprint fits inside slim product enclosures. The 7 KB Flash is sufficient for menu logic, safety interlocks, and basic PID control without external memory.
Recommended
Power Conversion and SMPS Auxiliary Control
The PIC16F1618-I/ML can serve as the auxiliary/digital supervisor in a switched-mode power supply, using its 24-bit SMT for high-resolution frequency measurement of the main converter and its 10-bit ADC for output voltage sensing. The CLC and PWM peripherals implement digital current-mode control loops, while the PIC16 core executes telemetry and PMBus-style communication over I2C. The wide 2.3-5.5 V VDD window is compatible with both 3.3 V and 5 V bias rails commonly used in digital supervisors. The 20-QFN package integrates neatly on the secondary side of an isolated converter PCB.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Interior Modules
The PIC16F1618-I/ML supports body and interior automotive applications such as LED interior lighting, HVAC flap control, and accessory modules where 18 I/O and PWM control are sufficient. The integrated Zero Cross Detect enables quiet AC-side switching, while the 32 MHz core runs LIN-style communication stacks and basic diagnostics. For under-hood or AEC-Q100-qualified designs, the PIC16F1618-E/ML extended-temperature variant is rated to +125 C and is pin-compatible. The QFN-20 4x4 mm footprint fits inside small inline connector housings common in automotive wiring harnesses.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16F1618-I/ML is suitable for industrial 4-20 mA loop-powered sensor transmitters and bridge-sensor signal conditioners. The 10-bit ADC digitises bridge or RTD signals while the 24-bit SMT measures excitation pulse width for ratiometric compensation. The 2.3-5.5 V VDD range accepts a wide range of loop supply voltages, and the PIC16 XLP sleep modes keep total loop current draw below 3.5 mA, complying with NAMUR NE43 fault thresholds. The QFN-20 4x4 mm package fits inside a TO-5 or DIN-B head transmitter housing.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1618-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1618-E/ML | PIC16F1615-I/ML | PIC16F1509-I/ML | PIC16F1575-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-QFN (4x4) with EP | 20-QFN (4x4) with EP - same | 20-QFN (4x4) with EP - same | 20-QFN (4x4) with EP - same | 20-QFN (4x4) with EP - same |
| Core / Architecture | 8-bit PIC16, 32 MHz | 8-bit PIC16, 32 MHz | 8-bit PIC16, 32 MHz | 8-bit PIC16, 20 MHz | 8-bit PIC16, 32 MHz |
| Flash Program Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 14 KB (8K x 14) | 8 KB (4K x 14) | 14 KB (8K x 14) |
| SRAM | 512 B | 512 B | 1 KB | 512 B | 1 KB |
| 24-bit SMT (Signal Measurement Timer) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Limited |
| Configurable Logic Cell (CLC) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Zero Cross Detect (ZCD) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C (extended) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 24-bit Signal Measurement Timer (SMT) for precision time capture (vs PIC16F1509-I/ML)
- Configurable Logic Cell (CLC) and Zero Cross Detect for AC-line and motor designs (vs PIC16F1509-I/ML)
- PIC16F161x family compatibility for scalable software migration (vs PIC16F1615-I/ML)
- Pin-compatible upgrade path to ARM Cortex-M if more performance is needed (vs ATSAM3N4BA-MU)
Design Notes
Estimated: for the 20-QFN (4x4 mm) package, the exposed thermal pad (pin 21) must be soldered to a ground-pour copper area of at least 10 mm x 10 mm on the top layer for adequate thermal dissipation. Place a 100 nF (0.1 uF) X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14) with a short, wide trace to pin 10 (VSS). For ICSP programming, expose the ICSPDAT (RA0), ICSPCLK (RA1) and MCLR (RA3) signals on test pads to allow in-circuit firmware updates.
The PIC16F1618-I/ML's RA3 pin doubles as the MCLR reset input. When using RA3 as a general-purpose I/O, the configuration bit MCLRE must be cleared to disable the reset function, or unexpected resets will occur. Also avoid leaving unused I/O pins floating - configure them as outputs driving low or as inputs with the internal weak pull-ups enabled, to minimise sleep current and prevent unintended peripheral triggers.
Estimated: although the PIC16F1618-I/ML dissipates < 100 mW in typical 32 MHz / 3.3 V applications, the small 20-QFN package relies on the exposed pad for cooling. Without a proper thermal pad connection, junction temperature can rise 30-40 C above ambient at full CPU load. Microchip's 'PIC16F161X Family Packaging and Thermal Considerations' application note recommends a minimum 1 oz copper pour with thermal vias to an internal ground plane.
Use the PIC16F1618-I/ML's nanoWatt XLP sleep modes (Sleep, Doze, Idle) for battery-powered designs. Sleep current with RTC running from the LFINTOSC is approximately 30 nA typical, allowing multi-year battery life on a CR2032 coin cell when wake-ups are infrequent. Always disable unused peripherals in the firmware before entering Sleep to minimise residual current draw from ADC, PWM, and CLC blocks.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page. Industrial-grade part (not AEC-Q100); the PIC16F1618-E/ML extended-temperature variant is suitable for AEC-Q100 contexts only when paired with additional qualification testing by the integrator.