PIC16F1768-I/SS - 8-Bit MCU, 7KB Flash, 20-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1768-I/SS β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.36 | $2.36 |
| 10 | $2.13 | $21.30 |
| 100 | $1.78 | $178.00 |
| 500 | $1.52 | $760.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.31 | $1,310.00 |
PIC16F1768-I/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory, and programmable I/O peripherals. The PIC16F1768 belongs to Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit PIC architecture, which sits between the baseline PIC10/12/16 families and the higher-end PIC18 family. Within the system hierarchy, it falls under: 8-bit microcontroller -> RISC MCU -> embedded microcontroller -> semiconductor. The enhanced mid-range core adds C compiler-friendly architecture, hardware stack, and a deep instruction set while maintaining the simplicity that makes PIC MCUs popular for low-power and cost-sensitive designs.
Key features include 32MHz internal oscillator (8MHz instruction rate with 4x PLL or 32MHz direct), 4K x 14 Flash words, 512 bytes RAM, 14-channel 10-bit ADC with computation, two op-amps, 10-bit DAC and 5-bit DAC, four 16-bit PWMs, two Capture/Compare/PWM modules, Configurable Logic Cells (CLC), Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO), Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), and Zero-Cross Detect (ZCD) peripherals for AC line voltage sensing. The XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology delivers nanoWatt sleep currents below 100nA typical, making the part suitable for battery-powered and energy-harvesting designs.
The PIC16F1768 implements a Harvard-architecture RISC core with 49 instructions, single-cycle execution except for program branches, and an interrupt controller with hardware context saving. The peripheral integration strategy places multiple configurable analog and timing blocks around the core, allowing a single chip to replace what would otherwise require discrete op-amps, PWM controllers and DACs. The Device Information Area (DIA) and device ID provide traceability and unique serialization for production runs.
Typical applications include LED lighting and dimming controls (using CWG, 10-bit DAC and zero-cross detect), switched-mode power supplies (SMPS) using the dedicated programmable switch-mode controller peripherals, sensor signal conditioning leveraging on-chip op-amps and the ADC with computation, AC line voltage zero-cross detection for TRIAC/SCR triggering, and small motor control with complementary PWM outputs. The 20-SSOP form factor fits compact industrial and consumer modules.
When designing with this part, plan I/O allocation early because most analog peripherals share I/O pins, and the CLC/NCO/CWG blocks must be routed to specific PPS pins. Provide a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor close to VDD and a bulk capacitor on AVDD if the ADC is used. Configure unused pins as outputs low to minimize power consumption.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, PCB design notes and FAQs not found in a single manufacturer or distributor listing, giving procurement and engineering teams a single source of truth for PIC16F1768-I/SS evaluation.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1768-I/SS β 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 PIC16F1768-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) β differing in ADC, Core Architecture, DAC, Package, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1768-E/SS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.24 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F1768-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 512 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial, -I suffix) |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (SS) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 14 channels |
| DAC | 10-bit and 5-bit |
| Op-Amps | 2 on-chip |
| PWM | 4 x 16-bit + 2 x CCP |
| Special Peripherals | CLC, NCO, CWG, ZCD, switch-mode controller |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP nanoWatt (sleep <100nA typical) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F1768-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD β Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA5 β I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA4 β I/O / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR β I/O or master clear reset |
| Pin 5 | RC5 β I/O |
| Pin 6 | RC4 β I/O |
| Pin 7 | RC3 β I/O / analog |
| Pin 8 | RC2 β I/O / analog |
| Pin 9 | RC1 β I/O / analog |
| Pin 10 | RC0 β I/O / analog |
| Pin 11 | RA2 β I/O / analog |
| Pin 12 | RA1 β I/O / analog / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 13 | RA0 β I/O / analog / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 14 | VSS β Ground |
| Pin 15 | RA7 β I/O / OSC1 |
| Pin 16 | RA6 β I/O / OSC2 |
| Pin 17 | RC7 β I/O |
| Pin 18 | RC6 β I/O |
| Pin 19 | RB7 β I/O |
| Pin 20 | RB6 β I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1768-I/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Dimmable LED Lighting Controllers, Switched-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS), Sensor Signal Conditioning Front Ends, AC Line Voltage Zero-Cross Detector, Small BLDC and Brushed-DC Motor Drivers, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Automotive Body Electronics (Sub-Systems).
Dimmable LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16F1768-I/SS suits dimmable LED driver designs because its on-chip Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) and four 16-bit PWMs drive high-side/low-side MOSFET bridges directly, while the 10-bit DAC provides analog dimming with 1024 brightness steps. The Zero-Cross Detect peripheral synchronizes TRIAC dimmer phase angles to the AC mains, eliminating flicker at low dim levels. Internal 5-bit DAC and configurable logic cells (CLC) implement hardware blanking, hysteresis and protection timing without CPU intervention. Power consumption in standby drops below 100nA typical via XLP nanoWatt sleep modes, meeting Energy Star standby budgets for residential and commercial luminaires.
Recommended
Switched-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS)
The PIC16F1768-I/SS integrates dedicated peripherals for digital SMPS control: a switch-mode controller, programmable ramp generator, high-speed ADC with computation, and CWG for synchronous rectified MOSFET drive. The 32MHz core executes 8MIPS of code, fast enough for a 50kHz current-mode control loop with peak current-mode sampling on the on-chip op-amps. ZCD and NCO blocks allow valley switching and frequency modulation for EMI control. The result is a single-chip primary-side SMPS controller for sub-100W adapters, LED drivers and auxiliary supplies.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Front Ends
For sensor interfaces such as Wheatstone bridges, thermocouples and photodiodes, the PIC16F1768-I/SS combines two internal op-amps (instrumentation front end), a 10-bit ADC with computation (oversampling to 12 effective bits), and a 5-bit/10-bit DAC for offset compensation and calibration. The op-amp outputs are routed internally to the ADC, eliminating external signal chains and reducing PCB area in industrial 4-20mA transmitters, RTD conditioners and strain-gauge signal conditioners. The 14 ADC channels allow multi-sensor scanning with a single chip, and the CLC can implement window-comparator behavior without software polling.
Recommended
AC Line Voltage Zero-Cross Detector
The PIC16F1768-I/SS Zero-Cross Detect (ZCD) peripheral accepts a current-limited 230V AC input through a high-value resistor and emits a digital interrupt on each mains zero crossing, replacing external opto-isolated zero-cross circuits. This is ideal for solid-state relay (SSR) drivers, TRIAC dimmers, AC motor soft-start controls and synchronised measurement windows in smart energy meters. The ZCD can also detect high-frequency AC, supporting electronic ballasts and induction-heating zero-cross timing.
Recommended
Small BLDC and Brushed-DC Motor Drivers
The PIC16F1768-I/SS drives small brushless DC (BLDC) motors by combining the CWG for 6-step complementary commutation with the 16-bit PWMs for speed control and the on-chip op-amps for back-EMF sensing. For brushed DC motors, the CWG plus CCP modules implement H-bridge control with hardware dead-band insertion, reducing shoot-through risk. ZCD on the BEMF allows sensorless commutation in cost-sensitive fan and pump applications.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16F1768-I/SS is well suited for wireless-sensor / IoT end nodes because its XLP nanoWatt technology delivers typical deep-sleep currents below 100nA while retaining RAM and interrupt-on-pin-change wake-up. The op-amps and 10-bit ADC wake the MCU periodically for sensor reads, while the CLC performs pre-MCU hardware thresholding so most wake-ups are avoided. With 7KB Flash it can run a simple 6LoWPAN or LoRaWAN-class MAC driver stack. The 2.5V-5.3V operating range accepts single-cell Li-Ion or two-cell alkaline batteries directly.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Sub-Systems)
While the PIC16F1768-I/SS itself is industrial-grade, the same silicon is offered in the PIC16F1768-E/SS extended-temperature grade and AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F1768-H/SS automotive versions, enabling pin-for-pin design reuse across consumer and automotive lines. Typical automotive applications include interior lighting, mirror controllers, seat heaters, HVAC flap actuators and small pump drivers - all leveraging the CWG, ZCD and 16-bit PWM peripherals. The 5V-tolerant, 32MHz core tolerates 12V automotive transients with proper external protection.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1768-I/SS β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1768-E/SS | PIC16F1768-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP (same) | 20-QFN (different) |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB |
| RAM | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B |
| Core Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +125C (extended) | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Pricing (1 pc, USD) | $2.36 | $2.45 | $2.40 |
Key Differentiators
- On-chip op-amps and 10-bit DAC in a 20-pin SSOP MCU (vs PIC16F1708-I/SS)
- Built-in Zero-Cross Detect for AC mains sensing (vs PIC16F1614-I/P)
- Higher code density (7KB Flash) within the same SSOP footprint (vs PIC16F1574-I/ST)
Design Notes
Estimated: with the PIC16F1768-I/SS running at 32MHz CPU clock, 3.3V VDD and active ADC, the core current is approximately 5-7 mA per the Microchip datasheet. Add a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor physically adjacent to the VDD pin and a separate 10uF bulk capacitor on VDD near the package. AVDD and AVSS must be tied to VDD and VSS respectively when the ADC or DAC is used; otherwise AVDD may be left floating and AVSS tied to VSS. Brown-out Reset (BOR) is configured in CONFIG1 and should be enabled for production systems.
Estimated: the 20-pin SSOP has a thermal resistance of approximately 60-70 C/W theta_JA on a standard 2-layer JEDEC test board, so self-heating at full load is not a constraint for this MCU. However, place decoupling capacitors within 2mm of VDD/VSS pins, route ICSP signals (ICSPCLK, ICSPDAT) with parallel traces and a ground return, and keep the analog traces (ANx, op-amp inputs/outputs) away from the digital PWM and CWG signals. Use a ground pour on the bottom layer to provide a low-impedance return path.
Estimated: a common pitfall when migrating between PIC16F176x package variants is forgetting that the MCLR pin is multiplexed with RA3 and is disabled by default in CONFIG1. Always verify the MCLR configuration before layout. Another common error is leaving the unused PWM/CWG outputs floating; configure them as outputs driven low or as inputs to minimize current consumption. Finally, the on-chip op-amps and DAC references are powered from VDD; if a stable reference is needed for the ADC or DAC, decouple the reference pin and avoid drawing high transient currents from VDD near the ADC sample window.
Compliance Information
RoHS-compliant SSOP package per Microchip environmental data. Industrial -I temperature grade; for -40C to +125C operation use the -E/SS variant. AEC-Q100 qualified versions available in -H/SS automotive suffix.
