Microchip Technology has introduced the PIC16F132 and PIC18-Q35 8-bit families of MCUs, as an upgrade over the PIC16F13145, which combine traditional embedded control with integrated Configurable Logic Blocks (CLB), to bring CPLD-like programmable logic directly onto the microcontroller die.
The main difference between the two families is in logic density, where the PIC16F132x includes 32 Basic Logic Elements (BLEs), and the PIC18-Q35 offers 128 BLEs. Alongside the CLB, these MCUs also integrate security and voltage management features. Programming and Debugging Interface Disable (PDID) provides anti-tamper protection against unauthorized firmware access, and Multi-Voltage I/O (MVIO) allows direct communication across different voltage domains without external level shifters. The company also mentions that by executing logic functions on dedicated hardware rather than in software, the CLB architecture reduces CPU load and power consumption while ensuring deterministic behavior. This makes the devices well-suited for timing-critical applications such as motor control, industrial automation, consumer electronics, and automotive safety systems.
Microchip PIC16F132 and PIC18-Q35 specifications:
| Feature | PIC16F13256/76 Family | PIC18-Q35 Family |
|---|---|---|
| Core Features | ||
| CPU Architecture | Enhanced Mid-Range 8-bit PIC | PIC18 8-bit (higher performance) |
| Max Clock | 32 MHz | 64 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 125 ns | 62.5 ns |
| Hardware Stack Depth | 16 levels | 128 levels |
| CPU Features | Basic RISC | Vectored interrupts, system arbiter |
| Memory and Storage | ||
| Program Flash | Up to 28 KB | Up to 64 KB |
| SRAM | Up to 2 KB | Up to 4 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 Bytes |
|
| Memory Access Partition (MAP) | Yes |
|
| Device Info Area (DIA) | Yes |
|
| Configurable Logic / Hardware Acceleration | ||
| CLB (Configurable Logic Block) | 32 BLEs | 128 BLEs |
| LUT per BLE | 4-input |
|
| CLC (Configurable Logic Cells) | 4 | 8 |
| CLB Auto-load | Yes |
|
| DMA Support for CLB | - | Yes |
| Timers and PWM | ||
| 8-bit Timers | 2 (with HLT) |
|
| 16-bit Timers | 2 (TMR1/3) | 3 + 2 Universal Timers |
| Universal Timer (UTMR) | - | Yes |
| PWM Modules | 2 (16-bit dual PWM) |
|
| CCP Modules | 2 | 1 |
| CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) | - | Yes |
| NCO (Numerically Controlled Oscillator) | - | Yes |
| DSM (Data Signal Modulator) | - | Yes |
| Communication Interfaces | ||
| UART / EUSART | 2 EUSART | 2 UART (with protocol support) |
| UART Protocols | RS-232, RS-485, LIN | LIN, DALI, DMX, RS-232/485 |
| I2C/SPI | Up to 2 MSSP | 1 SPI + 1 I2C |
| DMA for Communication | - | Yes |
| Analog | ||
| ADC | 10-bit ADCC (200 ksps) | 10-bit ADCC (300 ksps) |
| ADC Channels | Up to 17 external | Up to 30 external |
| DAC | 1 × 10-bit | 1–2 × 8-bit |
| Comparators | 2 |
|
| Zero-Cross Detect | - | Yes |
| HLVD | Yes |
|
| FVR | Yes |
|
| Temperature Sensor | Yes |
|
| IO | ||
| Max I/O Pins | Up to 35 | Up to 43 |
| PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) | Yes |
|
| MVIO Pins | - | Yes (up to 12 pins) |
| High Voltage Tolerant Pins | - | Yes |
| Interrupt-on-Change | Yes |
|
| External Interrupts | 1 | Up to 3 |
| Security & Debug | ||
| ICSP | Yes |
|
| Debugging | Yes |
|
| PDID (Interface Disable) | Yes |
|
| Additional Security | Standard | SAF Lock, enhanced |
| CRC with Scanner | Yes |
|
| Power | ||
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V – 5.5V |
|
| Sleep Current | <600 nA typical | <1 µA typical |
| Packages | ||
| Pins | 28–44 pins | 28–48 pins |
| Types | SSOP, VQFN, PDIP, TQFP | SPDIP, SSOP, VQFN, TQFP |
| Temperature Range | Industrial: −40°C to 85°C Extended: −40°C to 125°C |
|
After looking at the specifications, it’s clear that the PIC18-Q35 is designed for more complex applications, with 4x higher CLB capacity (128 vs 32 BLEs) and various peripherals like the UTMR (with 32-bit chaining), NCO, and CWG, making it suitable for motor control and power conversion. In comparison, the PIC16F13256/76 is simpler but still offers a 10-bit DAC (vs 8-bit), dual comparators, and dual FVRs, making it a suitable option for analog-heavy, cost-sensitive designs that don’t require higher logic density.
On the software side, the Configurable Logic Blocks MCUs are fully supported by Microchip’s MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and the newer MPLAB Tools for Microsoft Visual Studio Code (VS Code). The company also integrated a free CLB Synthesizer tool into the MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC). It provides a drag-and-drop graphical interface, built-in simulation, and timing analysis tools, allowing developers to optimize routing and generate hardware logic without writing custom HDL code.
Microchip has also released two new boards, the PIC16F13276 Curiosity Nano and PIC18F56Q35 Curiosity Nano Evaluation Kit. Both are priced at $9.99 and come with an onboard debugger, USB Type-C, virtual COM port, and adjustable voltage (1.8V–5.1V). They also include a user LED, a button, a 32.768 kHz crystal, and a Curiosity Nano connector.
The PIC16F13276 MCUs are currently available starting at $0.32 in volume quantities, while the higher-end PIC18-Q35 devices start at $0.62. More information, including datasheet details and purchasing options, can be found on the 8-bit PIC MCUs product page and the press release.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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