PIC16LF18444-E/P - 8-Bit XLP MCU, 32MHz, 7KB Flash, 20-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18444-E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.4639 | $2.46 |
| 10 | $2.21 | $22.10 |
| 100 | $1.85 | $185.00 |
| 500 | $1.62 | $810.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.4 | $1,400.00 |
PIC16LF18444-E/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, optimized for deterministic real-time control. The PIC16LF18444 sits within the broader taxonomy of microcontrollers -> embedded controllers -> microprocessors -> semiconductors. Its 8-bit architecture offers simpler instruction set, smaller code footprint, lower cost per MIPS, and predictable interrupt latency compared to 16-bit or 32-bit MCUs, making it well-suited for cost-sensitive, low-power sensor, motor, and IoT edge-node applications rather than graphics-rich or high-throughput DSP tasks.
Key features include 7KB Flash program memory, 512 bytes of SRAM, 256 bytes of EEPROM, 12-bit ADC with Computation (ADC2), on-chip DAC, comparators, 2 PWMs, a Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), and serial communication via EUSART, SPI, and I²C. Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) handle timing, waveform synthesis, and signal conditioning without CPU intervention, freeing the CPU for application logic.
The device uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, enabling single-cycle instruction execution except for branches. The 12-bit ADC2 with averaging, oversampling, and threshold comparison reduces firmware burden for sensor acquisition. Hardware CIPs including the CWG and configurable logic cells (CLC) implement state machines in silicon, often eliminating the CPU from tight control loops.
Typical applications include low-power IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered remote controls, white-goods and home appliance control boards, automotive interior accessories (with appropriate grade), industrial sensor interfaces, and small motor control. The 20-PDIP package suits through-hole prototyping, hobby projects, and educational platforms where hand-soldering and breadboard compatibility are valued.
When designing, ensure VDD decoupling follows Microchip's recommended 100nF + bulk capacitor pattern near the IC, reserve the MCLR pin reset circuit, and configure unused pins as outputs to minimize current. For lowest sleep current, disable unused peripherals via PMD registers.
This page synthesizes drop-in alternatives, parametric comparisons, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18444-E/P — 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 PIC16LF18444-E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Mounting Type, Package, DAC, Communication.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18444-E/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF18424-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.28 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18346-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18324-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18444-E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| CPU Core | PIC16 (8-bit RISC) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 512 B |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B |
| Operating Voltage Range (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | 20-pin PDIP (0.300", 7.62mm) |
| Pin Count | 20 |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| ADC | 12-bit ADC with Computation (ADC2) |
| DAC | On-chip 5-bit / 8-bit DAC |
| Comparators | Yes |
| PWM Channels | 2 (plus Complementary Waveform Generator) |
| Communication | EUSART, SPI, I²C |
| Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) | CWG, CLC, ADC2 |
| XLP (eXtreme Low-Power) Technology | Yes |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +125 °C (E suffix) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 (Not applicable for through-hole) |
| Lifecycle Status | Active |
PIC16LF18444-E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (Reset) input / Programming Voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / CLCINAIN |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / CLCINBO |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / VPP (alternate) |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 8 | RE3 — Input only / MCLR (alternate) |
| Pin 9 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O / oscillator |
| Pin 10 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O / oscillator |
| Pin 11 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O / EUSART RX/TX |
| Pin 12 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O / EUSART TX |
| Pin 13 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O / SPI |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O / SPI |
| Pin 15 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O / SCL |
| Pin 16 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O / SDA |
| Pin 17 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O / CCP2 |
| Pin 18 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O / CCP1 |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18444-E/P is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Small Motor Control (DC / BLDC / Brushed), Home Appliance and White-Good User Interface, Remote Control and Consumer Electronics, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Educational and Hobbyist Platforms, LED Lighting and Driver Control.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF18444-E/P is well-suited for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes thanks to its XLP (eXtreme Low-Power) technology with sub-µA sleep currents with peripheral retention. The 1.8V minimum VDD supports direct connection to 2xAA alkaline cells (nominally 2.0-3.0V), extending operational life. The 12-bit ADC2 with hardware averaging performs sensor acquisition with zero CPU intervention, only waking the core on threshold crossings. This architecture typically reduces average current to 5-15µA at 1Hz wake cycles, enabling multi-year battery life on a single CR2032 for periodic sensor telemetry over EUSART to a LoRa/BLE companion module.
Recommended
Small Motor Control (DC / BLDC / Brushed)
The PIC16LF18444-E/P provides integrated hardware for small motor control applications up to ~50W through its Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) and 12-bit ADC2 peripherals. The CWG produces complementary outputs and programmable dead-band for driving half-bridge gate drivers such as the TC4427 or DRV8871, with no firmware overhead. On-chip comparators handle back-EMF zero-crossing for sensorless BLDC commutation, while ADC2 reads shunt current for torque limiting. At 32MHz the device executes trapezoidal commutation with sub-µs loop times, and 7KB Flash accommodates state-machine control code with margin for fault handling.
Recommended
Home Appliance and White-Good User Interface
The PIC16LF18444-E/P is well-matched to user-interface and front-panel control in home appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and induction cooktops. The 12-bit ADC2 reads multiple capacitive touch / matrix keypad inputs without dedicated touch ICs, while CLC logic cells debounce and qualify button presses in hardware, reducing interrupt load. The 5-bit on-chip DAC generates contrast voltage for LCD panels, eliminating a separate charge-pump IC. With -40°C to +125°C industrial temperature range, the E-grade device survives under-cabinet thermal environments.
Recommended
Remote Control and Consumer Electronics
The PIC16LF18444-E/P is ideal for handheld remote controls, toys, and consumer electronics where battery life, low cost, and small form factor dominate. XLP sleep current below 1µA combined with the ability to wake from EUSART start-bit detection or comparator edges enables multi-year standby on a CR2032 cell. The 7KB Flash fits infrared RC5/SIRC/NEC protocol stacks with margin for custom codes, while the 12-bit ADC2 reads joystick / wheel inputs directly. The 20-PDIP package simplifies hand-soldered prototype builds and educational kits where SOIC/QFN footprints are impractical.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16LF18444-E/P serves as a digital front-end for industrial sensor signal conditioning, leveraging its 12-bit ADC2 with hardware averaging and oversampling to deliver effective resolution above 14 bits. The CLC peripheral implements programmable digital filters (PIDs, hysteresis, glitch filters) without CPU intervention, while the on-chip DAC generates excitation or offset voltages for bridge sensors (load cells, strain gauges). EUSART / SPI / I²C interfaces connect to isolated transceivers for 4-20mA or RS-485 fieldbus communication. The E-grade (-40°C to +125°C) supports cabinet-mounted installations.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Platforms
The PIC16LF18444-E/P is an excellent teaching platform for embedded systems courses, hobbyist projects, and breadboard prototyping. The 20-PDIP through-hole package fits standard 0.300" DIP sockets and breadboards, enabling easy insertion and replacement without soldering rework. The 7KB Flash accommodates full MPLAB X IDE demonstration projects (LED blinking, UART echo, ADC sampling, PWM motor control) with room for student modifications. Microchip's free MPLAB Xpress cloud-based toolchain and XC8 compiler remove licensing friction for educational use, while the wide community around PIC16 mid-range devices provides abundant reference code and example projects.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Driver Control
The PIC16LF18444-E/P can serve as the control MCU in LED lighting drivers, using its CWG peripheral to generate high-resolution PWM dimming with zero CPU overhead. The 12-bit ADC2 reads ambient light sensors and potentiometer brightness inputs, while CLC cells implement dim-to-warm logic and color-mixing state machines for RGB or tunable-white fixtures. The 5-bit DAC drives analog reference voltages for constant-current LED driver ICs, and EUSART / DMX-512-compatible firmware supports professional dimming protocols. The -40°C to +125°C operating range handles thermally challenging enclosed-fixture environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18444-E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18444-E/P | PIC16LF18424-E/P | PIC16LF18346-E/P | PIC16LF18324-E/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-PDIP | 20-PDIP - same | 20-PDIP - same | 20-PDIP - same | 20-PDIP - same |
| Program Memory | 7 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash | 4 KB Flash (-43%) | 7 KB Flash | 4 KB Flash (-43%) |
| Data SRAM | 512 B | 512 B | 256 B (-50%) | 512 B | 256 B (-50%) |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V to 3.6V (LF) | 1.8V to 5.5V (F) | 1.8V to 3.6V (LF) | 1.8V to 3.6V (LF) | 1.8V to 3.6V (LF) |
| ADC | 12-bit ADC2 | 12-bit ADC2 | 12-bit ADC2 | 10-bit ADC (legacy) | 10-bit ADC (legacy) |
| CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (uses CCP) | No (uses CCP) |
| CLC (Configurable Logic Cells) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| XLP Technology | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Approximate Unit Price (1pc) | $2.46 | ~$2.50 | ~$2.10 (-15%) | ~$2.30 | ~$2.00 (-19%) |
Key Differentiators
- Wider ADC resolution (12-bit ADC2 vs legacy 10-bit) (vs PIC16LF18346-E/P)
- Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) for motor/lighting (vs PIC16LF18324-E/P)
- Larger Flash and SRAM for complex applications (vs PIC16LF18424-E/P)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD (pin 20) with a 100nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5mm of the pin, plus a bulk 10uF capacitor on the same VDD trace. For battery applications, add a 4.7uF bulk and 100nF decoupling to AVdd if using ADC2. The XLP sleep current drops below 1µA only when BOR is disabled and unused peripherals are masked via PMD registers - enable PMD in initialization code to minimize sleep draw.
Place the ICKL/OSC1/OSC2 crystal/oscillator traces as short as possible with a grounded guard ring. Route the MCLR/VPP pin (pin 1) directly to a reset button with a 10kΩ pull-up to VDD; add a 100nF capacitor from MCLR to VSS to filter noise. For ADC2 analog inputs, route analog signals away from digital switching traces, place a small ferrite bead or inductor in the AVdd path if high digital noise is present, and use a star-ground topology for AGND.
Common pitfalls on PIC16LF18444 designs include: (1) forgetting to disable unused peripherals via PMD before sleep, which can keep current draw above 10µA; (2) configuring analog pins without setting ANSEL bits, which leaves digital input buffers active and wastes power; (3) using internal HFINTOSC without proper calibration, which can shift interrupts at temperature extremes; (4) reading ADC2 before acquisition time elapses, which gives non-monotonic results. Verify configuration bits via #pragma config in source code at build time.
For CWG-driven half-bridge motor control, route the CWG output pairs (e.g., RC1/RC2) symmetrically with equal-length traces to the gate driver inputs. Keep high-current gate-drive traces away from ADC2 analog inputs to prevent capacitive coupling. Add 4.7Ω gate resistors close to the gate-driver inputs to dampen ringing. The exposed thermal pad of the SOIC/QFN variants is electrically floating; connect to GND for thermal dissipation, or leave floating if the datasheet indicates so.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive - search Microchip parametric filter for -Q automotive variants. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip environmental compliance documentation.
