PIC16LF18444T-I/SO - 32MHz 8-bit MCU, 7KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18444T-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.48 | $1.48 |
| 10 | $1.32 | $13.20 |
| 100 | $1.15 | $115.00 |
| 500 | $0.99 | $495.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.88 | $880.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.76 | $2,280.00 |
PIC16LF18444T-I/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (RAM), and peripherals. PIC microcontrollers use a RISC-based Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing instruction fetch and operand access to occur in the same cycle. The PIC16 family sits between PIC10/PIC12 entry-level parts and PIC18/dsPIC high-performance parts, balancing code density, peripheral richness, and ultra-low power consumption. The "F18444" member extends the legacy PIC16F1 platform with Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) and Intelligent Analog peripherals, enabling sensor, motor-control, and human-interface applications without burdening the CPU.
Headline features include 12-bit ADC with Computation (ADC2), a 5-bit DAC, two PWM modules, a Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), comparators, EUSART, SPI, and I2C. Seven KB of self-programmable Flash supports in-application updates, while 256 bytes of EEPROM provide non-volatile user data storage, and 512 bytes of RAM serve runtime variables and stack space. The XLP technology delivers nanoWatt sleep currents, watchdog timer with on-chip LFO, and ultra-low-power wake sources such as RTC and ADC threshold compare.
The architecture combines a 32 MHz internal oscillator with a clock-managed 16 MHz instruction cycle, supporting both INTOSC and external crystal/clock modes via the FOSC configuration bits. The CIPs (CLC, NCO, CWG, PWM, COG) operate autonomously from the CPU, freeing MIPS for application logic. This split of analog/mixed-signal, communications, and timing workloads across dedicated hardware makes the LF18444 well suited to sensor nodes that must minimize bill-of-materials cost while maximizing battery life.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered remote controls, low-power wireless sensor transmitters, home appliances with user interfaces, LED lighting controllers, and small motor-driver subsystems. Designers also use this device in wearables, fitness bands, and asset trackers where 1.8 V operation from a single coin cell or two AA cells is mandatory.
A key design consideration is that the 7 KB Flash ceiling and modest RAM limit firmware complexity; consider PIC16F18446 or PIC18 families for richer GUI stacks or RTOS workloads. Decoupling the AVDD/VDD rails with 100 nF + bulk capacitors and following the SOIC-20 thermal layout guidelines keeps ADC noise within datasheet limits.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the PIC16LF184xx family, and practical design notes not found in the bare manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18444T-I/SO — 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 PIC16LF18444T-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, DAC, Comparators, Core.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F18444T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18444-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.79 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18444-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.68 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18446T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.94 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18444T-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC16 RISC (Harvard) |
| Family | PIC16LF184xx (XLP, Core Independent Peripherals) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data Memory (RAM) | 512 B |
| EEPROM | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 125 ns at 32 MHz (FOSC/4) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) |
| Package | 20-pin SOIC (SO), 300 mil |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| I/O Pins | 17 (multiplexed with peripherals) |
| ADC | 12-bit ADC with Computation (ADC2), up to 17 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit DAC |
| PWM Modules | 2x PWM (10-bit) with Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) |
| Comparators | Yes (on-chip) |
| Communication Peripherals | EUSART, SPI, I2C |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP (nanoWatt, sleep currents < 1 µA typical) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF18444T-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O, ADC2 channel, IOC capable |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O, ADC2 channel |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O, MCLR/VPP |
| Pin 4 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O, ADC2 channel |
| Pin 5 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O, ADC2 channel |
| Pin 6 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O, ADC2 channel |
| Pin 7 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O, ADC2 channel |
| Pin 8 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O, ADC2 channel |
| Pin 9 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O, ADC2 channel |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8-3.6 V) |
| Pin 12 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O, ADC2 channel |
| Pin 13 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O, ADC2 channel |
| Pin 14 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O, ADC2 channel |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O, ADC2 channel |
| Pin 16 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O, ADC2 channel |
| Pin 17 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O, ADC2 channel |
| Pin 18 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O, ADC2 channel |
| Pin 19 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O, ADC2 channel |
| Pin 20 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O, oscillator output |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18444T-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Low-Power Wireless Sensor Transmitter, Home Appliance User Interface and Motor Control, LED Lighting and Color Controller, Wearable Fitness Band and Activity Tracker, Industrial Sensor Conditioning and 4-20 mA Loop Front End.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
Provides 32 MHz RISC throughput and XLP deep-sleep currents under 1 µA typical for coin-cell IoT end nodes. The 12-bit ADC2 with computation offloads sensor averaging from the CPU while 1.8 V operation extends battery life on single-cell lithium or 2xAA cells.
Recommended
Low-Power Wireless Sensor Transmitter
Drives low-power sub-GHz or BLE transmitters via EUSART/SPI while the CWG generates accurate timing references for protocol framing. The XLP Sleep modes keep the MCU in deep sleep between transmissions, drawing under 1 µA typical and enabling years of battery life on handheld remotes.
Recommended
Home Appliance User Interface and Motor Control
Drives LED indicators, button matrices, and H-bridge motor stages using 10-bit PWM and the on-chip Comparator and CWG peripherals. The CWG with complementary outputs drives half-bridge N-MOSFET stages for small DC fans or solenoid valves in consumer white goods.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Color Controller
The 12-bit ADC2, 5-bit DAC, and CWG combine to form a tunable LED lighting controller with smooth dimming curves and color mixing. NanoWatt Sleep lets the controller enter standby between user inputs, saving energy in connected fixtures and decorative lighting.
Recommended
Wearable Fitness Band and Activity Tracker
The 1.8-3.6 V operation matches coin-cell lithium chemistries common in wearables, while 32 MHz CPU drives display updates, sensor fusion, and BLE framing. ADC threshold compare wakes the MCU only when sensor signals exceed user-set thresholds, preserving battery in sleep.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Conditioning and 4-20 mA Loop Front End
Powers a loop-powered or local-powered industrial sensor front-end with 12-bit ADC2 sensing and the on-chip 5-bit DAC for offset trimming. The -40 to +85 °C industrial range tolerates factory-floor ambients, and EUSART connects to RS-485 transceivers for plant-floor networks.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18444T-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F18444T-I/SO | PIC16LF18444T-I/GZ | PIC16LF18444-I/SO | PIC16F18444-I/SO | PIC16LF18446T-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SOIC-20 (300 mil) | SOIC-20 (300 mil) - same | UQFN-20 (4x4 mm) | SOIC-20 (300 mil) - same | SOIC-20 (300 mil) - same | SOIC-20 (300 mil) - same |
| Flash | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 28 KB |
| RAM | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 2048 B |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Maximum Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (I) | -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 |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tube | Tape & Reel |
Key Differentiators
- Lower supply voltage ceiling for battery designs (vs PIC16F18444T-I/SO)
- Smaller PCB footprint option (vs PIC16LF18444T-I/GZ)
- Identical core, more memory headroom (vs PIC16LF18446T-I/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 32 MHz and 3.3 V the PIC16LF18444 draws roughly 3-4 mA active; switching to 500 kHz LPINTOSC drops this to under 100 µA. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 11) plus a bulk 10 µF tantalum or ceramic on the same rail. For battery designs include a 4.7 µF low-leakage reservoir cap so that transmit bursts do not collapse the coin-cell voltage. Decouple the analog AVDD rail even when VDD = AVDD using a separate ferrite bead and 100 nF cap.
Use a 4-layer PCB with a continuous ground plane under the SOIC-20 footprint to minimize ADC reference noise. Route the external 32.768 kHz crystal (T1OSC) traces in a guarded configuration with GND on the third side, both sides matched within 5 mm, and keep them clear of the EUSART/SPI lines to avoid coupling. If the SOSC crystal is omitted, configure T1OSC = OFF in the configuration bits and bring-out pin RA4/RA5 as GPIO. Soldered SOIC-20 can be reworked to SOIC-20 sockets, so pick a footprint with both pads and a single castellated vent.
The MCLR function shares pin 3 (RA3/MCLR); enabling weak pull-up on RA3 disables digital input functionality. The CWG and PWM outputs default OFF at reset and must be enabled via PPS + peripheral module ON bits. The 12-bit ADC2 with computation requires the ADC2 channel-selection registers (ADPCH, ADCON0) to be set BEFORE ADCON0 Go bit; common pitfall is to set ADC2 channel then immediately start conversion without acknowledging a TUE per channel change. Configure the IOC registers to wake-up sources with care - bit-locked IOCs keep interrupt state after clearing.
When driving long cables or relays on RB5/RB6/RB7 series-terminate with 100 Ω to dampen reflections. The CWG complemented outputs (PWM1H/PWM1L with dead-band) require careful board layout to avoid shoot-through in external H-bridge; place gate-driver power stage within 10 mm of the MCU CWG pins. Keep ICSPDAT/ICSPCLK traces away from analog inputs - clock injection via capacitive coupling can corrupt ADC2 readings by 2-3 LSB without a 10 kΩ series resistor on ICSPCLK.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip PIC16LF184xx product brief 40001894B. Industrial temperature grade only (no AEC-Q100 automotive variant in the LF part family).
