PIC16F18346-E/SS - 8-bit 32MHz 28KB Flash XLP MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F18346-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.45 | $2.45 |
| 10 | $2.21 | $22.10 |
| 100 | $1.94 | $194.00 |
| 500 | $1.72 | $860.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.55 | $1,550.00 |
PIC16F18346-E/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, data memory and peripheral interfaces. PIC microcontrollers use a RISC-based 8-bit core with a 14-bit instruction word optimized for deterministic execution and low power. The PIC16F18346 belongs to the broader 8-bit MCU hierarchy: PIC16 family → enhanced mid-range core → XLP low-power subfamily. Its Core Independent Peripherals (CLC, CWG, PWM) can execute logic functions without CPU intervention, freeing the core to remain in sleep and reducing system power.
Key features that differentiate this device include Peripheral Pin Select for flexible pin assignment, multiple low-power sleep modes below 100 nA typical, functional safety diagnostics, and Core Independent Peripherals such as CLC, CWG, NCO and PWM. Compared with earlier PIC16F1xxx generations, the PIC16F18346 doubles instruction memory and adds PPS mapping for digital peripherals, enabling smaller PCB layouts when peripherals are remapped to available I/O.
The PIC16F18346 uses an enhanced mid-range 8-bit core with a two-stage pipeline, hardware multiplier, and interrupt controller with vectored priority. Analog performance includes 10-bit ADC resolution at up to 100 ksps, 5-bit DAC rail-to-rail output, and zero-cross detect on comparators. The functional safety subsystem adds hardware diagnostics such as CRC, windowed watchdog, and clock monitoring that help designers target IEC 61508 SIL capable systems.
Typical applications include battery-powered IoT sensor nodes, low-power wireless remote controls, functional-safety sensor transmitters, LED lighting controllers, and small consumer appliances. The PIC16F18346's combination of XLP sleep current, PPS routing, and functional safety features makes it a fit for both general-purpose and safety-critical designs.
When designing with this device, route analog signals (ADC, DAC, comparator inputs) away from high-frequency switching traces to preserve 10-bit ADC accuracy. Use PPS to remap peripherals onto available I/O if pin conflicts arise during schematic layout.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family PIC drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that complement the manufacturer datasheet to support sourcing and engineering decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F18346-E/SS — 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 PIC16F18346-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Core Architecture, Package, Comparators, DAC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18346-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18346-E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18346-E/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.28 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18345T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18344-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.86 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18346-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit enhanced mid-range |
| Family | PIC® XLP™ 16F (Functional Safety) |
| Max CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 B |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| DAC | 5-bit |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Communication Peripherals | 2x (SPI/I2C) |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Functional Safety (FuSa) | Yes |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F18346-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / MCLR |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / DAC output |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O / oscillator |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O / oscillator |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply (2.3 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 19 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 20 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC16F18346-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Functional Safety Sensor Transmitter, Low-Power Wireless Remote Control, LED Lighting Controller, Small Consumer Appliance, Automotive Body Electronics.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16F18346-E/SS is well matched to IoT sensor nodes because its XLP sleep current and 32 MHz active performance let the MCU spend most of its life in low-power state while still handling sensor sampling, edge processing and radio control. The 28 KB Flash fits typical LoRaWAN or Zigbee stack layers plus application code, while 2 KB RAM supports short message buffers. At 3.0 V from a CR2032 or single Li-ion cell, the device's 2.3 V minimum supply extends operating life as the battery discharges. PPS routing allows the SPI radio, UART debug and ADC channel to be remapped onto available pins without redesigning the PCB.
Recommended
Functional Safety Sensor Transmitter
The PIC16F18346-E/SS is designed for functional safety applications and integrates a windowed watchdog, hardware CRC, and clock failure monitor. In a 4-20 mA loop-powered or industrial sensor transmitter, these diagnostics support IEC 61508 SIL capable designs. The 10-bit ADC at 100 ksps handles analog sensor inputs such as pressure or temperature transducers, while the two SPI/I2C peripherals connect to digital sensors or external EEPROM for calibration data. The 256-byte EEPROM stores non-volatile calibration constants directly on the device, eliminating an external memory chip.
Recommended
Low-Power Wireless Remote Control
For handheld remote controls the PIC16F18346-E/SS provides ample code space (28 KB) for protocol stacks such as RF4CE, BLE HID or proprietary Sub-GHz while maintaining sub-microamp sleep current for years of battery life from two AAA cells. The CLC and PWM peripherals generate IR or RF carrier waveforms without CPU intervention, letting the core stay asleep until a button press wakes it through interrupt-on-change I/O. PPS allows the same firmware to be reused across PCB revisions where button matrix pins differ.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16F18346-E/SS drives multi-channel LED lighting systems using its 10-bit ADC for ambient light sensing and PWM outputs for dimming control. Its CLC peripheral combines PWM and comparator signals to implement zero-current switching for high-efficiency LED drivers, while the 5-bit DAC generates reference voltages for constant-current regulation. The wide 2.3 V to 5.5 V supply supports direct connection to 3.3 V or 5 V LED driver rails. Core Independent Peripherals offload LED control from the CPU, keeping total quiescent current low.
Recommended
Small Consumer Appliance
Household appliances like coffee makers, blenders and smart kitchen tools use the PIC16F18346-E/SS for user interface control, sensor reading and motor timing. Its 32 MHz performance is sufficient for PID temperature control loops, while 2 KB RAM handles UI state machines and button debouncing. The 10-bit ADC reads temperature sensors and the 5-bit DAC generates bias voltages for thermistor bridges. Functional safety diagnostics add protection against firmware runaway in heating applications.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
Within the -40 C to +125 C extended temperature range the PIC16F18346-E/SS handles non-safety automotive body functions such as interior lighting controllers, seat position memories and door modules. LIN protocol stacks fit within 28 KB Flash and the 256-byte EEPROM stores user preferences like seat position. The two SPI/I2C peripherals connect to sensor clusters and LED driver ICs. PPS simplifies PCB routing when multiple body controllers share the same module platform.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F18346-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18346-I/SS | PIC16F18346-E/GZ | PIC16F18345T-I/SS | PIC16F18344-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP | 20-pin SSOP (same) | 20-pin UQFN | 20-pin SSOP (same) | 20-pin SSOP (same) |
| Flash Memory | 28 KB | 28 KB (same) | 28 KB (same) | 14 KB (-50%) | 7 KB (-75%) |
| RAM | 2 KB | 2 KB (same) | 2 KB (same) | 1 KB (-50%) | 1 KB (-50%) |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B (same) | 256 B (same) | 256 B (same) | 256 B (same) |
| Max CPU Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz (same) | 32 MHz (same) | 32 MHz (same) | 32 MHz (same) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C (same) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Largest Flash in PIC16F183xx family (vs PIC16F18345T-I/SS)
- Functional Safety (FuSa) integrated (vs PIC16F18344-I/SS)
- Extended temperature grade to +125 C (vs PIC16F18346-I/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 18) of the PIC16F18346-E/SS. For designs that drive high-current loads on I/O pins, add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the supply pin to handle transient current during GPIO switching. The XLP sleep current typically stays below 100 nA when peripherals are disabled, so any leakage paths on PCB or external components will dominate total quiescent current.
Route the analog signals (ADC and DAC pins) away from switching traces such as PWM outputs and clock signals. Use a ground pour under the MCU and keep analog ground traces short to minimize noise pickup on 10-bit ADC measurements. The MCLR/RA3 pin can be left as reset input with a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD if not used as GPIO.
Do not exceed 5.5 V on VDD; the absolute maximum rating is 6.5 V with limited duration. Configure unused I/O pins as outputs low to minimize sleep current. When migrating code from PIC16F1827 to PIC16F18346, verify the PPS register definitions because the register addresses differ between the two families even though both are PIC16F1xxx.
Estimated: at 32 MHz active and 5.0 V supply, the PIC16F18346 core current is roughly 4 mA. Over the -40 C to +125 C operating range the supply current scales with voltage and frequency; at 125 C active mode draw rises to roughly 7 mA, giving total power dissipation under 35 mW and negligible thermal concern in SSOP-20 (theta_JA about 90 C/W). No heatsink required.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. The PIC16F18346-E/SS is not AEC-Q100 qualified, but functional safety features support IEC 61508 designs when paired with proper firmware.
