PIC16LF18446-E/P - 32MHz 8-bit XLP MCU, 28KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18446-E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.62 | $1.62 |
| 10 | $1.46 | $14.60 |
| 100 | $1.24 | $124.00 |
| 500 | $1.08 | $540.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.95 | $950.00 |
PIC16LF18446-E/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory, and peripherals on one die. The PIC16 family sits within the broader PIC16-bit/8-bit product taxonomy (PIC10/12/14/16 -> 8-bit PIC microcontrollers -> PIC microcontrollers -> microcontrollers -> embedded ICs -> integrated circuits). The 'LF' family specifically targets battery-powered and energy-harvesting designs where deep sleep currents measured in nA matter for years of coin-cell operation. This places PIC16LF18446-E/P in a unique position for IoT endpoints.
Key differentiating features include 28KB self-programming Flash (16K x 14 words), 256-byte EEPROM data memory, 2KB SRAM, and a wide CIP peripheral set. The 12-bit ADC with computation (ADCC) oversamples and averages autonomously, reducing firmware burden. The 5-bit DAC combined with the comparator enables programmable analog signal generation. The device also includes multiple PWMs and the Configurable Logic Cell (CLC) for hardware glue.
Architecture is the enhanced mid-range PIC16 core with a hardware multiplier and 14-bit instruction word. The XLP technology adds deep sleep modes drawing <50 nA typical with RTC and <100 nA with WDT, enabling battery lifetimes of 10+ years on a single coin cell. The 32MHz internal oscillator eliminates the external crystal for most cost-sensitive designs.
Typical applications include battery-powered IoT sensor nodes, wearable health monitors, energy-harvesting wireless transmitters, low-power remote controls, and industrial sensor interfaces. The combination of CIPs and XLP makes it ideal for event-driven designs that spend most of their time in deep sleep.
Design consideration: leverage the CWG, CLC, and ADCC peripherals to offload timing-critical operations from the core, allowing deeper sleep states. Avoid polling-based architectures to maximize the XLP current savings.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same PIC16LF184xx family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18446-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 PIC16LF18446-E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Communication, Comparators, Core, DAC.
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No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesPIC16LF18446-E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16F/LF184xx |
| Core | PIC16 8-bit enhanced mid-range |
| Instruction Set | 14-bit RISC |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF / XLP) |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC (Analog-to-Digital Converter with Computation) |
| DAC | 5-bit DAC |
| PWM Channels | 2 (16-bit) |
| Comparators | Yes (with selectable reference) |
| CWG | Yes (Complementary Waveform Generator) |
| Communication | EUSART, SPI, I2C |
| Core Independent Peripherals (CIP) | CLC, ADCC, CWG, NCO, PWM, DSM |
| Package | 14-pin PDIP (Through-Hole) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| MSL Level | Not applicable (through-hole package) |
PIC16LF18446-E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — GPIO RA5 with ADC and PWM |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — GPIO RA4 with ADC and PWM |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR — GPIO RA3 / Master Clear Reset input |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — GPIO RC5 |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — GPIO RC4 |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — GPIO RC3 with ADC |
| Pin 8 | RC2 — GPIO RC2 with ADC |
| Pin 9 | RC1 — GPIO RC1 with ADC and DAC5 |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — GPIO RC0 with ADC and DAC5 |
| Pin 11 | RA2 — GPIO RA2 with ADC and DAC5 |
| Pin 12 | RA1 — GPIO RA1 with ADC and DAC5 |
| Pin 13 | RA0 — GPIO RA0 with ADC and DAC5 |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18446-E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Wearable Health Monitoring Devices, Energy-Harvesting Remote Transmitters, Industrial Sensor Interfaces, Low-Power Remote Controls, Smart Home Sensor Endpoints.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF18446-E/P fits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its XLP deep-sleep current under 50 nA (with RTC) enables multi-year coin-cell operation, while the 32MHz 8-bit core runs at full speed to handle BLE command processing, sensor sampling, and event classification. The 12-bit ADCC oversamples and averages autonomously, offloading the firmware so it can return to sleep faster. Per Microchip datasheet XLP characteristics, the 1.8V-3.6V range covers single-cell lithium, two-cell alkaline, and energy-harvesting sources. The 28KB Flash accommodates firmware for sensor fusion, BLE drivers, and OTA bootloader; the 256-byte EEPROM stores calibration constants without burning Flash endurance. Designers place the MCU in deep sleep between sensor samples and wake on ADCC threshold or external interrupt.
Recommended
Wearable Health Monitoring Devices
The PIC16LF18446-E/P suits wearable health monitoring because the 14-pin PDIP package is ideal for development and prototyping of compact wearable prototypes, while the XLP low-power architecture extends battery life on small coin cells. Per the Microchip datasheet, the 12-bit ADCC captures biosensor signals with hardware averaging, reducing CPU wake time and total system energy. The 5-bit DAC combined with the comparator enables programmable threshold detection for heart-rate or SpO2 sensor front-ends. The CWG can drive a low-power haptic feedback buzzer directly. Designers use the CLC to implement event-driven sampling without CPU intervention, allowing the core to remain in sleep most of the time while biosensors are continuously monitored.
Recommended
Energy-Harvesting Remote Transmitters
The PIC16LF18446-E/P enables energy-harvesting remote transmitters because it can cold-start and operate at voltages as low as 1.8V from harvested sources such as small photovoltaic cells, piezoelectric harvesters, or thermal gradients. Per the Microchip product page, the LF XLP technology supports operation down to 1.8V with the LFINTOSC at reduced speed, enabling the MCU to boot from a harvested source that cannot sustain full 32MHz operation. The CWG and 5-bit DAC can drive a low-power RF transmitter or ultrasonic transducer. The 12-bit ADCC monitors the energy storage capacitor voltage and triggers transmission only when sufficient energy is available, maximizing harvested-energy utilization and avoiding brownouts.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interfaces
The PIC16LF18446-E/P supports industrial sensor interface modules because the extended -40C to +125C temperature range (E grade) covers harsh factory environments, while the 12-bit ADCC with computation provides reliable analog front-end for 4-20mA loops, RTDs, and bridge sensors. Per the Microchip datasheet, the EUSART, SPI, and I2C peripherals interface directly to industrial sensors, motor encoders, and actuator drivers. The CWG generates complementary PWM for synchronous rectification or motor pre-drivers. The 28KB Flash accommodates Modbus RTU or IO-Link stack firmware. Designers use the comparator with selectable internal voltage reference for overcurrent/overvoltage detection, triggering protective shutdown autonomously via the CLC without CPU latency.
Recommended
Low-Power Remote Controls
The PIC16LF18446-E/P fits low-power remote controls because the XLP sleep current and 32MHz burst CPU combine to keep quiescent power minimal while supporting fast IR/RF transmission sequences. Per the Microchip product page, the CWG can synthesize carrier waveforms for IR or sub-GHz transmitters, offloading the CPU. The 256-byte EEPROM stores user settings such as device pairing codes without consuming Flash endurance. The 12-bit ADCC is unnecessary in this application, freeing the ADC for battery voltage monitoring. The 14-pin PDIP package is most useful during development; production remote housings migrate to SSOP or QFN variants of the same die.
Recommended
Smart Home Sensor Endpoints
The PIC16LF18446-E/P suits smart home sensor endpoints (door/window sensors, motion detectors, leak detectors) because the XLP deep-sleep and event-driven peripherals enable multi-year battery operation, while the EUSART/SPI/I2C interface to sub-GHz radios, BLE modules, or LoRa transceivers supports mesh network connectivity. Per the Microchip datasheet, the ADCC oversampling and averaging reduces noise for accurate environmental sensing. The CLC implements state machines for tamper detection, debouncing, and event qualification entirely in hardware, keeping the CPU in sleep. The 14-pin PDIP package is ideal for development boards and breadboard prototyping; surface-mount variants in the same PIC16LF184xx family share the same die and migration is straightforward.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18446-E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF18446-I/P | PIC16F18446-E/P | PIC16LF18445-I/P | PIC16LF18444-I/P | PIC16LF18346-E/P | PIC16LF18445-E/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 14-PDIP | 14-PDIP - same | 14-PDIP - same | 14-PDIP - same | 14-PDIP - same | 14-PDIP - same | 14-PDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Flash | 28 KB | 28 KB | 28 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB | 28 KB | 14 KB |
| SRAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 1 KB | 512 B | 2 KB | 1 KB |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 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 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) |
| 12-bit ADCC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (10-bit ADC) | Yes |
| CWG | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C operating temperature grade (E) suited for industrial applications (vs PIC16LF18446-I/P)
- Largest 28KB Flash in the PIC16LF184xx family at the LF 1.8V-3.6V range (vs PIC16LF18445-I/P and PIC16LF18444-I/P)
- Latest-generation CIP peripherals including 12-bit ADCC, CWG, CLC, and DSM (vs PIC16LF18346-E/P)
Design Notes
Estimated: at VDD=3.3V, 32MHz active current is approximately 1.5 mA (per datasheet typical), and XLP sleep current is approximately 50 nA with RTC running. For a sensor node waking every 5 seconds for 5 ms of activity, average current is (1.5 mA x 5 ms / 5000 ms) + 50 nA = approximately 1.5 uA. On a 240 mAh CR2032 coin cell (80% usable), this gives roughly 14 years of theoretical battery life. To achieve realistic 5-10 year operation, reduce active time to <1 ms using DMA-like CIP peripherals (ADCC auto-conversion) and avoid active peripherals that force the CPU to wake.
Place the 0.1 uF VDD-to-VSS decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 1) and a 1 uF bulk capacitor within 10 mm. Keep the MCLR pin (pin 4) pull-up resistor (typically 10 kohm) close to the pin; if MCLR is unused, tie it directly to VDD through 10 kohm to prevent spurious resets. For 32MHz operation, route the clock traces away from analog input traces to minimize ADC noise pickup. The 14-pin PDIP package is forgiving for hand-soldered prototypes; for production use the SSOP or QFN variants of the same die.
Do not exceed 3.6V on VDD - the LF version is NOT 5V tolerant. If 5V operation is needed, switch to PIC16F18446-E/P (drop-in). Do not assume the LFINTOSC is accurate enough for UART at 32MHz; use the EUSART auto-baud or an external 32.768 kHz crystal with the Timer1 oscillator for reliable serial communication. The ADCC computation results are stored in ADACC; reading it before the conversion completes returns stale data. The 256-byte EEPROM erase-before-write requirement can stall real-time code; use the EEPROM write-completion interrupt to avoid polling.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 automotive qualified; for automotive designs refer to dsPIC or PIC18 automotive-grade families. Lead-free process.
