PIC16LF1618T-I/SS - 8-Bit MCU, 7KB Flash, 32MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1618T-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.42 | $1.42 |
| 10 | $1.28 | $12.80 |
| 100 | $1.05 | $105.00 |
| 500 | $0.92 | $460.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.78 | $780.00 |
PIC16LF1618T-I/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path CPU, on-chip Flash/ROM for program storage, RAM for variables, and integrated peripherals such as ADC, timers, communication interfaces (UART, I2C, SPI), and GPIO. MCUs sit at the lowest tier of the embedded computing hierarchy and are typically used as the main controller in cost-sensitive, low-power, deterministic applications. The PIC16F family specifically uses a modified Harvard RISC architecture and is one of Microchip's flagship general-purpose 8-bit lines.
Key features of the PIC16LF1618T-I/SS include the 7KB (4K x 14) Flash, 512-byte SRAM, integrated 10-bit ADC, eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology for sub-microamp sleep currents, and operation from a wide 1.8V to 3.6V supply range (the LF prefix indicates the low-voltage F variant). It supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) and is delivered on tape-and-reel for high-volume surface-mount assembly.
Architecturally, the device implements a 14-bit instruction word with a 32MHz internal oscillator, peripheral pin select for flexible signal routing, and on-chip debugging via Microchip's MPLAB ICD tools. The 10-bit ADC with internal voltage reference enables direct interfacing with analog sensors without external converters, reducing BOM cost and PCB area.
Typical applications include battery-powered IoT sensor nodes, consumer electronics remote controls, LED lighting controllers, low-cost motor control, and industrial sensor interface modules. Designers select this part for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded applications where 8-bit processing, moderate memory, and small footprint matter more than raw CPU performance.
When designing with the PIC16LF1618T-I/SS, ensure your firmware toolchain uses MPLAB X IDE with the XC8 compiler and that decoupling capacitors are placed close to VDD/AVDD/VSS pins. The wide operating voltage range simplifies battery-direct designs but the maximum 32MHz CPU clock is only reachable at 3.0V or higher.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in PIC16-family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1618T-I/SS — 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 PIC16LF1618T-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash), Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1618-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1618-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1618-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.86 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1618T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1559T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.28 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1508T-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1618T-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC16 enhanced mid-range |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 512 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Technology Family | PIC16F (XLP - eXtreme Low Power) |
| Programming Method | In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16LF1618T-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O pin / ICSP programming data |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O pin / MCLR (per configuration) |
| Pin 4 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 5 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 6 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 7 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 8 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 9 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 12 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O pin / ICSP programming clock |
| Pin 13 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 14 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 16 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 17 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 18 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 19 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O pin / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 20 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1618T-I/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Consumer Remote Controls, LED Lighting Controllers, Industrial Sensor Interface Modules, Automotive Body Electronics (Sub-systems), Low-Cost Motor Control (Brushed DC and Stepper), Portable Medical and Wellness Devices.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF1618T-I/SS is well-suited for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes thanks to its XLP technology delivering sub-microamp sleep currents and its 1.8V to 3.6V wide operating voltage that runs directly from 2xAA alkaline or a single Li-ion cell. The integrated 10-bit ADC handles analog sensor channels such as temperature, humidity, or photodiode inputs without external converters. With 7 KB Flash, the part supports wireless protocol stacks like Sub-GHz RF, BLE beacon firmware, or LoRaWAN device drivers. Compared to 32-bit Cortex-M0+ alternatives, this PIC16 keeps BOM cost low and code determinism high, ideal for sleepy-end-node designs on coin-cell or energy-harvesting power budgets.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Controls
Consumer IR/RF remote controls benefit from the PIC16LF1618T-I/SS low-power operation and small SSOP-20 footprint. The 32 MHz CPU handles IR protocol encoding (RC5, NEC, SIRC) in real time with cycle-accurate timing, while the 7 KB Flash stores multiple device code tables and pairing logic. The LF suffix guarantees 1.8V operation, which lets the design run directly from 2xAAA batteries without a boost converter. Compared to a bare-baseline PIC10F, this part adds UART/SPI/I2C for bidirectional remotes with voice or motion add-ons. Average active-mode current under 1 mA keeps battery life in the multi-year range.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16LF1618T-I/SS can serve as the main controller in cost-sensitive LED driver and lighting-control modules. The 10-bit ADC reads ambient light sensors and potentiometer dimmer inputs; the 32 MHz CPU drives PWM outputs for dimming and color-mixing. With 512 bytes SRAM and 7 KB Flash, the part fits DMX-512, DALI-lite, or 0-10V analog dimming firmware without external memory. Compared to dedicated LED driver ICs, this PIC16 gives the designer freedom to implement custom fade curves, motion activation, and wireless control via UART to a paired BLE module.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Modules
Industrial 4-20 mA loop-powered sensor interfaces leverage the PIC16LF1618T-I/SS industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C) and XLP low-power operation. The integrated 10-bit ADC digitizes bridge sensor, thermistor, or RTD signals; the 32 MHz CPU runs calibration math and Modbus RTU over UART. The 20-pin SSOP package is small enough to fit inside standard sensor head enclosures. Compared to discrete op-amp + ADC solutions, this single-chip approach cuts BOM count, simplifies firmware updates via ICSP, and provides on-chip EEPROM emulation for calibration storage in Flash.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Sub-systems)
While not AEC-Q100 qualified, the PIC16LF1618T-I/SS industrial-grade variant is widely used in non-safety automotive sub-systems such as interior lighting controllers, seat-heater modules, and HVAC damper actuators. Its -40C to +85C industrial temperature range handles cabin environments; its 32 MHz CPU drives LIN-bus slave protocol stacks via UART plus a software timer. With 7 KB Flash, the part stores node capability and configuration descriptors. Compared to dedicated automotive LIN ICs, this PIC16 lets the OEM customize behavior without external EEPROM.
Recommended
Low-Cost Motor Control (Brushed DC and Stepper)
The PIC16LF1618T-I/SS controls small brushed-DC and unipolar stepper motors in cost-sensitive applications such as appliance valves, toys, and small fans. The 10-bit ADC reads back-EMF, current-sense amplifiers, or potentiometer position; the 32 MHz CPU generates PWM at high resolution. The 7 KB Flash fits speed-ramp tables and stall-detection algorithms. With XLP low-power sleep, the design idles at sub-microamp current when the motor is off, ideal for battery-powered or solar-powered motion devices.
Recommended
Portable Medical and Wellness Devices
Portable medical and wellness devices such as digital thermometers, pulse oximeters, and pill-dispenser timers use the PIC16LF1618T-I/SS for its low-power operation and small footprint. The 10-bit ADC reads thermistor, photodiode, or load-cell inputs; the 32 MHz CPU runs display-refresh and alarm logic. With 1.8V operation, the part runs from 2xAAA batteries for years. The SSOP-20 package fits inside handheld enclosures with strict height constraints. Compared to ultra-low-end 6-pin PIC10F, this PIC16 offers enough peripherals for LCD driving, button debouncing, and buzzer control without external glue logic.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1618T-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1618-I/SS | PIC16LF1618-I/SO | PIC16LF1618-I/P | PIC16LF1618T-I/SO | PIC16LF1559T-I/SS | PIC16LF1508T-I/GZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin SOIC - same pinout, larger body | 20-pin PDIP - same pinout, through-hole | 20-pin SOIC - same pinout, larger body | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin UQFN - smaller footprint, different land pattern |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB | 7 KB - same | 7 KB - same | 7 KB - same | 7 KB - same | 4 KB - lower | 7 KB - same |
| Data SRAM | 512 bytes | 512 bytes - same | 512 bytes - same | 512 bytes - same | 512 bytes - same | 256 bytes - lower | 256 bytes - lower |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 32 MHz | 32 MHz - same | 32 MHz - same | 32 MHz - same | 32 MHz - same | 32 MHz - same | 20 MHz - lower |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit | 10-bit - same | 10-bit - same | 10-bit - same | 10-bit - same | 10-bit - same | 10-bit - same |
| Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +85 C - same |
| XLP Low-Power Technology | Yes | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same |
Key Differentiators
- Wider operating voltage range than standard PIC16F1618 (vs PIC16F1618-I/SS (standard F variant))
- Smaller SSOP footprint vs SOIC variant (vs PIC16LF1618T-I/SO)
- More Flash than PIC16LF1559T-I/SS (vs PIC16LF1559T-I/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 11) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the board's power entry point. For the LF variant operating below 3.0V, ensure the bulk capacitor is a low-ESR ceramic (X5R/X7R) to handle the in-rush during sleep-to-active transitions without voltage droop.
Route the ICSPDAT (RA4/ICSPCLK) signals with short, parallel traces and keep them away from switching nodes like PWM outputs and oscillator crystals. Add a 4.7 kohm pull-up on MCLR if the pin is used as a reset input, or tie directly to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor if unused, to prevent spurious resets in noisy environments.
The 'LF' suffix indicates the low-voltage variant (1.8V to 3.6V) - applying 5V to VDD will damage the part permanently. For 5V operation, use the standard PIC16F1618 instead. Also, the 32 MHz maximum CPU clock requires VDD >= 3.0V; at 2.0V the max clock is 16 MHz per the datasheet's frequency-vs-voltage curve.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - select PIC16F1618-E/SS extended-temperature variant for automotive applications.
