PIC16F1459T-I/SO - 8-bit MCU, 14KB Flash, 48MHz, USB 20-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1459T-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.42 | $2.42 |
| 10 | $2.18 | $21.80 |
| 100 | $1.95 | $195.00 |
| 500 | $1.74 | $870.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.55 | $1,550.00 |
PIC16F1459T-I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, and programmable I/O peripherals onto one IC. The PIC16F1459 belongs to Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit PIC architecture, which executes one instruction per instruction cycle (200ns at 20MHz) and uses a modified Harvard bus with separate program and data memory spaces. Within the broader product taxonomy, an MCU sits inside the Integrated Circuits > Microcontrollers category, alongside 16-bit, 32-bit, and Cortex-M0+ devices. XLP™ (eXtreme Low Power) is Microchip's low-power technology brand, allowing sleep currents below 1uA in many configurations.
Key differentiating features of this part include a full-speed USB 2.0 device peripheral with an internal 3.3V regulator (no external USB transceiver needed), 18 general-purpose I/O pins, 10-bit ADC with up to 12 channels, two 10-bit PWM modules, two comparators, and a hardware 48MHz internal oscillator accurate to within +/- 0.25% across temperature. The integrated USB and high-precision oscillator eliminate external crystals for many designs.
The architecture uses a 14-bit instruction word with a single accumulator (WREG) and supports direct, indirect, and relative addressing. The device includes a configurable instruction set with hardware multiply support, debug via In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) and In-Circuit Debugger (ICD) interfaces, and a four-deep hardware stack. Configuration bits control oscillator source, code protection, brown-out reset threshold, and low-voltage programming enable.
Typical applications for the PIC16F1459T-I/SO include USB HID peripherals (keyboards, mice, custom I/O), CDC virtual COM port bridges, LED lighting controllers with PWM dimming, sensor aggregation nodes, and low-cost industrial control modules. The integrated USB makes it especially attractive for legacy RS-232 replacement designs that need a single-IC bridge.
A key design consideration is the SOIC-20 wide-body package, which provides hand-solder-friendly thermal and routing characteristics but uses more board area than 20-pin SSOP or QFN alternatives. For very space-constrained designs, the same silicon is offered in PIC16F1459-I/SS (SSOP-20) and PIC16F1459-I/ML (QFN-20) variants. The VBUS sense pin and D+/D- pins require careful PCB routing per USB 2.0 impedance guidelines (90 ohms differential).
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives, and engineering design notes drawn from the manufacturer datasheet and distributor listings, information not consolidated in any single source.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1459T-I/SO — 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/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Comparators, Program Memory (Flash), Core Architecture, Internal Oscillator, PWM Modules.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1459-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1459-E/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1459T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1459T-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC enhanced mid-range |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 1 KB |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz |
| Internal Oscillator | 48 MHz (USB-accurate, +/- 0.25%) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| USB Peripheral | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps) device, integrated 3.3V regulator |
| General Purpose I/O | 18 pins |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 12 channels |
| PWM Modules | 2 x 10-bit |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial "I" grade) |
| Package | 20-pin SOIC Wide (SOIC-20, 7.50 mm body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Packaging Media | Tape & Reel ("T" suffix) |
PIC16F1459T-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive power supply input (2.5V-5.5V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — Digital I/O / Master Clear reset (active low) / programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 7 | RC3/AN7 — Digital I/O / ADC analog input channel 7 |
| Pin 8 | RC6 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 9 | RC7 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 10 | RB7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB5/AN11 — Digital I/O / ADC analog input channel 11 |
| Pin 13 | RB4/AN10 — Digital I/O / ADC analog input channel 10 |
| Pin 14 | RC2/AN6 — Digital I/O / ADC analog input channel 6 |
| Pin 15 | RC1/AN5 — Digital I/O / ADC analog input channel 5 |
| Pin 16 | RC0/AN4 — Digital I/O / ADC analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 17 | RA1/ICSPCLK — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 18 | RA0/ICSPDAT — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | RA2/D- — Digital I/O / USB D- data line |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1459T-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Peripherals (Keyboard, Mouse, Custom HID), USB CDC Virtual COM Port Bridge, LED Lighting Controller with PWM Dimming, Industrial Sensor Aggregation Node, Consumer USB Charger and Power Bank Controller, Educational Microcontroller Development Board.
USB HID Peripherals (Keyboard, Mouse, Custom HID)
The PIC16F1459T-I/SO is purpose-built for USB HID-class peripherals because its integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed device, internal 3.3V LDO, and 48MHz USB-accurate oscillator eliminate the external transceiver, voltage regulator, and crystal required by competing 8-bit MCUs. The 14KB Flash comfortably fits HID report descriptors plus application logic for keyboards, mice, game controllers, and custom vendor-specific HID devices. Only a USB-B or USB-C connector and a few passives are needed on the PCB, enabling the smallest possible HID product. With 18 I/O pins, the MCU can directly scan key matrices up to 8x10 while remaining within USB bandwidth for report rates up to 1000Hz.
Recommended
USB CDC Virtual COM Port Bridge
The PIC16F1459T-I/SO is widely used to replace legacy RS-232 ports with USB CDC virtual COM ports, presenting as a standard COM port on PC hosts without driver installation on modern operating systems. The integrated USB peripheral and 14KB Flash are sufficient for CDC ACM firmware, USB descriptors, and a UART-to-USB bridge state machine. Operating from 2.5V-5.5V lets the part interface directly with both 3.3V and 5V logic on the legacy UART side. Industrial equipment, laboratory instruments, and Point-of-Sale terminals use this topology to modernize serial-based firmware for USB-only hosts.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller with PWM Dimming
The PIC16F1459T-I/SO's two 10-bit PWM modules and 48MHz internal oscillator make it well-suited for multi-channel LED lighting controllers. Each PWM channel can drive a MOSFET gate through a small driver, enabling smooth 16-bit effective dimming via PWM dithering and high-frequency operation above the audible band to eliminate inductor whine. XLP low-power technology reduces standby current below 1uA, supporting battery- or solar-powered architectural lighting fixtures. With 18 I/O pins and the 10-bit ADC, the same MCU can also measure ambient light and potentiometer inputs for closed-loop brightness control.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Aggregation Node
The PIC16F1459T-I/SO functions as a sensor aggregation node in industrial monitoring networks. Its 12-channel 10-bit ADC can directly digitize multiple analog sensors (temperature via thermistor, pressure, gas, humidity), while the USB peripheral enables local diagnostics or configuration via USB when the enclosure is opened for service. The 48MHz CPU clock ensures ADC samples can be read and averaged at high rates without missing USB SOF packets. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range supports factory-floor and outdoor-cabinet deployments. The XLP sleep modes allow battery-only installations where the node sleeps at sub-microamp currents between measurement intervals.
Recommended
Consumer USB Charger and Power Bank Controller
The PIC16F1459T-I/SO's integrated USB peripheral and ability to operate from 2.5V-5.5V make it a practical controller for USB charging hubs, protocol decoders, and consumer power banks. The MCU can negotiate USB Type-A or Type-C current advertisement, monitor battery voltage through the 10-bit ADC, drive status LEDs through PWM, and report status over USB to a host application. Its low BOM cost (no external USB transceiver, no external crystal) keeps charger products competitive on margin. The 14KB Flash is sufficient for vendor-specific USB descriptors and charger state machines including BC1.2 and Type-C 5V/3A advertisement.
Recommended
Educational Microcontroller Development Board
The PIC16F1459T-I/SO is a common target MCU for educational development boards, including Microchip's Curiosity and low-cost demo boards. The 20-pin SOIC wide package is hand-solder friendly for student labs, and the integrated USB eliminates the need for external programmers when using the bootloader. The 14KB Flash accommodates student projects with USB, ADC, PWM, and interrupt demonstrations. Free MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler support reduces classroom entry cost to zero. The SOIC-20 wide footprint also makes it easy to swap between PIC16F145x variants on a common development board for comparative teaching.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1459T-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1459-I/SO | PIC16F1459T-I/SS | PIC16F1459-E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin SOIC Wide | 20-pin SOIC Wide | 20-pin SSOP | 20-pin SOIC Wide |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB |
| RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| USB Peripheral | USB 2.0 Full-Speed integrated | USB 2.0 Full-Speed integrated | USB 2.0 Full-Speed integrated | USB 2.0 Full-Speed integrated |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Max CPU Frequency | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) |
| Packaging Media | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tube |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed peripheral eliminates external transceiver and 3.3V regulator (vs PIC16F1455T-I/ST)
- 48 MHz internal oscillator with +/- 0.25% accuracy eliminates external crystal for USB (vs Standard 8-bit MCUs with 2-5% internal oscillators)
- XLP low-power technology with sub-1uA sleep current (vs PIC18F14K50 (PIC18 core, no XLP branding))
Design Notes
Place the VDD decoupling capacitor (100nF ceramic X7R) within 5mm of the VDD pin (pin 1), and a bulk capacitor (10uF ceramic) on the same net. USB D+/D- traces (RB4 and RA2 on the 20-pin SOIC variant) must be routed as a 90-ohm differential pair per USB 2.0 specification, with no stubs, and total length matched to within 150 mils. Keep the D+/D- traces away from high-frequency switching signals and clock oscillators. A common-mode choke or ferrite bead on VBUS is recommended for EMI suppression in bus-powered designs.
When designing USB bus-powered applications, ensure VBUS is connected to the VBUS-sense pin (not VDD) and add a 10uF bulk capacitor on VBUS for inrush compliance per USB 2.0 spec section 7. The internal 3.3V LDO regulator powers only the USB transceiver and pull-up resistor; the rest of the MCU is powered from VDD. For self-powered designs where VBUS may be absent, configure the USB peripheral in low-power mode to minimize current draw. Use the Brown-Out Reset (BOR) feature to ensure clean startup under slow-rising VDD conditions.
Configuration bits must be set correctly for the application: the FOSC bits select the internal 48MHz HFINTOSC vs external crystal, and incorrectly setting the IESO bit can cause startup failures. The MCLRE configuration determines whether pin 4 is MCLR (reset) or RA3 (I/O); a wrong setting can lock out ICSP programming. The LVP (Low-Voltage Programming) bit must match the programmer voltage level - mixing 5V and 3.3V programming can damage the part. Always verify configuration bits with MPLAB X before committing code to production.
Keep the ICSP programming footprint accessible even in production designs: route ICSPCLK (RA1) and ICSPDAT (RA0) to test points or a 2x3 header so the firmware can be updated in the field. For noisy environments, add a 100nF decoupling capacitor directly on the MCLR/VPP pin to improve reset noise immunity. Keep analog traces (AN4-AN11) short and away from digital switching traces to minimize ADC crosstalk; use a ground pour under analog traces to shield against capacitive coupling.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page. Industrial-grade parts (I suffix) are not AEC-Q100 qualified; automotive applications require the AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F1459-E/SO automotive variant or different part number.
