PIC16LF1829-I/ML - 8-bit XLP MCU, 14KB Flash, 20-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1829-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.79 | $3.79 |
| 10 | $3.42 | $34.20 |
| 100 | $3.05 | $305.00 |
| 500 | $2.74 | $1,370.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.45 | $2,450.00 |
PIC16LF1829-I/ML Overview
What is a PIC microcontroller? PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) is a family of 8-bit RISC microcontrollers from Microchip built around a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, enabling single-cycle instruction execution. The PIC16 LF subfamily integrates the XLP nanoWatt technology, dramatically reducing active and sleep currents to extend battery life in energy-harvesting and portable applications. Within the broader taxonomy, PIC16LF1829 belongs to the PIC16F182x family, sitting between PIC12/16 baseline MCUs (general purpose) and PIC24/dsPIC (16-bit DSP-capable). It is widely deployed in consumer, IoT, sensor interface, and low-power embedded applications.
Key features include up to 32 MHz internal oscillator, 256 bytes EEPROM, 14 KB self-programmable Flash, 4 PWM modules, 5 timers, 2 comparators, and the mTouch capacitive-touch sensing peripheral. Internal peripherals include a temperature indicator, brown-out reset, power-on reset, and programmable weak pull-ups. The 20-QFN ML package with exposed thermal pad provides efficient heat dissipation in compact surface-mount designs.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF1829 uses an enhanced mid-range 8-bit core with a 14-bit instruction word, 8-level hardware stack, and interrupt controller supporting context saving. The integrated 32 MHz oscillator with 4x PLL option allows accurate timing without external crystals, while the nanoWatt XLP technology provides down to sub-microamp sleep currents with multiple low-power modes (Idle, Sleep, Deep Sleep).
Typical applications include capacitive touch user interfaces, battery-powered IoT sensor nodes, consumer appliances with mTouch buttons, low-power wireless sensor hubs, and industrial control subsystems where low quiescent current and small footprint are critical. Designers also use this part for portable medical devices, remote controls, and energy-harvesting designs.
When designing with the PIC16LF1829, ensure proper decoupling with 100 nF and bulk capacitors close to VDD, use the exposed pad for thermal and ground integrity, and configure the CONFIG words for the chosen oscillator and watchdog settings before code development.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives from the PIC16 family, and practical design notes for capacitive-touch and low-power applications, going beyond the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1829-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 PIC16LF1829-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, ADC, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1828-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1826-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1829-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1829-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1829-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1829-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14) |
| RAM | 1024 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 17 channels |
| PWM Channels | 4 (10-bit) |
| Timers | 5 (8-bit and 16-bit) |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Communication | I2C, SPI, UART/USART, LIN |
| mTouch Capacitive Sensing | Yes |
| Internal Oscillator | 32 MHz with 4x PLL |
| Package | 20-pin QFN (ML) 4x4 mm with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1829-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5/SS1/HLVDIN/T1CKI — Port A bit 5 / Slave Select 1 / HLVD input / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN3/CPS3 — Port A bit 4 / ADC input 3 / mTouch CPS channel 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — Port A bit 3 / Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/CPS2 — Port A bit 2 / ADC input 2 / mTouch CPS channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN1/CPS1 — Port A bit 1 / ADC input 1 / mTouch CPS channel 1 |
| Pin 6 | RA0/AN0/CPS0 — Port A bit 0 / ADC input 0 / mTouch CPS channel 0 |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VCAP — Internal voltage regulator filter capacitor |
| Pin 9 | RB7/ICSPDAT/AN11 — Port B bit 7 / ICSP data / ADC input 11 |
| Pin 10 | RB6/ICSPCLK/AN5 — Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock / ADC input 5 |
| Pin 11 | RB5/AN9/CPS5 — Port B bit 5 / ADC input 9 / mTouch CPS channel 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB4/AN8/CPS4 — Port B bit 4 / ADC input 8 / mTouch CPS channel 4 |
| Pin 13 | RB3/AN7/CPS7/CCP1 — Port B bit 3 / ADC input 7 / mTouch CPS channel 7 / CCP1 PWM |
| Pin 14 | RB2/AN6/CPS6 — Port B bit 2 / ADC input 6 / mTouch CPS channel 6 |
| Pin 15 | RB1/AN10/CPS10/INT1 — Port B bit 1 / ADC input 10 / mTouch CPS channel 10 / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 16 | RB0/AN12/CPS8/INT0/FLT0 — Port B bit 0 / ADC input 12 / mTouch CPS channel 8 / External interrupt 0 / PWM fault |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 18 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN — Port A bit 7 / Oscillator input 1 / external clock input |
| Pin 19 | RA6/OSC2/CLKOUT — Port A bit 6 / Oscillator output 2 / clock output |
| Pin 20 | EP — Exposed thermal pad (must be soldered to ground) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1829-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Capacitive Touch User Interface, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Consumer Remote Control, Industrial Control Subsystem, Portable Medical Device, Energy-Harvesting Design.
Capacitive Touch User Interface
The PIC16LF1829-I/ML integrates Microchip's mTouch capacitive-touch sensing peripheral via the CVD (Capacitive Voltage Divider) hardware, eliminating the need for an external touch IC. With 14 KB Flash for touch firmware, 17 ADC channels for sensor scanning, and XLP low-power operation (sub-microamp sleep), it directly drives 8-12 touch buttons or sliders on white goods, smart-home panels, and consumer appliances. The 20-QFN ML package keeps the PCB footprint minimal, while the 1.8 V to 3.6 V range supports 3.3 V Li-ion battery operation. Designers use this part when BOM cost and PCB area are critical and touch latency below 25 ms is acceptable.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF1829-I/ML's XLP nanoWatt technology delivers sub-microamp sleep currents (typically 20 nA in deep sleep) for years of operation from a single CR2032 coin cell. The integrated 32 MHz oscillator eliminates external crystal BOM, while UART, I2C, and SPI interfaces connect directly to sensors, BLE modules, or sub-GHz radios. With 14 KB Flash and 1024 bytes RAM, the MCU handles sensor sampling, radio packetization, and sleep/wake duty cycling. The 20-QFN ML package fits in compact wearable or remote-sensor form factors. The 1.8 V to 3.6 V operating voltage perfectly matches Li-ion, 2xAA, and energy-harvesting power sources.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control
The PIC16LF1829-I/ML excels in IR remote controls where 14 KB Flash supports complex RC5/RC6/Sony/NEC protocol stacks plus custom button mappings. The mTouch peripheral enables capacitive touchpads replacing mechanical buttons, while XLP sleep extends battery life beyond 5 years on 2xAAA cells. The 4 PWM channels can drive LED backlights or haptic feedback, and the 32 MHz core handles protocol timing with sub-microsecond accuracy. The 20-QFN ML package fits the slim remote enclosure profile. Designers pair this with Microchip's MCP16311 boost converter for 1.5 V battery operation.
Recommended
Industrial Control Subsystem
The PIC16LF1829-I/ML provides robust industrial performance with -40 C to +85 C operating range, integrated brown-out reset, and LIN bus support for factory automation networks. The 17-channel 10-bit ADC interfaces directly with analog sensors (pressure, temperature, flow), while the 4 PWM channels drive motor control or valve actuation at up to 32 kHz switching. The 20-QFN ML package with exposed pad offers excellent thermal performance for harsh environments. With 14 KB Flash, the MCU runs PID control loops and LIN protocol stacks concurrently. Designers use it for HVAC zone controllers, sensor transmitters, and small motor drivers.
Recommended
Portable Medical Device
The PIC16LF1829-I/ML fits portable medical devices like pulse oximeters, glucose meters, and handheld diagnostic tools where low power, small size, and reliable ADC accuracy are essential. The 10-bit ADC with 17 channels reads multiple biosensors, the I2C interface connects to BLE or NFC modules, and XLP sleep enables multi-day battery life. The 20-QFN ML package (4x4 mm) supports miniature medical enclosures, while the 1.8 V to 3.6 V range accommodates Li-ion rechargeables. With 14 KB Flash, the MCU runs sensor fusion, calibration, and BLE packetization. Designers pair it with the MCP73831 Li-ion charger IC.
Recommended
Energy-Harvesting Design
The PIC16LF1829-I/ML is ideal for energy-harvesting applications like solar-powered wireless sensors and kinetic-switch remotes. The XLP technology consumes under 30 nA in deep sleep with RTC running, allowing the MCU to wake briefly, transmit via I2C/SPI/UART, and return to sleep before the harvester capacitor discharges. The integrated 32 MHz oscillator starts in microseconds from sleep, eliminating crystal startup time. The 1.8 V minimum VDD enables operation from low-voltage solar or thermoelectric harvesters. Designers pair it with the MCP1640 boost regulator to step up sub-1 V harvest sources.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1829-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1828-I/ML | PIC16LF1826-I/ML | PIC16F1829-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-QFN (ML) 4x4 mm | 20-QFN (ML) 4x4 mm | 20-QFN (ML) 4x4 mm | 20-QFN (ML) 4x4 mm |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB | 4 KB (-71%) | 2 KB (-86%) | 14 KB (same) |
| RAM | 1024 bytes | 256 bytes (-75%) | 256 bytes (-75%) | 1024 bytes (same) |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (extended) |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| ADC Channels | 17 channels (10-bit) | 17 channels (10-bit) | 12 channels (10-bit) | 17 channels (10-bit) |
| mTouch CapSense | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unit Price (qty 1) | $3.79 | ~$2.95 (estimate) | ~$2.65 (estimate) | ~$3.85 (estimate) |
Key Differentiators
- 14 KB Flash with full mTouch peripheral set (vs PIC16LF1828-I/ML)
- Same pinout, higher memory density for code size (vs PIC16LF1826-I/ML)
- Wide code compatibility with PIC16F1829 in 20-QFN (vs PIC16F1829-I/ML)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF1829-I/ML integrates XLP nanoWatt technology with sleep currents typically 20 nA in deep sleep with WDT disabled. To achieve the lowest sleep current, disable all unused peripherals in firmware via PMD (Peripheral Module Disable) registers, set all unused I/O pins to outputs with logic 0, and disable the BOR (brown-out reset) if not required. For battery life calculations, use Microchip's MPLAB X Energy Estimator with the specific duty cycle. Estimated: at 1% duty cycle with average active current 0.5 mA and sleep 0.05 uA, total average is 5 uA, giving approximately 3 years on a 220 mAh CR2032.
For the 20-QFN (ML) package, the exposed thermal pad (pin 21) MUST be soldered to a continuous ground plane for thermal dissipation and electrical performance. Place a 100 nF X7R decoupling capacitor within 2 mm of the VDD pin, and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the MCU if driving high-current peripherals. Keep the VCAP pin capacitor (typically 0.1 uF to 1 uF) close to the VCAP pin to stabilize the internal voltage regulator. The mTouch sensors require guard traces or ground planes with proper clearances to avoid false touches.
Do not confuse the LF (low-voltage) variant with the F (standard) variant - the LF operates only up to 3.6 V while the F goes to 5.5 V. Exceeding 3.6 V on the LF can damage the part. Always configure CONFIG1, CONFIG2, and CONFIG3 registers using #pragma config directives in MPLAB X before code generation, otherwise the MCU may use wrong oscillator or watchdog settings. The mTouch CPS channels share pins with the ADC; design the PCB to avoid routing analog sensors near high-frequency switching traces to minimize touch false-positives.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive applications consider PIC16F1829-E/ML extended temperature variant. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in verified data.
