PIC16LF18325-E/ST - 8-bit MCU, 14KB Flash, 32MHz XLP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18325-E/ST ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.1 | $1.10 |
| 10 | $0.98 | $9.80 |
| 100 | $0.85 | $85.00 |
| 500 | $0.72 | $360.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.62 | $620.00 |
PIC16LF18325-E/ST Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer-on-a-chip built around an 8-bit data path, optimized for low-cost, low-power embedded control. PIC microcontrollers sit within the broader hierarchy of microcontroller -> microprocessor -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor, and the PIC16F family specifically targets general-purpose applications with peripheral-rich, low-pin-count packages. The XLP designation indicates Microchip's ultra-low-power architecture designed for battery-operated and energy-harvesting designs.
Key features include 12 ADC channels, 2 comparators, PWM modules, configurable logic cells, and Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible signal routing. The device supports multiple communication interfaces including I2C, SPI, and UART (EUSART). Its low-power modes (Sleep, Idle, Doze) combined with the 1.8V minimum VDD make it ideal for battery applications where quiescent current directly determines runtime.
The PIC16LF18325 uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, featuring a hardware multiplier and a 32-level hardware stack. Built-in debug support is provided through the ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) interface, allowing non-intrusive development with tools like MPLAB X IDE and the PICkit programmer. The 14-pin TSSOP package with 0.65mm pitch enables compact PCB layouts while still providing 12 I/O pins for typical embedded interfaces.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, wearable health devices, consumer electronics remote controls, battery-powered instruments, LED lighting controllers, low-power wireless sensor transmitters, and small motor control circuits. Its combination of low power consumption, adequate memory, and rich peripherals suits general-purpose embedded designs.
When designing with the PIC16LF18325, allocate sufficient decoupling (100nF plus 10uF bulk) near VDD, follow Microchip's PCB layout guidelines for analog and digital ground separation, and configure unused pins as outputs low to minimize current leakage. The PPS feature should be planned early in firmware development as pin-to-peripheral mappings are user-configurable.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18325-E/ST — 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 PIC16LF18325-E/ST (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Core Architecture, DAC, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF18325-E/SL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18323-E/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.59 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18324T-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.91 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18325-E/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.98 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18313-E/SN
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18325-E/ST Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | 8-bit Harvard PIC16 (RISC) |
| CPU Core | PIC16F (XLP) |
| Max CPU Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 1 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 Bytes |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 12 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit |
| Comparators | 2 |
| PWM Modules | Yes (multiple) |
| Communication | I2C, SPI, EUSART (UART) |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Timers | Multiple 8/16-bit |
| Package | 14-pin TSSOP |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended -E grade) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
PIC16LF18325-E/ST Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5/ICSPDAT/SDA1 — GPIO/ICSP data; I2C SDA via PPS |
| Pin 2 | RA4/ICSPCLK/SCL1 — GPIO/ICSP clock; I2C SCL via PPS |
| Pin 3 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — GPIO/Master Clear (reset input) / programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | RC5 — GPIO/CCP1/PWM output via PPS |
| Pin 5 | RC4 — GPIO/PWM output via PPS |
| Pin 6 | RC3 — GPIO/PWM output via PPS |
| Pin 7 | RC2 — GPIO/Analog input via PPS |
| Pin 8 | RC1 — GPIO/Analog input via PPS |
| Pin 9 | RC0 — GPIO/Analog input via PPS |
| Pin 10 | RA2 — GPIO/Analog input/comparator output via PPS |
| Pin 11 | RA1 — GPIO/Analog input/comparator output via PPS |
| Pin 12 | RA0 — GPIO/Analog input/comparator output via PPS |
| Pin 13 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18325-E/ST is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Wearable Health Monitor, LED Lighting Controller, Industrial Process Sensor Transmitter, Consumer Remote Control, Small Motor Control (Fan/Pump), Portable Measurement Instrument.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF18325-E/ST is engineered for low-power IoT sensor nodes where every microamp matters. Its XLP Sleep current below 100 nA with full RAM retention enables multi-year battery runtime from a single CR2032 coin cell. The 10-bit ADC with 12 channels supports multi-sensor input multiplexing (temperature, humidity, light), while the 14 KB Flash accommodates small RTOS kernels or state-machine firmware with over-the-air update hooks. The 1.8V-3.6V operating range allows direct connection to 2xAA alkaline cells, single-cell LiFePO4, or rechargeable Li-ion without boost conversion. The 32MHz CPU executes sensor fusion and basic RF stack tasks in under 1 ms, after which the device returns to Sleep. PPS enables flexible PCB routing when integrating sensors with conflicting I/O requirements.
Recommended
Wearable Health Monitor
The PIC16LF18325-E/ST is well suited for wearable health monitoring devices such as fitness bands, pulse oximeters, and continuous glucose monitor peripherals. The XLP architecture extends battery life to weeks or months from a small Li-ion cell, while the 14 KB Flash holds basic DSP algorithms for heart-rate detection or step counting. The 10-bit ADC captures photodiode signals from optical heart-rate sensors with 12-channel input selection supporting multi-wavelength PPG measurements. The 32MHz CPU performs real-time signal conditioning without external DSP, reducing BOM cost. The TSSOP-14 package occupies less than 5 mm x 5 mm PCB area, ideal for compact wrist-worn form factors. Peripheral Pin Select allows flexible PCB routing to fit LEDs, photodiodes, and battery management within tight enclosure constraints.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16LF18325-E/ST excels in LED lighting controllers for smart bulbs, accent strips, and architectural lighting systems. The integrated PWM modules drive multiple LED channels with hardware timing, offloading the CPU to handle higher-level protocols such as DMX-512 or proprietary wireless commands. The 1 KB RAM supports color-mixing buffers for RGBW LEDs with smooth cross-fade transitions, while the 14 KB Flash stores dimming curves and effect patterns. The TSSOP-14 form factor fits inside E27 bulb bases and small fixture housings. The 32MHz execution speed handles DMA-free peripheral interactions with negligible CPU load. The extended -40C to +125C temperature rating ensures reliable operation in enclosed luminaires where temperatures can rise significantly above ambient.
Recommended
Industrial Process Sensor Transmitter
The PIC16LF18325-E/ST is appropriate for industrial 4-20 mA loop-powered or battery-backed process sensor transmitters. The 10-bit ADC with 12 channels handles inputs from RTDs, thermocouples (via analog front-end), pressure sensors, and 4-20 mA loop measurement simultaneously. The extended -40C to +125C industrial temperature grade ensures continuous operation in harsh factory environments without derating. EUSART and I2C peripherals support HART-like communication stacks or digital sensor add-ons. The 32MHz performance runs linearization algorithms for sensor calibration in real time. With Microchip's CIPs like the CLC and NCO, designers can offload repetitive peripheral tasks, freeing the CPU for higher-level protocol processing. The TSSOP-14 package supports dense PCB layouts inside IP67 transmitter heads.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control
The PIC16LF18325-E/ST fits consumer infrared remote controls and BLE/Zigbee button-cell remotes where battery life and low cost dominate. The XLP Sleep mode below 100 nA enables multi-year operation from a single CR2032 coin cell with continuous wake-on-pin-change support. The 14 KB Flash holds protocol stacks for proprietary RF or IR protocols, while the 32MHz CPU generates precise IR carrier waveforms via PWM or software timing. The TSSOP-14 package keeps total BOM small and fits inside ultra-thin remote housings. The 1.8V minimum VDD operates directly from the coin cell across its discharge curve. PPS allows flexible pin assignment to match the PCB layout of capacitive touch buttons, IR LEDs, and RF modules.
Recommended
Small Motor Control (Fan/Pump)
The PIC16LF18325-E/ST handles small brushed DC or stepper motor control for fans, pumps, and small actuators. The PWM and complementary waveform generator (CWG) peripherals generate precise drive signals for H-bridge or half-bridge drivers, while the comparators support hardware over-current protection. The 14 KB Flash accommodates speed-control state machines and soft-start profiles, while 1 KB RAM holds current/target velocity buffers. The 32MHz CPU computes PI/D control loops with adequate loop rate for thermal regulation or position control. The TSSOP-14 package fits on the back of small PCBs alongside the motor driver IC. The extended temperature rating supports BLDC motor housings where temperatures rise above 85C during continuous operation.
Recommended
Portable Measurement Instrument
The PIC16LF18325-E/ST serves portable handheld measurement instruments such as multimeters, cable testers, and environmental meters where display update and ADC conversion happen simultaneously. The 10-bit ADC with 12 channels reads multiple sensor inputs, while the 14 KB Flash stores measurement algorithms, calibration constants, and USB/HID descriptors. The 32MHz CPU performs RMS calculations, peak detection, and average filtering without external DSP. The TSSOP-14 package fits slim handheld enclosures, while the 1.8V-3.6V range allows operation from 2xAAA batteries or rechargeable Li-ion packs. Peripheral Pin Select enables flexible routing between the LCD/driver, ADC inputs, and user buttons. The extended -40C to +125C rating supports outdoor field-instrument deployment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18325-E/ST — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF18325-E/SL | PIC16LF18323-E/ST | PIC16LF18324T-I/ST | PIC16F18325-E/ST | PIC16LF18313-E/SN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 14-pin TSSOP | 14-pin SOIC | 14-pin TSSOP - same | 14-pin TSSOP - same | 14-pin TSSOP - same | 14-pin SOIC |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB (-50%) | 7 KB (-50%) | 14 KB | 7 KB (-50%) |
| RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 512 B (-50%) | 512 B (-50%) | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 2.3V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 3.6V |
| Max CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) |
| Unit Price (qty 1, USD) | 1.10 | 1.20 | 0.95 | 0.98 | 1.05 | 0.90 |
Key Differentiators
- Higher Flash density in the same 14-pin footprint (vs PIC16LF18323-E/ST)
- Wide 1.8V-3.6V operating range with XLP Sleep below 100 nA (vs PIC16F18325-E/ST)
- Extended temperature range for harsh environments (vs PIC16LF18324T-I/ST)
Design Notes
Place a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to VDD (pin 13) and a 10uF tantalum or ceramic bulk capacitor on the same supply rail. For battery applications where VDD may drop below 1.8V during transmission spikes, add a 100uF low-ESR capacitor to absorb inrush. Use Microchip's MCP1700 or MCP1755 LDO to regulate noisy supply rails. The PIC16LF18325's XLP Sleep current is below 100 nA with full RAM retention when the BOR (Brown-Out Reset) is properly configured; ensure firmware config bits enable the lowest-power BOR setting for your VDD range.
Estimated: For a TSSOP-14 footprint, allocate at least 1 square inch of copper pour connected to VSS (GND) for thermal dissipation and EMI mitigation. Route analog signals (ADC inputs, comparator inputs) away from PWM outputs and digital switching signals. Separate analog and digital ground planes if mixed-signal precision is required (e.g., 10-bit ADC readings must be stable), and join them at a single point near the MCU VSS pin. The exposed-pad TSSOP variant is not used here, but the bottom copper pour still serves as a heat spreader for sustained 32MHz operation.
Do not assume the LF and F variants are interchangeable: the PIC16LF18325 requires VDD above 1.8V for guaranteed operation while the PIC16F18325 needs 2.3V minimum. Brown-out behavior differs accordingly. Also, the -E suffix denotes -40C to +125C extended industrial range, while the -I suffix denotes -40C to +85C industrial; choose correctly for your environment. Configuring the MCLR pin as a digital input requires disabling the MCLR function in CONFIG words; otherwise the pin becomes a reset-only input. When migrating from PIC16LF1825 designs, verify Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) register mappings - they differ between generations.
The 10-bit ADC's accuracy depends heavily on clean VDD and a low-impedance VREF reference. Use the internal 2.048V FVR (Fixed Voltage Reference) for ratio-metric measurements, or supply an external REF for absolute voltage ADC. Decouple the analog VDD/AVDD pins (if used) separately from digital VDD, and route analog signals through guarded traces. The CWG and PWM modules can inject switching noise into the supply rail; use ferrite beads or RC filters on analog supply paths. The 32MHz system clock can generate 32MHz harmonic content - keep clock traces short and use a series damping resistor near the CLKOUT pin if driving external circuitry.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product declaration. MSL Level 1. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose automotive-grade PIC parts if AEC-Q100 is required. The LF process variant uses lead-free matte tin plating.
