PIC16LF818T-I/SSTSL - 8-bit MCU 1.75KB Flash 128 RAM 20-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF818T-I/SSTSL ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.41 | $2.41 |
| 10 | $2.17 | $21.70 |
| 100 | $1.95 | $195.00 |
| 500 | $1.78 | $890.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.6 | $1,600.00 |
PIC16LF818T-I/SSTSL Overview
What is a PIC16 8-bit microcontroller? A PIC16 microcontroller (MCU) is a Harvard-architecture CMOS flash-based device built around the PIC mid-range instruction set, providing deterministic real-time control in a compact footprint. Within the broader taxonomy, PIC16 MCUs sit between PIC10/12/14/16 family members (8-bit) and PIC18/PIC24/dsPIC33 (16-bit) families, all under the umbrella of embedded microcontrollers and the wider category of integrated circuits (semiconductor -> microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC16 family). The 'LF' prefix denotes the extended low-voltage variant, allowing operation down to 2.0 V, which is critical for battery-powered and energy-harvesting designs.
Key differentiating features of the PIC16LF818T-I/SSTSL include a wide 2.0 V to 5.5 V operating range, 16 general-purpose I/O, an internal 8 MHz oscillator (calibrated +/-1%), two analog comparators, a 10-bit ADC with up to 5 channels, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, and a synchronous serial port configurable for SPI or I2C. The 'I' suffix indicates the industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade, while 'SL' denotes a 20-SSOP tape-and-reel packing variant.
Architecturally the device pairs a 14-bit wide program word with an 8-bit data path, supported by a 35-instruction RISC-like set, hardware stack, and integrated brown-out reset plus power-on reset. Compared with larger PIC18 devices, the PIC16LF818T-I/SSTSL trades program memory depth for the smallest pin-count SSOP footprint in the family, making it ideal when PCB real estate is at a premium but full peripheral integration is still required.
Typical applications include sensor node signal conditioning, low-power IoT end-node controllers, battery management slave controllers, industrial 4-20 mA loop peripherals, and consumer white-goods user interfaces. Designers typically pair it with a PICkit programmer for in-circuit serial programming and use MPLAB X IDE with the XC8 compiler for firmware development.
When designing, verify that the application's peripheral mix does not exceed the SSOP-20 pin budget, and add a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of VDD. The internal 8 MHz oscillator reduces BOM cost but offers less accuracy than an external crystal.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing across 7 channels, drop-in alternatives, and design notes not collated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF818T-I/SSTSL — 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 PIC16LF818T-I/SSTSL (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, ADC, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF818T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.86 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF818-I/SSTSL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF818-I/SOTSL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF818T-I/SSTSL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF818T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF818T-I/SSTSL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.75 KB (1K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 10 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Digital I/O Pins | 16 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 5 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| Serial Interface | SSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz calibrated |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (208 mil) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packing | Tape and Reel |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF818T-I/SSTSL Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2/CVREF/VREF- — GPIO RA2 / ADC channel 2 / comparator Vref output / Vref- |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/C1OUT — GPIO RA3 / ADC channel 3 / comparator 1 output |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI — GPIO RA4 / ADC channel 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/SS/AN5 — GPIO RA5 / SPI slave select / ADC channel 5 |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RA6/OSC2/CLKO — GPIO RA6 / oscillator crystal output / clock out |
| Pin 7 | RA7/OSC1/CLKI — GPIO RA7 / oscillator crystal input / clock in |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0-5.5 V) |
| Pin 9 | RB0/INT — GPIO RB0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 10 | RB1/SDI/SDA — GPIO RB1 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 11 | RB2/SDO — GPIO RB2 / SPI data out |
| Pin 12 | RB3/SCK/SCL — GPIO RB3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 13 | RB4/PGM — GPIO RB4 / LVP programming |
| Pin 14 | RB5 — GPIO RB5 |
| Pin 15 | RB6/PGC — GPIO RB6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 16 | RB7/PGD — GPIO RB7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 17 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — GPIO RC0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock |
| Pin 18 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — GPIO RC1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 PWM |
| Pin 19 | RC2/CCP1 — GPIO RC2 / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — GPIO RC3 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF818T-I/SSTSL is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Industrial 4-20 mA Loop Peripherals, Consumer Appliance User Interfaces, Automotive Interior Accessories, Medical Monitoring Peripherals, Smart Energy Metering Slave Controllers.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF818T-I/SSTSL fits ultra-low-power wireless sensor nodes thanks to its 2.0 V minimum supply, nanoWatt sleep modes (under 1 uA typical), and integrated 10-bit ADC that interfaces directly to temperature, humidity, and gas sensors. Its 16 GPIO easily handles SPI to a sub-GHz transceiver and I2C to a digital sensor, while the internal 8 MHz oscillator eliminates an external crystal for BOM reduction. According to Microchip datasheet DS39689E, the LF818 achieves years of battery life on a single CR2032 in duty-cycled 1 percent duty applications.
Recommended
Industrial 4-20 mA Loop Peripherals
The PIC16LF818T-I/SSTSL is a strong fit for 4-20 mA current-loop peripherals such as field transmitters, valve positioners, and process sensors because its 10-bit ADC provides adequate resolution for 4-20 mA loop measurement and its two analog comparators enable fast over-current detection. The 2.0-5.5 V supply range accommodates loop-powered designs operating from a 24 V loop dropped through a regulator. Its industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade meets process plant environmental requirements per Microchip datasheet DS39689E.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance User Interfaces
The PIC16LF818T-I/SSTSL drives compact user interfaces in white goods, kitchen appliances, and HVAC controls where 1.75 KB Flash holds state-machine firmware for button scanning, LED driving, and seven-segment or basic LCD control. Its 16 GPIO is sufficient for 4x4 keypads plus LED indicators, and the SSP (SPI or I2C) master connects to a main controller or LED driver IC. The 20-SSOP low-profile package drops into slim product enclosures, and 2.0-5.5 V operation accepts both 3 V battery backup and 5 V mains-derived rails.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessories
Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, the PIC16LF818T-I/SSTSL serves well in non-safety automotive interior accessories such as ambient lighting controllers, USB charging port logic, and seat occupancy keypads. Its industrial -40C to +85C range meets cabin conditions, and the 10-bit ADC reads thermistor-based temperature inputs for fan or heater control. Designers targeting AEC-Q100 should select the PIC16LF819T-I/SS or PIC16F819 variants that have automotive-grade siblings in the same family per Microchip product tree.
Recommended
Medical Monitoring Peripherals
The PIC16LF818T-I/SSTSL is suitable for medical peripheral monitoring such as pulse oximeter front-ends, blood-pressure cuff pumps, and pill-dispenser controllers where deterministic real-time control is essential. Its hardware PWM drives pump motors while the 10-bit ADC samples pressure transducers, and nanoWatt sleep extends battery life in portable units. The 14-bit PIC16 instruction set is well documented and reviewable for FDA 510(k) submissions where firmware traceability matters.
Recommended
Smart Energy Metering Slave Controllers
The PIC16LF818T-I/SSTSL acts as a slave controller inside smart electricity, gas, and water meters, communicating with the main metrology IC over SPI or I2C and handling display refresh, tamper detection, and wireless M-Bus or LoRa uplink. Its 128-byte EEPROM stores calibration constants and tamper logs with byte-level endurance per Microchip datasheet DS39689E. Low sleep current and 2.0 V minimum supply extend meter battery life beyond the typical 10-year service target.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF818T-I/SSTSL — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF818T-I/SS | PIC16LF818-I/SSTSL | PIC16LF818-I/SOTSL | PIC16LF818T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP (208 mil) | 20-SSOP (208 mil) - same | 20-SSOP (208 mil) - same | 20-SSOP (208 mil) - same | 20-QFN - different |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) - identical | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) - identical | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) - identical | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) - identical |
| SRAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes - identical | 128 bytes - identical | 128 bytes - identical | 128 bytes - identical |
| EEPROM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes - identical | 128 bytes - identical | 128 bytes - identical | 128 bytes - identical |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V - identical | 2.0 V to 5.5 V - identical | 2.0 V to 5.5 V - identical | 2.0 V to 5.5 V - identical |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 10 MHz | 10 MHz - identical | 10 MHz - identical | 10 MHz - identical | 10 MHz - identical |
| ADC | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels - identical | 10-bit, 5 channels - identical | 10-bit, 5 channels - identical | 10-bit, 5 channels - identical |
| GPIO Count | 16 | 16 - identical | 16 - identical | 16 - identical | 16 - identical |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C - identical | -40C to +85C - identical | -40C to +85C - identical | -40C to +85C - identical |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-voltage operation in the PIC16F8xx family at 2.0 V (vs PIC16F818 (standard voltage variant))
- Larger SRAM than PIC16F84A predecessor (vs PIC16F84A (legacy PIC16 reference design))
- Integrated 10-bit ADC reduces external component count (vs PIC16F628A (no internal ADC))
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 8) and a bulk 1-10 uF capacitor near the MCU to suppress switching noise from the internal digital logic. For battery-powered designs, leverage the LF818's nanoWatt sleep modes (typical < 1 uA with WDT disabled) by entering SLEEP between ADC samples, and use the internal 8 MHz oscillator post-wakeup to avoid crystal startup delay. Estimated: at 3 V supply and 32 kHz WDT wake every 4 seconds, average current drops to ~3 uA for years-long CR2032 life.
The 20-SSOP package has 0.65 mm pin pitch and requires careful solder paste deposition - use a 4-mil stencil aperture to prevent bridging. Keep traces to the ICSP pins (RB6/PGC pin 15, RB7/PGD pin 16) short and accessible so a PICkit 3 or PICkit 4 programmer can be clipped on without removing the MCU. Add a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR (pin 4) to VDD for normal operation; omit only if using the internal MCLR disable fuse.
Do not exceed 5.5 V on VDD - the LF818 is not 5 V tolerant above 5.5 V, unlike some PIC18 variants. When migrating firmware from PIC16F84A or PIC16F628, note that the LF818 has a different configuration word layout and ADC channel mapping; consult Microchip datasheet DS39689E section 14 before porting code. Brown-out reset (BOR) should be enabled in the config word for industrial applications to avoid latch-up during supply dips. Avoid using pin 4 (RA4) as a high-speed digital output - it is an open-drain pin and requires an external pull-up.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product declaration. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the standard LF818 is industrial-grade only; AEC-Q100 automotive parts exist in the PIC16F819 family. Lead-free reflow profile JEDEC J-STD-020 compatible.
