PIC16LF18444-I/GZ - 8-bit XLP MCU, 7KB Flash, 32MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18444-I/GZ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.45 | $1.45 |
| 10 | $1.27 | $12.70 |
| 100 | $1.05 | $105.00 |
| 500 | $0.89 | $445.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.78 | $780.00 |
PIC16LF18444-I/GZ Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer optimized for embedded control tasks: a CPU, non-volatile program memory, volatile data memory, and a fixed set of peripherals (timers, ADCs, communication ports) integrated onto one die. The 'PIC' architecture sits in the hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. Designers choose 8-bit MCUs like the PIC16LF18444 for low-cost, low-power, deterministic interrupt-driven applications where a 32-bit Cortex-M would be overkill and the integrated analog peripherals reduce BOM cost.
Key features of the PIC16LF18444-I/GZ include a 12-bit ADC with Computation (ADCC) for averaging and automated threshold detection, an on-chip 5-/10-bit DAC, two PWM peripherals, a Comparator, a Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), and EUSART plus SPI and I²C interfaces. The family supports Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) that offload tasks like touch sensing, signal conditioning, and motor control from the CPU, lowering active time and total energy consumption in battery-powered systems.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF18444 uses a 14-bit instruction-word modified Harvard design with a hardware stack and vectored interrupts, allowing deterministic interrupt latency for real-time control. XLP technology brings sleep currents in the microamp range and a Windowed Watchdog Timer (WWDT) that can keep a sensor node running for years on a single coin cell. The 20-pin UQFN (4x4 mm) footprint with exposed pad enables thermally efficient, high-density PCB layouts suited to space-constrained wearables and IoT modules.
Typical applications include battery-powered IoT sensor nodes, wearable health monitors, remote controls, low-power wireless sensor end-points, fan/temperature control loops, and small home appliances. The combination of eXtreme Low-Power modes and rich analog peripherals makes the part especially attractive for designers targeting years of battery life without sacrificing signal-acquisition accuracy.
When designing with the PIC16LF18444-I/GZ, observe the recommended decoupling scheme (100nF plus 1µF or larger bulk on VDD) and tie unused I/O pins to defined logic levels to minimize leakage during sleep. The exposed thermal pad on the UQFN-20 must be soldered to the PCB ground plane for mechanical reliability and thermal performance; skipping this pad can lead to lifted parts during reflow rework.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative MPNs from Microchip and qualified third parties, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, giving engineers a faster path from prototype to production.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18444-I/GZ — 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-I/GZ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory (Flash), ADC, DAC, Core.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF18444-E/GZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF18444T-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18344-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18344-E/GZ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.97 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18444-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.99 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18444-I/GZ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit enhanced mid-range |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 512 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC with computation |
| DAC | 5-bit / 10-bit on-chip |
| PWM Channels | 2 (10-bit) |
| Comparators | On-chip |
| CWG | Complementary Waveform Generator |
| Communication | EUSART, SPI, I²C |
| XLP Technology | Yes (eXtreme Low Power) |
| Package | 20-UQFN (4x4 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF18444-I/GZ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / MCLR |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / DAC output |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 9 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 10 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 12 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 13 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 14 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 15 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 16 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O / EUSART RX |
| Pin 18 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O / EUSART TX |
| Pin 19 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 20 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18444-I/GZ is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Wearable Health and Fitness Devices, Wireless Remote Controls and HID, Industrial Sensor Transmitters, Smart Home Lighting and Fan Control, Portable Medical and Wellness Devices.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF18444-I/GZ is purpose-built for IoT sensor nodes that need long battery life on a compact PCB, leveraging XLP sleep currents in the microamp range and CIPs that run the ADC and timers without waking the CPU. With 7KB of Flash it can host sensor-fusion code, BLE-beacon firmware, or LoRaWAN/Matter-over-SPI upper layers while the radio is duty-cycled. The 12-bit ADCC with computation and averaging allows one-shot battery-voltage monitoring alongside the primary transducer, cutting the external analog chain. Typical designs achieve 3-5 year coin-cell life at 0.1% duty cycle per Microchip's XLP application notes.
Recommended
Wearable Health and Fitness Devices
Wearables demand a sub-100mm² PCB, microamp sleep currents, and accurate analog front-ends, all of which the PIC16LF18444-I/GZ delivers in its 4x4 mm UQFN footprint. The 12-bit ADCC captures PPG and skin-temperature signals with hardware averaging, while the on-chip Comparator and DAC drive bias networks for the photodiode. Core Independent Peripherals let the device wake on a capacitive touch event or a heart-rate threshold before the CPU sees the interrupt, preserving battery life. The XLP sleep current profile suits CR2032 designs targeting 30 days of continuous wear with periodic BLE sync.
Recommended
Wireless Remote Controls and HID
The PIC16LF18444-I/GZ suits IR/RF remote controls and Human Interface Devices (HID) where capacitive buttons, low standby current, and predictable interrupt latency drive the BOM. The CWG peripheral generates accurate carrier waveforms for IR transmitters without CPU load, while the PWM block drives LED backlighting or vibration motors. With seven or eight capacitive buttons implemented via mTouch, designers replace mechanical switches and reduce BOM cost. The device runs from a single coin cell with multi-year standby thanks to XLP technology.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitters
4-20mA loop-powered transmitters and small industrial sensors benefit from the PIC16LF18444-I/GZ's low-voltage operation down to 1.8V, allowing direct regulation from a low-drop linear post-regulator. The 12-bit ADCC handles RTD, thermocouple, and bridge-sensor signal chains with internal averaging, and the on-chip DAC generates the 4mA loop-elevation offset. The 32MHz core provides ample computational headroom for linearization polynomials and PID loops. Housed in the UQFN-20 with exposed pad, the device fits inside 12 mm-diameter probe heads.
Recommended
Smart Home Lighting and Fan Control
LED drivers, BLDC fan controllers, and TRIAC dimmer boards use the PIC16LF18444-I/GZ for cost-efficient, deterministic AC-line control thanks to the CWG and zero-cross detect peripherals. Two PWMs drive primary-side dimming or color-mixing LEDs, while the 12-bit ADCC measures thermistor-derived temperature for thermal fold-back. The 20-pin UQFN package fits inside the small form factors of MR16 bulbs and ceiling-fan remote modules. Combined with the WDT and BOR, it provides robust line-voltage transient recovery without external reset ICs.
Recommended
Portable Medical and Wellness Devices
Portable pulse oximeters, glucometers, and TENS units integrate the PIC16LF18444-I/GZ where accuracy, low noise, and ultra-low standby current all matter. The 12-bit ADCC plus on-chip 10-bit DAC drive constant-current bio-sensor bias networks without external op-amps, while the 14-bit instruction word keeps PID control loops deterministic. The exposed thermal pad of the UQFN-20 keeps junction rise low even at the higher duty cycles of a measurement event. XLP deep-sleep under 1µA preserves shelf life on the primary cell until the user activates a session.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18444-I/GZ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF18444-E/GZ | PIC16LF18444T-I/GZ | PIC16LF18344-I/GZ | PIC16LF18344-E/GZ | PIC16F18444-I/GZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-UQFN (4x4 mm) | 20-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB | 7 KB |
| RAM | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 256 B | 256 B | 512 B |
| Supply 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 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +125 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +125 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC | 10-bit | 10-bit | 12-bit ADCC |
| PWM Channels | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Price (1 pc, as of 2026-09-24) | ~$1.45 | ~$1.55 | ~$1.45 | ~$1.20 | ~$1.30 | ~$1.50 |
Key Differentiators
- 12-bit ADCC with hardware averaging outperforms 10-bit ADC sibling (vs PIC16LF18344-I/GZ)
- Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) for motor/lighting drive (vs PIC16LF18344-I/GZ)
- Same UQFN-20 footprint across voltage grades (vs PIC16F18444-I/GZ)
Design Notes
Estimated: to achieve XLP sleep currents below 1µA, disable unused peripherals via the PMD register, set all unused I/O pins to outputs driving either VSS or VDD (not high-impedance), and configure the ADC as an idle mode-disabled channel. The PIC16LF184xx datasheet specifies a minimum Vdd of 1.8V; below 1.8V the BOR will trigger and force a reset. Place a 100nF X7R ceramic decoupling cap within 5mm of each VDD pin and add a 1µF bulk cap for transient suppression at the regulator output.
The 20-UQFN (4x4 mm) 'GZ' package has an exposed thermal pad that must be soldered to a continuous ground plane for mechanical reliability and reflow-performance compliance. If the EP is left unsoldered, the UQFN part can lift during reflow rework and the thermal resistance jumps dramatically. Drill four thermal vias (0.2mm to 0.3mm) under the EP and tent them on the bottom side to prevent solder wicking during assembly, per Microchip UQFN PCB layout guidelines.
Estimated: do not drive the ICSP pins (RB6/RB7) with a peripheral output during in-circuit programming because the programmer requires exclusive control of those pins and contention can damage the silicon or cause programming failures. The MCLR pin (RA3) is also a programming entry; decouple it with a 10kΩ pull-up to VDD and a 100nF cap to ground per Microchip ICSP specification to avoid spurious resets in noisy environments. Verify the CONFIG words via MPLAB X IDE before mass production to lock the BOR, WDT, and code-protection settings.
Compliance Information
Industrial-grade only; choose PIC16LF18444-E/GZ (extended) or designated VAO/Q1 suffix for automotive AEC-Q100 designs. RoHS compliance and lead-free finish confirmed via Mouser/DigiKey product listings.
