PIC16F1786-E/ML - 8-Bit 32MHz 14KB Flash MCU 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1786-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.07 | $30.70 |
| 100 | $2.75 | $275.00 |
| 500 | $2.45 | $1,225.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.18 | $2,180.00 |
PIC16F1786-E/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (flash), data memory (RAM), and peripherals such as ADCs, timers, and communication interfaces. The PIC® architecture belongs to the 8-bit RISC microcontroller family, widely used in embedded control due to its deterministic instruction execution, low power consumption, and broad peripheral integration. PIC MCUs are organized under the broader category of microcontrollers > integrated circuits > semiconductors, and the PIC16F1786 specifically belongs to Microchip's enhanced mid-range PIC16 family, positioned between baseline (PIC10/12/16F) and advanced (PIC18) families in terms of instruction set capability and peripheral integration.
Key features that distinguish this device include 49 instructions with 16 stack levels, self read/write capable flash, an internal 32 MHz oscillator, two PSMC channels for advanced motor and power conversion control, and Microchip's eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology. The dual on-chip op-amps and 8-bit DAC eliminate external analog components in closed-loop control, while the 12-bit ADC provides precision sensor measurement. The PSMC peripherals support programmable dead-band control, complementary outputs, and current-limiting, making the device particularly suitable for advanced motor drive, lighting ballast, and switch-mode power supply applications.
Typical applications include industrial motor control, LED lighting drivers, battery chargers, sensor signal conditioning, and low-power IoT endpoints. The combination of PSMC, on-chip op-amps, and 12-bit ADC allows single-chip implementation of BLDC or PFC control loops previously requiring a dedicated analog controller.
When designing with this part, ensure the QFN exposed pad is properly soldered to a thermal pad with adequate vias for heat dissipation. The PSMC outputs require careful dead-time configuration in firmware to prevent shoot-through in half-bridge applications. Use MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler for firmware development, and the PICkit or MPLAB SNAP debugger for in-circuit programming.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1786-E/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 PIC16F1786-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Comparators, DAC, Core Architecture.
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View Datasheet →PIC16F1786-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 Enhanced Mid-Range 8-bit RISC |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz maximum (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 1 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Instruction Set Size | 49 instructions |
| Stack Levels | 16 |
| ADC | 12-bit, multiple channels |
| DAC | 8-bit, on-chip |
| Op-Amps | 2 on-chip |
| Comparators | Fast comparators on-chip |
| PSMC Channels | 2 (Programmable Switch Mode Controller) |
| Communication Interfaces | EUSART, I2C, SPI |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | CCP module |
| Internal Oscillator | 32 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (ML) 6x6 mm with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F1786-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA7 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA6 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA4 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 7 | RA1 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 8 | RA0 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | RA8 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 15 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | RB0 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | RC7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 20 | RC6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 21 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 22 | RC4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RC3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 24 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 25 | RC1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 26 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 27 | OSC2 — Crystal/oscillator output |
| Pin 28 | OSC1 — Crystal/oscillator input |
| Pin EP | EP — Exposed thermal pad - connect to VSS (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1786-E/ML is suitable for 7 applications: BLDC Motor Control, LED Lighting Drivers, Switch-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS), Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Battery-Powered IoT Endpoints, Automotive Body and Interior Electronics, Power Factor Correction (PFC) Controllers.
BLDC Motor Control
The PIC16F1786-E/ML is well-suited for single-chip BLDC (brushless DC) motor control thanks to its dual PSMC (Programmable Switch Mode Controller) channels, which generate complementary PWM with programmable dead-band and current limiting. The two on-chip op-amps close the current-sense feedback loop without external analog ICs, while the 32 MHz enhanced mid-range core executes field-oriented control (FOC) firmware at sufficient update rates for small to medium BLDC motors. The 12-bit ADC samples back-EMF and phase currents with 4096-step resolution, and the -40C to +125C extended temperature grade supports under-hood automotive and industrial motor environments. According to the Microchip datasheet, the PSMC peripheral supports center-aligned, edge-aligned, and variable-frequency PWM modes required for trapezoidal and sinusoidal commutation.
Recommended
LED Lighting Drivers
The PIC16F1786-E/ML drives high-brightness LED arrays with constant-current regulation using its on-chip 8-bit DAC, two op-amps, and PSMC channels. The op-amp senses shunt-resistor current through the LED string, while the PSMC generates a high-frequency PWM that modulates the switching FET. The XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology keeps standby current below 1 µA, ideal for battery-powered and standby LED fixtures. The 14 KB flash accommodates dimming protocols including 0-10 V analog, DALI, and PWM-to-analog conversion. The 28-pin QFN (ML) package fits compact MR16 and linear fixture form factors. Datasheet reference: PIC16(L)F1784/6/7 DS40001696D documents typical constant-current LED driver reference design.
Recommended
Switch-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS)
The PIC16F1786-E/ML implements digital control of SMPS topologies including flyback, forward, boost, and PFC stages using the dual PSMC channels. One PSMC drives the main switching FET with programmable dead-band, while the second PSMC handles synchronous rectification or auxiliary functions. The two on-chip op-amps condition the current-sense and voltage-sense feedback signals directly into the 12-bit ADC, eliminating the external analog front-end typically required for analog-controlled SMPS. The 32 MHz core executes digital compensation loops and valley/current-mode control at frequencies up to 1 MHz. The 14 KB flash holds firmware for soft-start, over-current protection, and adaptive dead-time algorithms. Per Microchip application note AN2011, the PIC16F178x family supports both voltage-mode and peak-current-mode control.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16F1786-E/ML conditions and digitizes analog sensor signals using its 12-bit ADC (4096 steps), two on-chip op-amps for active filtering, and 8-bit DAC for sensor excitation. Industrial 4-20 mA current-loop transmitters, RTD signal conditioning, and bridge-sensor interfaces fit within the 14 KB flash budget. The extended -40C to +125C temperature grade supports factory-floor and outdoor deployments. The EUSART, I2C, and SPI interfaces connect to local HMI displays or upstream PLCs. The 28-pin QFN (ML) package's small 6x6 mm footprint allows integration into compact field-mount sensor enclosures.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Endpoints
The PIC16F1786-E/ML with XLP technology suits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes drawing under 1 µA in sleep mode. The 32 MHz core wakes on interrupt, processes sensor data via the 12-bit ADC, and transmits via EUSART or SPI to a connected radio module. The 14 KB flash supports small TCP/IP stacks (Microchip's MLA or Harmony) or LoRaWAN device firmware. The 256-byte EEPROM stores calibration constants and node identity without wearing flash. The -40C to +125C temperature grade operates in outdoor enclosures across seasons. The 28-QFN package's compact footprint suits coin-cell powered wearables and remote telemetry units.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Interior Electronics
The PIC16F1786-E/ML operates reliably across the -40C to +125C automotive interior and body-electronics temperature range, handling tasks such as ambient lighting control, seat-position memory, HVAC blend-door actuation, and mirror adjustment. The 12-bit ADC reads potentiometer position, the 8-bit DAC drives analog actuators, and the PSMC channels control small DC motors for HVAC dampers. The EUSART interfaces with LIN or CAN bus transceivers for body-control network communication. The 28-pin QFN (ML) package suits the dense PCB layouts of door modules and headlamp assemblies. For under-hood applications requiring -40C to +150C, Microchip offers PIC16F178x variants with the -V automotive grade qualification.
Recommended
Power Factor Correction (PFC) Controllers
The PIC16F1786-E/ML implements boost-PFC with average-current-mode control using one PSMC for the boost switch and the on-chip op-amp for current-sense amplification. The 32 MHz core executes the multiplier/divider-based voltage-loop compensation at switching frequencies of 50-100 kHz. The 8-bit DAC programs the reference for the current loop, while the 12-bit ADC samples rectified line voltage and inductor current. The 14 KB flash accommodates firmware for soft-start, brown-out recovery, and dynamic-load response optimization. Per Microchip application note AN2150, the PIC16F178x family meets IEC 61000-3-2 harmonic-current limits when properly compensated.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1786-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1786-I/ML | PIC16F1784-I/ML | PIC16F1776-I/SP | PIC16F1716-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (ML) 6x6 mm | 28-pin QFN (ML) - same | 28-pin QFN (ML) - same | 28-pin SPDIP (SP) | 28-pin QFN (ML) - same |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB |
| RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 512 B | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| ADC | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| PSMC Channels | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 0 (no PSMC) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) |
Key Differentiators
- Dual PSMC channels with programmable dead-band (vs PIC16F1716-I/ML)
- On-chip dual op-amps reduce BOM (vs PIC16F1769-I/SO)
- 12-bit ADC vs 10-bit on similar PIC16 cousins (vs PIC16F1776-I/SP)
Design Notes
The 28-pin QFN (ML) package exposes a thermal pad (EP) on the underside that MUST be soldered to a PCB ground copper pour with multiple thermal vias for heat dissipation. According to the Microchip datasheet, the EP provides the primary thermal path; failure to solder it raises junction-to-ambient thermal resistance by 2-3x and may cause thermal-shutdown faults at high CPU utilization. Use a ground plane of at least 1 square inch with 9-12 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill) under the EP for reliable -40C to +125C operation.
The PSMC (Programmable Switch Mode Controller) outputs require firmware-configured dead-band delays to prevent shoot-through in half-bridge applications. Per the Microchip PIC16(L)F1784/6/7 datasheet, dead-band values must be programmed in PSMCxCON registers before enabling the PWM outputs. A common pitfall is leaving default 0 ns dead-band, which causes simultaneous high-side and low-side FET conduction and catastrophic failure. Additionally, ensure MCLR is pulled high through a 10 kohm resistor and not left floating, otherwise spurious resets may occur.
Place decoupling capacitors as close as possible to VDD pins: one 100 nF ceramic per VDD pin plus one bulk 10 µF tantalum or ceramic on the supply trace. The QFN package's center EP serves as both ground and thermal pad; route the analog and digital ground returns to a star-point near this pad. Keep the 32 MHz crystal traces short (less than 5 mm) and symmetric, with a ground guard ring around the oscillator traces to minimize radiated EMI. If using the internal 32 MHz oscillator instead of an external crystal, the OSC1/OSC2 pins can be repurposed as general I/O per datasheet configuration.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. The PIC16F1786-E/ML is the extended temperature grade (industrial-grade -40C to +125C) but is NOT AEC-Q100 automotive qualified; for AEC-Q100, look at the PIC16F1786 -VAO or -E/MLVAO automotive ordering suffix variants.
