PIC16LF1823T-I/ML - 8-Bit XLP MCU, 3.5KB Flash, 32MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1823T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.62 | $1.62 |
| 10 | $1.46 | $14.60 |
| 100 | $1.27 | $127.00 |
| 500 | $1.13 | $565.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.02 | $1,020.00 |
PIC16LF1823T-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path and Harvard architecture, integrating CPU, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, peripherals, and I/O on one die. PIC microcontrollers from Microchip sit within the broader taxonomy: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. They are widely used in cost-sensitive, low-power, and deterministic real-time applications where ease of programming and long product lifetimes matter more than raw compute throughput.
Key features include five timers (Timer0/1/2), two comparators, a PWM/CCP module, EUSART, MSSP (SPI/I2C), 12-channel 10-bit ADC, and on-chip debug. The "LF" prefix denotes the low-voltage process, while XLP technology enables sleep currents as low as tens of nA, supporting multi-year coin-cell operation. The 16-QFN (4x4 mm) form factor is one of the smallest footprints in the mid-range PIC family.
The PIC16LF1823 uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range core with 49 instructions, hardware multiply, and a 16-level hardware stack. Its peripherals are mapped through PPS-like peripheral pin select on the larger packages and via fixed pin assignments on the 16-QFN, where only 12 of 16 pins are brought out (the rest are no-connects or supply/ground). The ICSP/ICD interface allows in-circuit programming and debugging.
Typical applications include wearable fitness bands, IoT sensor nodes, remote controls, low-end motor control (small DC fans and pumps), battery-backed security sensors, and compact consumer appliances such as electric toothbrushes and toys. The 32 MHz speed and 10-bit ADC make it usable for simple PID loops and signal conditioning.
Design with adequate input and decoupling capacitance near VDD/AVDD/VBAT, and follow Microchip AN1229 for XLP sleep current optimization. The exposed thermal pad of the QFN-16 must be soldered to a ground pour for mechanical reliability and thermal dissipation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, QFN-16 drop-in alternatives, application notes, and comparison data not found in any single source, providing engineers and buyers a one-stop reference for PIC16LF1823T-I/ML.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1823T-I/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 PIC16LF1823T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, ADC, Mounting Type, Supply Voltage (VDD).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1823-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1823T-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1823T-I/ST
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1823T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1823-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1823T-I/SL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.66 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1823T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB FLASH (2K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (Vdd) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 (in 16-QFN package) |
| Timers | 5 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2 + 2 CCP) |
| Comparators | 2 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 12 channels |
| PWM / CCP | Yes (enhanced CCP) |
| Communication | EUSART, MSSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 16-pin QFN (4x4 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount, Tape & Reel |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1823T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O pin / ICSP data (ICSPCLK on some pins per datasheet) |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O pin / MCLR (Reset, weak pull-up) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O pin / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O pin / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O pin / OSC2 |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1823T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Operated IoT Sensor Nodes, Wearable Fitness Bands and Health Patches, Remote Controls (IR / RF), Small DC Motor / Fan Speed Control, Compact Consumer Appliances (Toys, Toothbrushes), Low-Power Industrial Sensors and Modules.
Battery-Operated IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF1823T-I/ML is an ideal MCU for low-duty-cycle IoT sensor nodes that wake up periodically to read a sensor (temperature, humidity, or motion) and transmit a packet before returning to sleep. Its 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply range matches a single CR2032 coin cell, and the nanoWatt XLP sleep current below 30 nA typical at 1.8 V enables multi-year battery life. The 32 MHz core is fast enough to wake, run the ADC, transmit via EUSART or SPI, and return to sleep within a few milliseconds. The 256 B EEPROM provides durable parameter storage for sensor calibration. The 16-QFN (4x4 mm) footprint drops into module designs where board area is critical, and the 10-bit ADC with up to 12 channels handles a sensor front-end directly.
Recommended
Wearable Fitness Bands and Health Patches
Wearable fitness bands and disposable health patches need an MCU that fits a tiny PCB and runs for weeks from a small Li-ion or coin cell. The PIC16LF1823T-I/ML meets both constraints: the 16-QFN (4x4 mm) footprint integrates onto flex or rigid 8x10 mm modules, and the LF core plus XLP sleep delivers sub-50 nA quiescent current. The MSSP supports I2C connections to MEMS accelerometers or optical heart-rate sensors, while the 10-bit ADC can read bio-impedance or skin-temperature signals. Five timers handle step-counting interrupts and PWM-based vibration motor drive without external real-time-clock chips. The 32 MHz instruction throughput also runs simple encryption and Bluetooth Low Energy pre-processing when paired with an external BLE module.
Recommended
Remote Controls (IR / RF)
Low-cost remote controls for TVs, set-top boxes, and ceiling fans are a classic fit for the PIC16LF1823T-I/ML. The 3.5 KB FLASH comfortably stores button-scan, debounce, IR-RC5 or NEC protocol, and a simple RF (OOK) transmit routine, leaving headroom for vendor-specific code. The MCU's 32 MHz instruction rate generates accurate 38 kHz IR carrier timing, and the PWM/CCP module can drive an IR LED directly with active-current shaping. Sleep current below 30 nA means a single AAA cell can last the shelf-life of the remote. The 16-QFN package fits behind the keypad membrane, and the exposed pad gives mechanical rigidity against drop-test impacts. EUSART and MSSP interfaces allow simple UART link-back during factory programming.
Recommended
Small DC Motor / Fan Speed Control
Brushless DC (BDC) fans, micro-pumps, and small gearmotors in appliances need variable-speed PWM control with current limiting and tach feedback - exactly what the PIC16LF1823T-I/ML provides. The enhanced CCP/PWM module generates a 25 kHz PWM output with hardware dead-band and fault inputs, while the comparators can trip over-current protection in hardware without software latency. The 32 MHz core runs 32-bit arithmetic to compute RPM and feed it through a PI loop every 1 ms. The 12-channel 10-bit ADC reads back EMF, current, and temperature for sensorless commutation or closed-loop torque. The 16-QFN (4x4 mm) integrates alongside gate drivers in space-constrained appliance boards.
Recommended
Compact Consumer Appliances (Toys, Toothbrushes)
Cost-sensitive consumer products such as electric toothbrushes, child toys, and personal-care devices benefit from the PIC16LF1823T-I/ML's tiny footprint, low cost, and wide operating voltage. The 1.8 V minimum means it can run directly from a single AA cell without a boost regulator, while the 32 MHz core handles LED pattern generation, vibration motor control, and capacitive-touch wake sensing. The 256 B EEPROM stores user preferences (mode, intensity) without external memory, and nanoWatt XLP sleep cuts idle current below 30 nA so an unused product can sit on a shelf for a year and still work. The 16-QFN package is drop-on for low-cost FR4 and flex boards alike.
Recommended
Low-Power Industrial Sensors and Modules
Field-mounted 4-20 mA loop-powered sensors, HVAC transmitters, and small industrial controllers often need an MCU that runs from a harvested or loosely-regulated supply, in a footprint small enough to fit inside a sensor housing. The PIC16LF1823T-I/ML covers all three: its 1.8 V minimum start-up voltage pairs with energy harvesters, its 3.5 KB FLASH plus EUSART/MSSP supports RS-485 MODBUS or HART slave firmware, and its 16-QFN (4x4 mm) footprint fits inside M12 connector heads. The enhanced mid-range core delivers deterministic interrupt latency, which is critical for MODBUS timing and for synchronizing 4-20 mA loop measurements. Industrial -40 C to +85 C rating means it handles HVAC and outdoor cabinets without derating.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1823T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1823-I/ML | PIC16LF1823T-I/JQ | PIC16F1823T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) UQFN - same | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) - same |
| 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 5.5 V (F variant) |
| Max CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB |
| RAM | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel | Tray (non-T/R) | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-power variant of the PIC16F1823 family (vs PIC16F1823T-I/ML)
- Tiny 16-QFN (4x4 mm) footprint (vs PIC16LF1823T-I/ST)
- Tape-and-reel format for high-volume assembly (vs PIC16LF1823-I/ML)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF1823T-I/ML can run directly from a single CR2032 coin cell (3.0 V nominal) or two alkaline cells (3.0 V total). When using switching regulators, ensure the regulator's quiescent current is below 1 uA to preserve XLP performance; the MCP1700 3.3 V LDO (1.6 uA Iq) is an excellent match. Add a 1 uF X7R decoupling capacitor on VDD and a parallel 100 nF on AVSS/VDD close to the ICSP pins to suppress switching noise from inductors during the brief active phase.
At full 32 MHz active mode drawing 5 mA at 3.3 V, the PIC16LF1823T-I/ML dissipates roughly 16 mW - far below the QFN-16 thermal limit. The exposed thermal pad (EP) MUST be soldered to a ground-copper pour that is at least 16 mm^2 of 1 oz copper, both for mechanical reliability (board flex) and for thermal spreading to ambient. Per Microchip soldering profile, reflow at 245 C peak is acceptable; JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL3 should be assumed unless specifically verified.
Route the ICSP pins (ICSPCLK on RA1, ICSPDAT on RA0, MCLR on RA3) to a 3-pin header or test pad so production programming is possible without rework. Keep the analog-input traces (RA0-RA5, RC0-RC7) short and surrounded by ground copper to minimize ADC pickup. If the PCB carries RF (BLE/Wi-Fi), keep the antenna at least 5 mm from the PIC's clock traces; the 32 MHz system oscillator can couple harmonics into the 2.4 GHz ISM band.
Do not drive the I/O pins above VDD or below VSS - the PIC16LF1823 lacks internal 5-V tolerant I/O, so a 5 V UART line will damage RA4/RA5 unless level-shifted. Also, the LF variant cannot operate above 3.6 V; substituting it for a PIC16F1823 design that runs from 5 V will fail. Use the F variant (PIC16F1823T-I/ML) instead when 5 V operation is required.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive, use the PIC16F1823-E/SLVAO or PIC16F1823T-I/MLVAO automotive-grade variant. Lead-free matte-tin plating. Halogen-free.
