PIC16F18344-I/SO - 8-Bit 32MHz 7KB Flash MCU | Microchip XLP
MPN: PIC16F18344-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.59 | $1.59 |
| 10 | $1.43 | $14.30 |
| 100 | $1.12 | $112.00 |
| 500 | $0.94 | $470.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.83 | $830.00 |
PIC16F18344-I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, data memory, and programmable I/O peripherals. The PIC16F18344 belongs to the 8-bit MCU category, sitting within the broader PIC microcontroller family, which in turn falls under the microcontrollers hierarchy and ultimately the integrated circuits (semiconductor) classification. 8-bit MCUs like the PIC16F18344 dominate cost-sensitive and ultra-low-power applications where 32-bit performance is unnecessary, including sensor interfaces, battery-powered devices, and simple motor control.
Key features include Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible signal routing, Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) such as Configurable Logic Cells (CLC), Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO), Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), and Complementary Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP). The device integrates a 10-bit ADC with computation, comparators, a 5-bit DAC, and the EUSART, SPI, and I2C communication interfaces. Power-saving modes including Sleep with operation down to a few hundred nanoamps make it well suited for battery-powered designs.
The architecture is based on the enhanced mid-range 8-bit PIC core with a 14-bit instruction set, hardware multiplier, and interrupt-driven CIPs that offload tasks from the CPU. Internal 32 MHz oscillator accuracy plus support for an external crystal and the Fail-Safe Clock Monitor enable robust timing. The PPS feature allows designers to remap most digital peripheral signals to almost any I/O pin, simplifying PCB layout and reducing routing constraints.
Typical applications include low-power IoT sensor nodes, home appliances, LED lighting control, battery management peripherals, automotive body electronics, industrial sensor conditioning, and consumer remote controls. The wide operating voltage range of 1.8V to 5.5V plus 32 MHz performance is sufficient for PID control loops, capacitive touch sensing via the mTouch peripheral, and LIN-based communication stacks.
When designing with the PIC16F18344-I/SO, prioritize use of the Core Independent Peripherals (CLC, NCO, CWG) to keep the CPU in Sleep mode for maximum energy efficiency. The PPS module must be configured early in firmware initialization; incorrect mapping is a common reason for first-prototype failures.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing for the PIC16F18344-I/SO, drop-in compatible Microchip PIC16F family alternatives already in the XAIPART catalog, and practical design notes not duplicated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F18344-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 PIC16F18344-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Program Memory (Flash), Communication Interfaces, DAC, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18344-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.77 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18324-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18325-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18313-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1789-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18344-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16F183xx (PIC XLP, Functional Safety) |
| Core | 8-bit enhanced mid-range PIC (14-bit instruction set) |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz maximum (8 MIPS) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Data SRAM | 512 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| ADC | 10-bit with computation |
| DAC | 5-bit |
| Comparators | Yes (on-chip) |
| PWM / CCP | 10-bit PWM, Complementary CCP |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CLC, NCO, CWG, CCP |
| Communication Interfaces | EUSART, SPI, I2C |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial, -I suffix) |
| Package | 20-pin SOIC (SO) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F18344-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, PPS-capable |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, PPS-capable |
| Pin 3 | RA3/MCLR — Bidirectional I/O or Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, PPS-capable |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, PPS-capable |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, PPS-capable |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O, PPS-capable |
| Pin 9 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O, ICSPCLK programming, PPS-capable |
| Pin 10 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O, ICSPDAT programming, PPS-capable |
| Pin 11 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O, PPS-capable |
| Pin 12 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O, PPS-capable |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O, PPS-capable |
| Pin 14 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O, PPS-capable |
| Pin 15 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O, interrupt-on-change, PPS-capable |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O, PPS-capable |
| Pin 18 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O, PPS-capable |
| Pin 19 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O, PPS-capable |
| Pin 20 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O, PPS-capable |
Typical Applications
PIC16F18344-I/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Home Appliance User Interface Controls, LED Lighting and Color Control, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Consumer Remote Control and HMI, Capacitive Touch Sensing Interface.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16F18344-I/SO is ideal for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes thanks to its nanoWatt-XLP Sleep current below 50 nA (with RTCC active) and Core Independent Peripherals that sample sensors without waking the CPU. The 32 MHz core wakes in microseconds to process and transmit sensor data via I2C or EUSART. Combined with the 1.8V-5.5V operating range, the device runs directly from a single Li-ion or 2xAA cell. Designers configure the CLC to debounce a wake-up switch and the NCO to generate timing references while the CPU sleeps. This typically extends coin-cell battery life to 5+ years in duty-cycled applications.
Recommended
Home Appliance User Interface Controls
For home appliance user interfaces such as washing machine front panels, microwave ovens, and dishwasher control boards, the PIC16F18344-I/SO provides the right balance of cost, peripheral count, and 5V tolerance. The 10-bit ADC reads keypad and rotary encoder inputs; the mTouch peripheral supports capacitive touch buttons without external ICs. The CWG module drives TRIAC or zero-cross control of AC loads. Firmware runs reliably from the internal 32 MHz oscillator, eliminating external crystal cost. PIC XLP technology maintains RTC clock accuracy during mains-power brownouts, ensuring timer-based programs continue across power glitches.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Color Control
In LED lighting fixtures, the PIC16F18344-I/SO drives multiple PWM channels for RGBW color mixing or tunable-white control through its 10-bit PWM and Complementary CCP modules. The CWG module generates half-bridge or full-bridge drive signals for high-current LED strings, while the CLC implements hardware dimming curves without CPU intervention. The 5-bit DAC provides smooth current-setpoint adjustment for analog LED drivers. Operating from 3.3V or 5V rails and Sleep current below 1 uA, the device is well matched to dimmer switches and DMX bridge controllers. Designers use the RTCC module to schedule circadian rhythm color transitions.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
For industrial 4-20 mA loop-powered sensor transmitters, the PIC16F18344-I/SO provides on-chip signal conditioning through its 10-bit ADC with computation, op-amp-ready comparators, and 5-bit DAC. The PPS module routes ADC inputs to any pin, allowing direct connection to multiple bridge sensor outputs. With 1.8V minimum operating voltage, the device operates from loop currents as low as 3 mA when paired with a low-dropout regulator. The CLC and NCO modules implement digital filtering and frequency-to-digital conversion without firmware overhead. Functional Safety features support IEC 61508 SIL-2 capable implementations.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
In automotive body electronics such as interior lighting controllers, seat position memory, and HVAC blend-door actuators, the PIC16F18344-I/SO provides AEC-Q100 capable variants under the -E (extended temperature) suffix. The 32 MHz core handles LIN-bus communication via the EUSART, and the 10-bit ADC reads multiple analog position sensors through the PPS-routed inputs. The CWG generates PWM signals for DC motor speed control. Operating voltage up to 5.5V tolerates load-dump transients when paired with an external TVS. For safety-critical body domains, designers should consult the Microchip automotive part selector for FuSa-qualified equivalents.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control and HMI
For consumer remote controls and small HMI devices, the PIC16F18344-I/SO offers the right mix of cost, low power, and peripheral set. The EUSART drives IR transmission at 38 kHz carrier via the NCO, the mTouch peripheral supports touch buttons, and the Sleep current below 50 nA extends battery life beyond shelf-life expectations. The PPS module allows PCB layout freedom for small remote enclosures. The device wakes on RB pin-change interrupt, executes a button scan, transmits IR, and returns to Sleep within hundreds of microseconds - well within the latency budget for any consumer remote application.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch Sensing Interface
The PIC16F18344-I/SO integrates the mTouch capacitive touch sensing peripheral, allowing direct connection of PCB pad sensors without an external touch IC. Combined with the CLC for hardware button debouncing and the RTCC for wake-on-touch timing, the device supports low-power touch UIs that draw nanoamps in standby. The 10-bit ADC can be re-purposed for additional analog sensing such as ambient light detection. Designers use the Microchip mTouch library and the MPLAB Code Configurator to implement sliders, wheels, and matrix touch panels on the same 20-pin SOIC.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F18344-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18344-E/SO | PIC16F18324-I/SO | PIC16F18325-I/SO | PIC16F18313-I/SO | PIC16F1789-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-pin SOIC | 20-pin SOIC - same | 20-pin SOIC - same | 20-pin SOIC - same | 20-pin SOIC - same | 20-pin SOIC - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit enhanced mid-range (14-bit) | 8-bit enhanced mid-range (14-bit) | 8-bit enhanced mid-range (14-bit) | 8-bit enhanced mid-range (14-bit) | 8-bit enhanced mid-range (14-bit) | 8-bit enhanced mid-range (14-bit) |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB | 28 KB |
| Data SRAM | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 1 KB | 256 B | 2 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 128 B | 256 B |
| 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 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +125C (extended) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CLC, NCO, CWG, CCP | CLC, NCO, CWG, CCP | CLC, NCO, CWG, CCP (subset) | CLC, NCO, CWG, CCP | CLC, NCO, CWG (subset) | PSMC, COG, CWG (different set) |
Key Differentiators
- Functional Safety (FuSa) support on the PIC16F18344 family (vs PIC16F18324-I/SO)
- Full CIP set: CLC, NCO, CWG, and CCP (vs PIC16F18313-I/SO)
- Extended temperature -40C to +125C variant available (vs PIC16F18344-E/SO (same die))
- Larger memory footprint vs PIC16F18313 (vs PIC16F18313-I/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 32 MHz active, the PIC16F18344-I/SO draws approximately 5 mA at 5V; in Sleep with RTCC enabled it drops below 1 uA. For battery-powered designs, use Sleep + RTCC wake-up instead of polling loops. Decouple VDD/VSS with a 100 nF ceramic placed within 3 mm of the pins, and add a bulk 10 uF tantalum if the supply impedance is high. The XLP Sleep current can reach 30 nA if all CIPs are off, which is critical for coin-cell designs.
Route the ICSPDAT/ICSPCLK pins (RB5/RB6) directly to a 6-pin ICSP header with no series resistors; the PICkit 4 and ICD 4 rely on this connection for in-circuit programming. Place the ICSP header at the edge of the board for easy access during production test. Avoid long traces on the RA0/RA1 analog inputs when using ADC - keep them short and away from digital switching nodes to preserve 10-bit ADC accuracy. The 20-pin SOIC land pattern requires 1.27 mm pitch pads.
Two common first-prototype failures are: (1) forgetting to configure Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) registers - peripherals will not function until pin mapping is initialized, even though the code appears correct; (2) leaving the MCLR pin floating on RA3 - always tie RA3/MCLR to VDD via a 10 kohm resistor or use the internal MCLR configuration register. The 32 MHz internal oscillator is factory-trimmed to +/- 1% but requires the OSCTUNE register to be calibrated for fine adjustment over temperature.
When using SPI or EUSART at speeds above 1 MHz, route the clock and data lines together with a ground reference plane below them. Keep clock rise/fall times under 10 ns by placing a 33 ohm series resistor close to the driver if reflections appear on the scope. For I2C, the SDA/SCL pins require external pull-up resistors per the SMBus specification; internal weak pull-ups are insufficient for reliable operation above 100 kHz. The PPS module lets you remap these signals to any PORTB pin, simplifying PCB routing.
Place a ground pour under the entire 20-pin SOIC footprint with stitching vias every 5 mm to the inner ground plane. For mixed-signal designs, split the analog and digital grounds and tie them together at a single point under the MCU. Route the analog AVSS supply pin (if used) directly to the analog ground island. The VDD pin should have both a 100 nF ceramic and 10 uF bulk capacitor within 5 mm. Avoid routing noisy digital signals (PWM, CWG) directly above or below the ADC input traces on adjacent layers.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page. Standard -I grade is industrial temperature -40C to +85C; AEC-Q100 qualified variants available under -E and -VAO suffix parts. Not Functional Safety certified by default - FuSa documentation available per Microchip.
