PIC16LF18446-I/SS - 8-bit XLP MCU 28KB Flash SSOP-20 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18446-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.15 | $2.15 |
| 10 | $1.92 | $19.20 |
| 100 | $1.55 | $155.00 |
| 500 | $1.28 | $640.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.1 | $1,100.00 |
PIC16LF18446-I/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (RAM), and peripheral IP into one package. PIC microcontrollers use a Harvard architecture and RISC instruction set, optimized for deterministic interrupt response and low-power embedded control. Microcontrollers sit inside the broader category of embedded processors, alongside 16-bit MCUs, 32-bit ARM Cortex-M parts, and DSPs - PIC16 series parts typically target cost-sensitive, low-pin-count, ultra-low-power applications.
Key features of the PIC16LF18446 include 28KB (16K x 14) Flash program memory, 2KB SRAM, two PWM modules, a hardware comparator, a 5-bit and 12-bit DAC, a 12-bit ADC with Computation (ADCC), a Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), an EUSART, and SPI/I2C. The integrated Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) offload tasks like waveform generation and signal conditioning from the CPU, reducing firmware complexity and power consumption. The XLP technology provides nanoWatt sleep currents suited to battery-powered designs.
The PIC16LF18446 uses a modified Harvard architecture with a 14-bit instruction word and a 32MHz internal oscillator. The ADCC automates averaging, filtering, threshold comparison, and oversampling - useful for sensor front-ends. CIPs like CWG and NCO enable motor-control and lighting feedback loops without CPU intervention, while the EUSART and SPI/I2C support both legacy and modern sensor buses.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered wearables, consumer remote controls, home automation, industrial sensor interfaces, and low-power wireless modules (with external transceiver). The SSOP-20 footprint also suits space-constrained designs such as LED controllers and small appliance controls.
When designing with this part, plan for decoupling (100nF plus bulk) close to VDD, and verify the programming/debug interface (ICSP) pins are accessible for in-circuit programming. The 1.8V minimum at 16MHz rating means certain low-battery operations require careful verification against the datasheet voltage-frequency curve.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family Microchip drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18446-I/SS — 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/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, DAC, Comparators.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF18446-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18445-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18444-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF18346-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18446-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF18446-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC® XLP™ 16F |
| Core | 8-bit PIC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14) |
| RAM | 2 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 3.6 V (1.8 V min at 16 MHz) |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (0.65 mm pitch) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| PWM Modules | 2 |
| ADC | 12-bit ADCC |
| DAC | 5-bit and 12-bit |
| Comparator | Yes (hardware) |
| CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) | Yes |
| Communication | EUSART, SPI, I2C |
| Technology | XLP (eXtreme Low-Power) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, 'I') |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF18446-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / DAC output |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / MCLR (programming) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / I2C SCL |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / I2C SDA |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O / oscillator |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O / oscillator |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O / PWM |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O / PWM |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O / SPI/I2C |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O / SPI/I2C |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O / SPI |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O / EUSART TX |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O / EUSART RX |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply (2.5V-3.6V) |
| Pin 19 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP programming |
| Pin 20 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP clock |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18446-I/SS is suitable for 8 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Wearable Fitness Tracker, Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Consumer Remote Control, LED Lighting Controller, Home Automation Hub, Small Appliance Control Board, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety).
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF18446-I/SS's XLP nanoWatt sleep current and 1.8V minimum operating voltage fit battery-powered IoT sensor nodes running from coin cells or 2x AA batteries. The integrated 12-bit ADCC automates sensor sampling, averaging, and threshold detection without waking the CPU, while SPI/I2C interfaces connect to environmental sensors. With 28KB Flash and 2KB RAM, the part supports small protocol stacks (e.g., Modbus, BLE beaconing via external transceiver). The CWG enables power-conversion stages directly, simplifying harvester interfaces. The SSOP-20 package suits compact PCB layouts typical of wireless sensor designs.
Recommended
Wearable Fitness Tracker
Wearable fitness trackers benefit from the PIC16LF18446-I/SS's XLP low-power technology and small SSOP-20 footprint, which preserves board space for batteries and sensors. The 12-bit ADCC samples heart-rate or motion-sensor signals with on-chip averaging, reducing firmware burden. The EUSART interfaces with Bluetooth Low Energy modules while the CWG drives haptic-feedback motor control. Operating voltage down to 1.8V at 16MHz extends runtime on small Li-ion cells. The 28KB Flash accommodates state-machine firmware plus bootloader for OTA updates.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
Industrial sensor interface modules leverage the PIC16LF18446-I/SS's robust 12-bit ADCC, hardware comparator, and EUSART for 4-20mA or RS-485 sensor conditioning. The CIP-based ADCC performs oversampling and filtering on analog sensor signals, improving effective resolution. The hardware comparator enables fast threshold detection for alarm or shutdown paths. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) and SSOP-20 surface-mount package suit factory-floor PCB layouts. The 32MHz CPU handles Modbus RTU framing without burdening the analog chain.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control
Consumer IR remote controls rely on the PIC16LF18446-I/SS's XLP sleep currents to deliver multi-year battery life on a single coin cell. The CWG generates precisely-timed IR carrier waveforms without CPU intervention, freeing the core for button-debounce and protocol encoding. SPI/I2C interfaces connect to companion RF transceivers for RF-remote variants. With 28KB Flash, the device supports multiple IR protocols (RC5, NEC, Sony) in a single firmware image. The SSOP-20 footprint suits the cramped PCB layouts typical of slim remote housings.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
LED lighting controllers benefit from the PIC16LF18446-I/SS's CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) and PWM channels, which drive constant-current LED strings or boost-converter MOSFETs with programmable dead-band. The 12-bit DAC sets analog dimming levels, while the ADCC monitors LED current/voltage for closed-loop feedback. SPI/I2C connects to addressable LED drivers (WS2811, APA102) for digital strips. XLP technology reduces standby power below 1uA, satisfying energy-star requirements for lighting. The SSOP-20 footprint suits compact driver PCBAs.
Recommended
Home Automation Hub
Home automation hubs use the PIC16LF18446-I/SS as a peripheral controller for sub-systems (sensor aggregation, keypad scanning, HVAC interface). The EUSART bridges to main processors or WiFi/BLE modules, while the 12-bit ADCC monitors temperature and humidity sensors with on-chip averaging. The CWG drives motor-control signals for smart valves or blinds. With 28KB Flash, the device runs state machines for local automation rules, offloading the main hub processor. XLP low-power operation minimizes standby consumption in always-on deployments.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control Board
Small appliance control boards (coffee makers, blenders, fans) leverage the PIC16LF18446-I/SS for user-interface scanning, motor control, and safety monitoring. The hardware comparator provides fast overcurrent detection for motor protection, while the CWG drives TRIAC or MOSFET control signals for AC/DC loads. The 12-bit ADCC measures temperature, current, and voltage with on-chip averaging. With 28KB Flash, the MCU supports multiple appliance programs and capacitive-touch sensing via the integrated CIPs. Industrial temperature grade ensures reliability in warm enclosures.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
Non-safety automotive body electronics (interior lighting, seat controllers, mirror adjusters) use the PIC16LF18446-I/SS for LIN-bus slave communication and PWM-driven actuator control. The 12-bit ADCC monitors position sensors and current feedback, while the CWG drives motor-control FETs with dead-band protection. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) suits cabin environments. The SSOP-20 footprint simplifies PCB layout in tight door-panel or dashboard modules. The 28KB Flash supports LIN-node firmware plus diagnostic logging per automotive conventions.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18446-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF18446-E/SS | PIC16LF18445-I/SS | PIC16LF18444-I/GZ | PIC16LF18346-I/P | PIC16F18446-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin SSOP - same | UQFN-20 (GZ) - same pin count, smaller package | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin SSOP - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB | 28 KB | 28 KB | 28 KB | 28 KB | 28 KB |
| RAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 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 | 2.3 V to 5.5 V (F variant, wider) |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| CWG Peripheral | Yes | Yes | No (reduced CIP set) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 12-bit DAC | Yes | Yes | No (reduced) | Yes | No (older generation) | Yes |
| Unit Price (qty 100) | $1.55 | $1.62 (approx) | $1.45 (approx, reduced peripherals) | $1.50 (approx, QFN package) | $1.35 (approx, older generation) | $1.55 (approx, F variant) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated CWG and 12-bit DAC for advanced waveform generation (vs PIC16LF18445-I/SS)
- XLP technology with nanoWatt sleep currents (vs PIC16LF18346-I/P)
- Industrial temperature grade with extended variant available (vs PIC16LF18446-E/SS)
- Lower voltage operation than F variant (vs PIC16F18446-I/SS)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD with a 100nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5mm of the VDD pin, plus a bulk 10uF electrolytic or ceramic if VDD source impedance is high. The PIC16LF18446-I/SS has separate analog and digital supply domains on some pins - consult the datasheet pinout to identify AVDD if present. For battery applications, the XLP Sleep mode consumes nanoampere-level current only when peripherals are properly disabled in firmware; review the PMD (Peripheral Module Disable) registers before asserting Sleep.
Do not exceed 3.6V on VDD - the LF variant is not 5V tolerant. The MCLR/RA3 pin must be pulled high via a resistor (typically 10k) for normal operation; floating MCLR causes unintended resets. The ICSP programming pins (RB6/RC6/RC7 or similar per pinout) must remain accessible in-circuit. Configuration bits (FOSC, WDTE, BOREN) must be set correctly - a common pitfall is leaving the watchdog enabled, causing unexpected resets.
Route the ICSP clock/data lines (typically RB6/RB7) away from noisy switching signals and keep trace lengths short for reliable in-circuit programming. Place the 32.768kHz or HF crystal (if used) close to the OSC pins with grounded guard traces to minimize EMI pickup. The SSOP-20 footprint has a 0.65mm pitch - ensure your PCB house supports this fine pitch; otherwise consider the UQFN-20 variant (PIC16LF18444-I/GZ) for easier assembly. Add a ground pour under the IC for thermal dissipation and noise immunity.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) only - not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive safety applications. For AEC-Q100 qualified variants, consult Microchip's automotive-grade PIC product selector.
