PIC16LF1826-E/SO - 8-bit XLP MCU, 3.5KB Flash, 18-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1826-E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.4 | $1.40 |
| 10 | $1.26 | $12.60 |
| 100 | $1.12 | $112.00 |
| 500 | $1 | $500.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.92 | $920.00 |
PIC16LF1826-E/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, integrating a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), working memory (RAM), non-volatile data EEPROM, and a set of on-chip peripherals such as timers, ADC, communication interfaces, and I/O pins. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, the PIC16LF1826 sits as: microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC16 family -> enhanced mid-range core -> CMOS flash-based MCU -> low-power (XLP) variant. This hierarchy situates it beneath 16-bit and 32-bit MCUs in compute density but ahead of discrete logic in system integration.
Key features include 49-instruction enhanced mid-range core with 16 stack levels, self-read/write capable Flash program memory, integrated mTouch capacitive sensing module, Data Signal Modulator (DSM), MI2C/SPI/EUSART with auto-baud, 12-channel 10-bit ADC, and four 16-bit timers. The on-chip nanoWatt XLP technology enables sleep currents measured in nanoamps, making the device suitable for battery-powered designs with multi-year lifetime targets. The 18-SOIC package is a JEDEC-standard 300-mil wide small-outline IC.
Typical applications include ultra-low-power sensor nodes with capacitive touch buttons, battery-powered IoT endpoints, portable medical accessories (continuous glucose monitors, pulse oximeters), consumer remote controls, automotive interior modules (under-hood requires -40C to +125C grade), and home appliance user interfaces. The 1.8V minimum VDD operation at 16MHz and integrated peripherals minimize external component count.
When designing with this MCU, match the application temperature profile to the 'E' (enhanced, -40C to +125C) versus 'I' (industrial, -40C to +85C) suffix. Use MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler for firmware development, and MPLAB PICkit 5 or ICD 4 for in-circuit debug and programming. Decouple VDD with a 100nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5mm of the power pin to ensure ADC accuracy.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1826-E/SO — 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/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Operating Temperature, Maximum CPU Speed, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1826-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.98 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1826-E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1826-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1826-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1825-E/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1827-E/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1826-E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 Enhanced Mid-Range 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 256 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Internal Oscillator | 32 MHz (factory calibrated) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF variant) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) |
| I/O Pins | 16 |
| ADC | 12-channel, 10-bit |
| Communication Interfaces | MI2C, SPI, EUSART with auto-baud |
| Timers | 4 x 16-bit |
| mTouch Capacitive Sensing | Integrated module |
| Data Signal Modulator | Yes (DSM) |
| Package | 18-SOIC (SO), 300-mil, 7.50 mm width |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Instruction Set | 49 instructions, 16 stack levels |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Peripherals | Enhanced CCP, PWM, comparator, VREF |
PIC16LF1826-E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input / digital input |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — Input only or Master Clear / programming voltage (internal pull-up) |
| Pin 5 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input / comparator / DAC reference |
| Pin 7 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input / reference |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RB7/PGD — Bidirectional I/O / in-circuit debugger data line |
| Pin 10 | RB6/PGC — Bidirectional I/O / in-circuit debugger clock line |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 12 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 13 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input / CCP output |
| Pin 14 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input / PWM output |
| Pin 15 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 16 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 17 | RA7/OSC1 — Bidirectional I/O / external clock input / crystal connection |
| Pin 18 | RA6/OSC2 — Bidirectional I/O / crystal output |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1826-E/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Capacitive Touch User Interfaces, Automotive Interior Modules, Portable Medical Accessories, Industrial Control and Sensor Conditioning, Consumer Remote Controls, White Goods and Home Appliance User Interface.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF1826-E/SO is well-matched to battery-powered IoT sensor endpoints. Its 1.8-3.6 V VDD range is compatible with single-cell lithium and dual-alkaline chemistries, while the on-chip nanoWatt XLP technology delivers sleep currents in the tens of nanoamps. The 32 MHz HFINTOSC eliminates external crystals, and the 12-channel 10-bit ADC supports multiple sensors with sub-100 ksps conversion. The integrated MI2C/SPI/EUSART interfaces drop in directly to popular sub-GHz or BLE peripherals. Combined with the -40 C to +125 C enhanced range, the part covers indoor to harsh-outdoor IoT deployments.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interfaces
With the integrated mTouch capacitive sensing module, the PIC16LF1826-E/SO directly drives capacitive buttons, sliders, and proximity sensors without an external touch IC. The DSM (Data Signal Modulator) and on-chip comparators enable wake-on-touch from deep sleep, reducing average current well below 1 uA. The 12 ADC channels and 16 I/O lines support 8-12 touch electrodes plus LED drivers. Its 18-SOIC package fits hand-held consumer products and white-goods front panels while running from a 3.3 V rail.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Modules
The 'E' temperature grade qualifies the PIC16LF1826-E/SO for automotive cabin applications such as climate-control keypads, seat-position switches, and interior lighting controllers. The 3.5 KB Flash budget suits mid-sized state machines, while the EUSART with auto-baud simplifies LIN-bus-like protocols. AEC-Q100 qualification, however, would require an equivalent Q-grade variant; for full underhood or ABS-grade systems choose a Microchip automotive-grade PIC part. For body and interior, this 18-SOIC device offers solid electromagnetic margin thanks to its CMOS design.
Recommended
Portable Medical Accessories
Low-cost medical accessories such as pulse-oximeter probes, glucose-meter dongles, and pill-box reminders benefit from the PIC16LF1826-E/SO's nanoWatt sleep current and I2C-driven sensor support. The 3.5 KB Flash holds calibration tables and small UI state machines, and the 10-bit ADC handles thermistor or battery-monitoring channels with adequate accuracy for accessory-grade readings. The -40 C to +125 C temperature grade also survives disinfection heat cycles common in clinical-grade accessory sterilization.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Sensor Conditioning
Inside an industrial cabinet, the PIC16LF1826-E/SO can serve as a compact signal-conditioning and supervisory controller: the 12 ADC channels digitize analog sensor outputs, while the four 16-bit timers drive PWM outputs for proportional valve or heater control. The EUSART with auto-baud streamlines RS-485 communication to a master PLC, and the SPI port interfaces with external ADC or DAC companions. The -40 C to +125 C enhanced range is suitable for cabinet-internal operating conditions where ambient temperature spikes occur.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Controls
For handheld IR or RF remote controls, the PIC16LF1826-E/SO delivers the right blend of low power, modest Flash, and integrated peripherals. The EUSART interfaces with sub-GHz transmitters or an IR LED driver transistor; the timers generate accurate carrier frequencies for RC-5/RC-6 or NEC protocols. Sleep current below 1 uA extends coin-cell life across years of standby. The 18-SOIC package minimizes BOM height while preserving sufficient I/O for keyboard matrix scanning.
Recommended
White Goods and Home Appliance User Interface
The PIC16LF1826-E/SO controls user-interface microcontrollers for washing machines, dishwashers, and induction cooktops. Its mTouch capacitive sensing supports sealed glass-front panels, and the MI2C bus connects LCD/LED driver ICs. The enhanced -40 C to +125 C range tolerates the under-radiator thermal load of inverter-driven appliances. The 18-SOIC reflow-clean package is suitable for high-volume SMT lines targeting appliance grade reliability.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1826-E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1826-I/SO | PIC16F1826-E/SO | PIC16LF1825-E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC (300 mil) | 18-SOIC (300 mil) | 18-SOIC (300 mil) | 18-SOIC (300 mil) |
| Flash Program Memory | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 14 KB |
| Data SRAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 1 KB |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Temperature Grade | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +85 C (I) | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +125 C (E) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| mTouch Capacitive Sensing | Yes (integrated) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ADC | 12-ch x 10-bit | 12-ch x 10-bit | 12-ch x 10-bit | 12-ch x 10-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Wide enhanced operating range versus industrial-only alternates (vs PIC16LF1826-I/SO)
- True 1.8 V operation with full XLP sleep modes (vs PIC16F1826-E/SO)
- Optimized Flash size for compact firmware (vs PIC16LF1825-E/SO)
- Single-chip mTouch eliminates external touch IC (vs PIC16LF1824 family with external touch controller)
Design Notes
Power-rail design: Place a 100 nF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 1) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the IC for transient load support. With XLP sleep currents in the tens of nanoamps, the regulator (e.g., MCP1700) should be selected for sub-microamp quiescent current to preserve battery life. Estimated: under a 100 nF + 10 uF network at 16 MHz and 3.3 V, active current remains below 1.5 mA (input as datasheet Fig 24 typical value 0.9 mA + ADC/timer burst margin).
ICSP and MCLR routing: pin 4 (RA3/MCLR/VPP) is dual-purpose and the dual function requires a 10-50 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation. Route the ICSP PGD/PGC pair (pins 9/10) as a matched 50 ohm pair away from fast switching nodes to avoid debug-port coupling. The crystal/clock pins (17/18) should be guarded by a ground ring and short traces to minimize EMI susceptibility.
Voltage derating: PIC16LF devices drop full 32 MHz operation below 2.5 V VDD; at 1.8 V VDD, CPU clock must be reduced to 16 MHz maximum. Configuration bits (CONFIG1) include the RCM (reset by clock monitor) and IESO (internal/external switchover) fields that, if left unset, can leave the part in an indeterminate state if RST is asserted low during PLL/INTOSC transition. Always initialize CLKRCON and OSCCON in firmware.
ADC noise immunity: The 10-bit ADC shares I/O pins with the digital drivers; if a digital I/O is toggling in the same port-mask, place analog inputs on different ports or gate them before sampling. Use a 2-cycle acquisition + averaging routine; oversampling 16x to 14 effective bits is straightforward and improves sensor read stability with negligible CPU cost (16 MIPS + 16 cycles per average).
Compliance Information
RoHS / lead-free compliant per Microchip product environmental compliance site. AEC-Q100 not qualified for the E/SO variant - automotive customers should source PIC16F1826 automotive grade or contact Microchip for AEC-Q100 equivalent.
