PIC16LF18326-E/JQ - 8-bit 32MHz XLP MCU, 28KB Flash, 16-UQFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18326-E/JQ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.92 | $1.92 |
| 10 | $1.73 | $17.30 |
| 100 | $1.46 | $146.00 |
| 500 | $1.21 | $605.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.99 | $990.00 |
PIC16LF18326-E/JQ Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, memory, and programmable I/O peripherals. The PIC16LF18326 sits within the taxonomy: 8-bit MCU -> RISC microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC. Its 14-bit instruction word PIC16 architecture targets general-purpose and ultra-low-power applications where deterministic real-time behavior and small code footprint matter more than raw MIPS throughput.
Key features include 32MHz internal oscillator operation (8MHz with 4x PLL), 9 timers, 2 PWM channels, 12 I/O pins, and a watchdog timer. XLP technology delivers sub-uA sleep currents with multiple low-power modes (doze, idle, sleep), making the device suitable for battery-powered sensor nodes. The integrated Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) remapping allows digital peripheral functions (EUSART, SPI, I2C, PWM, CLC, CWG, CCP) to be routed to almost any I/O pin, simplifying PCB layout and BOM reuse across product variants.
The PIC16LF18326 uses a Harvard RISC architecture with a 14-bit instruction set and a 32MHz internal oscillator (4x PLL multiplier on an 8MHz HFINTOSC). Core-independent peripherals (CLC, NCO, CWG) operate without CPU intervention, offloading waveform generation, frequency synthesis, and event-triggered tasks for deterministic, low-latency responses.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, wearable health monitors, battery-powered remote controls, low-power wireless HMI, and small-form-factor consumer electronics. Wide-temperature 125C operation extends use to industrial controls and automotive interior accessories.
When designing with this part, allocate the larger 28KB Flash variant when code size is approaching the 16KB PIC16LF18325 budget; reuse PIC16LF18325 PCBs by dropping in the 18326 only if pinout and PPS mapping match. Always reserve an MPLAB X ICD header footprint for in-circuit debug during development.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the PIC16LF183xx family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18326-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 PIC16LF18326-E/JQ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Independent Peripherals, ADC, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF18325-E/JQVAO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18324-E/JQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.81 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18326-E/JQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18325-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF18323-E/JQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18326-E/JQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit RISC Microcontroller (MCU) |
| CPU Core | PIC16 (14-bit instruction word) |
| Family | PIC16LF183xx (XLP) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 2 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended, -E suffix) |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| DAC | 5-bit |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Timers | 9 |
| PWM Channels | 10-bit, 2 channels |
| Communication | EUSART, SPI, I2C |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CLC, NCO, CWG, PPS |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Package | 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16LF18326-E/JQ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / MCLR input |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC 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 / DAC output |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O / oscillator |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 3.6V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18326-E/JQ is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Wearable Health Monitors, Low-Power Remote Controls, Industrial Sensor Transmitters, HMI Control Panels and Keypads, Automotive Interior Accessories.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF18326-E/JQ is well-suited to battery-powered IoT sensor nodes that transmit via BLE/Zigbee companion modules. Its 1.8V-3.6V operation drains a 2xAA cell down to its end-of-life voltage, while XLP sleep currents below 1 uA extend multi-year battery life. The 32MHz CPU provides 8 MIPS for sensor conditioning and protocol stacks, and 28KB Flash fits over-the-air firmware update stubs. CLC and NCO offload event timing and frequency synthesis so the CPU can sleep between transmissions.
Recommended
Wearable Health Monitors
For wearable fitness bands and health monitors, the PIC16LF18326-E/JQ provides 32MHz processing for heart-rate algorithm DSP, plus 10-bit ADC for PPG and ECG signal acquisition. The 5-bit DAC drives constant-current LED bias for optical sensing. PPS allows the EUSART and SPI interfaces to be remapped to optimize routing with a small 16-UQFN footprint, critical for wrist-form-factor PCBs. Sub-uA sleep modes preserve battery life during standby.
Recommended
Low-Power Remote Controls
Infrared and RF remote controls benefit from the PIC16LF18326-E/JQ's XLP sleep currents and PPS-based pin remapping, which simplify routing of IR LED drivers and RF module control signals. The CWG peripheral can synthesize 38 kHz carrier waveforms for IR transmission entirely in hardware, freeing the CPU. 28KB Flash holds button-matrix debounce logic and protocol stacks for Sony, NEC, and Philips RC-5/RC-6 encoders, while the 125C rating tolerates in-car dashboard environments.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitters
The -40C to +125C extended operating range and 16-UQFN small footprint make the PIC16LF18326-E/JQ ideal for 4-20mA loop-powered industrial sensor transmitters. Its 10-bit ADC digitizes thermocouple, RTD, or bridge-pressure signals, while the 5-bit DAC and PWM can synthesize the 4-20mA loop current. The CLC combines comparator outputs with timer edges for hardware-based fault detection that runs without CPU wakeup, reducing average power draw on loop budgets.
Recommended
HMI Control Panels and Keypads
Capacitive-touch and matrix-keypad HMIs in appliances and industrial equipment use the PIC16LF18326-E/JQ for scan, debounce, and LED-driving functions. Its 12 I/O pins handle up to 16-key matrices with diodes, while the 10-bit PWM drives LED brightness with logarithmic perception correction. The EUSART provides a debug/console port to higher-level processors, and the small 4x4 mm UQFN footprint integrates cleanly into space-constrained front-panel PCBs.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessories
For non-safety automotive interior applications such as ambient lighting controllers, seat-position memory, and accessory hubs, the PIC16LF18326-E/JQ's extended 125C temperature rating and PPS flexibility offer design advantages. The CWG generates complementary PWM outputs for LED dimming, and the EUSART interfaces to LIN or CAN transceiver companions. AEC-Q100 is not qualified; designers requiring full automotive qualification should select the PIC16F18326-E/JQ variant.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18326-E/JQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF18325-E/JQ | PIC16LF18324-E/JQ | PIC16F18326-E/JQ | PIC16LF18325-I/JQ | PIC16LF18323-E/JQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-UQFN (4x4 mm, JQ) | 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 |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB | 14 KB (-50%) | 7 KB (-75%) | 28 KB (same) | 14 KB (-50%) | 4 KB (-86%) |
| SRAM | 2 KB | 1 KB (-50%) | 512 B (-75%) | 2 KB (same) | 1 KB (-50%) | 256 B (-87%) |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B (same) | 256 B (same) | 256 B (same) | 256 B (same) | 128 B (-50%) |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (same) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (same) | 2.3 V to 5.5 V (5V) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (same) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (same) |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 (same) | 12 (same) | 12 (same) | 12 (same) | 7 (-42%) |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz (same) | 32 MHz (same) | 32 MHz (same) | 32 MHz (same) | 32 MHz (same) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C (same) | -40C to +125C (same) | -40C to +125C (same) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +125C (same) |
Key Differentiators
- Largest Flash memory in the PIC16LF18326/18346 UQFN family (vs PIC16LF18325-E/JQ)
- Low-voltage 1.8V operation for battery applications (vs PIC16F18326-E/JQ)
- Full peripheral set including CLC, NCO, CWG, PPS (vs PIC16LF18323-E/JQ)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD (pin 16) with a 100nF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin. The PIC16LF18326-E/JQ has separate AVDD/AVSS and VDD/VSS pins internally; add a 10uF bulk capacitor near the regulator output. For battery applications, route VDD from the battery through a ferrite bead to suppress transient spikes from switching regulators. Enable the internal voltage regulator's stable output by ensuring VDD stays above 1.8V during all operating modes including sleep.
The 16-UQFN 4x4 mm package has an exposed thermal pad on the underside that MUST be soldered to a PCB ground plane for thermal dissipation and electrical grounding of the device substrate. Use an array of 4-9 thermal vias under the pad connecting to an inner ground plane to maximize heat sinking. Keep high-speed digital traces (SPI, EUSART) at least 3 trace-widths away from analog ADC input traces to minimize crosstalk into the 10-bit ADC.
Do not exceed 3.6V VDD on the LF variant - the PIC16LF18326-E/JQ is NOT 5V tolerant. For 5V systems, choose PIC16F18326-E/JQ instead. The MCLR pin (RA3) has an internal pull-up; if not used for external reset, leave it disconnected or tied to VDD through a 10k resistor. ICSPDAT and ICSPCLK pins (RA0/RA1) must be accessible for in-circuit programming; do not load them with >50pF capacitance or >10k impedance during programming.
At full 32MHz operation with all peripherals active and 12 I/O switching at 10MHz, the PIC16LF18326-E/JQ in 16-UQFN dissipates approximately 30-50 mW. With the exposed pad properly soldered to a 4-layer PCB ground plane, theta_JA is approximately 35 C/W, giving a junction temperature rise of 1.0-1.8 C above ambient. The 125C upper limit is comfortably met in industrial environments. For applications near 125C, derate clock frequency or duty-cycle I/O switching to reduce internal dissipation.
Route the 32MHz HFINTOSC traces as short as possible. If using an external crystal on RA6/RA7, keep traces symmetric, short (<10 mm), and surround with a ground pour. Place crystal load capacitors (typically 18-33 pF) within 3 mm of the oscillator pins. PPS remapping of EUSART and SPI to alternate pins does not degrade signal integrity if the alternate pin function is properly configured and the alternate traces maintain 50 ohm characteristic impedance for high-speed signals.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page and DigiKey listing. AEC-Q100 not qualified - the extended -E temperature range is -40C to +125C but not automotive-qualified. For full AEC-Q100 automotive designs, contact Microchip for the automotive-grade PIC16F18326-E/JQ equivalent.
