PIC16F18346T-I/ML - 8-bit 32MHz XLP MCU 28KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F18346T-I/ML β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.32 | $1.32 |
| 10 | $1.18 | $11.80 |
| 100 | $1.05 | $105.00 |
| 500 | $0.92 | $460.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.82 | $820.00 |
PIC16F18346T-I/ML Overview
What is a PIC microcontroller? A PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) is a family of 8/16/32-bit RISC microcontrollers from Microchip Technology. PIC MCUs occupy the 8-bit MCU category within the broader embedded microcontroller taxonomy (microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> semiconductor IC). They are widely adopted for low-power, deterministic, cost-sensitive applications due to their Harvard architecture, XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology, and rich ecosystem of core-independent peripherals (CIPs).
Key features include eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology with sub-uA sleep currents, 18 I/O pins with PPS remapping, an integrated 10-bit ADC, Core Independent Peripherals (CLC, CWG, CCP, PWM) for hardware-based state machines, and Functional Safety (FuSa) support. The device also offers multiple communication interfaces including UART, SPI, and I2C for flexible host integration.
Architecturally, the PIC16F18346 uses a 14-bit instruction word enhanced mid-range core with a hardware multiplier and an interrupt controller supporting context save. Its PPS module allows digital peripheral functions to be remapped to most I/O pins, simplifying PCB layout when routing multiple SPI, UART, or PWM channels. The 10-bit ADC with internal voltage reference supports up to 17 channels in larger package variants.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, low-power wearables, battery-powered instrumentation, HVAC controls, LED lighting drivers, and general-purpose consumer/industrial control. The combination of XLP, CIPs, and PPS makes the part well suited for designs that need to offload timing-critical tasks from the CPU while maintaining long battery life.
When designing with the QFN-20 (4x4) package, ensure a properly sized thermal pad on the PCB and follow the recommended reflow profile. The internal voltage reference and ADC acquisition time must be configured per the datasheet timing diagram for accurate 10-bit conversions.
This page synthesizes XAIPART distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not aggregated on a single manufacturer or distributor page, giving engineers a faster decision path for low-pin-count PIC MCU selections.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F18346T-I/ML 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 PIC16F18346T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint).
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18346-I/ML
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18346-E/ML
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18345T-I/ML
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18344T-I/ML
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18326T-I/ML
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18346T-I/GZVAO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F18346T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 2 KB |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Number of I/O Pins | 18 |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit |
| Data Bus Width | 8-bit |
| Package / Case | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) |
| Mounting Style | SMD/SMT |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP (eXtreme Low Power) |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CLC, CWG, CCP, PWM, NCO |
| Communication Interfaces | UART, SPI, I2C |
| Functional Safety (FuSa) | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel |
PIC16F18346T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 β Bidirectional I/O / analog input / CCP3 output |
| Pin 2 | RA3 β Bidirectional I/O / analog input / MCLR (input only) |
| Pin 3 | RA4 β Bidirectional I/O / analog input / T0CKI |
| Pin 4 | RA5 β Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 5 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (2.3V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 6 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | RB4 β Bidirectional I/O / SDA / analog input |
| Pin 8 | RB5 β Bidirectional I/O / RX / analog input |
| Pin 9 | RB6 β Bidirectional I/O / TX / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 10 | RB7 β Bidirectional I/O / SCL / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 11 | RC0 β Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 12 | RC1 β Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 13 | RC2 β Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 14 | RC3 β Bidirectional I/O / analog input / SCL |
| Pin 15 | RC4 β Bidirectional I/O / analog input / SDA |
| Pin 16 | RC5 β Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 17 | RC6 β Bidirectional I/O / analog input / TX |
| Pin 18 | RC7 β Bidirectional I/O / analog input / RX |
| Pin 19 | RA0 β Bidirectional I/O / analog input / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 20 | RA1 β Bidirectional I/O / analog input / ICSPCLK |
Typical Applications
PIC16F18346T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Wearable Fitness & Health Device, HVAC & Building Automation Controller, LED Lighting & Backlight Driver, Industrial Sensor Transmitter (4-20 mA), Consumer Remote Control / HMI.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16F18346T-I/ML is well matched to battery-powered IoT sensor nodes thanks to its XLP technology delivering sub-uA sleep currents (typically 50-900 nA in deep sleep modes) and 28KB Flash that comfortably holds wireless protocol stacks such as LoRaWAN or sub-GHz drivers. Its 18 I/O pins with Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) allow the MCU to interface with multiple sensors, an SPI-connected radio, and an I2C environmental sensor without pin conflicts. The wide 2.3V-5.5V supply range supports direct connection to single-cell Li-ion or 2xAA batteries. Hardware-based Core Independent Peripherals (CLC, CCP) offload timing-critical sensor reads from the CPU, extending sleep duration and battery life to multi-year operation in remote deployments.
Recommended
Wearable Fitness & Health Device
For wearable fitness bands and health monitors, the PIC16F18346T-I/ML provides a compelling combination of small QFN-20 (4x4 mm) footprint, 32 MHz performance, and XLP low-power operation. The integrated 10-bit ADC with internal voltage reference captures heart-rate and motion sensor signals, while PPS allows the SPI bus to be routed to a tiny OLED display on the same board. Functional Safety (FuSa) features add documentation support for medical-adjacent wearables requiring documented firmware behavior. The PIC16 enhanced core's deterministic interrupt latency ensures consistent sampling rates for biometric algorithms, and the 2KB RAM holds transient sensor buffers without external memory.
Recommended
HVAC & Building Automation Controller
The PIC16F18346T-I/ML suits HVAC damper actuators, smart thermostats, and building automation sub-controllers where 18 I/O pins can drive relays, read thermistors, and communicate via RS-485 or UART to a central BMS. Its -40C to +85C industrial temperature range handles mechanical rooms and outdoor enclosures. The CCP and PWM peripherals generate precise control signals for variable-speed fans and motorized valves, while the 10-bit ADC captures multiple temperature zones with selectable acquisition timing. The 28KB Flash accommodates Modbus or BACnet application stacks alongside user-interface firmware without requiring external memory.
Recommended
LED Lighting & Backlight Driver
Smart LED drivers and architectural lighting benefit from the PIC16F18346T-I/ML's PWM and Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) peripherals, which produce high-resolution dimming signals with zero CPU intervention. The PPS module maps PWM outputs to any I/O pin, simplifying PCB routing for multi-channel LED strings. The wide 2.3-5.5V supply accommodates direct Li-ion or USB-powered fixtures, while the 32 MHz core runs color-mixing algorithms and DMX-512 protocol stacks in firmware. Core Independent Peripherals (CLC) combine input signals to create fault-detection logic that shuts down the LED chain on overcurrent, protecting the fixture without CPU latency.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter (4-20 mA)
The PIC16F18346T-I/ML forms the digital core of 4-20 mA loop-powered industrial transmitters, where its XLP sleep currents and 32 MHz performance balance battery life with computation. The 10-bit ADC digitizes pressure, flow, or level sensor outputs, and the UART/SPI peripherals communicate with HART modems for bidirectional diagnostics. The 18 I/O pins with PPS support LCD displays, pushbuttons, and calibration EEPROM via I2C. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range suits outdoor and process-plant installations. With 28KB Flash and 2KB RAM, the device runs linearization, temperature compensation, and HART protocol stacks concurrently.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control / HMI
Universal remote controls, smart-home keypads, and small HMI panels leverage the PIC16F18346T-I/ML's small QFN-20 footprint, low power, and rich peripheral set. The 10-bit ADC reads capacitive-touch or resistive-touch inputs, while UART/SPI/I2C drive RGB LEDs, displays, or sub-GHz radios. Peripheral Pin Select remaps communication peripherals to the most convenient pins on the PCB, allowing single-board layouts to support multiple product variants. The 28KB Flash holds IR protocol libraries (RC5, NEC, SIRC) and BLE HID stacks, while 2KB RAM buffers scan codes and display frames without external memory.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F18346T-I/ML β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18346-I/ML | PIC16F18345T-I/ML | PIC16F18344T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | QFN-20 (4x4 mm) | QFN-20 (4x4 mm) | QFN-20 (4x4 mm) | QFN-20 (4x4 mm) |
| Flash Memory | 28 KB | 28 KB | 14 KB | 16 KB |
| RAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| Maximum Clock | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3V to 5.5V | 2.3V to 5.5V | 2.3V to 5.5V | 2.3V to 5.5V |
| I/O Pins | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Largest Flash/RAM in the 18346 family at QFN-20 (vs PIC16F18345T-I/ML)
- Higher memory than PIC16F18344 with same peripheral set (vs PIC16F18344T-I/ML)
- Industrial temperature grade with full feature set (vs PIC16F18346-E/ML)
Design Notes
The PIC16F18346T-I/ML's XLP technology enables sub-uA sleep currents critical for battery-powered designs. To achieve the lowest deep-sleep current (typically <100 nA with RTCC running), disable all unused peripherals via PMDx registers, switch I/O pins to analog (disable digital input buffers via ANSELF/ANSELG), and disable the FVR and ADC. According to Microchip, the WDT and BOR can also be selectively enabled or disabled via configuration bits to balance wake latency vs current consumption.
The QFN-20 (4x4 mm) package has an exposed thermal pad on the underside that must be soldered to a corresponding land on the PCB. Per Microchip layout guidelines, this pad should be connected to the ground plane with multiple thermal vias (typically 4-9 vias in a 3x3 array) for mechanical strength and thermal dissipation. Without proper pad soldering, the part may fail under thermal stress or mechanical shock. Keep the MCLR/RA3 pin trace short and avoid routing high-frequency signals near the analog AVSS/AVDD pins to minimize coupling.
Three common pitfalls when designing with the PIC16F18346T-I/ML: (1) Forgetting to configure PPS unlock sequence (PPSLOCKED bit) before remapping peripherals - code will silently fail to map outputs. (2) Leaving the MCLR pin disabled when relying on in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) - external pull-up on MCLR is mandatory for normal operation and ISP. (3) Not configuring the ADC acquisition time (ADACQ register) based on source impedance - low acquisition time with high-impedance sources causes inaccurate 10-bit conversions. Always validate timing against the datasheet section 30 ADC electrical specifications.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product environmental information. The -I/ML suffix indicates industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C); the part is not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose automotive variants for automotive applications.
