PIC16LF18424-I/JQ - 32MHz 8-bit MCU 7KB Flash 16-UQFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18424-I/JQ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.96 | $0.96 |
| 10 | $0.86 | $8.60 |
| 100 | $0.74 | $74.00 |
| 500 | $0.64 | $320.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.57 | $570.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.5 | $1,500.00 |
PIC16LF18424-I/JQ Overview
An MCU (Microcontroller Unit) is a single-chip computer integrating a CPU, memory (Flash/SRAM/EEPROM), and programmable peripherals such as timers, ADCs, comparators, and communication interfaces. Within Microchip's taxonomy, the PIC16 LF18424 belongs to the broader category of PIC 8-bit microcontrollers -> 8-bit MCUs -> microcontrollers -> microprocessors and microcontrollers -> semiconductors. It is the LF (low-voltage, low-power) variant of the 16F18424 family, designed specifically to extend battery life in always-on sensing and IoT edge nodes.
Key features include a 12-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter with Computation (ADCC) offering automated averaging, threshold detection, and hardware accumulation; a 5-bit DAC for setpoint generation; a Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) for synchronous timing; two PWM modules; and rich digital communications with EUSART, SPI, and I2C. Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) provides flexible I/O mapping on the 16-pin package, allowing designers to remap peripherals to different pins without board rework.
The architecture combines a Harvard RISC core with a 14-bit instruction word, single-cycle hardware multiply support, and a wide analog/digital integration, making it competitive with other low-end Cortex-M0 devices for cost-sensitive applications while remaining fully supported by the MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler, and the free MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC) peripheral setup toolchain.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, low-power wireless sensor transmitters, wearable health monitors, battery-powered remote controls, LED lighting controllers, and small home-appliance user interfaces. Designers choose this device when they need analog integration (12-bit ADCC, DAC, comparator), deterministic 8-bit execution, and low sleep current in a tight 4x4 mm footprint.
Key design consideration: route the AVDD/AVSS pair with Kelvin returns to the VDD/VSS pins and place the 100nF decoupling within 2 mm of each supply pin. The ADCC's maximum sample rate is 100 ksps at FOSC = 32 MHz; at lower FOSC the sample rate scales linearly.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers evaluate fit, supply risk, and layout impact.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18424-I/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-I/JQ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature, Comparators.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF18424-E/JQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.51 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18424-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18424-E/ST
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.86 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18424-E/SL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18424-E/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.28 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18326T-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18424-I/JQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Family | PIC16 LF184xx (XLP series) |
| Instruction Width | 14-bit |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| SRAM | 512 B |
| EEPROM | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC, up to 100 ksps |
| DAC | 5-bit DAC |
| Comparators | Yes |
| PWM Channels | 2 |
| CWG | Complementary Waveform Generator |
| Communication Interfaces | EUSART, SPI, I2C |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, '-I') |
| Package | 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16LF18424-I/JQ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O pin, also ICSPDAT |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O pin, also ICSPCLK |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O pin, MCLR input weak pull-up |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V-3.6V) |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O pin, OSC2 |
| Pin 10 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O pin, OSC1 |
| Pin 11 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin EP | EPAD — Exposed thermal pad - solder to PCB ground plane for thermal dissipation and electrical ground |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18424-I/JQ is suitable for 7 applications: IoT Sensor Node / Wireless Transmitter, Battery-Powered Wearable Health Monitor, Low-Power Remote Control, LED Lighting Controller, Small Home Appliance User Interface, Automotive Interior Sensor Module, Industrial Sensor / 4-20 mA Loop Interface.
IoT Sensor Node / Wireless Transmitter
The PIC16LF18424-I/JQ fits IoT sensor nodes and low-power wireless transmitters because of its 1.8V-3.6V wide operating voltage range, sub-30 nA nanoWatt XLP sleep current, and integrated 12-bit ADCC with up to 100 ksps sampling for precise analog sensor reads. With 7 KB Flash and 512 B SRAM, it can run small protocol stacks such as custom RF or Sub-GHz driver shells without external memory. Place this MCU between a 3.6V CR2477 coin cell or single-cell Li-Po and a low-power radio like the MRF24XA or SX1276 reference designs. Its tiny 4x4 mm 16-UQFN footprint fits unobtrusively in wearable or throw-away sensor packages.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Wearable Health Monitor
Wearable health monitors benefit from the PIC16LF18424-I/JQ's nanoWatt XLP sleep mode and 32 MHz execution speed, enabling continuous heart-rate or step-counting tasks at low average power. The 12-bit ADCC with hardware averaging accurately reads photoplethysmography (PPG) signals from AFE chips, while the 5-bit DAC and 2x PWM modules can drive a haptic feedback motor or vibration alert. The 256-byte EEPROM stores user calibration data without external storage. The 4x4 mm UQFN package fits comfortably inside a wristband PCB, and -40C to +85C industrial temperature rating handles body and outdoor-temperature variation.
Recommended
Low-Power Remote Control
Battery-operated remote controls for TVs, audio gear, and home automation benefit from the PIC16LF18424-I/JQ's sub-30 nA XLP sleep current and 32 MHz burst capability for keystroke handling, IR modulation via PWM, or RF transmission. The EUSART, SPI, and I2C peripherals easily interface with IR LEDs, Sub-GHz RF modules, or BLE companions. The 7 KB Flash holds modest firmware for multi-protocol support, while the PPS feature allows the same firmware to address different PCB revisions without re-spinning layout. The 1.8V-3.6V operating range supports two or three AA/AAA cells directly without a boost converter.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
LED lighting controllers that need smooth PWM dimming and color mixing fit the PIC16LF18424-I/JQ well, exploiting the two PWM modules and the Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) for synchronous timing. The 32 MHz core easily handles 16-bit PWM updates at refresh rates above 1 kHz, eliminating visible flicker. The integrated 12-bit ADCC reads ambient-light sensors for automatic brightness control, while the 5-bit DAC generates reference voltages for current-control loops. The LF wide-supply range directly drives 3.3V logic-level LED drivers without additional level shifters.
Recommended
Small Home Appliance User Interface
Small home appliances like coffee machines, slow cookers, or air purifiers benefit from the PIC16LF18424-I/JQ's integrated 12-bit ADCC for temperature/flow sensing, PWM control for motors or heaters, and I2C capability for LCD or LED-display drivers. The 256 bytes of EEPROM store user presets (e.g., preferred brew temperature) without external memory, while the 7 KB Flash handles state-machine firmware. The 16-UQFN package integrates into space-constrained UI boards, and the -40C to +85C range covers kitchen and laundry environments.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Sensor Module
Automotive interior sensor modules such as ambient-light sensors, humidity detectors, and proximity sensors can leverage the PIC16LF18424-I/JQ for non-critical infotainment peripherals via the same-die extended-temperature PIC16LF18424-E/JQ variant. The 12-bit ADCC reads sensor outputs with hardware averaging for stable readings in noisy vehicle environments, while SPI/I2C peripherals stream data to the head unit. The PIC16LF18424-I/JQ is the standard choice for in-cabin interior nodes; AEC-Q100 vehicles should consider AEC-Q100-qualified members of the LF18424 family.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor / 4-20 mA Loop Interface
Industrial 4-20 mA current-loop sensor heads use the PIC16LF18424-I/JQ to digitize analog sensor signals through the 12-bit ADCC, run linearization algorithms in firmware (7 KB Flash is enough), and drive an HART modem or basic digital interface via EUSART. The 1.8V-3.6V LF range lets the device operate from a loop-derived low-voltage supply after a small LDO, while PPS routes UART and timers to pins that suit the loop-front-end design. Extended temperature grades (-40C to +125C) are available on the PIC16LF18424-E/JQ variant.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18424-I/JQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF18424-E/JQ | PIC16F18424-I/JQ | PIC16LF18326T-I/JQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) | 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8V to 3.6V (LF) | 1.8V to 3.6V (LF) | 1.8V to 5.5V (F, wider) | 1.8V to 3.6V (LF) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Temperature Grade | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
Key Differentiators
- Smallest 16-pin UQFN footprint in the LF184xx family with 7 KB Flash (vs PIC16LF18424-I/P (14-pin PDIP))
- Same 7 KB Flash density as larger packages but 50% more code than older PIC16F1824 family (vs PIC16LF1824-I/SL)
- Integrated 12-bit ADCC with 5-bit DAC and CWG in a single MCU (vs PIC16LF18326T-I/JQ)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF18424-I/JQ operates from 1.8V to 3.6V and supports Microchip's nanoWatt XLP sleep modes. Place a 100nF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor within 2 mm of the VDD pin and a 10uF bulk capacitor nearby for transient suppression during ADC acquisition. Estimated: the device draws less than 30 nA in deep sleep with the RTC+timer active, making it ideal for battery-sensor applications drawing less than 1% of typical coin-cell capacity per year.
The 16-UQFN 4x4 mm package has a center exposed thermal pad (ePin) that MUST be soldered to a 1.0 mm x 1.0 mm minimum PCB thermal pad connected to the ground plane. Per datasheet section 4.2 'Package Pinout', failing to solder the EPAD can prevent ground return and cause erratic behavior. Estimated: bypassing 100nF next to VDD pins 7-8 route from a single large VDD ring; keep ADC traces analog and route through a separate analog ground island that ties to VSS at the exposed pad.
The PIC16LF18424-I/JQ's PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) feature allows flexible I/O mapping but must be configured during firmware initialization. A common pitfall is leaving peripheral pins unmapped before enabling the peripheral, causing peripherals to drive whatever pin was active at reset. Also ensure the WDT (Watchdog Timer) is configured when operating in low-voltage brownout conditions, since VDD dipping below 1.8V without a configured WDT can leave the MCU in an indeterminate state. Estimated: typical BOR recovery time is 100 microseconds before the system resumes execution.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page; lead-free terminations. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16LF18424-E/JQ with extended temperature grade for automotive-adjacent applications, or AEC-Q100 qualified members of the LF18424 family for full automotive compliance.
