PIC12F1501-I/P - 8-Bit 20MHz MCU 1.75KB Flash DIP-8 | Microchip
MPN: PIC12F1501-I/P β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.4 | $1.40 |
| 10 | $1.22 | $12.20 |
| 100 | $1.02 | $102.00 |
| 500 | $0.86 | $430.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.74 | $740.00 |
PIC12F1501-I/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer-on-a-chip containing a CPU, program memory (typically Flash), RAM, and integrated peripherals such as ADCs, timers, and communication interfaces. PIC12F microcontrollers sit in the 8-bit MCU hierarchy as: PIC12F -> mid-range 8-bit core -> PIC microcontrollers -> microcontrollers (MCU) -> embedded ICs -> semiconductors. The 8-pin DIP package makes them popular for breadboard prototypes, hobby projects, and space-constrained designs where surface mount is undesirable.
Key specifications include a 20MHz maximum clock frequency, 1.75KB Flash program memory with self-programmability, 64 bytes of RAM, hardware CLC for combinational logic without external gates, a 16-bit PWM with independent timers, and a 10-bit ADC supporting up to 4 analog channels. The device supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) for field updates and in-circuit debugger (ICD) interfaces for development.
The PIC12F1501 uses a 14-bit instruction word RISC architecture with a Harvard bus design separating program and data memory, enabling predictable single-cycle instruction execution for most instructions. The integrated NCO peripheral provides fine-grained frequency synthesis useful for driving LEDs, generating IR carrier signals, or producing audio tones in software-defined applications.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer appliances, battery-powered sensor nodes, LED lighting controllers, remote control transmitters, and hobbyist / maker projects. The wide 2.5V-5.5V supply range supports direct operation from a single Li-ion cell with boost regulation or from two AA cells in series.
When designing, verify that the CLC and NCO peripheral configurations match the application - the CLC can replace external logic gates reducing BOM cost and PCB area. Ensure ICSP connections (PGD/PGC) are accessible for firmware updates during development and field service.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical engineering notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet, giving component buyers and embedded engineers a single-page procurement reference.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12F1501-I/P β 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 PIC12F1501-I/P (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Core Architecture, Timers, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12F1571-I/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.74 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC12LF1501-I/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1501-E/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC12F1822-I/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1840-I/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.85 / Unit
View Datasheet βATtiny13A-PU
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1501-I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC (8-bit enhanced mid-range) |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 1.75 KB (1K x 14 words) |
| RAM Size | 64 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns (single cycle) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 4 channels |
| PWM Modules | 16-bit PWM, 10-bit PWM |
| Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) | Yes (integrated combinational logic) |
| Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO) | Yes (20-bit, integrated) |
| Timers | 16-bit Timer 1, 8-bit Timer 0/2 |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP (P) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| ICSP Programming | Yes (PGD/PGC) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | Not applicable (through-hole) |
PIC12F1501-I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VPP/RA5/ICSPCLK β Programming voltage / GPIO RA5 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+/ICSPDAT β GPIO RA0 / ADC channel 0 / comparator input / ICSP data |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1/C1IN-/VREF+ β GPIO RA1 / ADC channel 1 / comparator input / voltage reference plus |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/T0CKI/PWM β GPIO RA2 / ADC channel 2 / Timer 0 clock / PWM output |
| Pin 5 | RA3/MCLR/VPP β GPIO RA3 / Master Clear (reset) / programming voltage |
| Pin 6 | RA4/AN3/T1G/OSC2/CLKOUT β GPIO RA4 / ADC channel 3 / Timer 1 gate / crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/CLC1IN0/OSC1/CLKIN β GPIO RA5 / ADC channel 4 / CLC input 0 / crystal oscillator input / external clock in |
| Pin 8 | VSS/GND β Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12F1501-I/P is suitable for 7 applications: LED Lighting Controller, Battery-Powered Sensor Node, IR Remote Control Transmitter, Hobbyist / Maker Prototype Board, Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Controller, Automotive Interior Accessory (Non-Safety), Capacitive Touch Button Replacement.
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC12F1501-I/P's integrated 16-bit PWM module and 10-bit ADC make it well-suited for LED lighting controllers in decorative, signage, and architectural illumination. The 20 MHz CPU clock enables smooth PWM fade transitions and color-mixing routines without external driver ICs, while the 6 I/O pins can directly drive two RGB LED channels. The internal NCO provides fine-grained frequency synthesis for high-frequency PWM dimming up to 100 kHz, eliminating LED shimmer in video capture scenarios. Operates directly from a 5V supply or boost-converted Li-ion, simplifying single-cell battery LED designs.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC12F1501-I/P's 2.5V-5.5V supply range, sleep current in the microamp range, and integrated 10-bit ADC are well-suited for remote battery-powered sensor nodes measuring temperature, light, or battery voltage. The 1.75 KB Flash is sufficient for sensor linearization, threshold detection, and duty-cycled wake/sleep routines. Combined with the CLC peripheral, the MCU can wake on external interrupt and execute logic without waking the CPU, maximizing battery life in years-long deployments.
Recommended
IR Remote Control Transmitter
The PIC12F1501-I/P's 20-bit NCO is purpose-built for IR remote control transmitters, generating precise 38 kHz / 56 kHz carrier frequencies with sub-Hz resolution for consumer electronics protocols. The integrated PWM can drive the IR LED directly through a single transistor, and the CLC can compose the protocol's bit encoding in hardware, freeing the CPU for button scanning and power management. With 6 I/O pins, the MCU supports up to 5 buttons plus the IR LED output, sufficient for typical TV, set-top-box, or fan remote designs.
Recommended
Hobbyist / Maker Prototype Board
The PIC12F1501-I/P's through-hole PDIP-8 package is ideal for hobbyist and educational prototyping on breadboards and stripboards, where surface-mount packages would be impractical. The 6 I/O pins provide just enough connectivity for switches, LEDs, and a serial UART interface to a host computer. Microchip's free MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler support the PIC12F1501, and the Curiosity Development Board provides an inexpensive programming and debugging platform for first-time users learning 8-bit embedded programming.
Recommended
Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Controller
The PIC12F1501-I/P targets low-cost consumer appliances such as coffee makers, electric toothbrushes, and small kitchen devices where BOM cost under $0.50 for the MCU is critical. The integrated 10-bit ADC reads potentiometer or thermistor inputs, the PWM drives a heating element or motor FET via a single transistor, and the CLC implements safety interlocks in hardware. The 1.75 KB Flash is sufficient for state-machine control logic, EEPROM emulation in Flash, and UART diagnostics for factory test.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessory (Non-Safety)
The PIC12F1501-I/P's extended operating temperature range and automotive-grade sibling PIC12F1501T-I/P variants make it suitable for non-safety interior automotive accessories such as ambient lighting controllers, USB charging indicators, and seat-heater timers. The 6 I/O pins handle button inputs and LED/PWM outputs, while the integrated ADC reads cabin sensors. For safety-critical functions, migrate to AEC-Q100 qualified parts in the PIC16F or dsPIC33 families.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch Button Replacement
The PIC12F1501-I/P's CLC and 10-bit ADC can implement simple capacitive touch sensing using the mTouch framework available in MPLAB Code Configurator, replacing mechanical push-buttons with touch pads in home appliances and consumer products. The integrated CLC handles the relaxation oscillator and touch detection without CPU intervention, enabling ultra-low-power touch wake-up. With 6 I/O pins, the MCU supports 3-4 touch buttons plus a status LED, suitable for kitchen or bathroom fixtures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12F1501-I/P β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12F1571-I/P | PIC12LF1501-I/P | PIC12F1501-E/P | PIC12F1822-I/P | PIC12F1840-I/P | ATtiny13A-PU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP | 8-pin PDIP - same | 8-pin PDIP - same | 8-pin PDIP - same | 8-pin PDIP - same | 8-pin PDIP - same | 8-pin PDIP - same |
| Program Memory | 1.75 KB Flash | 1.75 KB Flash | 1.75 KB Flash | 1.75 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash | 1 KB Flash |
| RAM Size | 64 bytes | 128 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 128 bytes | 256 bytes | 64 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| PWM Channels | 1 (16-bit) + 1 (10-bit) | 3 (16-bit) | 1 (16-bit) + 1 (10-bit) | 1 (16-bit) + 1 (10-bit) | 2 (10-bit) | 2 (10-bit) | 2 (8-bit) |
| ADC | 10-bit, 4 channels | 10-bit, 4 channels | 10-bit, 4 channels | 10-bit, 4 channels | 10-bit, 4 channels | 10-bit, 4 channels | 10-bit, 4 channels |
| Integrated CLC Logic | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| NCO | Yes (20-bit) | Yes (20-bit) | Yes (20-bit) | Yes (20-bit) | No | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated CLC logic replaces external gates (vs PIC10F200)
- More memory than PIC10F200 family (vs PIC10F200)
- Higher PWM resolution than ATtiny13A (vs ATtiny13A-PU)
- 20-bit NCO for precise frequency synthesis (vs PIC12F1822)
Design Notes
The PIC12F1501-I/P supports sleep currents under 1 uA typical (datasheet 40001632C), making it suitable for battery-powered designs. Use the PIC12LF1501 variant when operating from a single Li-ion cell at 3.0-3.6V nominal to skip boost regulation. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the supply pin, and consider a 10 uF bulk capacitor if VDD traces exceed 25 mm. The MCLR pin (pin 5) can be configured as a digital input when not used for reset, saving external components.
The PIC12F1501 shares the same 8-pin PDIP footprint with PIC10F and PIC12F family parts, but pin functions differ between families - always verify pin assignments in the datasheet before PCB reuse. RA5 (pin 7) is an input-only pin on PIC12F1501, unlike the bidirectional RA5 on some PIC16F variants. The internal oscillator calibration value must be loaded from Flash address 0xF800 after each reset, or use the factory-calibrated HFINTOSC default at 4 MHz, 8 MHz, or 16 MHz to skip calibration.
For through-hole PDIP prototypes, leave 2.54 mm pitch pads and route VDD/VSS on opposite sides of the chip for clean ground-return paths. For production migration to surface mount, the PIC12F1501-I/SN (SOIC-8) and PIC12F1501-I/MS (MSOP-8) variants share the pinout and can replace the PDIP without code changes. When using ICSP, route PGD (pin 2) and PGC (pin 1) to a 6-pin ICSP header with a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR to prevent spurious resets during programming.
The internal 16 MHz HFINTOSC has a typical accuracy of +/- 2% over 0-85C, suitable for UART communication at standard baud rates with a 0.5% clock error budget. For higher timing accuracy (UART over 9600 baud, PWM-critical motor control, IR protocols requiring tight carrier frequency), use an external crystal on OSC1/OSC2 (pins 7/6) - the PIC12F1501 supports crystal mode up to 20 MHz. The CLC peripheral can debounce noisy inputs in hardware without CPU overhead, reducing interrupt load in switch-matrix applications.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Standard PIC12F1501-I/P is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive applications, request AEC-Q100 qualified variants from Microchip or migrate to dsPIC33/PIC16F AEC-Q100 parts.
