PIC16F1459-E/SO - 8-bit USB MCU, 14KB Flash, 48MHz, SOIC-20
MPN: PIC16F1459-E/SO β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.2 | $3.20 |
| 10 | $2.88 | $28.80 |
| 100 | $2.41 | $241.00 |
| 500 | $2.05 | $1,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.78 | $1,780.00 |
PIC16F1459-E/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (Flash/RAM), and peripherals. The PIC16F1459 belongs to the PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC family, which evolved from Microchip's classic PIC architecture. MCUs sit at the lowest tier of the embedded compute hierarchy: bare-microcontroller -> MCU -> embedded processor -> system-on-chip. They execute one instruction per clock cycle (200 ns at 20 MHz, 83 ns at 48 MHz) and consume only microwatts in sleep mode.
Key features of the PIC16F1459 include a Universal Serial Bus 2.0 module with internal clock recovery (no external crystal required for USB), 18 I/O pins, 2 standalone 10-bit PWM modules, 2 comparators, a 10-bit ADC with up to 12 channels, I2C/SPI/EUSART connectivity, and 128 bytes of non-volatile data storage. The high-endurance flash (HEF) supports 100K erase/write cycles typical. The device runs from 2.0V to 5.5V and supports industrial temperature grades.
Architecturally, the PIC16F1459 uses a 14-bit instruction word and a 16-level hardware stack, providing deterministic interrupt response suitable for real-time control. The integrated USB module with on-chip transceiver eliminates external USB PHY components, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. The 48MHz internal oscillator with 4x PLL enables USB full-speed operation without an external crystal.
Typical applications include USB HID peripherals (keyboards, mice, custom input devices), USB-to-UART bridges, low-cost USB sensors, capacitive-touch human-interface devices, LED lighting controllers, and battery-powered IoT nodes requiring low standby current. The -E suffix denotes the -40C to +125C extended temperature grade.
Designers should note that the PIC16F1459 requires MPLAB X IDE and either a PICkit, ICD, or SNAP programmer for development. The USB module's internal pull-up resistor simplifies bus-powered designs. For USB battery-charging or OTG roles, consult the datasheet's USB section. The 20-pin SOIC footprint is breadboard-friendly, easing prototyping versus QFN-package siblings.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1459-E/SO 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 PIC16F1459-E/SO (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Comparators, Program Memory (Flash), Core Architecture, Internal Oscillator, PWM Modules.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1459-I/SO
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F1455-I/SO
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1455-E/SO
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1454-I/SO
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1459T-I/SO
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F1459-E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Core Architecture | Enhanced Mid-Range PIC16 (14-bit instruction) |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 48 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14) |
| RAM | 1 KB |
| EEPROM / Data EEPROM | Not separately specified in source |
| Non-volatile Data Storage (HEF) | 128 B |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| Connectivity | I2C, SPI, UART/USART, USB 2.0 Full-Speed |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT, ADC, Comparators |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 12 channels |
| PWM Channels | 2 x 10-bit (Standalone) |
| Comparators | 2 |
| USB Module | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device with internal clock recovery (no external crystal required) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E = Extended grade) |
| Package / Case | 20-SOIC (SO), 7.50 mm wide, 1.27 mm pitch |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Oscillator | Internal 48 MHz with 4x PLL; supports external crystal |
| Instruction Set | 49 instructions, 16-level hardware stack |
PIC16F1459-E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (2.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 β Digital I/O / analog input / DAC reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4 β Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR β Digital I/O / Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 5 | RC5 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 6 | RC4 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 7 | RC3 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 8 | RC6 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 9 | RC7 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB7 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB6 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB5 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB4 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC2 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 15 | RC1 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | RC0 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 17 | OSC2 β Crystal/oscillator output or digital I/O |
| Pin 18 | OSC1/CLKIN β Crystal/oscillator input or digital I/O |
| Pin 19 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | D+/D- (USB) β USB data lines (note: actual D+/D- pins and pin numbering should be verified against the datasheet pin diagram for production designs) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1459-E/SO is suitable for 7 applications: USB HID Peripherals (Keyboard/Mouse/Custom Input), USB-to-UART Bridge / Virtual COM Port, Capacitive-Touch Human Interface Devices, USB Sensor Modules (Temperature, Pressure, Environmental), LED Lighting Controllers (USB-Connected DMX/Art-Net), Battery-Powered IoT Nodes with USB Configuration Port, Industrial USB Data Acquisition (DAQ) Modules.
USB HID Peripherals (Keyboard/Mouse/Custom Input)
The PIC16F1459-E/SO is a strong fit for USB HID peripherals such as keyboards, mice, game controllers, and custom HID input devices. Its integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed module with internal clock recovery eliminates the need for an external crystal, reducing BOM cost by approximately USD 0.30-0.50. The 14 KB Flash is sufficient for USB HID report descriptors, bootloader code, and application logic; the 1 KB RAM handles HID report buffers comfortably. With 18 I/O pins, the device supports full scan-matrix keyboard implementations (up to 8x10) and rotary encoder inputs. Microchip's MPLAB Code Configurator generates ready-to-use HID class drivers, accelerating development. Designers should place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor adjacent to VDD and route D+/D- as a 90-ohm differential pair to maintain USB signal integrity.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge / Virtual COM Port
The PIC16F1459-E/SO works well as a low-cost USB-to-UART bridge for legacy serial devices that need modernization. The integrated USB module supports CDC (Communications Device Class) at full speed, while the hardware EUSART handles UART at up to 5 Mbps with hardware flow control. Engineers can implement a CDC-to-UART bridge in approximately 4-6 KB of Flash, leaving room for command parsing or bootloader logic. The 48 MHz internal oscillator with PLL provides accurate baud-rate generation across 9600 to 921600 bps without external components. Compared to commercial bridges like FTDI FT232, the PIC16F1459-E/SO costs less at 1K volumes and allows custom firmware. Place a ferrite bead on VUSB and 0.1 uF decoupling on VDD to meet USB EMI compliance.
Recommended
Capacitive-Touch Human Interface Devices
The PIC16F1459-E/SO supports capacitive-touch sensing through Microchip's mTouch framework, making it suitable for touch buttons, sliders, and proximity sensors in USB-connected human-interface products. The integrated 10-bit ADC with up to 12 channels and two comparators can be combined with external charge-transfer circuitry for robust touch detection. The 14 KB Flash accommodates mTouch libraries plus USB HID stacks; the 1 KB RAM supports touch scanning buffers. XLP technology ensures idle current stays under 1 uA when USB is suspended, extending battery life in wireless touch devices. The 20-SOIC package is breadboard-friendly for prototype iteration before tape-out. Use guard rings around touch electrodes and route sensor traces away from USB D+/D- differential pair.
Recommended
USB Sensor Modules (Temperature, Pressure, Environmental)
The PIC16F1459-E/SO is ideal for USB-attached sensor modules measuring temperature, humidity, pressure, or gas concentration. The 10-bit ADC with 12 channels can read multiple analog sensors simultaneously, while the USB module streams data as a vendor-class or HID device at up to 12 Mbps. The 128-byte non-volatile data storage retains calibration coefficients across power cycles. Operating from 2.0 V to 5.5 V supports direct battery or USB bus power. Designers can implement a complete USB environmental sensor in approximately 6-8 KB Flash, leaving headroom for future features. The extended -40 C to +125 C grade supports outdoor or industrial deployments. Include ESD protection (TVS diodes) on USB D+/D- lines for sensor modules exposed to user handling.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers (USB-Connected DMX/Art-Net)
The PIC16F1459-E/SO's two 10-bit PWM modules and high-speed USB make it suitable as a low-cost controller for USB-connected LED lighting fixtures, including DMX-over-USB or Art-Net nodes. The 48 MHz clock provides sufficient PWM frequency (>1 kHz) to avoid flicker while the USB module handles streaming protocol frames in real time. The 14 KB Flash can hold USB stack plus WS2812/SK6812 bit-banging or DMX512 transmit routines. With 18 I/O, designers can drive multiple LED channels or interface to addressable LED strips directly. The XLP sleep mode is beneficial when fixtures are powered but inactive. Add a level shifter (e.g., SN74HCT125) if driving 5 V LED strips from 3.3 V GPIO. Always include current-limiting resistors on each LED output.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Nodes with USB Configuration Port
The PIC16F1459-E/SO suits low-power IoT edge nodes that include a USB port for occasional configuration, firmware updates, or data download. The XLP technology delivers sleep currents below 1 uA with full RAM retention, extending battery life in remote deployments. When a USB host is attached, the integrated module wakes the MCU and provides a CDC or vendor-class interface for configuration. The 14 KB Flash accommodates application code plus a USB bootloader; the 128-byte non-volatile data storage holds node ID and last-known configuration. Operating voltage from 2.0 V to 5.5 V supports single-cell Li-ion, 2x AA, or coin-cell batteries. Place a 10 kohm pull-up on D+ to signal USB attach to the host; include a power switch (e.g., TPS2051B) to disconnect battery when USB is active.
Recommended
Industrial USB Data Acquisition (DAQ) Modules
The PIC16F1459-E/SO's extended temperature grade (-40 C to +125 C), integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed module, and 10-bit ADC with 12 channels make it a fit for industrial USB DAQ modules measuring analog signals from sensors, transducers, or process-control loops. The 14 KB Flash is enough for USB vendor-class firmware plus signal processing; the 1 KB RAM buffers sample streams before USB transmission. Operating from 2.0 V to 5.5 V accepts 24 V industrial rails after a step-down regulator. The 20-SOIC industrial-grade package supports harsh-environment deployments. Designers can implement a 4-channel 1 kHz DAQ in approximately 8 KB Flash. Add opto-isolation (e.g., ADuM3160) on USB lines for galvanic isolation in industrial installations with high common-mode voltages.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1459-E/SO β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1459-I/SO | PIC16F1455-I/SO | PIC16F1455-E/SO | PIC16F1454-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-SOIC (SO) | 20-SOIC (SO) - same | 20-SOIC (SO) - same | 20-SOIC (SO) - same | 20-SOIC (SO) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| Core | PIC16 8-bit | PIC16 8-bit | PIC16 8-bit | PIC16 8-bit | PIC16 8-bit |
| Max Clock Speed | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB |
| RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| USB Module | USB 2.0 FS with clock recovery | USB 2.0 FS with clock recovery | USB 2.0 FS with clock recovery | USB 2.0 FS with clock recovery | No USB |
| I/O Pins | 18 | 18 | 11 (reduced) | 11 (reduced) | 11 (reduced) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +85 C (I) | -40 C to +85 C (I) | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +85 C (I) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature grade (-40 C to +125 C) for harsh environments (vs PIC16F1459-I/SO)
- Full 18 I/O pin count for richer peripheral integration (vs PIC16F1455-I/SO)
- Integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed with internal clock recovery (vs PIC16F1454-I/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16F1459-E/SO requires a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin, plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the VDD rail for USB bus-powered designs. For self-powered USB devices, place a 10 kohm pull-up resistor on the D+ line to signal full-speed attach to the host. The internal 3.3V USB regulator requires a 0.47 uF capacitor on VUSB. Always include a ferrite bead on VBUS if the device draws more than 100 mA from the bus.
Route the USB D+ and D- traces as a 90-ohm differential pair with matched length (within 2 mm) and continuous ground reference plane beneath. Keep the pair away from switching signals, oscillators, and high-current traces. For 20-SOIC packages, follow IPC-7351 land pattern dimensions with 1.27 mm pitch and 7.50 mm body width. Place the decoupling capacitor's ground via directly adjacent to the VSS pin's ground via for shortest return path.
Do not assume the MCLR pin (RA3) is a general-purpose I/O without disabling the MCLR function in the configuration bits - failure to do so will prevent the MCU from starting. When using the internal USB clock recovery, ensure the firmware initializes the USB module before host enumeration to avoid device-not-recognized errors. For battery applications, verify that the 2.0 V minimum VDD supports the chosen clock frequency at the operating temperature - low-voltage programming may require VDD > 2.5 V.
Keep the ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) pins accessible in the PCB layout for production programming and field firmware updates. The 20-SOIC footprint allows hand-soldering with standard 0.5 mm tip, but production should use reflow profiles per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020 for MSL-rated packages. The exposed pad (if any) on the SOIC variant is not present - heat dissipation occurs through the lead frame, so do not expect QFN-level thermal performance.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH status not explicitly stated in verified web data; marked 'unknown'. AEC-Q100 not applicable for -E extended grade (commercial/industrial use); AEC-Q100 qualified variants would be PIC16F1459-E/SO VAO or similar automotive-suffix parts not confirmed in source. Lead-free confirmed per Microchip packaging policy. Conflict-minerals declaration per Microchip corporate policy.
