PIC12LF1501-E/MC - 8-bit MCU, 1.75KB Flash, 20MHz, 8-DFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC12LF1501-E/MC β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.95 | $0.95 |
| 10 | $0.86 | $8.60 |
| 100 | $0.74 | $74.00 |
| 500 | $0.62 | $310.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.55 | $550.00 |
PIC12LF1501-E/MC Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, RAM, program Flash, peripherals and I/O on one die. PIC microcontrollers use a Harvard RISC architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing instructions to be fetched while data is being read or written. Within the broader taxonomy, PIC12LF1501 is a member of: PIC12LF family -> PIC12/16 mid-range -> PIC microcontrollers -> 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded IC -> semiconductor. This hierarchy is useful when searching parametric catalogs and AI knowledge graphs for related parts.
Key features include 1.75 KB self-programmable Flash, 64 bytes SRAM, an integrated 10-bit ADC with computation, a 5-bit DAC, two 8-bit timers and one 16-bit timer, an Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (EUSART), and the standard PIC12 peripheral set including Configurable Logic Cells (CLC), Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO), Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) and PWM. Brown-out Reset (BOR) and a watchdog timer add reliability in noisy or battery-depleted environments.
The device uses Microchip's mid-range 14-bit instruction set with a 20 MHz internal oscillator that provides Β±2% accuracy over voltage and temperature. XLP technology keeps typical active current below 1.4 mA at 4 MHz and sleep current in the nanoamp range, enabling coin-cell battery designs.
Typical applications include remote controls, IoT sensor nodes, low-power wireless companions, LED lighting controllers, smart home endpoints, and consumer handheld products. The small 8-DFN footprint and wide operating voltage make the PIC12LF1501 ideal for space- and power-constrained designs.
When designing, ensure decoupling (100 nF + 1 uF) is placed within 2 mm of VDD and that the exposed pad is soldered to a ground island for thermal dissipation. The 8-DFN package has no leads, so the EP must be the primary thermal and electrical path.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12LF1501-E/MC 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 PIC12LF1501-E/MC (same form factor and footprint) β differing in ADC, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Mounting Type, Data EEPROM.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12LF1501-I/MC
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.62 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC12LF1501T-E/MC
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12LF1501-I/MU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1501-I/MC
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1501-E/MC
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12LF1552-I/MC
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12LF1501-E/MC Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Core Architecture | Harvard RISC |
| Instruction Set | PIC12 mid-range, 14-bit instruction width |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) |
| RAM | 64 bytes |
| EEPROM | 0 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (Vdd) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 4 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit, 1 channel |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| PWM | Yes (CCP, PWM, CWG) |
| Communication | EUSART |
| Package | 8-DFN (2x3 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C |
| RoHS | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 |
PIC12LF1501-E/MC Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD β Positive power supply (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 β Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 3 | RA4 β Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR β I/O pin / Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 5 | RA2 β Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 6 | RA1/ICSPCLK β I/O pin / ICSP clock |
| Pin 7 | RA0/ICSPDAT β I/O pin / ICSP data |
| Pin 8 | VSS β Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12LF1501-E/MC is suitable for 6 applications: Remote Control / IR Transmitter, IoT Sensor Node / Wireless Companion MCU, LED Lighting / Strip Controller, Battery-Powered Consumer Handheld, Smart Home Endpoint / Sensor Hub, Automotive Interior Accessory.
Remote Control / IR Transmitter
The PIC12LF1501-E/MC's XLP nanoamp sleep current and 1.8-3.6V operation make it ideal for battery-powered IR remote controls that may sit unused for months. With 1.75 KB Flash it easily holds NEC or RC5 protocol encoders, while the 20 MHz core generates accurate 38 kHz carrier via PWM. The 5-bit DAC can drive a high-current MOSFET for the IR LED directly, eliminating extra components. Place a 100 nF decoupling cap within 2 mm of VDD, and use the watchdog timer to recover from ESD-induced lockups common in handheld remotes.
Recommended
IoT Sensor Node / Wireless Companion MCU
In IoT sensor nodes, the PIC12LF1501-E/MC serves as an ultra-low-power sensor front-end that wakes a higher-power radio only when needed. The 10-bit ADC reads temperature, light or battery voltage while sleep current stays in the tens of nanoamps. The EUSART can connect directly to a sub-GHz transceiver such as the MRF89XA, and the CLC cell implements protocol-level glue logic without external gates. With only 6 I/O pins the device fits a 10x10 mm PCB alongside a sensor and antenna.
Recommended
LED Lighting / Strip Controller
The PIC12LF1501-E/MC drives WS2812B or APA102 addressable LED strips via bit-banged protocol on any GPIO, while the CWG peripheral generates high-resolution PWM for single-color dimming. Operating from a single 3.3 V regulator, it accepts button inputs and potentiometer feedback via the 10-bit ADC. The compact 8-DFN package (2x3 mm) lets the controller PCB fit inside a thin LED strip junction box. With 1.75 KB Flash, complex chase patterns and color-mixing routines fit comfortably.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Consumer Handheld
For handheld devices like thermometers, pedometers or remote keyless entry fobs, the PIC12LF1501-E/MC's wide 1.8-3.6V supply range runs directly from 2x AA or a single CR2032 without a regulator. The internal 20 MHz oscillator provides Β±2% accuracy over temperature, eliminating an external crystal and saving 6 mmΒ² of PCB area. Sleep current under 50 nA means a CR2032 can power a typical daily-use device for over 5 years. The 10-bit ADC can measure battery voltage directly via an internal reference.
Recommended
Smart Home Endpoint / Sensor Hub
The PIC12LF1501-E/MC provides a low-cost sensing and edge-processing node for smart-home systems. With the CLC and NCO peripherals, it can decode PWM or frequency-modulated sensor outputs without CPU intervention, reducing average current draw. The 10-bit ADC with internal reference measures occupancy, light, or gas-sensor signals. Power comes from a USB or wall adapter regulated to 3.3 V, well within the 1.8-3.6 V Vdd range, leaving margin for supply transients.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessory
Within automotive interior accessories (reading lights, USB chargers, auxiliary displays), the PIC12LF1501-E/MC operates from a regulated 3.3 V rail and provides a small-footprint controller for LED dimming, button debouncing and PWM outputs. The extended -40C to +125C temperature grade handles cabin temperatures in all climates. The 5-bit DAC generates reference voltages for sensor conditioning, while the EUSART interfaces to a body-control module for diagnostics. Pair with a TVS diode for load-dump protection on Vdd.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12LF1501-E/MC β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12LF1501-I/MC | PIC12LF1501T-E/MC | PIC12F1501-I/MC | PIC12LF1552-I/MC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 8-DFN (2x3 mm) | 8-DFN (2x3 mm) - same | 8-DFN (2x3 mm) - same | 8-DFN (2x3 mm) - same | 8-DFN (2x3 mm) - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 3.5 KB |
| RAM | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Temperature Grade | Extended -40C to +125C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Extended -40C to +125C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC | 10-bit, 4 ch | 10-bit, 4 ch | 10-bit, 4 ch | 10-bit, 4 ch | 10-bit, 4 ch |
Key Differentiators
- Wide-voltage LF operation down to 1.8 V vs standard F variant 2.5 V minimum (vs PIC12F1501-I/MC)
- Extended temperature grade -40C to +125C (vs PIC12LF1501-I/MC)
- 50% more Flash for protocol stacks and larger applications (vs PIC12LF1552-I/MC)
Design Notes
The 8-DFN (2x3 mm) package of the PIC12LF1501-E/MC has no leads - the exposed pad (EP) on the underside is the primary thermal and electrical path to ground. Solder the EP to a ground island of at least 4x5 mm with multiple thermal vias to the inner ground plane. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 2 mm of VDD (pin 1) and a bulk 1 uF to 10 uF capacitor on the same rail. Without proper EP soldering the device may overheat or have unstable ADC readings.
PIC12LF1501-E/MC's LF variant operates only from 1.8 V to 3.6 V - DO NOT power from 5 V or it will damage the device. If your system has a 5 V rail, use a 3.3 V LDO like MCP1700 between the rail and VDD. For 2x AA battery designs, add a 4.7 uF bulk capacitor near VDD to handle inrush when the ADC references internal bandgap. Watch the BOR (Brown-Out Reset) threshold at 1.8 V - operation below this resets the MCU.
Common pitfalls with PIC12LF1501-E/MC: (1) ICSPDAT and ICSPCLK pins (RA0/RA1) are shared with general I/O - if you use them as outputs, the ICSP programmer may fight the pin during debug. Add 4.7 kohm series resistors or use them only as inputs. (2) Pin RA3 is MCLR by default - if used as I/O, the MCLRE config bit must be cleared in CONFIG words. (3) The 16-bit timer can be used as a single 16-bit timer or as TWO 8-bit timers but not both simultaneously - read the datasheet before designing timing chains.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Lead-free and halogen-free per the datasheet ordering information section. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive AEC-Q100 designs consider PIC16F1xxx series which have Q1 grades.
