PIC16F1503-E/ST - 8-bit MCU, 3.5KB Flash, 12 I/O | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1503-E/ST β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.95 | $0.95 |
| 10 | $0.88 | $8.80 |
| 100 | $0.78 | $78.00 |
| 500 | $0.69 | $345.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.6 | $600.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.52 | $1,560.00 |
PIC16F1503-E/ST Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer-on-a-chip built around an 8-bit data path, optimized for deterministic real-time control tasks such as sensor reading, GPIO toggling, and protocol bit-banging. Within the semiconductor taxonomy, an MCU sits under microcontroller -> microprocessor -> digital IC -> integrated circuit. The PIC16F1503 belongs to Microchip's PIC16 enhanced mid-range family, which targets cost-sensitive consumer, industrial, and IoT edge applications where low power, small footprint, and rich on-chip peripherals outweigh raw CPU throughput. The 14-pin TSSOP package occupies roughly 5 x 6.4 mm of board area and supports surface-mount reflow assembly.
Key specifications include 3.5KB Flash self-programmable memory, 128B RAM, 256B EEPROM, 12 I/O with interrupt-on-change, 10-bit ADC with 11 channels, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, enhanced PWM modules, and an integrated voltage reference. The device operates from 2.3V to 5.5V across the full -40C to +125C range, and includes a wide-V tolerant digital I/O structure. The Enhanced Mid-Range core delivers 49 instructions with 16-level hardware stack, supporting assembly and C development under MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler.
Architecturally, the PIC16F1503 uses a RISC Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, which allows simultaneous instruction fetch and data access. This gives the core deterministic interrupt latency and predictable execution timing - critical for closed-loop control firmware. The on-chip peripherals are interconnected through Microchip's Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) framework on larger siblings, and the CLC and NCO blocks let designers replace small glue-logic ICs with firmware-defined hardware.
Typical applications include LED lighting controllers with smooth dimming via the NCO and PWM, low-cost sensor interface boards reading analog signals with the 10-bit ADC, USB-less consumer appliances, battery-powered IoT edge nodes with sleep current under typical PIC16F low-power modes, and educational/hobbyist platforms using the PICkit 3 or MPLAB ICD 3 for in-circuit debug. The 14-TSSOP footprint is also friendly to hand-soldered prototypes and breadboard-adapter PCBs.
When designing with this MCU, ensure decoupling: 100 nF ceramic as close as possible to VDD/VSS, plus a bulk 10 uF on the board supply. The MCLR pin must be pulled high through 10 kohm for normal operation; if unused, tie to VDD directly. ICSP programming requires dedicated ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT pins - reserve these pads in the layout even if programming is performed only at production test.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing as of 2026-09-19, drop-in alternatives within the same 14-TSSOP footprint, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1503-E/ST 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 PIC16F1503-E/ST (same form factor and footprint) β differing in ADC, Instruction Set, Data RAM, Internal Oscillator, On-chip Peripherals.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1503-I/ST
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.94 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F1503-E/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1503-I/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1503-I/ST
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1507-I/ST
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1509-I/ST
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1503-E/ST Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 Enhanced Mid-Range 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 128 B |
| Data EEPROM | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E suffix = extended industrial) |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 11 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| PWM Outputs | Enhanced PWM, multiple channels |
| On-chip Peripherals | CLC, NCO, EUSART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Package | 14-pin TSSOP (ST) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Instruction Set | 49 instructions, 16-level hardware stack |
| ICSP Programming | Yes (ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F1503-E/ST Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/VREF+/T1G β Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / positive voltage reference / Timer1 gate |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4/T1G β Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / Timer1 gate |
| Pin 3 | RA5/MCLR/VPP β Bidirectional I/O / Master Clear reset (active low) / ICSP programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | VDD β Positive power supply (2.3V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 5 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RA0/AN0/ULPWU β Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / ultra-low-power wake-up |
| Pin 7 | RA1/AN1 β Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 8 | RA2/AN2 β Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 9 | RC0/AN8 β Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 10 | RC1/AN9 β Bidirectional I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 11 | RC2/AN10/P1D β Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / Enhanced PWM output |
| Pin 12 | RC3/AN11/ICSPCLK β Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RC4/AN12/ICSPDAT β Bidirectional I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 14 | RC5 β Bidirectional I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1503-E/ST is suitable for 6 applications: LED Lighting Controller, Low-Cost Sensor Interface Board, Battery-Powered IoT Edge Node, Consumer Appliance Control, Educational and Hobbyist Development Platform, Industrial Sensor Transmitter.
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16F1503-E/ST is well-matched to LED lighting controllers because its Enhanced PWM module and Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO) generate high-resolution dimming waveforms directly from firmware, eliminating the need for an external dimming IC. Its 20 MHz instruction rate supports 16-bit PWM resolution at typical 1 kHz update rates, and the CLC block can implement hardware-defined flicker-mixing logic without CPU overhead. The wide 2.3-5.5V supply range lets it run directly from rectified 5V or 12V buck rails, while the 10-bit ADC reads ambient-light sensors for closed-loop brightness control. Source: PIC16F1503 datasheet DS40001609.
Recommended
Low-Cost Sensor Interface Board
The PIC16F1503-E/ST excels in compact sensor interface boards where 12 I/O, the 10-bit 11-channel ADC, and I2C/SPI master capability let a single MCU read multiple analog and digital sensors. Its 128B RAM and 256B EEPROM provide headroom for calibration constants stored in non-volatile memory, and the 49-instruction core compiles efficiently under MPLAB XC8 to small binaries fitting the 3.5KB Flash. The -40C to +125C extended temperature range suits outdoor or industrial sensor installations. Source: PIC16F1503 datasheet DS40001609.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Edge Node
The PIC16F1503-E/ST is well suited for battery-powered IoT edge nodes due to its multiple low-power modes (Sleep, Doze, Idle) with typical Sleep currents in the microamp range when the 31 kHz LFINTOSC is selected. The MCU can wake on interrupt-on-change from a sensor, perform a measurement, transmit over an attached radio module via EUSART or SPI, and return to Sleep - extending coin-cell battery life to months. The wide 2.3-5.5V supply range covers both 3V coin cells and 3.3V regulated rails.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16F1503-E/ST fits consumer appliance control boards (small kitchen appliances, fans, simple HVAC controllers) by combining 12 I/O for keypad and relay drive, the 10-bit ADC for thermistor input, and 49 instructions sufficient for state-machine firmware. Its 3.5KB Flash holds typical appliance control code with margin, and the 14-TSSOP package keeps board cost low. The hardware 16-level stack and deterministic interrupt latency simplify safety-critical code certification paths.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Development Platform
The PIC16F1503-E/ST is widely used in educational and hobbyist projects because the PIC16F1503 family is supported by the low-cost PICkit 3 and the Curiosity Development Board, with free MPLAB X IDE and XC8 C compiler. The 14-TSSOP package is friendly to breakout-board designs, and the comprehensive datasheet includes example code for ADC, PWM, I2C, and UART. The 49-instruction core teaches fundamental embedded concepts without the abstraction overhead of 32-bit ARM cores.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter
The PIC16F1503-E/ST serves in 4-20 mA loop-powered sensor transmitters because its 2.3-5.5V supply range accommodates boost-converter-fed rails derived from the loop current, and the 10-bit ADC resolves sensor signals with adequate precision for many industrial measurements. The 256B EEPROM stores calibration constants in the field, and the -40C to +125C extended temperature grade supports outdoor and process-industry installations. The integrated EUSART supports HART or Modbus RTU output protocols.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1503-E/ST β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1503-I/ST | PIC16F1503-E/P | PIC16F1503-I/P | PIC16LF1503-I/ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 14-TSSOP (ST) | 14-TSSOP (ST) - same | 14-PDIP (P) - same pinout, through-hole | 14-PDIP (P) - same pinout, through-hole | 14-TSSOP (ST) - same |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB |
| RAM | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
Key Differentiators
- Extended industrial temperature range (-40C to +125C) (vs PIC16F1503-I/ST)
- Low-voltage variant for battery designs (vs PIC16LF1503-I/ST)
- Surface-mount TSSOP package for high-density designs (vs PIC16F1503-E/P (PDIP))
Design Notes
Decouple VDD (pin 4) to VSS (pin 5) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the pins. Add a 1-10 uF bulk capacitor on the board supply rail to suppress transient current spikes during ADC conversions and PWM switching. According to Microchip PIC16F1503 datasheet (DS40001609) recommendations, the AVDD pin (if present on the variant) requires its own 100 nF decoupling capacitor to isolate analog supply noise from the digital core.
The MCLR pin (RA5/MCLR/VPP, pin 3) must NOT be left floating; tie it to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation. If using ICSP, Microchip recommends a diode-resistor network between VPP and MCLR to prevent programming voltage from reaching the rest of the circuit. Leaving MCLR floating will cause erratic resets and unreliable operation.
Reserve ICSPCLK (RC3) and ICSPDAT (RC4) pins for ICSP - even if programming is performed only at production test. Microchip's PICkit 3 and MPLAB ICD 3 require these pads accessible. If the design must use these pins for other functions in production, add test points or a 2x3 header footprint to allow programming without rework. Reference: Microchip development tool documentation.
For ADC measurements, the analog input source impedance should be below 10 kohm to allow the sample-and-hold capacitor to settle within one ADC acquisition period. Add an external op-amp buffer if the source impedance exceeds this limit. The 10-bit ADC achieves best linearity when the input signal stays within 10%-90% of the reference voltage range, avoiding near-rail nonlinearity.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product declaration. The '-E' suffix denotes extended industrial temperature grade, not automotive AEC-Q100 qualification - choose a PIC16F1503 with automotive suffix for AEC-Q100 designs.
