PIC16F1459T-I/ML - 8-Bit USB MCU 14KB Flash 48MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1459T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.55 | $2.55 |
| 10 | $2.29 | $22.90 |
| 100 | $2.04 | $204.00 |
| 500 | $1.83 | $915.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.62 | $1,620.00 |
PIC16F1459T-I/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program and data memory, peripheral interfaces, and I/O into one device. The PIC16F1459 belongs to Microchip's enhanced mid-range PIC16 family, which sits within the broader 8-bit microcontroller category and serves as a programmable logic engine for embedded control. Within Microchip's portfolio, 8-bit MCUs bridge simple fixed-function timers and the higher-performance 16-bit/32-bit dsPIC and PIC32 lines, offering deterministic interrupt response with simple peripheral integration.
Key features include an integrated USB 2.0 full-speed module with clock recovery from host, an internal 48MHz oscillator eliminating external crystals for USB operation, 18 I/O pins, a 10-bit ADC with up to 9 channels, two standalone PWM modules, and Microchip's eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology for sleep currents down to sub-microamp levels. The 49-instruction enhanced mid-range core provides 200ns instruction execution at 20MHz, while the high-endurance flash supports self read/write operations for data logging and bootloader use cases.
Typical applications include USB HID peripherals (keyboards, mice, custom input devices), USB-to-UART bridges, sensor aggregation nodes with USB diagnostics, low-power IoT endpoints, LED lighting controllers with USB programming interfaces, and industrial human-machine interface (HMI) panels where a small USB-capable footprint reduces BOM cost compared to dedicated USB interface chips plus a base MCU.
When designing with this device, evaluate the 14KB Flash ceiling against code size headroom for USB stacks and any RTOS or bootloader. Decoupling the VUSB 3.3V internal regulator pin with the datasheet-specified capacitor is required for stable USB bus-powered operation.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1459T-I/ML — 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 PIC16F1459T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Internal Oscillator, Package, Core Architecture, MSL Level, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1459-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.7 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1455T-I/ST
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1454T-I/ST
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1459-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1459T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1459T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 Enhanced Mid-Range (49 instructions) |
| CPU Bit Width | 8-bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 48 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| SRAM | 1 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 9 channels |
| USB Module | USB 2.0 Full-Speed with clock recovery from host |
| Internal Oscillator | 48 MHz (USB-accurate, no external crystal needed) |
| PWM Modules | 2 standalone |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| Package | 20-pin QFN (ML) 4x4 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns at 20 MHz |
| Stack Depth | 16 levels |
| Packaging Form | Tape and Reel ('T' suffix) |
PIC16F1459T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/Vref+/C1IN+/C12IN0-/C12IN1-/IOC — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / positive voltage reference |
| Pin 2 | RC5/CCP1/P1A/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O / CCP1 PWM output / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 3 | RC6/AN8/CCP2/P2A/TX/CK — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / UART TX |
| Pin 4 | RC7/AN9/RX/DT/SDO — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / UART RX / SPI data out |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RC4/D-/P2B — USB D- line / bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 7 | RC3/D+/P2C — USB D+ line / bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 8 | RC2/AN6/C12IN2-/C12IN3-/P2D/SDI/SDA — Bidirectional I/O / ADC / I2C data |
| Pin 9 | RC1/AN5/C12IN1-/P1C/CCP2 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / PWM output |
| Pin 10 | RC0/AN4/C12IN2-/P1D/SCK/SCL — Bidirectional I/O / ADC / I2C clock |
| Pin 11 | RA1/AN1/C1IN0-/C12IN0-/ICSPCLK/VCAP — Bidirectional I/O / ADC / ICSP clock / VUSB regulator cap |
| Pin 12 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+/ICSPDAT — Bidirectional I/O / ADC / ICSP data |
| Pin 13 | VUSB3V3 — Internal 3.3V USB regulator output (decoupling cap) |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive power supply 2.3V to 5.5V |
| Pin 15 | RA2/AN2/C1OUT/Vref-/DACOUT1 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC / comparator output / DAC |
| Pin 16 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O port B |
| Pin 17 | RB6/ICSPCLK/ICDCLK — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP clock / ICD clock |
| Pin 18 | RB5/ICSPDAT/ICDDAT — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP data / ICD data |
| Pin 19 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O port B |
| Pin 20 | EP — Exposed thermal pad - connect to VSS for thermal dissipation |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1459T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Peripherals (Keyboards / Mice / Custom Input), USB-to-UART Bridge and CDC Devices, Low-Power IoT Sensor Nodes with USB Diagnostics, LED Lighting Controllers with USB Programming, Industrial HMI Front Panels, Custom USB Test and Measurement Instruments.
USB HID Peripherals (Keyboards / Mice / Custom Input)
The PIC16F1459T-I/ML's integrated USB 2.0 full-speed module with internal 48 MHz oscillator makes it a direct fit for USB HID peripherals. The 14KB flash comfortably holds Microchip's MCHPUSB HID stack plus matrix-scanning or sensor-scanning application firmware, while the 18 I/O pins drive 8x10 keyboard matrices. Placed as the sole IC plus diodes and USB connector, it eliminates the external crystal typically required for USB timing, reducing BOM count by 2-3 parts versus discrete-oscillator designs.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge and CDC Devices
The PIC16F1459T-I/ML supports CDC (Communications Device Class) device firmware that emulates a UART over USB, a common requirement for firmware debug consoles, debug bridges, and legacy-RS232 replacement modules. Its 48 MHz internal oscillator delivers USB-accurate timing without external components, and the 1KB SRAM buffers full-speed packet transfers. Placed between a USB Type-C or micro-B receptacle and a host MCU, the part exposes a CDC channel at 115200+ baud typical with no host-side driver installation on modern OS versions.
Recommended
Low-Power IoT Sensor Nodes with USB Diagnostics
The PIC16F1459T-I/ML's XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology delivers sub-microamp sleep current, making it suitable for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes that occasionally wake to push data via USB. The 10-bit ADC reads up to 9 analog channels for environmental sensors, while the integrated USB enables in-field diagnostics and firmware updates without a separate programming header. Estimated: at a 0.1% duty cycle with 1ms active wake, average current stays below 50 uA on a CR2032, extending battery life to multi-year deployments.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers with USB Programming
The PIC16F1459T-I/ML's two standalone PWM modules and 48 MHz core provide enough bandwidth to drive multi-channel WS2812B or APA102 addressable LED strings via bit-banged SPI, while USB enables in-system firmware updates and per-fixture address configuration. Its 20-pin QFN 4x4 mm footprint fits into the small PCB space of MR16 bulbs and architectural LED drivers. Placed between the USB micro-B receptacle and the LED driver FET gates, it eliminates an external programming header and reduces assembly cost for high-volume architectural lighting.
Recommended
Industrial HMI Front Panels
The PIC16F1459T-I/ML's industrial -40C to +85C temperature range and 14KB flash accommodate HMI front-panel firmware including button scanning, encoder handling, indicator LED driving, and a USB CDC diagnostic channel for field service. Its 18 I/O pins drive up to 16-segment key/button matrices plus 4 indicator LEDs without external shift registers. Placed between the panel membrane connector and the host controller, it provides USB-based firmware upgrade capability and a local status display in industrial equipment where full reprogramming via main controller is undesirable.
Recommended
Custom USB Test and Measurement Instruments
The PIC16F1459T-I/ML's 10-bit ADC with up to 9 channels, 48 MHz clock for tight timing loops, and full-speed USB make it a fit for low-cost USB bench instruments such as voltage loggers, simple function generators, and protocol analyzers. The 1KB SRAM buffers sample streams for USB bulk transfers, while the small 4x4 mm QFN package fits into probe-tip PCBs. Placed inside a handheld probe body, it streams 10 ksps continuous ADC data to a host PC for visualization with no host-side driver installation on Windows, macOS, or Linux USB-CDC stacks.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1459T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1459-I/ML | PIC16F1455T-I/ST | PIC16F1454T-I/ST | PIC16F1459-E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-QFN (ML) 4x4 mm | 20-QFN (ML) 4x4 mm - same | 20-QFN (ML) 4x4 mm - same | 20-QFN (ML) 4x4 mm - same | 20-QFN (ML) 4x4 mm - same |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 8 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB |
| SRAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 512 B | 1 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Maximum Clock | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 18 | 18 | 11 | 9 | 18 |
| USB Module | USB 2.0 FS | USB 2.0 FS | USB 2.0 FS | USB 2.0 FS | USB 2.0 FS |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C (extended) |
| Carrier Format | Tape and Reel | Tray | Tape and Reel | Tape and Reel | Tape and Reel |
Key Differentiators
- Maximum flash (14KB) in the PIC16F145x family for combined HID+CDC+bootloader designs (vs PIC16F1455T-I/ST)
- Maximum I/O count (18 pins) in the PIC16F145x family for matrix-scanning peripherals (vs PIC16F1454T-I/ST)
- Industrial temperature grade (I) for general-purpose embedded designs (vs PIC16F1459-E/SS)
- Tape-and-reel ('T') carrier for high-volume automated assembly (vs PIC16F1459-I/ML)
Design Notes
The PIC16F1459T-I/ML integrates an internal 3.3V USB regulator that requires a decoupling capacitor on the VUSB3V3 pin (pin 13). According to the Microchip PIC16F1459 datasheet, failure to place this capacitor - or placing it too far from the pin - causes USB enumeration failures and bus-reset loops. Use a 0.01uF to 0.1uF X7R ceramic placed within 2 mm of the pin with a direct ground via. When the part is self-powered (not bus-powered), the VUSB regulator can be disabled via configuration bits.
The 20-pin QFN package exposes an EP (exposed pad, pin 20) that must be soldered to the PCB thermal pad and tied to VSS. According to Microchip layout guidelines, thermal vias (9 to 16 of 0.3 mm drill) under the EP reduce the thermal resistance to the PCB copper pour, which is essential for industrial temperature operation. Estimating: a 4x4 array of 0.3 mm vias on a 1 oz copper pour keeps theta_JA below 35 C/W, allowing the 125 mA active current draw at 48 MHz without triggering thermal shutdown.
USB D+ and D- (pins 7 and 6) require 90 ohm differential impedance matching. According to USB 2.0 layout guidelines, route D+/D- as a length-matched differential pair within 2 mm spacing on the top layer with a continuous ground reference plane beneath. Do not place vias in the D+/D- traces - if a layer change is unavoidable, place a ground-return via adjacent. Failure to maintain 90 ohm impedance causes signal integrity failures at USB full-speed edge rates.
When migrating from PIC16F1455 to PIC16F1459 firmware, developers sometimes assume the larger flash (14KB vs 8KB) removes the need for code-size optimization. According to Microchip AN1767 (USB stack memory budgeting), the MCHPUSB HID stack consumes approximately 4 KB, CDC consumes approximately 6 KB, and bootloader consumes 2 KB - leaving only 2 KB for application code on the 1455. The 1459's 14 KB is needed for combined HID+CDC+bootloader designs.
The internal 48 MHz oscillator on the PIC16F1459T-I/ML eliminates the external crystal but the USB module still requires the VUSB decoupling capacitor and a clean VDD rail. Estimating: a switching DC-DC converter within 50 mm of the part can couple noise into the USB reference, causing intermittent enumeration failures. Place a ferrite bead or LC pi-filter on VDD if the board shares a noisy rail. According to USB 2.0 compliance testing data, inrush noise on VDD above 50 mV ripple causes TDR measurement failures during USB IF certification.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose AEC-Q100 equivalent for automotive. Halogen-free per Microchip environmental certification. Industrial temperature grade 'I' suffix (-40C to +85C).
