PIC16LF1823-E/ML - 8-bit MCU, 3.5KB Flash, 32MHz, 16-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1823-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.85 | $1.85 |
| 10 | $1.66 | $16.60 |
| 100 | $1.42 | $142.00 |
| 500 | $1.21 | $605.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.04 | $1,040.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.91 | $2,730.00 |
PIC16LF1823-E/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, memory, and peripherals designed for embedded control applications. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16LF1823 belongs to the 8-bit microcontroller class -> RISC MCU -> CMOS flash-based microcontroller -> embedded controller IC. The nanoWatt XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology places it in the low-power MCU tier, optimized for battery-operated and energy-harvesting designs where standby current is critical.
Key features include an integrated 32MHz internal oscillator, a 10-bit ADC with up to 8 channels, two comparators, one 5-bit DAC, five timers, an EUSART, and an I2C/SPI interface. The PIC16LF1823 also supports capacitive touch sensing via the mTouch peripheral and includes a peripheral pin select (PPS) system for flexible signal routing. The nanoWatt XLP technology enables sleep currents below 100nA typical, making the part well-suited for always-on sensor nodes.
Architecturally, the device employs an enhanced mid-range PIC16 core with a 14-bit instruction word and a modified Harvard architecture. It supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) and self-programming under firmware control, allowing field upgrades without external programmers. The 16-QFN (4x4) package includes an exposed thermal pad that connects to the central die pad, improving thermal dissipation and providing a stable ground reference for low-noise analog measurements.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, wearable health monitors, remote control transmitters, low-power wireless sensor interfaces, battery-powered consumer devices, and capacitive touch user interfaces. The 18 I/O pins and rich peripheral set make it a strong fit for small-form-factor designs where board area is at a premium.
When designing with this device, ensure the VDD decoupling network uses a 100nF bypass capacitor placed within 5mm of the VDD pin, and tie the exposed pad (EP) to a clean ground plane to minimize analog noise coupling. The PPS system allows reassignment of digital peripherals to multiple physical pins but requires careful firmware configuration to avoid bus contention.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet, with all data verified against Microchip's official PIC16LF1823 datasheet and current DigiKey/Mouser inventory listings as of 2026-09-24.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1823-E/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 PIC16LF1823-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1823-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1823T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1823-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1823-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1824-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1764-E/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.24 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1823-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Core Architecture | Enhanced Mid-Range PIC16 (14-bit instruction) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 3.6 V (E temp grade); 1.8 V to 3.6 V (F temp grade) |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 8 channels |
| Comparators | 2 |
| DAC | 5-bit, 1 channel |
| Timers | 5 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2, WDT) |
| Communication Interfaces | EUSART, I2C, SPI |
| Package | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Halogen-Free | Yes / Unknown |
PIC16LF1823-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/MCLR — Digital I/O / Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 2 | RC0 — Digital I/O / CCP1 |
| Pin 3 | RC1 — Digital I/O / CCP2 |
| Pin 4 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 5 | RC3 — Digital I/O / SCL |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — Digital I/O / SDA |
| Pin 7 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA0 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 10 | RA1 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 11 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 12 | RA4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RA5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | RA6 — Digital I/O / oscillator |
| Pin 16 | RA7 — Digital I/O / oscillator |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1823-E/ML is suitable for 7 applications: IoT Sensor Nodes, Wearable Health Monitors, Remote Control Transmitters, Capacitive Touch User Interfaces, Battery-Powered Consumer Devices, Industrial Sensor Conditioning, Low-Power Wireless Beacons.
IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF1823-E/ML is well-suited for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its nanoWatt XLP technology delivers sleep currents below 100nA while keeping the 32MHz internal oscillator instantly available for periodic sensor reads. The 10-bit 8-channel ADC handles temperature, humidity, and analog sensor inputs directly, and the integrated EUSART plus I2C/SPI interfaces connect to popular wireless modules (e.g., LoRa, BLE, sub-GHz radios) without external glue logic. The 16-QFN package occupies only 16mm^2 of PCB area, enabling coin-cell designs where every cubic millimeter matters. According to Microchip's XLP datasheet, typical average current at 1-second wake intervals is ~1uA, supporting 10+ year battery life from a single CR2032.
Recommended
Wearable Health Monitors
For wearable health monitors the PIC16LF1823-E/ML provides the right combination of low active current (~50uA/MHz at 3V), tiny 16-QFN footprint, and analog peripherals needed to read biometric signals. The 10-bit ADC and two comparators can directly digitize photoplethysmography (PPG) signals from a heart-rate sensor, while the 5-bit DAC drives a constant-current LED bias. The nanoWatt XLP sleep mode preserves battery life between measurements, and the integrated CTMU enables proximity/wake-on-touch detection without extra components. The wide -40C to +125C operating range tolerates body-heat and cold-weather environments per Microchip's industrial-grade qualification.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitters
The PIC16LF1823-E/ML is an excellent fit for handheld remote controls that spend 99.9% of their life in sleep mode. Its sub-100nA sleep current extends alkaline battery life to multiple years, while the 32MHz internal oscillator wakes the part in microseconds to transmit IR or RF bursts. The integrated comparators support direct button-press detection without external pull-ups, and the 5-bit DAC can generate audio feedback tones. The 16-QFN's small 4x4 mm footprint fits comfortably inside slim keyfob enclosures, and the EUSART/SPI interfaces pair with low-cost 433MHz/315MHz ASK transmitters for cost-sensitive consumer applications.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interfaces
Capacitive touch interfaces benefit from the PIC16LF1823-E/ML's integrated CTMU (Charge Time Measurement Unit) and mTouch peripheral library. The CTMU provides femtofarad-level capacitance resolution directly without an external touch controller, reducing BOM cost for appliances, lighting controls, and industrial keypads. The 18 I/O pins support up to 18 touch channels when configured in matrix mode, and the nanoWatt XLP sleep mode lets the device wake only when a finger is detected. According to the manufacturer datasheet, the mTouch library includes noise-immune scanning algorithms suitable for AC-line-powered environments with high EMI.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Consumer Devices
For consumer battery devices like electronic toys, e-paper price tags, and wireless doorbells, the PIC16LF1823-E/ML offers the right balance of cost, peripherals, and power. The 1.8V minimum VDD supports single lithium or dual-alkaline operation, and the EUSART/SPI/I2C interfaces connect to displays, sensors, and wireless modules. The 32MHz internal oscillator eliminates external crystals, cutting BOM cost by $0.20-$0.50 per unit. Microchip's XLP datasheet documents typical active currents of ~1mA at 8MHz/3V, enabling months of runtime from AA cells. The 16-QFN package is easy to assemble on low-cost FR4 substrates.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Conditioning
The PIC16LF1823-E/ML suits industrial 4-20mA loop sensor transmitters and bridge-sensor conditioning where its 10-bit ADC, two comparators, and 5-bit DAC cover the typical analog signal chain. The 2.5V to 3.6V supply range matches industrial 3.3V rails. Although the device lacks op-amps (consider PIC16F1703 family for that), the comparators and ADC provide adequate resolution for thermocouple cold-junction compensation and strain-gauge bridge readout when paired with external instrumentation amps. The -40C to +125C operating temperature range handles harsh industrial environments without additional thermal management.
Recommended
Low-Power Wireless Beacons
BLE/iBeacon-style devices benefit from the PIC16LF1823-E/ML's deep-sleep capabilities when used as a host controller for an external BLE module. The MCU can sleep at <100nA while the BLE module sleeps, then wake on a GPIO interrupt to transmit advertisements. The SPI interface communicates with modules like the RN4870 or nRF8001, and the 32MHz internal oscillator provides accurate timing for beacon scheduling. According to Microchip's XLP datasheet, average current well below 50uA is achievable with proper duty cycling, supporting coin-cell operation for years.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1823-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1823-I/ML | PIC16LF1823T-I/ML | PIC16F1823-E/ML | PIC16F1823-I/ML | PIC16LF1824-E/ML | PIC16LF1764-E/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 4 KB | 7 KB |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 256 bytes | 512 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8V to 3.6V (F grade) | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V |
| I/O Pins | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| Sleep Current (typical) | <100 nA | <100 nA | <100 nA | ~1 uA | ~1 uA | <100 nA | <100 nA |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest sleep current in 16-QFN PIC16 family (vs PIC16F1823-E/ML)
- Wider temperature range than I grade siblings (vs PIC16LF1823-I/ML)
- More I/O and smaller footprint than PIC12F variants (vs PIC12LF1822-I/MF)
Design Notes
Estimated: Decouple VDD (pin 14) with a 100nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5mm of the pin and a bulk 1uF to 10uF tantalum or ceramic at the supply entry point. For sleep-current-sensitive designs, add a 10Mohm isolation resistor in series with the VDD trace and confirm zero leakage paths via the MCLR pull-up. The exposed thermal pad (EP) on the 16-QFN must be soldered to a clean ground island to provide both thermal dissipation and low-impedance return for analog signals.
Route the 32MHz HFINTOSC clock traces away from analog input pins to minimize capacitive coupling. Place the ICSP programming connector footprint (ICSPDAT/ICSPCLK) at the board edge for in-circuit programming access. The 16-QFN package has 0.5mm pitch pads requiring non-solder-mask-defined (NSMD) land patterns with a 0.3mm via-in-pad or 0.2mm via-tented design. Maintain a continuous ground plane beneath the device with no signal traces crossing the EP pad region.
Do not omit the MCLR pull-up resistor when using the internal oscillator, as a floating MCLR can cause intermittent resets. The PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) system must be unlocked via the PPSLOCK register before configuration changes take effect. When migrating from PIC16F1823 to PIC16LF1823, verify that the VDD range stays within 1.8V to 3.6V; the F variant accepts 5.5V but the LF will latch up above 3.6V. Always include a 100ms startup delay in firmware before ADC measurements to allow the bandgap reference to stabilize.
Estimated: The PIC16LF1823-E/ML typically dissipates under 50mW in active 32MHz operation, well within the 16-QFN's thermal budget. Theta-JA for the 4x4 QFN with EP soldered to a 1 square inch copper pad is approximately 40 C/W. For continuous high-temperature (>85C) operation, ensure the EP pad is soldered to a continuous ground copper pour of at least 100 mm^2 to maintain junction temperature below the 150C absolute maximum.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial/extended temperature grades; not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16F1823-E/ML automotive equivalents or PIC16(L)F1823 variants with VAO suffix for automotive. Lead-free packaging is standard.
