PIC16F18344-E/P - 8-Bit MCU, 7KB Flash, 32MHz, 20-DIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F18344-E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.62 | $1.62 |
| 10 | $1.46 | $14.60 |
| 100 | $1.28 | $128.00 |
| 500 | $1.15 | $575.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.02 | $1,020.00 |
PIC16F18344-E/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM), non-volatile storage (EEPROM), and a rich set of peripherals into one IC. The PIC16F18344 belongs to the enhanced mid-range PIC16F1xxx family which adds Peripheral Pin Select (PPS), Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs), and eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology, positioning it within the broader hierarchy of microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor device. The XLP designation is critical for battery-powered designs where quiescent current directly determines operating life.
Key features include a 32MHz internal oscillator with 4x PLL option, 10-bit ADC with computation, 5-bit DAC, comparators with selectable references, 10-bit PWM with complementary outputs, and up to 18 I/O pins via PPS remapping. The device also supports EUSART, SPI, and I2C communication peripherals, plus a configurable logic cell and signal routing matrix for hardware state-machine design without CPU intervention.
The PIC16F18344 uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC core with a 14-bit instruction word and single-cycle execution for most instructions. The CIPs (Core Independent Peripherals) including the Configurable Logic Cell (CLC), Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO), and Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) allow autonomous peripheral operation that offloads tasks from the CPU, improving real-time responsiveness in mixed-signal applications.
Typical applications include battery-powered IoT sensor nodes, consumer appliance control, LED lighting drivers, capacitive touch user interfaces, low-power remote controls, and small motor control loops. The wide operating voltage range of 1.8V to 5.5V and nanoWatt XLP sleep currents below 1 uA make it suitable for energy-harvesting and primary-cell-powered products.
When designing with the PIC16F18344, ensure that MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler version compatibility is verified against the device family pack (DFP) before firmware development. PPS remapping must be configured early in firmware initialization to prevent I/O conflicts, especially when migrating from non-PPS PIC16 predecessors.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative MPNs from the same PIC16F183xx family, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet, supporting engineering sourcing decisions for the PIC16F18344-E/P variant.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F18344-E/P — 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 PIC16F18344-E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, I/O Pins, ADC, Program Memory (Flash), Core Independent Peripherals.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18344-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.81 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18345-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18324-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18323-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18325-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1829-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18344-E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC enhanced mid-range RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 512 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 18 (with PPS remap) |
| ADC | 10-bit, with computation |
| DAC | 5-bit |
| PWM | 10-bit with complementary outputs |
| Comparators | 2 with selectable references |
| Communication Peripherals | EUSART, SPI, I2C |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CLC, NCO, CWG, CCP |
| Package | 20-pin PDIP (0.300 inch, 7.62mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F18344-E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap; analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap; analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA3/MCLR — Bidirectional I/O or Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap; analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap; analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap; analog input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap; analog input |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap; analog input |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap; analog input |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap; analog input |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap; analog input |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap; analog input |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive power supply |
| Pin 20 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS remap |
Typical Applications
PIC16F18344-E/P is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Capacitive Touch User Interface, LED Lighting and Backlight Driver, Small Motor Control (BLDC / Stepper), Consumer Appliance Control Board, Industrial Sensor Transmitter, Remote Control and Wireless HID.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16F18344-E/P is well suited to battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its nanoWatt XLP technology delivers sleep currents below 1 uA while still providing 7KB of Flash for protocol stacks like BLE shims or LoRaWAN drivers. The 32 MHz CPU clock and 10-bit ADC with computation support up to 100 ksps acquisition rates for temperature, humidity, or motion sensor channels. The 1.8V to 5.5V operating range allows direct connection to single-cell lithium or 2x alkaline battery chemistries without additional regulation. The 20-pin PDIP package simplifies breadboard prototyping and field-replaceable installations in remote enclosures.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interface
The PIC16F18344-E/P integrates Microchip's mTouch capacitive touch sensing peripheral and Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) including the Configurable Logic Cell (CLC) and Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), enabling autonomous touch scanning without CPU intervention. The Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) remapping allows touch channels to be assigned to any I/O pin, simplifying PCB routing for custom front panels. With 7KB Flash, designers can implement advanced gesture recognition or slider/wheel algorithms. The 32 MHz clock supports fast response times below 10 ms for slider tracking in appliances and consumer electronics.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Backlight Driver
The PIC16F18344-E/P drives LED arrays through its 10-bit PWM with complementary outputs and the Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) for half-bridge or full-bridge topologies. The 32 MHz clock supports PWM frequencies above 100 kHz, eliminating audible noise in dimming applications while preserving fine 0.1% duty resolution. The 5-bit DAC and comparators with selectable references enable closed-loop current regulation without external op-amps. The 1.8V to 5.5V range supports direct Li-ion or USB-powered LED fixtures, while the -40C to +125C extended temperature grade suits automotive interior lighting and outdoor signage.
Recommended
Small Motor Control (BLDC / Stepper)
The PIC16F18344-E/P provides the peripherals required for closed-loop control of small brushless DC or stepper motors, including the 10-bit PWM with complementary outputs, comparators for back-EMF sensing, and the Configurable Logic Cell (CLC) for hardware fault detection. The Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO) generates high-resolution PWM frequencies independent of CPU load. At 32 MHz, the firmware loop can complete a full PID cycle in under 50 us, supporting smooth commutation up to several thousand RPM. The 7KB Flash accommodates sensorless back-EMF or FOC algorithms for fans, pumps, and small appliances.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Board
The PIC16F18344-E/P is a natural fit for consumer appliance control boards including coffee makers, microwave ovens, washing machines, and HVAC thermostats. The 7KB Flash accommodates user-interface state machines plus safety monitoring firmware, while the 256B EEPROM stores calibration and user preference data. The EUSART, SPI, and I2C peripherals communicate with display drivers, sensor front-ends, and Wi-Fi modules for smart-appliance networking. The -40C to +125C extended temperature grade meets appliance under-cabinet and outdoor installation requirements. The 20-pin PDIP through-hole package supports wave-solder assembly common in high-volume appliance manufacturing.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter
The PIC16F18344-E/P operates reliably in industrial 4-20 mA loop-powered sensor transmitters because of its 1.8V minimum operating voltage, nanoWatt XLP sleep modes, and -40C to +125C extended temperature range. The 10-bit ADC with computation performs automatic averaging and threshold comparison without CPU wake-up, preserving loop power budget. The EUSART supports HART or Modbus RTU communication over RS-485 transceivers. The 20-pin PDIP package simplifies field replacement in legacy installations. Designers can implement loop-powered 4-20 mA protocols with under 3 mA total current consumption, preserving 4 mA minimum signal range per the ANSI/ISA-50.1 standard.
Recommended
Remote Control and Wireless HID
The PIC16F18344-E/P is suitable for battery-powered remote controls and wireless Human Interface Devices (HID) because its nanoWatt XLP sleep current below 1 uA and fast wake-up from sleep under 5 us extend coin-cell battery life to multi-year operation. The mTouch peripheral supports capacitive button scanning without external components. The EUSART interfaces directly to 2.4 GHz transceivers like the Microchip MRF24J40 or sub-GHz modules such as the RN2903 for proprietary or LoRa-based remote links. The 20-pin PDIP package is ideal for hand-held enclosure designs with through-hole battery contacts.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F18344-E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18344-I/P | PIC16F18345-E/P | PIC16F18324-E/P | PIC16F18323-E/P | PIC16F18325-E/P | PIC16F1829-E/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-PDIP | 20-PDIP (same) | 20-PDIP (same) | 20-PDIP (same) | 20-PDIP (same) | 20-PDIP (same) | 20-PDIP (same) |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB (+100%) | 4 KB (-43%) | 4 KB (-43%) | 14 KB (+100%) | 14 KB (+100%) |
| SRAM | 512 B | 512 B | 1 KB (+100%) | 256 B (-50%) | 256 B (-50%) | 1 KB (+100%) | 1 KB (+100%) |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (legacy) |
Key Differentiators
- Largest memory configuration in PIC16F183xx 20-pin PDIP family (vs PIC16F18324-E/P)
- Extended -40C to +125C operating temperature grade (vs PIC16F18344-I/P)
- Core Independent Peripherals (CLC, NCO, CWG) absent in legacy PIC16F1829 (vs PIC16F1829-E/P)
Design Notes
Estimated: At VDD=3.3V and active CPU at 32 MHz, the PIC16F18344-E/P draws approximately 2.5 mA; in sleep with WDT disabled and BOR enabled, current drops below 1 uA. For battery-powered designs, disable all unused peripherals in firmware initialization via the PMD (Peripheral Module Disable) registers and use the nanoWatt XLP sleep modes. Always enable the RTC with a 32 kHz crystal for timekeeping applications to avoid CPU wake-up overhead. Estimated values are derived from typical Microchip PIC16F183xx family datasheet curves and may vary by ±30% across process and temperature.
The 20-pin PDIP package has standard 2.54 mm (0.100 inch) pin pitch and is socket-compatible with standard DIP-20 IC sockets for breadboard prototyping. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 19) and VSS pin (pin 18), with a wide ground return path. For PPS designs, route I/O traces with stubs kept under 25 mm to maintain signal integrity for SPI and EUSART lines above 1 MHz. Include a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR (pin 3) if hardware reset is required.
A common pitfall when migrating from older PIC16F1xxx designs without PPS is forgetting to unlock PPS registers before remapping peripheral outputs. The PPSUNLOCK sequence must be written in firmware initialization or peripheral functions will not appear on the assigned I/O pins. Another pitfall is leaving the Configuration Words (CONFIG1, CONFIG2, CONFIG3, CONFIG4) at default values, which may select an unsuitable oscillator mode or disable the debug interface. Always reference the family header file (e.g. pic16f18344.h) and verify the configuration matches the application requirements before code freeze.
When using the 10-bit ADC at full 100 ksps throughput, place a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the VDD pin and keep analog input traces away from PWM or CWG switching outputs. The ADC conversion clock must be selected between 1 MHz and 6 MHz for 10-bit mode - exceeding this range degrades effective resolution. For capacitive touch sensing, dedicate one I/O as the CVD (Capacitive Voltage Divider) guard ring around touch pads to suppress moisture-induced false triggers. Estimated: with proper layout, the mTouch peripheral achieves better than 10:1 SNR on 5 mm touch pads with 5 mm overlay thickness.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliance confirmed per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for AEC-Q100 automotive applications use PIC16F18344-E/P automotive equivalent. REACH compliance confirmed per Microchip environmental policy.
