PIC16LF18446-I/GZ - 28KB Flash 32MHz 8-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18446-I/GZ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.56 | $25.60 |
| 100 | $2.27 | $227.00 |
| 500 | $2.04 | $1,020.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.82 | $1,820.00 |
PIC16LF18446-I/GZ Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a microprocessor core with an 8-bit data path, on-chip program memory, RAM, and integrated peripherals. Within the embedded hierarchy, PIC16 sits at the low-pin-count tier of Microchip's PIC family (PIC10/12/16/18/24/32), optimized for cost-sensitive, deterministic real-time control. The PIC16F184xx family specifically targets applications requiring high-resolution analog, Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs), and very low standby power. Compared to 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ parts, the PIC16LF18446 trades raw compute throughput for predictable interrupt latency, lower active/standby current, and a smaller code footprint for typical control loops.
Key features of the PIC16LF18446 include 28KB (16K x 14 words) self-programmable Flash, 2KB SRAM, 256B EEPROM, 18 digital I/O pins, 12-bit ADCC with automated math operations, 8-bit/5-bit DAC, 2x 10-bit PWMs, configurable logic cell (CLC), and EUSART (RS-232/RS-485) with SPI and I2C. The device operates from 1.8V to 3.6V across -40C to +85C industrial temperature range, and includes nanoWatt XLP sleep modes drawing sub-uA currents. The CWG and PWM peripherals can synthesize complementary gate-drive waveforms directly without CPU intervention, useful for switched-mode power and lighting control.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF18446 uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range core with a 14-bit instruction word and 16-level hardware stack, providing deterministic execution and interrupt response. On-chip peripherals are designed as Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) - meaning CLC, CWG, PWM, ADCC, and timers can interact without CPU involvement, freeing the core for application logic and reducing firmware complexity.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered wearables, LED lighting controllers, low-end motor control, home appliances, and consumer electronics. The combination of 12-bit ADCC and 5-bit DAC supports closed-loop analog control without external converters.
When designing with this device, ensure the supply decoupling network (typically 100nF + 1uF) is placed within a few millimeters of the VDD pin, and that unused I/O are configured as outputs low or inputs with internal pull-ups enabled to minimize leakage. MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler and the free MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC) is the standard toolchain, with the PIC16F18446 Curiosity Nano (DM164144) providing a hardware debug platform.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the PIC16LF184xx family, and practical low-power design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18446-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 PIC16LF18446-I/GZ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Program Memory (Flash), Comparators, DAC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF18444-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18446-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18346-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1828-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18446-I/GZ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 (Enhanced Mid-Range 8-bit) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 2 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC (with computation) |
| DAC | 5-bit / 8-bit |
| PWM Channels | 2 (10-bit) |
| Comparators | Yes |
| CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) | Yes |
| EUSART | Yes (RS-232 / RS-485) |
| SPI | Yes |
| I2C | Yes |
| CLC (Configurable Logic Cell) | Yes |
| Package | 20-pin UQFN (GZ) 4x4 mm |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Low-Power Mode (XLP) | nanoWatt XLP |
PIC16LF18446-I/GZ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR — Digital I/O / Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 5 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA1/ICSPCLK — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 7 | RA0/ICSPDAT — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA7 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 10 | RA6 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 11 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 14 | RC2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 15 | RC1 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 16 | RC0 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 17 | RB7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 18 | RB6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 19 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference (also exposed pad) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18446-I/GZ is suitable for 6 applications: IoT Sensor Node, Battery-Powered Wearable, LED Lighting Controller, Home Appliance Control, Low-End Motor Control, Consumer Electronics Remote / HMI.
IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF18446-I/GZ is well suited for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes thanks to its 28KB Flash (plenty for BLE/Zigbee stack firmware), 2KB SRAM, and the 12-bit ADCC for direct sensor digitization. With nanoWatt XLP sleep currents below 1 uA and 1.8V operation from a single Li-ion or 2xAA cell, the device can run for years on a small battery. The on-chip EUSART and SPI/I2C peripherals connect directly to wireless modules or sensor ICs without external logic. The UQFN-20 (GZ) 4x4 mm package fits inside compact wearable or PCB-mounted sensor enclosures. PIC16LF18444-I/GZ and PIC16LF1828-I/GZ serve as drop-in lower-cost options when less Flash is acceptable.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Wearable
For wearables where every microamp matters, the PIC16LF18446-I/GZ combines sub-uA XLP sleep modes with 12-bit ADCC for bio-signal monitoring (heart rate, SpO2, motion) and an 8-bit DAC for closed-loop haptic feedback. The 32 MHz core delivers 8 MIPS, enough to run a sensor-fusion algorithm alongside low-power wireless duty cycling. The 18 I/O pins handle LED drivers, button inputs, and an I2C sensor bus simultaneously. With 1.8V operation, the MCU runs directly from a single CR2032 or rechargeable Li-Po cell. Use the CWG peripheral for low-EMI buzzer or haptic driver waveforms without timer interrupts.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16LF18446-I/GZ provides native hardware support for LED lighting applications: 2x 10-bit PWMs for dimming, CWG for full-bridge or half-bridge driver signals, and the 12-bit ADCC for ambient-light sensing feedback loops. The 5-bit/8-bit DAC generates precise reference voltages for constant-current LED drivers. With 28KB Flash, complex lighting protocols (DMX512, DALI, or wireless-adapted variants) fit comfortably. The 32 MHz core executes dim-to-warm or circadian color-mixing math in real time. The UQFN-20 package fits inside MR16 bulb form factors and linear LED strip controllers. PIC16LF18346-I/GZ serves as a cost-optimized alternative for fixed-color designs.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control
In home appliances (small kitchen, HVAC, white goods) the PIC16LF18446-I/GZ brings deterministic interrupt response, robust 12-bit ADCC for temperature and pressure sensors, and EUSART for legacy RS-485 appliance bus connectivity. The 28KB Flash accommodates state-machine control logic plus diagnostics and user-interface code. 18 I/O pins drive relays, triac gates, segment displays, and keypad matrices. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature range handles kitchen or garage environments without derating. NanoWatt XLP modes enable ENERGY STAR standby compliance. The CLC peripheral implements custom logic glue (latch, edge-detect, PWM-modulate) without external gates.
Recommended
Low-End Motor Control
For fans, pumps, and small BLDC or brushed-DC motor control, the PIC16LF18446-I/GZ integrates the CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) for direct half-bridge gate drive plus 2x 10-bit PWMs for speed/duty control. The 12-bit ADCC samples back-EMF, current-sense, or potentiometer feedback at rates suitable for closed-loop torque or RPM regulation. With 8 MIPS and 2KB RAM, classic PI/PID control loops run comfortably. The UQFN-20 (GZ) 4x4 mm footprint fits inside small motor housings and integrated BLDC driver boards. Hardware CIPs (CLC, CWG, PWM) operate independently of the CPU, reducing jitter in gate timing.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Remote / HMI
For IR remotes, smart switches, and small human-machine-interface products, the PIC16LF18446-I/GZ delivers the right balance of analog, digital, and low-power features in a tiny UQFN-20 package. The 12-bit ADCC handles touch/proximity sensing via capacitive voltage division or resistive touchscreens. The CWG can generate IR carrier waveforms directly without CPU overhead. EUSART/SPI/I2C interface with Wi-Fi/BLE/NFC companion ICs. With 28KB Flash, complex button-mapping firmware and OTA bootloader code both fit. Sleep currents below 1 uA give coin-cell remotes multi-year battery life. The PIC16F18446-I/GZ is the 5V alternative where higher drive strength is required.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18446-I/GZ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF18444-I/GZ | PIC16F18446-I/GZ | PIC16LF18346-I/GZ | PIC16LF1828-I/GZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin UQFN (GZ) 4x4 mm | 20-pin UQFN (GZ) 4x4 mm - same | 20-pin UQFN (GZ) 4x4 mm - same | 20-pin UQFN (GZ) 4x4 mm - same | 20-pin UQFN (GZ) 4x4 mm - same |
| Flash Memory | 28 KB | 16 KB | 28 KB | 28 KB | 8 KB |
| RAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 256 B |
| Operating Voltage | 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 |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC | 12-bit ADCC | 10-bit ADC | 10-bit ADC |
| CWG | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| DAC | 5-bit / 8-bit | 5-bit / 8-bit | 5-bit / 8-bit | 5-bit / 8-bit | 5-bit / 8-bit |
| PWM Channels | 2 (10-bit) | 2 (10-bit) | 2 (10-bit) | 2 (10-bit) | 1 (10-bit) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 12-bit ADCC with automated computation (averaging, oversampling, threshold comparison) without CPU intervention (vs PIC16LF18346-I/GZ)
- Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) for hardware dead-band generation on motor/lighting gate-drive signals (vs PIC16LF18346-I/GZ)
- 1.8V minimum VDD for true single-cell battery operation vs 2.3V minimum on F-variant (vs PIC16F18446-I/GZ)
- Configurable Logic Cell (CLC) implements glue logic (AND/OR/XOR/latch/edge-detect) in hardware without external gates (vs PIC16LF1828-I/GZ)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF18446-I/GZ operates from 1.8V to 3.6V VDD and features nanoWatt XLP sleep modes with typical currents below 1 uA. For battery-powered designs, place a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin (pin 1) and a bulk 1uF to 10uF capacitor nearby. Avoid routing high-frequency digital signals across the VDD trace to minimize supply noise. In sleep mode, disable unused peripherals via the PMDx registers to minimize sub-uA standby current.
The UQFN-20 (GZ) 4x4 mm package has an exposed thermal pad on the bottom that MUST be soldered to the PCB ground plane for mechanical strength and thermal dissipation. Use an array of thermal vias (typically 4-9 vias, 0.3 mm drill) under the pad to connect to inner ground planes. For designs that may see high I/O switching currents, add 0.1 uF bypass capacitors adjacent to each cluster of I/O pins. The pin-1 orientation dot on the UQFN must match the PCB silkscreen to avoid reversed assembly.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum VDD of 4.0V (per the Microchip PIC16LF18446 datasheet), even during ICSP programming transients. The MCLR pin (pin 4, shared with RA3) requires a 10kohm pull-up to VDD if not driven externally; a 100nF capacitor to VSS on MCLR improves ESD immunity. When migrating from PIC16F18346 to PIC16LF18446, verify that the 12-bit ADCC configuration registers (ADCON, ADCLK) are remapped - the ADCC peripheral has a different register layout than the legacy 10-bit ADC. The LF (1.8V) variant cannot be used at 5V systems; use the PIC16F18446-I/GZ instead.
When using the 12-bit ADCC at 32 MHz FOSC, allocate at least one A/D conversion cycle (TAD >= 1 us) to allow the sample-and-hold capacitor to settle. Source impedance above 10 kohm degrades ADC accuracy; add an op-amp buffer or use a lower-impedance sensor. For EUSART RS-485 communication, add a 120 ohm termination resistor at the bus ends and a fail-safe bias network (e.g. 680 ohm pull-up to 3.3V, 680 ohm pull-down to GND) when no driver is active. SPI runs reliably up to 8 MHz at 32 MHz FOSC; verify signal integrity with an oscilloscope when driving long PCB traces.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page; halogen-free status not specified in distributor listings. AEC-Q100 not applicable for industrial-grade -40C to +85C part.
