PIC10LF320-I/OT - 8-Bit MCU, 16MHz, 448B Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC10LF320-I/OT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.68 | $0.68 |
| 10 | $0.61 | $6.10 |
| 100 | $0.55 | $55.00 |
| 500 | $0.48 | $240.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.42 | $420.00 |
PIC10LF320-I/OT Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory, and programmable I/O peripherals on one die. The PIC10LF320 belongs to the PIC10F family of 8-bit RISC microcontrollers -> 8-bit MCU category -> microcontroller -> embedded computing -> semiconductor. PIC MCUs are widely used in cost- and space-constrained applications where deterministic performance and low power draw are required.
Key features include an enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC core, 4-channel 10-bit ADC, two PWM modules (10-bit resolution), an 8-bit Timer0 with programmable prescaler, an 8-bit Timer2 with postscaler, an internal 16 MHz oscillator, and support for both 1.8V-3.6V (LF) and 2.3V-5.5V (F) supply ranges. The device also integrates an Enhanced Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (EUSART), three I/O pins with interrupt-on-change, individually selectable weak pull-ups, and a high-current sink/source pin for direct LED drive without external transistors.
The PIC10LF320 uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range architecture, which adds hardware stack depth (8 levels) and interrupt handling improvements over the baseline PIC10F family. The LF silicon is optimized for low-voltage operation down to 1.8V, enabling single-cell battery or energy-harvesting power designs. Program memory is 256 x 14 words (448 bytes), addressable via a 9-bit program counter, and self-programmable under software control via ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming).
Typical applications include LED lighting control, battery management for IoT sensors, consumer accessories, remote controls, small appliance control, and low-power IoT edge nodes. The combination of 6/8-pin SOT-23 footprint and 16 MHz performance makes it ideal when PCB real estate is at a premium.
When designing with this part, note that the LF (low-voltage) variant is required if your system bus runs below 2.3V; otherwise, use the PIC10F320 (F) variant for 2.3V-5.5V operation. The internal 16 MHz oscillator eliminates the need for an external crystal on most designs, reducing BOM cost and PCB area.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC10LF320-I/OT — 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 PIC10LF320-I/OT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, ADC, Timers, Package, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC10F320-I/OT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.33 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC10LF322-I/OT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC10LF320-E/OT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC10F320T-E/OT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.27 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC10LF320-I/OT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit Enhanced Mid-Range PIC RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 448 bytes (256 x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 64 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | None (emulated in Flash) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 16 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 250 ns at 16 MHz |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-cycle instructions |
| Hardware Stack | 8 levels |
| I/O Pins (6-pin variant) | 4 GPIO + 1 input-only + 1 reset |
| ADC | 8-bit, 3 channels |
| PWM Modules | 2 x 10-bit PWM |
| Timers | Timer0 (8-bit), Timer2 (8-bit with postscaler) |
| Communication | EUSART (Enhanced USART) |
| Supply Voltage (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | SOT-23-6 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC10LF320-I/OT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GP3/MCLR — General-purpose I/O / Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 2 | GP0/AN0/PWM1 — GPIO / Analog input 0 / PWM1 output |
| Pin 3 | GP1/AN1/PWM2 — GPIO / Analog input 1 / PWM2 output |
| Pin 4 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 5 | GP2/AN2/TX/CK — GPIO / Analog input 2 / EUSART TX or clock |
| Pin 6 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V to 3.6V) |
Typical Applications
PIC10LF320-I/OT is suitable for 6 applications: LED Lighting and Indicator Drivers, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Edge Nodes, Consumer Remote Controls, Small Appliance and Toy Control, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, USB HID and Capacitive Touch Interface.
LED Lighting and Indicator Drivers
The PIC10LF320-I/OT is well-suited for compact LED driver applications. Its high-current sink/source pin (rated 25 mA source, 25 mA sink per GPIO) can directly drive indicator LEDs without external transistors, while two 10-bit PWM modules support smooth brightness dimming. The 4 GPIO pins in the SOT-23-6 package can sense user inputs (buttons, rotary) and drive RGB or single-color LED chains. At 16 MHz, the core easily executes chase patterns, color mixing, and basic ambient-light feedback loops. The 1.8V-3.6V supply range (LF) lets designs run on a single CR2032 coin cell or 2xAAA batteries, ideal for decorative lighting strips and portable accent lights. Program Flash of 448 bytes is sufficient for 50-100 LED patterns.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Edge Nodes
The PIC10LF320-I/OT fits low-power IoT edge nodes where PCB area and battery life dominate the BOM. Operating from 1.8V to 3.6V, it runs directly from a single CR2032 or CR2477 coin cell, enabling multi-year battery life when combined with sleep-mode firmware. The 3-channel 8-bit ADC handles analog sensor inputs (temperature, light, gas), while the EUSART provides UART output to an external BLE or Sub-GHz radio module. With 64 bytes of RAM and 448 bytes of Flash, it can run periodic sensor sampling, threshold detection, and packet formatting. The 16 MHz core completes most sensor-conditioning routines in microseconds, allowing aggressive duty-cycling for low average current.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Controls
The PIC10LF320-I/OT is commonly used in IR/RF remote control designs. Its 16 MHz core easily generates 38 kHz carrier frequencies for IR transmission, while the EUSART handles UART-based RF modules at standard baud rates. The 4 GPIO interface with 3 interrupt-on-change capable pins supports up to 4-8 button inputs via a diode matrix or a key-scan with the high-current source pin. With only 448 bytes of Flash, firmware fits typical remote-control applications: button decoding, IR protocol generation (NEC, RC5, Sony SIRC), battery-low detection via ADC, and sleep-current optimization. The SOT-23-6 footprint fits inside the slimmest remote-control housings.
Recommended
Small Appliance and Toy Control
The PIC10LF320-I/OT targets cost-sensitive small appliances and toys where the MCU must fit a tiny PCB and sell for cents. Its enhanced mid-range core executes 35 instructions including multiply, allowing compact code for motor control, sound generation, and LED animation. The 2 PWM modules (10-bit) drive small DC motors or vibration motors for haptic feedback in toys. The 1.8V minimum supply (LF) accommodates 2xAAA alkaline cells, while the 3.6V maximum prevents damage from fresh batteries. The 4 GPIO can read limit switches, drive buzzers, and sense battery voltage via the ADC.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC10LF320-I/OT handles low-side industrial signal conditioning tasks such as 4-20 mA loop transmitters, thermocouple cold-junction compensation, and resistive bridge excitation. Its 3-channel 8-bit ADC samples sensor outputs at 100+ kSps, while the 16 MHz core implements digital filtering and linearization. The 1.8V-3.6V supply can be derived from a 24V industrial loop via a low-dropout regulator like the MCP1700. The SOT-23-6 package enables integration directly inside sensor housings, eliminating the need for separate controller PCBs. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range suits most factory-floor deployments.
Recommended
USB HID and Capacitive Touch Interface
The PIC10LF320-I/OT serves as a low-cost HID-class device controller, simple capacitive-touch button interface, or potentiometer replacement. Although the device lacks native USB, the EUSART can bit-bang low-speed USB with appropriate firmware, enabling basic HID peripherals (volume knobs, presentation clickers). Capacitive touch sensing is implemented using the ADC to measure RC time constants on touch pads, with the high-impedance GPIO pins providing adequate sensitivity. The 4 GPIO and 448 bytes Flash fit 1-3 touch buttons plus a basic HID descriptor. Industrial temperature range suits automotive and appliance HMI applications.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC10LF320-I/OT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC10F320-I/OT | PIC10LF322-I/OT | PIC10LF320-E/OT | PIC10F320T-E/OT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SOT-23-6 | SOT-23-6 | SOT-23-6 | SOT-23-6 | SOT-23-6 |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Flash | 448 bytes | 448 bytes | 896 bytes | 448 bytes | 448 bytes |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz |
| GPIO Count | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Data RAM | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes |
| ADC | 8-bit, 3 channels | 8-bit, 3 channels | 8-bit, 3 channels | 8-bit, 3 channels | 8-bit, 3 channels |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-voltage operation in the PIC10F family (vs PIC10F320-I/OT)
- Double the program memory vs predecessor (vs PIC10F200-I/OT)
- High-current sink/source pin for direct LED drive (vs PIC10F220-I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC10LF320-I/OT supports a wide 1.8V-3.6V supply range, but peak current draw at 16 MHz with all peripherals active can reach 3-4 mA. For battery designs, configure the CPU to run from the internal 16 MHz HFINTOSC only when sampling, then drop to the 31 kHz LFINTOSC during sleep. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin, with a bulk 1-10 uF tantalum or ceramic if the supply source has high impedance. Avoid long VDD traces that share routing with high-current GPIO to prevent noise coupling into the ADC.
The SOT-23-6 footprint requires careful thermal relief for hand-soldering but is fully compatible with standard 0603 land patterns. Keep outrigger copper pours at least 0.2 mm from the SOT-23-6 pads to prevent solder bridges during reflow. The exposed thermal pad is not present on the SOT-23-6, so all heat dissipation must be through the 6 lead fingers. Ground the VSS pin (pin 4) to a continuous ground pour, and avoid routing digital switching signals across the analog ADC inputs (GP0, GP1, GP2) to minimize crosstalk into ADC samples.
The PIC10LF320-I/OT datasheet specifies 448 bytes of program Flash but only 256 14-bit words of program memory; the 14-bit instruction word means binary code may not fit byte-for-byte comparisons with 8-bit MCUs. Configuration bits (CONFIG) must be set before code execution; leaving them at default can result in unexpected clock source or watchdog behavior. The MCLR pin (GP3) is input-only and cannot be used as a general output - the datasheet marks it specifically. If your firmware uses the EUSART, ensure the baud-rate generator (SPBRG) value is recalculated for any non-default oscillator frequency, as timing errors will cause framing failures at high baud rates.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose AEC-Q100-grade PIC16F variants for automotive. Halogen-free and lead-free packaging confirmed by Microchip environmental certification.