PIC16LF818-I/SO - 8-Bit 10MHz 1.75KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF818-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.5 | $25.00 |
| 100 | $2.2 | $220.00 |
| 500 | $1.95 | $975.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.75 | $1,750.00 |
PIC16LF818-I/SO Overview
A PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) microcontroller is a Harvard-architecture RISC processor widely used in embedded systems. It integrates CPU, memory, and peripherals on a single die, making it ideal for control-oriented applications. Within the Microchip hierarchy, the PIC16F family sits between the baseline PIC10/12/16 series and the high-performance PIC18/PIC24 families, offering a balance of features, low power, and cost. The 'LF' prefix indicates the low-voltage F-version, while the 818 part number designates a member of the mid-range 8-bit lineup with integrated ADC and enhanced peripherals.
Key features include 1.75KB of flash program memory, 128 bytes of RAM, 16 digital I/O pins, a 10-bit ADC with up to 5 channels, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, and nanoWatt power management. The device supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via two pins, enabling field upgrades and easy prototyping. Master Synchronous Serial Port (MSSP) supports SPI and I2C communication for sensor and peripheral interfacing.
The PIC16LF818 implements a 14-bit instruction set optimized for compiled C efficiency, with a modified Harvard architecture separating program and data buses. The enhanced mid-range core adds hardware multiply support and improved context switching, while nanoWatt technology dynamically adjusts clock and bias currents based on active peripheral usage, achieving standby currents in the microampere range for sleep-mode battery applications.
Typical applications include low-power sensor nodes, battery-operated remote controls, industrial control interfaces, small appliance controllers, and handheld instrumentation. The wide 2.0V to 5.5V operating range and compact 18-SOIC footprint suit space-constrained designs where board area and power efficiency matter.
When designing with this MCU, ensure the in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) pins are accessible for firmware updates. The MSSP module requires careful configuration when sharing I/O lines with digital functions, and the ADC requires the appropriate reference voltage configuration for accurate conversions.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in PIC16F818 alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF818-I/SO — 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 PIC16LF818-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Internal Oscillator, Timers, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F818-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F818-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F818-E/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F818T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF818-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF818-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (modified Harvard) |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz (10 MIPS) |
| Program Memory | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) Flash |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| EEPROM | 128 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 16 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 5 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 18-SOIC (SOIC-18) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Communication | MSSP (SPI / I2C), USART |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
PIC16LF818-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2/CVREF/VREF- — Bidirectional I/O; analog channel 2; comparator reference output; ADC negative reference |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/C1OUT/VREF+ — Bidirectional I/O; analog channel 3; comparator 1 output; ADC positive reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O; analog channel 4; Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN5/SS/HLVDIN — Bidirectional I/O; analog channel 5; SPI slave select; high/low voltage detect input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal/oscillator input or external clock input |
| Pin 7 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal/oscillator output; clock output Fosc/4 in RC mode |
| Pin 8 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Bidirectional I/O; Timer 1 oscillator output; Timer 1 clock input |
| Pin 9 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Bidirectional I/O; Timer 1 oscillator input; CCP2 PWM/capture input |
| Pin 10 | RC2/CCP1 — Bidirectional I/O; CCP1 PWM output or capture input |
| Pin 11 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Bidirectional I/O; SPI clock; I2C clock |
| Pin 12 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Bidirectional I/O; SPI data in; I2C data |
| Pin 13 | RC5/SDO — Bidirectional I/O; SPI data out |
| Pin 14 | RC6/TX/CK — Bidirectional I/O; USART TX; USART clock |
| Pin 15 | RC7/RX/DT — Bidirectional I/O; USART RX; USART data |
| Pin 16 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O; external interrupt input |
| Pin 17 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V to 5.5V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF818-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Power Sensor Nodes, Battery-Operated Remote Controls, Industrial Control Interfaces, Small Appliance Controllers, Handheld Instrumentation, Automotive Interior Accessories.
Low-Power Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF818-I/SO's 2.0V to 5.5V supply range and nanoWatt sleep currents below 1 uA make it ideal for battery-operated sensor nodes. The 10-bit 5-channel ADC samples temperature, humidity, or analog sensor outputs with programmable acquisition timing. Combined with the MSSP I2C interface, the MCU reads digital sensors like the MCP9808 or Bosch BMP280 while drawing minimal quiescent current. Industrial-grade -40C to +85C operation handles outdoor deployments, and 128 bytes of EEPROM stores calibration constants non-volatilely. The 18-SOIC footprint fits compact PCB designs under coin-cell battery shields.
Recommended
Battery-Operated Remote Controls
Handheld remote control units benefit from the PIC16LF818-I/SO's low-voltage LF operation, allowing direct connection to two AAA cells that can discharge to 2.0V before brownout. The 16 digital I/O pins drive keypad matrix scanners and IR LED modulation circuits via PWM output on CCP1. nanoWatt technology minimizes standby current between button presses, while the 10 MIPS performance is sufficient for IR protocol encoding (RC5, NEC, SIRC) in real time. The 18-SOIC package fits in slim remote enclosures alongside a CR2032 or AAA battery compartment.
Recommended
Industrial Control Interfaces
Industrial control panels and HMI keypads use the PIC16LF818-I/SO for digital I/O scanning, contact debouncing, and serial communication with a master PLC. The 16-pin PORTB<7:0> ports include individual weak pull-ups and interrupt-on-change for responsive keypad scanning. The MSSP module runs SPI to drive LED indicators or I2C to communicate with EEPROM and RTC devices. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature rating handles factory floor environments, and the wide supply voltage tolerates 24V-derived 5V rails with adequate decoupling for reliable factory operation.
Recommended
Small Appliance Controllers
Small kitchen and household appliances like coffee makers, blenders, and fans use the PIC16LF818-I/SO for user-interface handling, sensor reading, and motor control timing. The 10-bit ADC measures temperature or potentiometer inputs to control heating elements or variable-speed fan drives. Two 8-bit timers and one 16-bit timer drive PWM for DC motor speed control. The PIC16LF818's robust 2.0V-5.5V supply handles rectified mains-derived rails. With 1.75KB flash, complex appliance-state machines and UI menu handling fit comfortably, and ICSP programming enables factory-line firmware updates through the same connector used for production test.
Recommended
Handheld Instrumentation
Portable measurement tools like multimeters and basic oscilloscope probes employ the PIC16LF818-I/SO for low-power data acquisition and LCD driving. The 10-bit ADC samples measurement inputs with selectable internal voltage reference, eliminating external reference ICs in low-cost designs. The 16 MHz internal RC oscillator option reduces external components, supporting a compact BOM. The 18-SOIC fits on small PCBs alongside LCD segments and rotary encoder inputs, while the LF variant's 2.0V minimum supply accommodates 3V lithium primary cells used in portable instrumentation applications.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessories
Aftermarket automotive interior modules like LED ambient lighting and door-switch controllers rely on the PIC16LF818-I/SO for solid-state switching and CAN-bridge logic. While not AEC-Q100 qualified itself, the LF variant's industrial -40C to +85C rating handles cabin temperature extremes. The 16 I/O pins and PWM-capable CCP module drive high-side LED drivers, while the MSSP SPI interface talks to peripheral CAN transceivers. The 18-SOIC package is robust against automotive vibration, and the wide VDD range tolerates 12V battery transients when properly regulated downstream by an automotive-grade LDO.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF818-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F818-I/SO | PIC16F818-I/SS | PIC16F818-E/SO | PIC16F818T-I/SO | PIC16LF818-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SOIC-18 | SOIC-18 (same) | SSOP-20 | SOIC-18 (same) | SOIC-18 (same) | SSOP-20 |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Program Memory | 1.75 KB Flash | 1.75 KB Flash (same) | 1.75 KB Flash (same) | 1.75 KB Flash (same) | 1.75 KB Flash (same) | 1.75 KB Flash (same) |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes (same) | 128 bytes (same) | 128 bytes (same) | 128 bytes (same) | 128 bytes (same) |
| I/O Pins | 16 | 16 (same) | 16 (same) | 16 (same) | 16 (same) | 16 (same) |
| ADC | 10-bit, 5-channel | 10-bit, 5-channel (same) | 10-bit, 5-channel (same) | 10-bit, 5-channel (same) | 10-bit, 5-channel (same) | 10-bit, 5-channel (same) |
| Clock Speed | 20 MHz (10 MIPS) | 20 MHz (10 MIPS) (same) | 20 MHz (10 MIPS) (same) | 20 MHz (10 MIPS) (same) | 20 MHz (10 MIPS) (same) | 20 MHz (10 MIPS) (same) |
| Lifecycle | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Wide low-voltage operating range for battery applications (vs PIC16F818-I/SO)
- Extended industrial temperature range (vs PIC16F818T-I/SO)
- Compact 18-SOIC footprint with full peripheral set (vs PIC16F818-E/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: Add a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of VDD pin (18), and optionally a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the supply rail. The PIC16LF818-I/SO draws up to 25 mA active at 20 MHz, plus 16 I/O pin sourcing. Ensure VDD rises monotonically for proper power-on reset; add an external RC delay (MCLR pull-up + capacitor) if the supply ramps slowly. The LF variant's 2.0V minimum supply enables direct 2xAA battery operation with brownout at 1.8V.
Reserve the ICSP pinout (RB6/RB7 or RB3/RA4 alternate functions) so programming tools can reach them after PCB assembly - either through test pads or accessible connector. Keep the ICSP lines short (under 50 mm) and isolate them with a guard trace or keep-out zone from noisy signals. The 18-SOIC pad pattern is standard 1.27 mm pitch with 0.41 mm wide pads; follow IPC-7351 SOIC-18 land pattern recommendations for proper reflow and wave-solder reliability.
Do not leave MCLR floating - tie it to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor, or to a programming connector for in-circuit programming. Configuration word settings (FOSC, WDTE, PWRTE, BOREN) are critical for reliable operation; verify them in source code via __CONFIG directives. The MSSP peripheral requires careful configuration when used in I2C mode - ensure SDA and SCL have pull-up resistors (typically 4.7 kohm at 5V, 10 kohm at 3.3V) and that TMR1 oscillator pins are properly configured when using Timer 1 external crystal mode.
When driving the ADC, add a small RC low-pass filter (1 kohm + 100 nF) on analog inputs to reduce switching-noise coupling. Use the 0.6V internal voltage reference for absolute measurements where supply variation matters, or VDD for ratiometric measurements like potentiometer positions. Allow a minimum acquisition time (Tacq) of 20 us per conversion for high-impedance sources - shorter times degrade accuracy. Decouple VREF+ separately from VDD for low-noise ADC operation.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page; lead-free SOIC-18 package. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for AEC-Q100 automotive applications, choose the PIC16F819-E/SO automotive-qualified family member or a dsPIC30/33 AEC-Q100 part.