Microchip PIC16LF18323-I/SL: A Comprehensive Technical Overview

The Microchip PIC16LF18323-I/SL represents a significant offering within the expansive PIC® 16F family of 8-bit microcontrollers (MCUs). Designed for applications where low power consumption, compact form factor, and a rich set of peripherals are paramount, this MCU is a versatile solution for embedded systems in consumer, industrial, and Internet of Things (IoT) domains.

Housed in a 14-pin SOIC package, the device is built on Microchip's enhanced mid-range core with a 16-level deep hardware stack and 49 instructions. Operating at a maximum frequency of 32 MHz, it delivers a solid 8-bit RISC performance capable of handling a wide array of control-oriented tasks. A key differentiator is its ultra-low-power (XLP) technology, which enables it to operate efficiently in battery-sensitive applications, with typical sleep currents in the nanoampere range.

The memory configuration is tailored for data-intensive operations. It features 3.5 KB of Flash program memory and 128 Bytes of RAM, supplemented by an impressive 256 Bytes of high-endurance EEPROM data memory. This non-volatile storage is crucial for storing calibration data, user settings, or event logs without requiring an external chip.

A standout feature of the PIC16LF18323 is its rich peripheral set, which drastically reduces the need for external components. It includes:

mTouch® capacitive sensing module for implementing robust touch interfaces without external components.

Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), useful for precise control of switching power converters and motor drives.

Two Configurable Logic Cells (CLCs) that allow the creation of custom hardware logic functions, enabling peripheral-to-peripheral communication without CPU intervention, thereby boosting system efficiency.

NanoWatt XLP Technology for extreme low-power operation, extending battery life in portable devices.

Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (EUSART) and Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) / Inter-Integrated Circuit (I²C) modules for versatile communication.

Development is supported by Microchip's comprehensive ecosystem, including the MPLAB® X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and the PICkit™ 4 programmer, allowing for rapid prototyping and debugging.

ICGOOODFIND: The PIC16LF18323-I/SL is a highly integrated, feature-rich 8-bit MCU that excels in low-power and space-constrained designs. Its unique combination of core-independent peripherals like CLC and CWG, along with its capacitive sensing capabilities and ample EEPROM, makes it an exceptionally flexible and powerful choice for modern embedded designs, from smart sensors to advanced control systems.

Keywords: Low-Power MCU, 8-bit Microcontroller, Capacitive Sensing, Configurable Logic Cells (CLC), NanoWatt XLP