PIC16F1829-I/ML - 8-bit 32MHz 14KB Flash MCU 20-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1829-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.85 | $1.85 |
| 10 | $1.66 | $16.60 |
| 100 | $1.48 | $148.00 |
| 500 | $1.32 | $660.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.18 | $1,180.00 |
PIC16F1829-I/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) in this class is a self-contained computing subsystem that integrates CPU core, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, data EEPROM, and a configurable set of digital and analog peripherals on a single silicon die. PIC16F enhanced mid-range parts sit in the hypernym hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC, occupying the cost-and-power-optimized slot beneath 16-bit PIC24/dsPIC and 32-bit PIC32MX families.
Key features include a 32 MHz internal oscillator, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, a 10-bit ADC with up to 12 channels, two comparators, PWM/SCCP/MCCP capture-compare-PWM modules, an mTouch capacitive-sensing peripheral, an EUSART, MSSP (I2C/SPI) interfaces, and an integrated debug/ICSP header. The 20-QFN package integrates a thermal pad that reduces theta-JA versus leaded packages, supporting dense PCB layouts.
Designers leverage the XLP sleep modes (Sleep, Doze, and Idle variants) plus peripheral module disable to push quiescent current below 50 nA in deep-sleep with RTCC and WDT active. The on-chip 32 MHz HFINTOSC and the 31 kHz LFINTOSC eliminate external crystals for cost-sensitive designs, while a Fail-Safe Clock Monitor (FSCM) and brown-out reset (BOR) harden the design against clock failure and supply droop.
Typical applications include consumer remote controls, battery-powered sensor nodes, capacitive-touch user interfaces (mTouch sliders and buttons), small home appliances, white goods and HVAC controls, LED lighting controllers, automotive interior accessory modules, and low-end IoT edge nodes. The combination of QFN footprint, generous I/O count, and wide supply range also suits retrofit designs migrating legacy PIC16F ancestors.
When laying out the PCB, expose the central thermal pad of the QFN-20 and stitch it with multiple thermal vias to the ground plane to meet the 31.4 C/W-class thermal envelope referenced in QFN land-pattern guidelines. Confirm minimum operating voltage for the chosen analog features (ADC and comparators have separate rail requirements of typically 2.5V) before designing a 1.8V-direct rail.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, QFN-20 drop-in alternatives, and practical low-power design notes not aggregated on any single vendor listing, giving engineers and procurement a single source for cross-brand substitution decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1829-I/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 PIC16F1829-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature, Timers, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1828-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1829-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1827-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1826-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.99 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1719-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1829-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC16 enhanced mid-range |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 1 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 125 ns at 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 18 enhanced |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 12 channels |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| PWM / CCP Modules | 2 CCP, 2 ECCP, 1 MSSP |
| Communication | EUSART, MSSP (I2C/SPI) |
| Capacitive Touch | mTouch peripheral |
| Package | 20-pin QFN (4x4 mm), ML suffix |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, I grade) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F1829-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O / digital-only / ICSP programming clock (PGC); also input on Timer0 |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O / Timer1 gate input; open-drain |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / MCLR input / programming voltage |
| Pin 3 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — Bidirectional I/O / Master Clear reset input / programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog channel AN2 / comparator output |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog channel AN1 / ICSP data (PGD) / op-amp output |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog channel AN0 / ICSP clock (PGC) / op-amp output |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 9 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / digital-only / ICSP data (PGD) |
| Pin 10 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / digital-only / ICSP clock (PGC) / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O / analog channel AN11 |
| Pin 12 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O / analog channel AN10 |
| Pin 13 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog channel AN9 / CCP2 input/output |
| Pin 14 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog channel AN8 |
| Pin 15 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog channel AN10 / EUSART RX / I2C SDA |
| Pin 16 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog channel AN12 / EUSART TX / CCP1 output |
| Pin 17 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O / digital-only / oscillator |
| Pin 18 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O / digital-only / oscillator |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground (also exposed thermal pad) |
| Pin 20 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1829-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Capacitive-Touch User Interface (mTouch), Battery-Powered Sensor Node, LED Lighting Controller, Small Appliance Control Board, Automotive Interior Accessory Module, Low-End IoT Edge Node.
Capacitive-Touch User Interface (mTouch)
The PIC16F1829-I/ML's on-chip mTouch capacitive-sensing peripheral makes it a strong fit for slider, button, and proximity sensing interfaces in consumer appliances. With 18 enhanced I/O and the integrated CVD analog front end, the device can scan up to 12 touch channels sequentially while the core remains in low-power modes between scans. The 32 MHz HFINTOSC provides plenty of bandwidth to resolve sub-pF capacitance changes, and the 1 KB RAM allows sufficient headroom for a touch-state debounce library. The QFN-20 footprint supports dense front-panel layouts where every millimeter counts. Compared with a discrete touch solution, this approach reduces BOM cost by $0.20-$0.40 per node while delivering auto-calibrated noise immunity against 5V chargers and humidity drift.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
In battery-powered wireless sensor nodes, the PIC16F1829-I/ML delivers Sleep currents in the 20-50 nA range thanks to nanoWatt XLP technology, enabling multi-year life on a CR2032 cell. Designers typically duty-cycle the part: deep-sleep with WDT active most of the time, wake to measure via the 10-bit ADC, push a sample over an SPI radio, and return to sleep. The 32 MHz HFINTOSC wakes the core in under 5 us, and the integrated EUSART supports direct hook-up to sub-GHz or BLE modules. The 14 KB Flash is sufficient for small RTOS or state-machine firmware, while the QFN-20 footprint keeps the entire sensor module under 10x10 mm.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
For LED driver and color-mixing applications, the PIC16F1829-I/ML provides 18 PWM-capable I/O pins and the 2 ECCP (Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM) modules for high-resolution dimming at frequencies above audible range (>20 kHz). The 10-bit ADC reads photodiodes or color sensors to implement closed-loop constant-lumens and CCT feedback. With 14 KB Flash, the device can host a small scripting layer for DMX-512 or DALI command parsing alongside the PWM scheduler. The QFN-20 (4x4 mm) footprint plus wide 2.5V-5.5V supply range suits both 24V constant-voltage and 12V constant-current LED rails.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control Board
In microwave ovens, coffee machines, and induction cooktops, the PIC16F1829-I/ML serves as the primary control MCU: it drives a segmented or TFT display via SPI, scans a keypad matrix through 18 I/O, and reads thermistor inputs through the 12-channel ADC. The 14 KB Flash accommodates menu-state logic, the 256 B EEPROM stores user preferences through power cycles, and the industrial -40 to +85 C range handles the thermal stress of appliance enclosures. The Fail-Safe Clock Monitor and brown-out reset protect against supply droop when a relay or motor kicks in, which is common in this segment.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessory Module
Although the PIC16F1829-I/ML is industrial-grade, designers frequently use it inside accessory modules such as USB chargers, dome-light controllers, and seat-position memory in non-safety-critical zones. The 32 MHz core, 18 I/O, and CAN-friendly EUSART make it a fit for LIN-bus sub-modules and ambient-light feedback loops. The QFN-20 footprint meets space-constrained PCB sizes. For full AEC-Q100 needs, Microchip's PIC16F1829-E/ML (extended temp, but still commercial grade) is typically paired with an external supervisor. Expect to gate this part behind your OEM's reliability qualification, as it lacks formal automotive certification.
Recommended
Low-End IoT Edge Node
For IoT edge nodes that need local decisioning before backhauling data, the PIC16F1829-I/ML hosts a small rule engine in 14 KB of Flash and runs decision logic at 32 MHz with deterministic instruction timing - critical for time-synchronized sensor aggregation. The MSSP supports SPI for digital sensors and I2C for low-bandwidth peripherals, while the EUSART bridges to a Wi-Fi or LoRa module. Designers often pair it with a sleep current of 50 nA to push coin-cell life beyond 5 years at one wake per minute. The QFN-20 footprint supports reflow-compatible assembly at scale.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1829-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1828-I/ML | PIC16F1829-E/ML | PIC16F1827-I/ML | PIC16F1826-I/ML | PIC16F1719-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB | 8 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB | 4 KB | 28 KB |
| Data RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 384 B | 256 B | 2 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 2.3V to 5.5V |
| I/O Pins | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) |
| Capacitive Touch (mTouch) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (with op-amps) |
Key Differentiators
- Highest Flash density in the PIC16F182x QFN-20 family (vs PIC16F1828-I/ML)
- Industrial temperature range with full NanoWatt XLP sleep performance (vs PIC16F1829-E/ML)
- Integrated mTouch capacitive-sensing peripheral plus 12-channel ADC (vs PIC16F1826-I/ML)
Design Notes
Estimated: the QFN-20 (4x4 mm) package's thermal pad must be soldered to a copper land with a thermal via array (4 to 9 vias, 0.3 mm drill) tied to the ground plane. Without this, junction-to-ambient thermal resistance rises from a typical 31.4 C/W to over 60 C/W and the device can derate its maximum operating ambient by 10-15 C. Apply 0.1 mm solder paste stencil on the thermal pad - too much paste can float the package during reflow.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 2 mm of VDD pin 8 and a bulk 1 uF to 10 uF ceramic on the same node. Place a separate 100 nF on the AVDD line (when feeding analog peripherals). Keep the digital ground return separate from the analog ground return until they meet at the QFN thermal pad to avoid digital switching noise coupling into ADC and comparator readings.
Route ICSP pins (PGC = RA1, PGD = RA0, MCLR/RA3) to a 5-pin header or test point cluster at the board edge. Per Microchip datasheet 41440A, these pins are needed for in-circuit programming and debug with PICkit 3 or MPLAB ICD 3. Add a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR/RA3. For QFN layouts where the central pad is hard to probe, consider test-pad duplication of VDD/VSS to allow clip-on probing.
Do not assume 3.3V operation without checking ADC and comparator specs - both require a minimum of 2.5V to meet linearity targets. If the application needs a true 1.8V direct rail, choose the LF variant (PIC16LF1829-I/ML) which extends operation down to 1.8V. Also note that the configuration bits are Flash-programmed and the BOR threshold defaults to 2.5V - if you program the BOR below 2.0V, set it explicitly in the configuration word or the part may behave unexpectedly during power-up.
Keep traces to the analog input channels (AN0-AN12) short and guard them with a ground ring on both sides if any digital switching traces run parallel for more than 5 mm. Place any pull-up or pull-down resistors on analog inputs as close to the MCU as possible (within 3 mm) to reduce the input RC time constant and the coupling of digital switching transients into the ADC input. For capacitive-touch sensing, route the touch sensor traces with 0.2 mm width and 0.5 mm spacing to optimize the CVD charge transfer function.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page and DigiKey listing. Industrial-grade part not AEC-Q100 qualified - select automotive grade from the PIC16F1xxx family for vehicle applications.
