PIC12LF1572T-I/RF - 8-bit 32MHz 3.5KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC12LF1572T-I/RF ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.32 | $1.32 |
| 10 | $1.18 | $11.80 |
| 100 | $1.05 | $105.00 |
| 500 | $0.92 | $460.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.79 | $790.00 |
PIC12LF1572T-I/RF Overview
A PIC microcontroller (MCU) is a compact programmable processor built on Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, typically used for embedded control tasks such as sensor reading, motor driving, LED dimming, and signal generation. Within the broader category, the PIC12F family represents the smallest pin-count 8-bit PICs, the PIC12LF sub-family denotes low-voltage (1.8V-3.6V) operation, and PIC microcontrollers in general sit within the wider taxonomy of microcontrollers > processors > semiconductors > integrated circuits.
Key features of the PIC12LF1572T-I/RF include three 16-bit PWMs with independent timers suitable for high-resolution LED lighting and motor control, a 5-bit DAC, a comparator, and a 10-bit ADC with up to 6 channels. It supports a wide operating voltage of 1.8V to 3.6V, low-power sleep modes, an integrated 32MHz internal oscillator, and an EUSART module for asynchronous serial communication. The 8-UDFN exposed-pad package provides a compact 3x3 mm footprint with excellent thermal dissipation for high-density PCB layouts.
Architecturally, this device uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit core with a 14-bit instruction word and a 200 ns instruction execution time at 32MHz. The combination of three independent 16-bit PWM channels, a 5-bit DAC, and a 10-bit ADC in such a small package makes it a unique solution for cost-sensitive designs that need both analog and PWM peripherals in minimal board space.
Typical applications include LED lighting control, RGB color mixing, DC-DC converter control, battery management, and small motor control in consumer electronics, IoT nodes, and portable devices. The wide 1.8V-3.6V supply range makes it ideal for direct battery-powered designs.
When designing with this MCU, ensure that the UDFN exposed pad is soldered to a sufficient copper area for thermal performance, and review the configuration bits carefully to enable the peripherals you need. The internal 32MHz oscillator eliminates the need for an external crystal, reducing BOM cost.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, providing actionable information for engineers evaluating the PIC12LF1572T-I/RF for embedded designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12LF1572T-I/RF — 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 PIC12LF1572T-I/RF (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core, Mounting Type, DAC, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12LF1571T-I/MS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.7 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LF1572T-E/RF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12LF1572-E/RF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1572-I/RF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1571-I/RF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LF1552-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.44 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LF1572T-I/RF Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit enhanced mid-range |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns (at 32 MHz) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 6 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 6 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit, 1 channel |
| PWM Channels | 3 x 16-bit (independent timers) |
| Comparators | 1 |
| EUSART | 1 |
| Package | 8-UDFN (3x3 mm) Exposed Pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Internal Oscillator | 32 MHz (factory calibrated) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC12LF1572T-I/RF Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — General-purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — General-purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — General-purpose I/O / MCLR reset |
| Pin 4 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — General-purpose I/O / PWM output |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — General-purpose I/O / PWM output |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — General-purpose I/O / PWM output |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC12LF1572T-I/RF is suitable for 6 applications: LED Lighting Control & RGB Color Mixing, Portable Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, DC-DC Converter Digital Control, Small Brushless DC Motor Control, Consumer Remote Control & HMI, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning.
LED Lighting Control & RGB Color Mixing
The PIC12LF1572T-I/RF is purpose-built for LED lighting applications thanks to its three independent 16-bit PWM channels with dedicated timers. Each PWM provides up to 16 bits of resolution for high-precision brightness and hue control across RGB or RGBW LED strings. The wide 1.8V-3.6V supply allows direct Li-ion or USB-powered LED driver designs without external regulation. The 10-bit ADC can be used for ambient-light sensing feedback loops, while the 5-bit DAC provides reference-level generation. The compact 3x3 mm UDFN package fits into space-constrained lamp modules, downlights, and strip-light controllers. Compared with using a generic 8-bit MCU plus an external LED driver, the integrated three-channel 16-bit PWM eliminates the need for additional driver ICs, reducing BOM cost and PCB area while maintaining color-mixing accuracy better than 0.1% duty-cycle resolution.
Recommended
Portable Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC12LF1572T-I/RF's 1.8V-3.6V supply range, 256-byte RAM, and integrated peripherals make it an efficient MCU for compact IoT sensor endpoints running from coin cells or single-cell Li-ion batteries. The 10-bit ADC with up to 6 channels can directly digitize temperature, light, or voltage signals without external signal conditioning, and the 5-bit DAC supports threshold or reference output generation. The internal 32MHz oscillator eliminates the need for an external crystal, reducing BOM cost and quiescent draw. The 8-UDFN package occupies just 3x3 mm, enabling sensor nodes small enough to fit in wearable form factors. The EUSART allows direct connection to Bluetooth or sub-GHz radio modules for data uplink. Compared with using an ARM Cortex-M0+ part, this PIC delivers adequate processing for periodic sensor sampling at significantly lower unit cost and lower active-power consumption.
Recommended
DC-DC Converter Digital Control
The PIC12LF1572T-I/RF is well-suited for digitally controlled DC-DC converters, where its three 16-bit PWM channels can drive synchronous buck, boost, or full-bridge topologies with high duty-cycle resolution. The 200 ns PWM update rate at 32MHz CPU clock enables switching frequencies up to several hundred kHz with closed-loop digital control. The 10-bit ADC samples the output voltage and inductor current for feedback, while the integrated comparator supports cycle-by-cycle current-mode control without an external comparator IC. The 3.5KB flash holds the control-loop firmware, and the 256-byte RAM supports small state-machine implementations. The compact 8-UDFN package allows the digital controller to be co-located with the power-stage FETs on the same PCB. Designers can implement adaptive voltage scaling, soft-start sequencing, and overcurrent protection entirely in firmware.
Recommended
Small Brushless DC Motor Control
For small sensorless or hall-sensor brushless DC (BLDC) motor control, the PIC12LF1572T-I/RF integrates three independent 16-bit PWMs with complementary outputs that can directly drive the three half-bridges of a BLDC motor stage. The 10-bit ADC reads back-EMF voltage for sensorless commutation algorithms, while the integrated comparator detects zero-crossing events. The 32MHz CPU runs the commutation state machine with sufficient headroom for closed-loop speed control. The wide 1.8V-3.6V operating range suits single-cell Li-ion battery-powered applications such as small fans, pumps, toys, and handheld tools. The 8-UDFN 3x3 mm footprint is ideal for motor-driver PCBs where space is at a premium. Compared with dedicated motor-driver ICs, the PIC12LF1572T-I/RF offers programmable flexibility for custom acceleration curves and fault handling.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control & HMI
The PIC12LF1572T-I/RF serves as a compact, low-cost main MCU in IR/RF remote controls, simple HMI panels, and capacitive-touch user interfaces. Its EUSART enables direct connection to RF transceiver modules for wireless remote controls, while the 10-bit ADC can be paired with resistive touch panels or potentiometers for analog input. The 16-bit PWMs drive status-LED indicators with smooth brightness transitions, and the 5-bit DAC can output reference voltages for sensor biasing. The 1.8V-3.6V supply allows direct operation from two AAA/AA alkaline cells without voltage regulation, and the 8-UDFN 3x3 mm footprint supports ultra-slim remote enclosures. The low-cost PIC core allows the entire remote to be assembled for under a dollar in BOM, a key driver of consumer-electronics cost targets.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
In industrial sensor-signal-conditioning front-ends, the PIC12LF1572T-I/RF provides local analog processing, linearization, and digital output conversion. The 10-bit ADC digitizes raw sensor signals such as thermocouples, strain gauges, or 4-20 mA current loops, while the 5-bit DAC can output excitation or reference voltages. The three 16-bit PWMs drive status indicators or heater elements with proportional control, and the EUSART outputs digital readings over RS-232/485 transceivers. The 1.8V-3.6V supply range accommodates both 3.3V industrial rails and battery-powered field transmitters. The extended temperature variant PIC12LF1572T-E/RF (same 8-UDFN package) is qualified for -40C to +125C operation in industrial environments. Compared with dedicated analog-front-end ICs, the PIC12LF1572T-I/RF provides programmable calibration in firmware, supporting per-unit offset and gain trim.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12LF1572T-I/RF — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12LF1571T-I/MS | PIC12LF1572T-E/RF | PIC12LF1572-E/RF | PIC12F1572-I/RF | PIC12F1571-I/RF | PIC12LF1552-E/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-UDFN (3x3 mm) | MSOP-8 | 8-UDFN (3x3 mm) - same | 8-UDFN (3x3 mm) - same | 8-UDFN (3x3 mm) - same | 8-UDFN (3x3 mm) - same | PDIP-8 |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 2.3V to 5.5V | 2.3V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 3.6V |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 2 KB |
| RAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 128 bytes |
| 16-bit PWM Channels | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| 10-bit ADC Channels | 6 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| DAC | 5-bit | None | 5-bit | 5-bit | 5-bit | None | None |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C |
Key Differentiators
- Three independent 16-bit PWM channels in 8-pin package (vs PIC12F1571-I/RF)
- Integrated 5-bit DAC plus 10-bit ADC plus comparator (vs PIC12LF1571T-I/MS)
- 1.8V minimum supply for direct battery operation (vs PIC12F1572-I/RF)
Design Notes
The 8-UDFN exposed-pad package requires the central thermal pad to be soldered to a sufficient copper area on the PCB for heat dissipation. At 32MHz CPU clock and full peripheral activity, the device can dissipate up to approximately 250 mW; without adequate copper (at least 100 mm^2 of 1 oz copper connected to the EP), junction temperature may exceed the 85C industrial limit in enclosed applications. Place thermal vias under the EP for multi-layer boards. Reference Microchip's family datasheet for thermal-resistance figures specific to the UDFN-8 package.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 8) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the board-level VDD rail. The UDFN-8 exposed pad must be soldered to the PCB ground plane for both thermal and electrical grounding. Keep analog input traces (RAx/RCx analog-capable pins) short and shielded with a ground pour to minimize ADC noise pickup. The MCLR/RA3 pin (pin 3) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD if not used as an I/O.
The internal 32 MHz HFINTOSC has a factory calibration accuracy of approximately +/- 2% over the full temperature range, which is sufficient for UART communications but may require software tuning for timing-critical applications such as IR protocols. The configuration bits (CONFIG1/CONFIG2) must be set correctly to select the LFINTOSC vs HFINTOSC and to enable the MCLR pin function. The ADC reference voltage defaults to VDD; for high-precision measurements, use the internal fixed voltage reference (FVR) module. Brown-out reset (BOR) should always be enabled for reliable startup.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive applications, consult Microchip's automotive-grade PIC portfolio. Halogen-free per Microchip material declaration.
