PIC16F1503-E/MV - 8-bit MCU, 3.5KB Flash, 20MHz, QFN-16 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1503-E/MV β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.62 | $1.62 |
| 10 | $1.45 | $14.50 |
| 100 | $1.18 | $118.00 |
| 500 | $0.97 | $485.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.84 | $840.00 |
PIC16F1503-E/MV Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small, self-contained computing device that integrates a CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory, and peripherals on a single silicon die. Within the semiconductor taxonomy, 8-bit MCUs sit beneath the broader family of microcontrollers, which themselves belong to the embedded processor category of integrated circuits. The PIC16F series uses a Harvard RISC architecture optimized for deterministic real-time control and low power operation, making PIC16F1503 a member of the entry-level enhanced mid-range PIC16 family.
Key features include 49 instructions, a 16-level hardware stack, an internal oscillator up to 16 MHz with HFINTOSC select, two 10-bit PWMs with independent timers, configurable logic cells (CLC), a Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO), and zero-cross detection for AC line monitoring. The device also supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via MPLAB PICkit 3 or MPLAB ICD 3, eliminating the need for an external programmer.
Architecturally, the PIC16F1503 uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range core that adds hardware multiply, interrupt context save/restore, and CLC peripherals. The 10-bit ADC with computation automates averaging, oversampling, and threshold comparisons in hardware, offloading signal-conditioning tasks from the CPU. The combination of CLC and NCO enables digital signal generation without dedicated op-amps or function generators.
Typical applications include LED lighting control with smooth dimming, AC zero-cross detection in TRIAC drivers, general-purpose sensing and control in consumer appliances, battery-powered IoT edge nodes, low-cost motor control for small DC fans and pumps, and white-goods user-interface boards. The wide 2.5V-5.5V operating range supports both 3.3V and 5V system designs.
When designing with this MCU, ensure the QFN exposed pad is soldered to a sufficiently large copper pour for thermal dissipation. Decouple VDD with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the pin, and use the internal oscillator unless absolute timing accuracy is required - the HFINTOSC tolerance is typically +/- 2 percent across temperature.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in package alternatives, and practical design notes not found on the manufacturer product page, giving procurement and engineering teams a single decision-ready reference.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1503-E/MV β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1508-E/MV
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1703-E/MV
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F15223-E/MV
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1503-I/MV
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1503-E/MV Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16F Series |
| Core | Enhanced Mid-Range 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Data EEPROM | 128 B |
| Data RAM | 256 B |
| CPU Speed | 20 MHz (max) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Instruction Set | 49 instructions |
| Hardware Stack | 16 levels |
| Digital I/O Pins | 12 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 11-channel, with Computation (ADC2) |
| PWM Modules | 2 (10-bit) |
| Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) | Yes |
| Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO) | Yes |
| Zero-Cross Detection | Yes |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz HFINTOSC (selectable) |
| Package | 16-pin QFN (MV) with exposed pad |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended, -E suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Programming/Debug | ICSP via PICkit 3 / MPLAB ICD 3 |
PIC16F1503-E/MV Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 β Bidirectional I/O, also ICSPCLK |
| Pin 2 | RA4 β Bidirectional I/O, also ICSPDAT |
| Pin 3 | RA3/MCLR β Bidirectional I/O or Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 4 | RC5 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 5 | RC4 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 6 | RC3 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 7 | RC2 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 8 | RC1 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 9 | RC0 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 10 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (2.5 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 12 | RA2 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 13 | RA1 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | RA0 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 15 | RB7 β Bidirectional I/O or system clock output |
| Pin 16 | RB6 β Bidirectional I/O or system clock input |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1503-E/MV is suitable for 6 applications: AC LED Dimmer Control, White Goods User Interface Board, Small DC Motor Speed Control, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, HVAC Zero-Cross Trigger Module, General-Purpose Sensor Hub.
AC LED Dimmer Control
The PIC16F1503-E/MV is ideal for AC LED dimmer control thanks to its integrated zero-cross detection (ZCD) module, two 10-bit PWMs, and enhanced mid-range core running at 20 MHz. The ZCD hardware synchronizes the MCU to the AC line at 50/60 Hz without external optocouplers, while the PWMs drive a TRIAC gate through a simple buffer circuit. The 3.5 KB Flash comfortably holds phase-angle firing algorithms and dimming curves, and 256 B RAM is sufficient for state tracking. Compared to discrete dimmer solutions, the PIC16F1503 reduces BOM cost while adding programmable features such as fade transitions and soft-start. The QFN-16 footprint fits into compact lamp driver PCBs.
Recommended
White Goods User Interface Board
The PIC16F1503-E/MV fits white-goods user-interface boards that combine capacitive touch buttons, LED indicators, and relay control. The 12 digital I/O pins handle keypads, encoder inputs, and relay drivers, while the 10-bit ADC with 11 channels reads temperature and humidity sensors. The Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) implement glue logic in hardware, replacing discrete gates around the MCU. Operating from 2.5 V to 5.5 V lets the same design work in 3.3 V and 5 V appliance architectures. The extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade handles oven-adjacent mounting without derating.
Recommended
Small DC Motor Speed Control
The PIC16F1503-E/MV drives small brushed DC motors and fans up to several watts through its 10-bit PWMs and configurable logic cells. A single PWM channel feeds an external MOSFET H-bridge or half-bridge driver, while the second PWM can modulate a tachometer feedback signal. The ADC measures back-EMF or current-sense voltage for closed-loop speed regulation without external op-amps when paired with the PIC16F1703 family. The 20 MHz CPU bandwidth (5 MIPS) executes PID loops at 1 kHz update rates. The QFN-16 package keeps the controller footprint under 9 square millimeters.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16F1503-E/MV suits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes operating from coin cells or 2xAA batteries. Sleep currents below 1 uA at 3 V enable multi-year operation when duty-cycled, and the 2.5 V minimum supply works directly with primary lithium chemistries. The 10-bit ADC with Computation (ADC2) performs oversampling and averaging in hardware, reducing CPU wake time and total energy per measurement. With 3.5 KB Flash, the MCU can hold a small LoRaWAN or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon stack alongside sensor drivers. The exposed pad QFN-16 footprint simplifies integration on densely packed sensor boards.
Recommended
HVAC Zero-Cross Trigger Module
The PIC16F1503-E/MV serves as the controller in HVAC zero-cross trigger modules that switch 24 V relay coils and TRIAC-driven heaters synchronized to the AC line. The integrated ZCD module generates an interrupt within 1 us of the line crossing zero, allowing deterministic phase-angle control of heating elements. Two PWMs can drive independent TRIAC channels for multi-zone control, and the 12 I/O pins read thermistor inputs and safety switches. The extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade is required for rooftop HVAC equipment. The 256 B RAM supports a small control loop state machine without external memory.
Recommended
General-Purpose Sensor Hub
The PIC16F1503-E/MV acts as a general-purpose sensor hub, aggregating analog and digital signals for higher-level processors. The 11-channel 10-bit ADC2 reads temperature, light, voltage, and current sensors with built-in hardware averaging, freeing the main application processor from polling duties. The CLC peripherals implement sensor-ready logic like window comparators and event combiners without firmware overhead. With 49 instructions and 16-level hardware stack, firmware development is straightforward in MPLAB X IDE using the XC8 compiler. The QFN-16 footprint fits 10x10 mm sensor PCBs common in industrial monitoring modules.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1503-E/MV β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1508-E/MV | PIC16F1703-E/MV | PIC16F15223-E/MV | PIC16F1503-I/MV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-pin QFN (MV) with exposed pad | 16-pin QFN (MV) | 16-pin QFN | 16-pin QFN | 16-pin QFN (MV) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 7 KB (+100%) | 3.5 KB (same) | 3.5 KB (same) | 3.5 KB (same) |
| RAM | 256 B | 512 B (+100%) | 256 B (same) | 256 B (same) | 256 B (same) |
| Max CPU Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 32 MHz | 20 MHz |
| 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 | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Grade | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Zero-Cross Detection | Yes | Yes | No | Yes (CIP-based) | Yes |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty-1) | $1.62 | $1.80 | $1.70 | $1.55 | $1.55 |
Key Differentiators
- Hardware-averaging 10-bit ADC with Computation (ADC2) (vs PIC16F1508-E/MV)
- Integrated zero-cross detection module (vs PIC16F1703-E/MV)
- Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) and NCO on-chip (vs PIC16F1455-I/SL)
- Extended temperature grade (-40 C to +125 C) (vs PIC16F1503-I/MV)
Design Notes
The QFN-16 (MV) package exposes a thermal pad on its underside that MUST be soldered to a copper pour on the PCB. A minimum 4x4 mm land with at least 6 thermal vias to the inner ground plane is recommended per Microchip QFN soldering guidelines. Failing to solder the exposed pad can cause intermittent thermal shutdown and signal-integrity issues. Decouple VDD (pin 11) with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the pin.
The PIC16F1503-E/MV draws typical active current of approximately 1.8 mA at 5 V / 16 MHz and below 1 uA in sleep mode. For battery-powered designs, use the SLEEP instruction combined with the Watchdog Timer or an external interrupt to wake the MCU. The 2.5 V minimum supply allows direct connection to a single lithium coin cell (3 V nominal), avoiding boost-converter losses.
Do not leave the MCLR/RA3 pin floating if MCLR is enabled in the configuration bits. Tie it to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor or disable the MCLR function in CONFIG1 to use RA3 as a normal I/O. Also, when using the internal HFINTOSC, the frequency accuracy is typically +/- 2 percent across temperature; switch to an external crystal if UART baud rates require tighter timing tolerance.
Keep analog (ADC) input traces short and away from PWM or digital switching signals to minimize coupled noise. The ADC2 module supports hardware oversampling and averaging; using 16x oversampling effectively adds 2 bits of resolution at the cost of conversion time. For AC zero-cross detection, place the ZCD input series resistor (typically 100 kohm) close to the MCU pin to suppress ringing.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 qualified variants are not available in the PIC16F1503 family - choose PIC16F1xx automotive-grade families for AEC-Q100 requirements.
