PIC12LF1571-E/P - 8-Bit MCU, 1.75KB Flash, 32MHz, 16-bit PWM | Microchip
MPN: PIC12LF1571-E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.89 | $0.89 |
| 10 | $0.85 | $8.50 |
| 100 | $0.78 | $78.00 |
| 500 | $0.71 | $355.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.65 | $650.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.58 | $1,740.00 |
PIC12LF1571-E/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer-on-a-chip built around an 8-bit data path, integrating a CPU, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and a set of digital and analog peripherals. Microcontrollers sit in the broader embedded semiconductor hierarchy between discrete logic and full microprocessors: simpler than application processors, more capable than logic ICs. The PIC12LF1571 belongs to Microchip's PIC10/12/16 baseline and mid-range families, all using a Harvard RISC core optimized for deterministic interrupt response and ultra-low static power consumption.
Key differentiating features include three independent 16-bit PWMs (vs. the typical 10-bit PWM on baseline PIC devices), a 5-bit DAC reference for analog set-point generation, and on-board Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) such as the Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) and Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO). These offload timing-critical tasks from the CPU, freeing cycles for application code. The 32MHz internal oscillator eliminates external crystal cost in many designs, while the 8-pin PDIP footprint suits breadboard and through-hole prototyping where SMD soldering is inconvenient.
Typical applications include high-resolution LED lighting and color mixing, stepper motor and DC motor control via the 16-bit PWM, compact switch-mode power supply controllers, general-purpose timer replacement, and analog signal conditioning using the DAC and comparator pair. Industrial sensor signal chains also benefit from the 4-channel 10-bit ADC. When designing with this part, mind the 1.8V minimum VDD: connecting 5V logic directly to any I/O pin will exceed absolute-maximum ratings and require a level translator. The E suffix denotes the -40C to +125C extended operating temperature range suitable for industrial and automotive under-hood environments.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12LF1571-E/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 PIC12LF1571-E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Mounting Type, ADC, Core Architecture, Operating Voltage Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12F1571-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LF1572-E/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12LF1571-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1572-E/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12LF1552-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.44 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LF1571-E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| Family | PIC12F (PIC12LF1571) |
| Program Memory | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) Flash |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| 16-bit PWM Channels | 3 (independent timers) |
| ADC | 4-channel, 10-bit |
| DAC | 5-bit |
| Comparators | 1 |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP (P) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E suffix, extended) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC12LF1571-E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | /MCLR — Master Clear (active-low reset, internal weak pull-up) |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — Digital I/O / analog input / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog input AN2 |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RA3 — Digital I/O / analog input AN3 (input-only) |
| Pin 7 | RA4 — Digital I/O / analog input AN4 |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC12LF1571-E/P is suitable for 6 applications: High-Resolution LED Lighting and Color Mixing, Stepper Motor and DC Motor Speed Control, Compact Switch-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) Controller, General-Purpose Timer and PWM Replacement, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Battery-Powered IoT Edge Nodes.
High-Resolution LED Lighting and Color Mixing
The PIC12LF1571-E/P's three independent 16-bit PWM channels provide 65,536-step dimming resolution per channel, making it ideal for high-end RGB or tunable-white LED fixtures where smooth color-mixing and flicker-free dimming down to low duty cycles are required. Each PWM runs on its own timer independent of the CPU, freeing instruction cycles for color-temperature compensation, ambient-light feedback, or DMX-style control protocols. With a 4-channel 10-bit ADC available, the same MCU can sense an external photodiode for closed-loop luminous flux regulation. Operating from 1.8 V to 3.6 V suits single-cell Li-ion or two-AA battery-powered fixtures, eliminating boost-converter complexity. Pin-for-pin compatibility with the PIC12LF1572-E/P enables painless upgrades when more Flash code space is needed for larger lighting firmware.
Recommended
Stepper Motor and DC Motor Speed Control
The three 16-bit PWMs and the Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) with programmable dead-band make the PIC12LF1571-E/P a strong fit for low-cost stepper or brushed DC motor control. The CWG generates complementary PWMs with hardware dead-time insertion, driving a half-bridge or full H-bridge MOSFET stage without CPU intervention. The 32 MHz internal oscillator yields deterministic PWM frequencies up to 250 kHz, suitable for both audible-frequency motor drivers and ultrasonic piezo stages. The on-chip comparator enables back-EMF sensing for sensorless commutation or current limiting, while the 4-channel ADC reads motor current shunt or position feedback. Its 1.8 V low-end operation also suits battery-powered robotics, IoT actuators, and small drones where supply current matters.
Recommended
Compact Switch-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) Controller
Used as a peak-current-mode or voltage-mode SMPS controller, the PIC12LF1571-E/P leverages its 16-bit PWM for high-resolution duty-cycle control and the on-chip comparator for cycle-by-cycle current limiting. The high PWM resolution translates directly into tighter output voltage regulation and reduced output ripple in buck, boost, or buck-boost topologies. The integrated 5-bit DAC can be used as a programmable reference for analog control loops or for digital soft-start ramp generation. Its 1.8 V minimum VDD supports auxiliary-supply-derived rails in industrial converters, and the extended -40C to +125C temperature range tolerates the thermal environment inside a power supply enclosure. With 1.75 KB Flash, code is sufficient for non-isolated auxiliary supplies and LED drivers but should be sized carefully for full digital control loops.
Recommended
General-Purpose Timer and PWM Replacement
Designers replacing legacy 555-timer-based pulse generators or discrete PWM circuits benefit from the PIC12LF1571-E/P's three 16-bit PWMs in an 8-pin PDIP that drops into through-hole prototype boards. With the HFINTOSC at 32 MHz, accurate timing intervals up to 8.19 ms at 16-bit resolution are possible without external components. The 5-bit DAC and one comparator can build analog set-points for closed-loop PWM duty adjustment, replacing several op-amps and trim pots. Software-defined PWM frequency, duty cycle, and dead-band reduce trim-and-tune steps during product development and enable late-stage firmware changes without board rework. The 1.8 V to 3.6 V operation spans 2-cell alkaline, single-cell Li-ion, and 3.3 V regulated rails commonly found in industrial sensor signal chains.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
Industrial sensors requiring on-site gain, filtering, or thresholding are well-served by the PIC12LF1571-E/P's 4-channel 10-bit ADC, comparator, and 5-bit DAC. The MCU can digitize bridge, thermistor, or 4-20 mA loop signals, apply linearization in firmware, and output a clean analog control signal via the DAC or PWM-filtered DC voltage. Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) handle ADC-to-PWM conversions without CPU involvement, enabling deterministic response times critical for process-control loops. The -40C to +125C extended temperature range covers most industrial cabinets, outdoor enclosures, and under-hood automotive environments. The 8-pin PDIP through-hole package also simplifies field-replacement and breadboarding during sensor-prototype development cycles.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Edge Nodes
The PIC12LF1571-E/P's low-voltage 1.8 V operation, core-independent peripherals, and ability to wake on peripheral interrupts make it well-suited to battery-powered IoT edge nodes that spend most of their time in sleep mode. The PIC LF process technology delivers nanoampere-range sleep currents, and the ADC, comparator, and CWG can wake the CPU only when a sensor threshold is crossed. With 1.75 KB Flash and 128 bytes RAM, the MCU fits small sensor-fusion, threshold-detect, or actuator-trigger firmware. The 8-pin PDIP package is convenient for hand-soldered prototype boards and educational projects where surface-mount is impractical.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12LF1571-E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12F1571-E/P | PIC12LF1572-E/P | PIC12LF1571-I/P | PIC12F1572-E/P | PIC12LF1552-E/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PDIP-8 | PDIP-8 - same | PDIP-8 - same | PDIP-8 - same | PDIP-8 - same | PDIP-8 - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 1.75 KB Flash | 1.75 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 1.75 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 1.75 KB Flash |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| PWM Resolution | 16-bit x 3 | 16-bit x 3 | 16-bit x 3 | 16-bit x 3 | 16-bit x 3 | 10-bit |
| ADC | 4-ch x 10-bit | 4-ch x 10-bit | 4-ch x 10-bit | 4-ch x 10-bit | 4-ch x 10-bit | 4-ch x 10-bit |
| DAC | 5-bit | 5-bit | 5-bit | 5-bit | 5-bit | 5-bit |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C |
| Approx. Unit Price (USD, qty 1) | 0.89 | 0.95 | 0.99 | 0.85 | 1.05 | 0.75 |
Key Differentiators
- Three independent 16-bit PWMs vs typical 10-bit PWMs on baseline PIC devices (vs PIC12LF1552-E/P)
- Lowest voltage range 1.8 V to 3.6 V supports single-cell Li-ion designs (vs PIC12F1571-E/P)
- Extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade for industrial and under-hood automotive use (vs PIC12LF1571-I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC12LF1571-E/P runs from 1.8 V to 3.6 V on VDD. Below 1.8 V the Brown-Out Reset will assert and the part will not execute code reliably. Add a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close to the VDD pin as possible, plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the supply rail. If the source is a switching converter, place an LC pi-filter or ferrite bead between the converter and VDD to keep switching ripple below 50 mVpk-pk and prevent inadvertent BOR triggers. The /MCLR pin has an internal weak pull-up; tie it directly to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor if not used, and add a 100 nF cap to ground for noise immunity.
Do not apply 5 V logic levels to any I/O pin when VDD is 3.3 V or lower - the absolute-maximum VDD+0.3 V rating will be exceeded and the ESD protection diode can clamp the pin, injecting current back into the internal logic supply. Use a level translator (such as TI TXS0108E or NTS0102) for 5 V peripherals. Also note that RA3 is input-only on most PIC12F devices; do not configure it as an output in your code or it will not drive. Finally, when migrating firmware from PIC12F1501 to PIC12LF1571, double-check that the PWM register names match - they share the same CCP/PWM module architecture, but the 16-bit PWM on the 1571 uses different control registers than the 10-bit PWM on the 1501.
Keep the ICSPDAT/ICSPCLK traces (RA0/RA1) short and away from switching power traces if the PCB has a high-current SMPS stage. The internal HFINTOSC is accurate to +/-2% over voltage and temperature, which is sufficient for most PWM applications but inadequate for UART communication above 9600 baud without calibration. For accurate timing, switch to an external crystal on OSC1/OSC2 (RA5/RA4 on larger packages). On the 8-pin PDIP the crystal pins are not bonded out, so the only option for higher precision is to use the HFINTOSC with the OSCTUNE register for calibration. Place a ground pour under and around the MCU to reduce EMI susceptibility and to provide thermal dissipation for the small PDIP package.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliance confirmed by Microchip product page. The E temperature grade is industrial-extended; AEC-Q100 automotive-grade qualification is not stated on the product page - request automotive-grade parts via specific /VAO or /VXC suffixes for AEC-Q100 qualified equivalents.
