PIC12LF1501-I/P - 8-Bit MCU, 1.75KB Flash, 10-bit ADC, DIP-8 | Microchip
MPN: PIC12LF1501-I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.62 | $1.62 |
| 10 | $1.45 | $14.50 |
| 100 | $1.28 | $128.00 |
| 500 | $1.15 | $575.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.02 | $1,020.00 |
PIC12LF1501-I/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory, and programmable I/O peripherals on one die; 8-bit MCUs such as the PIC12LF1501 sit at the bottom of the embedded complexity hierarchy (8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded IC -> semiconductor). They are widely chosen for simple, deterministic control loops where cost, code size, and battery life matter more than raw throughput. Within Microchip's portfolio, the PIC12 (L)F1501 family is a compact "8-pin Flash, 8-Bit Microcontrollers with XLP Technology" series targeting hobbyist, consumer, and IoT edge-node designs.
Key features include 1.75KB flash / 64B SRAM / 256B EEPROM, an internal oscillator, an active-high MCLR reset, on-board ICD (in-circuit debugger) support, and deep-sleep current typically quoted in the nanoampere range thanks to nanoWatt XLP technology. The DIP-8 package allows easy prototyping on breadboards and through-hole PCBs, which is a major reason this specific MPN (-I/P variant) is so popular in education, maker, and low-volume designs. The integrated 10-bit ADC is sufficient for sensor reading, while the CLC and NCO peripherals allow glue-logic replacement and precise frequency generation without external components.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, LED lighting controllers, small motor/PWM drivers, home-appliance user interfaces, and consumer handheld devices. With a wide 1.8V-3.6V supply and low sleep current, the PIC12LF1501 fits 2xAA / coin-cell powered products that need months-to-years of standby life.
When designing with this part, choose the LF variant (not the F variant) when operating below 2.0V, and remember that the -I/P package is the industrial-temperature (-40C to +85C) through-hole option; the -E/P variant is the extended-temperature grade. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-package drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found on the manufacturer product page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12LF1501-I/P — 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-I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Core Architecture, Timers, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12LF1501-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F1501-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LF1501-I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 1.75 KB (1K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 64 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 4 channels |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF variant) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 8-PDIP (through-hole) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| MSL Level | 1 (unsealed) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC12LF1501-I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V-3.6V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — General-purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — General-purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR — General-purpose input or Master Clear (reset) |
| Pin 5 | RA2 — General-purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA1 — General-purpose I/O / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 7 | RA0 — General-purpose I/O / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12LF1501-I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Node, LED Lighting Controller, Small Motor / PWM Driver, Home Appliance User Interface, IoT Edge Node / Wearable, Educational / Hobbyist Prototyping.
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC12LF1501-I/P is well suited to wireless or wired sensor nodes running from a single Li-ion or 2xAA cell, because its 1.8V-3.6V LF supply range covers the full discharge curve and its nanoWatt XLP sleep current is rated in the nA range. The integrated 10-bit ADC with up to 4 channels can read thermistor, photodiode, or moisture sensors directly, and the 1.75KB flash accommodates simple duty-cycled C code for periodic wake-measure-transmit cycles. Placed near the battery with a 0.1uF VDD bypass cap, it achieves multi-year coin-cell life in typical 1% duty-cycle use cases. Pair it with an SRD RF sub-GHz transmitter or a LoRa module; the MCU adds negligible quiescent draw compared to the radio.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC12LF1501-I/P fits small LED drivers and decorative lighting controllers that need PWM dimming, color sequencing, or button input. Its 6 I/O pins can drive 3-4 PWM channels via the enhanced CCP peripheral, and the 10-bit ADC reads a potentiometer or photoresistor for closed-loop brightness control. Operating from a single Li-ion at 3.0-3.6V, it avoids the extra LDO often needed by 5V MCUs. The CLC peripheral can implement hardware PWM blending in parallel with CPU sleep, offloading the main core and reducing average current. Through-hole DIP-8 packaging is convenient for hand-soldered custom lighting PCBs.
Recommended
Small Motor / PWM Driver
For toys, fans, pumps and small DC motor control, the PIC12LF1501-I/P offers enough PWM channels to drive one or two brushed DC motors through an external MOSFET bridge, plus a tachometer input for closed-loop RPM control. Its 20MHz instruction rate provides 200ns resolution for precise PWM, and the NCO peripheral can synthesize accurate control frequencies without burdening the CPU. Operating voltage of 1.8V-3.6V matches single-cell Li-ion packs directly. Six I/Os are sufficient for direction, brake, enable, and tachometer feedback. Pair with a gate driver and H-bridge MOSFETs for a complete compact motor controller.
Recommended
Home Appliance User Interface
The PIC12LF1501-I/P serves as a low-cost user-interface controller in small home appliances like kettles, coffee machines, and toasters, where a few buttons, LEDs, and a buzzer need to be managed. Its DIP-8 package is ideal for hand-repairable appliances and educational kits, and the 1.75KB flash holds simple state-machine code for menu handling, timer logic, and safety interlocks. The 10-bit ADC reads NTC temperature sensors for over-temperature protection. With internal oscillator and no external crystal required, BOM cost stays minimal. Industrial -40C to +85C rating covers kitchen and laundry environments.
Recommended
IoT Edge Node / Wearable
Wearable and disposable IoT edge nodes benefit from the PIC12LF1501-I/P's nanoWatt XLP sleep current, which is rated in the tens of nA in deep sleep - critical for coin-cell powered wearables that must last months on a CR2032. The 10-bit ADC samples biometrics such as heart rate or skin temperature, while the CLC and NCO peripherals generate IR carrier frequencies for remote-control or proximity functions. Six I/O pins handle a button, RGB LED, and two sensor interfaces. With 1.75KB flash, lightweight sensor-fusion or step-counting algorithms in C can fit comfortably. This makes it ideal for fitness bands, BLE beacons, and asset trackers.
Recommended
Educational / Hobbyist Prototyping
The DIP-8 through-hole package of the PIC12LF1501-I/P is the breadboard-friendly form factor most requested in university courses, hobbyist kits, and open-source hardware projects. Students can solder it directly into perfboard, program it with the PICkit 3 or PICkit 4 over ICSP, and reuse it across many lab exercises. The 1.75KB flash is enough for assembly-language fundamentals, interrupt-driven I/O, and ADC exercises. With internal oscillator, no crystal is needed, reducing wiring errors. Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler are free, making the PIC12LF1501-I/P a low-friction teaching platform for embedded systems courses.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12LF1501-I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12LF1501-E/P | PIC12F1501-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-PDIP (through-hole) | 8-PDIP (through-hole) - same | 8-PDIP (through-hole) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Program Memory | 1.75 KB Flash | 1.75 KB Flash | 1.75 KB Flash |
| Data RAM | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes |
| Max CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| ADC | 10-bit, 4 channels | 10-bit, 4 channels | 10-bit, 4 channels |
Key Differentiators
- Wide low-voltage supply range (1.8V-3.6V) with nanoWatt XLP technology (vs PIC12F1501-I/P)
- Industrial -40C to +85C operating temperature with full flash/RAM/peripheral compatibility (vs PIC12LF1501-E/P)
- Enhanced mid-range core with CLC and NCO peripherals (vs PIC12F683-I/P)
Design Notes
Estimated: At VDD=3.3V and CPU=20MHz active, the PIC12LF1501 draws approximately 1-2 mA; in Sleep mode with WDT disabled it drops to <30 nA per the Microchip nanoWatt XLP specification. Add a 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5mm of VDD (pin 1) and a 10uF bulk capacitor at the battery terminal. Disable unused peripherals in firmware via the PMD and CLCxCON registers to minimize active current.
Do not operate the PIC12LF1501 above 3.6V - unlike the PIC12F1501 it lacks a 5V-tolerant regulator and will latch up. The MCLR pin (RA3) defaults to reset; if used as a digital input, the MCLRE configuration bit must be cleared in CONFIG words. The ICSPDAT/ICSPCLK pins (RA0/RA1) share the programming interface; ensure pull-ups or series resistors do not prevent in-circuit programming via PICkit.
For DIP-8 prototypes, place a decoupling cap (0.1uF) directly across pins 1 (VDD) and 8 (VSS) on the underside of the board. Keep analog traces short and route RA2/RA4 away from switching nodes when used as ADC inputs; add a small RC filter (1k + 100nF) if the source impedance exceeds 10k. The internal oscillator is factory-trimmed to ±1% typical, so no external crystal is required unless you need precise UART baud rates above 9600 baud.
Estimated: The DIP-8 footprint spans 7.62mm (0.3 inch) row spacing and accepts standard IC sockets. Leave 0.5mm clearance around the body for hand-soldering flux wicking. If you plan to use ICSP, route RA0/RA1 to a 5-pin header with at least 2.54mm pitch; this allows PICkit 3/4 connection without removing the MCU. Avoid routing switching signals under the package on two-layer boards to reduce injected noise on the analog ADC inputs.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC12LF1501-E/P for extended-temperature grade only, AEC-Q100 qualification requires a separately ordered automotive part. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip material declaration.
