PIC16F1459-E/P - 8-bit 48MHz USB MCU 14KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1459-E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.95 | $2.95 |
| 10 | $2.66 | $26.60 |
| 100 | $2.36 | $236.00 |
| 500 | $2.13 | $1,065.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.92 | $1,920.00 |
PIC16F1459-E/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data bus, optimized for embedded control tasks such as sensor reading, actuator driving, and protocol bridging. Within the broader taxonomy, an MCU belongs to microcontrollers, which sit under Integrated Circuits, which belong to semiconductors. The PIC16F1459 is a member of Microchip's enhanced mid-range core family that uses a 14-bit instruction word and provides 16 stack levels, balancing code density with deterministic interrupt latency.
Key features include an internal 48 MHz oscillator, 1 KB of SRAM, 128 bytes of non-volatile data EEPROM, an enhanced mid-range core with 49 instructions, and high-endurance flash with self read/write capability. Peripherals include a 10-bit ADC, two standalone USB physical-layer ports (one with internal pull-up), multiple timers, PWM modules, and serial interfaces including I2C, SPI, and UART. The XLP (eXtreme Low Power) designation indicates sub-microamp sleep currents suitable for battery-powered designs.
Architecturally, the PIC16F1459 leverages a Harvard-style modified RISC core with separate program and data buses, allowing instruction fetch and operand access in the same cycle. The integrated USB 2.0 full-speed module includes an internal 3.3V regulator and clock recovery from the USB host, eliminating external crystals for many low-cost USB HID, CDC, and vendor-class applications.
Typical applications include USB human-interface devices such as keyboards, mice, and game controllers, USB-to-UART bridges, low-cost data loggers with USB connectivity, LED lighting controllers with PWM dimming, consumer electronics, and industrial sensor interfaces that require a wired USB diagnostic port.
When designing with this device, ensure that the USB D+/D- traces are routed as a 90-ohm differential pair and that the VUSB pin is bypassed with a 0.47 uF capacitor to ground. The internal oscillator accuracy is sufficient for most USB applications when the clock-recovery mode is enabled, but a crystal may still be preferred for FCC/CE-EMI-sensitive products.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives, and practical PCB and power-design notes not found in the bare Microchip datasheet, helping engineers accelerate USB-enabled 8-bit designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1459-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 PIC16F1459-E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in I/O Pins, Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1455-E/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1454-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1458-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F18345-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1459-E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Series | PIC XLP 16F |
| Program Memory Size | 14 KB (8K x 14) |
| Program Memory Type | FLASH |
| RAM Size | 1 KB |
| EEPROM Size | 128 bytes |
| CPU Speed | 48 MHz |
| Package | 20-PDIP (P) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| Connectivity | I2C, SPI, UART, USB |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT |
| Oscillator Type | Internal 48 MHz |
| USB Module | USB 2.0 FS with clock recovery |
PIC16F1459-E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — General I/O / Master Clear (reset) / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — General I/O / analog input AN0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — General I/O / analog input AN1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — General I/O / analog input AN2 |
| Pin 5 | RC0 — General I/O / analog input AN4 |
| Pin 6 | RC1 — General I/O / analog input AN5 |
| Pin 7 | RC2 — General I/O / analog input AN6 |
| Pin 8 | RC3 — General I/O / analog input AN7 |
| Pin 9 | RC4 — General I/O |
| Pin 10 | RC5 — General I/O |
| Pin 11 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 12 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — General I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB5 — General I/O |
| Pin 15 | RB6/PGC — General I/O / ICSP clock (programming/debug) |
| Pin 16 | RB7/PGD — General I/O / ICSP data (programming/debug) |
| Pin 17 | RA4 — General I/O / analog input AN3 |
| Pin 18 | RA5 — General I/O |
| Pin 19 | VUSB — Internal USB 3.3V regulator output (0.47uF bypass to ground) |
| Pin 20 | D- — USB D- data line |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1459-E/P is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Peripherals, USB-to-UART Bridge, USB Data Logger, LED Lighting and PWM Controllers, Consumer Electronics Interfaces, Industrial Sensor Interfaces.
USB HID Peripherals
The PIC16F1459-E/P's integrated USB 2.0 full-speed module with internal clock recovery makes it an excellent fit for USB Human Interface Devices such as keyboards, mice, game controllers, and custom input panels. The 48 MHz CPU sustains USB 1ms frame servicing with margin for HID report generation, while the 14 KB flash easily accommodates HID class drivers and application logic. The internal 48 MHz oscillator eliminates external crystals in most HID designs, reducing BOM cost. Hardware PWM modules drive RGB lighting or haptic feedback, and the XLP low-power sleep current lets bus-powered devices meet USB suspend requirements without complex power management.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge
The PIC16F1459-E/P serves as a cost-effective USB-to-UART bridge, replacing external chips such as the FTDI FT232 with a single MCU. The integrated USB 2.0 controller implements the CDC (Communications Device Class) driver, while the hardware UART module communicates with a target system at standard baud rates up to 921,600 bps. The 1 KB SRAM buffers USB packets between host and target, and 128 bytes of EEPROM store USB descriptors and configuration. With 14 KB flash, a full CDC bridge including bootloader fits comfortably. This is ideal for industrial controllers, debug ports, and legacy serial equipment modernization.
Recommended
USB Data Logger
The PIC16F1459-E/P enables compact USB data loggers for temperature, humidity, voltage, and sensor monitoring. The 10-bit ADC reads analog sensor outputs while 128 bytes of EEPROM and 1 KB of SRAM buffer readings between USB transfers. The 48 MHz CPU performs oversampling and digital filtering without throughput bottlenecks. The USB device module enumerates as a vendor-class device for custom PC applications, and the XLP sleep current drops below 1 uA between samples, extending battery life to months on a single coin cell. This makes the 1459 ideal for environmental monitoring, cold-chain logistics, and portable diagnostic tools.
Recommended
LED Lighting and PWM Controllers
The PIC16F1459-E/P suits LED drivers and lighting controllers requiring precise PWM dimming. Hardware PWM modules generate multiple channels of high-resolution PWM at frequencies above the audible band, eliminating flicker. The 48 MHz instruction cycle gives sub-microsecond PWM resolution for smooth color mixing in RGB and RGBA applications. The USB interface enables PC-based configuration of brightness curves and color presets, turning any LED fixture into a programmable lighting element. With 20 pins, the device drives up to 14 LEDs through charlieplexing or directly interfaces with LED driver ICs such as the TLC5940 for larger installations.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Interfaces
The PIC16F1459-E/P fits consumer products that need USB connectivity without the cost of a higher-end MCU. Typical applications include USB charging controllers with status LEDs, programmable IR remote controls, audio accessory controllers, and toy interfaces. The integrated USB module plus internal oscillator shrinks the design to a 20-pin PDIP, allowing single-layer PCBs. The 14 KB flash holds USB class drivers and application code, while 1 KB RAM supports HID reports or vendor-class protocols. Industrial-grade operation between -40C and +125C lets the same part serve toys, appliances, and entry-level industrial accessories.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interfaces
The PIC16F1459-E/P supports industrial sensor-interface modules with USB diagnostics, bridging 4-20 mA loops, RTDs, or digital sensors to a host PC. The ADC channels read analog sensors, while I2C and SPI connect to digital sensor ICs. The UART outputs Modbus or ASCII protocols over CDC-USB for legacy SCADA systems. The 48 MHz CPU performs polynomial CRC checks for Modbus RTU mode in real time. The extended temperature range and high-endurance flash (100,000 erase cycles) support field-deployed sensors with firmware updates, and the 20-pin PDIP package allows easy prototyping and rework on standard 0.1 inch pitch headers.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1459-E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1455-E/P | PIC16F1454-E/P | PIC16F1458-I/P | PIC16F18345-E/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-PDIP | 20-PDIP - same | 20-PDIP - same | 20-PDIP - same | 20-PDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core | PIC enhanced mid-range 8-bit | PIC enhanced mid-range 8-bit | PIC enhanced mid-range 8-bit | PIC enhanced mid-range 8-bit | PIC enhanced mid-range 8-bit (newer) |
| Flash | 14 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB |
| RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| EEPROM | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| CPU Speed | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 32 MHz |
| USB Module | USB 2.0 FS + clock recovery | USB 2.0 FS + clock recovery | USB 2.0 FS + clock recovery | USB 2.0 FS + clock recovery | USB 2.0 FS + clock recovery |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) |
Key Differentiators
- Largest flash within PIC16F145x 20-PDIP family (vs PIC16F1454-E/P)
- Extended temperature range for harsh environments (vs PIC16F1458-I/P)
- Higher CPU clock than newer-generation alternative (vs PIC16F18345-E/P)
Design Notes
Route the USB D- pin (pin 20) and the VUSB pin (pin 19) as a 90-ohm differential pair to GND. Place a 0.47 uF X7R bypass capacitor on VUSB (pin 19) within 2 mm of the pin to ensure stable internal 3.3V regulator operation. Keep digital signal traces away from the USB pair and the VUSB pin to minimize EMI coupling that could cause USB compliance failures.
Estimated: at 48 MHz CPU clock with all peripherals active, the PIC16F1459 draws about 6 mA from VDD at 5V. In USB suspend state the XLP sleep current drops below 1 uA. For bus-powered designs, the host-supplied 5V typically drives VDD directly; ensure bulk capacitance of at least 4.7 uF on VDD (pin 12) to handle USB inrush when the device enumerates.
Do not omit the VUSB 0.47 uF bypass capacitor or the USB module will fail to enumerate reliably. Ensure MCLR (pin 1) is pulled up to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation; leaving it floating prevents startup. The internal oscillator is accurate enough for USB with clock recovery enabled, but disable clock recovery if the application uses an external crystal.
Compliance Information
Compliance fields not present in verified web data; set to unknown per data authenticity rules. PIC16F1459-E/P is industrial/consumer grade and not AEC-Q100 qualified.
