PIC16F18446T-I/SO - 8-Bit 32MHz 28KB Flash XLP MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F18446T-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.28 | $1.28 |
| 10 | $1.18 | $11.80 |
| 100 | $1.05 | $105.00 |
| 500 | $0.92 | $460.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.8 | $800.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.6406 | $1,921.80 |
PIC16F18446T-I/SO Overview
What is a PIC16 XLP microcontroller? An 8-bit MCU (microcontroller unit) is a single-chip computer integrating a CPU core, Flash memory, RAM, and programmable peripherals on one silicon die; the PIC16 family uses a RISC instruction set, and XLP (eXtreme Low Power) denotes Microchip's proprietary nanoWatt technology that enables sleep currents in the tens of nanoamps, allowing battery-powered applications to operate for years on a single cell.
Key differentiating features of the PIC16F18446 include Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) such as the 12-bit ADCC (Analog-to-Digital Converter with Computation), 5-bit DAC, two PWM modules, comparators, CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator), and the EUSART plus SPI/I2C serial interfaces. Functional Safety (FuSa) capability is built in, and the device operates from 1.8V to 5.5V across industrial and consumer temperature grades.
Architecturally, the PIC16F18446 combines a Harvard RISC core running up to 32MHz (8 MIPS) with 14-bit instruction words, providing deterministic interrupt latency under 5 cycles and a compact code footprint. The integrated 32MHz HFINTOSC eliminates the need for an external crystal in most designs, while the 16-channel 12-bit ADCC handles sensor fusion, signal conditioning, and battery monitoring without external analog components.
Typical applications include low-power IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered home automation, LED lighting controls, small consumer appliances, and industrial sensor interfaces. The wide operating voltage range and nanoWatt XLP modes also suit wearables and remote controls where standby current dominates total energy budget.
When designing with this MCU, place a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor close to VDD and use the ICSP programming pins (PGED/PGEC) with a 10k pull-up on MCLR to ensure reliable in-circuit programming. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative MPNs, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F18446T-I/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 PIC16F18446T-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, Comparators, DAC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18446-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18446-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.34 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18445-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18444T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18346T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18446T-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16 (L)F184xx |
| Core | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 2 KB |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm body) |
| Pin Count | 20 |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC (Analog-to-Digital Converter with Computation) |
| DAC | 5-bit DAC |
| PWM Modules | 2x |
| Comparators | Yes |
| CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) | Yes |
| EUSART | 1x |
| SPI / I2C | Yes |
| Functional Safety (FuSa) | Yes |
| XLP (eXtreme Low Power) | Yes (nanoWatt) |
| RoHS Compliance | Compliant |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel (T suffix) |
PIC16F18446T-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5/MCLR — Digital I/O / Master Clear (Reset) input |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — Digital I/O / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — Digital I/O / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive power supply (1.8V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RB7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB6 — Digital I/O / ICSP programming clock |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Digital I/O / ICSP programming data |
| Pin 12 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 15 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | RB0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — Digital I/O / analog input |
Typical Applications
PIC16F18446T-I/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Low-Power IoT Sensor Nodes, Battery-Powered Home Automation, LED Lighting Control, Small Consumer Appliances, Industrial Sensor Interfaces, Remote Controls and Wearables, Functional Safety (FuSa) Embedded Systems.
Low-Power IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16F18446T-I/SO fits wireless IoT sensor nodes through its XLP nanoWatt technology and integrated 12-bit ADCC, enabling multi-year coin-cell operation. The 28KB Flash holds a typical BLE/Zigbee stack portion plus sensor fusion logic, while the 32MHz HFINTOSC eliminates external crystals. With 1.8V-5.5V operation, the MCU pairs directly with single-cell Li-ion or 2x AA batteries; its 50nA sleep current (per datasheet) and fast wake-up time (<1us) make it ideal for duty-cycled environmental sensors.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Home Automation
For battery-powered home automation devices like door/window sensors, motion detectors, and remote controls, the PIC16F18446T-I/SO offers the right blend of low power, integration, and cost. The EUSART/SPI/I2C peripherals connect directly to sub-GHz radio modules or BLE transceivers, while the CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) drives piezo buzzers or LED indicators without CPU overhead. The 2KB RAM is sufficient for protocol stacks with modest buffering; 28KB Flash accommodates custom encryption and pairing logic.
Recommended
LED Lighting Control
LED lighting drivers benefit from the PIC16F18446T-I/SO's integrated 16-channel 12-bit ADCC for color-mixing feedback loops and the CWG for high-resolution PWM generation. Two hardware PWM modules at up to 32MHz provide 16-bit resolution for flicker-free dimming, while the 5-bit DAC sets constant-current reference levels. The 1.8V-5.5V range covers both 3.3V and 5V LED driver topologies; the nanoWatt XLP sleep mode keeps standby power under 50nA in always-connected smart bulbs.
Recommended
Small Consumer Appliances
Small consumer appliances such as coffee makers, blenders, and air purifiers leverage the PIC16F18446T-I/SO for motor control via its PWM/CWG and ADC sensing for temperature/pressure/humidity. The 28KB Flash accommodates touchscreen UI state machines plus safety firmware (Functional Safety / FuSa capability), while 2KB RAM handles modest UI buffers. The 32MHz CPU executes control loops within 125us, well under typical 1ms control cycle targets for brushed DC and universal motors.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interfaces
Industrial 4-20mA loop-powered transmitters and bridge sensor interfaces rely on the PIC16F18446T-I/SO's 12-bit ADCC with computation, which automates averaging, oversampling, and threshold detection without CPU intervention. The Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) run independent of the CPU, enabling deterministic sampling at high rates; this suits strain gauge, RTD, and thermocouple signal conditioning. Industrial -40C to +85C operation with RoHS compliance meets factory floor requirements.
Recommended
Remote Controls and Wearables
Remote controls, fitness bands, and wearables benefit from the PIC16F18446T-I/SO's combination of low power, small package, and integrated peripherals. The XLP nanoWatt mode delivers 50nA sleep current, enabling multi-year coin-cell operation on devices that wake briefly to transmit then return to sleep. The 32MHz CPU handles IR protocol encoding/decoding or BLE control command processing; the 20-SOIC package fits even slim wearable form factors while supporting standard reflow profiles.
Recommended
Functional Safety (FuSa) Embedded Systems
The PIC16F18446T-I/SO includes Microchip's Functional Safety (FuSa) hardware features - such as a windowed watchdog, CRC, Flash/RAM built-in self-test, and dedicated fault-handling state machine - enabling designs targeting IEC 61508 SIL 2/3 and ISO 26262 ASIL B. Combined with 28KB Flash for safety firmware and 2KB RAM for redundant variables, the device is well-suited to industrial sensor transmitters, automotive body controllers, and medical device peripherals. The 12-bit ADCC with hardware averaging supports safety-relevant signal chains.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F18446T-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18446-I/SO | PIC16F18446-E/SO | PIC16F18445-I/SO | PIC16F18444T-I/SO | PIC16F18346T-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm) | 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm) - same | 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm) - same | 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm) - same | 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm) - same | 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm) - smaller body |
| Flash Program Memory | 28 KB | 28 KB | 28 KB | 14 KB (-50%) | 7 KB (-75%) | 28 KB |
| RAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 1 KB (-50%) | 512 B (-75%) | 2 KB |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tube | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel |
| Functional Safety (FuSa) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Key Differentiators
- Highest Flash density in PIC16F184xx family at 20-pin SOIC (vs PIC16F18444T-I/SO)
- Tape & Reel packaging for high-volume assembly (vs PIC16F18446-I/SO)
- Industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade standard (vs PIC16F18346T-I/SS)
- Functional Safety (FuSa) hardware features included (vs PIC16F18445-I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5mm of the VDD pin (pin 7) and a bulk 10uF tantalum or ceramic at the board's power entry. The PIC16F18446's internal voltage regulator requires clean VDD to meet its 50nA sleep current spec; noisy supplies can increase Iq by 10x. For battery applications, add a 100k resistor from MCLR to VDD to ensure predictable startup from a slow-rising battery voltage.
The 20-SOIC package has a thermal resistance (theta_JA) of approximately 70 C/W in still air. At maximum CPU activity (32MHz, all peripherals on), the PIC16F18446 draws about 7mA from 3.3V (~23mW), so thermal management is generally not required. However, if the device is run continuously in high-temperature environments (above 70C), provide copper pour under the exposed pad region to keep junction temperature below 125C. Estimated: 23mW x 70 C/W = 1.6C rise above ambient, well within safe limits.
Route the ICSP signals (PGED/RB5 pin 11, PGEC/RB6 pin 10) with stubs under 25mm and avoid routing them adjacent to high-frequency switching nodes. The 20-SOIC's 1.27mm pin pitch accommodates standard 8mil traces with 4mil clearances on a 4-layer FR-4 board. Keep clock traces (OSC1/OSC2 if used) short and surrounded by ground pour; if using the internal HFINTOSC instead, tie OSC1 to ground and leave OSC2 floating per Microchip's recommendations.
Do not exceed 5.5V or drop below 1.8V on VDD - the PIC16F18446 lacks internal brown-out reset below 1.8V. Always configure the CONFIG register's WDTE bit appropriately; the windowed watchdog timer must be enabled for Functional Safety (FuSa) applications. When using the ADC, add a 100ns acquisition time and a 1us conversion time; reading ADRES before conversion completes returns stale data. The MCLR pin should never be left floating - tie it to VDD through a 10k resistor for reliable operation.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per DigiKey product listing; lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip product page. Functional Safety (FuSa) capable for IEC 61508 SIL 2 designs; not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive - choose dsPIC33 or PIC32 alternatives for AEC-Q100 automotive applications.
