PIC16F1508-I/ML - 8-Bit 20MHz XLP MCU 7KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1508-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.93 | $0.93 |
| 10 | $0.85 | $8.50 |
| 100 | $0.73 | $73.00 |
| 500 | $0.62 | $310.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.54 | $540.00 |
PIC16F1508-I/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM), peripherals, and I/O on one die. The PIC16F1508 belongs to the enhanced mid-range PIC16 family, which combines the classic PIC RISC architecture with peripheral-rich analog and digital blocks. Within the broader hierarchy of embedded silicon, the PIC16F1508 sits in the power-managed sub-tree: PIC16 XLP -> PIC16 -> 8-bit PIC -> microcontroller -> semiconductor, optimized for portable, battery-powered, and energy-harvesting applications.
Key specifications include 7KB self-programmable Flash, 256 bytes RAM, 18 digital I/O, 10-bit ADC with computation, 5-bit DAC, two 8-bit timers, one 16-bit timer, enhanced PWM, CWG, NCO, and an integrated temperature indicator. The device operates from 2.3V to 5.5V and supports eXtreme Low Power (XLP) modes including sleep currents under 50 nA typical, making it well-suited for IoT nodes and wearable sensors.
Architecturally, the PIC16F1508 uses a 14-bit instruction-word RISC core with 200ns instruction execution at 20MHz. The peripheral set includes the Configurable Logic Cell (CLC), Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO), Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), and Zero-Cross Detect (ZCD), enabling field-programmable analog/digital signal conditioning without external components.
Typical applications include low-power IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered consumer devices, LED lighting controllers, simple motor control, and home appliance user interfaces. It is well suited to general-purpose 8-bit embedded control where low sleep current and integrated analog simplify BOM.
When designing with the QFN-20 (ML) variant, pay close attention to the exposed thermal pad footprint - it must be soldered to the PCB ground plane for mechanical reliability and thermal performance. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the pin, and reserve a bulk 1-10 uF capacitor on the same rail for switching transient suppression.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes drawn from Microchip's MPLAB X ecosystem and the PIC16F1508 datasheet - information not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1508-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 PIC16F1508-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature, Package, Timers, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1508T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1508-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1829-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F13K22-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1507-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1503-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1508-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 8-bit RISC, 14-bit instruction word |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns at 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| ADC | 10-bit, multi-channel |
| DAC | 5-bit |
| Timers | 2x 8-bit, 1x 16-bit |
| Package | 20-pin QFN (ML, 4x4 mm) with EP |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial, 'I') |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| AEC-Q100 | Not Qualified |
PIC16F1508-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O / digital input only in some configurations |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input AN3 |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input AN2 / MCLR (selected by configuration) |
| Pin 4 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input AN5 |
| Pin 5 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input AN4 |
| Pin 6 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input AN7 |
| Pin 7 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input AN6 |
| Pin 8 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input AN9 |
| Pin 9 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input AN8 |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input AN2 / DACOUT |
| Pin 12 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input AN1 / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 13 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input AN0 / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input AN11 |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input AN10 |
| Pin 17 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input AN7 |
| Pin 18 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input AN6 |
| Pin 19 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input AN5 |
| Pin 20 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input AN4 |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1508-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, LED Lighting and Backlight Controllers, Small Motor and Solenoid Control, Home Appliance User Interfaces, Consumer Toys and Wearables, Automotive Aftermarket Accessories.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16F1508-I/ML's nanoWatt XLP technology delivers sleep currents below 50 nA typical, making it ideal for years-of-life battery-powered wireless sensor nodes. Its 7 KB Flash, 256-byte RAM, and 10-bit ADC are sufficient to handle sensor conditioning, periodic wake-and-measure cycles, and simple protocol stacks. With 2.3-5.5 V VDD the device accepts single-cell Li-ion or two alkaline cells directly. On-chip CWG and NCO enable efficient driving of piezo buzzers or low-power transceivers without an external timer IC. The QFN-20 (ML) footprint keeps the PCB below 8x8 mm.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Backlight Controllers
The PIC16F1508-I/ML's 20 MHz PWM channels plus Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) and 5-bit DAC make it well-suited to dimmable LED drivers and small backlight controllers. The 16-bit timer provides fine-resolution PWM for high-CRI flicker-free dimming. Its 50 nA sleep current enables standby compliance with energy-star regulations in wall-fixture designs. The 18 I/O pins can drive a 4-channel RGBW LED engine with two spare channels for fan control or status LEDs, and the QFN-20 ML package supports slim form-factor linear LED strips.
Recommended
Small Motor and Solenoid Control
The PIC16F1508-I/ML integrates the Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) and Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO), enabling precise dead-band control of brushed DC motors, small BLDC commutators, and solenoids. The CWG allows software-defined complementary PWM with programmable dead time, eliminating external gate-driver timing circuits. Operating from 2.3-5.5 V supports direct drive of 5 V H-bridges for sub-1A motor loads. Zero-Cross Detect (ZCD) enables zero-crossing TRIAC control for AC line dimmer circuits, useful in appliances.
Recommended
Home Appliance User Interfaces
In white-goods and small-appliance user interfaces, the PIC16F1508-I/ML's 18 I/O can directly drive LED indicators, capacitive touch via the CLC-configurable logic cell, and a low-cost segment LCD with a charge-pump bias. Industrial-grade temperature range (-40 to +85 C) and 2.3-5.5 V VDD tolerate unregulated 5 V and 12 V rails after a small LDO. The CLC implements custom glue logic between keypad matrix and interrupt controller without external gates, reducing BOM. The 7 KB Flash supports IEC 60730 Class B safety library.
Recommended
Consumer Toys and Wearables
The PIC16F1508-I/ML's small QFN-20 (ML) 4x4 mm footprint and XLP nanoWatt sleep make it well-suited to low-cost consumer toys and wearable devices. With sleep below 50 nA, a CR2032 coin cell can power a periodically-sampling wearable for years. The 10-bit ADC reads temperature, light, and motion analog sensors; the CWG can drive a small piezo sounder for click feedback. 7 KB Flash holds simple motion routines and BLE-beacon profile logic. The exposed thermal pad of the QFN-20 package ensures reliability through drop and bend tests.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket Accessories
The PIC16F1508-I/ML industrial-grade temperature range and 5.5 V VDD tolerance enable use in aftermarket automotive accessories such as LED accent lighting, seat controllers, and interior dimmers powered from 12 V rails with a small buck regulator. Its CWG drives FET half-bridges for animated LED strips with programmable dead time. While not AEC-Q100 qualified, the device is widely used in non-safety automotive subsystems. The QFN-20 ML footprint is suitable for slim in-cabin modules behind trim panels. Note: for safety-critical or AEC-Q100 designs use PIC16F1508-E/ML.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1508-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1508T-I/ML | PIC16F1508-E/ML | PIC16LF1829-I/ML | PIC18F13K22-I/ML | PIC16F1507-I/ML | PIC16F1503-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-pin QFN (ML, 4x4 mm) | 20-pin QFN (ML, 4x4 mm) - same | 20-pin QFN (ML, 4x4 mm) - same | 20-pin QFN (ML, 4x4 mm) - same | 20-pin QFN (ML, 4x4 mm) - same | 20-pin QFN (ML, 4x4 mm) - same | 20-pin QFN (ML, 4x4 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB | 8 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB |
| Data RAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 1 KB | 512 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Operating Voltage | 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 | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 32 MHz | 64 MHz (16 MIPS) | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Reel-packaged drop-in option for high-volume SMT assembly (vs PIC16F1508-I/ML (tube))
- Extended temperature range variant available in same footprint (vs PIC16F1508-I/ML industrial)
- Cost-down memory option at same package footprint (vs PIC16F1507-I/ML (memory reduced))
Design Notes
The 20-pin QFN (ML) package has an exposed thermal pad (EP) on the underside that MUST be soldered to a PCB land pattern of the same size. The EP should connect to the ground plane through multiple thermal vias (typically 0.3 mm drill, 0.6 mm pad, 0.5 mm pitch) to provide both thermal dissipation and mechanical bond strength. Skipping the EP soldering causes solder-joint cracking under thermal cycling and degrades electrical ground reference.
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible (within 3 mm) to the VDD pin. Add a bulk 1-10 uF capacitor on the same VDD rail to handle transient current spikes from PWM switching events. For XLP nanoWatt sleep-current measurement, ensure no floating analog inputs are present and configure all unused I/O as outputs driven low - leakage from floating pins can dominate sleep current.
When using the analog peripherals (ADC, DAC, CLC), keep analog signal traces short and shielded by the ground plane. Place the AVREF (VDD-as-reference) capacitor near the chip and avoid routing digital signals across analog traces. The 10-bit ADC tolerates 50 ksps but accuracy degrades above 20 ksps; sample at 1-2 ksps for best SNR. For high-impedance analog sources use a buffer op-amp or extend acquisition time.
Configuration Word 1 settings are critical: pick the correct oscillator mode (INTOSC 16 MHz typical), disable external MCLR if not needed (RA3/MCLR pin), and configure WDT and Brown-out Reset appropriately. Programming the PIC16F1508 requires MPLAB X with PICkit 3/4 or Snap - JTAG is not supported. Configuring unused pins as outputs driven low prevents sleep current leakage.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page and distributor listings. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for safety-critical automotive use consider PIC16F1508-E/ML as an extended-temperature variant but still not AEC-Q100. Lead-free reflow-compatible per MSL1 rating.
