PIC12F1572-E/MF - 8-bit MCU, 3.5KB Flash, 3x 16-bit PWM | Microchip
MPN: PIC12F1572-E/MF β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.42 | $1.42 |
| 10 | $1.27 | $12.70 |
| 100 | $1.1 | $110.00 |
| 500 | $0.97 | $485.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.86 | $860.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.78 | $2,340.00 |
PIC12F1572-E/MF Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash), working memory (RAM), and configurable peripherals on one die. 8-bit MCUs based on the PIC RISC architecture execute one instruction per clock cycle, providing deterministic timing that simplifies real-time control firmware. PIC microcontrollers sit within a broader product hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor -> integrated circuit. The PIC12 sub-family targets pin-constrained and cost-sensitive designs where an 8-pin package still must drive PWM, ADC, and communication tasks.
Key features include three independent 16-bit PWM outputs with dedicated timers for high-resolution control, an on-chip 10-bit ADC with up to 6 analog channels, a 5-bit DAC, two comparators, an EUSART, an MSSP (I2C/SPI) peripheral, and the Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) for full-bridge driver signaling. Internal oscillator options and an HFINTOSC of up to 32 MHz reduce external component count. The 8-pin DFN (MF suffix, 3x3 mm) package includes an exposed thermal pad for improved heat dissipation and PCB grounding.
Technically, the PIC12F1572 uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit core with a 14-bit instruction word, hardware multiplier, and 49 instruction set entries. Its three 16-bit PWM channels are timestamped against independent Timer2/4/6 instances and the CWG peripheral translates them into non-overlapping complementary outputs - critical for driving MOSFET half-bridges in power-conversion or LED-lighting stages without software overhead.
Typical applications include high-resolution LED lighting drivers, stepper motor and DC motor control, general-purpose power-supply regulation, automotive interior lighting, and consumer white-goods control boards. The wide operating voltage and AEC-Q100 grade also suit 12 V automotive body controllers and battery-powered sensor nodes where PCB area is constrained.
A key design consideration is the 8-pin I/O budget: only 6 general-purpose I/O pins are available, so multiplexed peripherals (PWM, ADC, EUSART, MSSP) must be carefully allocated. Designers should reserve the exposed pad for solder-joint reliability and connect it to a low-impedance ground pour to meet the package's thermal performance.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, AEC-Q100-grade drop-in alternatives in the same 8-pin DFN package, and practical design notes for the PIC12F1572-E/MF that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12F1572-E/MF 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 PIC12F1572-E/MF (same form factor and footprint) β differing in ADC, Package, MSL Level, Comparators, Instruction Set.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12F1571-E/MF
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1572-I/MF
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.85 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC12F1501-E/MF
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1501-I/MF
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1571T-I/MS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.46 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC12F1572-E/MF Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit enhanced mid-range |
| Instruction Set | RISC, 14-bit word, 49 instructions |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM | 256 bytes |
| Max CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| 16-bit PWM Channels | 3 (independent timers) |
| Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) | Yes |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 6 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit, 1 channel |
| Comparators | 2 |
| EUSART | 1 |
| MSSP (I2C/SPI) | 1 |
| Internal Oscillator | HFINTOSC up to 32 MHz |
| Package | 8-pin DFN (3x3 mm) with exposed pad (MF) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (automotive "-E" grade) |
| AEC-Q100 Qualification | Qualified (automotive grade) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC12F1572-E/MF Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (2.3 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 β Bidirectional I/O / analog input / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 3 | RA4 β Bidirectional I/O / analog input / PWM3 |
| Pin 4 | RA3 β Bidirectional I/O / MCLR (reset input) |
| Pin 5 | RA2 β Bidirectional I/O / analog input / PWM2 / DAC output |
| Pin 6 | RA1 β Bidirectional I/O / analog input / PWM1 / CWG output |
| Pin 7 | RA0 β Bidirectional I/O / analog input / CWG output / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 8 | VSS β Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12F1572-E/MF is suitable for 6 applications: High-Resolution LED Lighting Drivers, Stepper and DC Motor Control, Automotive Body and Interior Electronics, Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes, General-Purpose Power Supply Regulation, Consumer White-Goods Control Boards.
High-Resolution LED Lighting Drivers
The PIC12F1572-E/MF fits RGB and tunable-white LED lighting because it delivers three independent 16-bit PWM channels with a 32 MHz instruction clock, giving a PWM resolution of about 11.9-bit at 30 kHz. The CWG peripheral generates complementary outputs for buck/boost LED drivers without software overhead, while the AEC-Q100 grade supports automotive interior lighting up to 125 C. Place the MCU between the 5 V logic rail and the LED string drivers; its 6 GPIO pins can directly drive three low-side MOSFETs for tri-color mixing at up to 1 kHz refresh.
Recommended
Stepper and DC Motor Control
Three 16-bit PWMs and the CWG make the PIC12F1572-E/MF ideal for two-phase stepper or brushless DC motor control in space-constrained designs. Each PWM can drive a separate half-bridge through the CWG dead-band generator, providing 200 ns to 200 us programmable dead time to prevent shoot-through. The 32 MHz core runs an FOC or trapezoidal commutation loop at 20 kHz with a 10-bit ADC sampling the back-EMF or current shunt. Operating from 2.3-5.5 V lets the MCU share the motor driver's logic rail directly.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Interior Electronics
AEC-Q100 qualification and the -40C to +125C operating range let the PIC12F1572-E/MF serve 12 V automotive body controllers, seat heaters, mirror adjusters, and interior lighting nodes. Its 8-pin DFN footprint fits inside the small module housings of body electronics, while the 32 MHz core provides 8 MIPS for state-machine firmware with LIN-capable EUSART and PWM dimming. Use the CWG peripheral to dead-time-control two MOSFETs in an H-bridge seat-position actuator with sub-microsecond switching accuracy.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes
The PIC12F1572-E/MF supports battery-powered IoT sensor nodes with its 2.3 V minimum supply, on-chip HFINTOSC at 32 MHz (no external crystal), and low-power sleep modes. The 10-bit ADC reading a thermistor, photocell, or battery monitor plus the EUSART reporting over UART combine into a compact 8-pin design with no external components beyond two bypass capacitors. Idle current at 2 V is in the microamp range per Microchip datasheet 40001723D, supporting multi-year coin-cell life in periodic-transmit applications.
Recommended
General-Purpose Power Supply Regulation
Three independent 16-bit PWMs and the CWG let the PIC12F1572-E/MF build a digital buck, boost, or flyback controller for sub-50 W converters. The 10-bit ADC closes the voltage loop at 100 kHz sample rate, and the 5-bit DAC provides a programmable reference for current-mode control. The DFN-EP package's exposed pad sinks gate-drive switching losses while keeping the analog ground plane clean for low-noise feedback sensing in audio-grade or instrumentation supplies.
Recommended
Consumer White-Goods Control Boards
White-goods controllers in washing machines, dishwashers, and coffee makers benefit from the PIC12F1572-E/MF's three PWMs for motor and valve timing, its 10-bit ADC reading temperature and water-level sensors, and its AEC-Q100 robustness for high-humidity environments. The MSSP peripheral can drive an I2C display or user-interface keypad, while the EUSART provides diagnostics logging. Operating from 5 V and surviving 125 C makes it tolerant of steam-cabinet mounting locations.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12F1572-E/MF β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12F1571-E/MF | PIC12F1572-I/MF | PIC12F1501-E/MF | PIC12F1501-I/MF | PIC12F1571T-I/MS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 8-pin DFN (3x3 mm) | 8-pin DFN (3x3 mm) - same | 8-pin DFN (3x3 mm) - same | 8-pin DFN (3x3 mm) - same | 8-pin DFN (3x3 mm) - same | 8-pin MSOP - same pin count, different footprint |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 2 KB | 2 KB | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) |
| RAM | 256 bytes | 128 bytes | 256 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| 16-bit PWM Channels | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ADC | 10-bit, 6 channels | 10-bit, 6 channels | 10-bit, 6 channels | 10-bit, 6 channels | 10-bit, 6 channels | 10-bit, 6 channels |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (automotive) | -40C to +125C (automotive) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +125C (automotive) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| AEC-Q100 Qualification | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- Largest Flash in the 8-pin PIC12F157x family (vs PIC12F1571-E/MF)
- Automotive grade with full -40C to +125C support (vs PIC12F1572-I/MF)
- Compact DFN-EP footprint for space-constrained designs (vs PIC12F1571T-I/MS)
Design Notes
The 8-pin DFN (MF suffix, 3x3 mm) package has an exposed thermal pad on the bottom-center. Solder this pad to a continuous ground copper pour (recommended minimum 100 mm^2 connected via at least 5 thermal vias to the inner ground plane) for both thermal dissipation and mechanical solder-joint reliability. Skip the exposed-pad solder connection only if your application explicitly tolerates a higher junction temperature.
Place a 100 nF ceramic bypass capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin and a bulk 1-10 uF capacitor on the same rail. The PIC12F1572-E/MF datasheet (40001723D) warns that inadequate decoupling can cause code-fetch corruption during PWM transitions. Keep the decoupling loop area small and avoid running high-current switching traces under the MCU package to prevent digital-noise coupling into the analog supply pin.
The PIC12F1572-E/MF has only 6 general-purpose I/O pins; multiplexing PWM, ADC, EUSART, and MSSP onto 6 pins requires careful peripheral-pinning. Configuring RA3 as MCLR (reset) is mandatory on most parts - leave RA3 floating and the device will not start. Use the internal weak pull-up on MCLR only when a manual reset button is wired through a series resistor, otherwise a low-impedance 10 kohm pull-up to VDD is recommended.
Estimated: at 32 MHz core speed and 5.5 V supply, the PIC12F1572-E/MF draws approximately 7 mA active and 50 nA sleep. Worst-case active power dissipation is 7 mA x 5.5 V = 38.5 mW, well within the DFN-EP package's 125 C rating. Confirm thermal margins only if you operate continuously at +125 C and 5.5 V with PWM outputs driving heavy gate loads.
When using the CWG peripheral to drive MOSFET half-bridges, program the dead-band control register for a minimum dead time of at least 200 ns to prevent shoot-through. Route the complementary outputs to adjacent GPIO pins to minimize trace-length mismatch and avoid routing them across the analog ADC inputs; otherwise PWM edge transitions will couple noise into ADC conversions and degrade measurement accuracy.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 qualified per Microchip product family literature; RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Halogen-free per Microchip DFN package datasheet addendum.
