PIC16F1503-I/SL - 8-Bit MCU, 20MHz, 3.5KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1503-I/SL ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.95 | $0.95 |
| 10 | $0.86 | $8.60 |
| 100 | $0.74 | $74.00 |
| 500 | $0.66 | $330.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.59 | $590.00 |
PIC16F1503-I/SL Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates an 8-bit CPU, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and peripherals onto one die. The PIC16F1503 belongs to the enhanced mid-range PIC16 family, which sits between the baseline PIC10/12/16 and the high-performance PIC18 architectures in Microchip's 8-bit product hierarchy. Enhanced mid-range parts add features like 49 instructions, automatic context saving on interrupts, and a 16-level hardware stack with overflow/underflow reset capability, while retaining the RISC-friendly PIC instruction set familiar to millions of embedded developers worldwide.
Key features of the PIC16F1503 include 128 bytes of SRAM, 12 I/O pins, a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with multiple channels, up to two 8-bit timers and one 16-bit timer, hardware PWM, an enhanced Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (EUSART), and an I2C/SPI master/slave module. The 14-pin SOIC package reduces board area compared to 20-pin variants of the same family, making the -I/SL the preferred choice when pin count and cost matter more than maximum I/O expansion.
The architecture is a RISC-based Harvard design with separate program and data buses, supporting 200ns instruction execution at 20MHz, and the integrated 31kHz to 32MHz internal oscillator eliminates the need for an external crystal in many designs. The CWG peripheral can generate complementary PWM outputs with programmable dead-band control for driving power transistors, while the NCO peripheral provides high-resolution frequency synthesis with 20-bit accumulator precision, useful for LED dimming, tone generation, and precision timing.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer electronics, battery-powered IoT sensor nodes, LED lighting controllers with smooth dimming, small appliance control boards, automotive body electronics (non-safety-critical), and hobby/maker projects on the Curiosity Development Board platform. The combination of Functional Safety documentation, low power consumption, and modern peripherals makes the PIC16F1503 particularly well-suited for volume production designs that need industrial-grade reliability.
When designing with this MCU, consider that the 14-pin SOIC package limits external interrupt count and I/O flexibility compared to 20-pin PIC16F1503 variants. Plan pin allocation carefully to balance ADC inputs, PWM outputs, and communication peripherals, and always reference the MPLAB X IDE project configuration for the specific configuration word settings required for your application.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in package-compatible alternatives, and practical design notes that supplement the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1503-I/SL — 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-I/SL (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Core, Program Memory (Flash), Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1503T-I/SL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1503-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1503-I/SL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1503-E/SL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1503-I/ST
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$0.94 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1455-I/SL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1503-I/SL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 Enhanced Mid-Range 8-bit CPU |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| ADC | 10-bit, multiple channels |
| Timers | 2x 8-bit, 1x 16-bit |
| Communication | EUSART, I2C/SPI |
| PWM | Yes (via CWG) |
| Package | 14-pin SOIC (SL) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial -I grade) |
| Internal Oscillator | 31 kHz to 32 MHz |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F1503-I/SL Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5/T1CKI/nSS/VCAP — GPIO RA5 / Timer1 clock input / SPI slave select / voltage regulator output (decoupling) |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN3/T1G/nSS — GPIO RA4 / ADC input CH3 / Timer1 gate / SPI slave select |
| Pin 3 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — GPIO RA3 / Master Clear reset (active low) / programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/T0CKI — GPIO RA2 / ADC input CH2 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN1/ICSPCLK — GPIO RA1 / ADC input CH1 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 6 | RA0/AN0/ICSPDAT — GPIO RA0 / ADC input CH0 / ICSP data |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN — GPIO RA7 / crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 9 | RA6/OSC2/CLKOUT — GPIO RA6 / crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 10 | RC5/RX/DT — GPIO RC5 / EUSART RX / data |
| Pin 11 | RC4/TX/CK — GPIO RC4 / EUSART TX / clock |
| Pin 12 | RC3/AN7/SCL — GPIO RC3 / ADC input CH7 / I2C clock |
| Pin 13 | RC2/AN6/SDA — GPIO RC2 / ADC input CH6 / I2C data |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1503-I/SL is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Cost Consumer Electronics, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, LED Lighting Controllers, Small Appliance Control Boards, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Hobby & Maker Development Boards.
Low-Cost Consumer Electronics
The PIC16F1503-I/SL fits low-cost consumer electronics because its 3.5KB Flash and 128B SRAM handle simple user-interface state machines, while the 14-pin SOIC package keeps BOM cost under $1 at volume. The integrated CLC and NCO peripherals allow LED breathing effects, capacitive touch sensing via CTMU, and tone generation without external components. Placed on a 2-layer PCB alongside a few discretes and an EEPROM, this MCU typically replaces more expensive 32-bit Cortex-M0 parts in toys, remote controls, and small appliances where compute headroom is not required.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16F1503-I/SL suits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes thanks to its integrated 10-bit ADC for direct sensor interface, low sleep current in the nanoamp range, and internal oscillator that eliminates external crystal power draw. The 200ns instruction wakeup time allows efficient duty-cycled sampling of temperature, humidity, or motion sensors. Pair it with a discrete Sub-GHz radio over SPI for a complete <$3 BOM wireless sensor node; unlike a 32-bit MCU, the 8-bit core draws less active current and stays under $0.60 at 1k-piece pricing per the tier data.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16F1503-I/SL excels in LED lighting controllers because its Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) produces complementary PWM outputs with programmable dead-band, ideal for driving half-bridge LED drivers without external logic. The 16-bit timer with PWM supports high-resolution dimming below 0.1% steps for premium lighting applications, while the Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO) generates precise frequency modulation for color-mixing algorithms. At 14 pins it fits inside a compact GU10 lamp form factor while leaving room for I2C-controlled OLED status displays or DALI-compatible dimming interfaces.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16F1503-I/SL is well-suited for small appliance control boards (coffee machines, blenders, fans, washing machines) where 8-bit processing, 12 I/O lines, and industrial -40C to +85C rating meet the application needs. The 10-bit ADC reads thermistor, current-sense, and level-sensor inputs directly, while the EUSART provides debug logging or connectivity to a Bluetooth/Wi-Fi companion module. The CWG peripheral drives TRIAC gates for AC load control and the PWM module drives brushless DC fan motors, consolidating functions that previously required multiple analog components.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The PIC16F1503-I/SL suits non-safety automotive body electronics such as interior lighting controllers, seat adjustment switches, mirror modules, and accessory timers where industrial temperature range is acceptable. Its 20MHz CPU runs CAN-capable firmware via external CAN transceivers, the ADC reads multiple switch inputs, and the PWM outputs control small motors and LED arrays. For safety-critical systems requiring AEC-Q100, designers should switch to AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16 family siblings rather than rely on the standard industrial -I grade.
Recommended
Hobby & Maker Development Boards
The PIC16F1503-I/SL is a popular MCU on the Microchip Curiosity Development Board platform, ideal for hobbyists and makers learning 8-bit embedded programming with MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler. Its 14-pin SOIC version supports breadboard-friendly DIP adapters, while the 20MHz CPU and modern peripherals (CLC, NCO, CWG) provide hands-on learning opportunities beyond legacy PIC16 features. The PICkit 4 or MPLAB SNAP programmers enable in-circuit debugging at <$50 total tool cost, and Microchip's free code-examples library includes motor control, sensor reading, and communication tutorials for this exact device.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1503-I/SL — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1503T-I/SL | PIC16F1503-I/P | PIC16LF1503-I/SL | PIC16F1503-E/SL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 14-SOIC (SL) | 14-SOIC (SL) - same | 14-PDIP (P) - same pin count | 14-SOIC (SL) - same | 14-SOIC (SL) - same |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB |
| SRAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3V - 5.5V | 2.3V - 5.5V | 2.3V - 5.5V | 1.8V - 3.6V | 2.3V - 5.5V |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
Key Differentiators
- Tape-and-reel SMT-ready packaging variant (vs PIC16F1503-I/P)
- Extended temperature range option in same package (vs PIC16F1503-I/SL (standard))
- Lower voltage variant for 2xAA battery operation (vs PIC16F1503-I/SL (standard))
Design Notes
The PIC16F1503-I/SL supports multiple sleep modes including Sleep and Doze for power-sensitive designs. Connect VDD to a stable 3.3V or 5V rail with a 100nF decoupling capacitor placed within 5mm of the VDD pin and a 10uF bulk capacitor at the board supply entry. For battery applications, the internal voltage regulator (VCAP pin 1) requires a 1uF-10uF low-ESR ceramic capacitor for stability. Average current consumption in Sleep mode is typically in the nanoamp range with the WDT disabled, making this MCU suitable for coin-cell powered designs when paired with low duty-cycle sensor sampling.
For the 14-pin SOIC package, route ICSP signals (ICSPDAT/ICSPCLK, MCLR) to a 2x3 or 1x6 header footprint on the PCB to enable in-circuit programming and debugging without removing the MCU. Keep the ICSP traces short (<50mm) and avoid routing them near high-frequency switching nodes. Place the 32.768kHz watch crystal or external HF crystal within 5mm of OSC1/OSC2 pins if used, with a solid ground plane beneath to reduce EMI susceptibility. Always include a 10kohm pull-up on MCLR to ensure proper reset behavior at power-up.
Do not confuse the F (standard voltage 2.3V-5.5V) and LF (low voltage 1.8V-3.6V) variants - substituting PIC16LF1503 for PIC16F1503 at 5V supply will damage the LF part. Verify the I grade vs E grade temperature range matches your deployment environment; the E grade -40C to +125C is required for engine-bay or industrial oven-adjacent applications. Configuration word settings (FOSC, WDTE, PWRTE, BOREN, LVP) must be set correctly in MPLAB X IDE before programming; an incorrect FOSC setting can lock out further ICSP communication and require high-voltage programming recovery.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial -I grade temperature range; not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16F1503-E/SL for extended temperature or contact Microchip for automotive-qualified siblings in the PIC16 family.
