PIC16F18444-I/GZ - 8-bit MCU, 7KB, XLP, 20-UQFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F18444-I/GZ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.95 | $1.95 |
| 10 | $1.75 | $17.50 |
| 100 | $1.48 | $148.00 |
| 500 | $1.21 | $605.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.99 | $990.00 |
PIC16F18444-I/GZ Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable integrated circuit that combines a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (RAM), and a rich set of on-chip peripherals. The PIC16F18444 sits within the low-pin-count PIC16 mid-range family, ideal for applications that need analog and digital integration with minimal external components. Within the broader taxonomy it is a microcontroller -> microprocessor -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. The PIC RISC-based Harvard architecture executes one instruction per cycle (except branches), which simplifies timing analysis and enables deterministic interrupt response for embedded designs.
Key differentiating specifications include 7KB (4K x 14) of self-programmable Flash, 512 bytes of SRAM, up to 32 MHz internal clock with 4x PLL capable of 32 MHz, 18-pin I/O on the 20-pin package, an operating voltage range of 2.5V to 5.5V (with 1.8V minimum for the 'LF' variant), and CIP integration that allows complex timer/PWM/comms operations without CPU intervention. The XLP feature typically delivers sub-uA sleep currents.
Architecturally, the device uses an enhanced mid-range 8-bit CPU with a 14-bit instruction word, hardware stack, and a unified peripheral interrupt controller. The 12-bit ADCC supports averaging, burst, and threshold-triggered conversions; the CWG complements PWM outputs for switched-mode and gate-drive tasks; and the EUSART plus MSSP (SPI/I2C) provide flexible host or slave connectivity. Internal voltage reference, zero-cross detection, and CLC (Configurable Logic Cell) further reduce bill-of-materials.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered consumer devices, industrial control subsystems, LED lighting drivers, low-end motor control, and home appliances. The compact 20-UQFN package suits space-constrained PCB layouts such as wearables and smart-home endpoints.
When designing, ensure that the Vdd/Vss decoupling capacitors are placed within a few millimetres of the supply pins, that MCLR is pulled correctly for in-circuit serial programming (ICSP), and that the configuration bits (CONFIG1/CONFIG2) are reviewed carefully - particularly the oscillator selection, watchdog enable, and code-protect settings. Use the MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler for firmware development and debugging.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F18444-I/GZ — 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 PIC16F18444-I/GZ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, DAC, Package, Comparators, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18444-E/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.96 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18444-I/GZVAO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18445-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18344-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F15344-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18444-I/GZ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | 8-bit PIC16 enhanced mid-range |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Data SRAM | 512 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC with Computation |
| DAC | 5-bit DAC |
| PWM Modules | 2 (10-bit) |
| Comparator | Yes |
| CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) | Yes |
| EUSART | Yes |
| SPI / I2C (MSSP) | Yes |
| XLP (eXtreme Low Power) | Yes |
| Package | 20-pin UQFN 4x4 mm (GZ) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, -I suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Functional Safety (FuSa) | Yes (per Microchip product family page) |
PIC16F18444-I/GZ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / reference voltage output |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / MCLR (reset, weak pull-up) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 9 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 12 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 13 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 14 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 15 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / EUSART RX |
| Pin 16 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / EUSART TX |
| Pin 17 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O / oscillator output |
| Pin 18 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O / oscillator input |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference (second pin) |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (second pin) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F18444-I/GZ is suitable for 8 applications: IoT Sensor Node with Battery Operation, Industrial Control Subsystem (PLC I/O Module), LED Lighting Driver and Dimmer, Consumer Wearable / Fitness Tracker, Smart Home Appliance Control Board, Low-End Brushless DC Motor Control, Portable Medical Sensor / Diagnostic Accessory, Networked Sensor / Building Automation.
IoT Sensor Node with Battery Operation
The PIC16F18444-I/GZ is well suited for wireless IoT sensor nodes thanks to its eXtreme Low-Power (XLP) Sleep current below 100 nA and 12-bit ADCC that performs averaging and threshold-triggered conversions without waking the CPU. The device sits on a 3.3V or 1.8V (LF variant) coin-cell supply, polling a temperature/humidity sensor over I2C via the MSSP, then transmitting on an attached radio (e.g., sub-GHz SX1261 or BLE module over UART). The 7 KB Flash comfortably fits Contiki-NG or a custom RTOS-free state machine; the 20-UQFN footprint is small enough for wearables and PCB-mounted sensor tags. Compared with discrete timer + ADC solutions, the integrated CIPs reduce BOM by 30-50%.
Recommended
Industrial Control Subsystem (PLC I/O Module)
In industrial PLC digital and analog I/O modules, the PIC16F18444-I/GZ provides deterministic 8-bit processing, 12-bit ADCC precision for sensor inputs, and the CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) for driving opto-isolated outputs or H-bridges. Operating from 2.5V to 5.5V it interfaces directly to 3.3V or 5V sensors, while EUSART and MSSP provide field-bus connectivity (RS-485 via external transceiver, or SPI to a higher-level MCU). The -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade matches factory-floor requirements, and 512 B of SRAM plus 7 KB Flash is sufficient for local PID loops and Modbus slave stacks.
Recommended
LED Lighting Driver and Dimmer
The PIC16F18444-I/GZ drives LED fixtures with smooth, flicker-free 10-bit PWM dimming and integrates a 12-bit ADCC for ambient light sensing to implement closed-loop constant-lux control. The CWG generates complementary gate-drive signals for synchronous buck or boost LED drivers, while the comparator enables over-current and over-temperature protection with hardware response (no CPU latency). Its XLP characteristics let the device maintain standby and listen for user commands via capacitive touch or a BLE button while drawing only microamps. The 20-UQFN package fits inside narrow LED strips and bulb driver boards.
Recommended
Consumer Wearable / Fitness Tracker
Wearables require small footprints, low power, and integrated analog peripherals, all delivered by the PIC16F18444-I/GZ in its 4x4 mm UQFN package. The 12-bit ADCC reads photoplethysmography (PPG) and skin-temperature signals via on-board op-amps and comparators, while the integrated 5-bit DAC sets bias for the analog front-end. XLP Sleep mode drops current below 100 nA between heart-rate samples, extending coin-cell life to weeks. EUSART and MSSP interfaces connect to BLE SoCs such as the RN4870 for smartphone pairing, and the 7 KB Flash is sufficient for sensor fusion state machines and step-counting algorithms.
Recommended
Smart Home Appliance Control Board
In white-goods and HVAC controllers the PIC16F18444-I/GZ provides all the on-chip analog needed to interface to 24V AC sensors, NTC thermistors, triac drives, and user keypads. The CWG and PWM modules generate zero-cross detection and dimming signals for triac-controlled heaters, while the EUSART links to the main appliance controller for housekeeping data. Industrial temperature rating (-40C to +85C) handles under-cabinet and compressor-adjacent placement. The 7 KB Flash comfortably stores fault-history logs and runtime calibration data; the 20-UQFN fits inside tight control-board layouts.
Recommended
Low-End Brushless DC Motor Control
For low-power brushless DC (BLDC) motor applications such as small fans, pumps, and computer-case ventilation, the PIC16F18444-I/GZ offers the CWG for hardware commutated 3-phase gate-drive timing and the 12-bit ADCC for back-EMF sensing. The integrated comparator allows sensorless rotor-position detection without external op-amps, while PWM channels provide speed control. The 32 MHz CPU computes commutation look-up tables well within loop periods, and the 7 KB Flash is enough to store control curves, ramp profiles, and fault-recovery state machines. Its low Sleep current enables standby mode with wake-on-tachometer.
Recommended
Portable Medical Sensor / Diagnostic Accessory
In portable medical accessories such as pulse oximeters, glucometer dongles, and handheld spirometers, the PIC16F18444-I/GZ delivers the 12-bit precision required for clinical-grade sensors, the XLP architecture for AAA-battery life measured in months, and a small footprint for hand-held form factors. The MSSP connects to displays or BLE modules, while the on-chip comparator implements accurate threshold detection for diagnostic events. The Functional Safety (FuSa) ready family and IEC 60730 Class B firmware support libraries from Microchip help accelerate regulatory submissions for non-critical medical devices.
Recommended
Networked Sensor / Building Automation
In building-automation subsystems (HVAC dampers, occupancy sensors, leak detectors) the PIC16F18444-I/GZ combines industrial-grade operation with EUSART and SPI/I2C interfaces for backhaul radios. The CWG generates PWM or DALI-style dimming commands, while the 12-bit ADCC monitors CO2, VOC, or particulate sensors. The 7 KB Flash supports BACnet, Modbus, or KNX slave protocols, and the 512 B SRAM accommodates message buffers. Industrial temperature rating and low Sleep current suit battery-backed wireless sensor deployments that must last 5-10 years on a single primary cell.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F18444-I/GZ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18444-E/GZ | PIC16F18444-I/GZVAO | PIC16F18445-I/GZ | PIC16F18344-I/GZ | PIC16F15344-I/GZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-UQFN 4x4 mm (GZ) | 20-UQFN 4x4 mm (GZ) - same | 20-UQFN 4x4 mm (GZ) - same | 20-UQFN 4x4 mm (GZ) - same | 20-UQFN 4x4 mm (GZ) - same | 20-UQFN 4x4 mm (GZ) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Architecture | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit, 14-bit instruction word | Same PIC16 enhanced mid-range | Same PIC16 enhanced mid-range | Same PIC16 enhanced mid-range | Same PIC16 enhanced mid-range | PIC16 core independent peripherals family |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB |
| Data SRAM | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 1 KB | 256 B | 256 B |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC with Computation | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC | 10-bit ADC | 10-bit ADC |
| CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (AEC-Q100 Grade 1) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| AEC-Q100 Automotive Qualified | No | No | Yes (Grade 1) | No | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- 12-bit ADCC with Computation vs 10-bit legacy ADC (vs PIC16F18344-I/GZ)
- 7 KB Flash vs 4 KB Flash (vs PIC16F15344-I/GZ)
- Automotive-grade (-VAO) variant available in same package (vs PIC16F18444-I/GZ)
- XLP Sleep current <100 nA vs 1 uA in older PIC16F families (vs PIC16F886-I/SP)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor (C_bulk) within 3 mm of each VDD/VSS pin pair on the PIC16F18444-I/GZ. For noise-sensitive analog measurements, add a 10 uF tantalum or ceramic reservoir capacitor near the package. The UQFN 4x4 mm package has two VDD/VSS pairs (pins 8/7 and 20/19) - both pairs must be decoupled, not just one. For battery-powered designs using the LF variant, additional bulk capacitance on VDD helps the IC ride out load transients in RF bursts.
The 20-UQFN GZ package has a center exposed thermal pad (EP) that must be soldered to a ground-plane copper pour on the top layer for both thermal dissipation and electrical ground reference. Recommended PCB land pattern per IPC-7351 (UQFN-20 4x4 mm, 0.5 mm pitch). Keep digital switching traces away from analog input pins (RA0-RA5, RB0-RB5) and provide a guard ring around analog signals to minimize crosstalk. Route the ICSP signals (ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT) in parallel with no stubs to maintain programming reliability.
Do not leave the MCLR pin floating - tie it to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up resistor, or it can falsely trigger resets in noisy environments. Ensure CONFIG1 register sets the correct oscillator source (HFINTOSC is default), WDT enable, and code-protect bits before locking the part for production. The PIC16F18444-I/GZ is the industrial-temperature variant (-40C to +85C); for -40C to +125C operation use PIC16F18444-E/GZ. Mixing the two suffixes in a thermal-stress environment may cause parameter drift or functional failure.
Route the crystal or external clock traces (OSC1/OSC2 on pins 18/17) as short as possible and guard them with a ground trace to prevent injection of switching noise. If using the internal HFINTOSC (default 32 MHz) the OSC1/OSC2 pins can be repurposed as RA6/RA7 GPIO - but only after clearing the relevant CONFIG1 bits. For ADC accuracy above 10 ENOB, add a small RC anti-alias filter on analog inputs and avoid routing digital return currents beneath the analog pin region.
When using the MSSP in I2C mode on the PIC16F18444-I/GZ, place 4.7 kohm pull-ups on SCL/SDA (calculated for VDD and capacitive load) and ensure total bus capacitance stays below 400 pF for Standard mode or 550 pF for Fast mode. The MSSP in SPI mode requires a maximum 10 MHz clock at 5V and benefits from series 33 ohm resistors near the source pins to dampen ringing on long PCB traces. Always validate I2C signal integrity with an oscilloscope before locking the design.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified in the -I/GZ base part; for automotive applications use the -VAO suffix variant. Lead-free and halogen-free packaging. Functional Safety (FuSa) ready family per Microchip product page; refer to IEC 60730 Class B firmware support libraries for regulatory assistance.
