PIC16LF1518-I/ML - 28KB Flash 8-Bit MCU, 20MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1518-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.56 | $25.60 |
| 100 | $2.27 | $227.00 |
| 500 | $2.04 | $1,020.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.82 | $1,820.00 |
PIC16LF1518-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path. Within the broader semiconductor hierarchy, an MCU belongs to the category of microcontrollers, which sit under embedded processors, which are themselves a branch of digital logic ICs, ultimately falling under semiconductors. The PIC16F family uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, which enables single-cycle instruction execution for predictable timing in real-time control applications.
Key features of the PIC16LF1518-I/ML include: 28KB Flash for application code storage, 1024B SRAM for runtime variables, a 17-channel 10-bit ADC with internal voltage reference, two 8-bit timers (TMR0/TMR2), one 16-bit timer (TMR1), an extended watchdog timer (WDT), and 25mA source/sink current capability per I/O pin. The integrated ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) and ICD (In-Circuit Debug) interfaces allow field-upgradeable firmware and real-time debugging without removing the MCU from the PCB.
The PIC16LF1518 architecture uses a RISC-style instruction set with only 49 instructions, most of which execute in a single instruction cycle. The XLP technology implements multiple low-power modes (Run, Idle, Sleep with optional WDT) and a programmable Ultra Low-Power Brown-Out Reset (ULPBOR), allowing current consumption in the microamp range during Sleep, which is critical for battery-powered and energy-harvesting applications.
Typical applications for the PIC16LF1518-I/ML include: low-power IoT sensor nodes with battery operation, consumer electronics such as remote controls and small appliances, industrial sensor signal conditioning, white goods motor control, and portable medical devices where low quiescent current extends battery life. Its small 6x6 mm QFN footprint also suits space-constrained PCB designs where every square millimeter matters.
When designing with the PIC16LF1518-I/ML, ensure the exposed thermal pad on the QFN package is soldered to a sufficiently large copper pour for both thermal dissipation and mechanical reliability. Decoupling capacitors (typically 100nF ceramic) should be placed as close as possible to the VDD pin, and the ICSP/ICD pins should be reserved for programming/debug access even if unused in the final application to allow field re-programming.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes for the PIC16LF1518-I/ML that go beyond what is available in the manufacturer datasheet alone, including cross-brand pin-compatible equivalents and trade-off guidance for selecting the right MCU variant for low-power embedded designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1518-I/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-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Core Architecture, I/O Pins, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1518-E/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1517-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1516T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1518-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1518-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1518-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit Harvard |
| Family | PIC® XLP™ 16F |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 1024 bytes |
| Max CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC | 10-bit, 17 channels |
| Timers | Two 8-bit (TMR0/TMR2), One 16-bit (TMR1) |
| CCP Modules | 2 |
| Communication | MSSP (SPI/I2C), EUSART |
| I/O Pins | 25 (with 25 mA source/sink) |
| Watchdog Timer | Extended WDT |
| Brown-Out Reset | Programmable Ultra Low-Power BOR (ULPBOR) |
| Programming/Debug | ICSP + ICD (In-Circuit Serial Programming/Debug) |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) with Exposed Pad |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1518-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/C1IN+/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input 3 / Comparator non-inverting input / Voltage reference positive |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4/C1IN-/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Analog input 4 / Comparator inverting input / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN5/C2IN+/SS — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input 5 / Comparator non-inverting input / Slave Select for SPI |
| Pin 4 | RA6/OSC2/CLKOUT — PORTA bit 6 / Oscillator crystal output / Clock output |
| Pin 5 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN — PORTA bit 7 / Oscillator crystal input / External clock input |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.3V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 8 | RB0/AN12/CCP1 — PORTB bit 0 / Analog input 12 / CCP1 PWM/capture input |
| Pin 9 | RB1/AN10/C1OUT — PORTB bit 1 / Analog input 10 / Comparator 1 output |
| Pin 10 | RB2/AN8/C2OUT — PORTB bit 2 / Analog input 8 / Comparator 2 output |
| Pin 11 | RB3/AN9/CCP2 — PORTB bit 3 / Analog input 9 / CCP2 PWM/capture input |
| Pin 12 | RB4/AN11 — PORTB bit 4 / Analog input 11 |
| Pin 13 | RB5/AN13 — PORTB bit 5 / Analog input 13 |
| Pin 14 | RB6/ICSPCLK — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock (programming/debug) |
| Pin 15 | RB7/ICSPDAT — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data (programming/debug) |
| Pin 16 | RC0/SCL1/SCK1 — PORTC bit 0 / I2C clock / SPI clock |
| Pin 17 | RC1/SDA1/SDI1 — PORTC bit 1 / I2C data / SPI data in |
| Pin 18 | RC2/SDO1 — PORTC bit 2 / SPI data out |
| Pin 19 | RC3/AN14 — PORTC bit 3 / Analog input 14 |
| Pin 20 | RC4/AN15 — PORTC bit 4 / Analog input 15 |
| Pin 21 | RC5/AN16 — PORTC bit 5 / Analog input 16 |
| Pin 22 | RC6/TX1/CK1 — PORTC bit 6 / EUSART1 transmit / EUSART1 clock |
| Pin 23 | RC7/RX1/DT1 — PORTC bit 7 / EUSART1 receive / EUSART1 data |
| Pin 24 | RE3/MCLR/VPP — PORTE bit 3 / Master Clear reset (active low) / Programming voltage |
| Pin 25 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 26 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 27 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input 2 / Voltage reference negative |
| Pin 28 | VSS (Exposed Pad) — Ground / Thermal pad (must be soldered to PCB ground plane) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1518-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Consumer Remote Controls, White Goods and Small Appliance Control, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Portable Medical Devices, LED Lighting and Dimming Control.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF1518-I/ML fits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its XLP technology delivers sub-microamp sleep current, while 28KB Flash accommodates OTA firmware and application logic, and 1024B RAM handles sensor buffering. At 20MHz with 2.3V to 5.5V supply it can run directly from a CR2032 coin cell or 2x AA alkaline cells. The 17-channel 10-bit ADC interfaces directly with temperature, humidity, and analog sensor outputs, while MSSP and EUSART connect to radios such as Sub-GHz transceivers. Power dissipation is dominated by sleep current, not active current, which extends battery life to multi-year timescales in duty-cycled applications.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Controls
Consumer IR remote controls benefit from the PIC16LF1518-I/ML's low power consumption, compact 6x6 mm QFN package, and integrated 25mA I/O drive capable of directly interfacing with IR LEDs without external transistors. Its 28KB Flash is sufficient for complex IR protocols including NEC, RC5/RC6, and proprietary encodings, while the 10-bit ADC reads battery voltage for low-battery detection. The 20MHz clock enables precise IR carrier generation, and XLP Sleep modes extend battery life to multiple years under typical use patterns.
Recommended
White Goods and Small Appliance Control
The PIC16LF1518-I/ML is well-suited for white goods such as coffee makers, microwaves, washing machine sub-modules, and small kitchen appliances because of its 28KB Flash for state-machine firmware and 17 ADC channels for reading temperature, water level, and motor current. The two CCP modules can generate PWM for motor speed control, TRIAC firing, or LED dimming, while the 25mA I/O drive directly interfaces with relays and optocouplers. The wide 2.3V to 5.5V supply range accommodates rectified mains-derived rails, and the -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade handles appliance thermal environments.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
For industrial sensor signal conditioning and 4-20mA loop-powered transmitters, the PIC16LF1518-I/ML offers a 17-channel 10-bit ADC with internal voltage reference for accurate sensor readings, plus EUSART for RS-485 / RS-232 communication with PLCs. The programmable ULPBOR (Ultra Low-Power Brown-Out Reset) ensures deterministic reset behavior under fluctuating industrial supplies, while the wide 2.3V to 5.5V input range allows direct operation from 24V loops with simple linear regulation. The industrial -40C to +85C operating range meets factory floor environmental requirements.
Recommended
Portable Medical Devices
Portable medical devices such as pulse oximeters, blood pressure monitors, and portable nebulizers benefit from the PIC16LF1518-I/ML's low power consumption, where XLP sleep current below 1 microamp preserves battery life between uses. Its 28KB Flash runs sensor fusion algorithms, the 17-channel ADC digitizes multiple sensor inputs simultaneously, and MSSP interfaces with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi modules for data transmission. The integrated ICSP/ICD allows field firmware updates to support evolving clinical protocols without requiring device recall.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Dimming Control
LED lighting drivers and dimmer controllers benefit from the PIC16LF1518-I/ML's two CCP modules, which generate high-resolution PWM signals for LED dimming and color mixing. The 25mA source/sink I/O drives MOSFET gate drivers directly, while the 10-bit ADC reads ambient light sensors and feedback photodiodes for closed-loop brightness control. The wide operating voltage range supports both 12V and 24V LED lighting rails, and XLP low-power modes reduce standby consumption below 1mW in always-connected smart lighting fixtures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1518-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1518-E/ML | PIC16LF1517-I/P | PIC16LF1516T-I/ML | PIC16LF1518-I/SP | PIC16LF1518-E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same |
| Flash Memory | 28 KB | 28 KB | 16 KB (-43%) | 8 KB (-71%) | 28 KB | 28 KB |
| RAM | 1024 B | 1024 B | 1024 B | 512 B (-50%) | 1024 B | 1024 B |
| Max CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 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 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| ADC Channels | 17 channels, 10-bit | 17 channels, 10-bit | 17 channels, 10-bit | 17 channels, 10-bit | 17 channels, 10-bit | 17 channels, 10-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Maximum Flash memory in the QFN-28 LF family variant (vs PIC16LF1517-I/P)
- Full 1024B RAM versus 512B on smaller variants (vs PIC16LF1516T-I/ML)
- Same die as PIC16LF1518-E/ML with industrial temperature grade (vs PIC16LF1518-E/ML)
Design Notes
Place a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 7) with the trace to the VDD pad shorter than 5 mm. Add a 10uF bulk capacitor near the MCU if the supply rail is shared with high-current loads. The PIC16LF1518-I/ML's XLP technology requires stable VDD to enter Sleep mode reliably; noisy rails may prevent the BOR from releasing and cause unexpected resets. Enable the programmable ULPBOR for battery applications to guarantee defined reset behavior at low supply voltages.
The 28-QFN package has an exposed thermal pad on pin 28 that MUST be soldered to a PCB ground plane. Without proper soldering, thermal resistance rises dramatically and the die can overheat under sustained 20MHz operation with all I/O pins sourcing 25mA. Use thermal vias in a 3x3 array under the exposed pad, each via 0.3 mm in diameter, to conduct heat from the package to inner PCB copper layers. With proper thermal design, the industrial-grade -40C to +85C range is achievable without derating.
Route the ICSP/ICD signals (RB6/ICSPCLK and RB7/ICSPDAT, pins 14-15) to a programming header even if not used in the final application. This allows firmware updates without removing the MCU from the board. Keep the ICSPCLK and ICSPDAT traces short and away from high-speed switching signals to avoid programming interference. Reserve the MCLR pin (pin 24) for the reset circuit with a 10kohm pull-up to VDD; do not leave it floating. The MCLR/VPP pin also serves as the programming voltage input, so a properly designed reset network is essential for both operation and ICSP.
Do not confuse the PIC16LF1518 with the PIC16F1518 - both operate from 2.3V to 5.5V, but the LF variant is optimized for lower sleep current. Do not pull MCLR low during normal operation; the pin is active-low reset and an inadvertent low pulse will reset the MCU. When migrating from PIC16LF1517 (16KB Flash) to PIC16LF1518-I/ML (28KB Flash), recompile with the new linker script to use the additional program memory. Watch for ADC acquisition time: at 20MHz Fosc, ensure TACQ meets the datasheet minimum (typically 4-8 us) by configuring the ADC clock prescaler appropriately.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; choose PIC16LF1518-E/ML for extended temperature or external AEC-Q100 qualified parts for automotive.
