PIC16F18426-E/ST - 8-bit XLP MCU, 28KB Flash, 14-TSSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F18426-E/ST ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.84 | $1.84 |
| 10 | $1.66 | $16.60 |
| 100 | $1.4 | $140.00 |
| 500 | $1.2 | $600.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.05 | $1,050.00 |
PIC16F18426-E/ST Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a microprocessor core with an 8-bit data bus, typically paired with on-chip Flash, RAM, and peripherals. Within the broader taxonomy, an MCU belongs to microcontrollers (sub-category of integrated circuits), which themselves sit under the broader heading of embedded computing. PIC MCUs use a Harvard RISC architecture that runs one instruction per clock cycle, and the PIC16 mid-range family targets low-pin-count, low-power designs where code density and deterministic timing matter more than raw throughput.
Key features of the PIC16F18426-E/ST include 256 bytes of EEPROM, 28-pin-count package with 12 I/O pins, deep-sleep current consumption in the nanoamp range (typical XLP figures under 50 nA with retention), a wide operating voltage range of 1.8V to 5.5V (F suffix), and support for the MPLAB X IDE with the XC8 compiler. The device also includes a configurable Logic Cell (CLC), numerically controlled oscillator (NCO), and zero-cross detection to offload tasks from the CPU.
Architecturally, the device combines a mid-range 8-bit PIC core with the CIP ecosystem, allowing hardware-driven signal conditioning, waveform generation, and inter-peripheral connections without CPU intervention. This approach reduces firmware complexity and improves real-time determinism compared to software-loop-based designs.
Typical applications include consumer IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered remote controls, low-power wireless sensor interfaces, LED lighting controllers, capacitive-touch human-interface nodes, and small appliances requiring Functional Safety compliance. The "E" temperature grade supports -40C to +125C operation for industrial environments.
When designing with this part, configure the configuration words for the intended oscillator mode (HFINTOSC is typical for low-power) and verify the ADCC acquisition time matches the source impedance. For Functional Safety systems, consult the Microchip FMEDA and safety manual to ensure the diagnostic coverage matches the target SIL.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found on the manufacturer product page, with all specifications traced back to verified sources.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F18426-E/ST — 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 PIC16F18426-E/ST (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory (Flash), Operating Temperature, Comparators, Operating Voltage Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18425-E/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.28 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18426-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18426-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18424-E/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.81 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18426-E/ST Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit RISC (mid-range enhanced) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14) |
| Data SRAM | 2 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Package | 14-TSSOP |
| ADCC | 12-bit with Computation |
| DAC | 5-bit |
| Comparators | 1 |
| PWM Channels | 2 |
| Communication | EUSART, SPI, I2C |
| XLP Sleep Current | Typical <50 nA (datasheet figure) |
| Functional Safety | FuSa-capable |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F18426-E/ST Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O with analog and interrupt capability |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O with analog capability |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR — Input only or Master Clear (reset) |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O with analog and PWM capability |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O with analog capability |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O with analog and SPI/I2C capability |
| Pin 8 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O with analog capability |
| Pin 9 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O with analog capability |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O with analog capability |
| Pin 11 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O with analog and interrupt capability |
| Pin 12 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O with analog capability |
| Pin 13 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O with analog capability |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16F18426-E/ST is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, LED Lighting Controller, Capacitive Touch User Interface, Functional Safety Appliance Control, Remote Control Transmitter, Small Appliance Motor Control.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16F18426-E/ST suits coin-cell IoT sensor nodes where nanoamp deep-sleep currents dominate battery life. Its 1.8V to 5.5V range covers single-cell lithium and 2x AA chemistries without level shifting. The 12-bit ADCC with Computation performs hardware averaging on temperature or battery-voltage signals, letting the CPU remain in sleep until a threshold is crossed. With 28KB Flash, firmware can include wireless protocol stubs (LoRaWAN, BLE beacon frames) and over-the-air update bootloaders, while the 256B EEPROM stores calibration constants and node identity. XLP sleep current under 50 nA (per Microchip datasheet) lets a 240 mAh CR2032 deliver multi-year life on intermittent duty cycles.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16F18426-E/ST drives LED lighting strips through its two PWM channels and the Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG). The 5-bit DAC plus comparator enable analog current sensing for closed-loop constant-current regulation without external op-amps. The CLC (Configurable Logic Cell) implements zero-cross detection for TRIAC dimmer compatibility directly in hardware, freeing the CPU from interrupt overhead. With 32 MHz operation, smooth 16-bit PWM resolution is achievable through the timer-based PWM peripheral for high-color-depth lighting effects in target segments such as architectural and stage lighting.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interface
The PIC16F18426-E/ST integrates the mTouch capacitive-sensing firmware library with the 12-bit ADCC and CVD (Capacitive Voltage Divider) module for touch buttons and sliders. The CWG and CLC peripherals can drive haptic feedback signals or LED indicators alongside touch events without CPU load. With XLP sleep below 50 nA, battery-powered remote controls and wall switches wake only on touch, yielding years of service from coin cells. The 28KB Flash accommodates gesture libraries, debounce, and low-battery warning routines for production-grade human-interface nodes.
Recommended
Functional Safety Appliance Control
The PIC16F18426-E/ST is FuSa-capable and ships with FMEDA and safety manuals for IEC 60730 Class B appliance designs. It integrates windowed watchdog, CRC, oscillator fail detection, and I/O protection in hardware, reducing firmware burden for safety compliance. The 12-bit ADCC with over-voltage detection monitors mains-derived sensor signals in target appliances like washing machines, ovens, and induction cooktops. The -40C to +125C E temperature grade supports harsh kitchen and laundry environments, while the 14-pin TSSOP fits compact control boards.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitter
The PIC16F18426-E/ST operates as a low-cost infrared or sub-GHz remote-control transmitter with the EUSART driving an encoder IC or direct PWM modulation. XLP nanoamp sleep extends battery life to multiple years on coin cells, while the deep-sleep wake-on-change feature triggers transmission immediately on button press. With 28KB Flash, the device supports multi-protocol firmware (RC5, NEC, proprietary) and learning-mode routines for universal remotes in target applications such as TVs, set-top boxes, and smart-home hubs.
Recommended
Small Appliance Motor Control
The PIC16F18426-E/ST drives small DC and stepper motors in target appliances like fans, blenders, and pumps via its 2 PWM channels and CWG. The 12-bit ADCC provides closed-loop speed or position sensing, and the comparator offers hardware overcurrent protection without software latency. The CLC implements commutation logic for brushless DC motors, offloading the CPU and reducing code complexity. The -40C to +125C operating range supports outdoor and garage-appliance environments where temperature swings exceed consumer-grade specifications.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F18426-E/ST — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18425-E/ST | PIC16F18426-I/ST | PIC16F18426-E/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 14-TSSOP | 14-TSSOP | 14-TSSOP | PDIP-14 |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB | 14 KB | 28 KB | 28 KB |
| Data SRAM | 2 KB | 1 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| ADCC Resolution | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit |
| Functional Safety (FuSa) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Functional Safety (FuSa) capability with FMEDA documentation (vs PIC16F18425-E/ST)
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade (E suffix) (vs PIC16F18426-I/ST)
- Compact TSSOP-14 footprint with 12 usable I/O (vs PIC16F18346-E/SS)
Design Notes
For battery-powered designs, configure the PIC16F18426-E/ST to enter deep-sleep between sensor reads. The datasheet DS40002224 specifies deep-sleep currents under 50 nA typical with full RAM retention. Estimated: at 100 nA average sleep current plus 1 mA active for 10 ms every 60 seconds, a 240 mAh CR2032 lasts approximately (240 mAh / (100 nA + 1 mA * 10/60000)) ≈ 240000 hours ≈ 27 years in theory, but practical life is limited by shelf-life and self-discharge (typically 5-7 years for CR2032).
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 1) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the TSSOP-14 package to suppress switching transients when the CPU wakes from sleep. The ADC analog supply (AVDD) requires separate filtering if accurate ADC readings are needed in noisy environments. Source: Microchip PIC16F18426 datasheet DS40002224, section 'Application Circuits'.
Do not leave the MCLR pin (RA3/MCLR, pin 4) floating; either tie it to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation or use the internal MCLR configuration bit. Floating MCLR causes erratic resets and unreliable startup. Also, configure unused I/O pins as outputs low to minimize current leakage in deep-sleep.
When using the 12-bit ADCC at high conversion rates, ensure the source impedance is below 2 kohm to avoid acquisition-time errors. Use the ADCC Computation mode for hardware oversampling to improve effective resolution by 2 to 4 bits, and enable the dedicated band-gap reference for ratiometric measurements. Source: Microchip datasheet DS40002224.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 not applicable - automotive-grade parts use different part numbers (e.g., VAO suffix). Functional Safety (FuSa) IEC 60730 Class B documentation available from Microchip.
