PIC16LF18346-E/SSVAO - 8-Bit XLP MCU, 28KB Flash, 20-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18346-E/SSVAO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.95 | $2.95 |
| 10 | $2.74 | $27.40 |
| 100 | $2.42 | $242.00 |
| 500 | $2.18 | $1,090.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.95 | $1,950.00 |
PIC16LF18346-E/SSVAO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (Flash/RAM), and peripherals such as ADCs, timers, and communication interfaces. The PIC16LF18346 belongs to Microchip's PIC16F/LF family of 8-bit RISC microcontrollers, which sit in the broader taxonomy of microcontrollers -> embedded microcontrollers -> semiconductor ICs. The 'LF' suffix denotes the low-voltage (1.8V-3.6V) variant optimized for eXtreme Low Power (XLP) operation, while the 'F' variant supports 2.3V-5.5V. XLP technology delivers nanoWatt sleep currents in the order of tens of nA, making this part ideal for energy-harvesting and battery-backed designs.
Key features include Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) such as the Configurable Logic Cell (CLC), Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO), and multiple Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules. The 10-bit ADC with computation, 5-bit DAC, two comparators, and EUSART/I2C/SPI interfaces provide rich analog and digital connectivity. PPS allows digital peripheral pins to be remapped at runtime, simplifying PCB layout.
Architecturally, the device uses an 8-bit RISC Harvard core with a 14-bit instruction word and 32MHz maximum clock, providing up to 8 MIPS throughput. The CIPs execute hardware state machines without CPU intervention, freeing the core for low-duty-cycle sleep modes where XLP nanoWatt technology drops quiescent current to single-digit microamps.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, wearable health monitors, remote controls, low-power wireless sensor interfaces, automotive body electronics (the /SSVAO suffix indicates AEC-Q100 automotive qualification), and consumer battery-powered devices. The wide 1.8V-3.6V supply range is ideal for single-cell Li-ion or 2x AA battery chemistries.
When designing with this part, observe the following: the PPS feature must be configured in firmware before digital peripherals can function; the /SSVAO suffix denotes automotive grade and incurs additional cost; and decoupling requires a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor placed within 3mm of VDD. Use MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler for development.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, automotive-grade details, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18346-E/SSVAO — 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 PIC16LF18346-E/SSVAO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, DAC, Operating Temperature, Communication.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF18346-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18346-E/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18345-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18345-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18326-E/SL
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View Datasheet →PIC16F18346-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18346-E/SSVAO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| Core | PIC16F/LF |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| Data Memory (RAM) | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Instruction Throughput | 8 MIPS |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 17 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Timers (8/16-bit) | Multiple (CCP, TMR0/2/4/6) |
| Communication | EUSART, I2C, SPI |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CLC, CWG, NCO, CCP, PWM |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| XLP (eXtreme Low Power) | Yes |
| Package | 20-SSOP (5.3 mm x 7.2 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +125°C (E suffix) |
| Automotive Grade (SSVAO) | AEC-Q100 qualified |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF18346-E/SSVAO 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 |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / DAC output |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / DAC reference / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V-3.6V) |
| Pin 9 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O / oscillator input |
| Pin 10 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O / oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O / PPS-reassignable |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O / PPS-reassignable |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O / PPS-reassignable |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O / PPS-reassignable |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O / PPS-reassignable |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O / PPS-reassignable |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O / PPS-reassignable |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O / PPS-reassignable |
| Pin 19 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 20 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPDAT |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18346-E/SSVAO is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Control Modules, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Wearable Health Monitoring Devices, Industrial Sensor Transmitters, Remote Control and Consumer HMI, Home Appliance Control Boards.
Automotive Body Control Modules
The PIC16LF18346-E/SSVAO is well suited for automotive body control modules (BCMs) including lighting controllers, HVAC interface modules, and seat/window controllers. Its AEC-Q100 qualification (VAO suffix) and -40°C to +125°C operating range meet Grade 1 automotive requirements per Microchip datasheet 40001839E. The 28KB Flash accommodates CAN/LIN communication stacks and PWM-driven motor control logic, while 18 I/O pins with Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) simplify routing in space-constrained BCM PCBs. With XLP nanoWatt sleep modes dropping quiescent current to single-digit microamps, the device minimizes quiescent battery drain when the vehicle is parked - a key requirement for modern BCM designs targeting <100µA quiescent current.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF18346-E/SSVAO's XLP nanoWatt technology makes it ideal for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes running on 2x AA or single-cell Li-ion chemistries. The 1.8V-3.6V supply range supports direct connection to 3V batteries without boost converters. According to Microchip datasheet 40001839E, sleep currents in the tens of nA range enable multi-year battery life for periodic-sensing applications (e.g., temperature/humidity loggers transmitting every 15 minutes). The 10-bit ADC with computation and Core Independent Peripherals (CLC, NCO) allow sensor signal conditioning to run in hardware without waking the CPU, while 28KB Flash fits LoRaWAN or Matter-over-Thread device drivers.
Recommended
Wearable Health Monitoring Devices
The PIC16LF18346-E/SSVAO is a strong fit for wearable health monitors such as fitness bands, smart watches, and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). Its small 20-SSOP package (5.3mm x 7.2mm) supports compact wearable form factors, and XLP sleep modes extend battery life beyond 7 days for typical fitness band use cases. Per Microchip datasheet 40001839E, the integrated 10-bit ADC with computation can directly digitize PPG (photoplethysmography) or ECG signals from analog front-end ICs, while the 5-bit DAC drives haptic feedback motors. The wide 1.8V-3.6V supply range accommodates both 1.5V alkaline coin cells and 3.7V Li-Po batteries.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitters
For 4-20mA loop-powered industrial sensor transmitters, the PIC16LF18346-E/SSVAO's 1.8V minimum supply lets it operate directly from low-voltage regulated rails, while its -40°C to +125°C industrial operating range handles harsh factory environments. The integrated 10-bit ADC (up to 17 channels) digitizes thermocouple, RTD, or strain-gauge bridge signals, and the EUSART/SPI/I2C peripherals interface with 4-20mA DACs or HART modems. According to Microchip datasheet 40001839E, Core Independent Peripherals (CLC, CWG) execute sensor linearization and PWM control in hardware, reducing CPU load and improving update rates. The 20-SSOP package simplifies through-hole-to-SMT retrofits in legacy industrial designs.
Recommended
Remote Control and Consumer HMI
The PIC16LF18346-E/SSVAO is well suited for TV/audio remote controls, smart-home keypads, and consumer HMI panels. Its XLP architecture supports years of operation from a single coin cell, while the EUSART/I2C peripherals interface with RF transceivers (BLE, Sub-GHz) and touch sensors. Per Microchip datasheet 40001839E, the 28KB Flash accommodates complex button-mapping firmware, IR protocols, and BLE stack libraries, and the integrated CCP/PWM modules drive LED backlighting or haptic feedback. The Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) feature allows designers to remap UART/I2C pins to any I/O, simplifying PCB layout for compact remote enclosures.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16LF18346-E/SSVAO fits home appliance control boards such as washing machine UI panels, dishwasher controllers, and refrigerator temperature management. Its 18 I/O with PPS support direct interface with segment LCD drivers, keypad matrices, and triac-based AC loads. According to the Microchip datasheet 40001839E, the 10-bit ADC reads thermistor and water-level sensor inputs, while the CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) produces dead-band-controlled PWM signals for synchronous rectification in motor drive stages. The 1.8V-3.6V supply range supports 3.3V regulated rails common in modern appliance designs.
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Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18346-E/SSVAO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF18346-E/SS | PIC16LF18345-I/SS | PIC16LF18326-E/SL | PIC16F18346-E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB | 28 KB | 14 KB | 16 KB | 28 KB |
| Data Memory (RAM) | 2 KB | 2 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 2 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 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 | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| AEC-Q100 Automotive | Yes (VAO) | No | No | No | No |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
Key Differentiators
- AEC-Q100 automotive qualification in same 20-SSOP package (vs PIC16LF18346-E/SS)
- Double the Flash memory of the 18345 family in same package (vs PIC16LF18345-I/SS)
- Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) execute in hardware (vs PIC16LF18326-E/SL)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF18346-E/SSVAO requires a 0.1µF ceramic decoupling capacitor placed within 3mm of the VDD pin (pin 8) and a bulk capacitor of at least 1µF on VDD. For battery-powered designs targeting nanoWatt sleep currents, use a low-leakage ceramic (C0G/NP0) decoupling capacitor to avoid unnecessary quiescent current draw. Per Microchip datasheet 40001839E, VDD rise time should be monotonic to ensure proper POR; add a 1kΩ-10kΩ series resistor on MCLR if VDD rise time is too slow.
Two common pitfalls: (1) The MCLR/RA3 pin (pin 3) is shared with the ICSP programming function; if used as a regular I/O, configure MCLRE=0 in CONFIG words and provide a dedicated ICSP header for in-circuit programming. (2) The Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) feature must be configured in firmware BEFORE any digital peripheral (UART, SPI, I2C, CCP, PWM) can function; failure to call PPS_unlock + PPS_remap at startup will leave peripherals mapped to default pins.
For AEC-Q100 automotive applications at 125°C ambient, the PIC16LF18346-E/SSVAO's quiescent current increases roughly 4-5x compared to room temperature, and XLP sleep currents rise from ~20nA to ~100nA. In thermally-constrained enclosures, ensure the 20-SSOP package's theta_JA (typically ~100°C/W for SSOP-20 in still air) is acceptable for your dissipation. Estimated: at full CPU activity (32MHz, all peripherals on, IO sourcing 20mA total), internal dissipation is ~30mW giving a ~3°C rise above ambient.
Place a 10kΩ pull-up resistor on MCLR (pin 3) if MCLRE=1 in CONFIG. For ICP/ICSP programming, route ICSPDAT (RB6/RA0) and ICSPCLK (RB7/RA1) to a 6-pin header with dedicated traces and no shared vias. The 20-SSOP has a 0.65mm pitch; use 0.15mm/6mil trace-and-space rules and confirm your PCB house can reliably manufacture SSOP footprints. Per Microchip AN2490, keep analog traces (ADC inputs) short and guard them with digital ground pour.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 Grade 1 automotive qualification per VAO suffix. RoHS and lead-free confirmed per Microchip product page. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in verified data; check Microchip environmental compliance letter for confirmation.
