PIC16F18426-I/JQ - 8-bit XLP MCU, 28KB Flash, 16-UQFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F18426-I/JQ β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.45 | $2.45 |
| 10 | $2.18 | $21.80 |
| 100 | $1.92 | $192.00 |
| 500 | $1.71 | $855.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.52 | $1,520.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.28 | $3,840.00 |
PIC16F18426-I/JQ Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable logic device that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, volatile data memory, and peripherals on a single silicon die. PIC16 microcontrollers use a RISC-based Harvard architecture with a 14-bit instruction word, optimized for deterministic timing and low power. They occupy the product hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC. The 'XLP' (eXtreme Low-Power) designation refers to Microchip's family of MCUs with deep-sleep currents under 1 microamp, suitable for battery-powered products.
The device includes 28 KB Flash, 2 KB SRAM, 256 bytes EEPROM, a 12-bit ADCC with up to 11 channels, a 5-bit DAC, two PWM modules, a Comparator, a Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), and communication peripherals including EUSART, SPI, and I2C. Core Independent Peripherals operate without CPU intervention, offloading tasks such as signal generation, conversion sequencing, and communication framing.
The PIC16F18426-I/JQ operates from 2.3 V to 5.5 V across an industrial temperature range of -40C to +85C. Its XLP features enable sleep currents in the nanoamp range, supporting years of operation on a single coin cell. The 16-pin UQFN package suits compact PCB designs where board area is constrained.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered remote controls, home automation peripherals, low-power wireless sensor hubs, LED lighting controllers, and small consumer appliances. Functional Safety features support safety-critical designs such as medical monitoring accessories and industrial sensor interfaces.
When designing with this MCU, ensure adequate decoupling (100 nF + 1 uF) near VDD, leave the ICSP programming pins accessible for in-circuit debug, and verify the MCLR pin pull-up configuration matches the target application's reset behavior. Use Microchip's MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler for firmware development.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F18426-I/JQ 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 PIC16F18426-I/JQ (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, ADC, CWG, DAC, Data EEPROM.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18425-I/JQ
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F18424-I/JQ
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F18424-E/JQ
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18425-E/JQ
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18426-I/JQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC16 RISC |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 2 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC, up to 11 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit |
| PWM Modules | 2 (16-bit) |
| Comparators | Yes |
| CWG | Complementary Waveform Generator |
| Communication | EUSART, SPI, I2C |
| Supply Voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Package | 16-pin UQFN (4x4 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| XLP (eXtreme Low-Power) | Yes |
| Functional Safety | FuSa supported |
| MSL Level | MSL1 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F18426-I/JQ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 β Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 2 | RA4 β Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 3 | RA3 β Bidirectional I/O pin / MCLR |
| Pin 4 | RA2 β Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 5 | RA1 β Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 6 | RA0 β Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 7 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RA7 β Bidirectional I/O pin / OSC1 |
| Pin 9 | RA6 β Bidirectional I/O pin / OSC2 |
| Pin 10 | RC0 β Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 11 | RC1 β Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 12 | RC2 β Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 13 | RC3 β Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 14 | RC4 β Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 15 | RC5 β Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 16 | VDD β Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16F18426-I/JQ is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Home Automation Remote Control, Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Smart LED Lighting Controller, Medical Monitoring Accessory, Small Consumer Appliance Control, Automotive Accessory Sensor.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16F18426-I/JQ's XLP nanoamp sleep current and 2.3-5.5 V supply range make it ideal for years-long battery-powered IoT sensor deployments. With 28 KB Flash, the MCU accommodates full sensor-protocol stacks including proprietary RF or LoRaWAN driver layers. The 12-bit ADCC provides 11 channels for temperature, humidity, and battery voltage monitoring without external ADC components. Compared to ARM Cortex-M0 alternatives, the PIC16's deterministic interrupt latency and 32 MHz operation deliver predictable sampling while consuming less active current. Place the MCU between a 3 V coin cell and sensor I2C/SPI bus with proper decoupling.
Recommended
Home Automation Remote Control
The PIC16F18426-I/JQ's small 16-pin UQFN footprint and integrated peripherals suit handheld remote-control designs with strict board-area constraints. The EUSART and CWG enable IR modulation generation with the Complementary Waveform Generator producing 38 kHz carrier waveforms without CPU intervention. The 5-bit DAC drives LED backlighting or status indicators while PWMs control haptic feedback motors. With 32 MHz clock and CIPs handling button debouncing and RF framing, the MCU maintains responsive user interaction while consuming minimal standby current.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
The PIC16F18426-I/JQ's Functional Safety (FuSa) support and 12-bit ADCC with computation capabilities make it suitable for industrial 4-20 mA loop sensor interfaces and process monitoring. Industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C) and 5 V tolerance support factory-floor installation requirements. The CIPs enable hardware-based sensor linearization and threshold detection without CPU load. The 28 KB Flash accommodates Modbus RTU or IO-Link stack firmware, while the 2 KB RAM supports message buffering.
Recommended
Smart LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16F18426-I/JQ's two 16-bit PWM modules and Complementary Waveform Generator drive high-efficiency LED lighting with smooth dimming and color mixing control. The 5-bit DAC provides analog bias for current-driver references, while the ADCC reads light-sensor feedback for closed-loop brightness regulation. With XLP deep-sleep under 100 nA, battery-powered accent lighting can run for years. The 12-bit ADC also enables temperature monitoring of LED arrays for thermal protection.
Recommended
Medical Monitoring Accessory
The PIC16F18426-I/JQ's Functional Safety features, low-power operation, and 12-bit ADCC make it suitable for battery-powered medical accessories such as pulse-oximeter probes, glucose-meter interfaces, and wearable health monitors. The XLP characteristics extend battery life across multi-day patient monitoring scenarios. The 28 KB Flash stores device firmware plus calibration tables, while 2 KB RAM buffers measurement data before BLE or USB transmission. CIPs handle sensor timing without CPU intervention for medical-grade determinism.
Recommended
Small Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16F18426-I/JQ integrates sufficient peripherals to control compact consumer appliances like electric toothbrushes, kitchen timers, and portable fans. The CWG and PWMs drive motor-control FETs directly, while the comparator provides overcurrent detection. The 16-pin UQFN package fits inside miniature form factors, and the 2.3-5.5 V supply supports direct Li-ion or USB-powered operation. With 28 KB Flash, manufacturers can include USB-C charging protocols, capacitive-touch sensing via the ADCC, and BLE beaconing firmware.
Recommended
Automotive Accessory Sensor
The PIC16F18426-I/JQ's industrial temperature range and 12-bit ADC accuracy suit non-safety automotive accessory applications such as cabin environment sensors, tire-pressure monitoring accessories, and aftermarket alarm interfaces. While the standard variant operates to +85C, the wider industrial spec supports under-dash mounting. The 28 KB Flash accommodates automotive communication protocols like LIN slave firmware, and the 5 V tolerance handles automotive transient events when paired with proper TVS protection.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F18426-I/JQ β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18425-I/JQ | PIC16F18424-I/JQ | PIC16F18424-E/JQ | PIC16F18425-E/JQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) | 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB | 14 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 14 KB |
| Data SRAM | 2 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C |
| XLP / Functional Safety | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Largest Flash memory in 16-UQFN PIC16F184xx family (vs PIC16F18424-I/JQ)
- Functional Safety (FuSa) support (vs PIC16F18346-I/JQ)
- 12-bit ADCC with computation capability (vs PIC16F18424-I/JQ)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 16), with a 1 uF bulk capacitor nearby on the same supply trace. The PIC16F18426-I/JQ's XLP features can drop supply current to nanoamp levels in sleep, but transient load steps during wake-up require low-impedance decoupling to prevent VDD droop and false brown-out resets. Estimated: at 32 MHz active operation, core current is approximately 2-3 mA plus peripheral current.
The 16-pin UQFN (4x4 mm) package has a center thermal pad that MUST be soldered to a PCB land pattern to achieve mechanical reliability and thermal performance. Use NSMD (non-solder-mask-defined) pads with via-in-pad or tented vias for the thermal pad connection to inner ground/power planes. Per IPC-7351, the recommended PCB land pattern for UQFN-16 has 0.25 mm pitch pads with 0.5 mm pad width.
The MCLR pin (pin 3, shared with RA3) MUST have a pull-up resistor (typically 10 kohm) to VDD for normal operation, otherwise the MCU will remain in reset. When using MCLR as a generic I/O, configure it as an output only - using it as input requires disabling the MCLR function via configuration bits. The ICSPDAT and ICSPCLK pins must remain accessible for in-circuit programming; do not populate them with components that block debug access.
Route the external crystal or resonator traces (OSC1/OSC2, pins 8 and 9) as short as possible with ground guard traces to minimize EMI pickup. Keep analog-input traces (AN0-AN10) away from high-current switching traces such as PWM outputs and CWG signals to prevent ADC measurement corruption. Place the analog AVSS and AGND connection directly to the VSS plane using a single via, not a trace.
Estimated: at full active operation (32 MHz, all peripherals on, 5 V supply), the PIC16F18426-I/JQ dissipates approximately 50 mW, well within the UQFN-16 thermal limits (theta_JA approximately 50 C/W for 4-layer JEDEC test board). For industrial applications at +85C ambient, no thermal management beyond standard PCB copper pours is required. Verified thermal data should be confirmed from the Microchip PIC16F18426 datasheet thermal characteristics section.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. The PIC16F18426-I/JQ is not AEC-Q100 qualified - it is an industrial-grade part (-40C to +85C). For automotive designs requiring AEC-Q100, consider Microchip's automotive-grade PIC16 variants. Functional Safety (FuSa) features support IEC 61508 SIL-2 capable designs per Microchip documentation.
