PIC16LF18324-E/JQ - 8-bit 32MHz XLP MCU 7KB Flash 16-UQFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18324-E/JQ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.42 | $1.42 |
| 10 | $1.27 | $12.70 |
| 100 | $1.05 | $105.00 |
| 500 | $0.92 | $460.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.81 | $810.00 |
PIC16LF18324-E/JQ Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller is a Harvard-architecture RISC device that executes one instruction per clock cycle, combining a deterministic core, on-chip non-volatile memory, and integrated peripherals (ADC, PWM, communication, timers) into a single CMOS IC. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, the PIC16LF18324 sits at: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC. It belongs to Microchip's PIC16 XLP (eXtreme Low Power) family, which adds nanoWatt sleep modes, IDLE/DOZE, and Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible pin remapping of digital peripherals.
Key features include CLC (Configurable Logic Cell), CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator), NCO (Numerically Controlled Oscillator), multiple PWM modules, a 10-bit ADC with computation, two I2C/SPI/UART modules with PPS, an on-chip temperature indicator, and a wide clocking scheme supporting internal 32kHz-32MHz LF/HF oscillators. The device delivers typical active current in the microamp range at low clock speeds, making it well suited to battery-powered applications.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF18324 uses a 14-bit instruction word Flash program memory that can be self-written under firmware control, allowing bootloader or in-application firmware updates without external programmer intervention. The PPS module decouples peripheral functions from physical pins so the same silicon can be re-routed on a PCB simply by changing register configuration, accelerating board layout and shortening time-to-market.
Typical applications include low-power IoT sensor nodes, wearable fitness/health peripherals, battery-powered remote controls, LED lighting controllers, capacitive-touch user interfaces, and small appliance control boards. Its 4x4mm UQFN footprint and XLP current profile make it attractive where PCB area and battery life are both constrained.
When designing with this part, remember that the /JQ 16-UQFN is among the smallest land patterns in the PIC16 portfolio; PCB pad design must follow IPC-7351 land pattern conventions with a 0.5mm pitch. The 16-pin variant is the lower-pin-count member of the PIC16(L)F18324/18344 family - the PIC16LF18344 is the 20- to 28-pin sibling with additional I/O.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, providing engineers a single source for selection, comparison, and procurement decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18324-E/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 PIC16LF18324-E/JQ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory (Flash), Data SRAM, Operating Temperature, ADC, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18324-E/JQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.83 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18324-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18324T-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF18323T-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1574-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.94 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18324-E/JQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Series | PIC16 XLP 16F |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC16 enhanced mid-range RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 512 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF XLP variant) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) |
| Package | 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Package Code (JEDEC) | HVQCCN (per verified distributor data) |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| ADC | 10-bit ADC with computation (per family datasheet) |
| Communications | I2C/SPI/UART with PPS (per family datasheet) |
| XLP (eXtreme Low Power) | Yes - nanoWatt sleep modes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF18324-E/JQ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 3 | RA3/MCLR — Bidirectional I/O / Master Clear (reset) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 10 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 11 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| 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 (1.8-3.6V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18324-E/JQ is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Wearable Fitness/Health Peripheral, Remote Control / Consumer HMI, LED Lighting Controller, Industrial Sensor Transmitter, Capacitive-Touch User Interface, Small Appliance Control Board.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF18324-E/JQ is well-suited to wireless IoT sensor nodes where its 1.8-3.6V VDD allows direct connection to a single Li-ion or 2x AA battery stack without a boost converter, and its nanoWatt XLP sleep current in the tens of nanoamps (with RTCC and WWDT active) enables multi-year battery life on coin-cell supplies. The 32 MHz CPU delivers enough throughput to manage BLE/Zigbee module handshakes, while the 10-bit ADC with computation handles temperature, humidity, or battery-voltage telemetry without an external analog front end. Peripheral Pin Select lets the engineer remap UART/I2C/SPI to any digital pin, simplifying PCB routing under the 4x4mm UQFN footprint.
Recommended
Wearable Fitness/Health Peripheral
In wearables such as fitness bands, heart-rate straps, and smart watches, the PIC16LF18324-E/JQ's 4x4 mm UQFN footprint leaves room for sensors and a battery on a flex PCB, while its -40 to +125 C operating range covers body-temperature extremes and outdoor exposure. The Configurable Logic Cell (CLC) and Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) implement custom LED drive or haptic-feedback waveforms in hardware, offloading the CPU and dropping active current. PPS lets the same silicon drive I2C sensors (e.g., optical heart-rate, 6-axis IMU) on whatever pins are free after mechanical layout.
Recommended
Remote Control / Consumer HMI
For TV remote controls, smart-home keypads, and small appliance front panels, the PIC16LF18324-E/JQ provides 32 MHz CPU and 7 KB Flash enough for capacitive-touch scanning, IR transmit/receive via PWM capture, and Zigbee/BLE command relay. The 256-byte EEPROM stores user preferences without external memory, and XLP sleep modes mean a year or more of life from 2x AAA cells. The 10-bit ADC reads battery voltage for low-battery detection, while CWG drives an IR LED with precise carrier frequency - features often handled by a separate timer in competing MCUs.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16LF18324-E/JQ's Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) and multiple PWM modules directly drive MOSFET half-bridges or constant-current LED drivers without external logic, while the 10-bit ADC closes the loop on photodiode or thermistor feedback. Operating from 1.8-3.6V, it can be powered from a small buck-derived rail or directly from a 2x AA stack in low-voltage LED strips. PPS lets the designer place PWM outputs on any pin for optimal PCB routing around the 16-UQFN's compact 4x4 mm outline.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter
In 4-20 mA loop-powered or battery-backed industrial sensor transmitters, the PIC16LF18324-E/JQ's -40 to +125 C extended temperature grade handles plant-floor thermal extremes, and its XLP sleep current is low enough to power the MCU from a 4-20 mA loop with under 3 mA budget. The 10-bit ADC handles 4-20 mA current sensing and RTD/thermocouple amplification via a companion op-amp, while 256 bytes of EEPROM stores calibration constants. PPS maps UART to any pin for RS-485 transceiver hookup, and PPS-enabled I2C drives a small OLED display without consuming extra GPIO.
Recommended
Capacitive-Touch User Interface
The PIC16LF18324-E/JQ's CLC (Configurable Logic Cell) and NCO (Numerically Controlled Oscillator) peripherals implement hardware capacitive-touch scanning with zero CPU intervention, freeing the core for comms and LED driving. The 32 MHz CPU and 7 KB Flash fit Microchip's mTouch capacitive-sensing firmware library, supporting 4-8 touch buttons or a small slider under a glass overlay. The 4x4 mm UQFN allows the MCU to sit directly behind a touch pad without additional routing layers, while -40 to +125 C covers appliance and automotive HMI.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control Board
In coffee makers, blenders, air purifiers, and similar small appliances, the PIC16LF18324-E/JQ handles brushless-DC or universal-motor control via its CWG + ADC + Timer combination, eliminating an external gate driver in cost-sensitive designs. EEPROM stores user profiles and fault logs across power cycles, and XLP sleep modes cut standby power to meet energy-star regulations. The 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) footprint plus wide 1.8-3.6V supply simplifies integration with rectified mains-derived rails and single-cell Li-ion backup.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18324-E/JQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18324-E/JQ | PIC16LF18324-I/JQ | PIC16LF18324T-I/JQ | PIC16LF18323T-I/JQ | PIC16LF1574-I/JQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) | 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same |
| Flash Program Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB | 7 KB |
| Data SRAM | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 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 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade, T&R) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) |
Key Differentiators
- Wider operating voltage window than PIC16F18324-E/JQ (vs PIC16F18324-E/JQ)
- Larger Flash / SRAM / EEPROM than PIC16LF18323 (vs PIC16LF18323T-I/JQ)
- Higher temperature grade than 'I' suffix siblings (vs PIC16LF18324-I/JQ)
Design Notes
The 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) package has a center exposed pad (EP) that MUST be soldered to a PCB thermal pad to meet mechanical reliability and thermal performance targets. Per Microchip's PIC16(L)F18324/18344 datasheet section 'Package Marking and Pinout', the EP should connect to VSS (ground) and use multiple thermal vias to an inner ground plane. Following IPC-7351 land-pattern conventions for 0.5 mm pitch QFN is essential - improper stencil aperture design can cause solder voids that degrade thermal resistance and reliability.
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 16) with a short trace to the VSS pin (pin 7) return path. For noisy environments, add a bulk 1 uF-10 uF capacitor near the MCU. The PIC16LF18324's internal voltage regulator provides core logic supply from VDD; clean VDD is critical for ADC accuracy - route the analog supply (VDD) separately from noisy digital switching currents if the PCB permits. Estimated decoupling budget: 0.1 uF + 1 uF minimum, total <5 USD BOM impact.
When using Peripheral Pin Select (PPS), the digital peripheral signals (UART TX/RX, SPI SCK/SDI/SDO, I2C SCL/SDA, PWM, CLC outputs) can be remapped to most digital I/O pins, but the analog-capable pins (RA0-RA2, RC0-RC5) are preferred for ADC inputs to keep the analog path short. Keep crystal/oscillator traces short and guarded by a ground ring; if using the internal 32 MHz HF oscillator, no external crystal is needed but reserve footprint space for an optional 32.768 kHz crystal on RA4/RA5 for RTCC accuracy.
The MCLR pin (pin 3, shared with RA3) is critical for in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) and reset - it MUST be pulled up to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor and have a 100 nF cap to VSS for noise immunity, otherwise spurious resets will occur in noisy industrial environments. Do not leave MCLR floating even in production designs. The PIC16LF18324's internal LF oscillator drift can affect UART baud-rate accuracy; calibrate the OSCTUNE register or use a 32.768 kHz crystal for protocols requiring tight baud tolerance.
Estimated: in the 16-UQFN package, theta_JA is approximately 50-60 C/W on a 1 oz 4-layer PCB with the EP properly soldered to a 2x2 thermal pad array. At 32 MHz active CPU + peripheral activity, active current is typically 2-5 mA from 3.3V, dissipating 7-17 mW of power, well within thermal limits. In sleep mode with RTCC running, current drops to <1 uA and self-heating is negligible. No external heatsink is required; however, sustained 32 MHz operation at +125 C junction requires verifying the EP PCB copper area meets the datasheet thermal derating curves.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page and DigiKey listing. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (industrial/consumer grade); AEC-Q100 equivalent parts available from Microchip's automotive portfolio. Halogen-free and lead-free per Microchip's environmental compliance documentation.
