PIC16LF18445T-I/GZ - 8-bit 32MHz MCU, 14KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18445T-I/GZ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.62 | $1.62 |
| 10 | $1.49 | $14.90 |
| 100 | $1.36 | $136.00 |
| 500 | $1.2 | $600.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.05 | $1,050.00 |
PIC16LF18445T-I/GZ Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM), and a configurable set of peripherals. The PIC16F184xx family uses a Harvard-architecture 8-bit RISC core optimized for deterministic instruction execution and ultra-low power consumption, placing it in the broader hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC -> electronic component. The XLP technology targets battery-powered and energy-harvesting applications that demand nanoampere sleep currents.
Key features include a 32 MHz maximum CPU clock, 12-bit ADC with Computation (ADCC), a 5-bit and 8-bit DAC, two PWM modules, two comparators, a Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), an EUSART, and SPI / I2C interfaces. The 14 KB Flash supports self-programming and ICSP, and the device operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V. Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) such as CWG and ADCC can operate without CPU intervention, reducing firmware complexity and power consumption.
The PIC16LF18445 employs Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit core with a 14-bit instruction word. The XLP Sleep mode can drop current consumption to nanoampere levels, while the peripheral module disable logic lets unused peripherals be turned off individually. An integrated temperature indicator and windowed watchdog timer (WWDT) provide additional system-monitoring features suitable for safety-sensitive applications.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, low-power wireless remote controls, battery-powered consumer devices, LED lighting controllers, small motor control, and home-automation edge nodes. The 20-UQFN 4x4 mm footprint also makes it well suited to space-constrained wearables.
When designing with this part, place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin, connect all VSS pins to a solid ground plane, and observe the exposed-pad soldering recommendations in the Microchip datasheet for thermal and electrical performance. Programming is supported through MPLAB X IDE with the XC8 compiler and PKOB or ICD debuggers.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible drop-in alternatives, and practical engineering notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18445T-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 PIC16LF18445T-I/GZ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, DAC, Package, Program Memory (Flash), Core.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF18445-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18444T-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18446T-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF18446-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18346T-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18345T-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.88 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1829T-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.28 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18445T-I/GZ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit enhanced mid-range |
| Family | PIC16F184xx (XLP) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14) |
| Data Memory (RAM) | 1 KB |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| Package | 20-UQFN (4x4 mm) with exposed pad |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC |
| DAC | 5-bit and 8-bit DAC |
| PWM Channels | 2 |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Communication | EUSART, SPI, I2C |
| CWG | Complementary Waveform Generator |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF18445T-I/GZ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — GPIO / ADC input |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — GPIO / ADC input |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — GPIO / MCLR |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — GPIO / ADC input |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — GPIO / ADC input / DAC output |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — GPIO / ADC input / DAC output |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — GPIO |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — GPIO |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — GPIO / EUSART / I2C |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — GPIO / EUSART / I2C |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — GPIO / PWM |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — GPIO / PWM / SPI |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — GPIO / SPI / I2C |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — GPIO / SPI |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — GPIO / SPI / I2C |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — GPIO / SPI |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 19 | RB7 — GPIO / I2C |
| Pin 20 | RB6 — GPIO / I2C |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18445T-I/GZ is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Wearable Fitness and Health Devices, Smart Home and Building Automation, Remote Control and HMI Keypads, LED Lighting and Signage Control, Small Motor Control and Fans.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF18445T-I/GZ is well suited to battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its XLP technology achieves nanoampere-level sleep current at 1.8 V to 3.6 V operation, allowing coin-cell nodes to operate for years. The 12-bit ADCC directly digitizes temperature, humidity, and analog sensor outputs, while CIPs such as CWG handle signal conditioning without CPU intervention. With 14 KB Flash and 1 KB RAM, the MCU can host simple protocol stacks including LoRaWAN device drivers and BLE link-layer state machines when paired with a companion radio module.
Recommended
Wearable Fitness and Health Devices
Wearable fitness devices benefit from the PIC16LF18445T-I/GZ's compact 20-UQFN 4x4 mm footprint, which fits inside slim wristbands and patches. The 32 MHz core processes motion sensor data from I2C-connected accelerometers and gyroscopes, while the integrated 5-bit and 8-bit DACs drive haptic feedback drivers. Low active current and XLP sleep extend battery life between charges. The MCU's -40C to +85C industrial operating range ensures reliable performance through body-temperature variations and outdoor use conditions.
Recommended
Smart Home and Building Automation
In smart-home edge controllers and building-automation sensors, the PIC16LF18445T-I/GZ serves as the local supervisor, running low-power wireless protocols (Zigbee, Thread, BLE) via SPI-attached radio modules and handling digital I/O for relay, pushbutton, and LED management. The 12-bit ADCC reads analog sensors such as light, CO2, and occupancy detectors with high precision, while the complementary waveform generator drives dimmable LED strings and motor PWM channels. Operating from a single CR123 cell at 3 V, the design avoids mains-power conversion complexity.
Recommended
Remote Control and HMI Keypads
Remote-control and HMI keypad designs benefit from the PIC16LF18445T-I/GZ's combination of low sleep current, capacitive touch capability via the ADCC and comparators, and integrated EUSART for IR or wired backhaul. The 18 GPIO pins scan up to a 9x9 matrix with minimal external components, while the CWG generates precise carrier frequencies for IR transmission. The 32 MHz core provides sufficient throughput for command-encoding algorithms, and the industrial temperature grade ensures reliability in automotive and outdoor remote applications.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Signage Control
LED lighting controllers use the PIC16LF18445T-I/GZ to drive PWM dimming, color-mixing logic, and addressable-LED data streaming. The two PWM channels support high-resolution dimming via dithering, while the CWG produces complementary outputs for half-bridge LED drivers. SPI-attached LED driver ICs handle high-current channels while the PIC16LF18445 executes DMX-512 or DALI protocol stacks. The wide operating voltage and small UQFN package fit inside slim aluminum extrusion housings used for architectural lighting fixtures.
Recommended
Small Motor Control and Fans
The PIC16LF18445T-I/GZ is well matched to small DC motor, BLDC, and stepper-motor control subsystems, particularly in low-power appliances and cooling fans. The two PWM channels plus the CWG produce complementary drive signals for half-bridge or full-bridge FET drivers, while the ADCC samples back-EMF for sensorless commutation. With 14 KB Flash, the MCU can host FOC (field-oriented control) or trapezoidal commutation algorithms. The -40C to +85C industrial range and small UQFN package fit within fan-hub PCBs and appliance control boards.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18445T-I/GZ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF18445-I/GZ | PIC16LF18444T-I/GZ | PIC16LF18446T-I/GZ | PIC16LF18346T-I/GZ | PIC16LF18345T-I/GZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-UQFN (4x4) | 20-UQFN (4x4) - same | 20-UQFN (4x4) - same | 20-UQFN (4x4) - same | 20-UQFN (4x4) - same | 20-UQFN (4x4) - same |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB (-50%) | 28 KB (+100%) | 28 KB | 14 KB |
| RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| Operating 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 | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADCC (12-bit) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| CWG | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| XLP Sleep Current | Typ. nanoampere range | Typ. nanoampere range | Typ. nanoampere range | Typ. nanoampere range | Typ. nanoampere range | Typ. nanoampere range |
| I/O Pins | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
Key Differentiators
- Core Independent Peripherals (ADCC + CWG) (vs PIC16LF18345T-I/GZ)
- 14 KB Flash optimized balance (vs PIC16LF18444T-I/GZ)
- Compact 4x4 mm UQFN footprint (vs PIC16LF18445-I/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 18) with the shortest trace to the VSS ground plane. For designs with high-current peripherals or radio modules, add a bulk 10 uF capacitor near the MCU. The PIC16LF18445T-I/GZ supports Sleep mode with nanoampere-level current per Microchip datasheet, and the VREG voltage regulator must be left enabled in low-voltage operation; disabling it can cause instability.
The 20-UQFN 4x4 mm package includes a center exposed pad that must be soldered to a ground-plane pad on the PCB for thermal dissipation and electrical performance. Per Microchip application note guidelines, the exposed pad should have multiple thermal vias connecting it to the inner ground planes. All VSS pins must be connected to a single low-impedance ground; floating VSS pins will cause erratic behavior and unreliable ADC readings.
Route analog signals (AN0-AN11) away from digital switching traces and PWM outputs to minimize ADC noise coupling. Place the ADCC reference voltage bypass capacitor (typically 100 nF) close to the VREF+ pin if external reference is used. For SPI-attached peripherals, route the SCK and MOSI/MISO traces as short as possible with matched lengths below 50 mm to avoid signal-integrity issues above 8 MHz.
Configuration bits must be programmed to select the correct oscillator source and disable unused peripherals. The ICSP programming pins (ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT, typically shared with RB6/RB7) must be accessible on the PCB or programming will require board-level rework. The MCLR pin (RA3) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD if not driven by an external supervisor; floating MCLR causes random resets and lockups.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status confirmed per Microchip product page and DigiKey listing. AEC-Q100 qualification is not_applicable for this industrial-grade MCU; automotive applications require PIC16F18445T-I/GZ VAO or Q-grade variants. Halogen-free status flagged as unknown as it was not present in the verified snippet data.
