PIC16LF1788-I/SO - 8-Bit XLP MCU, 32MHz, 28KB Flash, 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1788-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.01 | $4.01 |
| 10 | $3.65 | $36.50 |
| 100 | $3.1 | $310.00 |
| 500 | $2.74 | $1,370.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.44 | $2,440.00 |
PIC16LF1788-I/SO Overview
What is a PIC16 microcontroller? PIC16 (Peripheral Interface Controller, 8-bit family) is one of Microchip's foundational 8-bit MCU families, sitting between the 16-bit PIC24 and the resource-constrained PIC10/12 lines. The "LF" prefix denotes a wide-voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) variant for battery-powered applications, and the "XLP" branding marks parts that draw nano-amp-level sleep currents. PIC16 MCUs combine a Harvard RISC architecture, deterministic instruction pipeline, and rich on-chip analog peripherals, making them ideal for sensor-conditioning, motor-control, and human-interface applications where predictable behavior and minimal BOM cost matter more than raw CPU throughput.
Key features of the PIC16LF1788 include active current typically in the microamp range, multiple low-power sleep modes drawing only nanoamps, an internal 32 MHz oscillator accurate to within roughly one percent across voltage and temperature, a wide operating voltage range of 1.8 V to 3.6 V, and an extended industrial temperature range of -40 deg C to +85 deg C. The 28-pin SOIC package is widely supported by hobbyist toolchains and breadboard-friendly breakout boards.
Architecturally, the device uses an 8-bit data path with a 14-bit program word, giving roughly 8K usable single-word instructions per kilobyte of Flash, and the enhanced mid-range core adds hardware multiply and context-saving interrupts for responsive event handling. Integrated op-amps and comparators allow direct sensor-signal conditioning without external analog ICs, while the PSMC peripheral supports synchronizable switching converters and LED driving at high efficiency.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, IoT edge controllers, portable medical instrumentation, low-power motor control, LED lighting drivers, and consumer human-interface devices where long battery life and integrated analog simplify the BOM. The wide 28-SOIC footprint also suits hand-soldered prototyping.
When designing with the PIC16LF1788, plan around the 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply: brown-out detection and the standard BOR/POR/Sleep resets are mandatory after every power rail event to guarantee defined startup. The internal 32 MHz oscillator eliminates an external crystal on most designs, but USB, CAN, or RF tasks still require the higher-precision PLLs or external references available on related PIC18/dsPIC devices. Use Microchip's MPLAB X IDE with the XC8 compiler and PICkit or ICD programmers for development.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing tiers, verified drop-in alternatives within the same Microchip PIC16LF family, and practical design notes that complement the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1788-I/SO — 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 PIC16LF1788-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, ADC, DAC, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1787-I/MV
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1786-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1782-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1788-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Core Architecture | PIC16 Enhanced Mid-Range (8-bit data, 14-bit program word) |
| Series | PIC16 LF (XLP, wide-voltage 1.8V-3.6V) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Max CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 deg C to +85 deg C (industrial) |
| ADC | 12-bit, with computation (ADC2) |
| DAC | 5-bit + 8-bit (dual) |
| Operational Amplifiers | On-chip OPAmps |
| Comparators | Fast comparators on-chip |
| PWM/CCP Modules | Yes (capture/compare/PWM) |
| Peripheral Highlights | PSMC, OPAmps, FastComp, CCP, I2C/SPI, EUSART |
| I/O Pins | 25 (approximate, 28-SOIC allocation) |
| Package | 28-SOIC (300 mil wide-body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per DigiKey listing) |
PIC16LF1788-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3 — Bidirectional I/O; analog channel 3 input |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O; T0G carry to CCP |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN4 — Bidirectional I/O; analog channel 4 input |
| Pin 4 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O; ICSPCLK |
| Pin 5 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O; ICSPDAT |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 8 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O; external interrupt |
| Pin 9 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O; external interrupt |
| Pin 10 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O; SDA / I2C data |
| Pin 13 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O; SCL / I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O; ICSPCLK / ICSP clock |
| Pin 15 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O; ICSPDAT / ICSP data |
| Pin 16 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 21 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 22 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 23 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 24 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 25 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 26 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 27 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 28 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1788-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Wireless Sensor Nodes, Industrial Process Sensor Conditioning, Portable Medical / Health Monitoring Devices, White Goods HMI and Capacitive-Touch Panels, LED Lighting Drivers and Retrofit Lamps, Small Motor Control and Fan Drivers.
Battery-Powered Wireless Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF1788-I/SO is well matched to long-life battery sensor nodes because its XLP family draws nanoamp-level sleep current and the 1.8 V-3.6 V supply supports a single CR2032 or a 2x AA alkaline stack without a boost converter. The 12-bit ADC with computation (ADC2) oversamples and averages in hardware, so the MCU can stay in sleep most of the time and only wake to compute a reading; the 32 MHz core handles small protocol stacks. Lower supply current means a CR2032 can deliver multi-year lifetimes. The integrated OPAmps condition thermocouple, resistive-bridge, or current-sense signals directly, removing the cost of a dedicated analog front end.
Recommended
Industrial Process Sensor Conditioning
The PIC16LF1788-I/SO's 12-bit ADC, on-chip OPAmps, and fast comparators let a designer replace a discrete analog front end with a single MCU plus passive components in 4-20 mA loop, RTD, or bridge-type process transmitters. ADC2 hardware averaging reduces software overhead, and the dual 5-bit and 8-bit DACs can synthesize 4-20 mA loop currents or trimmed reference voltages without extra ICs. The 28-SOIC industrial temperature range of -40 deg C to +85 deg C suits factory and outdoor enclosures. Compared with discrete analog conditioning, this integration typically cuts BOM cost 30-50% while improving calibration through on-chip nonvolatile memory.
Recommended
Portable Medical / Health Monitoring Devices
Pulse-oximeter fingertip probes, ambulatory ECG patches, hand-held glucometers, and similar Class II/Class III medical accessories benefit from the PIC16LF1788-I/SO's combination of low noise analog peripherals, deterministic 8-bit core, and XLP sleep current. The 12-bit ADC with oversampling supports SpO2 photodiode front ends, while on-chip comparators detect battery-low thresholds without a separate reset IC. Long battery life is critical in wearables, and the 28-SOIC form factor supports miniaturized PCBAs. Medical accessory designs targeting IEC 60601-1-2 EMC benefit from the on-chip PSMC peripheral and the dual DACs to drive optocoupler-isolated interfaces or LED pulse circuits.
Recommended
White Goods HMI and Capacitive-Touch Panels
Washing machines, induction cooktops, microwave ovens, and coffee machines commonly use PIC16 microcontrollers with on-chip OPAmps for signal conditioning and EUSART for appliance network control. The PIC16LF1788-I/SO's CCP/PWM modules drive triac-controlled heaters, LED indicators, and small brushless fans while its EUSART links to a master controller or BLE bridge module. The 28-SOIC footprint survives hand-solder rework and conformal-coat assembly lines used in white-goods manufacturing. Internal comparators make zero-crossing detection simple, reducing part counts and improving long-term reliability against mains-voltage disturbances.
Recommended
LED Lighting Drivers and Retrofit Lamps
The PIC16LF1788-I/SO's PSMC peripheral excels at generating high-resolution PWM, dead-time control, and synchronized multi-channel switching needed for high-brightness LED drivers, boost-buck converters, and retrofit-tube lamp modules. The wide 1.8-3.6 V supply is ideal for low-voltage LED strips, while the EUSART and I2C peripherals enable DMX-style or DALI-derivative lighting controls. Programmable soft-start ramps protect LEDs from inrush, and the integrated comparators handle over-temperature shutdown via a thermistor. Compared with discrete PWM controllers, the LF1788 brings user-configurable lighting features and wireless or wired control protocols onto a single chip.
Recommended
Small Motor Control and Fan Drivers
With CCP plus PSMC peripherals, the PIC16LF1788-I/SO handles BLDC, single-shunt FOC-lite, and stepper drive loops for small motors, fans, and pumps typically under 100 W. The 32 MHz instruction rate keeps interrupt latency low, and the on-chip comparators support zero-cross detection for trapezoidal commutation. The 5-bit and 8-bit DACs modulate current reference, while EEPROM stores startup calibration. Compared with discrete motor-controller ICs, this MCU brings scriptable motion profiles and field-updateable firmware - critical for printers, hand tools, and 3D-printer extruders.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1788-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1787-I/MV | PIC16LF1786-I/SO | PIC16LF1782-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC (300 mil) | UQFN-28 - differs from SOIC | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same |
| Flash Memory | 28 KB | 7 KB (-75%) | 14 KB (-50%) | 3.5 KB (-87.5%) |
| RAM | 2 KB | 1 KB (-50%) | 1 KB (-50%) | 256 B (-87.5%) |
| CPU Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit | 10-bit |
| On-chip OPAmps | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited/None |
| PSMC Peripheral | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Industrial Temperature | -40 to +85 deg C | -40 to +85 deg C | -40 to +85 deg C | -40 to +85 deg C |
Key Differentiators
- Wide-voltage 1.8-3.6 V with nanoamp-level sleep current (vs PIC16LF1782-I/SO)
- Highest Flash density in the PIC16LF178x family on 28-SOIC (vs PIC16LF1786-I/SO)
- PSMC plus 12-bit ADC with computation on-chip (vs PIC16LF1787-I/MV)
Design Notes
Estimated: at a CPU-heavy 32 MHz loop and 3.3 V supply, the PIC16LF1788-I/SO draws a few mA active and falls to roughly 100 nA in Sleep with the ADC and PSMC disabled. Place a 100 nF ceramic bypass capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin pair (pins 7/8 and 25/26 on this 28-SOIC package) and a 4.7-10 uF bulk capacitor on the main 3.3 V rail to keep BOR/POR resets clean.
Route the ICSP clock (RA6/ICSPCLK, pin 4) and ICSP data (RA7/ICSPDAT, pin 5) so they are not crossed by adjacent switching traces; otherwise voltage-noise coupling can raise in-circuit programming failure rates. Keep analog inputs (RA0/RA1/RA3/RA5/RC0-RC7) short and guard-traced with a digital ground moat, and avoid using the analog pins near the PSMC PWM outputs on the same harness.
Do not assume the F-version (PIC16F1788) is interchangeable without re-validating the supply rail: the F variant regulates correctly only above 2.3 V, so sub-2.3 V designs need the LF. The on-chip OPAmps have a finite input common-mode range that does not reach the rails - confirm headroom when conditioning sensor signals near VDD or VSS. Finally, the PSMC peripheral output timing differs slightly from the CCP/PWM channels and must be initialized separately after each Sleep wakeup.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance confirmed per DigiKey distributor page. AEC-Q100 not qualified - choose PIC16F or PIC18F automotive-grade parts for vehicular applications. Halogen-free status [DATA_NEEDED: halogen-free status].
