PIC16LF18324-I/P - 8-bit MCU, 7KB Flash, 32MHz, 14-PDIP
MPN: PIC16LF18324-I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.65 | $1.65 |
| 10 | $1.49 | $14.90 |
| 100 | $1.32 | $132.00 |
| 500 | $1.18 | $590.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.05 | $1,050.00 |
PIC16LF18324-I/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory, peripherals, and I/O on one die, optimized for deterministic real-time control rather than raw compute throughput. PIC16 MCUs sit in the PIC microcontroller hierarchy as enhanced mid-range cores between baseline PIC10/12/16 and the 16-bit dsPIC/PIC24 families, balancing code density, peripheral richness, and ultra-low power consumption. They occupy a distinct place in the broader taxonomy of microcontrollers (8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit), microprocessors, and system-on-chip (SoC) devices.
Key features include 12-bit ADC with computation, two 8-bit DACs, two 10-bit PWMs, four Configurable Logic Cells (CLC), Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO), multiple timers, EUSART, SPI, I2C, and 12 I/O pins with PPS. The XLP technology enables sleep currents below 1 µA typical, making the device ideal for always-on battery applications. The 14-pin PDIP package is also breadboard-friendly, supporting prototype and education use.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF18324 employs a Harvard RISC architecture with separate program and data buses, a 14-bit instruction set, and hardware interrupt stacking, delivering deterministic latency suitable for real-time control loops. PPS remaps digital peripherals to nearly any I/O pin, freeing PCB layout from peripheral-to-pin constraints. The CWG, NCO, and CLC peripherals provide core-independent operation, allowing tasks like waveform generation and signal conditioning without CPU intervention.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered remote controls, low-power wireless sensor endpoints, consumer appliances, LED lighting controls, and educational/development platforms. Designers often pair this MCU with sub-GHz transceivers or BLE modules for connected nodes.
Designers should note that the 'LF' variant limits VDD to 3.6 V maximum; for 5 V systems, choose the PIC16F18324 variant. Adequate decoupling (100 nF plus 1–10 µF bulk) close to VDD/AVDD pins is essential, and unused I/O should be configured as outputs or pulled to defined states. PPS is unlocked on most pins, but verify assignments in the datasheet pin map.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, application pairings, and design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, supporting faster evaluation and sourcing decisions for the PIC16LF18324-I/P.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18324-I/P — 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-I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Operating Temperature, DAC, Core.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18324-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18324-I/SL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF18323-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.67 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18324-E/SL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1824-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1823-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.83 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18324-I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit |
| CPU Architecture | Harvard RISC, 14-bit instruction word |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 512 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| ADC | 12-bit with computation |
| DAC | 2 x 8-bit |
| PWM | 2 x 10-bit |
| Communication | EUSART, SPI, I2C |
| Package | 14-pin PDIP (P) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial, I grade) |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CLC, CWG, NCO, PPS |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP (eXtreme Low Power) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF18324-I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/Vref+/MCLR — Analog input 3 / positive voltage reference / Master Clear (reset) |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4 — Digital I/O / analog input 4 |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN5 — Digital I/O / analog input 5 |
| Pin 4 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / analog input 0 |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / analog input 1 |
| Pin 6 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / analog input 2 |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RC0 — Digital I/O / PPS-mappable peripheral |
| Pin 10 | RC1 — Digital I/O / PPS-mappable peripheral |
| Pin 11 | RC2 — Digital I/O / PPS-mappable peripheral |
| Pin 12 | RC3 — Digital I/O / PPS-mappable peripheral |
| Pin 13 | RC4 — Digital I/O / PPS-mappable peripheral |
| Pin 14 | RC5 — Digital I/O / PPS-mappable peripheral |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18324-I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Consumer Remote Control, LED Lighting Controller, Industrial Sensor Module, Wearable Health Monitor, Educational / Hobby Development Board.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF18324-I/P fits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes by combining 7 KB Flash for application code, 12-bit ADC with computation for sensor digitization, and XLP technology enabling sleep currents below 1 µA. Its 1.8 V minimum VDD allows direct connection to a single Li-ion or two AA cells, while Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) lets the designer route EUSART, SPI, or I2C to any free I/O, simplifying PCB layout. The CLC and NCO handle wake-up and signal conditioning without CPU intervention, extending battery life to years on a single coin cell. Recommended pairing: sub-GHz transceivers like Microchip's MRF89XA for long-range wireless sensor telemetry.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control
The PIC16LF18324-I/P is well-suited for IR/RF remote controls thanks to its low active count, PWM for IR carrier generation, and CWG for precise modulation timing. The 12 I/O pins comfortably handle key matrix up to 4x4 plus status LED and IR output. XLP deep sleep at sub-µA idle allows multi-year battery life from a single CR2032 coin cell. PPS lets the IR output remap to any pin, simplifying PCB routing in slim remote enclosures. Designers can implement wake-on-keypad interrupt logic with the on-chip IOC (interrupt-on-change) module.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16LF18324-I/P serves as a smart LED driver controller, leveraging its 10-bit PWM for smooth dimming, 8-bit DAC for analog color mixing, and CWG for high-frequency switching. The 12-bit ADC reads ambient lux sensors and potentiometers for closed-loop brightness control, while PPS maps the PWM outputs to any I/O for flexible PCB routing. Sleep currents below 1 µA support always-on standby for motion-activated lighting. The 14-pin PDIP is ideal for through-hole assembly in retrofit LED bulb modules where SMT is impractical.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Module
The PIC16LF18324-I/P fits industrial 4–20 mA loop sensor modules thanks to its industrial -40C to +85C temperature range, 12-bit ADC for precision measurement, and EUSART for RS-485 communication. The CLC peripheral implements digital filtering on sensor signals without CPU load, while the NCO generates precise excitation frequencies for sensor bridges. XLP technology keeps idle power low for 4–20 mA loop-powered designs drawing under 3.5 mA. The 14-pin PDIP through-hole package supports robust field-wiring in industrial enclosures.
Recommended
Wearable Health Monitor
The PIC16LF18324-I/P powers wearable health monitors by combining low active count at sub-MHz clock speeds, integrated 12-bit ADC for heart-rate or SpO2 sensor readout, and I2C for sensor hub connectivity. Sleep mode at sub-µA allows multi-day battery life, and PPS frees layout for compact wearable PCBs where I/O placement is constrained. The EUSART supports BLE module communication for smartphone connectivity. The 7 KB Flash holds sensor fusion and BLE protocol state machines, while the CLC handles event detection autonomously to keep CPU asleep.
Recommended
Educational / Hobby Development Board
The PIC16LF18324-I/P in 14-pin PDIP is breadboard-friendly and ideal for student and hobbyist development, with through-hole pins that drop directly into solderless breadboards. The 7 KB Flash and 32 MHz speed handle introductory C and assembly exercises, and PPS teaches pin multiplexing concepts central to modern embedded design. The CLC, NCO, and CWG peripherals expose students to core-independent peripherals, while XLP demonstrates low-power firmware techniques. MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler are free, accelerating student onboarding.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18324-I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18324-I/P | PIC16LF18324-I/SL | PIC16LF18323-I/P | PIC16LF18324-E/SL | PIC16LF1824-I/P | PIC16LF1823-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 14-pin PDIP | 14-pin PDIP - same | 14-pin PDIP - same (SOIC variant) | 14-pin PDIP - same | 14-pin PDIP - same (SOIC variant) | 14-pin PDIP - same | 14-pin PDIP - same |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 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 | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Flash Program Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB |
| Data SRAM | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 256 B | 512 B | 256 B | 128 B |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CLC, CWG, NCO, PPS | CLC, CWG, NCO, PPS | CLC, CWG, NCO, PPS | CLC, CWG, NCO, PPS | CLC, CWG, NCO, PPS | Limited (no CWG/NCO) | Limited (no CWG/NCO) |
Key Differentiators
- Higher SRAM (512 B) than PIC16LF18323 sibling (vs PIC16LF18323-I/P)
- Modern core-independent peripherals not in PIC16LF1824 (vs PIC16LF1824-I/P)
- Drop-in 5 V tolerance via PIC16F18324 variant (vs PIC16F18324-I/P)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the VDD pin and a bulk 1–10 µF tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the package. The PIC16LF18324-I/P operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V, so choose bulk capacitors rated at least 6.3 V for headroom. For battery applications, place a 100 kΩ + 100 nF RC on MCLR to ensure clean POR; floating MCLR can cause erratic resets.
Do not exceed 3.6 V on VDD - the 'LF' variant is permanently limited and lacks the 5 V tolerance of the PIC16F18324. Confusing these parts can damage the MCU. Also, configure unused I/O pins as outputs (driving low) or as inputs with internal pull-ups to minimize sleep current; floating inputs can leak microamps and break low-power budgets. Verify PPS unlock register writes before remapping peripherals.
Keep the 32 MHz crystal or HFINTOSC trace short (<5 mm) if used. Route sensitive analog inputs (AN0–AN5) away from PWM and CWG switching traces to avoid crosstalk, and place a ground guard ring around the ADC reference pin. For breadboard prototypes, add 10 kΩ pull-ups on unused pins to prevent floating-state behavior during debugging.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (industrial grade only). Lead-free (Pb-free) reflow-compatible per JEDEC J-STD-020. Halogen-free status not stated in the verified data.
