PIC16F1459-I/SS - 8-bit 48MHz USB MCU, 14KB Flash, 20-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1459-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.4 | $2.40 |
| 10 | $2.16 | $21.60 |
| 100 | $1.92 | $192.00 |
| 500 | $1.72 | $860.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.55 | $1,550.00 |
PIC16F1459-I/SS Overview
A PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) microcontroller is a Harvard-architecture RISC device that uses separate program and data buses to maximize instruction throughput. The PIC16F1459 specifically belongs to the enhanced mid-range family, which adds 49 instructions, 16 stack levels, and interrupt context saving on top of the baseline mid-range core. Within the broader taxonomy, this places it under: 8-bit MCU -> PIC16 family -> enhanced mid-range core -> Microchip 16F series -> Microcontroller (MCU) -> semiconductor.
Key features include 1 KB of SRAM, 256 B of EEPROM, 18 I/O pins, an internal 48 MHz oscillator, a USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver with on-chip clock recovery, two standalone 10-bit PWM modules, multiple timers (Timer0/1/2), 9 channels of 10-bit ADC, and a 128-byte non-volatile data storage area. Operating voltage spans 2.3 V to 5.5 V, which is typical of the PIC LF/F dual-voltage family. The 20-SSOP package has a -40C to +85C industrial temperature range per the -I suffix designation.
The USB 2.0 module with integrated clock recovery is the architectural standout - it removes the BOM cost and PCB area of an external 12 MHz crystal, allowing the device to enumerate on a USB bus using only the internal oscillator. The XLP technology adds deep-sleep and idle modes with nanoWatt current consumption, making the PIC16F1459 suitable for USB-powered or battery-powered peripherals.
Typical applications include USB human-interface devices (HID) such as keyboards, mice, and game controllers, USB-to-UART bridges, low-cost CDC virtual COM ports, USB sensors and instrumentation, LED lighting controllers with USB firmware update, capacitive-touch user interfaces, and consumer accessories requiring a single-chip USB solution. The 18 I/O pins also support general-purpose embedded control tasks.
When designing with this part, plan the USB bus-presentation circuit carefully: a 10 uF VBUS decoupling capacitor is required per the USB 2.0 specification, and the D+/D- lines typically need 33 ohm series termination and ESD protection. Pull-up resistor selection on D- (for low-speed) or D+ (for full-speed) determines the USB speed; the PIC16F1459 supports both via firmware configuration.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical USB design notes not found in a single manufacturer PDF.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1459-I/SS — 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-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Timers, Program Memory (Flash), I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1459T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1459-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1459-E/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1455-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1455-E/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1459-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set | 49 instructions |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 1 KB |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B |
| Non-volatile Data Storage (HEF) | 128 B |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC | 9-channel, 10-bit |
| PWM Modules | 2x 10-bit standalone |
| Timers | Timer0, Timer1, Timer2 |
| USB Module | USB 2.0 Full-Speed with internal clock recovery |
| Internal Oscillator | 48 MHz |
| Stack Levels | 16 |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (SS) - 5.30 mm body, 1.27 mm pitch |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature (I grade) | -40C to +85C |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F1459-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.3 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Digital I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Digital I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR — Digital I/O or Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — Digital I/O / PWM output |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — Digital I/O / PWM output |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — Digital I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 8 | RC6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 9 | RC7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB7 — Digital I/O / ICSP PGD |
| Pin 11 | RB6 — Digital I/O / ICSP PGC |
| Pin 12 | RB5 — Digital I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — Digital I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 14 | RC2 — Digital I/O / PWM output |
| Pin 15 | RC1 — Digital I/O / D- (USB data minus) |
| Pin 16 | RC0 — Digital I/O / D+ (USB data plus) |
| Pin 17 | RA2 — Digital I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Digital I/O / ADC input / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 19 | RA0 — Digital I/O / ADC input / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1459-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Keyboard / Mouse, USB-to-UART / CDC Virtual COM Port Bridge, USB Sensor / Instrumentation Module, LED Lighting Controller with USB Firmware Update, Capacitive-Touch User Interface, Consumer USB Accessory (Gamepad, Presenter, Dongle).
USB HID Keyboard / Mouse
The PIC16F1459-I/SS fits USB HID peripherals because it integrates a USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver with on-chip clock recovery, eliminating the external 12 MHz crystal that most 8-bit MCUs require. Its 14 KB Flash holds a complete USB HID class driver plus application matrix-scan and debounce code, while 1 KB of RAM is more than enough for HID report buffers and key state tracking. With 18 I/O pins the part supports a 8x10 keyboard matrix or a multi-button mouse with scroll wheel. The internal 48 MHz oscillator and XLP nanoWatt deep-sleep mode allow a USB keyboard to draw <1 mA idle current. Designers should add 33 ohm D+/D- series resistors, an ESD protection array, and a 10 uF VBUS decoupling cap per USB 2.0 spec.
Recommended
USB-to-UART / CDC Virtual COM Port Bridge
The PIC16F1459-I/SS is widely used as a USB-to-UART bridge because its integrated USB 2.0 module can implement the CDC (Communications Device Class) class driver entirely in firmware, presenting as a virtual COM port on the host PC. The 14 KB Flash accommodates the CDC stack plus UART handling code, and 18 I/O pins leave enough headroom for RTS/CTS/DTR/RI handshaking lines plus a status LED. The internal 48 MHz oscillator is accurate enough for USB enumeration without external components, and the 9-channel 10-bit ADC can monitor bridge board temperature or supply voltage. The XLP idle mode drops bridge current to under 100 uA between USB transactions.
Recommended
USB Sensor / Instrumentation Module
For a USB-attached sensor module the PIC16F1459-I/SS offers 9 channels of 10-bit ADC, which is sufficient for temperature, light, voltage, and analog sensor inputs at sample rates up to 100 ksps. The USB device mode allows the host PC to poll sensors and stream data over HID interrupt or CDC bulk transfer. With 14 KB Flash and 1 KB RAM the firmware can include a small ring buffer for sensor logging plus a USB class driver. The internal 48 MHz oscillator provides a stable ADC clock source, and the device can self-power from USB VBUS at 5 V with on-chip regulation. Pair with a precision external reference for high-accuracy ADC measurements.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller with USB Firmware Update
The PIC16F1459-I/SS drives LED lighting via its two 10-bit PWM modules, which provide 1024-step dimming resolution and can be configured for complementary outputs with dead-band control to drive an H-bridge or half-bridge LED driver. The USB interface enables in-field firmware updates by the end user - a USB bootloader resident in HEF (128 B) can rewrite the main Flash block via the USB stack. With 18 I/O pins the MCU handles multiple LED channels, button debouncing, and ambient light sensing via the 10-bit ADC. XLP modes keep standby current below 1 uA for battery-powered decorative lighting.
Recommended
Capacitive-Touch User Interface
The PIC16F1459's mTouch capacitive touch library runs on its 10-bit ADC and core peripherals, enabling touch buttons, sliders, and proximity sensors without external touch ICs. The 18 I/O pins support up to 18 touch channels, and the 14 KB Flash holds the mTouch firmware plus a USB HID or CDC interface for touch event reporting to a host. The internal 48 MHz oscillator gives consistent ADC timing for capacitive charge-time measurement, and XLP deep-sleep mode keeps battery-powered remote controls at nanoamp-level idle. Pair with a guard trace and proper PCB layout per the Microchip mTouch design guide.
Recommended
Consumer USB Accessory (Gamepad, Presenter, Dongle)
Consumer USB accessories such as wireless presenter dongles, simple gamepads, and remote controls use the PIC16F1459-I/SS because it integrates USB, runs from USB power without external crystals, and fits in a 20-SSOP small footprint. Its 14 KB Flash holds USB HID class drivers, button matrix scanning, and radio companion interface code; 1 KB RAM covers HID report buffers and command queues. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade handles typical consumer environments, and the device can wake from XLP sleep via USB resume signaling, enabling <100 uA suspend current for bus-powered accessories.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1459-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1459T-I/SS | PIC16LF1459-I/SS | PIC16F1459-E/SS | PIC16F1455-I/SS | PIC16F1455-E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB |
| RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| I/O Pins | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 11 | 11 |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C |
| 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 | USB 2.0 FS + clock recovery |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated USB 2.0 with internal clock recovery (vs PIC16F1455-I/SS)
- Low-voltage LF variant available in same package (vs PIC16F1459-E/SS)
- Industrial -40C to +85C operating range (vs Consumer-grade PIC MCUs)
Design Notes
The USB 2.0 specification requires a 10 uF (or larger) decoupling capacitor on VBUS. Designers often omit this on breadboard prototypes, then face enumeration failures on compliant USB hosts. Place a low-ESR 10 uF ceramic on the VBUS pin of the USB connector, with a 1 uF and 100 nF additional decoupling near the MCU VDD pin. Also ensure 33 ohm series resistors on D+/D- to dampen reflections on the USB cable.
Keep the D+/D- traces as a matched-length differential pair, 90 ohm differential impedance, with no stubs. Maintain at least 50 mil clearance to other digital signals to avoid crosstalk into the USB eye diagram. Route the VBUS decoupling cap on the same side as the connector to minimize inductance. Do not place any signal traces under the 20-SSOP pin 1 marker dot - use that area for ground fill.
Estimated: At full 48 MHz CPU and 5 V supply, the PIC16F1459 draws ~5 mA active and ~20 nA in deep sleep. For USB suspend current compliance (<2.5 mA on a USB 2.0 device), use the XLP sleep modes and ensure the USB module is placed in suspend state via the UCON register before entering sleep. Pull-ups on unused I/O pins reduce leakage.
For ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) accessibility, bring the PGC/PGD pins (RB6/RB7) to test points or a header. Add a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR (RA3) for proper reset behavior, with a 100 nF cap to ground for noise immunity. The ICSP connector pinout is standardized in Microchip's debug specification; placing it on the PCB allows field firmware updates via MPLAB X IPE.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is an industrial-grade MCU; automotive designs should reference AEC-Q100-qualified Microchip variants.
