PIC16LF18426-I/ST - 8-bit XLP MCU, 28KB Flash, 32MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18426-I/ST ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.45 | $1.45 |
| 10 | $1.3 | $13.00 |
| 100 | $1.15 | $115.00 |
| 500 | $1.02 | $510.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.92 | $920.00 |
PIC16LF18426-I/ST Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, RAM, and configurable peripherals onto one silicon die. The PIC16 family sits in the hypernym hierarchy 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor, and the XLP series specifically targets battery-powered and energy-harvesting designs where quiescent current draw (typically in the nanoamp range in sleep modes) directly determines end-product battery life.
Key features of the PIC16LF18426-I/ST include a 12-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter with Computation (ADCC), a 5-bit DAC, two PWMs with complementary outputs, a Comparator, a Configurable Logic Cell (CLC), Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), and the EUSART, SPI, and I2C serial interfaces. The CIP block combines these peripherals so timing-critical operations run without CPU intervention. Hardware-limited brown-out-reset and watchdog timers contribute to functional safety-aware designs.
Typical applications include low-power IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered HVAC controllers, handheld instrumentation, LED lighting controllers, and consumer appliances. The wide operating voltage and the rich analog/peripheral set make it especially suitable for general-purpose embedded designs that must remain in sleep for long periods.
When designing with the PIC16LF18426-I/ST, use MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler and configure the IDLE/DOZE modes to minimize active current. Place a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor within 5mm of the VDD pin and follow Microchip's TSSOP-14 land pattern recommendations to ensure EMI and thermal performance meet datasheet limits.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in compatible alternatives, and practical design notes that are not always immediately obvious from the manufacturer's datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18426-I/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 PIC16LF18426-I/ST (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Maximum CPU Speed, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF18425-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.53 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18325-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18326-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1825-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18426-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18426-I/ST Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit, 14-bit instruction word |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 2 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial grade "I") |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC with computation |
| DAC | 5-bit DAC |
| PWM Channels | 2 with complementary outputs |
| Comparator | Yes |
| Configurable Logic Cell (CLC) | Yes |
| Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) | Yes |
| Communication Interfaces | EUSART, SPI, I2C |
| Package | 14-pin TSSOP (ST) |
| eXtreme Low Power (XLP) | Yes (nanoWatt XLP technology) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF18426-I/ST Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/MCLR — Digital I/O / Analog input / Master Clear (reset) |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4/OSC2 — Digital I/O / Analog input / Oscillator output |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN5/OSC1/CLKIN — Digital I/O / Analog input / Oscillator input |
| Pin 4 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 5 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input |
| Pin 7 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / Analog input |
| Pin 8 | RC0/SCL — Digital I/O / I2C clock (when configured) |
| Pin 9 | RC1/SDA — Digital I/O / I2C data (when configured) |
| Pin 10 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RC3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V to 3.6V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18426-I/ST is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Handheld Instrumentation, LED Lighting Controller, HVAC Thermostat and Environmental Controller, Consumer Appliance Control, Industrial Sensor Transmitter (4-20mA Loop).
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF18426-I/ST fits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its XLP nanoWatt technology delivers sub-microamp sleep currents and a 1.8V minimum VDD enables single-cell alkaline or coin-cell operation. The integrated 12-bit ADCC samples analog sensors in hardware with built-in averaging, threshold comparison, and oversampling, so the core can stay in deep sleep while the ADC autonomously triggers wake-ups. Placed between a 3V coin cell and a low-power radio module, the MCU handles sensor acquisition, local decision logic, and intermittent radio duty cycling. The TSSOP-14 footprint (5.0mm x 4.4mm body) supports compact wearable and remote-sensor form factors.
Recommended
Handheld Instrumentation
For handheld multimeters, environmental meters, and portable test gear, the PIC16LF18426-I/ST provides the 12-bit ADCC for accurate sensor reads, the 5-bit DAC for stimulus generation, and the CWG for driving piezo buzzers or LED backlights. Running from two AA cells at 3V, the LF variant draws microamps in idle, extending battery life across field-service use cases. The TSSOP-14 package keeps the BOM small while still exposing EUSART, SPI, and I2C for display, EEPROM, or external ADC interfacing. Engineers can pair the MCU with a 4-digit LCD glass and a low-side FET for backlight control.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16LF18426-I/ST serves as an LED lighting controller by leveraging its two PWMs with complementary outputs and the CWG for high-side/low-side MOSFET drive of constant-current LED strings. The 12-bit ADCC reads photodiode or thermistor inputs for closed-loop dimming and thermal foldback, while the Core Independent Peripherals offload color-mixing math from the CPU. With 1.8V to 3.6V operation, the MCU can run from a buck-converter output downstream of the AC mains stage, or directly from a 3.3V auxiliary supply. The TSSOP-14 footprint is well-suited to in-fixture and bulb-form-factor designs.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat and Environmental Controller
In HVAC thermostat and environmental controller designs, the PIC16LF18426-I/ST combines the 12-bit ADCC for NTC thermistor linearization, the Comparator for window-comparator fault detection, and the EUSART for HVAC bus communications. The XLP sleep modes allow the MCU to wake only on temperature thresholds or user button presses, holding quiescent current below 1uA on battery-backed thermostats. With 28KB Flash, the device fits full HVAC state machines including hysteresis, scheduling, and remote-sensor arbitration. The TSSOP-14 footprint fits inside standard wall-thermostat mechanical envelopes.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16LF18426-I/ST is a strong fit for consumer appliances such as coffee makers, blenders, and countertop ovens where the MCU controls motors, heaters, and user interfaces. The CWG and PWMs generate complementary drive signals for triac or FET-based heater regulation, while the ADCC monitors temperature and current feedback. The 1.8V minimum supply allows direct operation from rectified mains via a small buck converter. With 28KB Flash, the device accommodates full user-interface state machines, EEPROM-backed user presets, and safety interlocks.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter (4-20mA Loop)
For 4-20mA loop-powered industrial sensor transmitters, the PIC16LF18426-I/ST operates from a low-voltage loop-derived supply thanks to its 1.8V minimum VDD. The 12-bit ADCC reads bridge or RTD sensor signals with hardware averaging, while the 5-bit DAC and PWM combine to generate the loop current via an external op-amp and pass FET. The CLC lets the MCU implement custom safety interlocks without software overhead, and the EUSART provides a service-port interface for HART or diagnostic protocols. The TSSOP-14 footprint enables compact in-head transmitter packaging.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18426-I/ST — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF18425-I/ST | PIC16LF18325-I/ST | PIC16LF18326-I/ST | PIC16LF1825-I/ST | PIC16F18426-I/ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 14-TSSOP (ST) | 14-TSSOP (ST) - same | 14-TSSOP (ST) - same | 14-TSSOP (ST) - same | 14-TSSOP (ST) - same | 14-TSSOP (ST) - same |
| Flash Memory | 28 KB | 14 KB | 28 KB | 28 KB | 14 KB | 28 KB |
| RAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 1 KB | 2 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| 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 | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC | 10-bit ADC | 10-bit ADC | 10-bit ADC | 12-bit ADCC |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Newer-generation 12-bit ADCC with hardware computation (vs PIC16LF18325-I/ST)
- Core Independent Peripherals (CLC + CWG) for hardware-only signal generation (vs PIC16LF1825-I/ST)
- 1.8V minimum VDD for true single-cell operation (vs PIC16F18426-I/ST)
Design Notes
Estimated: at VDD = 3.3V and CPU active current of approximately 1.4 mA at 4 MHz, the PIC16LF18426-I/ST draws roughly 4 to 6 mW in active mode. Use Sleep mode (with peripherals running via ADCC, CLC, or CWG) to drop current below 1 uA. Configure the VREGPM bit in the CONFIG2 register to disable the internal voltage regulator when not needed, and use the IDLE/DOZE modes to balance active MIPS against current draw during burst-processing tasks.
Place a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14) and a bulk 10uF capacitor on the same node. Connect VSS (pin 4) directly to a ground pour. The TSSOP-14 thermal pad is not present on this package, so rely on standard TSSOP-14 land pattern with a 1 oz copper pour to dissipate the modest power (well under 100 mW even at full CPU load). Keep analog and digital traces separated to avoid ADC coupling into the ADCC inputs.
Do not drive the LF variant's I/O pins above VDD (3.6V); unlike the F variant, the LF variant is not 5V tolerant. Always configure the MCLR pin (pin 1) with a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD if reset functionality is required; leaving MCLR floating can cause spurious resets. Verify that the BOR (brown-out reset) voltage is configured in the CONFIG1 register to match your system's minimum operating voltage, otherwise the MCU may brown-out before regulation is lost.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliance confirmed via Microchip product page and authorized distributors. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive applications consider AEC-Q100-qualified PIC variants in the same family or higher grades.
