PIC12F1572-E/SN - 8-bit MCU, 32MHz, 3.5KB Flash, 16-bit PWM | Microchip
MPN: PIC12F1572-E/SN ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.25 | $1.25 |
| 10 | $1.12 | $11.20 |
| 100 | $0.99 | $99.00 |
| 500 | $0.88 | $440.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.78 | $780.00 |
PIC12F1572-E/SN Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, used for embedded control tasks where simple deterministic logic, low cost, and low power outweigh raw computation. MCUs belong to the broader category of microcontrollers within integrated circuits, sitting alongside memory ICs and interface ICs in the semiconductor hierarchy. The PIC12F1572 occupies the small-package / low-pin-count end of this family, optimized for compact analog and lighting designs.
Key features include three independent 16-bit PWM channels with dedicated timers for high-resolution control, six 10-bit ADC channels, one comparator, four 8-bit DAC references, and four I/O pins. The device supports 1.8V to 5.5V operation across -40C to +125C and includes an internal 32MHz oscillator configurable to multiple frequencies. Core-independent peripherals let the CPU sleep while PWM, ADC, and comparator continue running, reducing total system power.
The architecture uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC core with 49 instructions and a 200ns instruction cycle at 20MHz, pipelined to deliver 32MHz (16 MIPS) throughput. The 16-bit PWM peripheral is generated from a separate timer base, providing edge-aligned and center-aligned modes with up to 16-bit resolution. This decoupling from the CPU allows precise motor and lighting control without software overhead.
Typical applications include LED lighting drivers, stepper motor control, DC-DC converter control loops, battery chargers, and general-purpose analog signal conditioning. The 16-bit PWM with 10-bit ADC feedback is well-matched to closed-loop current regulation for LED drivers and small motor control. The wide 1.8V-5.5V supply range supports both lithium-ion and 5V regulated systems.
When designing with this MCU, ensure that the ICSP programming pins (ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT) are accessible on the PCB for in-circuit programming and that the MCLR pull-up is correctly configured. Use MPLAB X IDE with the MPLAB XC8 C compiler, and a PICkit 4, ICD 4, or Snap programmer for development.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12F1572-E/SN — 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/SN (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Core Architecture, Instruction Set, Maximum CPU Speed.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12F1571-E/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F1572-I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F1501-E/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.58 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F1572-E/SN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | Enhanced Mid-Range 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM | 256 bytes |
| EEPROM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz (16 MIPS) |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns at 20 MHz |
| Number of I/O Pins | 6 (of 8 package pins) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C |
| ADC Resolution / Channels | 10-bit / 6 channels |
| Comparator | 1 on-chip |
| 8-bit DAC References | 4 |
| PWM Channels | 3 x 16-bit |
| Internal Oscillator | 32 MHz selectable, software tunable |
| Package | 8-pin SOIC (SN, 0.154 in / 3.90 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Halogen-Free | Yes |
| Programming / Debug Interface | ICSP (2-wire) via PICkit 4 / ICD 4 / Snap |
| Timer Modules | 3 (one dedicated to 16-bit PWM generation) |
PIC12F1572-E/SN Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — Digital I/O / Master Clear (reset, active low) / ICSP programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA5/AN3/CWG1IN/T1G/CLKIN/PWM3OUT — Digital I/O / ADC ch3 / Comparator input / PWM3 output |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN2/CWG1OUT/PWM2OUT — Digital I/O / ADC ch2 / CWG1 output / PWM2 output |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN1/C1IN0-/DAC1OUT/PWM1OUT — Digital I/O / ADC ch1 / Comparator ch0 inverting / DAC1 out / PWM1 out |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN4/C1IN1-/PWM1OUT/ICSPCLK — Digital I/O / ADC ch4 / Comparator ch1 inverting / PWM1 out / ICSP clock |
| Pin 6 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+/DAC0OUT/ICSPDAT — Digital I/O / ADC ch0 / Comparator non-inverting / DAC0 out / ICSP data |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8 V to 5.5 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC12F1572-E/SN is suitable for 6 applications: LED Lighting Drivers, Stepper Motor Control, DC-DC Converter Control, Battery Charging (Li-Ion / NiMH), Fan / Blower Speed Control, General Analog Signal Conditioning.
LED Lighting Drivers
The PIC12F1572-E/SN fits multi-channel LED driver designs through its three independent 16-bit PWM channels, each backed by a dedicated timer base for jitter-free dimming. At 32 MHz the PWM resolution reaches 16-bit at moderate PWM frequencies (~244 Hz to ~244 kHz) and 12-bit at higher frequencies - more than enough for flicker-free high-CRI lighting. A 10-bit ADC with 6 channels enables closed-loop current feedback, allowing the MCU to compensate LED temperature drift. Per Microchip datasheet 40001723, core-independent peripherals let the CPU sleep while PWM continues, reducing quiescent draw in standby. Recommended companion parts include the LM3409 buck controller and CAT4101 LED driver.
Recommended
Stepper Motor Control
The PIC12F1572-E/SN is well-suited to small bipolar stepper drives where high PWM resolution and multiple timer channels simplify microstepping. Each of the three 16-bit PWM channels can drive a single phase at up to 32 MHz system clock, allowing 1/32 microstepping waveforms to be generated in hardware. The 6-channel 10-bit ADC can sample back-EMF or current-sense amplifiers for stall detection. According to Microchip datasheet 40001723, the enhanced mid-range 8-bit core provides 49 single-word instructions, simplifying step-sequence state machines. Recommended companion parts include the DRV8833 dual H-bridge and A4988 stepper driver.
Recommended
DC-DC Converter Control
For digital DC-DC converter control, the PIC12F1572-E/SN offers the compute and analog I/O needed to implement peak current-mode or voltage-mode control in firmware. The 16-bit PWM peripheral provides 16 ns edge resolution at 32 MHz, enabling high-frequency switching converters up to several hundred kHz with fine duty-cycle adjustment. The 10-bit ADC samples feedback at up to 100 ksps, fast enough for multi-loop digital power supplies. Per Microchip datasheet 40001723, the integrated comparator can be used for cycle-by-cycle current limiting without CPU intervention, reducing firmware complexity. Recommended companion parts include the MCP16311 and TPS5430.
Recommended
Battery Charging (Li-Ion / NiMH)
The PIC12F1572-E/SN can host a CC/CV charge algorithm for small lithium-ion or NiMH packs using its ADC, PWM, and on-chip comparators. The 6-channel 10-bit ADC measures battery voltage, charge current, and temperature with 4.88 mV LSB at 5 V Vref. One PWM channel drives a MOSFET gate through a gate driver; the comparator enables hardware-based charge termination. According to Microchip datasheet 40001723, the 1.8-5.5 V supply range lets the MCU run directly from a single-cell Li-ion, eliminating an extra regulator. Recommended companion parts include MCP73831 (Li-Ion charge controller) and BQ24075 (Li-Ion with power path).
Recommended
Fan / Blower Speed Control
The PIC12F1572-E/SN is well-matched to small brushless DC (BLDC) or brushed fan speed controllers. A 16-bit PWM drives the gate of a logic-level MOSFET to vary fan voltage, and the 10-bit ADC reads back a tachometer or Hall sensor for closed-loop RPM regulation. The internal 32 MHz oscillator avoids external crystals, reducing BOM cost in space-constrained thermal management modules. Per Microchip datasheet 40001723, the integrated comparator can detect stalled-fan conditions via the tach signal and shut down the PWM within microseconds. Recommended companion parts include the TC647B fan controller and MIC502.
Recommended
General Analog Signal Conditioning
For general-purpose analog front-end conditioning, the PIC12F1572-E/SN combines a 10-bit ADC, on-chip comparator, and four 8-bit DAC references in a single 8-pin package - enough to implement programmable filters, threshold detectors, or sensor excitation sources. The DAC references can drive sensor bridges with software-tunable bias, while the comparator provides fast threshold-based interrupt generation. According to Microchip datasheet 40001723, the device operates from -40C to +125C, suiting industrial sensor conditioning. Recommended companion parts include the MCP6002 op-amp and MCP9700 analog temperature sensor.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12F1572-E/SN — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12F1571-E/SN | PIC12F1572-I/SN | PIC12F1501-E/SN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-SOIC (SN) | 8-SOIC (SN) - same | 8-SOIC (SN) - same | 8-SOIC (SN) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB | 1.75 KB (-50%) | 3.5 KB (same) | 1.75 KB (-50%) |
| RAM | 256 B | 96 B (-62%) | 256 B (same) | 128 B (-50%) |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz (same) | 32 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (-38%) |
| PWM Resolution | 16-bit (3 channels) | 16-bit (3 channels) | 16-bit (3 channels) | 10-bit (3 channels, lower res) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 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 |
| ADC Resolution / Channels | 10-bit / 6 ch | 10-bit / 6 ch | 10-bit / 6 ch | 10-bit / 6 ch |
Key Differentiators
- Highest Flash / RAM density in the 8-pin PIC12F1xxx family (vs PIC12F1571-E/SN)
- Three independent 16-bit PWM channels for high-resolution control (vs PIC12F1501-E/SN)
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature range (vs PIC12F1572-I/SN)
Design Notes
Route the ICSP programming pins (RA0 = ICSPDAT, RA1 = ICSPCLK) so they are accessible via a 2x3 or 1x6 in-circuit programming header. Microchip recommends a 100 nF decoupling capacitor on VDD placed within 5 mm of pin 8, plus a bulk capacitor (10 uF) at the board level. If MCLR is unused as I/O, place a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD on pin 1 to ensure proper reset behavior during power-up.
Use a 32.768 kHz external clock via the CLKOUT feature or stay with the internal 32 MHz oscillator. The internal oscillator accuracy is typically +/- 2% from -40C to +125C, which is sufficient for UART at 9600 baud and PWM applications. Estimated: at 3.3 V supply and 25C ambient, IDD is approximately 3 mA at 32 MHz (per Microchip datasheet 40001723 typical characteristic). Sleep current drops below 100 nA when the core is idle and only the comparator remains active.
The 16-bit PWM modules share timers with the 8-bit Timer0/2 peripherals; mis-configuring TRISA can disable the PWM output. Always set the associated TRIS bit to output mode for any PWM channel used. The /MCLR pin must NOT be left floating - either tie it to VDD via 10 kohm or use the internal MCLR configuration in the configuration word. Configuration words must be set correctly (FOSC, WDTE, PWRTE, MCLRE) or the device may enter Reset state on power-up.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and lead-free per Microchip product page. No automotive AEC-Q100 grade listed; -E temperature grade (-40C to +125C) is industrial/automotive-capable but not formally qualified.
