PIC16LF1778T-I/MX - 32MHz 8-Bit XLP MCU, 28KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1778T-I/MX ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.95 | $2.95 |
| 10 | $2.66 | $26.60 |
| 100 | $2.37 | $237.00 |
| 500 | $2.13 | $1,065.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.92 | $1,920.00 |
PIC16LF1778T-I/MX Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM), and integrated peripherals such as timers, ADCs, communication interfaces, and analog blocks. The PIC16LF1778 belongs to the 8-bit PIC16 family within the broader category of microcontrollers (MCU -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC16 family -> PIC16LF177x -> power-managed XLP). Its XLP (eXtreme Low Power) designation indicates sub-µA sleep currents and multiple power-saving modes that extend battery life in portable designs.
Key features include 28KB Flash, 2KB RAM, 1KB EEPROM, a 10-bit DAC with 10-bit resolution, multiple op-amps, high-speed comparators, configurable logic cells (CLCs), 10-bit PWMs, and zero-cross detect (ZCD) peripherals. Operating voltage spans 1.8V to 3.6V (LF variant), with industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. The 28-UQFN package offers a compact 6x6 mm footprint suitable for space-constrained designs.
The device uses a Harvard RISC architecture with a 14-bit instruction word, enabling most instructions to complete in one cycle at 32MHz. Peripherals are accessed via Peripheral Pin Select (PPS), allowing flexible pin mapping. Intelligent analog integration (op-amps, DAC, comparators) reduces external component count in lighting, power supply, and motor control designs.
Typical applications include LED lighting drivers, switched-mode power supplies (SMPS) digital control loops, battery chargers, brushless DC (BLDC) motor control, and consumer appliances requiring mixed-signal integration. Its PPS, multiple PWM channels, and op-amp feedback loops enable single-chip implementation of complex power conversion topologies.
When designing with this MCU, ensure the UQFN exposed pad is soldered to a sufficiently large copper pour to meet thermal and electrical ground requirements. PPS remapping must be configured in software before peripheral use, and decoupling capacitors (100nF + 10µF bulk) should be placed adjacent to VDD pins.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, peripheral mapping guidance, and application-specific design considerations beyond what is typically found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1778T-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 PIC16LF1778T-I/MX (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Package, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1779T-I/MX
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1778T-I/MX
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1776T-I/MX
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1777T-I/MX
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1768T-I/MX
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1769T-I/MX
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1778T-I/MX Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Family | PIC® XLP™ 16F |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 1 KB |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-pin UQFN (6x6 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| 10-bit DAC Channels | 1 (10-bit) |
| Configurable Logic Cells (CLCs) | 4 |
| Zero-Cross Detect (ZCD) | Yes |
| Communication Interfaces | SPI, I2C, EUSART |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16LF1778T-I/MX Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O with ADC and op-amp input |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O with ADC and op-amp input |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O with ADC and DAC reference |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O with ADC reference |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O with Timer0 gate |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O with ADC and op-amp output |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O with oscillator |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O with oscillator |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O with interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 11 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O with interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 12 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O with interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 13 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O with interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 14 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O with interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 15 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O with interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 16 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O with ICD clock |
| Pin 17 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O with ICD data |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V-3.6V) |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O with PWM and comparator |
| Pin 21 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O with PWM and comparator |
| Pin 22 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O with PWM |
| Pin 23 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O with PWM and SCL |
| Pin 24 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O with PWM and SDA |
| Pin 25 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O with PWM |
| Pin 26 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O with TX/CK |
| Pin 27 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O with RX/DT |
| Pin 28 | RE3 — Input-only with MCLR/Reset |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1778T-I/MX is suitable for 7 applications: LED Lighting Drivers, Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) Digital Control, Battery Chargers (Li-ion / NiMH), BLDC / Brushless DC Motor Control, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Smart Home / IoT Edge Nodes, Consumer Appliance Control.
LED Lighting Drivers
The PIC16LF1778T-I/MX is an excellent fit for solid-state LED lighting drivers thanks to its integrated op-amps, high-speed comparators, 10-bit DAC, multiple PWM channels, and zero-cross detect (ZCD) peripherals. The ZCD enables TRIAC-dimmable AC mains LED drivers by detecting the zero-crossing point and synchronizing TRIAC firing, eliminating flicker. The op-amp feedback loop closes a constant-current control loop around the LED string with less than ±2% current accuracy, while the 32MHz CPU computes color-mixing and thermal-folding algorithms in real time. Combined with XLP sub-µA sleep modes, the MCU can drive 100mA-class LED strings from a single 3.3V supply at over 90% efficiency when paired with an external buck converter.
Recommended
Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) Digital Control
Digital control of switched-mode power supplies benefits enormously from the PIC16LF1778T-I/MX's high-speed peripherals and configurable logic cells (CLCs). The integrated op-amps can sense output voltage and inductor current directly, feeding the CLC-implemented digital compensator that drives the PWM outputs at up to 32MHz resolution. This eliminates the analog PWM controller IC, replacing it with a single MCU that also handles PMBus-style telemetry, fault logging, and dynamic voltage scaling. The 28KB Flash accommodates firmware for CCM/DCM mode transitions, peak current-mode control, and adaptive dead-time insertion. Industrial temperature rating and 1.8V-3.6V operation make it well suited for 3.3V auxiliary rails in server, telecom, and industrial PSU designs.
Recommended
Battery Chargers (Li-ion / NiMH)
The PIC16LF1778T-I/MX is well matched to single- and multi-cell Li-ion and NiMH battery charger designs due to its precision 10-bit DAC, op-amp-based current sensing, and accurate ADC. The firmware can implement CC/CV charge profiles, temperature monitoring via the internal temperature indicator, and JEITA-compliant thermal derating for safety. XLP nanoWatt sleep modes keep quiescent current under 1µA when the charger is connected but no charge cycle is active, critical for always-on charging cables. The 32MHz CPU enables accurate Δ-Σ current integration and coulomb counting at 1kHz sample rates, while the UQFN-28 6x6mm footprint keeps the charger PCB compact for travel adapters and power banks.
Recommended
BLDC / Brushless DC Motor Control
Sensorless brushless DC motor control is one of the strongest application fits for the PIC16LF1778T-I/MX. The integrated op-amps and comparators sense back-EMF for sensorless commutation, while the CLCs implement hardware commutation logic in parallel with CPU tasks, offloading the 32MHz core. Six PWM outputs drive a 3-phase inverter at up to 32kHz switching frequency with programmable dead-time insertion. Field-oriented control (FOC) and trapezoidal commutation schemes both fit within the 28KB Flash budget. Industrial -40°C to +85°C rating and 1.8V-3.6V operation support low-voltage battery-powered BLDC tools, fans, pumps, and small appliances up to ~100W output.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
Industrial 4-20mA loop-powered sensor transmitters, RTD conditioning, and bridge-sensor interfaces all benefit from the PIC16LF1778T-I/MX's intelligent analog integration. The op-amps implement low-side bridge excitation and differential amplification directly, while the 10-bit ADC digitizes the conditioned signal. The 10-bit DAC drives the 4-20mA current loop with ±0.1% accuracy after factory calibration, and PPS-routed EUSART handles HART or RS-485 modbus communication. The XLP feature keeps total sleep current under 1µA, meeting IEC 61000 immunity budgets and Energy-harvesting or loop-powered design constraints. The UQFN-28 6x6mm footprint enables DIN-rail-mounted transmitter heads with the entire analog front-end on a single 25x15mm PCB.
Recommended
Smart Home / IoT Edge Nodes
Smart-home IoT edge devices like wireless sensor nodes, smart thermostats, and energy-harvesting switches benefit from the PIC16LF1778T-I/MX's XLP technology and integrated peripherals. Sub-µA sleep currents extend battery life to multiple years on a single CR2477 coin cell, while the 32MHz CPU wakes in microseconds to process sensor data and forward it via SPI to an external sub-GHz radio (e.g., MRF89XA) or Wi-Fi module. The op-amps and ADC handle analog sensor front-ends directly, eliminating dedicated analog ICs. The 28KB Flash accommodates over-the-air (OTA) firmware update bootloaders and TLS-lite stacks, while PPS flexibility routes SPI/I2C/UART to almost any pin for simplified PCB layout in compact smart-home enclosures.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
Coffee machines, washing machines, induction cooktops, and air conditioners all benefit from the PIC16LF1778T-I/MX's mix of analog integration, robust PWM control, and industrial temperature range. The op-amps sense NTC thermistors directly for closed-loop temperature control of heating elements, while the CLCs implement safety interlocks that shut down the system if sensor readings fall outside expected ranges. Six PWM channels can drive triac-fired heater banks, BLDC compressor motors, or variable-speed fans simultaneously. The 32KB Flash supports multiple cooking/washing profiles and UI state machines for capacitive-touch buttons (using the Peripheral Touch Controller). The UQFN-28 footprint supports compact main-control boards for slim appliance form factors.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1778T-I/MX — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1779T-I/MX | PIC16F1778T-I/MX | PIC16LF1776T-I/MX | PIC16LF1777T-I/MX | PIC16LF1768T-I/MX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-UQFN (6x6 mm) | 28-UQFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-UQFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-UQFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-UQFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-UQFN (6x6 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 28 KB | 56 KB | 28 KB | 14 KB | 28 KB | 14 KB |
| RAM | 2 KB | 4 KB | 2 KB | 1 KB | 2 KB | 1 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Maximum Clock | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| 10-bit DAC | Yes (1 ch) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Highest memory density in 28-UQFN same-family (vs PIC16LF1776T-I/MX)
- 1.8V minimum VDD for ultra-low-power battery designs (vs PIC16F1778T-I/MX)
- Integrated op-amps, DAC, CLCs and ZCD reduce external component count (vs PIC16LF1768T-I/MX)
Design Notes
The 28-UQFN (6x6 mm) package requires the central exposed pad to be soldered to a substantial copper pour on the top layer of the PCB to meet the JEDEC-spec θJA of approximately 30 °C/W. Recommended minimum copper area is 1 square inch (645 mm²) on a 4-layer board with the inner ground plane. The exposed pad carries the chip substrate ground (VSS); failure to solder it creates both thermal and electrical ground problems, leading to erratic ADC readings and potential latch-up. Estimated: at 32MHz active mode consuming ~3 mA at 3.3V, the part dissipates ~10 mW — well within thermal limits even with minimal copper, but sleep-current-based applications (battery powered) still benefit from maximum copper area for EMI shielding.
Place a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as physically possible to the VDD pin (pin 18) with the ground return directly to the VSS pin (pin 19) using a wide, short trace or via fanout. Add a bulk 10µF ceramic or tantalum capacitor on the same VDD net within 0.25 inch of the MCU. For applications using the ADC, separate analog and digital VDD traces are not required for this part (single VDD pin), but maintaining a 'quiet ground' region around the analog op-amp input pins (RA0-RA5) reduces ADC noise. Route high-frequency PWM signals away from analog input traces and minimize trace lengths on oscillator pins (RA6/RA7) when using an external crystal.
Configuration bits must be set BEFORE code execution for peripherals to operate correctly; a missing CONFIG1 or CONFIG2 setting (such as failing to disable the watchdog timer in non-WDT applications) is the most common cause of MCU 'lock-up' on first prototypes. Per the Microchip PIC16LF177x datasheet, the MCLR pin (RE3) can be configured as a digital input by clearing the MCLRE configuration bit, but doing so disables in-circuit debugging (ICD) — always keep MCLRE enabled during development. Also remember that the LF variants require the FOSC<2:0> bits set to a valid LF oscillator mode if your application runs below 2.0V; the HFINTOSC does not operate reliably across the full 1.8V range.
When using the configurable logic cells (CLCs) for high-speed signal routing in motor-control or PFC applications, ensure that the CLC input signals do not exceed the GPIO input voltage specification (VDD + 0.3V max). The CLCs can introduce up to 30ns propagation delay, which becomes critical in closed-loop control loops running above 100kHz — verify timing budget against the system clock using the CLC timing diagrams in the datasheet. For SPI interfaces running above 8MHz, use the PPS-mapped SCK pin with shortest possible PCB trace and add a 33Ω series damping resistor if reflections are observed on a long cable.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C). Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16F1778T-I/MXVAO for automotive applications. Lead-free finish per Microchip manufacturing data.
