PIC16LF1824-E/ML - 8-bit MCU, 7KB Flash, 32MHz, XLP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1824-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.65 | $1.65 |
| 10 | $1.48 | $14.80 |
| 100 | $1.32 | $132.00 |
| 500 | $1.18 | $590.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.05 | $1,050.00 |
PIC16LF1824-E/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM), and peripherals (ADC, timers, communication interfaces) into one package. PIC16 MCUs use a RISC architecture - the LF prefix denotes the wide-voltage (1.8V to 3.6V) low-power variant, while the F-only version targets 1.8V-5.5V operation. The PIC16LF1824 sits inside the taxonomy: 8-bit MCU -> PIC microcontroller -> PIC16 family -> PIC16F182x sub-family -> PIC16LF1824 variant. eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology gives the LF parts a deep-sleep current in the nanoampere range, ideal for battery-powered edge devices.
Key features include 256 bytes of RAM, an internal 32MHz oscillator with PLL, mTouch capacitive touch sensing support, multiple communication interfaces (EUSART, I2C, SPI), a 10- or 12-bit ADC, and nanoWatt XLP sleep currents. The 16-QFN (4x4) package is pin-compatible with the rest of the PIC16F1824 family, allowing PCB reuse across temperature grades and voltage variants.
The PIC16LF1824 uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range 14-bit instruction word architecture with a 32MHz internal oscillator and PLL, providing 200ns instruction cycle time. The XLP nanoWatt technology includes multiple low-power modes (doze, idle, sleep with nanosecond wake-up) and ultra-low-power wake-up peripherals such as the watchdog timer and RTCC, enabling years of operation from a single coin cell.
Typical applications include capacitive touch keypads (mTouch), remote controls, sensor nodes, IoT edge devices, wearable electronics, battery-powered instruments, and low-power consumer goods. Designers choose the LF variant when operating voltage falls below 3V or when deep-sleep current is the dominant battery-life factor, and the QFN package when PCB real estate is constrained.
When designing with this MCU, ensure the supply decoupling capacitor (typically 100nF plus 10uF bulk) is placed within a few millimeters of the VDD pins. Program the CONFIG register to enable the internal oscillator and disable unused peripherals to minimize quiescent current. The E suffix after 1824 indicates the -40C to +125C extended operating temperature range.
This page synthesizes current distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, datasheet excerpts, and design notes curated for engineers specifying an 8-bit MCU in the PIC16F1824 family. Information covers parametric differences versus closely related Microchip parts and competing 8-bit MCU offerings.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1824-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 PIC16LF1824-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, MSL Level, Core Architecture, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1824-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1824-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1823-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.91 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1823-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1824-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 enhanced mid-range (14-bit instruction word) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Data Memory (RAM) | 256 bytes |
| Max CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Instruction Execution | 200 ns (at 32 MHz, 1 instruction per cycle) |
| Internal Oscillator | 32 MHz, factory-calibrated |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF variant, wide-V) |
| Supply Voltage Max | 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (E suffix = extended) |
| I/O Pins | 11 |
| Package | 16-QFN (4x4 mm), exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| ADC | On-chip (10- or 12-bit, depending on configuration) |
| Communication Interfaces | EUSART, I2C, SPI |
| Touch Sensing | mTouch capacitive touch peripheral |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP (eXtreme Low Power) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1824-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O, AN4, T1G, C1IN1-, SS |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O, AN3, T1OSO, C1OUT |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O, MCLR (input only), VPP |
| Pin 4 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O, AN15, CCP1 |
| Pin 5 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O, AN14, C2OUT |
| Pin 6 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O, AN13, CCP2, SCL |
| Pin 7 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O, AN18, TX/CK |
| Pin 8 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O, AN19, RX/DT |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O, AN4, T1OSO |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O, AN5, CCP1, T1OSI |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O, AN6, C12IN3- |
| Pin 13 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V-3.6V) |
| Pin 14 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O, ICSPDAT, TX/CK |
| Pin 15 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O, ICSPCLK, SCK/SCL |
| Pin 16 | EP — Exposed thermal pad - tie to VSS |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1824-E/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Capacitive Touch Keypads, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Remote Controls and Wireless HIDs, Wearable Fitness and Health Devices, Industrial Sensor and Metering Modules, Low-Power Consumer Electronics, Automotive Cabin and Interior Modules.
Capacitive Touch Keypads
The PIC16LF1824-E/ML is built around Microchip's mTouch peripheral and CTMU, making it well-suited to drive capacitive touch buttons, sliders, and proximity sensors. With 7KB Flash it stores the touch-scan state machine plus a few hundred bytes of EEPROM-tuned calibration, while 256B RAM holds the key flags and debounced event queue. Per Microchip datasheet 41419A, the XLP nanoWatt sleep current in the nA range lets a battery-powered keypad run for years between cell changes; the 32MHz core handles the touch-scan burst and wakes the CPU only when a key event occurs.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The LF (1.8V-3.6V) voltage range and XLP nanoWatt technology of the PIC16LF1824-E/ML make it a strong match for IoT sensor nodes powered by coin cells or single-cell Li-ion batteries. The 10/12-bit ADC interfaces directly with low-output sensors (temperature, humidity, gas), while 256B RAM plus 7KB Flash run small protocol stacks over EUSART or I2C. According to datasheet 41419A, periodic wake from sleep via WDT or RTCC cycles the supply to <1uA average for years-long battery life; the -40C to +125C extended range covers outdoor and industrial enclosures.
Recommended
Remote Controls and Wireless HIDs
The PIC16LF1824-E/ML fits handheld IR/RF remote controls because the 32MHz internal oscillator provides rapid wake-and-transmit cycles while XLP sleep holds the average current below 1uA. Its 7KB Flash accommodates RC5/SIRC or proprietary IR protocols with on-the-fly LED-feedback control, and the small 16-QFN (4x4) package drops onto compact PCBs with limited room for the MCU. Microchip datasheet 41419A confirms the LF variant's 1.8V-3.6V support for direct 3V coin-cell use; the E suffix's -40C to +125C guarantees automotive cabin and outdoor garage remotes.
Recommended
Wearable Fitness and Health Devices
Wearable bands and fitness trackers benefit from the PIC16LF1824-E/ML's tiny 4x4 mm QFN footprint, low-voltage operation, and capacitive touch for button-free UI. The 7KB Flash stores basic activity algorithms while the 32MHz core handles sensor reads from an external accelerometer over I2C/SPI. Per Microchip datasheet 41419A, the XLP sleep current under 20 nA and fast wake-up of <1us let the device spend most of its life in deep sleep for multi-week runtime on a small Li-Po cell. The E range covers body-heat ambient and cold-weather exercise conditions.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor and Metering Modules
Factory automation sensor hubs and metering modules leverage the PIC16LF1824-E/ML's -40C to +125C operating range and 1.8V-3.6V supply to interface with 4-20 mA loops, low-voltage analog front-ends, and I2C sensor chains. The 10/12-bit ADC plus internal voltage reference handle sub-1% measurement tasks while 7KB Flash fits protocol-conversion firmware (Modbus RTU, MBus). According to Microchip datasheet 41419A, the nanoWatt XLP modes support battery-backed meters that spend most of their time asleep; the 16-QFN (4x4) gives a compact module footprint for DIN-rail enclosures.
Recommended
Low-Power Consumer Electronics
General low-power consumer goods such as electronic shelf labels, BLE beacons, and toys take advantage of the PIC16LF1824-E/ML's LF supply range and XLP sleep. The 16-QFN (4x4) package measures only 16 mm^2 of PCB area, and 7KB Flash comfortably stores beacon interval tables, address-handling, and basic animation code. Microchip datasheet 41419A documents nanoWatt sleep currents down to ~20 nA, enabling years of operation on a single coin cell; the E temperature range covers indoor and outdoor shelf-edge climates from freezer to point-of-sale.
Recommended
Automotive Cabin and Interior Modules
Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, the PIC16LF1824-E/ML's -40C to +125C extended operating range, 16-QFN small form factor, and mTouch peripheral suit non-safety automotive interior modules such as HVAC buttons, mirror adjusters, and ambient lighting controllers. The 32MHz core drives LED PWM channels and reads multiple capacitive touch pads; the LF 1.8V-3.6V range aligns with 3.3V regulated body-electronics rails. Designers verify that the chosen module is not safety-critical and uses a separate AEC-Q100 MCU on the safety chain.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1824-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1824-I/ML | PIC16F1824-I/ML | PIC16LF1823-E/ML | PIC16LF1823-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 16-QFN (4x4) (ML) | 16-QFN (4x4) (ML) - same | 16-QFN (4x4) (ML) - same | 16-QFN (4x4) (ML) - same | 16-QFN (4x4) (ML) - same |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB (-50%) | 3.5 KB (-50%) |
| RAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 128 bytes (-50%) | 128 bytes (-50%) |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (F) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) |
| Max CPU Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Touch Sensing | mTouch + CTMU | mTouch + CTMU | mTouch + CTMU | mTouch + CTMU | mTouch + CTMU |
| XLP nanoWatt Tech | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Wide-voltage LF operation 1.8V-3.6V vs F 1.8V-5.5V (vs PIC16F1824-I/ML)
- Extended -40C to +125C vs industrial -40C to +85C (vs PIC16LF1824-I/ML)
- Full 7KB Flash vs 3.5KB on 1823 cousin (vs PIC16LF1823-E/ML)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of VDD pin 13 and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same supply rail as close to the device as layout allows. The PIC16LF1824-E/ML nanoWatt XLP current stays below 20 nA in deep sleep with the WDT disabled; leaving the WDT or RTCC enabled adds only a few hundred nA. Configure the VREGPM bit to Low-Power mode for line- or battery-powered designs per Microchip datasheet 41419A.
The 16-QFN exposed thermal pad (pin EP) must be soldered to a copper pad on the PCB and tied to VSS. Without this connection the thermal resistance theta_JA rises significantly and the -40C to +125C range may be degraded in high-current or hot-enclosure applications. Per datasheet 41419A the recommended PCB footprint has a 2.5x2.5 mm center pad with thermal vias to the bottom layer ground plane.
Keep the quartz-crystal traces (if used) short and over a continuous ground plane for stable oscillator operation. With the internal 32MHz oscillator no crystal is required; lock the PLL with the OSCCON register and use the PLL block to derive the peripheral clock. Decouple analog inputs (AN0-AN19) with small RC filters when used for ADC and route them away from switching digital lines to minimize crosstalk. Per datasheet 41419A the 16-QFN (4x4) package assigns some AN pins to overlapping functions; assign APFCON0/1 to remap as needed.
Do not exceed the maximum 3.6V VDD on the LF part or latch-up may occur; choose the F-only PIC16F1824 variant when 5V rails are present. Always tie MCLR (pin 3) high through a 10k resistor unless in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) is planned. Avoid using pin 3 as a general I/O by enabling MCLRE in the CONFIG register. Per datasheet 41419A, unused I/O should be configured as outputs low to minimize quiescent current draw on input pins floating to mid-rail.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per distributor listing pages. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - not intended for safety-critical automotive electronics. Lead-free per Microchip product family. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in verified distributor data; consult manufacturer declaration.
