PIC16LF1826T-I/ML - 8-bit XLP MCU 3.5KB Flash 32MHz QFN-28 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1826T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.95 | $2.95 |
| 10 | $2.66 | $26.60 |
| 100 | $2.36 | $236.00 |
| 500 | $2.13 | $1,065.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.89 | $1,890.00 |
PIC16LF1826T-I/ML Overview
Key features include an integrated 32 MHz internal oscillator, mTouch capacitive-touch sensing peripherals, multiple capture/compare/PWM (CCP/ECCP) modules, a 10-bit ADC with computation, comparators, and support for I²C/SPI/EUSART/IrDA communication interfaces. The device operates from 1.8V to 3.6V, suiting battery-powered designs, while active current consumption stays in the microamp range thanks to XLP technology.
The LF process variant of the PIC16F1826 enables operation at full 32 MHz performance below 2V supply rails, with low-power sleep currents typically below 30 nA. The QFN-28 package with EPAD provides excellent thermal dissipation for continuous operation at industrial temperature ranges, while the exposed pad must be soldered to the PCB ground plane to meet thermal and electrical performance.
Typical applications include low-power IoT sensor nodes, capacitive-touch user interfaces, battery-powered handheld instrumentation, consumer appliance control, and remote control/HID peripherals. The mTouch library and XCEN/XLP features make the device well-suited for products where extended battery life and touch-based interfaces are primary requirements.
When designing with this part, designers should solder the exposed pad to a sufficiently sized copper pour for thermal management. Programming and debugging are supported through MPLAB X IDE with PICkit 3, MPLAB ICD 3, or the integrated ICD header on most PIC16LF1826 package options.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1826T-I/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 PIC16LF1826T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, I/O Pins, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1829T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1825T-I/SL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.58 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1826T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit Enhanced Mid-Range |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 256 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 256 bytes |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 12 channels |
| Timers | 8-bit x 2, 16-bit x 1 |
| PWM | ECCP + 2 CCP, 4 outputs |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) with Exposed Pad |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Family | PIC16LF182x (XLP, mTouch) |
PIC16LF1826T-I/ML 28-qfn (6x6 mm) with exposed pad Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC16LF1826T-I/ML (28-qfn (6x6 mm) with exposed pad package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for PIC16LF1826T-I/ML.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1826T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Power IoT Sensor Node, Capacitive Touch User Interface, Battery-Powered Medical Monitoring, Consumer Appliance Control, Remote Control / HID Devices, Automotive Body Electronics.
Low-Power IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF1826T-I/ML is purpose-built for IoT sensor nodes operating from coin-cell or 2xAA batteries. Its nanoWatt XLP technology achieves under 30 nA sleep current, while the integrated 10-bit ADC and comparators handle analog sensor inputs directly. The device's multiple wake-up sources (IOC, WDT, RTCC, ADC threshold) enable duty-cycled sensing at microamp averages, extending battery life to multiple years. The 32 MHz core supports lightweight wireless protocol stacks when paired with an external sub-GHz transceiver, and the 1.8V minimum supply extends operation deeper than competing 2.3V parts.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interface
The PIC16LF1826T-I/ML integrates Microchip's mTouch capacitive sensing peripheral, enabling touch buttons, sliders, and proximity sensors without external components. Its 32 MHz core computes CTMU-based capacitance measurements in real time, supporting up to 25 touch channels via the 25 I/O pins. The mTouch library provides debouncing, gesture detection, and noise-immunity algorithms, while the 1.8V operation suits battery-powered remotes and consumer appliances. Compared to standalone touch controllers, this MCU consolidates sensing, communication (I2C/SPI/UART), and PWM control in a single QFN-28 package.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Medical Monitoring
The PIC16LF1826T-I/ML's low voltage operation (1.8 V) and XLP low-power modes make it a strong candidate for battery-powered medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters, glucose monitors, and wearable health patches. Its 10-bit ADC with computation (ADC2) automates threshold detection and oversampling, while the integrated comparators support continuous battery voltage monitoring. The 28-QFN's small 6x6 mm footprint enables compact wearable form factors, and the industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) supports various healthcare environments. Note: medical devices require additional regulatory certifications beyond the MCU itself.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16LF1826T-I/ML's combination of mTouch, PWM, and communication peripherals makes it ideal for consumer appliances such as coffee makers, microwaves, washing machines, and induction cooktops. The 32 MHz core handles display driving via SPI, user input via mTouch buttons, motor control via ECCP/CCP PWM, and sensor reading via ADC. The 28-QFN package provides robust thermal performance for enclosed appliances, while the LF voltage range (1.8 V to 3.6 V) simplifies power supply design. The 3.5 KB Flash supports appliance logic with menu systems, fault handling, and communication stacks.
Recommended
Remote Control / HID Devices
The PIC16LF1826T-I/ML supports IR, RF, and USB HID remote control applications. Its PWM output drives IR LEDs at precise 38 kHz carrier frequencies, while UART/SPI interfaces connect to sub-GHz or BLE modules. The integrated comparators wake the device on user input, and the XLP sleep modes extend battery life to multi-year operation. The 28-QFN 6x6 mm footprint fits compact remote form factors, while the industrial temperature range ensures reliability across varied environments.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
Although the PIC16LF1826T-I/ML is industrial grade (-40C to +85C), its XLP architecture and rich peripheral set support automotive body electronics modules such as interior lighting controllers, door modules, and seat controllers in non-safety-critical applications. The PIC16F version supports higher temperature ranges up to 125C and AEC-Q100 qualification. The ECCP/CCP modules drive motors and LEDs, while mTouch supports touch-sensing surfaces. Designers should use AEC-Q100 qualified PIC16F variants for safety-critical or under-hood automotive systems.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1826T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1829T-I/ML | PIC16LF1825T-I/SL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same | SOIC-14 - different package |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 14 KB (4x more) | 14 KB (4x more) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) |
| RAM Size | 256 B | 1 KB | 256 B |
| EEPROM Size | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| I/O Pins | 25 | 25 | 11 |
| Pin Count | 28 | 28 | 14 |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest supply voltage in PIC16F1826 family (vs PIC16F1829T-I/ML)
- Integrated mTouch capacitive sensing peripheral (vs PIC16LF1769-I/ML)
- Smaller Flash for lowest cost in PIC16LF182x family (vs PIC16LF1825T-I/SL)
Design Notes
The 28-QFN package with exposed thermal pad requires soldering the central EPAD to a sufficiently sized copper pour (minimum 25 mm² recommended) on at least one PCB layer. The EPAD serves both thermal dissipation and electrical ground (VSS). According to the Microchip datasheet, failing to solder the EPAD can raise junction temperature by 30°C at full CPU load and degrade ADC accuracy due to ground bounce. Use multiple thermal vias (8-12 vias in a 0.3mm array) under the EPAD for optimal thermal transfer.
Estimated: At 32 MHz CPU clock and 3.3 V supply, active current is approximately 4 mA, while sleep current with peripherals off drops to under 30 nA. For duty-cycled sensor applications at 1% duty cycle (10 ms active per second), average current drops to approximately 70 µA. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin and a 10 µF bulk capacitor near the supply input. The on-chip LDO regulator requires a 10 µF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the VDDCORE pin for stability.
Do not exceed 3.6V on any pin - the PIC16LF1826T-I/ML is a 3.3V-rated device despite some pin tolerance. According to the datasheet absolute maximum ratings, applying 5V to I/O pins will cause parametric damage. For 5V signal interfaces, use a level translator such as the MCP23017 or LTC2448/9. Note that the LF and F variants of the PIC16F1826 family have different supply ranges - mixing them in the same PCB design can cause non-functional boards.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16F1826-I/ML or PIC16LF1826T-I/ML industrial grade for non-automotive. For AEC-Q100 automotive applications, use PIC16F1829-E/ML automotive-grade variant.
