PIC16LF18876-E/ML - 8-bit XLP MCU 28KB Flash 32MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF18876-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.18 | $2.18 |
| 10 | $1.96 | $19.60 |
| 100 | $1.74 | $174.00 |
| 500 | $1.55 | $775.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.38 | $1,380.00 |
PIC16LF18876-E/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (Flash, RAM, EEPROM), and programmable peripherals on a single die. The PIC16LF18876 belongs to Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit core family, occupying the tier above baseline PIC10/12/16 and below the 16-bit dsPIC/PIC24 families. Its XLP (eXtreme Low Power) designation indicates that the device was designed with sleep currents, wake-up sources, and active-mode efficiency as primary specifications rather than afterthoughts. Within the broader PIC taxonomy, the 16F prefix denotes a Flash-based, general-purpose 8-bit part with 14-bit instruction word.
Key features include 2KB RAM, 256B EEPROM, 36 configurable I/O, an integrated 10-bit ADC, 5-/8-bit DAC, comparators, PWM, CWG, SMT, HLT, WWDT, SCAN/CRC, ZCD, PPS, EUSART, and 2xSPI/I2C peripherals. The LF prefix denotes an extended low-voltage operating range down to 1.8V, while the standard F variants operate from 2.3V to 5.5V. Multiple low-power modes (Idle, Doze, Sleep) support battery-friendly applications.
The device uses Microchip's Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) — CWG, SMT, and SCAN/CRC — that execute without CPU intervention, freeing the core for power management and reducing average current consumption. The Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) remapping block allows flexible routing of digital peripherals to any I/O, simplifying PCB layout when the 44-QFN footprint is shared across variant designs.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, low-power wireless sensor hubs, battery-powered industrial instrumentation, home automation controllers, and capacitive-touch user interfaces. The combination of 28KB Flash, 2KB RAM, and rich analog/digital peripherals suits it for protocol translation, sensor aggregation, and simple closed-loop control tasks.
When designing with this part, take advantage of the PPS module to route signals without board rework, and use the SCAN/CRC peripheral to validate Flash integrity in safety-sensitive applications. For deeper power reduction, leverage the XLP Sleep mode with peripheral wake-up rather than polling in the main loop.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family variants, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF18876-E/ML — 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 PIC16LF18876-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, DAC, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesPIC16LF18876-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit enhanced mid-range |
| Instruction Set | 14-bit |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 B |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) |
| I/O Pins | 36 |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| DAC | 5/8-bit |
| Package | 44-QFN (8x8) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C |
| Communication Peripherals | EUSART, 2xSPI/I2C |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CWG, SMT, SCAN/CRC, ZCD, PPS, HLT, WWDT, PWM |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF18876-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | RA8 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 11 | RA9 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 12 | RA10 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 13 | RA11 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 14 | RA12 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 15 | RA13 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 16 | RA14 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 17 | RA15 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V-3.6V LF) |
| Pin 20 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O / PPS peripheral |
| Pin 21 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O / PPS peripheral |
| Pin 22 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O / PPS peripheral |
| Pin 23 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O / PPS peripheral |
| Pin 24 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O / PPS peripheral |
| Pin 25 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O / PPS peripheral |
| Pin 26 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 27 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 29 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V-3.6V LF) |
| Pin 30 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O / PPS peripheral |
| Pin 31 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O / PPS peripheral |
| Pin 32 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O / PPS peripheral |
| Pin 33 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O / PPS peripheral |
| Pin 34 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O / PPS peripheral |
| Pin 35 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O / PPS peripheral |
| Pin 36 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O / PPS peripheral |
| Pin 37 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O / PPS peripheral |
| Pin 38 | RE0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 39 | RE1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 40 | RE2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 41 | RE3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 42 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 43 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V-3.6V LF) |
| Pin 44 | RD0 — Bidirectional I/O / PPS peripheral |
| Pin EP | EP — Exposed thermal pad - connect to VSS for thermal dissipation |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF18876-E/ML is suitable for 6 applications: IoT Sensor Nodes, Home Automation Controllers, Battery-Powered Industrial Instrumentation, Capacitive Touch User Interfaces, Automotive Body Electronics, Wearable Health and Fitness Devices.
IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF18876-E/ML is well-suited for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes requiring multi-year battery life and sensor fusion. Its XLP Sleep current under 1 uA (typical) combined with Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) flexibility and 36 I/O allows direct connection of multiple analog/digital sensors (temperature, humidity, light, motion). The 28KB Flash accommodates protocol stacks such as LoRaWAN or BLE peripherals bridging, and the integrated 10-bit ADC provides front-end signal conditioning for low-frequency sensor outputs.
Recommended
Home Automation Controllers
Home automation hubs and lighting/window-shade controllers benefit from the PIC16LF18876-E/ML's combination of 2KB RAM for protocol buffers, 36 I/O for multiple keypad/relay interfaces, and Core Independent Peripherals (CWG, SMT) that offload PWM and timing tasks from the core. Operating from 1.8V-3.6V, it can run directly from a small Li-ion cell with on-board boost, and the EUSART + 2xSPI/I2C peripherals expose multiple bus interfaces for display, RF module, and sensor integration.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Industrial Instrumentation
Industrial handheld instruments such as digital multimeters, calibrators, and process-meter displays take advantage of the PIC16LF18876-E/ML's low-power modes and rich analog peripherals. The 10-bit ADC with dedicated input channels can directly digitize 4-20 mA loop signals via shunt resistors, while the 5/8-bit DAC can generate excitation voltages for bridge sensors. The -40C to +125C extended operating temperature (E suffix) suits factory-floor and outdoor enclosures. SCAN/CRC validates firmware integrity at boot.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interfaces
The PIC16LF18876-E/ML supports capacitive-touch implementations using its Core Independent Peripherals — particularly the CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) and SMT (Signal Measurement Timer) — together with the integrated comparators for mTouch sensing. The 44-QFN 8x8 mm footprint exposes 36 I/O, enough for 12-16 touch keys plus LED drivers and an I2C-connected display. Microchip's mTouch library simplifies firmware development, and the XLP Sleep mode supports wake-on-touch behavior for battery-powered remote controls.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16LF18876's wide operating voltage range (1.8V-3.6V LF) and -40C to +125C temperature range suit non-safety automotive body-electronics subsystems such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, lighting drivers, and HVAC flap motors. Although this part is not AEC-Q100 qualified (the automotive-grade PIC16F18876-E/MLVAO exists separately), it serves prototyping roles. Its PWM, CWG, and comparators handle motor-drive timing while EUSART supports LIN-bus node communication through an external transceiver.
Recommended
Wearable Health and Fitness Devices
Wearable fitness bands, smart watches, and health monitors benefit from the PIC16LF18876-E/ML's ultra-low Sleep current and 1.8V-3.6V operating range that supports coin-cell or rechargeable Li-Po batteries. The 36 I/O accommodate optical heart-rate sensor I2C interfaces, accelerometers, E-ink displays, and haptic feedback drivers. The SCAN/CRC peripheral provides periodic code-integrity checks important for medical-adjacent fitness applications, and the small 44-QFN (8x8 mm) footprint suits space-constrained wrist-worn enclosures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF18876-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF18877-E/ML | PIC16LF18875-E/ML | PIC16F18876-E/ML | PIC16LF18876-I/ML | PIC16LF18876-E/MV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-QFN (8x8) with EP | 44-QFN (8x8) - same | 44-QFN (8x8) - same | 44-QFN (8x8) - same | 44-QFN (8x8) - same | 44-QFN (8x8) - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB | 56 KB | 14 KB | 28 KB | 28 KB | 28 KB |
| RAM | 2 KB | 4 KB | 1 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 2.3 V to 5.5 V (F) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C |
| I/O Pins | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 |
Key Differentiators
- XLP Sleep current under 1 uA typical (vs PIC16F18876-E/ML)
- Core Independent Peripherals (CWG, SMT, SCAN/CRC) (vs PIC16LF18855-E/ML)
- 44-QFN with 36 I/O and full PPS remapping (vs PIC16LF18856-I/SS)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 32 MHz active and VDD=3.3V, the PIC16LF18876-E/ML draws approximately 5-7 mA typical. In Sleep mode with all peripherals disabled, current drops to <1 uA typical, enabling multi-year coin-cell operation if wake-up events are sparse. Use the LFINTOSC (31 kHz) or HFINTOSC with clock switching to balance throughput and consumption. Decouple VDD/VSS pairs with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of each pin pair.
The 44-QFN exposed pad (EP) must be soldered to a copper pour on the PCB and connected to VSS for thermal dissipation and electrical reference. For high-throughput or industrial-temperature designs, allocate at least 100 mm^2 of PCB copper to the EP pour. Estimated: with proper EP soldering, theta_JA drops to approximately 25-30 C/W, allowing operation across the full -40C to +125C range without derating.
The Configuration Words must be set before code execution or the device may default to a slow internal oscillator with pins in analog mode. Use MPLAB X IDE's Configuration Word tool or the #pragma config directive in XC8. A common mistake is omitting the PPS unlock sequence before remapping peripherals — without the unlock, the PPS registers appear read-only. Also ensure the ICSP pins RB6/RB7 are not accidentally assigned as GPIO through PPS in production firmware, or in-circuit programming will fail.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. This standard E-suffix variant is not AEC-Q100 qualified — automotive designs must use the PIC16F18876-E/MLVAO AEC-Q100 grade instead.
