PIC16LF1826-E/MV - 3.5KB Flash 8-Bit MCU, 32MHz, 28-UQFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1826-E/MV ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.92 | $1.92 |
| 10 | $1.72 | $17.20 |
| 100 | $1.42 | $142.00 |
| 500 | $1.25 | $625.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.1 | $1,100.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.95 | $2,850.00 |
PIC16LF1826-E/MV Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, integrating a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (RAM), and a set of on-chip peripherals. The PIC16 family sits in the hierarchy as: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. PIC16F/LF1826 devices use an enhanced mid-range core with 49 instructions and a 16-bit instruction word, designed for low-power embedded control with the proprietary nanoWatt XLP technology that enables sub-microamp sleep currents.
Key features include an internal 32MHz oscillator (8 MIPS instruction throughput), 16 digital I/O pins, integrated mTouch capacitive-sensing support, a 10-bit ADC with up to 12 channels, two 8-bit timers and one 16-bit timer, hardware PWM, EUSART, I2C/SPI, and an on-chip temperature indicator. The PIC16LF1826 supports In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) for field updates and In-Circuit Debug (ICD) for development with MPLAB X IDE and the PICkit 5 programmer.
Architecturally, the device pairs the enhanced mid-range core with a 14-bit instruction word and 8-level hardware stack. The internal 32MHz oscillator can be trimmed, and the part supports multiple clock sources (HFINTOSC, LFINTOSC, external oscillator, EC, and XT modes). The device achieves typical active currents of ~60 uA at 1 MHz / 1.8V and sleep currents below 50 nA with retention.
Typical applications include capacitive touch user interfaces (mTouch), battery-powered sensor nodes, low-power IoT edge devices, consumer white goods with HMI buttons, and portable medical accessories where the 28-UQFN footprint is needed for space-constrained PCBs. Designers value the part for its small 4x4 mm UQFN package, AEC-Q100 grade-1 availability, and mature MPLAB toolchain support.
When designing with the PIC16LF1826, allocate the UQFN exposed pad to a continuous ground pour for thermal dissipation and supply integrity; the part is rated for 1.8V-3.6V so a 3.3V LDO is typically upstream. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF X7R placed within 3 mm of the pin, and reserve the ICSPDAT/ICSPCLK pins for the programming header.
This page synthesizes Microchip datasheet specifications, parametric comparisons, and design notes curated by XAIPART - not a substitute for the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1826-E/MV — 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/MV (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash), Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1826-I/MV
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1826-E/MV
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1826-I/MV
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1827-I/MV
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1847-I/MV
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1789-I/MV
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.51 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1826-E/MV Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Data Memory (RAM) | 256 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Instruction Set | 49 instructions, 14-bit word |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) |
| Digital I/O Pins | 16 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 12 channels |
| Timers | Two 8-bit, one 16-bit |
| Communication | EUSART, I2C, SPI (mSSP) |
| PWM Modules | Enhanced CCP, 10-bit PWM |
| Capacitive Touch | mTouch peripheral |
| Internal Oscillator | 32 MHz HFINTOSC, 31 kHz LFINTOSC |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Package | 28-pin UQFN (4x4 mm) with EP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Programming/Debug | ICSP (2-wire), ICD via PICkit 5 |
| Temperature Indicator | On-chip |
PIC16LF1826-E/MV Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Digital I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Digital I/O / MCLR |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Digital I/O / analog |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Digital I/O / analog |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Digital I/O / OSC1 |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — Digital I/O / OSC2 |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 18 | RB7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 19 | RB6 — Digital I/O / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 20 | RB5 — Digital I/O / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 21 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 22 | RB3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 24 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 25 | RB0 — Digital I/O / interrupt |
| Pin 26 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V-3.6V) |
| Pin 27 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet, UQFN layout) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1826-E/MV is suitable for 6 applications: Capacitive Touch User Interface, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Industrial Sensor Transmitter, Consumer White Goods Control Board, Portable Medical Accessory, Automotive Interior Switch Module.
Capacitive Touch User Interface
The PIC16LF1826-E/MV is purpose-built for capacitive touch HMI panels thanks to its integrated Microchip mTouch peripheral using CVD (Charge-Volume Division) acquisition. With up to 12 touch channels and 256 bytes of RAM, the MCU can decode button presses and slider positions while maintaining sub-50 nA sleep current for battery-powered interfaces. The 4x4 mm UQFN footprint allows the controller to sit directly behind the touch pads, minimizing trace length and noise pickup. Designers use the MPLAB Code Configurator mTouch plugin to handle decoding and water-tolerance algorithms. Compared with a discrete touch IC plus main MCU, the PIC16LF1826-E/MV consolidates sensing and application logic into one part, reducing BOM cost and PCB area in white goods, automotive interior switches, and consumer remote controls.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF1826-E/MV's nanoWatt XLP technology makes it ideal for coin-cell IoT sensor nodes where sleep current dominates battery life. The MCU draws under 50 nA in sleep with RAM retention and only ~60 uA active at 1 MHz / 1.8V, enabling multi-year operation on a CR2032. The integrated 10-bit ADC samples thermistor, photodiode, or analog sensor outputs without external components, while the EUSART or SPI port connects to a sub-GHz transceiver such as the MRF89XA for wireless backhaul. The 1.8V-3.6V supply range accepts a direct battery connection without an LDO. The 28-UQFN 4x4 mm footprint fits in the smallest wearable form factors, and the extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade supports outdoor and industrial deployments.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter
The PIC16LF1826-E/MV operates reliably across the -40 C to +125 C extended temperature range required for industrial 4-20 mA loop-powered transmitters and process-control front ends. Its 10-bit ADC provides adequate resolution for RTD, thermocouple, and bridge-sensor conditioning when paired with a low-noise front end, while the integrated timers and PWM support HART or custom modulation schemes. The 3.5 KB Flash accommodates calibration constants and linearization tables, and the EUSART delivers RS-485 connectivity to PLCs. The 1.8V-3.6V supply range is well-matched to 3.3V-regulated industrial rails. The 28-UQFN package's small footprint enables integration into B-sized field instrument heads.
Recommended
Consumer White Goods Control Board
The PIC16LF1826-E/MV provides a cost-optimized solution for washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, and microwave controls where it manages capacitive touch keypads, LED indicators, motor drive via PWM, and sensor feedback. The mTouch peripheral replaces mechanical switches, improving reliability and IP-rated sealing, while the 16 digital I/O pins interface to relays, triac drivers, and buzzer feedback. The 32 MHz core delivers 8 MIPS for state-machine-based appliance control with response times under 10 ms. The 28-UQFN's 4x4 mm size simplifies placement on densely packed main control boards, and the -40 C to +125 C grade handles oven-cabinet and motor-driver heat. The PICkit 5 ICSP interface accelerates factory programming and in-field firmware updates.
Recommended
Portable Medical Accessory
Low-power medical wearables and point-of-care accessories benefit from the PIC16LF1826-E/MV's combination of nanoWatt XLP sleep current, integrated 10-bit ADC, and mTouch support. The MCU can manage glucose-meter user interfaces, pulse-oximeter display control, or inhaler-dose counters while consuming under 50 nA in standby. The 32 MHz core handles simple display-refresh and data-validation tasks without an external RTOS. The 1.8V-3.6V supply range supports direct Li-ion or 2xAAA operation. The 28-UQFN 4x4 mm package fits into slim pen-style enclosures, and the extended temperature range maintains accuracy in clinical environments. The AEC-Q100 sibling, PIC16F1826-E/MV, supports higher-grade medical device designs.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Switch Module
The PIC16LF1826-E/MV can be specified for non-safety automotive interior functions such as steering-wheel switch panels, ambient lighting controllers, and overhead-console keypads. Its mTouch peripheral replaces mechanical rocker switches, while the EUSART and LIN-compatible UART connect to the vehicle body controller. Designers choose the AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F1826-E/MV sibling for AEC applications, but the standard PIC16LF1826-E/MV's -40 C to +125 C grade already covers cabin-temperature operation. The 28-UQFN footprint fits behind switch bezels, and the 1.8V-3.6V supply aligns with typical 3.3V regulated body-controller rails. The 16 I/O pins support RGB LED drivers via PWM and SPI daisy-chain control.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1826-E/MV — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1826-I/MV | PIC16F1826-E/MV | PIC16LF1826-I/MV | PIC16F1827-I/MV | PIC16F1847-I/MV | PIC16LF1789-I/MV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-pin UQFN (MV) 4x4 mm | 28-pin UQFN (MV) - same | 28-pin UQFN (MV) - same | 28-pin UQFN (MV) - same | 28-pin UQFN (MV) - same | 28-pin UQFN (MV) - same | 28-pin UQFN (MV) - same |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB (same) | 3.5 KB (same) | 3.5 KB (same) | 7 KB (+100%) | 14 KB (+300%) | 28 KB (+700%) |
| RAM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 384 B (+50%) | 1 KB (+300%) | 2 KB (+700%) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8V - 3.6V | 1.8V - 5.5V | 1.8V - 5.5V | 1.8V - 3.6V (same) | 1.8V - 5.5V | 1.8V - 5.5V | 1.8V - 3.6V (same) |
| Maximum Frequency | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 12-bit (+20%) | 12-bit (+20%) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP |
Key Differentiators
- Industry-standard 8-bit drop-in platform with massive code reuse (vs PIC16F1827-I/MV (7 KB Flash))
- Extended -40 C to +125 C temperature range at no cost premium (vs PIC16LF1826-I/MV (industrial -40 C to +85 C))
- Ultra-low 1.8V minimum supply for direct coin-cell operation (vs PIC16F1826-E/MV (1.8V-5.5V))
- Sub-50 nA sleep with full RAM retention (vs PIC16LF1789-I/MV (larger Flash but same 32 MHz core))
Design Notes
The 28-pin UQFN exposed pad MUST be soldered to a continuous ground pour on the top layer with at least 8 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill, 0.5 mm pitch) connecting to an internal ground plane. Without this, electrical and thermal performance degrades and the part may exceed its -40 C to +125 C operating limit at full CPU load. Per the Microchip UQFN land-pattern application note, the land pattern uses 0.4 mm pitch pads with NSMD (non-solder mask defined) geometry.
Place a 100 nF X7R decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin (pin 26) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same node for nanoWatt XLP sleep-current optimization. The PIC16LF1826-E/MV draws sub-50 nA in sleep with retention, but load transients during wake-up can cause VDD droop without sufficient bulk capacitance. If using a battery with high internal resistance (e.g., CR2032 at low temperature), add a 4.7 uF ceramic in parallel.
Reserve pins RB6 (ICSPCLK) and RB5 (ICSPDAT) for the 2-wire ICSP programming/debug header. Add a 4.7 kohm pull-up on MCLR/RA3 (pin 3) and connect it to the programming header's VPP signal. Route ICSPCLK and ICSPDAT away from high-frequency switching nodes (PWM outputs, oscillator traces) to avoid programming glitches. Per Microchip ICSP design guide, the programming header should be accessible without removing the device from the board.
Do NOT connect any analog signal exceeding VDD+0.3V to an I/O pin - the PIC16LF1826-E/MV is not 5V tolerant on its digital I/O. Using it on a 5V system requires level shifters or migration to the PIC16F1826 variant (1.8V-5.5V). Also, when waking from sleep via the WDT or interrupt, allow the HFINTOSC 32 MHz oscillator to stabilize (typ. 4 us) before executing timing-critical code, or use the LFINTOSC for low-power peripheral clocks.
For mTouch capacitive-sensing channels, route the touch-pad traces on the top layer only with no vias, keeping the trace length under 50 mm and the trace width 0.2-0.3 mm. Surround each touch trace with a ground hatch (50% fill) but maintain at least 0.5 mm clearance from the touch pad and trace. Add a series 1 kohm resistor within 5 mm of the MCU pin to suppress ESD. Reference: Microchip AN1478 mTouch design guide.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Standard grade is not AEC-Q100 - choose PIC16F1826-E/MV (AEC-Q100) for automotive applications.