PIC16LF1824T39A-I/ST - 8-Bit MCU w/ RF Tx & XLP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1824T39A-I/ST ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.2 | $4.20 |
| 10 | $3.78 | $37.80 |
| 100 | $3.35 | $335.00 |
| 500 | $2.95 | $1,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.55 | $2,550.00 |
PIC16LF1824T39A-I/ST Overview
A microcontroller (microcontroller IC, MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (RAM), peripherals (timers, ADC, comparators, communication interfaces), and I/O ports. Within the taxonomy, it sits under: MCU -> 8-bit microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor. The 8-bit PIC16 family uses a RISC architecture with only 49 instructions to learn, single-cycle execution except for branches, and a Harvard memory architecture that lets the CPU fetch instruction and data in parallel. This combination of small instruction set, low-power modes, and integrated analog/RF peripherals is what makes the PIC16LF1824T39A popular in sub-GHz wireless sensor applications.
Key features of the PIC16LF1824T39A-I/ST include 7 KB (4K x 14) of self-programmable Flash program memory, 256 bytes of EEPROM, a 10-bit ADC with up to 12 channels, two rail-to-rail analog comparators, multiple timers, and configurable output power for the integrated RF transmitter. The on-chip RF TX supports FSK/OOK modulation with frequency agility across 310/434/868/915 MHz sub-GHz ISM bands. XLP technology provides nanoWatt sleep currents in the nA range, making the part suitable for battery-powered wireless sensors with multi-year coin-cell lifetimes.
The device uses an enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC core with hardware multiplier and a vectored interrupt controller. The 10-bit ADC supports up to 12 channels, two comparators share an on-chip 1.024V/2.048V fixed voltage reference, and the integrated RF transmitter provides configurable output power and frequency agility through the internal PLL. The TSSOP-20 package gives the part a small PCB footprint while retaining 17 usable I/O lines.
Typical applications include remote keyless entry, home automation and IoT sensors, wireless thermostats, garage door openers, remote controls, industrial telemetry, and low-power sub-GHz wireless sensor nodes where the designer wants a single-chip MCU-plus-transmitter solution. For designs that need only a microcontroller or only a transmitter, this device is intentionally over-integrated.
When designing with this part, ensure the RF output network is matched to the selected ISM band antenna; datasheet reference designs cover 315/434/868/915 MHz. Use the sleep modes aggressively - average current in the uA range is achievable when waking only a few times per second. Unused RF output pins should be terminated according to the band-specific layout notes in the datasheet.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet. All alternatives share the same TSSOP-20 footprint for direct PCB reuse. Prices are listed in tiers as of 2026-09-24 from DigiKey/Mouser distributor pages.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1824T39A-I/ST — 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 PIC16LF1824T39A-I/ST (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory (Flash), ADC, I/O Pins, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1824T39AT-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.49 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1824-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.17 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1823-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1765-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.86 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1554-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1824T39A-I/ST Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC16 enhanced mid-range RISC |
| Program Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) Flash |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Integrated RF Transmitter | Yes, 310/434/868/915 MHz FSK/OOK |
| RF Modulation | FSK / OOK |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 12 channels |
| Comparators | 2, rail-to-rail analog |
| Instruction Set | 49 instructions, single-cycle (except branches) |
| I/O Pins | 17 (approx) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 20-pin TSSOP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP (nanoWatt) |
| Voltage Reference | Fixed 1.024 V / 2.048 V (internal) |
PIC16LF1824T39A-I/ST Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/C1IN+/VREF+ — GPIO RA3 / ADC channel 3 / comparator non-inverting input / VREF+ |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4/C1OUT — GPIO RA4 / ADC channel 4 / comparator 1 output |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN5/C2OUT — GPIO RA5 / ADC channel 5 / comparator 2 output |
| Pin 4 | RA0/AN0/C1IN- — GPIO RA0 / ADC channel 0 / comparator 1 inverting input |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN1/C2IN+ — GPIO RA1 / ADC channel 1 / comparator 2 non-inverting input |
| Pin 6 | RA2/AN2/C2IN- — GPIO RA2 / ADC channel 2 / comparator 2 inverting input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 8 | RB4/AN10 — GPIO RB4 / ADC channel 10 |
| Pin 9 | RB5/AN11 — GPIO RB5 / ADC channel 11 |
| Pin 10 | RB6/ICSPCLK — GPIO RB6 / ICD clock |
| Pin 11 | RB7/ICSPDAT — GPIO RB7 / ICD data |
| Pin 12 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 13 | RFIN — RF transmitter input (from internal PLL) |
| Pin 14 | RFOUT — RF transmitter output (to matching network and antenna) |
| Pin 15 | RC0 — GPIO RC0 |
| Pin 16 | RC1 — GPIO RC1 |
| Pin 17 | RC2 — GPIO RC2 |
| Pin 18 | RC3 — GPIO RC3 |
| Pin 19 | RC4 — GPIO RC4 |
| Pin 20 | RC5/MCLR — GPIO RC5 / Master Clear (reset) input |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1824T39A-I/ST is suitable for 6 applications: Remote Keyless Entry (RKE), Wireless Home Automation Sensors, Garage Door Opener Remote, Industrial Wireless Telemetry, Low-Power IoT Button / Remote Control, Wireless Thermostat / HVAC Remote.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
The PIC16LF1824T39A-I/ST is purpose-built for Remote Keyless Entry in automotive aftermarket and access-control products. According to the Microchip datasheet, the integrated sub-GHz RF transmitter delivers FSK/OOK modulation in the 315/434/868/915 MHz ISM bands commonly used for RKE, while the 7 KB Flash holds rolling-code encryption and button-decode firmware. XLP nanoWatt technology enables a CR2032 coin cell to power the fob for 3-5 years, because average sleep current is in the nA range and the transmitter only draws mA during the millisecond-scale button press. The TSSOP-20 footprint keeps the PCB under 10x10 mm, critical for key-head form factors. Compared to a discrete MCU + RF IC solution, the integrated part reduces BOM by one IC and removes the SPI bus between them.
Recommended
Wireless Home Automation Sensors
The PIC16LF1824T39A-I/ST fits wireless home automation sensor nodes (door/window, temperature, leak) that report periodically over a sub-GHz link to a hub. According to the Microchip datasheet, the 10-bit ADC with up to 12 channels supports thermistor, photodiode, and contact-sensor interfaces directly, while the two rail-to-rail comparators handle threshold detection without waking the ADC. The 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply range accepts two AA alkaline cells or a CR2032 coin cell, and XLP technology keeps sleep current in the nA range so a coin cell lasts the multi-year battery-life target. The 7 KB Flash stores the wireless protocol stack plus sensor-specific code. Microchip's reference designs cover 434 MHz and 868 MHz PCB antennas, so PCB layout effort is minimized.
Recommended
Garage Door Opener Remote
The PIC16LF1824T39A-I/ST targets sub-GHz fixed-code and rolling-code garage door opener remotes operating at 310/390/433 MHz. According to the Microchip datasheet, the integrated FSK/OOK RF transmitter covers all three common regional bands without an external RF IC, and configurable output power lets the designer trade range for battery life. The 7 KB Flash holds the encryption library (e.g., Microchip's KEELOQ-compatible firmware) and the button debouncer, while the 17 I/O pins handle multiple buttons, an LED indicator, and a low-battery ADC channel. XLP sleep modes in the nA range let a CR2032 cell survive 5+ years of typical residential use (a few activations per day). The TSSOP-20 footprint plus minimal external components keeps the BOM under USD 3 in volume.
Recommended
Industrial Wireless Telemetry
The PIC16LF1824T39A-I/ST serves low-data-rate industrial telemetry links such as remote metering, tank-level sensors, and equipment run-time counters. According to the Microchip datasheet, the industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade handles factory-floor environments, and the 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply is compatible with battery packs plus linear regulators. The 10-bit ADC reads transducer outputs, the on-chip comparators flag over-range conditions, and the integrated FSK/OOK transmitter at 433/868/915 MHz delivers the link without needing an extra RF IC. XLP sleep in the nA range supports multi-year battery life on the remote node. The TSSOP-20 package is compatible with conformal coating and reflow profiles used in industrial assembly.
Recommended
Low-Power IoT Button / Remote Control
The PIC16LF1824T39A-I/ST is well suited to coin-cell IoT buttons that wake on a press, transmit one packet, and return to sleep (the so-called 'energy-harvesting switch' class of devices). According to the Microchip datasheet, XLP technology delivers nanoWatt sleep currents so a CR2032 cell survives tens of thousands of activations, and the integrated FSK/OOK transmitter at 433/868 MHz delivers the single-shot packet in a few milliseconds at typical output power. The TSSOP-20 package plus a coin-cell holder fits a key-fob form factor. The 7 KB Flash holds the wireless stack and button debouncing. Compared to a discrete MCU + RF IC, this single-chip approach halves the BOM and removes the SPI wake-up coordination problem between MCU and RF transmitter.
Recommended
Wireless Thermostat / HVAC Remote
The PIC16LF1824T39A-I/ST supports wall-mount wireless thermostats and HVAC remotes that transmit setpoint or sensed temperature over a sub-GHz link to a base unit. According to the Microchip datasheet, the 10-bit ADC reads an external thermistor or digital temperature sensor, the 32 MHz CPU executes control-loop code, and the integrated 433/868 MHz FSK/OOK transmitter delivers the wireless link without an extra RF IC. The 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply range accepts 2x AA cells; XLP sleep modes in the nA range extend battery life well beyond one heating season. The TSSOP-20 footprint plus a small PCB antenna keeps the wall-plate form factor compact. Designers can use Microchip's reference layout for the 868 MHz PCB antenna.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1824T39A-I/ST — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1824T39AT-I/ST | PIC16LF1824-I/ST | PIC16LF1823-I/ST | PIC16LF1765-I/ST | PIC16LF1554-I/ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | TSSOP-20 | TSSOP-20 - same | TSSOP-20 - same | TSSOP-20 - same | TSSOP-20 - same | TSSOP-20 - same |
| Core / Architecture | 8-bit PIC16 enhanced mid-range RISC | 8-bit PIC16 enhanced mid-range RISC - same | 8-bit PIC16 enhanced mid-range RISC - same | 8-bit PIC16 enhanced mid-range RISC - same | 8-bit PIC16 enhanced mid-range RISC - same | 8-bit PIC16 enhanced mid-range RISC - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB - same | 7 KB - same | 3.5 KB (-50%) | 14 KB (+100%) | 7 KB - same |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same |
| Integrated RF Transmitter | Yes (310/434/868/915 MHz FSK/OOK) | Yes - same | No (drop-in without RF TX) | No | No | No |
| XLP (nanoWatt) Low Power | Yes | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C - same | -40C to +85C - same | -40C to +85C - same | -40C to +85C - same | -40C to +85C - same |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated sub-GHz RF transmitter on a single IC (vs PIC16LF1824-I/ST)
- 7 KB Flash in TSSOP-20 with FSK/OOK sub-GHz TX (vs PIC16LF1823-I/ST)
- Low-voltage 1.8-3.6 V operation with XLP nanoWatt sleep (vs PIC16F1824-I/ST (F variant, 1.8-5.5 V))
Design Notes
The TSSOP-20 footprint places RA0-RA5 on pins 4-2-1-20-19-18 (left side, pins 1-6) and RC0-RC5 on pins 15-16-17-18-19-20 plus RB4-RB7 on pins 8-11. According to the Microchip datasheet, the RF output (RFOUT, pin 14) and RF input (RFIN, pin 13) must be routed with a controlled-impedance trace (typically 50 ohm) and a pi-network matching circuit. Place the matching components as close to the IC pins as possible; the antenna trace or chip antenna should follow the 868 MHz reference layout in the datasheet. Decoupling: place a 100 nF ceramic + 1 uF ceramic + 10 uF tantalum at VDD (pin 12) with the smallest cap nearest the pin.
Estimated: with a 3.0 V CR2032 cell supplying 1.8-3.6 V and the CPU sleeping at ~50 nA but waking once per minute to transmit a 5 ms FSK packet drawing ~15 mA, average current is roughly 1.275 uA and the CR2032 (220 mAh) lasts about 19 years on paper. Real-world life is dominated by cell self-discharge (~2% per year) and quiescent overhead of peripherals left enabled. According to the Microchip datasheet, ensure unused peripherals are disabled in software and the MCLR pin (pin 20) is tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor (or left as a reset input) - floating MCLR causes high sleep current.
Do not confuse PIC16LF1824T39A-I/ST (with integrated RF transmitter, 1.8-3.6 V) with PIC16F1824-I/ST (no RF, 1.8-5.5 V) - the F (Flash, 1.8-5.5 V) and LF (low-voltage, 1.8-3.6 V) prefixes have different voltage ranges. According to the Microchip datasheet, exceeding 3.6 V on the LF part can damage the on-chip RF transmitter. Also, the trailing 'T' in PIC16LF1824T39AT-I/ST denotes tape-and-reel orientation only, not a different temperature grade or feature set. Engineers commonly misread this as a separate part number.
Keep the digital switching traces (RC0-RC5, RB4-RB7) physically separated from the RF output trace (pin 14) and the antenna feed. According to the Microchip datasheet, the RF output power is configurable but typically 3-10 dBm; harmonic spurs from the digital I/O switching can couple into the antenna and degrade regulatory emissions compliance. A ground plane under the RF trace and a stitching-via fence around the RF section are recommended. The TSSOP-20 thermal pad (if any) and the exposed paddle on TSSOP variants should be soldered to a grounded copper pour to reduce EMI.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; not designed for automotive safety-critical applications. The integrated RF transmitter requires regulatory certification per the target ISM band in the country of sale.
