PIC16F1826-I/SS - 8-Bit 32MHz MCU 3.5KB Flash SSOP-20 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1826-I/SS β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.84 | $1.84 |
| 10 | $1.66 | $16.60 |
| 100 | $1.47 | $147.00 |
| 500 | $1.31 | $655.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.18 | $1,180.00 |
PIC16F1826-I/SS Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller is a single-chip computer built on a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) Harvard architecture, optimized for deterministic real-time control in cost-sensitive embedded designs. Within the broader taxonomy, PIC MCUs sit inside the microcontroller (MCU) category, which itself belongs to integrated circuits and, more specifically, microcontrollers. XLP (eXtreme Low Power) is Microchip's proprietary low-power process and design suite that enables sleep currents in the nanoamp range, allowing battery-powered products to extend operating life by orders of magnitude versus conventional 8-bit MCUs.
Key features include the integrated mTouch capacitive sensing module for touch-button and slider user interfaces, a Data Signal Modulator (DSM) for generating custom waveforms and conditioning sensor signals, MI2C/SPI/EUSART (with auto-baud) connectivity, an internal 32 MHz oscillator with PLL, and the standard PIC16 nanoWatt XLP power-management peripherals including ultra-low-power wake-up, watchdog timer, and brown-out reset. The 10-bit ADC with computation, up to four 10-bit PWM modules, and configurable logic cells make this part a versatile system-on-chip for mixed-signal embedded control.
Architecturally, the PIC16F1826 uses an enhanced mid-range core that adds hardware multiply, wider memory, and deeper interrupt context versus legacy baseline PIC16 devices. The 32 MHz internal oscillator eliminates external crystals in many designs, reducing BOM cost. The DSM can mix or modulate digital inputs without external components, while the mTouch peripheral supports both self- and mutual-capacitance sensing through standard GPIO pins with no external ICs.
Typical applications include battery-powered IoT sensor nodes leveraging nanoWatt XLP, capacitive touch user interfaces (keypads, sliders, proximity sensors) using the mTouch peripheral, motor and fan control with the dedicated PWM/CCP modules, and remote controls, wearables, and consumer white goods where small footprint and low BOM cost matter. Industrial sensor conditioning benefits from the DSM, ADC with computation, and EUSART for sensor networking.
When designing with the PIC16F1826-I/SS, allocate adequate decoupling (a 100 nF plus 1 uF bulk capacitor near VDD) and follow Microchip AN2164 / AN1413 layout recommendations for capacitive touch sensor routing. The SSOP-20 (5.30 mm body) is a wider-gauge plastic package than TSSOP, easing hand-soldering for prototypes while remaining compatible with SMT assembly. Configure unused I/O as outputs low to minimize current draw.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives from the PIC16 family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, helping engineers evaluate the PIC16F1826-I/SS for both new designs and as a replacement for legacy mid-range PICs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1826-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 PIC16F1826-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, I/O Pins, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1827-I/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1826-E/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1826-I/ML
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.99 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F1825-I/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1826-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16F182x (enhanced mid-range 8-bit core) |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC16 enhanced mid-range RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 256 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Instruction Set Size | 49 instructions |
| Hardware Stack | 16 levels |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Peripherals | mTouch capacitive sensing, DSM, 10-bit ADC, PWM, MI2C/SPI/EUSART |
| Internal Oscillator | 32 MHz with PLL |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F1826-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5/AN4/CPS7/T1CKI/P1A/CCP3 β Bidirectional I/O, analog input, mTouch channel, Timer1 clock, PWM |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN3/CPS6/T1G/P1D β Bidirectional I/O, analog input, mTouch, Timer1 gate, PWM |
| Pin 3 | RA3/MCLR/VPP β Master clear (reset) input or programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/CPS5/INT β Bidirectional I/O, analog input, mTouch, external interrupt |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN1/CPS4 β Bidirectional I/O, analog input, mTouch |
| Pin 6 | RA0/AN0/CPS3 β Bidirectional I/O, analog input, mTouch |
| Pin 7 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (2.5 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 8 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA7/OSC1/CLKI β Bidirectional I/O or external oscillator input |
| Pin 10 | RA6/OSC2/CLKO β Bidirectional I/O or external oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | RC5/CCP1/P1A β Bidirectional I/O, capture/compare/PWM |
| Pin 12 | RC4/CPS11 β Bidirectional I/O, mTouch channel |
| Pin 13 | RC3/AN7/CPS9 β Bidirectional I/O, analog input, mTouch |
| Pin 14 | RC2/AN6/CPS8 β Bidirectional I/O, analog input, mTouch |
| Pin 15 | RC1/AN5/CPS7 β Bidirectional I/O, analog input, mTouch |
| Pin 16 | RC0/AN4/CPS6 β Bidirectional I/O, analog input, mTouch |
| Pin 17 | RC6/AN8/SS β Bidirectional I/O, analog input, SPI slave select |
| Pin 18 | RC7/AN9/SDI β Bidirectional I/O, analog input, SPI data in |
| Pin 19 | RB7/ICSPDAT/AN11 β Bidirectional I/O, ICSP data, analog input |
| Pin 20 | RB6/ICSPCLK/AN10 β Bidirectional I/O, ICSP clock, analog input |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1826-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Capacitive Touch User Interface (mTouch), Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning with DSM, DC Motor and Fan Speed Control, Consumer Remote Control and Wearable Device, Automotive Body Electronics (Sub-System).
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16F1826-I/SS is well suited to battery-powered IoT sensor nodes thanks to its nanoWatt XLP technology, which delivers sleep currents below 30 nA in deep sleep while still retaining RAM and offering fast wake-up via the WDT, ultra-low-power wake-up, or interrupt-on-change peripherals. The 32 MHz internal oscillator eliminates an external crystal, reducing BOM cost and quiescent draw. With 3.5 KB Flash and 256 bytes SRAM, the part can run Microchip's LoRa/BLE-friendly sensor stacks when paired with an external radio, or it can poll sensors locally for years on a single CR2032 coin cell.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interface (mTouch)
The PIC16F1826-I/SS integrates Microchip's mTouch capacitive sensing module, which supports both self- and mutual-capacitance sensing through standard GPIO pins without any external touch IC. This makes the part a natural fit for appliance keypads, slider controls, proximity wake-up surfaces, and white-goods human-machine interfaces. The 32 MHz core easily handles scan rates above 100 Hz for 8-12 touch channels while remaining below 2 mA active. The wide 2.5-5.5 V supply lets the same firmware drive both 3.3 V and 5 V touch panels.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning with DSM
The Data Signal Modulator (DSM) inside the PIC16F1826-I/SS can mix, modulate, or condition digital sensor signals without external op-amps or analog multipliers, making it valuable for industrial sensor interfaces such as AC line zero-cross detection, PWM-encoded transducer readout, and chopper-stabilized amplifier demodulation. Combined with the 10-bit ADC and computation engine, the MCU can perform on-chip RMS calculation and thresholding. The 32 MHz throughput handles 4 ms conversion loops while leaving headroom for EUSART-based RS-485 sensor networking at 115 kbaud.
Recommended
DC Motor and Fan Speed Control
The PIC16F1826-I/SS provides up to four 10-bit PWM channels with complementary outputs, dead-band control, and configurable fault shutdown, which is enough to drive a single BLDC or brushed-DC motor in appliance fan, pump, and small-tool applications. The 32 MHz instruction rate supports field-oriented control loops for low-RPM BLDC fans, and the integrated op-amp core option (where available in this family) allows direct current sensing. Combined with the EUSART, the same MCU can drive the motor and communicate with a master controller over UART.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control and Wearable Device
The PIC16F1826-I/SS suits consumer remote controls and wearables where every microwatt counts and the user interface is a matrix of mechanical buttons or low-cost capacitive pads. nanoWatt XLP sleep below 30 nA lets a coin-cell-powered remote operate for years. The internal 32 MHz oscillator removes the need for an external resonator, shrinking the PCB. The EUSART and MI2C/SPI peripherals let the MCU talk to a sub-GHz or BLE companion IC without taxing the 8-bit core.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Sub-System)
For non-safety automotive body electronics - interior lighting, seat controllers, mirror adjustment, climate panel keypads - the PIC16F1826-I/SS provides ample 8-bit performance, 32 MHz throughput, and industrial-temperature silicon that survives the -40C to +85C cabin range. For under-hood and safety-critical loads, designers should step up to PIC16F1826-E/SS (extended -40C to +125C) or to a PIC18/AEC-Q100-qualified part. The mTouch peripheral replaces mechanical switches in dashboard controls, reducing assembly cost and improving reliability in wet environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1826-I/SS β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1827-I/SS | PIC16F1826-E/SS | PIC16F1825-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SSOP-20 (5.30 mm) | SSOP-20 (5.30 mm) - same | SSOP-20 (5.30 mm) - same | SSOP-20 (5.30 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 7 KB (+100%) | 3.5 KB (same) | 14 KB (+300%) |
| SRAM | 256 B | 384 B (+50%) | 256 B (same) | 1 KB (+300%) |
| Max CPU Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz (same) | 32 MHz (same) | 32 MHz (same) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (same) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (same) |
| mTouch Sensing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Data Signal Modulator (DSM) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Double the Flash memory in the same SSOP-20 footprint (vs PIC16F1827-I/SS)
- Extended temperature grade option in same footprint (vs PIC16F1826-E/SS)
- Integrates mTouch and DSM on-chip (vs PIC16F1823-I/SS)
Design Notes
The PIC16F1826-I/SS nanoWatt XLP technology supports sleep currents below 30 nA in the deepest sleep mode with RAM retention. To achieve this, configure all unused I/O pins as outputs driven low, disable unused peripherals via the PMD (Peripheral Module Disable) registers, and switch the system clock to the 31 kHz LFINTOSC before issuing the SLEEP instruction. Brown-out reset (BOR) should be left enabled in battery-powered designs to prevent Flash corruption on weak cells.
For mTouch capacitive sensing applications, follow Microchip application note AN1413 for PCB layout. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin and a 1 uF bulk capacitor on the same rail. Keep mTouch sensor traces short (under 50 mm where possible), surround them with a hatched ground guard ring, and route them away from switching power and clock traces. The SSOP-20 (5.30 mm body) gives reasonable trace width under the package for guard traces if needed.
The PIC16F1826-I/SS SSOP-20 package is wider than TSSOP-20 (5.30 mm vs 4.40 mm body) - do not mix SSOP and TSSOP footprints when designing a board, they are NOT interchangeable. The PIC16F1826-I/ML QFN-20 variant is also not a drop-in replacement because the QFN has a different pinout arrangement. Always verify the trailing package code (/SS, /SO, /P, /ML, /SL) matches your PCB land pattern before ordering. MCLR must be pulled high through a 10 kohm resistor unless the internal MCLR is disabled in configuration bits.
When using the internal 32 MHz oscillator with the PLL, allow at least 2 ms after startup for the PLL to lock before switching to HFINTOSC as the system clock. For SPI communications above 4 MHz, use the MSSP peripheral in master mode and keep trace lengths under 50 mm on the board. The EUSART auto-baud feature requires a 0x55 sync character from the host before normal UART communication; design the firmware to handle this initial handshake.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive safety applications use AEC-Q100 qualified PIC16 or PIC18 variants. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip material declarations.
