PIC18LF1320-I/ML - 8-bit PIC18 MCU, 8KB Flash, 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF1320-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.43 | $5.43 |
| 10 | $4.89 | $48.90 |
| 100 | $4.21 | $421.00 |
| 500 | $3.65 | $1,825.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.12 | $3,120.00 |
PIC18LF1320-I/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (Flash), working RAM, peripheral interfaces, and I/O pins into one package. Microcontrollers sit within the broader semiconductor hierarchy as application-specific standard products, under the embedded processors and controllers category. The PIC18 sub-family is Microchip's mid-range 8-bit architecture, offering an enhanced instruction set, hardware multiply, and linear memory addressing compared to baseline and mid-range PIC16 devices.
Key features of the PIC18LF1320-I/ML include nanoWatt Technology for low-power operation with standby current as low as 0.1 microamps, six software-controlled power-managed modes, an enhanced CCP module, 10-bit ADC, and a 16-bit timer. The integrated analog and digital peripherals reduce external component count for sensor-interface and motor-control designs.
The device utilizes a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, paired with CMOS process technology and an instruction pipelining scheme that delivers up to 10 MIPS throughput at 40 MHz. A 16-bit instruction word and 8-bit data path provide a balance of code density and arithmetic capability suited to cost-sensitive embedded applications.
Typical applications include low-power sensor nodes, battery-powered instrumentation, remote controls, white goods and HVAC controls, and small appliance controllers. Designers choose this part when 8-bit simplicity and Microchip's MPLAB X toolchain are preferred over 32-bit alternatives.
When designing, ensure the supply rail provides 2.0 V to 5.5 V at the VDD pin with adequate decoupling (typically 0.1 uF ceramic close to each VDD/AVDD pin). For ultra-low standby current, leverage the nanoWatt modes and disable unused peripherals via the PMD registers.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric cross-references, and practical design considerations that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet summary.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF1320-I/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 PIC18LF1320-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, ADC, Operating Temperature Range, Operating Voltage Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18LF1330-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF1320-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF1220-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F1320-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF1230-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF1320-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 (8-bit RISC, Harvard) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 40 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 8 KB (4K x 16) |
| RAM | 256 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 16 |
| Package | 28-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| Timers | 16-bit |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt Technology, standby current down to 0.1 uA |
| Instruction Set | Enhanced PIC18 instruction set (16-bit instructions) |
| Throughput | Up to 10 MIPS at 40 MHz |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18LF1320-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / analog input AN2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 — Digital I/O / analog input AN3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Digital I/O / timer clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN4 — Digital I/O / analog input AN4 |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal/ceramic resonator input or external clock in |
| Pin 7 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal/ceramic resonator output or clock out |
| Pin 8 | RA6 — Digital I/O (also alternate oscillator) |
| Pin 9 | RA7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V-5.5V) |
| Pin 11 | RB0/INT0 — Digital I/O / external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 12 | RB1/INT1 — Digital I/O / external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Digital I/O (low-voltage programming) |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 17 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 18 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RC0 — Digital I/O / PWM output |
| Pin 22 | RC1 — Digital I/O / PWM output |
| Pin 23 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 24 | RC3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 25 | RC4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 26 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 27 | RC6 — Digital I/O / UART TX |
| Pin 28 | RC7 — Digital I/O / UART RX |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF1320-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Node, HVAC and White Goods Control, Remote Control / IR Transmitter, Industrial Sensor Interface Board, Small Appliance and Fan Controller, Smart Meter / Energy Monitor Edge Node.
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC18LF1320-I/ML's 2.0 V to 5.5 V operating range and nanoWatt standby current (down to 0.1 uA) make it a strong fit for battery-powered sensor nodes running from 2xAA alkaline, coin-cell, or lithium-thionyl-chloride cells. Its 10 MIPS throughput is sufficient to read a thermistor or I2C sensor and perform packetization in firmware. The 16 I/O pins can drive LEDs, analog front ends, and an external low-power radio module. Designers leverage the PMD register to disable unused peripherals and drop core current below 5 uA between samples. The 28-QFN (ML) package keeps total board area under 1 cm squared.
Recommended
HVAC and White Goods Control
The PIC18LF1320-I/ML is widely used in HVAC controllers, washing machines, and dishwasher front-panel modules because of its industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C) and stable 40 MHz operation. Its 10-bit ADC is sufficient to read thermistor inputs and analog sensors, while hardware PWM drives TRIAC phase-angle control or LED indicators. The 8 KB program budget is well-matched to appliance control loops with state machines and PID-firmware. The 28-QFN (ML) package fits inside small appliance control boards and provides good thermal connection for the internal voltage regulator.
Recommended
Remote Control / IR Transmitter
In handheld IR remote controls, the PIC18LF1320-I/ML delivers exactly the right balance: 8 KB of Flash for protocol libraries (NEC, RC5, SIRC, proprietary codes), 16 I/O for keypad matrix scanning, and nanoWatt sleep current that preserves battery life. The 40 MHz core generates accurate 38 kHz carrier frequencies for IR LEDs. Most remotes spend >99% of their lifetime in sleep; the 0.1 uA standby current combined with the 2.0 V minimum supply keeps alkaline or coin cells alive for years.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Board
Industrial sensor-interface boards use the PIC18LF1320-I/ML to digitize analog signals from bridge sensors, RTDs, or thermocouples and transmit them via UART, SPI, or CAN. The 10-bit ADC provides the resolution needed for moderate-precision measurements, and the PIC18 instruction set simplifies 16-bit math (multiplier built in). The -40C to +85C industrial range supports factory-floor environments. The 28-QFN (ML) package offers a small footprint for DIN-rail modules and exposed pad for thermal coupling to internal regulators.
Recommended
Small Appliance and Fan Controller
Small appliances such as stand fans, coffee grinders, and desktop humidifiers use the PIC18LF1320-I/ML to drive TRIAC, MOSFET, or DC motor outputs while handling user inputs from buttons and rotary encoders. The 16-bit timer with PWM output simplifies variable-speed fan or pump control, and the 10-bit ADC monitors motor current for stall detection. The wide 2.0 V to 5.5 V range means the same design can ship in 3 V or 5 V configurations without rework.
Recommended
Smart Meter / Energy Monitor Edge Node
Edge-side metering nodes use the PIC18LF1320-I/ML to read current transformers, calculate RMS values, and accumulate kWh counts that are later relayed by a radio or power-line module. The PIC18 core's hardware multiply accelerates RMS arithmetic without taxing the 10 MIPS budget, and nanoWatt idle keeps standby consumption negligible. The 28-QFN (ML) small form factor suits the meter base-board layout, while the industrial temperature range supports outdoor cabinet operation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF1320-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18LF1330-I/ML | PIC18LF1220-I/ML | PIC18F1320-I/ML | PIC18LF1230-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (ML) | 28-QFN (ML) - same | 28-QFN (ML) - same | 28-QFN (ML) - same | 28-QFN (ML) - same |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) | 4.2 V to 5.5 V (F) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) |
| Flash Memory | 8 KB | 8 KB | 4 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB |
| RAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Clock | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Core | PIC18 LF 8-bit | PIC18 LF 8-bit | PIC18 LF 8-bit | PIC18 F 8-bit | PIC18 LF 8-bit |
| Automotive Grade | No | No | No | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- Wide LF operating voltage 2.0 V to 5.5 V (vs PIC18F1320-I/ML)
- Higher Flash density than PIC18LF1220 (vs PIC18LF1220-I/ML)
- Lower voltage core enables longer battery life (vs PIC18F1320-I/ML)
Design Notes
The PIC18LF1320-I/ML must be supplied from a clean 2.0 V to 5.5 V rail. Place a 0.1 uF X7R ceramic bypass capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD/AVDD pin, paired with a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the regulator output. For lowest standby current, switch the system to nanoWatt sleep and disable peripherals via the PMD registers; this yields standby currents as low as 0.1 uA per the datasheet. Avoidance of any high-impedance analog input floating state during sleep prevents parasitic current through ESD-protection diodes.
Estimated: at 5 V VDD with 40 MHz active mode, the part draws ~11 mA, dissipating ~55 mW. With theta_JA near 35 C/W for the 28-QFN (ML), junction rise is ~2 C above ambient - well within ratings. Solder the central exposed pad to a continuous ground plane with multiple thermal vias for maximum power capability and mechanical reliability under thermal cycling.
Route the ICSP signals PGC (RB6) and PGD (RB7) with traces shorter than 50 mm and avoid running them parallel to high-current motor or relay traces. Place the 0.1 uF decoupling cap on each VDD pin with vias near the pad for low impedance. For the 28-QFN (ML), follow Microchip IPC-7351 footprint guidelines for QFN pad dimensions and ensure the central thermal pad has at least 4 thermal vias stitched through to the inner ground plane.
Do not exceed 5.5 V on VDD - even brief transients above 6 V can damage the LF core. When migrating code from PIC18F1320 (4.2V-5.5V) to the LF variant, the brown-out reset (BOR) and internal oscillator calibration values must be re-validated because the LF power-on reset thresholds differ. Always configure unused I/O pins as outputs low (not inputs) to prevent floating-pin current draw in sleep.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product specifications. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; the part targets industrial/consumer markets, not automotive. Halogen-free molding compound and lead-free terminations suitable for Pb-free reflow up to 260C.
