PIC16LF18323-I/JQ - 8-Bit 32MHz MCU 3.5KB Flash XLP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18323-I/JQ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.89 | $1.89 |
| 10 | $1.71 | $17.10 |
| 100 | $1.5 | $150.00 |
| 500 | $1.32 | $660.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.18 | $1,180.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.05 | $3,150.00 |
PIC16LF18323-I/JQ Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path CPU, on-chip Flash program memory, SRAM data memory, and a set of integrated peripherals (timers, ADC, communication, GPIO). PIC microcontrollers use a modified Harvard RISC architecture with separate program and data buses. The 'LF' in PIC16LF18323 denotes the wide-voltage low-power variant of the PIC16F18323 family, optimized for eXtreme Low Power (XLP) applications down to 1.8V. MCUs occupy the 'microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC' hierarchy.
Key features include Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible digital peripheral pin mapping, Configurable Logic Cell (CLC), Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), 2 PWM channels, 2 analog comparators, and serial peripherals (I2C/SPI/EUSART). The device supports up to 12 ADC channels at 10-bit resolution and integrates multiple Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) that offload tasks from the CPU.
The PIC16LF18323 implements the enhanced mid-range PIC16 CPU with a 14-bit instruction word, single-cycle execution except for branches, and hardware multiply/divide assist. Internal 32MHz HFINTOSC eliminates external crystal cost; PLL can boost internal oscillator. The nanoWatt XLP technology delivers <100nA typical sleep current with Real-Time Clock active.
Typical applications include IoT edge sensor nodes, low-power wireless sensor hubs, consumer remote controls, battery-operated HVAC sensors, portable medical accessories, and automotive body electronics. The PPS-enabled pin mapping simplifies PCB routing in space-constrained designs.
When designing with this device, observe the 16-pin UQFN PCB land pattern and route the exposed thermal pad to the ground plane for thermal and electrical performance. Use MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler for firmware development; ICD debugging requires dedicated programming/debug pins.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet - including a curated cross-reference matrix to help engineers qualify pin-compatible substitutes.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18323-I/JQ — 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 PIC16LF18323-I/JQ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature, Package, Data SRAM, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18323-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF18324-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18323-E/JQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1825T-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1824T-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.68 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18323-I/JQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Data SRAM | 256 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 16-pin UQFN (4x4 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| PWM Channels | 2 |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| Communication | I2C, SPI, EUSART |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CLC, CWG, PPS |
| Low Power Feature | nanoWatt XLP |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF18323-I/JQ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / MCLR input |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 10 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 11 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 14 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 15 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin EP | EP — Exposed thermal pad - connect to VSS |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18323-I/JQ is suitable for 7 applications: IoT Edge Sensor Node, Consumer Remote Control, Battery-Powered HVAC Sensor, Portable Medical Accessory, Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Sensor Hub, Smart Home Lighting Controller.
IoT Edge Sensor Node
The PIC16LF18323-I/JQ fits IoT edge sensor nodes because its 1.8V-3.6V nanoWatt XLP operation enables multi-year coin-cell battery life, while the 32MHz CPU and 12-channel 10-bit ADC handle local sensor processing and analog front-end conditioning. The PPS-enabled pin mapping lets engineers route I2C/SPI peripheral pins, simplifying PCB layout in space-constrained wireless modules. With 3.5KB Flash / 256 bytes SRAM, it runs small protocol stacks (BLE through external radio, LoRa, or sub-GHz transceivers) and offloads tasks via CLC and CWG Core Independent Peripherals, leaving CPU idle for power saving. Compared to higher-end Cortex-M0 parts, the PIC16LF18323-I/JQ delivers simpler toolchain, smaller code footprint, and lower active current.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control
The PIC16LF18323-I/JQ is well suited to consumer IR remote controls thanks to its nanoWatt XLP sleep current below 100nA, preserving coin-cell battery life over years of standby, and its CWG peripheral generating precise carrier frequencies for IR LED modulation without CPU overhead. Its 32MHz internal oscillator eliminates external crystal cost, and PPS allows flexible PCB routing. The 3.5KB Flash easily fits the standard RC5/SIRC/NEC protocol stacks. Compared to ASIC remotes, this PIC MCU supports firmware updates and customizable keymaps. The UQFN-16 (4x4mm) package is small enough for slim remote enclosures and reflow-compatible with standard lead-free SMT lines.
Recommended
Battery-Powered HVAC Sensor
The PIC16LF18323-I/JQ powers wireless HVAC sensors because its nanoWatt XLP modes with active RTC consume under 1uA, enabling 5-10 year battery life on 2xAA cells, while the 12-channel 10-bit ADC digitizes temperature, humidity, and CO2 sensor outputs in parallel. The 2 PWM channels can drive local indicator LEDs or buzzer alarms, and the CLC integrates with sensor front-ends for wake-on-event handling. Its 1.8V minimum supply extends usable battery capacity versus 3V-only competitors. Compared to Nordic nRF52 or ESP32 parts, the PIC16LF18323-I/JQ offers simpler development, deterministic interrupt latency, and significantly lower sleep current.
Recommended
Portable Medical Accessory
The PIC16LF18323-I/JQ serves portable medical accessories (glucometers, pulse oximeters, pill reminders) thanks to its low-voltage nanoWatt XLP operation that preserves battery life between measurements, and its 12-channel 10-bit ADC supporting precision analog front-ends for biosignal conditioning. The CLC, CWG, and PPS provide flexible peripheral routing for compact PCB designs with mixed signal types. Its 32MHz MIPS performance runs lightweight signal-processing algorithms without DSP overhead. The UQFN-16 package enables miniaturized wearables. Compared to more expensive ARM Cortex-M0 parts, this PIC MCU offers FDA-relevant traceability through Microchip's medical-grade documentation and change-control processes.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16LF18323-I/JQ supports interior automotive body modules (ambient lighting controllers, seat-position sensors, RKE receivers) because it operates reliably at -40C to +85C industrial temperatures and integrates CAN-style communication through its EUSART with external transceivers. The CWG generates complementary PWM outputs for LED driving, while the 10-bit ADC reads position and light-level sensors. The 3.5KB Flash accommodates LIN protocol stacks with diagnostic handlers. Compared to AEC-Q100 qualified parts, this standard-grade PIC MCU is suitable for non-safety interior body modules where cost dominates reliability grading. For AEC-Q100 needs, Microchip offers the PIC16LF18323-E/JQ with extended temperature grading as a drop-in alternative.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Hub
The PIC16LF18323-I/JQ is well suited to industrial sensor hubs (4-20mA loop-powered transmitters, Modbus sensor nodes, factory automation endpoints) thanks to its 32MHz CPU and 12-channel 10-bit ADC handling multiple sensor inputs simultaneously, and its EUSART supporting RS-485 Modbus RTU with proper line-driver companion. The PPS allows flexible peripheral pinout for PCB routing, while CLC implements glue logic for sensor conditioning. The 1.8V-3.6V supply is compatible with 3.3V industrial rails and isolated DC-DC outputs. The UQFN-16 (4x4mm) package suits compact DIN-rail sensor modules. Compared to ARM Cortex-M0 alternatives, this PIC MCU offers faster interrupt response and deterministic timing for industrial protocols.
Recommended
Smart Home Lighting Controller
The PIC16LF18323-I/JQ drives smart-home lighting controllers (LED strip drivers, dimmers, occupancy-sensing fixtures) thanks to its 2 PWM channels and CWG generating precise complementary PWM for LED dimming, and its 10-bit ADC reading ambient-light and PIR occupancy sensor inputs. The PPS allows flexible pin mapping for compact PCB designs. Its 32MHz CPU handles DMX-512 or DALI protocol stacks via EUSART with proper line-driver. The nanoWatt XLP sleep mode enables standby-friendly wall-switch designs. Compared to STM32G0 alternatives, this PIC MCU offers lower cost, simpler MPLAB X development flow, and mature lighting reference designs. The UQFN-16 package is small enough for in-fixture designs.
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18323-I/JQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18323-I/JQ | PIC16LF18324-I/JQ | PIC16LF18323-E/JQ | PIC16LF1825T-I/JQ | PIC16LF1824T-I/JQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | UQFN-16 (JQ) 4x4 mm | UQFN-16 (JQ) 4x4 mm - same | UQFN-16 (JQ) 4x4 mm - same | UQFN-16 (JQ) 4x4 mm - same | UQFN-16 (JQ) 4x4 mm - same | UQFN-16 (JQ) 4x4 mm - same |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 14 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 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 3.6 V |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) flexibility (vs PIC16LF1825T-I/JQ)
- Lowest supply voltage in PIC16F183xx family (vs PIC16F18323-I/JQ)
- Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) (vs PIC16LF1824T-I/JQ)
Design Notes
Estimated: At VDD=3.3V with HFINTOSC at 32MHz active current is approximately 4 mA, dropping to below 100 nA in Sleep mode with WDT disabled. Use the nanoWatt XLP Sleep mode by configuring all peripherals to 'run from IDLE' sources so the CPU can halt while peripherals trigger wake-up events. For battery designs, an MCP1700 LDO is recommended instead of a switching converter to minimize quiescent noise coupling into the analog rail.
The UQFN-16 (4x4mm) package has a thermal resistance theta_JA of approximately 35 C/W (estimated, not datasheet-verified) on a 4-layer JEDEC test PCB. At typical MCU current of 5 mA and 3.3V supply, self-heating is negligible. However, the exposed pad (EP) MUST be soldered to a ground plane - removing it increases thermal resistance by 50% and degrades electrical performance of ADC measurements.
Use a 4-layer PCB with continuous ground plane under the UQFN-16 package. Keep the exposed pad land pattern connected to ground with thermal vias in a 3x3 grid for heat dissipation. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF X7R ceramic placed within 3 mm of the VDD pin, and add a bulk 10 uF capacitor near the package. Route ICSPCLK and ICSPDAT to a 6-pin header (or test pads) for MPLAB debugging access.
Do not forget to configure the Configuration Words (CONFIG1, CONFIG2) before the MCU executes code - leaving them as default can disable the MCLR pin or change oscillator mode. When migrating firmware from PIC16F18323, the LF variant requires VDD <= 3.6V but the F variant accepts 5V - if your firmware toggles pins at 5V logic levels, you may damage the LF MCU. Always review peripheral pin assignments (PPS) since PPS-mapped peripherals reset to fixed pins by default at startup.
For analog measurements with the 10-bit ADC, use a clean VDD with ferrite bead isolation from digital sections. Set the A/D acquisition time appropriately for the source impedance (>= 2 us for 10kohm sources). For I2C bus lengths exceeding 5 cm, lower the SCL frequency to 100 kHz or below, and consider 4k7 pull-up resistors sized by bus capacitance.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance confirmed per Microchip product page and DigiKey listing as of 2026-09-24. Lead-free (Pb-free) matte-tin plating, reflow compatible to 260C peak. AEC-Q100 not qualified for this standard grade; for automotive AEC-Q100 needs use PIC16LF18323-E/JQ or PIC16F18323-E/JQ extended temperature variants.