PIC16LF18445-I/SO - 8-Bit 32MHz 14KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18445-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.68 | $1.68 |
| 10 | $1.55 | $15.50 |
| 100 | $1.42 | $142.00 |
| 500 | $1.28 | $640.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.15 | $1,150.00 |
PIC16LF18445-I/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, RAM, Flash program memory, and peripherals on a single die. PIC microcontrollers use a Harvard RISC architecture with a 14-bit instruction word, and the XLP family adds specialized low-power modes such as sleep currents below 1 uA, making them well-suited for energy-harvesting and IoT endpoints. The PIC16 LF subfamily in particular targets coin-cell and Li-ion powered designs where wide VDD tolerance and ultra-low sleep current extend battery life.
The PIC16LF18445's key strengths include 12-bit ADCC precision that exceeds typical 10-bit MCU ADCs, easing sensor signal conditioning; a built-in 5-bit/8-bit DAC for analog set-point generation without external ICs; and CWG for complementary PWMs commonly used in half-bridge motor drive with dead-band control. The EUSART supports both asynchronous serial and one-wire protocols, while the MSSP handles SPI/I2C for sensor and EEPROM interfaces. According to the verified distributor listings, 14KB Flash with 8K x 14 word organization supports C-compiled firmware comfortably within the device's code footprint.
Typical applications include low-power IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered consumer products, LED lighting controllers, home appliance user-interface panels, and small motor/valve drivers. The CWG and dual PWM simplify BLDC or stepper half-bridge commutation; the 12-bit ADCC handles thermistor or potentiometer inputs directly. Compared with PIC16F baseline parts, the LF variant's wider operating voltage and lower sleep current make it preferable for always-listening battery nodes. According to Microchip PIC16(L)F184xx family documentation, this part is recommended when 14KB Flash and 12-bit ADC are needed together.
When designing, allocate one decoupling 100nF ceramic capacitor close to each VDD pin and a bulk 10uF near the regulator output. Use the on-board ICD/debug header (ICSPDAT/ICSPCLK) to retain in-circuit programming access in the PCB layout. Ensure unused PIM matches below 1 uA by configuring all unused pins as outputs low; the XLP Sleep mode current is documented in the family datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18445-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 PIC16LF18445-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, ADC, PWM Channels, MSL Level.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF18444-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.79 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18446-I/SO
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View Datasheet →PIC16F18445-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
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View Datasheet →PIC16LF18445-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF18445-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18445-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Family | PIC16 XLP 16F |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz (max) |
| Program Memory | 14 KB Flash (8K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 1 KB |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Pin Count | 20 |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC (with computation) |
| DAC | 5-bit / 8-bit |
| PWM Channels | 2 |
| Communication | EUSART, SPI, I2C (MSSP) |
| CWG | Complementary Waveform Generator |
| Comparators | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial: -I) |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP (eXtreme Low Power) |
PIC16LF18445-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA3/MCLR — Port A bit 3 / Master Clear (reset, active low) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V-3.6V) |
| Pin 9 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 10 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 11 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 14 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 15 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 (digital I/O / I2C SCL) |
| Pin 16 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 (digital I/O / I2C SDA) |
| Pin 17 | ICSPCLK — In-circuit serial programming clock |
| Pin 18 | ICSPDAT — In-circuit serial programming data |
| Pin 19 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 20 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 (digital I/O) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18445-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, LED Lighting Controllers, Home Appliance User-Interface Panels, Small Motor and Valve Drivers, Consumer Remote Controls and HIDs, Industrial Sensor Transmitters.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF18445-I/SO's 1.8V-3.6V VDD range and XLP Sleep current below 1 uA typical make it a strong fit for battery-powered wireless sensor endpoints. The 12-bit ADCC with hardware averaging and threshold detection offloads sensor signal conditioning from the CPU, allowing the device to spend more time in Sleep and extend coin-cell or 2xAA battery life to multi-year horizons. The EUSART and I2C interfaces connect directly to common sub-GHz transceivers or BLE modules. According to Microchip XLP family documentation, typical Sleep currents under 1 uA at 3V enable 10+ year lifetimes on a single CR2032 cell for duty-cycled sensor reporting.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16LF18445-I/SO's two PWM channels and Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) enable dimmable LED driver control with dead-band generation for half-bridge topologies. The 12-bit ADCC reads ambient light sensors or potentiometer dimmers directly, while the 5-bit/8-bit DAC generates analog reference levels for constant-current LED drivers. Wide 1.8V-3.6V VDD lets the same hardware support both 3.3V and battery-backed lighting designs. Compared to discrete PWM-only controllers, the integrated 14KB Flash enables smooth color-mixing algorithms and DMX-style network addressing on a single chip.
Recommended
Home Appliance User-Interface Panels
For washing machines, microwave ovens, and coffee makers, the PIC16LF18445-I/SO's 14KB Flash fits HMI state machines with button debounce, rotary encoder, and seven-segment or character LCD driving via SPI/I2C expanders. The 12-bit ADCC handles NTC thermistor sensing for temperature control loops, and the integrated comparators simplify zero-cross detection for triac-fired heater elements. The CWG provides complementary PWMs needed for synchronous motor or solenoid drive. With 1KB RAM and EUSART, the part easily supports UART-linked modules or wireless debug consoles.
Recommended
Small Motor and Valve Drivers
The PIC16LF18445-I/SO's CWG and dual PWMs drive half-bridge or full-bridge low-voltage motor stages with programmable dead-band, while the on-chip comparators implement current-limit sensing without external op-amps. The 12-bit ADCC reads back shunt current or back-EMF for closed-loop control of small DC, stepper, or brushless DC motors in the sub-100W class. XLP Sleep mode allows the controller to idle at sub-uA current between actuation cycles, critical for battery-powered valve and lock actuators. EUSART or I2C links the device to host controllers or wireless modules for IoT-integrated actuation.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Controls and HIDs
The PIC16LF18445-I/SO suits handheld remote controls where low standby current and integrated peripherals matter most. XLP Sleep currents below 1 uA extend alkaline battery life to multi-year horizons, while the 12-bit ADCC reads battery voltage and capacitive touch sensors directly. EUSART and I2C connect to RF or BLE modules for wireless HID, and the 5-bit/8-bit DAC drives audio cues or haptic reference levels. The 20-SOIC footprint keeps the BOM small for compact remote enclosures.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitters
For 4-20 mA loop-powered or battery-backed industrial sensors, the PIC16LF18445-I/SO's 12-bit ADCC delivers accurate measurement of bridge sensors, RTDs, or thermocouples via external signal conditioning. XLP Sleep mode lets the device duty-cycle between measurements to stay within the loop-power budget, and the CWG can drive the HART modem or loop shutdown FET. Wide -40C to +85C industrial temperature range handles factory-floor environments, while the SPI interface connects to EEPROM calibration memory and the EUSART to RS-485 transceivers. The 14KB Flash supports MODBUS RTU or IO-Link stack implementations.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18445-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF18444-I/SO | PIC16LF18446-I/SO | PIC16F18445-I/SO | PIC16LF18445-E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SOIC | 20-SOIC - same | 20-SOIC - same | 20-SOIC - same | 20-SOIC - same |
| Program Memory | 14 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash | 28 KB Flash | 14 KB Flash | 14 KB Flash |
| RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 3.6V |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
Key Differentiators
- XLP Sleep current below 1 uA typical (vs PIC16F18445-I/SO)
- 12-bit ADCC vs 10-bit on legacy PIC16F parts (vs PIC16F877A)
- On-chip CWG for complementary PWM with dead-band (vs PIC16F18444-I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the regulator output. For battery-powered designs, the PIC16LF18445-I/SO's XLP Sleep mode typically pulls below 1 uA at 3V, so even a 10 uF bulk cap will hold VDD stable during wake-up transients. According to Microchip XLP design guidelines, avoid switching regulators with high ripple on the same rail as the ADC supply reference to preserve 12-bit ADCC accuracy.
Reserve PCB area for the ICSP programming header connecting to ICSPDAT (pin 18) and ICSPCLK (pin 17) even if programming is done at production only. Microchip recommends a 2x3 0.1" header with MCLR pulled up through a resistor for in-circuit serial programming. Keep analog traces (RA0-RA5) away from switching PWM traces to minimize ADC input noise coupling on the 12-bit ADCC input channels.
Do not apply voltages above 3.6V to any VDD or I/O pin - the LF variant is rated only to 3.6V. According to Microchip datasheet absolute maximums, exceeding 4V on VDD will damage the part. For designs that require 5V tolerance, switch to the PIC16F18445-I/SO variant. Additionally, configure all unused pins as outputs low to minimize Sleep current leakage paths through floating inputs.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is a commercial/industrial grade MCU. For automotive applications, consult Microchip's automotive-grade PIC16F184xx variants.
