PIC16LF18426T-I/JQ - 8-bit 32MHz MCU 28KB Flash 16-UQFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18426T-I/JQ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.45 | $1.45 |
| 10 | $1.3 | $13.00 |
| 100 | $1.16 | $116.00 |
| 500 | $1.05 | $525.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.94 | $940.00 |
PIC16LF18426T-I/JQ Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (SRAM), and a rich set of peripherals onto one silicon die. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, MCUs sit under microcontrollers, which are a subset of embedded processors, which fall under logic ICs, which belong to integrated circuits. The PIC16 family specifically is Microchip's mid-range 8-bit architecture used in industrial, consumer, automotive, and IoT applications.
Key features include XLP technology with sub-microamp sleep currents, peripheral pin select (PPS) for flexible signal routing, and Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) that offload tasks from the CPU. The 12-bit ADCC enables automated averaging, burst averaging, and threshold-based scanning without CPU intervention, while the CWG provides complementary outputs for switching power supplies and motor control stages.
Architecturally, the part uses a Harvard RISC core with a 14-bit instruction word and 8-bit data path, supported by a configurable instruction set and hardware multiply/divide assist. The integrated 5-bit DAC and rail-to-rail analog comparators enable closed-loop control on the same die, reducing PCB complexity. NanoWatt XLP modes (sleep, deep sleep, RTC running) extend battery life for IoT endpoints expected to last years on a single CR2032.
Typical applications span industrial sensor nodes, automotive body electronics and lighting controls, consumer home appliances, medical wearable monitors, low-power wireless sensor hubs, and battery-powered IoT devices. The 16-UQFN package conserves board area and supports reflow-compatible hand or automated assembly. For USB-connected or large-display designs, the higher-pin PIC18 families are more appropriate.
When designing with this device, apply Microchip's recommended decoupling (100 nF + 1 µF minimum) close to the VDD pin, keep the analog AVDD separate from noisy digital rails, and use MPLAB X IDE with the XC8 C compiler for development. Note that this is the tape-and-reel ("T") variant of the PIC16LF18426 family; if you need trays or a larger package, the PIC16LF18426-I/JQ or -I/SL variants are pin-compatible alternates in the same family.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical firmware/PCB design guidance beyond what the manufacturer datasheet alone provides.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18426T-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 PIC16LF18426T-I/JQ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature, Core, DAC, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF18425-E/JQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18424T-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.88 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18426T-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.94 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18426T-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.99 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18326T-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18426T-I/JQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC 16F (XLP) |
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit Harvard RISC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC, 11 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit |
| PWM Channels | 2x |
| Comparator | Yes (rail-to-rail) |
| CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) | Yes |
| Communication Interfaces | EUSART, SPI, I2C |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 16-lead UQFN (4 x 4 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | MSL3 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| eXtreme Low-Power (XLP) Modes | Sleep / Deep Sleep / RTC running |
PIC16LF18426T-I/JQ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS mapping |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS mapping |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS mapping / MCLR (per PPS configuration) |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS mapping |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS mapping |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS mapping |
| Pin 8 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS mapping |
| Pin 9 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS mapping (SCL/I2C alternate) |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS mapping (SDA/I2C alternate) |
| Pin 11 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS mapping (DAC output / analog) |
| Pin 12 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS mapping (DAC output / analog) |
| Pin 13 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS mapping (DAC output / analog) |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS mapping (PPS-capable debug clock) |
| Pin 16 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O with PPS mapping (PPS-capable debug data) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18426T-I/JQ is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Automotive Body Electronics & Lighting, Industrial Sensor & Process Control, Consumer Wearable Health Monitor, Home Appliance Control Panel, Medical Point-of-Care Diagnostic Accessory.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF18426T-I/JQ is well-suited for wireless sensor endpoints running on a single CR2032 coin cell. Its 1.8 V minimum supply operation lets it run directly off a depleted 3 V battery down to 1.8 V without additional boost converters. XLP modes draw under 1 µA in deep sleep with RTC running, and the 12-bit ADCC automates sensor sampling while the CPU sleeps. Combined with 28 KB of Flash for small protocol stacks (Bluetooth LE beacons, LoRaWAN, Zigbee), this part delivers multi-year battery life in remote monitoring installations. Designers can pair it with RN2483 or similar sub-GHz transceivers using the EUSART/SPI peripherals to build a wireless mesh endpoint.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics & Lighting
For 12 V automotive body control modules, the PIC16LF18426T-I/JQ's industrial-grade temperature spec (-40C to +85C) covers cabin applications. Its CWG peripheral generates complementary PWM outputs for switching FETs that drive LED headlamps, interior RGB strips, and motor control stages. The 5-bit DAC and comparator enable current sensing without external amplifiers, reducing PCB cost. The 12-bit ADCC supports thermistor inputs and ambient light sensing for adaptive lighting control. For under-hood use above +85C, the PIC18F-K42 family with extended AEC-Q100 qualification is preferable.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor & Process Control
PIC16LF18426T-I/JQ excels in industrial 4-20 mA loop sensor transmitters, RTD/thermocouple front-ends, and small PLC I/O modules. The 12-bit ADCC with hardware averaging produces clean conversions even in noisy factory environments with motor drives and switching power supplies nearby. NanoWatt XLP modes keep standby power below the 0.5 W IEC standby limits that govern industrial sensors. The CWG can synthesize precise excitation waveforms for bridge sensors while the comparator handles threshold detection. The 16-UQFN 4x4 mm package allows the entire sensor circuit to fit in a standard M12 industrial connector housing.
Recommended
Consumer Wearable Health Monitor
For wearable fitness bands, sleep trackers, and pulse oximeters, the PIC16LF18426T-I/JQ delivers the low-power credentials needed for several-day battery life. XLP sleep currents under 1 µA combined with rapid 1 µs wake-up from sleep to active modes let the device spend most of its life in sleep, periodically sampling heart-rate sensor ADCs and motion sensors. The 5-bit DAC drives LED driver bias for PPG (photoplethysmography) measurements. The 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) footprint leaves room for an antenna or larger battery in the small enclosure typical of fitness wearables.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control Panel
PIC16LF18426T-I/JQ is an ideal control MCU for washing machine user interface panels, induction cooktop encoders, and HVAC thermostats. Its CWG + 12-bit ADCC + 5-bit DAC combination handles triac zero-crossing detection and PWM dimming for LED-backlit displays and capacitive touch user interfaces. The wide 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply range handles brown-out conditions in appliances during motor startup surges. Designers can drive a small 7-segment or 14-segment LCD with EUSART-controlled display driver ICs from this MCU without needing a higher-cost PIC18F variant.
Recommended
Medical Point-of-Care Diagnostic Accessory
For portable diagnostic accessories such as handheld glucose meters, spirometers, and Bluetooth-connected pill cameras, the PIC16LF18426T-I/JQ provides the low-power MCU backbone. The 12-bit ADCC is sufficient for colorimetric optical sensor readouts when paired with a transimpedance amplifier. The 28 KB Flash holds small protocol stacks for Bluetooth Low Energy accessories and OLED display drivers. The part's extended industrial temperature rating supports use near body heat and in cold outdoor first-responder scenarios. FDA and IEC 60601-1 EMI requirements still require additional validation, but the MCU provides an appropriate core.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18426T-I/JQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF18425-E/JQ | PIC16LF18424T-I/JQ | PIC16F18426T-I/JQ | PIC16LF18326T-I/JQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | UQFN-16 (JQ) 4x4 mm | UQFN-16 (JQ) 4x4 mm - same | UQFN-16 (JQ) 4x4 mm - same | UQFN-16 (JQ) 4x4 mm - same | UQFN-16 (JQ) 4x4 mm - same |
| Core | PIC 8-bit @ 32 MHz | PIC 8-bit @ 32 MHz | PIC 8-bit @ 32 MHz | PIC 8-bit @ 32 MHz | PIC 8-bit @ 32 MHz |
| Supply 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 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | Extended grade | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC, 11 ch | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC, 11 ch | 10-bit ADC |
Key Differentiators
- Wider supply voltage range than PIC16F variant (vs PIC16F18426T-I/JQ)
- Integrated 12-bit ADCC with Computation (vs PIC16LF18326T-I/JQ)
- Lower-power XLP family than older PIC16LF183xx (vs PIC16LF18326T-I/JQ)
- CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) on-chip (vs PIC16F18426T-I/JQ)
Design Notes
Estimated: At active 32 MHz, VDD = 3.3 V, the PIC16LF18426T-I/JQ typical active current is in the 1-3 mA range (microamp specifications vary with peripheral state). Use a 100 nF + 1 µF decoupling network within 2 mm of the VDD pin and a ferrite bead on noisy digital rails. Route analog AVDD (if exposed) separately and combine 10 µF bulk + 100 nF close to the MCU. Place an RC low-pass on VDD as close as possible if supply ripple exceeds 50 mV.
Estimated: At maximum active power (3.3 V × 3 mA = ~10 mW), the 16-UQFN package dissipates well under 100 mW without an explicit thermal pad. Junction temperature rise is negligible in typical applications. For harsh environments with ambient temperatures exceeding +85C, derate outputs and consider the extended-temperature variants (-E suffix) where available.
Place the 16-UQFN package with the exposed pad (if present on the chosen JQ variant) connected to a continuous ground pour with multiple thermal vias. Route the 32 MHz HF crystal traces as short as possible (under 5 mm) and isolate the EUSART RX/TX lines from switching PWM outputs. Use a 4-layer stack-up if high-speed analog signals are present on the same board.
Do not omit the decoupling capacitors - the PIC16LF18426 has very tight VDD tolerance for ADC accuracy. Configure the PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) registers before peripheral use, or the chosen UART/PWM pin will appear silent. The MCLR pin must have its internal pull-up enabled or an external 10 kΩ pull-up for reliable reset. Always run the Configuration Word settings through MPLAB X IDE defaults to avoid lockout.
For EUSART runs above 115.2 kbps, add series 33 Ω resistors on TX/CLK lines to dampen reflections. Keep the 12-bit ADCC analog inputs short and isolated from PWM outputs by a guard trace tied to analog ground. Use Microchip's ADC Noise Immune mode (hardware oversampling) when measuring sub-millivolt sensor signals - this reduces 60 Hz mains-coupled noise by 6 dB without software overhead.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page; lead-free and halogen-free per JEDEC J-STD-033 packaging standards. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive designs requiring AEC-Q100, contact Microchip for the automotive-grade PIC16 variant.
