PIC16LF1778-I/MX - 28KB Flash 8-bit MCU, 32MHz, 28-UQFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1778-I/MX ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.58 | $25.80 |
| 100 | $2.3 | $230.00 |
| 500 | $2.05 | $1,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.82 | $1,820.00 |
PIC16LF1778-I/MX Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash), working memory (RAM), and a rich set of peripherals (ADC, PWM, communication interfaces) into one device. Within the broader taxonomy, an 8-bit MCU sits below 16-bit DSC and 32-bit Cortex-M parts in compute power, but offers deterministic behavior, low cost, and extremely low active/standby power — making it the dominant choice in cost-sensitive and battery-powered embedded designs. The PIC16LF1778-I/MX is the 'LF' (low-voltage, low-power Flash) variant of the PIC16F1778, optimized for operation down to 1.8V.
Key features include four 10-bit DACs, four operational amplifiers, two high-speed comparators, a 10-bit ADC with Computation (ADC2), Zero-Cross Detect (ZCD), programmable ramp generator (PRG), Peripheral Pin Select (PPS), 10/16-bit PWMs with complementary outputs, and 100 mA I/O drive capability. Communication interfaces include SPI, I2C, and EUSART with auto-baud detect. On-chip Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) allow complex functions such as power-factor correction, SMPS control, and capacitive touch sensing to run without CPU intervention.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF1778-I/MX uses Microchip's nanoWatt XLP technology for ultra-low sleep current (down to ~30 nA typical), making it suitable for energy-harvesting and always-on applications. The integrated 32MHz internal oscillator eliminates the need for an external crystal in many designs, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. The device operates from 1.8V to 3.6V across an industrial -40C to +85C temperature range, supporting both consumer and industrial deployments.
Typical applications include LED lighting drivers with dimming and color-mixing control, digital switch-mode power supplies (SMPS), USB Type-C power delivery controllers, battery chargers for Li-ion packs, BLDC and stepper motor control loops, and general-purpose IoT sensor nodes. Designers leverage the integrated op-amps and comparators to build closed-loop current/voltage control without external analog ICs.
When designing with this part, allocate the exposed pad (EP) to a continuous ground pour to meet thermal and electrical performance; the UQFN-28 EP package dissipates heat primarily through this pad. Use Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler for firmware development, and consult the PIC16(L)F177x datasheet family for shared peripheral programming guidance. For a drop-in alternative with more Flash/RAM, consider PIC16LF1779 in the same UQFN-28 EP footprint.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric cross-reference data, and practical design notes not consolidated on the manufacturer datasheet, providing an engineering-ready starting point for BOM qualification and component selection.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1778-I/MX — 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 PIC16LF1778-I/MX (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Comparators, Low-Power Technology, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1779-I/MX
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1777-I/MX
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1776-I/MX
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1778-I/MX
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1778-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1778-I/MX Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 2 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10-bit ADC2 (Computation) |
| DAC | 4 x 10-bit DAC |
| Operational Amplifiers | 4 on-chip op-amps |
| Comparators | 2 high-speed comparators |
| PWM Modules | 10/16-bit PWM with complementary outputs |
| Zero-Cross Detect | Yes |
| Programmable Ramp Generator (PRG) | Yes |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Communication Interfaces | SPI, I2C, EUSART (auto-baud) |
| I/O Drive Strength | 100 mA high-current I/Os |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, 'I') |
| Package | 28-pin UQFN (6x6 mm) with exposed pad (MX) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1778-I/MX Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0/C1IN0-/DAC1OUT/OPA1IN0+ — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input / Comparator input / DAC1 output / Op-amp1 non-inverting input |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1/C1IN1-/DAC2OUT/OPA1IN0- — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input / Comparator input / DAC2 output / Op-amp1 inverting input |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/C1IN0+/DAC3OUT/OPA1OUT — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input / Comparator non-inverting input / DAC3 output / Op-amp1 output |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/C1IN1+/DAC4OUT/OPA2IN0+ — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input / Comparator input / DAC4 output / Op-amp2 non-inverting input |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4/OPA2IN0-/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input / Op-amp2 inverting input / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5/OPA2OUT — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input / Op-amp2 output |
| Pin 7 | RA6/AN6/OPA3IN0+ — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input / Op-amp3 non-inverting input |
| Pin 8 | RA7/AN7/OPA3IN0-/VREF+ — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input / Op-amp3 inverting input / Positive voltage reference |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 11 | RB0/AN8/CCP4/OPA3OUT/SRI — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input / CCP4 PWM / Op-amp3 output / Serial programming data |
| Pin 12 | RB1/AN9/C1IN3-/PWM5/OPA4IN0+ — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input / Comparator input / PWM5 output / Op-amp4 non-inverting input |
| Pin 13 | RB2/AN10/C1IN2-/PWM6/OPA4IN0- — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input / Comparator input / PWM6 output / Op-amp4 inverting input |
| Pin 14 | RB3/AN11/C1IN3+/CCP3/OPA4OUT — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input / Comparator input / CCP3 PWM / Op-amp4 output |
| Pin 15 | RB4/AN12/C2IN0-/SDA/SDI — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input / Comparator2 input / I2C data / SPI data in |
| Pin 16 | RB5/AN13/C2IN1-/RX/DT — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input / Comparator2 input / EUSART RX / EUSART data |
| Pin 17 | RB6/ICSPCLK/SCK/TX/CK — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP clock / SPI clock / EUSART TX / EUSART clock |
| Pin 18 | RB7/ICSPDAT/SDO — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP data / SPI data out |
| Pin 19 | RC0/PWM4/C2IN0+ — Bidirectional I/O / PWM4 output / Comparator2 non-inverting input |
| Pin 20 | RC1/PWM3/C2IN1+ — Bidirectional I/O / PWM3 output / Comparator2 non-inverting input |
| Pin 21 | RC2/AN14/C2IN2-/PWM2 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input / Comparator2 input / PWM2 output |
| Pin 22 | RC3/AN15/C2IN3-/PWM1 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input / Comparator2 input / PWM1 output |
| Pin 23 | RC4/C1IN2+/CCP2 — Bidirectional I/O / Comparator1 input / CCP2 PWM |
| Pin 24 | RC5/C1IN3+/CCP1 — Bidirectional I/O / Comparator1 input / CCP1 PWM |
| Pin 25 | RC6/AN16/CCP5 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input / CCP5 PWM |
| Pin 26 | RC7/AN17 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input |
| Pin 27 | RE3/MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) input / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 28 | VSS (EP) — Exposed pad - thermal/ground connection (must be soldered to ground plane) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1778-I/MX is suitable for 6 applications: LED Lighting Driver with Dimming, Digital Switch-Mode Power Supply (SMPS), USB Type-C Power Delivery (PD) Controller, BLDC and Stepper Motor Control, Battery Charger for Li-ion / Li-Po Packs, IoT Sensor Node with Energy Harvesting.
LED Lighting Driver with Dimming
The PIC16LF1778-I/MX is ideal for LED lighting drivers because of its four 10-bit DACs, four integrated op-amps, four 16-bit PWMs with complementary outputs, and Zero-Cross Detect. The on-chip op-amps close current loops for constant-current regulation, while the PRG generates smooth dimming ramps without CPU intervention. Compared to discrete analog controllers, this integration shrinks the BOM and enables firmware-updatable lighting profiles. The 1.8-3.6V supply range supports direct battery or USB-powered fixtures, and nanoWatt XLP technology minimizes standby power when the lamp is off.
Recommended
Digital Switch-Mode Power Supply (SMPS)
The PIC16LF1778-I/MX is well-suited for digital SMPS control thanks to its high-speed comparators, four 10-bit DACs for reference generation, four op-amps for voltage-mode or current-mode feedback, and 10/16-bit PWMs with programmable dead-band. The Programmable Ramp Generator simplifies slope compensation, while ADC2 (Computation) automates oversampling and average current sensing. This integration eliminates the need for a dedicated PWM controller IC, allowing a single MCU to manage PFC plus a downstream converter stage in a compact design with reduced component count.
Recommended
USB Type-C Power Delivery (PD) Controller
The PIC16LF1778-I/MX works well as a USB Type-C PD controller with on-the-go (OTG) negotiation thanks to its EUSART with auto-baud, SPI/I2C for PD protocol messaging over FUSB302-style front-ends, and 10-bit ADC2 for VBUS voltage/current monitoring. The four 10-bit DACs generate accurate reference voltages for current-limit thresholds, while the high-current 100 mA I/Os directly drive pull-down / pull-up signaling. PPS pin mapping enables flexible PCB routing, and 1.8-3.6V operation matches PD controller IC supply rails for direct MCU integration without level shifters.
Recommended
BLDC and Stepper Motor Control
The PIC16LF1778-I/MX suits BLDC and stepper motor control because its four complementary 16-bit PWMs drive half-bridges with programmable dead-band, while the four integrated op-amps sense phase currents via shunt resistors. The high-speed comparators detect BEMF zero-crossings for sensorless trapezoidal commutation, and the Zero-Cross Detect peripheral offloads timing-critical events from the CPU. With 28 KB Flash and 2 KB RAM, the MCU fits full state-machine plus UART telemetry for closed-loop FOC implementations.
Recommended
Battery Charger for Li-ion / Li-Po Packs
The PIC16LF1778-I/MX is well-matched to single-cell and multi-cell Li-ion / Li-Po charger designs because its four op-amps implement precise CC/CV (constant-current / constant-voltage) loops, the 10-bit ADC2 monitors pack voltage and temperature, and four 10-bit DACs set reference currents per charging phase. The PRG produces safe charging ramp-up curves, while EUSART/SPI/I2C ports drive an OLED status display or SMBus gas-gauge interface. nanoWatt XLP keeps quiescent current low, preserving battery life during storage.
Recommended
IoT Sensor Node with Energy Harvesting
The PIC16LF1778-I/MX is ideal for always-on IoT sensor nodes because its nanoWatt XLP technology delivers sleep currents in the tens of nA, while the integrated 32 MHz internal oscillator eliminates external crystal cost and quiescent draw. The four op-amps condition low-level sensor outputs, ADC2 provides oversampling for noise-immune measurements, and PPS lets designers reassign peripherals to any I/O pin to ease PCB routing. EUSART/SPI/I2C interface to sub-GHz or BLE modules for wireless telemetry, all operating from a 1.8-3.6V harvested supply.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1778-I/MX — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1779-I/MX | PIC16LF1777-I/MX | PIC16LF1776-I/MX | PIC16F1778-I/MX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-UQFN (6x6 mm) with EP | 28-UQFN (6x6 mm) with EP - same | 28-UQFN (6x6 mm) with EP - same | 28-UQFN (6x6 mm) with EP - same | 28-UQFN (6x6 mm) with EP - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB | 56 KB (+100%) | 14 KB (-50%) | 28 KB (same) | 28 KB (same) |
| RAM | 2 KB | 4 KB (+100%) | 1 KB (-50%) | 2 KB (same) | 2 KB (same) |
| Operating Voltage | 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) | 2.3 V to 5.5 V (higher) |
| Max CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz (same) | 32 MHz (same) | 32 MHz (same) | 32 MHz (same) |
| On-chip Op-Amps | 4 | 4 (same) | 4 (same) | 4 (same) | 4 (same) |
| On-chip DACs | 4 x 10-bit | 4 x 10-bit (same) | 4 x 10-bit (same) | 4 x 10-bit (same) | 4 x 10-bit (same) |
Key Differentiators
- Only 28-UQFN variant in family with 28 KB Flash + 2 KB RAM at this exact pinout (vs PIC16LF1777-I/MX)
- Integrated four op-amps and four DACs eliminate external analog ICs (vs PIC16LF1709-I/ML)
- 1.8 V minimum VDD enables single-cell Li-ion and energy-harvesting operation (vs PIC16F1778-I/MX)
Design Notes
The 28-UQFN 'MX' package dissipates heat primarily through its exposed pad (EP, pin 28). The EP MUST be soldered to a continuous ground plane of at least 100 mm^2 (10 mm x 10 mm) to meet the datasheet's thermal resistance ratings (theta_JA ~30 C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC test board). For applications dissipating more than ~0.5 W, increase the EP copper area, add thermal vias to internal ground planes, and consider airflow. Estimated: at 32 MHz with all peripherals active in a sealed enclosure at 60 C ambient, junction temperature rise is roughly 5-8 C above ambient under typical load.
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 10), with a 1 uF bulk capacitor on the same rail within 5 mm. For designs using ADC2 or op-amps with sub-millivolt accuracy, add a 10 uF tantalum or polymer bulk capacitor on AVDD (if used) and route analog/digital grounds as separate planes joined only at the EP. Keep VDD rise time under 50 ms per the datasheet brown-out requirements to avoid unintended BOR events during power-up.
Use Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) to remap digital functions (UART, SPI, PWM) to any available I/O pin, simplifying PCB routing when analog and digital signals cross. Reserve RA4 (open-drain) and the analog-capable pins for ADC / DAC / op-amp functions to avoid digital injection noise. Keep op-amp feedback traces short (<5 mm) and guarded with a ground trace to minimize stray pickup; route high-current PWM outputs (100 mA capable) with at least 0.5 mm trace width and length-matched for complementary pairs.
Do not leave MCLR (pin 27) floating - it must be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor or driven by the debugger. Failing to configure unused I/O pins as outputs (rather than inputs) can cause excessive supply current due to floating CMOS inputs. When migrating from PIC16F1778 to PIC16LF1778, verify that any 5V peripherals are level-shifted down to 3.3V; the LF variant does not tolerate 5V inputs. Finally, always configure the PPS lock register to prevent accidental peripheral reassignment in noisy EMI environments.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page and distributor listings. Industrial temperature grade ('I' suffix, -40C to +85C). Not AEC-Q100 qualified — choose PIC16F1778-E/MX or automotive-grade equivalents for automotive applications.
