PIC16LF18426-I/JQ - 28KB Flash 8-bit MCU | Microchip XLP | 16-UQFN
MPN: PIC16LF18426-I/JQ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.73 | $1.73 |
| 10 | $1.56 | $15.60 |
| 100 | $1.39 | $139.00 |
| 500 | $1.24 | $620.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.1 | $1,100.00 |
PIC16LF18426-I/JQ Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller is a small, low-power programmable processor built around a Harvard-architecture RISC core. Within the broader taxonomy, PIC MCUs belong to microcontrollers (MCU) -> embedded processors -> semiconductors. They are favored for deterministic behavior, low quiescent current, and integrated analog/digital peripherals that reduce or eliminate external components, making them ideal for sensor nodes, consumer appliances, and ultra-low-power IoT endpoints where ARM Cortex-M0 parts would be over-spec and over-budget.
Key features include 28KB (16K x 14) self-programmable Flash program memory, 2KB SRAM data memory, a 12-bit ADC with Computation (ADCC) for oversampling and averaging, a 5-bit DAC, two PWM modules, a comparator, a Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), and serial interfaces including EUSART, SPI, and I2C. The device also provides up to 17 I/O pins and configurable logic cells, allowing designers to replace discrete glue logic with on-chip functions. The 12-bit ADCC delivers higher effective resolution than typical 10-bit MCU ADCs, while XLP sleep currents below 50 nA enable multi-year coin-cell lifetimes.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF18426 uses a 14-bit instruction word with a 16-level hardware stack and an 8-bit data path. The ADCC integrates accumulation, averaging, and threshold comparison in hardware, offloading these tasks from the CPU and reducing firmware complexity. The CWG can synthesize complementary PWM outputs with programmable dead-band, useful for half-bridge driver control without dedicated timer resources.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, low-power IoT endpoints, white goods and small appliance controls, LED driving fixtures and lighting controllers, and remote controls. The wide operating voltage and ultra-low sleep current make it well suited to products that spend most of their time in sleep and only wake briefly to acquire and transmit data.
When designing with this device, plan GPIO usage carefully because the 16-pin UQFN package exposes only a subset of the die's peripheral pins. Use MPLAB X IDE with the XC8 compiler and MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC) for peripheral setup. Place a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor close to VDD and tie the exposed pad to ground for thermal and electrical performance.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing from Mouser, DigiKey, and Octopart, drop-in same-package alternatives within the PIC16LF184xx family, and practical design notes not found in the bare datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18426-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 PIC16LF18426-I/JQ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Comparators, Operating Temperature, Package, ADC, DAC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF18426-E/JQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18446-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F18426-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.28 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18425-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF18425-E/JQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18326-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF18426-I/JQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit (Harvard, 14-bit instruction word) |
| Family | PIC16(L)F184xx |
| 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 |
| ADC | 12-bit ADC with Computation (ADCC) |
| DAC | 5-bit DAC |
| PWM Channels | 2 (10-bit PWM with configurable modes) |
| Comparators | Yes (with selectable reference) |
| CWG | Complementary Waveform Generator |
| Communication Interfaces | EUSART, SPI, I2C |
| I/O Pins | Up to 17 (package-dependent) |
| Timers | 8-bit and 16-bit timer modules |
| Package | 16-pin UQFN (4 x 4 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, -I) |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP (eXtreme Low Power) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF18426-I/JQ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — GPIO/analog/digital peripheral alternate function |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — GPIO/analog/digital peripheral alternate function |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — GPIO/analog/digital peripheral alternate function |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — GPIO/analog/digital peripheral alternate function |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — GPIO/analog/digital peripheral alternate function |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — GPIO/analog/digital peripheral alternate function |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — GPIO/analog/digital peripheral alternate function |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — GPIO/analog/digital peripheral alternate function |
| Pin 10 | RB5 — GPIO/analog/digital peripheral alternate function |
| Pin 11 | RB4 — GPIO/analog/digital peripheral alternate function |
| Pin 12 | RB3 — GPIO/analog/digital peripheral alternate function |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — GPIO/analog/digital peripheral alternate function |
| Pin 14 | RB1 — GPIO/analog/digital peripheral alternate function |
| Pin 15 | RB0 — GPIO/analog/digital peripheral alternate function |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Positive power supply |
| Pin EP | EP — Exposed pad - thermal/electrical connection to ground plane |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18426-I/JQ is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, White Goods and Small Appliance Control, LED Lighting and Fixture Controllers, Remote Controls and HMI Keypads, Portable Medical and Wellness Devices, Automotive Body and Comfort Electronics (Sub-Automotive), Industrial Sensor Transmitters.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF18426-I/JQ's XLP technology with sleep currents below 50 nA and active currents around 30 uA/MHz makes it well suited for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes. The 12-bit ADCC can sample a sensor while the core is asleep, and the EUSART/SPI/I2C peripherals wake the MCU only when a transmission is required. With 28KB Flash and 2KB SRAM, the device fits the LoRaWAN, BLE-through-external-module, or sub-GHz stack plus application firmware. The 1.8V to 3.6V supply range also enables direct connection to a single lithium coin cell, simplifying the power tree and avoiding boost-converter losses.
Recommended
White Goods and Small Appliance Control
The PIC16LF18426-I/JQ fits white goods and small appliance control boards because it integrates a 12-bit ADCC for temperature or current sensing, two PWMs for motor or heater control, and a CWG for synchronous rectifier drive. With up to 17 I/O and configurable logic cells, the MCU replaces several discrete timers and op-amps that older PIC12/PIC16 parts required. The 32MHz core speed is more than sufficient for periodic control loops running at 1 kHz to 10 kHz. Industrial -40C to +85C rating allows placement near motors and heater elements with adequate thermal margin.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Fixture Controllers
The PIC16LF18426-I/JQ suits LED lighting and fixture controllers because the CWG can generate complementary PWM outputs with programmable dead-band to drive a half-bridge FET stage for high-current LED strings. The 12-bit ADCC can sample a sense resistor for constant-current regulation, while the comparator enables fast over-current shutdown without CPU intervention. XLP low-power modes let the device enter standby with the AC line still connected, complying with energy-efficiency standby budgets. The 16-UQFN package is small enough to fit inside a typical GU10 or MR16 LED lamp base.
Recommended
Remote Controls and HMI Keypads
The PIC16LF18426-I/JQ's low sleep current and integrated peripherals make it well suited for remote controls and HMI keypads. The change-on-interrupt (IOC) feature wakes the MCU from sleep when a key is pressed, avoiding continuous scanning. EUSART, SPI, and I2C enable connection to RF transceivers or BLE modules for wireless variants. The 12-bit ADCC can read resistive touch or rotary encoder inputs without external ADC ICs. With 28KB Flash, the device supports IR protocol libraries (RC5, NEC, SIRC) plus application glue.
Recommended
Portable Medical and Wellness Devices
The PIC16LF18426-I/JQ supports portable medical and wellness devices such as glucometers, pulse oximeter front-ends, and wearable patches. The 12-bit ADCC is sufficient for photodiode or electrochemical sensor readout, while the on-chip 5-bit DAC and comparator implement analog front-end biasing. XLP sleep currents allow multi-month shelf life on a primary battery. The 32MHz core handles digital filtering for heart-rate or SpO2 algorithms. For IEC 60730-class safety software, the integrated CRC and windowed WDT help meet class B requirements.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Comfort Electronics (Sub-Automotive)
The PIC16LF18426-I/JQ can be used in non-safety automotive body electronics such as ambient lighting controllers, seat heater keypads, and accessory multiplexers where AEC-Q100 is not strictly required. The CWG drives FET half-bridges for seat heaters, and the 12-bit ADCC reads NTC thermistors for temperature feedback. For under-hood or AEC-Q100-mandated zones, the -E/JQ variant extends the temperature range to +125C; for full AEC-Q100 design-ins, Microchip's dedicated automotive PIC16 ordering codes should be selected instead.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitters
The PIC16LF18426-I/JQ fits 4-20 mA loop-powered and IO-Link-compatible sensor transmitters because the 1.8V to 3.6V supply allows direct operation from a low-voltage rail and the XLP sleep current minimizes loop budget drain. The 12-bit ADCC digitizes bridge or thermocouple sensors with hardware averaging, while the EUSART or SPI interfaces connect to IO-Link PHY ICs. The 32MHz core executes linearization math and basic diagnostics. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating supports factory-floor and outdoor enclosure deployments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18426-I/JQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF18426-E/JQ | PIC16LF18446-I/JQ | PIC16F18426-I/JQ | PIC16LF18425-I/JQ | PIC16LF18326-I/JQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 16-UQFN (4x4) | 16-UQFN (4x4) - same | 16-UQFN (4x4) - same | 16-UQFN (4x4) - same | 16-UQFN (4x4) - same | 16-UQFN (4x4) - same |
| Program Flash | 28 KB | 28 KB | 56 KB | 28 KB | 14 KB | 28 KB |
| Data SRAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 4 KB | 2 KB | 1 KB | 2 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 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 | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC | 10-bit ADC |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade at no price premium (vs PIC16LF18426-E/JQ)
- Memory headroom for protocol stacks (vs PIC16LF18425-I/JQ)
- Same package, lower voltage for battery operation (vs PIC16F18426-I/JQ)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1uF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor within 2mm of the VDD pin, and tie the exposed pad (EP) to a continuous ground plane for thermal dissipation and electrical reference. The PIC16LF18426-I/JQ's XLP technology enables sleep currents below 50 nA only when unused peripherals are disabled in firmware and unused I/O pins are configured as outputs (or inputs with the internal pull-on disabled). Estimated: at 3.3V supply with the MCU in sleep, the IC draws approximately 50 nA plus leakage from any external components tied to the I/O rails - budget this carefully for multi-year coin-cell designs.
The 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) package has a 0.5mm pitch; use Microchip's recommended land pattern from the package datasheet. Keep the trace length from the ICSPDAT/ICSPCLK pins to the programming header under 50mm to avoid programming failures with PICkit 4 or MPLAB SNAP. Route the analog AVSS/AVDD rails as a star with the AGND tied to the main GND plane at a single point. If the CWG is used to drive a half-bridge, keep the high-side gate drive traces short and away from sensitive analog traces to minimize dv/dt coupling.
Avoid leaving the MCLR pin floating - tie it to VDD through a 10k resistor or drive it directly if not using an external reset supervisor. The PIC16LF18426-I/JQ's configuration words must be set correctly; an unconfigured device will not execute code. When migrating firmware from PIC16F to PIC16LF, remember that the LF variant has a lower maximum VDD (3.6V vs 5.5V), so applying 5V will damage the part. The -I (industrial) grade operates only to +85C - if the design must survive higher temperatures, switch to the -E/JQ variant instead of pushing the -I grade beyond its spec.
Estimated: at 32MHz, 3.3V operation, and full peripheral activity, the PIC16LF18426-I/JQ draws approximately 7 mA from VDD, resulting in roughly 23 mW of dissipation - well within the UQFN-16 thermal limit. Soldering the exposed pad (EP) to a 100 mm2 copper pour on a 1 oz 4-layer board keeps the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance near 60 C/W, ensuring the +85C industrial limit is met with margin. In enclosed fixtures with limited airflow, derate the maximum ambient temperature by 10C to 15C.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product declaration; lead-free 16-UQFN package. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for AEC-Q100 design-ins, look at Microchip's dedicated automotive PIC16 ordering codes.
