PIC16LF18326-E/ST - 8-bit MCU, 32MHz, 28KB Flash, XLP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18326-E/ST ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.65 | $1.65 |
| 10 | $1.45 | $14.50 |
| 100 | $1.18 | $118.00 |
| 500 | $1.02 | $510.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.92 | $920.00 |
PIC16LF18326-E/ST Overview
A PIC microcontroller is a RISC-based, Harvard-architecture 8-bit MCU widely adopted in embedded systems for its deterministic instruction execution, integrated peripherals, and long-term availability guarantees. PIC microcontrollers sit within the broader category of microcontrollers -> 8-bit microcontrollers -> PIC microcontrollers -> PIC16 family -> PIC16F1xxx enhanced mid-range core, offering a balance of code density, peripheral integration, and low power consumption. They are distinguished from 32-bit Cortex-M MCUs by lower cost, simpler toolchains, and better suitability for space- and power-constrained applications.
Key features of the PIC16LF18326 include Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible digital peripheral routing, a 10-bit ADC with computation, two comparators, a 5-bit DAC, Configurable Logic Cells (CLC), Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), and communication peripherals including EUSART, SPI, and I2C. The XLP technology provides sleep currents below 1 uA, making the device well-suited for battery-powered or energy-harvesting applications.
Internally, the PIC16LF18326 uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range core executing most instructions in a single instruction cycle, with hardware multiplier, hardware stack, and a vectored interrupt controller. A precision 32kHz internal oscillator can serve as a low-power clock source, while the HFINTOSC supports system clock up to 32MHz via PLL. The PPS module decouples peripheral-to-pin mapping from physical package pins, dramatically easing PCB layout in mixed-signal designs.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, low-power wireless remote controls, battery management for portable medical devices, automotive body electronics (sensor interfaces, LED lighting), industrial control panels, smart metering, and consumer electronics requiring long battery life. The combination of 32MHz operation, ample memory, and rich analog peripherals suits it to complex state-machine applications with mixed analog/digital I/O.
When designing with this device, verify the operating voltage (1.8V-3.6V for LF; verify datasheet for higher VIN rails), configure PPS before routing peripherals, and budget for the 256B of EEPROM when logging persistent data. The TSSOP-14 footprint reduces board area by ~60% versus SOIC-14, but requires careful solder process control for reliable manufacturing.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in PIC16 family alternatives with verified pin compatibility, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet summary, complementing Microchip's PIC16(L)F18326/18346 Data Sheet 40001839D.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18326-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 PIC16LF18326-E/ST (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Program Memory (Flash), Operating Temperature, MSL Level.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF18326-E/SL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18326-E/JQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.99 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18325-E/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18325T-I/ST
✅ 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 →PIC16LF18313-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18326-E/ST Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | PIC16 8-bit enhanced mid-range core |
| Family | PIC XLP 16F |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 2 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Supply Voltage Range (F variant) | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC | 10-bit, with computation |
| Comparators | 2 |
| DAC | 5-bit |
| Communication Peripherals | EUSART, SPI, I2C |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Package | 14-TSSOP (4.40 mm width) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (E = Extended) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF18326-E/ST Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/ICSPDAT — Bidirectional I/O; ICSP data; AN0; IOC |
| Pin 2 | RA1/ICSPCLK — Bidirectional I/O; ICSP clock; AN1; IOC |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O; AN2; DAC1OUT1; IOC |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR — Input; Master Clear reset (active low); VPP programming |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O; AN3; T0CKI; IOC |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O; AN4; CWG1 input source |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RA7/OSC1 — Bidirectional I/O; crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 9 | RA6/OSC2 — Bidirectional I/O; crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Power supply (1.8V-3.6V for LF) |
| Pin 11 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O; SDA; IOC |
| Pin 12 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O; RX; IOC |
| Pin 13 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O; TX/SDA; ICSPCLK; IOC |
| Pin 14 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O; SCK/SCL; ICSPDAT; IOC |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18326-E/ST is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Industrial Control Panels and HMI, Automotive Body Electronics (Sensor Interfaces), Portable Medical Devices, Smart Metering and Energy Harvesting, Consumer Electronics Remote Controls.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF18326-E/ST's XLP technology (sub-1 uA sleep current) and 1.8V minimum Vdd make it well-matched to wireless sensor nodes that wake periodically to sample and transmit. The 10-bit ADC with hardware averaging reduces CPU wake time by capturing multiple samples autonomously before interrupt, and 256 B of EEPROM stores calibration constants across firmware updates. Placed between a 3V CR2032 cell and a sub-GHz radio module, this MCU can sustain a duty-cycled sensor node for multi-year battery life while the 32 MHz CPU burst handles protocol stack compression and encryption. The TSSOP-14 footprint allows node PCB sizes under 15 mm x 15 mm.
Recommended
Industrial Control Panels and HMI
In industrial control panels, the PIC16LF18326-E/ST provides 32 MHz processing for button-matrix scanning, LED driving via the CWG peripheral, and EUSART/I2C communication with main PLCs. Its -40C to +125C extended temperature grade (E suffix) operates reliably inside sealed control cabinets exposed to factory heat. The PPS feature reassigns CWG output pins without PCB rework, allowing design reuse across different panel revisions. With 28 KB Flash, the device can host complex state-machine firmware plus real-time diagnostics, while the 5-bit DAC and comparators support local analog monitoring of temperature and pressure without external components.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Sensor Interfaces)
Automotive body modules such as seat-position sensors, ambient-light controllers, and door-lock interfaces benefit from the PIC16LF18326-E/JQ variant's AEC-Q100 qualification. The LF silicon's 1.8V minimum Vdd supports operation from a 5V regulated post-ignition rail with low quiescent current. The 10-bit ADC with computation and 2 comparators handle sensor conditioning directly, while the CLC module glues analog and digital peripherals without CPU intervention. Designers using the TSSOP-14 package can place the MCU directly behind automotive-grade connectors, and the PPS module routes peripheral functions across the limited 14 pins (12 GPIO + power/ground) flexibly to ease PCB layout under tight automotive geometry constraints.
Recommended
Portable Medical Devices
Portable medical devices like glucose meters, pulse oximeters, and thermometers need deterministic response times, low power to extend battery life, and reliable peripherals. The PIC16LF18326-E/ST delivers all three: a 32 MHz single-cycle PIC core gives predictable response times, XLP keeps drain under 1 uA when idle, and the ADC + DAC + comparators support analog front ends. The 28 KB Flash and 2 KB SRAM support small protocol stacks plus sensor data buffering, while the 256 B EEPROM logs device calibration. At TSSOP-14, the package fits into the slim housings required for handheld medical form factors.
Recommended
Smart Metering and Energy Harvesting
Smart meters and energy-harvesting sensors draw milliamps for sub-second intervals and microamps the rest of the time. The PIC16LF18326-E/ST's 1.8V minimum Vdd matches harvester output ranges (mini solar panels, thermoelectric generators), and its CLC/CWG peripherals implement autonomous switching with zero CPU intervention. The 32 KB Flash supports secure bootloaders and metering protocols (DLMS/COSEM, Modbus) while the 256 B EEPROM stores tamper-resistant calibration values. Placed across a current transformer or shunt, this MCU computes consumption locally and reports over EUSART or I2C to a concentrator.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Remote Controls
Consumer IR/RF remotes and BLE-connected controllers demand years of battery life from a single coin cell. The PIC16LF18326-E/ST's XLP sleep current (under 1 uA typical) supports decade-long shelf life scenarios, and the 32 MHz burst capability handles advanced protocols (BLE pairing, RF4CE) when awake. The 14-TSSOP footprint fits the thin remote housing; the PPS module routes EUSART or SPI to whichever pin faces the radio module, easing PCB layout. With 28 KB Flash the device can host optional voice-command or motion-gesture firmware loads over the air, while 256 B EEPROM retains pairings across battery swaps.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18326-E/ST — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF18326-E/SL | PIC16LF18326-E/JQ | PIC16LF18325-E/ST | PIC16LF18323-E/ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 14-TSSOP | 14-TSSOP (same) | 14-TSSOP (same) | 14-TSSOP (same) | 14-TSSOP (same) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 28 KB | 28 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB |
| SRAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 512 B | 512 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (LF suffix) | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Automotive (AEC-Q100) Qualified | No (standard E suffix) | Yes (AEC-Q100) | No | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- Higher memory headroom in the same footprint (vs PIC16LF18325-E/ST)
- Automotive-grade option available in same die (vs PIC16LF18326-E/JQ)
- Lowest standby current in PIC16F family (vs PIC16LF18323-E/ST)
- Single-cell battery support from the same PIC (vs PIC16F18326-I/ST (non-LF))
Design Notes
The PIC16LF18326-E/ST's XLP sleep currents are below 1 uA (typical) with the LFINTOSC selected and WDT disabled, but vary with enabled peripherals. Enable only required peripherals in ACTCON, drive unused pins to defined states (digital input mode with output disabled), and disable the ADC when not in use to achieve the lowest standby current. Refer to datasheet section on power-saving modes for the exact operating-current table.
Place a 100 nF bypass capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 10) and a 1-10 uF bulk capacitor nearby for transient response. The TSSOP-14 thermal pad is not present, so copper pours around VDD/VSS on the top and bottom layers provide both electrical decoupling and a thermal heat sink (estimated theta_JA around 150 C/W for the TSSOP-14 package - verify in app note).
Avoid these common mistakes: (1) leaving analog inputs floating causes the input buffer to draw additional current - tie to VDD or VSS through a known resistor when unused. (2) PPS reassignments must be made before peripheral enable; document them in firmware boot to avoid pinout surprises. (3) Do not exceed the MCLR pin maximum rise-time spec when using slow-rising power; add an external RC or reset supervisor if your supply has slow ramp. Per Microchip datasheet 40001839D section 2 and 5.
Compliance Information
Standard E/ST variant is not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose -E/JQ for automotive. RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Halogen-free and lead-free per Microchip environmental compliance letter.
