PIC12LF1501T-I/SN - 8-Bit MCU 1.75KB Flash 20MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC12LF1501T-I/SN ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.05 | $1.05 |
| 10 | $0.94 | $9.40 |
| 100 | $0.86 | $86.00 |
| 500 | $0.78 | $390.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.71 | $710.00 |
| 3,300 | $0.62 | $2,046.00 |
PIC12LF1501T-I/SN Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path that fetches, decodes, and executes instructions stored in non-volatile program memory. In the broader taxonomy, an 8-bit MCU belongs to the microcontroller family, which sits within embedded processors, which in turn are a class of semiconductors used in power-managed digital control. The PIC® architecture uses a Harvard RISC core with single-cycle instructions, providing deterministic timing for real-time control loops.
Key features include a 20MHz internal oscillator, 10-bit ADC with up to 4 channels, 4 PWM outputs via the CWG, brown-out reset (BOR), power-on reset (POR), watchdog timer (WDT), and In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) via two pins. The CLC and NCO peripherals allow digital logic and frequency synthesis without external components, reducing BOM cost. The wide 2.5V-3.6V operating range supports both 3.3V regulated supplies and direct 2x AA/AAA battery operation.
Technical depth: the device is built on Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit core with 200ns instruction execution, 16-level hardware stack, and 33 single-word instructions. Internal peripherals share an interrupt controller with vectored priority, allowing deterministic response to ADC, timer, CLC, and EUSART events. The 'LF' prefix designates the low-voltage F-series variant optimized for low-power 3.3V operation.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, LED lighting controllers, consumer appliances, low-cost motor control, and general-purpose logic replacement. The 6 I/O pins are sufficient for blink, fade, sense, and communicate designs, while the ADC enables direct interface with thermistors, potentiometers, and analog sensors.
Design consideration: at 20MHz and 3.3V, core current is typically a few mA active; for battery applications, use SLEEP mode between ADC samples to drop current to sub-microamp levels and extend coin-cell life. The 'T' suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging; pinout is identical to the non-T variant.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical low-power design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, making it easier to select and source the PIC12LF1501T-I/SN for production.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12LF1501T-I/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 PIC12LF1501T-I/SN (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory (Flash), Timers, ADC, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12LF1501-I/SN
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12LF1501T-I/MS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$0.56 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F1501T-I/SN
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1501-I/SN
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1822-I/SN
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$0.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LF1552T-I/SN
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.14 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LF1501T-I/SN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit enhanced mid-range |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) |
| RAM | 64 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 0 bytes |
| CPU Speed (max) | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 4 channels |
| PWM Channels | 4 (via CWG) |
| Timers | 4 (8-bit and 16-bit) |
| Peripherals | CLC, NCO, CWG, EUSART, PWM |
| Communication | EUSART, I2C, SPI (via MSSP) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 8-SOIC (SN), 3.90 mm body width |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC12LF1501T-I/SN Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O pin; analog-capable (ADC channel); ICSPCLK |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O pin; analog-capable (ADC channel) |
| Pin 3 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — Input only; Master Clear reset (active low); programming voltage input |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O pin; analog-capable (ADC channel) |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O pin; analog-capable (ADC channel) |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O pin; analog-capable (ADC channel) |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 3.6V) |
Typical Applications
PIC12LF1501T-I/SN is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Node, LED Lighting Controller, Consumer Appliance Control, Logic Replacement / Glue Logic, Automotive Body Electronics (Sub-System), IoT Edge Node / Wearable.
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC12LF1501T-I/SN fits low-power wireless sensor nodes thanks to its 2.5V-3.6V native VDD range that allows direct connection to 2x AA/AAA alkaline cells without a boost converter. Its integrated 10-bit ADC with 4 channels reads thermistors, photocells, and battery voltage, while the CLC peripheral glues sensor interrupts without software overhead. In SLEEP mode the MCU draws sub-microamp current, extending coin-cell life to years on a duty-cycled wake-and-transmit scheme. The 8-SOIC footprint keeps the PCB under 10mm x 10mm.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC12LF1501T-I/SN drives LED lighting strings via its Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), which delivers 4 PWM outputs with programmable dead-band and complementary pairs ideal for half-bridge LED drivers. The 20MHz clock supports smooth 16-bit PWM dimming at flicker-free refresh rates. The 6 I/O are sufficient to control RGBW channels plus a power-good/enable signal. The 2.5V-3.6V VDD range accommodates 3.3V regulated supplies common in LED fixtures.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC12LF1501T-I/SN handles user-interface and motor-control tasks in appliances like coffee makers, blenders, and small kitchen tools. Its EUSART peripheral interfaces with BLE or Wi-Fi co-processor modules for app connectivity, while the 10-bit ADC reads temperature sensors (NTC) for closed-loop thermal control. With industrial-grade -40 C to +85 C operation, the MCU survives the harsh thermal environment inside countertop appliances.
Recommended
Logic Replacement / Glue Logic
The PIC12LF1501T-I/SN replaces discrete CMOS logic gates in legacy designs, integrating a Configurable Logic Cell (CLC) that synthesizes AND/OR/XOR gates in hardware without CPU cycles. The Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO) generates precision frequencies up to 20MHz for clock-substitution or PWM emulation. Engineers can debounce buttons, sequence power rails, and arbitrate bus signals in a single $0.86 part versus a quad-gate logic IC plus supporting components.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Sub-System)
The PIC12LF1501T-I/SN handles non-safety body-electronics sub-systems like LED interior lighting, mirror control, and seat-position sense in non-AEC-Q100 designs. Its 2.5V-3.6V VDD, 20MHz clock, and industrial temperature grade suit cabin-electronics modules on a regulated 3.3V rail. The CWG peripheral drives LED strings with programmable fade rates while the ADC reads potentiometers for analog knobs. For AEC-Q100 qualified alternatives, consider PIC12LF1501-E/SN industrial temperature grade parts.
Recommended
IoT Edge Node / Wearable
The PIC12LF1501T-I/SN is well-suited to compact IoT edge nodes and wearable devices that require coin-cell operation at 3V. The 1.75KB Flash holds application code for sensor conditioning, event detection, and BLE-beacon transmission control. The internal 16MHz HFINTOSC eliminates an external crystal, saving board space. With 6 I/O, the MCU drives LEDs, reads buttons, and interfaces an SPI BLE module in a sub-15mm x 15mm PCB area. SLEEP current of <1uA extends CR2032 life to over a year.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12LF1501T-I/SN — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12LF1501-I/SN | PIC12LF1501T-I/MS | PIC12F1501T-I/SN | PIC12F1501-I/SN | PIC12F1822-I/SN | PIC12LF1552T-I/SN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-SOIC (SN) | 8-SOIC (SN) - same | MSOP-8 - different footprint | 8-SOIC (SN) - same | 8-SOIC (SN) - same | 8-SOIC (SN) - same | 8-SOIC (SN) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 3.5 KB | 2 KB |
| RAM | 64 B | 64 B | 64 B | 64 B | 64 B | 128 B | 128 B |
| Max CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 32 MHz | 20 MHz |
| VDD Range | 2.5 V to 3.6 V | 2.5 V to 3.6 V | 2.5 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 4 ch | 10-bit, 4 ch | 10-bit, 4 ch | 10-bit, 4 ch | 10-bit, 4 ch | 10-bit, 4 ch | 10-bit, 4 ch |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tube | Tape & Reel |
Key Differentiators
- Native 2.5V-3.6V VDD range eliminates boost converter in battery designs (vs PIC12F1501T-I/SN)
- Integrated CLC peripheral synthesizes glue logic without external gates (vs PIC12F1822-I/SN)
- NCO provides precision frequency synthesis without external crystal (vs PIC12F1501-I/SN)
Design Notes
Estimated: For battery-powered designs, leverage the PIC12LF1501T-I/SN SLEEP mode and watchdog timeout to drop average current below 5uA. Duty-cycle ADC sampling (e.g., one wake per 5 seconds) typically achieves <1uA average current from a CR2032 coin cell, extending life to >1 year. Use the FVR (Fixed Voltage Reference) module OFF in SLEEP to avoid its ~25uA bias draw. Confirm the HFINTOSC is disabled in SLEEP via the OSCON register to avoid 100uA+ residual draw.
Place a 100nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible between VDD (pin 8) and VSS (pin 7) using short, wide traces. For ADC accuracy, place the analog reference decoupling (1uF ceramic on VREF+/CVREF if used) within 5mm of the respective pin. The exposed pad of an MSOP variant requires thermal vias to the ground plane; the SOIC-8 variant has no thermal pad. Keep digital switching traces (PWM, EUSART) away from the analog ADC inputs to minimize crosstalk.
The MCLR pin (pin 3) requires a 10k pull-up to VDD if not driven by an external reset supervisor. For ICSP programming, route the ICSPDAT and ICSPCLK lines to dedicated test pads so production programmers can reach the MCU without removing the MCU from board. Route RA3 separately from RA0/RA1/RA2 if any of those pins need analog input isolation. Ground plane stitching vias every 5mm around the analog region reduce EMI pickup on ADC readings.
Do not exceed VDD max of 3.6V on the LF variant - the non-LF PIC12F1501 supports 5.5V. The RA3 pin is input-only; do not configure it as an output or you will read logic 0 forever. The Flash erase page size is typically 32 words; writing fewer bytes requires a buffer-fill cycle. Disable unused peripherals in firmware at startup to drop quiescent current - leaving CWG or NCO enabled with no load draws ~50uA unnecessarily.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive sub-systems use PIC12F1501-E/SN extended temperature variant. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in verified data.
