PIC16LF1826-E/ML - 8-bit 32MHz 3.5KB Flash MCU 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1826-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.2 | $2.20 |
| 10 | $2 | $20.00 |
| 100 | $1.78 | $178.00 |
| 500 | $1.55 | $775.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.36 | $1,360.00 |
| 2,500 | $1.18 | $2,950.00 |
PIC16LF1826-E/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and peripherals such as timers, ADC, communication interfaces, and I/O pins. Within the broader semiconductor hierarchy, MCUs sit under microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> integrated circuits -> semiconductors. The PIC16F1826 family belongs to Microchip's enhanced mid-range core family with a 14-bit instruction set, optimized for low-power and mixed-signal embedded designs. The LF variants operate across 1.8V-3.6V supply and are engineered for battery-powered and energy-harvesting applications where quiescent current budgets are critical.
Key features include 32 MHz internal oscillator (8 MIPS instruction throughput), 256B SRAM, 256B EEPROM, 17 I/O pins, 12-channel 10-bit ADC, two 8-bit timers, one 16-bit timer, enhanced PWM modules, mTouch capacitive touch sensing peripheral, and configurable Logic Cellules (CLC). The nanoWatt XLP technology delivers sleep currents in the tens of nA range with multiple low-power modes (DOZE, IDLE, SLEEP). The 28-QFN (6x6) package provides a low 0.95 mm profile and exposed thermal pad for improved thermal performance.
The PIC16LF1826 uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, enhanced mid-range instruction set with 49 instructions, and an interrupt controller with hardware context save. The integrated temperature indicator, fixed voltage reference, and on-board mTouch hardware accelerator simplify sensor node designs without external components. The device supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) and debug via ICD 3/PICkit.
Typical applications include low-power IoT sensor nodes, capacitive touch keypads, battery-powered remote controls, wearable fitness/health accessories, energy harvesting systems, and consumer electronics front panels requiring touch interfaces. The wide 1.8-3.6V supply range and ultra-low sleep current (typically <30 nA with WDT) extend battery life across multi-year deployments on coin cells or harvested energy.
When designing with this device, reserve RA0/RA1/RA2 for analog functions (ADC/reference) and avoid high-speed digital signals on these pins to minimize coupling. Use the CLC peripheral for glue logic consolidation and consult Microchip TB3101 for nanoWatt XLP sleep-mode calibration to optimize total energy budget across application duty cycles.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric drop-in alternatives, package pinout diagrams, and practical design notes for the PIC16LF1826-E/ML not consolidated on the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1826-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 PIC16LF1826-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture, Maximum CPU Speed, Peripherals.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1826-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1827-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1826-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1825-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1826-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | PIC® XLP™ mTouch™ 16F |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) FLASH |
| RAM Size | 256 B |
| EEPROM Size | 256 B |
| Number of I/O | 17 |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 12-channel, 10-bit |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| PWM | Enhanced CCP, PWM |
| Connectivity | I2C, SPI, UART, mTouch capacitive touch |
| Peripherals | CLC, PWM, WDT, BOR, mTouch, Temperature Indicator |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16LF1826-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Digital I/O pin / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Digital I/O pin / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Digital I/O pin / analog input / MCLR |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Digital I/O pin / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Digital I/O pin / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Digital I/O pin / analog input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Digital I/O pin / analog input / OSC1 |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — Digital I/O pin / analog input / OSC2 |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Digital I/O pin |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — Digital I/O pin |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — Digital I/O pin |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — Digital I/O pin / SCL |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — Digital I/O pin / SDA |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — Digital I/O pin |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — Digital I/O pin / TX |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — Digital I/O pin / RX |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive power supply |
| Pin 20 | RB7 — Digital I/O pin / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 21 | RB6 — Digital I/O pin / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 22 | RB5 — Digital I/O pin |
| Pin 23 | RB4 — Digital I/O pin |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — Digital I/O pin |
| Pin 25 | RB1 — Digital I/O pin |
| Pin 26 | RB0 — Digital I/O pin / INT |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Positive power supply |
| Pin 28 | EP — Exposed thermal pad (connect to VSS) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1826-E/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Power IoT Sensor Nodes, Capacitive Touch Keypads, Battery-Powered Remote Controls, Wearable Fitness/Health Accessories, Energy Harvesting Systems, Industrial Sensor Front Panels.
Low-Power IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF1826-E/ML fits low-power IoT sensor nodes with its nanoWatt XLP sleep current below 100 nA (per Microchip TB3101), 1.8V-3.6V supply range matching 3.3V coin cells, and 32 MHz core enabling quick burst processing before returning to sleep. Placed as the central MCU with the 12-channel 10-bit ADC sampling sensors like temperature, humidity, or battery voltage, it transmits via UART or SPI to a sub-GHz or BLE module. Unlike higher-pin-count MCUs, this part's 17 I/O, mTouch, and compact 28-QFN footprint support space-constrained wireless sensor nodes. The 256B EEPROM stores non-volatile configuration without external memory. Engineers typically pair it with a TI CC1101 or similar sub-GHz transceiver for industrial IoT sensor endpoints, extending battery life to multi-year deployments.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch Keypads
The PIC16LF1826-E/ML integrates Microchip's mTouch capacitive touch peripheral through its 10-bit ADC and dedicated CVD hardware, supporting up to 12 touch channels without external capacitive sensing ICs. Placed as the touch scanning controller with copper pads routed to RA0-RA7, RB4-RB7, RC0-RC4, and a single I/O pin for IRQ/status, it directly drives LED indicators and interfaces to a host MCU over I2C/UART. Unlike discrete touch ICs, the integrated mTouch allows firmware-driven tuning and noise immunity. The 32 MHz core provides fast oversampling for robust touch detection in noisy environments. For consumer products, this part eliminates the BOM cost of an external touch controller while keeping sleep current low for battery-powered remotes.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Controls
The PIC16LF1826-E/ML suits battery-powered remote controls with its 1.8-3.6V supply matching two AAA cells, sub-100 nA sleep current extending battery life to multiple years, and integrated mTouch allowing touch-button remotes without mechanical switches. Placed as the controller IC with IR LED driver on PWM output, IR receiver feedback via ADC, and keypad scan on port pins, it handles IR protocol generation (NEC, RC5, SIRC) entirely in firmware. Unlike higher-power MCUs, this part's nanoWatt XLP sleep enables the remote to sit idle for years on a single battery. The 28-QFN's 6x6 mm footprint supports thin remote enclosures. Typical duty cycle: 99.9% sleep, 0.1% active at 32 MHz for IR transmission burst.
Recommended
Wearable Fitness/Health Accessories
The PIC16LF1826-E/ML supports wearable fitness and health accessories with its sub-100 nA sleep, 1.8-3.6V supply matching single-cell Li-ion, and integrated 12-bit ADC sampling biometric sensors like heart rate, SpO2 photodiode, or motion via external sensor. Placed as the central wearable controller driving an OLED display over SPI and a BLE radio over UART, it operates in a tight duty-cycled mode spending most time in sleep. Unlike 32-bit Cortex MCUs, this part costs less and consumes less quiescent current, ideal for small-form-factor wearables where PCB area and battery life are paramount. The exposed pad on 28-QFN provides thermal dissipation for sustained sensor processing bursts, while the -40C to +125C range covers body and ambient temperature scenarios.
Recommended
Energy Harvesting Systems
The PIC16LF1826-E/ML suits energy harvesting systems thanks to its nanoWatt XLP sleep below 100 nA, 1.8-3.6V supply matching supercapacitor storage at 2.7-3.3V, and integrated peripherals minimizing external component count. Placed as the harvest controller with ADC sampling solar/vibration harvester output, GPIO controlling boost converter enable, and timer managing duty-cycled sensor reading, it powers some autonomous IoT endpoints entirely from harvested energy. Unlike larger MCUs, this part's tiny 28-QFN and ultra-low sleep enable self-powered wireless sensor designs. The CLC peripheral implements custom glue logic like harvester MPPT control without discrete gates. The 256B EEPROM stores calibration data across power cycles.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Front Panels
The PIC16LF1826-E/ML fits industrial sensor front panels with its -40C to +125C operating range, 12-channel ADC for multiple analog sensors, and PWM outputs for LED bar-graph or buzzer feedback. Placed as the front-panel controller with capacitive touch buttons (mTouch), rotary encoder input on timer capture, and UART/CAN connectivity to a host PLC, it handles user interface duties while the main PLC runs the application logic. Unlike expensive HMI controllers, this part keeps the BOM cost low while providing professional touch interfaces. The 28-QFN package fits behind sealed glass or plastic panels with capacitive-sensing electrodes routed on the PCB. The 1.8-3.6V supply matches industrial 3.3V rails with clean analog performance.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1826-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1826-E/ML | PIC16LF1827-E/ML | PIC16LF1826-I/ML | PIC16LF1825-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6) | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB (same) | 7 KB (+100%) | 3.5 KB (same) | 14 KB (+300%) |
| RAM | 256 B | 256 B (same) | 384 B (+50%) | 256 B (same) | 1.5 KB (+488%) |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 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) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C (same) | -40C to +125C (same) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Core Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz (same) | 32 MHz (same) | 32 MHz (same) | 32 MHz (same) |
| mTouch CapSense | Yes | Yes (same) | Yes (same) | Yes (same) | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Industry-leading nanoWatt XLP sleep current (vs PIC16F1826-E/ML)
- Lowest-cost 32 MHz 8-bit PIC with mTouch (vs PIC16LF1827-E/ML)
- Industrial -40C to +125C operating range (vs PIC16LF1826-I/ML)
Design Notes
Estimated: At 32 MHz active and 3.3V VDD, the PIC16LF1826-E/ML draws approximately 5-7 mA active current per Microchip datasheet typical curves. Sleep current with nanoWatt XLP is typically below 100 nA with WDT disabled and below 500 nA with WDT enabled. For battery-life estimation, compute energy per measurement cycle: E = I_active * t_active + I_sleep * t_sleep. For a sensor node sampling once per minute with 100 ms active time, the average current is approximately (5 mA * 0.1 s + 50 nA * 59.9 s) / 60 s = 8.4 uA. A 3V CR2032 (220 mAh) would power such a node for approximately 220 mAh / 8.4 uA = 30,000 hours = 3.4 years.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin (pins 19 and 27) and a bulk 1-10 uF capacitor on the main VDD rail. The exposed thermal pad (pin 28/EP) must be soldered to a VSS-connected copper pour for thermal dissipation and mechanical reliability. Per Microchip TB3063 (PCB layout guidelines for QFN packages), the EP pad should have multiple thermal vias connecting top-side copper to internal ground planes. Minimize trace length on analog inputs (RA0-RA7) to reduce ADC noise coupling; route digital signals on inner layers away from analog traces.
The PIC16LF1826-E/ML ICSP programming pins RB6 (ICSPCLK) and RB7 (ICSPDAT) must not be pulled low or have heavy loading at reset, or the device may enter a programming/reset state. Series 100-ohm resistors between the MCU and external circuitry on these pins prevent ICSP issues. RA3 serves dual function as GPIO and MCLR; if MCLR is enabled, this pin cannot be used as GPIO. The internal 32 MHz oscillator requires configuration of OSCCON and may need software tuning via OSCTUNE to compensate for voltage/temperature drift. Do not enable A/D on the analog channels used for capacitive touch without proper acquisition time configuration.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive-grade variants check PIC16F1826-E/ML automotive part. Lead-free (Pb-free) reflow profile per JEDEC J-STD-020.
