PIC16F1826-I/SO - 8-Bit 32MHz 3.5KB Flash MCU 18-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1826-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.21 | $2.21 |
| 10 | $1.99 | $19.90 |
| 100 | $1.78 | $178.00 |
| 500 | $1.55 | $775.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.32 | $1,320.00 |
PIC16F1826-I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM, EEPROM), and a rich set of peripherals (timers, ADC, communication, I/O). It belongs to the hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC. The PIC16F1826 uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit core, executing instructions in 200 ns at 32 MHz, and supports the PIC10/12/16 instruction set. It is engineered for designers who need modern peripherals and ultra-low power consumption in the classic PIC16 footprint.
Key features that differentiate this part include 17 I/O pins, 12-channel 10-bit ADC, up to four 16-bit PWM/timers, two comparators with selectable reference, an on-chip 32 kHz low-power oscillator for RTCC, and an integrated temperature indicator. The XLP nanoWatt technology enables typical sleep currents below 50 nA with RTCC retention, ideal for battery-powered applications. It supports an operating voltage of 1.8V to 5.5V across -40C to +85C industrial temperature range.
The device uses a 5-bit programmable reference output, multiple wake-up sources (interrupt-on-change, watchdog timer, RTCC alarm), and an in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) interface for field updates. With 17 I/O and the analog-rich feature set, it bridges the gap between traditional PIC16F baseline parts and the more advanced PIC18F/PIC24F devices in cost-sensitive designs.
Typical applications include capacitive touch user interfaces (mTouch sliders/buttons), battery-powered IoT sensor nodes, consumer white goods front panels, low-cost motor control (small DC fans, solenoids), and industrial sensor transmitters. The integrated DSM module also simplifies mixed-signal designs that previously required an external gate or XOR for modulation.
When designing with this MCU, allocate the ICSP pins (RB6/ICSP_CLCK, RB7/ICSP_DAT) carefully so the in-circuit programmer can access them without removing the part. Always use the latest MPLAB XC8 compiler and validate timing-critical peripherals against the silicon errata document.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in SOIC-18 alternatives, and practical design notes that complement (but do not replace) the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1826-I/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 PIC16F1826-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Program Memory (Flash), I/O Pins, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1825-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1827-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1826-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.48 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1826-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.99 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1823-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1768-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1826-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 Enhanced Mid-Range 8-bit |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 256 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Instruction Set | 49 instructions, 16-level hardware stack |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| I/O Pins | 17 |
| ADC | 12-channel, 10-bit |
| PWM / Timers | Up to 4 x 16-bit timers with PWM |
| Comparators | 2 with selectable voltage reference |
| Communication | MI2C, SPI, EUSART with auto-baud |
| Internal Oscillator | 32 MHz (factory calibrated) |
| Low-Power Features | nanoWatt XLP, RTCC with 32 kHz domain, sleep <50 nA typical |
| Package | 18-pin SOIC (SO), 300 mil wide-body |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) | 1 (per Microchip SOIC-18 JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS / Lead-Free | Lead-free, RoHS compliant |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
PIC16F1826-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Digital I/O / AN4 / C1OUT / T1CKI / CCP1 |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Digital I/O / AN3 / C1OUT / T1G / SOSC |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR — Digital I/O / Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — Digital I/O / AN11 / CCP1 |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — Digital I/O / AN10 / SDI / SDA |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — Digital I/O / AN9 / SCL / SCK |
| Pin 8 | RC6 — Digital I/O / AN8 / TX/CK / SS |
| Pin 9 | RC7 — Digital I/O / AN19 / RX/DT / SDO |
| Pin 10 | RB7 — Digital I/O / ICSPDAT / AN6 / RX/DT |
| Pin 11 | RB6 — Digital I/O / ICSPCLK / AN5 / TX/CK |
| Pin 12 | RB5 — Digital I/O / AN4 / CCP2 / T1CKI |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — Digital I/O / AN3 / SDA / SDI |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Digital I/O / CPG1 / CCP1 / AN7 |
| Pin 15 | RB2 — Digital I/O / AN8 / C1IN3- |
| Pin 16 | RB1 — Digital I/O / AN9 / SCL / SCK / INT1 |
| Pin 17 | RB0 — Digital I/O / AN12 / INT0 / CCP1 / VREFP |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1826-I/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Capacitive Touch User Interface, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Industrial 4-20 mA Sensor Transmitter, Low-Cost DC Fan / Solenoid PWM Driver, Smart Home / Building Automation Sensor, Consumer White Goods Front Panel, Low-Cost Educational / Maker Board.
Capacitive Touch User Interface
The PIC16F1826's on-chip mTouch sensing module and Data Signal Modulator make it ideal for driving 4-12 button / slider capacitive interfaces in kitchen appliances, thermostats, and consumer white goods. With 12-channel 10-bit ADC, 17 I/O, and 32 MHz instruction throughput, the MCU handles both electrode scanning and host communication (MI2C/SPI/EUSART) without an external touch controller. Operating voltage of 1.8 V to 5.5 V allows direct coin-cell or 5 V rail operation, while the nanoWatt XLP feature drops quiescent current below 50 nA with RTCC active.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
With sleep currents below 50 nA (RTCC active), 1.8 V minimum operation, and an integrated 32 kHz RTCC oscillator, the PIC16F1826-I/SO is a strong fit for coin-cell powered wireless sensor endpoints that wake periodically to read an ADC channel and transmit via SPI-attached radio. The 12-channel 10-bit ADC handles temperature, light, and battery voltage sensing on-chip, while the EUSART with auto-baud simplifies RS-485 or LoRa transceiver interfacing. The 32 MHz internal oscillator eliminates external crystals, reducing BOM cost and saving PCB area in ultra-compact designs.
Recommended
Industrial 4-20 mA Sensor Transmitter
The PIC16F1826-I/SO's EUSART with auto-baud, integrated comparators with selectable voltage reference, and 10-bit ADC make it well-suited for loop-powered 4-20 mA sensor transmitters in factory automation. With 17 I/O, the MCU can drive a HART modem interface, an LED status indicator, and the sensor excitation channel simultaneously. Operating over -40 C to +85 C industrial range ensures the part survives harsh factory environments, while the 1.8 V minimum operation allows ultra-low-power designs that can run from the loop itself.
Recommended
Low-Cost DC Fan / Solenoid PWM Driver
The PIC16F1826-I/SO's up to four 16-bit PWM channels, 32 MHz instruction throughput, and 50 ns edge resolution make it suitable for driving small DC fans, solenoids, and LED lighting strips in cost-sensitive applications. The integrated comparators can implement hardware overcurrent protection, while the 12-channel ADC samples feedback signals for closed-loop control. Operating at 5 V, the MCU drives 5 V logic MOSFETs directly without level shifters, and the small 18-SOIC package fits in tight fan enclosures.
Recommended
Smart Home / Building Automation Sensor
With 32 MHz CPU speed, capacitive mTouch, MI2C/SPI/EUSART, and on-chip temperature indicator, the PIC16F1826-I/SO can act as the central MCU in wall-switch / occupancy-sensor / door-sensor building-automation devices. Its 1.8 V minimum operation supports battery-powered PIR sensors that run for years on a single CR2032, while the EUSART auto-baud simplifies connection to RS-485 home-automation buses. The 17 I/O are sufficient to drive triac-controlled lighting outputs and button/slider touch electrodes.
Recommended
Consumer White Goods Front Panel
The PIC16F1826-I/SO is a classic fit for washing machines, microwave ovens, and dishwasher front-panel MCUs where capacitive touch buttons, 7-segment or LED indicators, and rotary encoders need to be managed. The integrated DSM modulator and mTouch module support advanced UI features like proximity wake-up and moisture-tolerant touch, while the MI2C bus can drive an external LED driver or audio codec. The 3.5 KB Flash accommodates menu logic and appliance safety state machines in a single 18-SOIC chip.
Recommended
Low-Cost Educational / Maker Board
The PIC16F1826-I/SO's mature ICSP programming interface, free MPLAB X IDE / XC8 toolchain, and Microchip Curiosity development board support make it a popular choice for embedded-systems education and hobbyist projects. With 32 MHz performance, 17 I/O, 12-channel ADC, and PICkit 5 in-circuit debugging, students can prototype motor control, sensor interfacing, and serial communication projects on a single inexpensive 18-SOIC chip. Low price (~$1.32 at qty 1000 as of 2026-09-20) keeps per-student kit costs minimal.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1826-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1825-I/SO | PIC16F1827-I/SO | PIC16F1823-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC (same) | 18-SOIC (same) | 18-SOIC (same) |
| Program Flash | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 3.5 KB (same) | 7 KB (+100%) | 2 KB (-43%) |
| Data RAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 384 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
| ADC Channels / Resolution | 12 ch / 10-bit | 12 ch / 10-bit | 12 ch / 10-bit | 12 ch / 10-bit |
| Capacitive Touch (mTouch) | Yes (up to 12 channels) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 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 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated mTouch capacitive sensing module with Data Signal Modulator (vs PIC16F1823-I/SO)
- XLP nanoWatt technology with <50 nA typical sleep current (vs PIC16F1827-I/SO)
- EUSART with auto-baud detection (vs PIC16F1708-I/SS)
- On-chip 32 MHz calibrated internal oscillator (vs PIC16F1936-I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 1) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same VDD node. For battery applications, the PIC16F1826's nanoWatt XLP sleep mode draws <50 nA typical with RTCC active - use RTCC alarm as a wake-up source to achieve multi-year coin-cell life. Ensure the MCLR pin (pin 4) is either tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor or left as a reset input; do not leave it floating.
Reserve RB6 (pin 11) and RB7 (pin 10) for ICSP_CLCK and ICSP_DAT signals - they must be accessible to the PICkit 5 programmer header without removing the chip. Place a 5-pin ICSP header (1x5, 0.1 inch pitch) at the edge of the board, and avoid sharing these pins with high-current loads that prevent in-circuit programming. Add ESD protection diodes on USB or external connector pins adjacent to RB6/RB7 to prevent programming-port latch-up.
Keep analog signals (ANx pins) away from PWM and switching traces to minimize ADC crosstalk. Use a separate analog ground plane connected to VSS at a single point, and place the AVSS pin decoupling cap (100 nF) within 5 mm of the pin. When using mTouch sensing, surround touch electrodes with a ground hatch to suppress false triggers, and keep the touch pad trace length under 100 mm for reliable capacitive measurement.
Estimated: At 32 MHz and 5.5 V, the PIC16F1826's supply current is approximately 5-7 mA active; verify your regulator headroom before designing power budget. Do not exceed 5.5 V on any I/O - even momentary transients can damage the part. When migrating from PIC16F88x to PIC16F1826, check the interrupt vector table and configuration bits - they are not binary compatible. Always read the latest silicon errata document (DS80000491) before finalizing firmware.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page; lead-free SOIC-18 package. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive use, choose PIC16F1826T-I/SO or a Q-grade variant. Halogen-free per Microchip REACH declaration.
