PIC16LF1828-I/ML - 8-bit 32MHz MCU, 7KB Flash, XLP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1828-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.96 | $3.96 |
| 10 | $3.55 | $35.50 |
| 100 | $2.84 | $284.00 |
| 500 | $2.41 | $1,205.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.05 | $2,050.00 |
PIC16LF1828-I/ML Overview
Background: An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, RAM, and peripherals. The PIC16F/LF1828 belongs to Microchip's enhanced mid-range PIC16 family, which uses a 14-bit instruction word and RISC architecture. Compared with older baseline PICs, the enhanced mid-range core adds C-friendly instructions, a deeper hardware stack, and richer peripherals. Microcontrollers sit at the lowest tier of embedded computing, below microprocessors, and form the brains of virtually every sensor node, household appliance, and battery-powered IoT device.
Key features include nanoWatt XLP™ extreme low-power technology with sleep currents down to the nA range, an integrated 10-bit ADC with up to 17 channels, mTouch™ capacitive touch sensing hardware, two PWM modules, Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (EUSART), Master I²C/SPI interfaces, and an internal 32 MHz oscillator that eliminates the external crystal in many designs. The device also integrates a configurable 32 kHz low-power oscillator for low-power sleep modes and a Digital Signal Modulator.
Technical depth: The CPU executes most instructions in a single 125 ns cycle at 32 MHz, and supports interrupt-on-change on multiple ports, a hardware 8-bit/16-bit timer architecture, and an on-chip temperature indicator. The LF low-voltage silicon supports 1.8V minimum operation, enabling single-cell alkaline or lithium chemistries with boost or direct supply. The 20-QFN package offers a small 4x4 mm footprint with an exposed thermal pad for improved dissipation and is suitable for reflow-only assembly.
Typical applications include capacitive touch user interfaces, low-power IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered remote keyless entry, small home appliances, LED lighting controls, and 5V/3.3V mixed-rail consumer products where the wide operating voltage and mTouch sensing eliminate mechanical buttons and reduce BOM cost. The QFN-20 footprint is also friendly to space-constrained wearables and handheld instruments.
Design consideration: Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to VDD and another on AVDD, plus a 10 µF bulk cap on the rail. Configure the configuration words for the desired oscillator, watchdog timer, low-voltage programming, and code protection before any firmware is downloaded; MCLR must be pulled up through a resistor for proper reset behavior.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing and inventory from DigiKey, Mouser, LCSC and Octopart, pin-compatible drop-in alternatives from the same PIC16 family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, providing information gain beyond the datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1828-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 PIC16LF1828-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, ADC, Internal Oscillator, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1828-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1828T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1828-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1824-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1828-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set | 14-bit PIC instruction word |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) |
| Program Flash | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| SRAM | 256 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| I/O Pins | Up to 17 |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | 20-QFN (4x4 mm), ML suffix |
| Temperature Grade (I) | -40C to +85C industrial |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 17 channels |
| Comparators | 2 (rail-to-rail input) |
| PWM Modules | 2 (10-bit) |
| mTouch Capacitive Sensing | Yes (hardware CVD) |
| Communication | EUSART, I²C/SPI |
| Oscillator | Internal 32 MHz, INTOSC; 32 kHz LFINTOSC |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1828-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O; also ICSPCLK |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O; also SDO |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Input only; also MCLR (reset) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O; also AN2/SDI |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O; also AN1/C1IN1- |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O; also AN0/C1IN0+ |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O; also OSC1/CLKIN |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O; also OSC2/CLKOUT |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O; also AN4/SCL/SCK |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O; also AN5/SDA/SDI |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O; also AN6/SDO |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O; also AN7/SS/CCP2 |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O; also TX/CK |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O; also RX/DT/CCP1 |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O; also AN8/SS |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O; also AN9/SDO |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 20 | AVDD — Analog supply (tie to VDD) |
| Pin 21 | EP — Exposed thermal pad - tie to VSS for thermal dissipation |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1828-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Capacitive Touch User Interface, LED Lighting Control, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Key Fob, Small Home Appliance Controller, Wearable Health Patch.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF1828-I/ML is an ideal core for wireless IoT sensor nodes operating from a single CR2032 or 2xAA cell. Its 1.8V to 3.6V LF silicon matches the discharge curve of lithium coin cells, while nanoWatt XLP™ technology drops consumption into the nA range during sleep, enabling multi-year battery life. The 32 MHz internal oscillator eliminates the external crystal, shrinking the BOM and the 4x4 mm QFN footprint fits inside wearable enclosures. The integrated 10-bit ADC with up to 17 channels reads temperature, humidity and battery-voltage sensors directly, while EUSART/SPI interfaces connect to sub-GHz radios such as the MRF89XA. Power dissipation at 3.3V active is approximately 5 mA, falling to ~20 nA in sleep.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interface
The PIC16LF1828-I/ML integrates Microchip's mTouch™ capacitive touch sensing hardware, eliminating mechanical buttons and reducing BOM cost in appliance and consumer interfaces. The Charge-Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) and CVD front-end allow reliable touch detection through glass up to 5 mm thick, while the 32 MHz core debounces and filters sensor events in firmware. The 256 B SRAM is sufficient for a 12-key matrix plus state machine, and the 17-channel 10-bit ADC supports additional sliders or proximity sensors. Sleep current under 1 µA keeps standby battery drain negligible. The 20-QFN package fits behind a sleek glass front panel in space-constrained handheld products.
Recommended
LED Lighting Control
The PIC16LF1828-I/ML drives multi-channel LED lighting controllers through its two 10-bit PWM modules and 17-channel 10-bit ADC for ambient-light feedback. Operating from 1.8V to 3.6V, it can be powered directly from a buck-converter output rail, while EUSART and I²C enable DMX-style or wireless lighting control interfaces. XLP™ sleep mode draws under 1 µA, making the part well-suited to mains-powered smart bulbs that must meet standby energy regulations. The 20-QFN (4x4) package has a thermal pad that dissipates LED-driver stage heat efficiently when paired with a copper pour on the PCB.
Recommended
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Key Fob
The PIC16LF1828-I/ML's nanoWatt XLP™ technology with sub-100 nA sleep current makes it a top pick for automotive RKE key fobs where 3+ year battery life is mandatory. The 32 MHz internal oscillator removes the external crystal, while the small 4x4 mm QFN package fits inside the fob plastic without sacrificing I/O count. Its 7 KB Flash holds rolling-code encryption and button-debounce firmware, and EUSART interfaces with the sub-GHz ASK/FSK transmitter. The wide -40C to +85C industrial range handles automotive cabin environments, and 1.8V to 3.6V operation is compatible with single CR2032 cells.
Recommended
Small Home Appliance Controller
Household appliances such as coffee makers, blenders and air purifiers use the PIC16LF1828-I/ML as a cost-optimized control MCU. Its 7 KB Flash is enough for sensor-filtering algorithms, motor-control state machines, and capacitive-touch UI, while the 17-channel 10-bit ADC reads temperature and current-sense signals from the motor driver. Operating from 1.8V to 3.6V, the part is paired with a small buck regulator such as the MCP1700 to drop the rectified mains rail. The 20-QFN (4x4) footprint is friendly to high-density PCB layouts and SMT-only assembly lines.
Recommended
Wearable Health Patch
Wearable health patches for heart-rate, SpO2 and skin-temperature monitoring leverage the PIC16LF1828-I/ML for its ultra-low sleep current, small footprint, and integrated 10-bit ADC. The MCU wakes briefly to take a sensor reading every few seconds, then returns to nanoWatt sleep - achieving average current below 10 µA on a CR2032 coin cell. The 4x4 mm QFN package fits comfortably inside a 25 mm diameter patch, and I²C/SPI interfaces connect to biometric sensor ICs such as the MAX30102. Industrial -40C to +85C operation handles skin-temperature extremes during exercise.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1828-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1828-E/ML | PIC16LF1828T-I/ML | PIC16F1828-I/ML | PIC16LF1824-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-QFN (4x4) | 20-QFN (4x4) - same | 20-QFN (4x4) - same | 20-QFN (4x4) - same | 20-QFN (4x4) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V to 3.6V (LF) | 1.8V to 3.6V (LF) | 1.8V to 3.6V (LF) | 1.8V to 5.5V (F) | 1.8V to 3.6V (LF) |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +85C industrial | -40C to +125C extended | -40C to +85C industrial | -40C to +85C industrial | -40C to +85C industrial |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 4 KB |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| mTouch Capacitive Sensing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Approx 1k Price (USD) | $2.05 | $2.30 | $2.10 | $2.00 | $1.80 |
Key Differentiators
- LF silicon characterized down to 1.8V (vs PIC16F1828-I/ML)
- Higher Flash density in same QFN-20 footprint (vs PIC16LF1824-I/ML)
- Industrial temperature range at lower cost than E variant (vs PIC16LF1828-E/ML)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as physically possible to the VDD pin (pin 19) and another 100 nF on AVDD (pin 20), tied to the same VDD rail. Add a 10 µF bulk capacitor near the IC. The PIC16LF1828-I/ML's nanoWatt XLP™ sleep current falls below 1 µA only when the brown-out reset is configured for the lowest voltage threshold and unused peripherals are disabled in firmware. Estimated: at VDD=3.3V and 32 MHz active, IDD is ~2 mA, so decoupling is essential to prevent logic errors during PWM switching.
The 20-QFN 4x4 mm package exposes a thermal pad (EP, pin 21) that MUST be soldered to a copper pour connected to VSS. The exposed pad is the primary heat-dissipation path and also improves electrical grounding. Stitch vias in a 0.5 mm pitch grid from the thermal pad to the inner VSS plane; without this, the part can overheat in continuous-active designs. Keep high-speed traces (RC4/RC5 EUSART) short and route them away from analog inputs to limit crosstalk.
Configuration bits must be set BEFORE any firmware is downloaded or the device may run with the wrong oscillator source. MCLR (RA3, pin 3) must be pulled to VDD through a 10 kΩ resistor for proper reset behavior; floating MCLR causes erratic code execution. Do not exceed 3.6V on VDD - the LF silicon does not tolerate the F variant's 5V range. The 32 MHz INTOSC accuracy is factory-trimmed to ±1% typical but drifts over temperature; for UART communication above 9600 baud, verify error budget across the operating range.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for AEC-Q100 automotive qualified PIC16 family members, refer to Microchip's automotive-grade portfolio. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in verified data.
