PIC16LF18424-E/JQ - 8-bit 32MHz 7KB Flash XLP MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18424-E/JQ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.32 | $1.32 |
| 10 | $1.19 | $11.90 |
| 100 | $1.05 | $105.00 |
| 500 | $0.92 | $460.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.78 | $780.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.51 | $1,530.00 |
PIC16LF18424-E/JQ Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and peripherals on one die. The PIC16F family from Microchip uses a RISC-based Harvard architecture with a single accumulator (WREG) and is part of the broader 8-bit MCU taxonomy that includes 8-bit -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. The PIC16LF18424 belongs to the low-power (LF) sub-family, optimized for battery-powered designs through nanoWatt XLP technology, sleep currents below 1 uA, and multiple power-managed operating modes.
Key features include 7KB (4K x 14) Flash program memory, 512 bytes RAM, 256 bytes EEPROM, 12-bit ADCC with automated math and averaging functions, a 5-bit DAC, two Capture/Compare/PWM modules with complementary outputs, Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), Configurable Logic Cell (CLC), EUSART, SPI, and I2C. The 16-pin UQFN (4x4mm) package includes an exposed pad for thermal dissipation, ideal for space-constrained applications.
The device operates from 1.8V to 3.6V (LF variant), supporting battery-powered designs with Li-ion or 2xAA cells. The PIC16LF18424-E/JQ uses the enhanced mid-range core with 49 instructions and 16-level hardware stack, while XLP features deliver typical sleep currents below 50 nA with RTC running. Peripherals like the CLC and CWG operate independently of the CPU, enabling low-power real-time responses.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered wearables, LED lighting controllers, automotive body electronics, low-power wireless sensor hubs, consumer remote controls, and small home appliances. The combination of intelligent analog, low sleep current, and small UQFN package makes it well-suited for always-on applications that demand long battery life.
When designing with this device, note the -E suffix indicates the -40C to +125C extended operating temperature range. The /JQ suffix identifies the 16-pin UQFN 4x4mm package. Programming is supported via MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler, and the PICkit or Snap programmer ecosystem, with configurable peripherals tunable through the MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC).
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives across the PIC16(L)F184xx family, and practical design notes that complement the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18424-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 PIC16LF18424-E/JQ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Comparators, Core Architecture, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF18424-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18424T-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.88 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18426-E/JQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18426-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18444-E/JQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18424-E/JQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18424-E/JQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC Enhanced Mid-Range |
| Family | PIC16(L)F184xx (XLP) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 512 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF variant) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E suffix) |
| Package | 16-pin UQFN (4x4 mm) with exposed pad |
| I/O Pins | 12 (on 16-pin UQFN) |
| ADC | 12-bit ADC with Computation (ADC2) |
| DAC | 5-bit DAC |
| Comparators | 1 |
| PWM Outputs | 2 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Communication | EUSART, SPI, I2C |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CWG, CLC, NCO, DSM |
| Timers | 3 (8-bit/16-bit configurable) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 |
PIC16LF18424-E/JQ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/ICDDAT — Bidirectional I/O pin / ICD Data |
| Pin 2 | RA1/ICSPCLK — Bidirectional I/O pin / ICD Clock |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR — Bidirectional I/O pin / Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 7 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 8 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 9 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 10 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 11 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 12 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 13 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 14 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 15 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 16 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18424-E/JQ is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Wearable Fitness Tracker, LED Lighting Controller, Automotive Body Electronics Module, Industrial Sensor Transmitter, Consumer Remote Control Unit, Smart Home Sensor Hub.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF18424-E/JQ fits IoT sensor nodes because its 1.8V-3.6V LF supply range and nanoWatt XLP sleep currents below 50 nA (typical with RTC running) enable multi-year battery life on a single CR2032 coin cell. Its 12-bit ADC2 with automated averaging reduces firmware overhead for sensor sampling, while the CWG and CLC core independent peripherals generate wake-up signals without CPU intervention. Used with an MCP9808 temperature sensor and RN4870 BLE module, the MCU handles periodic reads, threshold checking, and BLE event-driven wakeups, typically consuming <2 uA average current. The 16-pin UQFN (4x4mm) package fits inside sealed IP67 sensor housings.
Recommended
Wearable Fitness Tracker
Wearable fitness trackers demand low-power operation in a tiny PCB area, and the PIC16LF18424-E/JQ delivers both. Its 7KB Flash holds step-counting algorithms and BLE state machines, while 512B RAM supports circular sensor buffers for accelerometer data. XLP sleep mode with Watchdog Timer wakeup enables heart-rate sampling every few seconds at average currents under 5 uA. The exposed-pad UQFN-16 package offers 4x4mm footprint for wrist-band PCBs and provides thermal dissipation for the 32MHz active mode. The 12-bit ADC reads photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor outputs for heart-rate measurement, and the EUSART interfaces with low-power BLE SoCs.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
LED lighting controllers benefit from the PIC16LF18424-E/JQ's Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) which produces dead-band-controlled complementary PWM outputs for high-brightness LED drivers and half-bridge converters. Its 2 PWM channels drive RGB LED strings with 12-bit resolution at low frequencies, eliminating color flicker. The CLC implements custom logic for thermal foldback and over-current protection without waking the CPU, while the 12-bit ADC reads thermistor and current-sense inputs. Operating from a 3.3V rail derived from an offline buck converter, the MCU consumes <1 mA active and <100 nA standby, suitable for Energy Star compliant luminaires.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics Module
The -40C to +125C extended operating temperature range makes the PIC16LF18424-E/JQ suitable for automotive body electronics such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, or interior lighting modules. The 12-bit ADC reads position-sensor potentiometers and current monitors, while the EUSART interfaces with LIN bus transceivers for body network communication. The CIPs (CLC, CWG) handle real-time motor-control tasks without CPU load, freeing resources for diagnostics and CAN/LIN stack management. With 7KB Flash, the firmware can include a small LIN slave stack plus state-machine logic for motor PWM control.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter
Industrial 4-20 mA sensor transmitters require low power for loop-powered operation and the PIC16LF18424-E/JQ provides it. Its 1.8V minimum VDD allows operation from rectified 4-20 mA loop drops of 5V or less, while XLP sleep mode minimizes loop current consumption to under 3.5 mA (the standard 4 mA floor). The 12-bit ADC digitizes bridge pressure sensors or RTD inputs with hardware averaging, and the CLC generates HART modem tones for bi-directional communication without CPU intervention. The exposed-pad UQFN package operates across -40C to +125C for outdoor or factory-floor deployments.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control Unit
Consumer remote controls benefit from the PIC16LF18424-E/JQ's ultra-low sleep current (under 50 nA) which enables multi-year battery life on a single coin cell. The MCU spends most of its time in deep sleep with only the interrupt-on-change (IOC) wakeup active; pressing any button immediately triggers a CIP-driven IR or RF transmission via the CWG, then returns to sleep. The 7KB Flash holds multi-protocol IR code libraries (NEC, RC5, SIRC), while 512B RAM buffers keystrokes. The UQFN-16 (4x4mm) fits inside thin remote housings with minimal PCB area.
Recommended
Smart Home Sensor Hub
Smart home sensor hubs aggregate data from multiple low-power wireless sensors, and the PIC16LF18424-E/JQ fits this role for small installations. Its SPI interface connects to sub-GHz transceivers like the MRF89XA, while the EUSART interfaces with Wi-Fi or BLE co-processors for cloud connectivity. The CLC implements custom logic for sensor data aggregation and event filtering without CPU load, and the 12-bit ADC2 monitors battery voltage and environmental sensors. With XLP technology, the hub can run from a USB or wall adapter while staying responsive to RF events with sub-millisecond latency.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18424-E/JQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF18424-I/JQ | PIC16LF18424T-I/JQ | PIC16LF18426-E/JQ | PIC16LF18426-I/JQ | PIC16LF18444-E/JQ | PIC16F18424-E/JQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-pin UQFN (4x4) | 16-pin UQFN (4x4) - same | 16-pin UQFN (4x4) - same | 16-pin UQFN (4x4) - same | 16-pin UQFN (4x4) - same | 16-pin UQFN (4x4) - same | 16-pin UQFN (4x4) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Operating 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 | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit ADC2 | 12-bit ADC2 | 12-bit ADC2 | 12-bit ADC2 | 12-bit ADC2 | 12-bit ADC2 | 12-bit ADC2 |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest power consumption in PIC16F184xx family (vs PIC16F18424-E/JQ)
- Extended -40C to +125C operating temperature (vs PIC16LF18424-I/JQ)
- Compact 16-pin UQFN footprint saves PCB area (vs PIC16LF18424-E/P (PDIP-16))
- Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) reduce CPU load (vs PIC16F1824-E/JQ (older family))
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 15) and a bulk 1-10 uF capacitor nearby for transient current demands during ADC conversions and GPIO switching. For battery-powered designs, route the VDD trace directly from the battery output through the decoupling network, minimizing trace inductance. Enable the PIC16LF18424's XLP sleep modes and use the CLC to wake the CPU only when an event occurs, achieving typical sleep currents below 50 nA with RTC running.
The 16-pin UQFN (4x4mm) package has an exposed thermal pad (EP) on the underside that MUST be soldered to a grounded copper pour for thermal dissipation and electrical performance. The EP should connect to the same ground plane as VSS (pin 16), with thermal vias (4-9 vias) stitching the EP to the bottom ground plane. This provides a low-impedance ground return and prevents the junction temperature from rising during continuous 32MHz operation, especially in industrial or automotive deployments.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum VDD of 4.0V (LF variant); transients above this can damage the device. Always connect the MCLR pin (pin 4) through a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation, or to the ICSP programmer for in-circuit serial programming. Avoid leaving unused I/O pins floating - configure them as outputs driving low or as inputs with weak pull-ups enabled to prevent shoot-through current. The IOC (Interrupt-on-Change) feature requires stable input signals; add RC filtering on mechanical-switch inputs to prevent false wake-ups from contact bounce.
When using the 12-bit ADC2 for precision measurements, add a small RC filter (typically 1 kohm and 100 pF) at each analog input to limit broadband noise and prevent aliasing. Use the ADC2's hardware averaging feature with at least 16 samples for high-accuracy readings; this reduces effective noise by sqrt(N) without CPU overhead. Keep analog traces short and away from switching signals; the CWG outputs and PWM channels can inject noise into sensitive analog readings if not properly isolated.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and lead-free per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive applications requiring formal qualification, consider the PIC16LF18424-E/JQVAO automotive variant or contact Microchip for AEC-Q100 documentation.
