PIC16LF1518-E/ML - 28KB Flash 8-bit MCU, 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1518-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.78 | $1.78 |
| 10 | $1.55 | $15.50 |
| 100 | $1.32 | $132.00 |
| 500 | $1.15 | $575.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.02 | $1,020.00 |
PIC16LF1518-E/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer-on-a-chip that combines a CPU, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM), and peripheral interfaces on a single silicon die. The PIC16LF1518 is built on Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit core with 49 instructions and 16-level hardware stack, providing a balance of deterministic real-time performance and low power consumption. It sits within the broader hierarchy of microcontrollers -> 8-bit MCUs -> PIC microcontrollers -> power-efficient XLP family, making it suitable for battery-powered and energy-harvesting products.
Key features include up to 17 channels of 10-bit ADC with voltage reference, two CCP (Capture/Compare/PWM) modules for timing and motor control, an EUSART with auto-baud, MI2C, and SPI for serial communication. The nanoWatt XLP technology delivers ultra-low sleep currents, enabling years of operation from a single coin cell. The 28-QFN package offers a small 6x6 mm footprint suitable for space-constrained designs.
The PIC16LF1518 architecture uses a Harvard-style RISC core with separate program and data buses, deterministic instruction execution, and self-read/write capability on the Flash. The 16 MHz internal oscillator provides ±1% accuracy over temperature and voltage after factory calibration, supporting timing-sensitive protocols like UART and PWM without external components.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered home automation devices, low-power wireless sensors, small appliance control, LED lighting controllers, and consumer handheld products. The extended temperature grade (-40°C to +125°C) supports industrial and automotive under-hood environments.
When designing, prioritize low-power firmware patterns: use Sleep mode with peripheral interrupt-on-change, enable the internal LFINTOSC for timekeeping, and configure unused pins as outputs to minimize current leakage. For ADC accuracy, place a 0.1µF bypass capacitor close to VDD.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives drawn from the same PIC16F1518 family, and practical design notes not collected on a single manufacturer datasheet page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1518-E/ML — 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 PIC16LF1518-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Core Architecture, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1518-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1519-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1517-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1516-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1508-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F25K22-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1518-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set | 49 instructions, 16-level hardware stack |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 1024 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz high-precision (factory calibrated) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +125 °C (Extended grade) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 17 channels with voltage reference |
| CCP/PWM Modules | 2 |
| Timers | Two 8-bit timers (TMR0/TMR2) plus 16-bit Timer1 |
| Serial Interfaces | EUSART (auto-baud), MI2C, SPI |
| I/O Pins | Up to 25 (28-pin QFN) |
| I/O Source/Sink Current | 25 mA |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm), ML suffix |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Technology Family | PIC® XLP™ nanoWatt |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1518-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input / I/O function |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog channel 3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/AN4 — Bidirectional I/O / analog channel 4 |
| Pin 7 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O / oscillator |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O / oscillator |
| 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 / TX/CK |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O / RX/DT |
| Pin 18 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 19 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 20 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 21 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 22 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 23 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change / CCP |
| Pin 24 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / PGC |
| Pin 25 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / PGD |
| Pin 26 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.3-5.5V) |
| Pin 27 | RE3/MCLR — Reset input (active low) / input only |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet pinout) |
| Pin PAD | EP — Exposed thermal pad, tie to VSS for thermal dissipation |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1518-E/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Smart Home Lighting Controller, Small Appliance Control Board, Industrial Sensor and Process Transmitter, Automotive Under-Dash Accessory Module, Consumer Handheld Remote Control.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF1518-E/ML fits IoT sensor nodes where multi-year coin-cell life is non-negotiable. Its nanoWatt XLP sleep current below 1 µA combined with 28KB of Flash and a 10-bit ADC across up to 17 channels enables periodic sensor sampling, on-chip averaging, and protocol framing before returning to sleep. The 2.3-5.5 V VDD range allows direct connection to single-cell Li-ion, two-AA alkaline, or 3.3 V regulated rails without a boost converter. Use the internal 16 MHz LFINTOSC for low-power timekeeping, wake on interrupt-on-change, and switch to the high-frequency oscillator only during radio transmission bursts.
Recommended
Smart Home Lighting Controller
In LED lighting and dimmer controllers, the PIC16LF1518-E/ML provides two CCP modules for PWM dimming, hardware EUSART for DMX or wireless module communication, and enough Flash (28 KB) to host color-mixing firmware and OTA update logic. The 25 mA source/sink capability on each I/O pin can directly drive low-current LED strings or MOSFET gates for higher-power strips. The extended -40 °C to +125 °C temperature range supports outdoor fixtures and enclosed downlights without thermal derating.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control Board
Coffee makers, blenders, toasters, and other small appliances benefit from the PIC16LF1518-E/ML's blend of analog and digital peripherals. The 10-bit ADC reads temperature sensors, current sense, and user potentiometers, while the CCP modules drive TRIAC phase control or relay PWM. The 28-QFN 6x6 mm footprint keeps the BOM compact for kitchen-countertop form factors, and the extended temperature grade tolerates the warm enclosures of heating appliances.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor and Process Transmitter
The PIC16LF1518-E/ML's 17-channel 10-bit ADC, hardware EUSART, and SPI make it a strong fit for 4-20 mA loop-powered process transmitters and industrial sensor conditioning boards. The extended temperature grade supports -40 °C to +125 °C field sites, and the 28KB Flash accommodates linearization tables, calibration constants, and Modbus RTU firmware. The internal voltage reference of the ADC eliminates the need for an external reference IC, reducing BOM cost.
Recommended
Automotive Under-Dash Accessory Module
Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, the PIC16LF1518-E/ML's extended -40 °C to +125 °C temperature range supports non-safety automotive accessories like dash-mounted USB hubs, interior LED drivers, or aftermarket gauge clusters operating from a 12 V regulated rail. The EUSART interfaces with LIN or CAN transceivers, while the 17 ADC channels monitor battery voltage, illumination sensors, and potentiometer inputs.
Recommended
Consumer Handheld Remote Control
For TV remotes, presentation clickers, or RF remote controls, the PIC16LF1518-E/ML's XLP sleep current below 1 µA delivers multi-year battery life from a single CR2032 cell. The 28KB Flash supports complex IR protocols, button debouncing, and gesture algorithms, while the EUSART interfaces with 2.4 GHz RF modules. The compact 28-QFN fits inside slim handheld enclosures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1518-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1518-E/ML | PIC16LF1519-E/ML | PIC16LF1517-E/ML | PIC16LF1516-E/ML | PIC16LF1508-E/ML | PIC18F25K22-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6) | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 28 KB | 28 KB | 32 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB | 4 KB | 32 KB |
| RAM | 1024 B | 1024 B | 1024 B | 1024 B | 512 B | 256 B | 1536 B |
| Core Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 64 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3V to 5.5V | 2.3V to 5.5V | 2.3V to 5.5V | 2.3V to 5.5V | 2.3V to 5.5V | 2.3V to 5.5V | 2.3V to 5.5V |
| ADC Channels | 17 x 10-bit | 17 x 10-bit | 17 x 10-bit | 17 x 10-bit | 12 x 10-bit | 12 x 10-bit | 19 x 10-bit |
| CCP Modules | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Industrial) |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty 100) | $1.32 | $1.32 | $1.42 | $1.25 | $1.18 | $1.05 | $2.15 |
Key Differentiators
- Highest Flash in the PIC16LF1516/17 family while keeping the same 28-QFN footprint (vs PIC16LF1517-E/ML)
- Direct LF (low-voltage) variant for 2.3 V battery operation (vs PIC16F1518-E/ML)
- Significantly lower cost than PIC18F alternatives while keeping 28-QFN compatibility (vs PIC18F25K22-I/ML)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of pin 26, plus a bulk 10 µF tantalum or ceramic close to the supply trace. For battery-powered designs, add a 1 µF reservoir on AVDD (if used separately) to stabilize the ADC voltage reference during high-impedance sampling. Estimated: with the PIC16LF1518-E/ML entering Sleep mode and a 16 MHz active duty cycle of 1%, average current can drop below 50 µA on a 3 V supply.
The 28-QFN package requires thermal pad soldering to a copper pour on the PCB, typically tied to VSS. Use a 0.5 mm pitch land pattern and follow IPC-7351 guidelines for the QFN footprint. Stitch vias in the thermal pad (0.3 mm drill, 0.6 mm pitch) to an internal ground plane to reduce thermal resistance from the die to the board.
Configure all unused I/O pins as outputs driving low to minimize Sleep current leakage through floating inputs. Never leave MCLR floating: tie it to VDD through a 10 kΩ pull-up or use the internal MCLR configuration bit. For ADC accuracy, switch the I/O pin to analog mode (ANSELx bit) before starting a conversion, otherwise digital input buffers can inject noise into adjacent channels.
When using the EUSART at 115200 baud or higher, place the series resistor close to the MCU pin and keep the trace under 50 mm to avoid ringing. For SPI buses running above 4 MHz, add a 33 Ω series resistor on SCK to dampen reflections and reduce EMI. Route the ADC analog signals (ANx) away from PWM outputs (CCP1/CCP2) by at least 2x trace spacing to minimize crosstalk.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is an industrial-grade extended-temperature part, not automotive-qualified. Use AEC-Q100 qualified PIC variants for automotive safety applications.
