PIC16F1788-E/ML - 8-Bit 32MHz 28KB Flash MCU 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1788-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.62 | $3.62 |
| 10 | $3.26 | $32.60 |
| 100 | $2.89 | $289.00 |
| 500 | $2.59 | $1,295.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.3 | $2,300.00 |
PIC16F1788-E/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory, program, and peripherals on one silicon die. The PIC16F1788 belongs to Microchip's mid-range PIC16F1xx family which sits in the broader hierarchy: PIC16F -> 8-bit PIC microcontroller -> microcontroller -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. The eXtreme Low Power (XLP) branding indicates the family targets battery-friendly applications with deep-sleep currents in the nanoamp range, distinguishing it from general-purpose 8-bit MCUs.
Key features of the PIC16F1788 include a 12-bit ADC with up to 11 channels, dual 8-bit DACs, a 5-bit DAC, three operational amplifiers, a Peripheral Signal Generator (PSMC) for advanced timer/PWM applications, and Microchip's Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) that offload tasks from the CPU. The device supports an operating voltage range of 1.8V to 5.5V and a maximum CPU clock of 32MHz via the internal oscillator, eliminating external crystal components in many designs.
Architecturally, the PIC16F1788 uses a 14-bit modified Harvard instruction set with a hardware stack, providing deterministic interrupt response and single-cycle instruction execution. The 32MHz internal oscillator, combined with the integrated analog peripherals, reduces BOM count for sensor-conditioning, motor-control, and LED-driving designs while keeping firmware code density high.
Typical applications include industrial sensor signal conditioning, motor control with the PSMC, LED lighting drivers using the integrated op-amps and DACs, battery-powered IoT nodes leveraging XLP low-power modes, and consumer white goods requiring precise analog measurement. The 28-QFN package is suitable for compact PCB layouts where 6x6 mm footprint is acceptable.
When designing with this MCU, reserve sufficient PCB copper under the exposed pad (EP) of the QFN for thermal dissipation and ground connection. Decouple VDD with a 100nF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the supply pin, and add a bulk 10 µF capacitor on the main supply rail. Use MPLAB X IDE with the XC8 compiler and consider the PICkit 4 or MPLAB Snap programmer for development.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1788-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 PIC16F1788-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in DAC, ADC, Package, Comparators, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1787-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1786-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1782-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1716-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.98 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1707-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1788-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC® XLP™ 16F |
| CPU Core | PIC16 (8-bit RISC) |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 32 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 2 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 11 channels |
| DAC | Dual 8-bit and one 5-bit DAC |
| Operational Amplifiers | 3 integrated op-amps |
| PSMC | Peripheral Signal Generator |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (industrial) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
PIC16F1788-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3 — Port A bit 3 / Analog input 3 |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4 — Port A bit 4 / Analog input 4 |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN5 — Port A bit 5 / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 4 | RA6/OSC2 — Port A bit 6 / Oscillator output |
| Pin 5 | RA7/OSC1 — Port A bit 7 / Oscillator input |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 8 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 9 | RA2/AN2 — Port A bit 2 / Analog input 2 |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground (QFN exposed thermal pad) - see datasheet |
| Pin 19 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 24 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 25 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 26 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (second VDD pin) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1788-E/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Motor Control with PSMC, LED Lighting Drivers, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Consumer White Goods Control, Portable Medical Monitoring Devices.
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16F1788-E/ML is well-suited for industrial sensor signal conditioning thanks to its integrated 12-bit ADC with up to 11 channels, three operational amplifiers, and dual 8-bit DACs all in one 28-QFN package. The on-chip op-amps can be configured as instrumentation-style front-ends for bridge sensors, thermocouples, or 4-20 mA current loops, eliminating external analog ICs. The 32MHz PIC16 core runs the calibration and linearization firmware while the ADC samples at rates suitable for process control loops. The XLP nanoWatt technology enables sub-microamp sleep current for battery-backed sensor nodes in remote installations.
Recommended
Motor Control with PSMC
The Peripheral Signal Generator (PSMC) on the PIC16F1788-E/ML provides 16-bit PWM resolution with programmable dead-band, complementary outputs, and hardware fault shutdown, making the MCU ideal for brushless DC and stepper motor control. The 32MHz core runs FOC or trapezoidal commutation firmware while the PSMC handles PWM generation in hardware, freeing CPU cycles for velocity loops. The integrated op-amps sense motor current via shunt resistors without external amplifiers. The 28-QFN footprint fits compact motor-driver PCBs.
Recommended
LED Lighting Drivers
The PIC16F1788-E/ML drives constant-current LED strings using its dual 8-bit DACs for analog dimming setpoints and its PSMC for high-resolution PWM dimming up to 16 bits. The 12-bit ADC monitors LED current via shunt resistors and adjusts the PWM duty cycle for closed-loop regulation. The integrated op-amps condition the current-sense signal without external analog stages. With 28 KB of Flash, complex dimming protocols (DALI, 0-10V, DMX) fit on-chip. XLP low-power modes enable battery-powered portable LED fixtures.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16F1788-E/ML's XLP technology delivers sleep currents in the nanoamp range and a 1.8V minimum VDD, making it ideal for coin-cell or Li-ion battery-powered IoT sensor nodes with multi-year battery life. The integrated 12-bit ADC samples temperature, humidity, or motion sensors while the CPU stays in deep sleep until a threshold is crossed. The 28 KB Flash holds communication stacks and over-the-air update logic. The 28-QFN package fits small-form-factor wireless sensor PCBs.
Recommended
Consumer White Goods Control
The PIC16F1788-E/ML provides the analog and digital integration required for consumer white goods such as washing machines, dishwashers, and coffee makers. The 12-bit ADC reads temperature sensors (NTC), water-level probes, and motor current; the PSMC drives triac-controlled AC loads; the on-chip op-amps condition sensor signals. The 28 KB Flash holds user-interface state machines and self-test routines. The 28-QFN package withstands the high-humidity environments of kitchen and laundry appliances when conformal coating is applied.
Recommended
Portable Medical Monitoring Devices
The PIC16F1788-E/ML supports portable medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters, blood-pressure cuffs, and glucose meters thanks to its high-resolution 12-bit ADC, integrated op-amps for analog front-end, and XLP low-power operation. The 32MHz PIC16 core runs sensor-fusion and display-driving firmware while the on-chip DAC generates reference voltages for the measurement chain. The 28 KB Flash fits algorithm libraries and calibration data. The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) package enables slim, hand-held form factors.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1788-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1787-I/ML | PIC16F1786-I/ML | PIC16F1782-I/ML | PIC16F1716-I/ML | PIC16F1707-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 28 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB | 14 KB | 8 KB |
| RAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 512 B |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 128 B | 128 B |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| DAC | Dual 8-bit + 5-bit | Dual 8-bit + 5-bit | Dual 8-bit + 5-bit | 5-bit only | 5-bit only | None |
| PSMC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Max CPU Clock | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
Key Differentiators
- Highest Flash density in 28-QFN PIC16F178x family (vs PIC16F1787-I/ML)
- Integrated dual 8-bit DAC plus 5-bit DAC (vs PIC16F1716-I/ML)
- 12-bit ADC versus 10-bit ADC in lower-tier siblings (vs PIC16F1782-I/ML)
- PSMC peripheral for advanced motor control (vs PIC16F1707-I/ML)
Design Notes
The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) package has an exposed thermal pad on the underside that MUST be soldered to a ground copper pour for both thermal dissipation and electrical grounding. A central via array (4-9 vias, 0.3 mm drill) under the EP is recommended to conduct heat to inner ground planes. Decouple VDD (pin 27 and 28) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of each pin, plus a bulk 10 µF tantalum or ceramic on the main supply rail. Estimated: at 32 MHz CPU clock with all I/O toggling, average current is ~5 mA - the EP keeps junction temperature well below the 125C limit.
PIC16F1788's XLP technology offers multiple sleep modes (Sleep, Deep Sleep, and Retention modes) with currents down to nanoamp range. According to the Microchip datasheet, waking from Deep Sleep via the Watchdog Timer or external interrupt resumes execution in microseconds. Use Sleep mode between ADC samples to extend battery life in sensor-node applications - a 1 Hz sample rate with 100 µs active time can extend a CR2032 coin-cell life to 10+ years. Always reconfigure unused peripherals to their lowest-power mode via the PMD (Peripheral Module Disable) registers.
Estimated: the PIC16F1788's CONFIG words must be set correctly to enable the internal 32 MHz oscillator; otherwise the MCU runs at default 500 kHz. Common pitfalls include: (1) forgetting to disable the JTAG pins on shared I/O, (2) not enabling the WDT in noisy environments causing spurious resets, (3) leaving unused ADC inputs floating (tie to VSS or VDD to avoid shoot-through current), (4) using the LVP (low-voltage programming) pin as a regular I/O without disabling LVP in CONFIG, and (5) exceeding the 5.5V absolute maximum on any pin during ICSP. Always verify CONFIG word settings in MPLAB X before programming.
When using the PIC16F1788's 12-bit ADC, route analog signals on a separate analog plane or guard trace to isolate them from digital switching noise. The ADC reference voltage (VCAP or external VREF+) should be decoupled with 1 µF + 100 nF capacitors placed close to the pin. For accurate 12-bit conversions, allow at least 5 µs acquisition time and use the ADC's internal RC oscillator for the conversion clock. Avoid routing high-frequency digital signals (SPI, PWM) directly above or below analog traces on adjacent layers.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16F1788-I/ML industrial temperature grade or contact Microchip for automotive-grade variants. Halogen-free and lead-free per Microchip Material Declaration.