PIC16F18446-E/SO - 28KB Flash 8-bit MCU | Microchip | XLP
MPN: PIC16F18446-E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.23 | $2.23 |
| 10 | $2.05 | $20.50 |
| 100 | $1.78 | $178.00 |
| 500 | $1.52 | $760.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.34 | $1,340.00 |
PIC16F18446-E/SO Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller (MCU) is a compact processor built around a Harvard-architecture RISC core optimized for deterministic real-time control with minimal instruction-cycle overhead. Within the broader hierarchy, a microcontroller is a single-chip computer integrating CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory, peripherals, and I/O, and the PIC16F184xx family sits in the PIC16 mid-range tier targeting applications that demand low power, integrated analog, and peripheral flexibility without an operating system.
Key features include the 28KB (16K x 14) Flash memory, 256 bytes of EEPROM data, 2KB SRAM, 12-bit ADCC with automatic averaging, 5-bit DAC, two comparators, and a Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) system that remaps digital peripheral I/O to a wide range of physical pins. The part supports up to 18 I/O pins and operates from 1.8V to 5.5V across the extended -40C to +125C industrial temperature range, making it broadly compatible with 3.3V and 5V system rails.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, consumer white goods, low-power wireless sensor hubs, lighting controls, and small home appliances. The integrated 12-bit ADCC allows direct interfacing with analog sensors such as thermistors, photocells, and battery monitors without an external ADC. The CWG and CLC enable flexible waveform synthesis and event-driven logic without CPU intervention, freeing core bandwidth for higher-level tasks. The EUSART/SPI/I2C interfaces are suitable for connecting to external sensors, displays, EEPROM, or RF front-end modules.
When designing with this MCU, allocate adequate decoupling (100 nF plus 1 uF to 10 uF bulk) near VDD, route the ICSP programming pins (ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT) to a header that is accessible for in-circuit programming, and use Microchip's MPLAB X IDE with the XC8 compiler. The PPS system should be configured in software early in initialization to remap peripheral functions to chosen pins.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing across 11 channels, drop-in 20-SOIC alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers select, source, and integrate the PIC16F18446-E/SO confidently.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F18446-E/SO — 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 PIC16F18446-E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18446-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18444-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18426-E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18346-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18345-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.28 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1827-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1829-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18446-E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC Mid-Range (RISC) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Data SRAM | 2 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E = Extended) |
| I/O Pins | Up to 18 |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC with computation |
| DAC | 5-bit DAC |
| Comparators | 2 |
| PWM Channels | 2 x 10-bit PWM |
| Communication Interfaces | EUSART, SPI, I2C |
| Package | 20-SOIC (7.50 mm body, 0.295 in) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (Gull Wing) |
| Special Features | XLP, CIPs (CWG/CLC/NCO), PPS, IDLE/DOZE modes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F18446-E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA3/MCLR — Bidirectional I/O / Master Clear (reset, active low) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O, ICSPCLK |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O, ICSPDAT |
| 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 | VSS — Ground reference (or second GND on package variant) |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 20 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O (alternate pin assignment per SOIC variant) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F18446-E/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Consumer White Goods Control, LED Lighting and Dimming Controllers, Industrial Sensor and Process Transmitters, Portable Medical Monitoring Devices, Automotive Interior and Body Electronics, Home Automation and Smart Home Devices.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16F18446-E/SO is well suited to wireless or wired IoT sensor endpoints because its nanoamp-range XLP sleep current extends coin-cell battery life to multiple years while the integrated 12-bit ADCC samples thermistors, photocells, or analog sensors without external components. At a typical sensor duty cycle of 0.1% wake, average current drops into the single-digit microamp range, and the CLC/NCO peripherals handle event timing autonomously without waking the core. Compared to discrete MCU+ADC designs, the integrated ADCC reduces BOM cost by $0.20-$0.40 and removes firmware averaging loops, simplifying certification for low-power IoT products.
Recommended
Consumer White Goods Control
In washing machines, dishwashers, and small kitchen appliances, the PIC16F18446-E/SO drives the user-interface logic, sensor acquisition, and motor-control timers with deterministic mid-range core performance. The 12-bit ADCC captures temperature, water level, and turbidity sensors directly, while the CWG generates complementary PWM signals for TRIAC or MOSFET driver stages at up to 32MHz core speed. The extended -40C to +125C temperature grade covers the under-cabinet thermal envelope, and the 5.5V VDD tolerance simplifies integration with rectified 5V rails common in appliance power supplies.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Dimming Controllers
The PIC16F18446-E/SO's two 10-bit PWM channels, complemented by the CWG and NCO peripherals, allow precise dimming and color-temperature mixing in smart LED fixtures and architectural lighting controllers. The 32MHz core supports up to 32kHz PWM frequency for flicker-free dimming, while the 5-bit DAC and comparators enable constant-current analog feedback loops. With 28KB flash, designers can embed custom dimming curves, daylight-harvesting logic, and wireless protocol bridges without external memory, in a 20-SOIC package that fits within standard driver enclosures.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor and Process Transmitters
For 4-20mA loop-powered or 24V-bus industrial transmitters, the PIC16F18446-E/SO's 1.8V-5.5V VDD range accommodates post-regulated 3.3V or 5V rails, while the 12-bit ADCC digitizes process variables to 0.024% resolution, sufficient for HVAC pressure, flow, and level transmitters. The EUSART and I2C peripherals connect to HMI displays, EEPROM calibration storage, and isolated digital isolators. The -40C to +125C extended temperature grade and CIP-based deterministic timing make this part appropriate for IEC 61000-4 EMC environments where repeatable interrupt latency is required.
Recommended
Portable Medical Monitoring Devices
Battery-operated pulse oximeters, glucose meters, and portable spirometers benefit from the PIC16F18446-E/SO's XLP nanoamp sleep current and integrated 12-bit ADCC, which digitizes photodiode/thermistor signals without external ADC cost. The 32MHz core executes pulse-oximetry DSP algorithms in real time, and the 256-byte EEPROM stores calibration constants across the device lifecycle. The 20-SOIC package supports hand-assembly for low-volume medical SKUs, while the IEC 60068-compliant temperature range allows use in home-healthcare and ambulatory settings.
Recommended
Automotive Interior and Body Electronics
Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, the PIC16F18446-E/SO can be deployed in non-safety automotive interior subsystems such as HVAC blend-door actuators, ambient lighting, mirror controls, and accessory switch panels where the extended -40C to +125C grade is sufficient. The CWG and PPS remap digital outputs to multiple driver stages, while LIN-compatible EUSART supports body-control network connectivity. Designers building AEC-Q100 systems should step up to the PIC16F18446-E/SOVAO automotive-grade variant or the dsPIC33AEP family for safety-critical subsystems.
Recommended
Home Automation and Smart Home Devices
The PIC16F18446-E/SO's SPI/I2C/EUSART mix makes it a strong fit for smart-home hubs, thermostat sub-controllers, motorized blinds, and occupancy sensors that communicate with Zigbee, BLE, or LoRa radio modules. PPS allows UART, SPI, and PWM peripherals to be remapped to a wide set of physical pins, simplifying PCB layout when interfacing with multiple radio modules. The XLP sleep current in the nanoampere range lets battery-powered window and door sensors run for years on a single CR2032 cell.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F18446-E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18446-I/SO | PIC16F18444-E/SO | PIC16F18426-E/SO | PIC16F18345-I/SO | PIC16F1827-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-SOIC (0.295 in) | 20-SOIC (same) | 20-SOIC (same) | 20-SOIC (same) | 20-SOIC (same) | 20-SOIC (same) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 28 KB | 28 KB | 7 KB | 28 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB |
| SRAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 512 B | 2 KB | 1 KB | 384 B |
| Max CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC | 10-bit ADC | 10-bit ADC |
| Temperature Grade | Extended -40C to +125C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Extended -40C to +125C | Extended -40C to +125C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C |
| PWM Channels | 2 x 10-bit | 2 x 10-bit | 2 x 10-bit | 2 x 10-bit | 2 x 10-bit | 2 x 10-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Modern CIP set (CWG/CLC/NCO) with 12-bit ADCC (vs PIC16F1827-I/SO)
- 4x larger flash than lower-tier sibling (vs PIC16F18444-E/SO)
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade as standard (vs PIC16F18446-I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin and a 1 uF to 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same supply node. The PIC16F18446-E/SO's XLP nanoamp sleep current can be undermined by leakage through external pull-ups; use internal weak pull-ups where possible, and disable unused peripherals via the PMD registers to avoid phantom supply current in deep-sleep designs. Estimated: at 3.3V with all peripherals off, sleep current is in the 10-50 nA range per Microchip datasheet typicals.
Route the ICSP programming pins (RA6/ICSPCLK and RA7/ICSPDAT) to a 0.1 in pitch header accessible from the board edge to support in-circuit programming and debugging. Keep analog traces (RA0-RA5) short and away from PWM/UART switching lines to minimize ADC crosstalk. The exposed copper pour on VDD and VSS should be unbroken and star-grounded at the regulator return to reduce ground bounce during high-current PWM transitions.
Configuration word settings (FOSC, WDTE, PWRTE, MCLRE, BOREN, LVP) must match the hardware design before code is loaded. MCLR reset (RA3/MCLR) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD if used in reset mode; if not used, it can be configured as a digital input but cannot be left floating. Always set the PPS_LOCK register after peripheral pin remapping to prevent accidental re-mapping during runtime, and unlock only via the unlock sequence documented in the PIC16F184xx family reference manual.
For SPI/I2C bus runs longer than 50 mm, add series resistors (22-33 ohm) near the MCU end and a small bulk capacitor at the peripheral end to dampen ringing. The EUSART in high-speed modes (>1 Mbaud) benefits from a 100 ohm source termination on the TX line. With the 12-bit ADCC sampling at high rates, gate digital outputs away from analog inputs and use the dedicated VDD/VSS pair nearest the analog reference pin to avoid digital switching noise coupling into the conversion result.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page; not AEC-Q100 qualified (use the /SOVAO automotive variant for AEC-Q100). Lead-free (Pb-free) assembly process per JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL rating.
