PIC12LF1501T-I/MC - 8-bit MCU, 1.75KB Flash, 20MHz, 8-DFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC12LF1501T-I/MC β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.2 | $1.20 |
| 10 | $1.08 | $10.80 |
| 100 | $0.96 | $96.00 |
| 500 | $0.85 | $425.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.76 | $760.00 |
| 3,300 | $0.62 | $2,046.00 |
PIC12LF1501T-I/MC Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller is a small, low-cost, low-power CMOS processor built around Microchip's Harvard RISC architecture. It belongs to the PIC12 sub-family, the smallest-pin-count branch of the PIC10/12/16/18 hierarchy, and falls under the broader microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor taxonomy. PIC12LF variants specifically use the 'LF' process node for low-voltage operation between 1.8V and 3.6V, distinguishing them from 'F' variants that target 2.3V to 5.5V. The 'T' suffix indicates Tape & Reel packaging, while 'I/MC' denotes the industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) in the DFN-8 (MC) package.
Key features of the PIC12LF1501T-I/MC include 6 I/O pins, four 10-bit ADC channels, one comparator, a Configurable Logic Cell (CLC), a Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), and a Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO). The device also supports eXtreme Low Power (XLP) sleep currents below 20 nA, making it competitive against larger MCUs in energy-harvesting and battery-backed applications.
Architecturally, the PIC12LF1501 uses a 14-bit instruction word and a two-stage pipeline, delivering deterministic interrupt latency typical of the PIC family. The 10-bit ADC uses a Successive Approximation Register (SAR) architecture with acquisition control, while the CWG module provides dead-band control for half-bridge MOSFET drive. Internal oscillator calibration is factory-trimmed to within +/-1% typical.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, wearable health bands, low-end remote controls, LED lighting controllers, and battery-powered consumer accessories. The 6 I/O and small footprint also serve well in disposable medical devices and disposable industrial tags.
When designing with this part, ensure decoupling of VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the pin, and configure unused I/O as outputs low to minimize current draw. Programming is supported via MPLAB X IDE, PICkit 3/4, and ICD 3/4.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12LF1501T-I/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 PIC12LF1501T-I/MC (same form factor and footprint) β differing in MSL Level, Maximum CPU Speed, Package, Program Memory Size, RAM Size.
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Request AlternativesPIC12LF1501T-I/MC Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Program Memory Size | 1.75KB (1K x 14) |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| RAM Size | 64 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 3.6 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 6 |
| ADC | 10-bit SAR, 4 channels |
| Comparators | 1 |
| Package | 8-DFN (2x3 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC12LF1501T-I/MC Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 β Bidirectional I/O / ADC channel / CWG output |
| Pin 3 | RA4 β Bidirectional I/O / ADC channel / CWG complementary output |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR β Bidirectional I/O / Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 5 | RA2 β Bidirectional I/O / ADC channel / comparator output |
| Pin 6 | RA1 β Bidirectional I/O / ADC channel / CLC output |
| Pin 7 | RA0 β Bidirectional I/O / ADC channel / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 8 | VSS β Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12LF1501T-I/MC is suitable for 6 applications: IoT Sensor Node MCU, Wearable Health Band Controller, LED Lighting Controller, Low-End Remote Control, Battery-Powered Industrial Tag, Consumer Accessory Controller.
IoT Sensor Node MCU
The PIC12LF1501T-I/MC's 6 I/O pins and 10-bit SAR ADC make it a strong fit for low-power IoT sensor nodes that digitize temperature, humidity, or battery voltage. Its 2.5V minimum supply lets it run directly from a single CR2032 coin cell without boost regulation, while the nanoWatt XLP sleep current below 20 nA preserves battery life for multi-year deployments. The internal 20MHz HFINTOSC removes the need for an external crystal, reducing BOM by one component.
Recommended
Wearable Health Band Controller
Wearables demand sub-1mA active current and small packages, both of which the PIC12LF1501T-I/MC satisfies with its 8-DFN (2x3 mm) footprint and XLP technology. The 10-bit ADC samples a pulse-ox or heart-rate sensor at low duty cycle, while the CWG module drives a small vibration motor for haptic feedback. Industrial -40C to +85C rating supports body-worn designs worn outdoors in variable climates.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC12LF1501T-I/MC integrates a Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) that provides dead-band control for half-bridge MOSFET drive, ideal for LED buck-driver topologies. Six I/O pins drive 4 PWM channels, an enable signal, and a fault feedback line. The 20MHz instruction rate supports smooth 1% dimming resolution at 10kHz PWM frequency without CPU overhead.
Recommended
Low-End Remote Control
Battery-powered IR or RF remote controls benefit from the PIC12LF1501T-I/MC's 1.75KB Flash, 64B RAM, and 2.5V operation, supporting a full keypad matrix, IR transmit protocol, and sleep-mode button scanning. The CLC module implements wake-on-button without CPU intervention, extending coin-cell life into multi-year ranges. The CWG can drive an external IR LED or piezo sounder directly through one MOSFET.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Industrial Tag
Disposable or semi-disposable industrial tags (asset tracking, condition monitoring) require the smallest, lowest-power 8-bit MCU available. The PIC12LF1501T-I/MC delivers 1.75KB Flash for tag protocol stack, 6 I/O for sensors and RFID/NFC interface, and XLP sleep below 20 nA to maximize CR2032 life. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating supports warehouse and cold-chain deployments.
Recommended
Consumer Accessory Controller
Consumer accessories like e-cigarettes, smart pens, and electronic latches need compact, low-cost 8-bit controllers with adequate ADC and PWM. The PIC12LF1501T-I/MC fits in the 8-DFN package, runs from a single Li-ion cell (2.5V to 3.6V range), and offers 10-bit ADC for battery monitoring plus CWG for solenoid or heater PWM control. The 20MHz core handles button debouncing, LED indication, and low-power BLE wake signaling.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12LF1501T-I/MC β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12LF1501T-I/MU | PIC12LF1501T-E/MC | PIC12LF1501-I/MC | PIC12F1501T-I/MC | PIC12LF1501T-I/MF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 8-DFN (2x3) | 8-DFN (2x3) - same | 8-DFN (2x3) - same | 8-DFN (2x3) - same | 8-DFN (2x3) - same | 8-DFN (2x3) - same |
| Core / Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC | PIC 8-bit RISC | PIC 8-bit RISC | PIC 8-bit RISC | PIC 8-bit RISC | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory | 1.75KB Flash | 1.75KB Flash | 1.75KB Flash | 1.75KB Flash | 1.75KB Flash | 1.75KB Flash |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5V to 3.6V | 2.5V to 3.6V | 2.5V to 3.6V | 2.5V to 3.6V | 2.3V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 3.6V |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Extended -40C to +125C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC | 10-bit SAR, 4 ch | 10-bit SAR, 4 ch | 10-bit SAR, 4 ch | 10-bit SAR, 4 ch | 10-bit SAR, 4 ch | 10-bit SAR, 4 ch |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest minimum supply voltage in PIC12F1501 family (vs PIC12F1501T-I/MC)
- Industrial temperature grade vs extended variants (vs PIC12LF1501T-E/MC)
- Tape & Reel vs Tube packaging (vs PIC12LF1501-I/MC)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD with a 100nF ceramic capacitor placed within 3mm of the VDD pin (pin 1) to suppress switching noise from the internal core and ADC. For battery applications drawing peak currents above 20mA, add a 10uF bulk capacitor near the supply pin. XLP sleep current below 20nA is achievable only when the watchdog timer is disabled and unused peripherals are turned off in software.
The 8-DFN package exposes a thermal pad on the underside that should be soldered to a ground copper pour for thermal dissipation and mechanical strength. Keep the ground pour unbroken under the IC and route digital signals on the opposite PCB layer. Maintain at least 0.2mm clearance between traces and the DFN edge to avoid solder wicking during reflow.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum VDD of 4.0V on this LF variant - the PIC12F1501T-I/MC must be used instead for 5V tolerant designs. Always configure the MCLR/RA3 pin function via the CONFIG register before first use; leaving MCLR enabled without a pull-up can cause unintended resets. The ADC acquisition time must be set explicitly in software based on the source impedance - the default 1.5us is not sufficient for high-impedance sensors.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade is not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose automotive-qualified PIC16/18 variants for vehicle applications.
