PIC16F1508T-I/ML - 8-bit MCU, 7KB Flash, 20MHz, 20-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1508T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.42 | $1.42 |
| 10 | $1.28 | $12.80 |
| 100 | $1.1 | $110.00 |
| 500 | $0.95 | $475.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.82 | $820.00 |
PIC16F1508T-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable computing-on-a-chip built around an 8-bit data path, on-chip Flash for code storage, RAM for working data, and a rich set of peripherals. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16F1508 sits at: PIC16 family -> PIC16F150x series -> 8-bit PIC microcontrollers -> microcontrollers -> integrated circuits -> semiconductors. Its XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology positions it for battery-powered and energy-harvesting applications where nanoWatt sleep currents and fast wake-up times dominate design decisions.
Key features include Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) such as CLC, CWG, NCO, and multiple timers; 10-bit ADC with up to 12 channels; 5-bit DAC and PWM modules; an enhanced USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C), and an operating voltage range of 2.3V to 5.5V. The 20-QFN (4x4) package with exposed thermal pad supports compact PCB layouts while providing robust thermal dissipation for industrial temperature operation.
Architecturally, the PIC16F1508 uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit core with a 14-bit instruction word, allowing single-cycle instruction execution except for program branches. The 4-level hardware stack, deterministic interrupt latency, and peripheral pin select (PPS) simplify firmware development in MPLAB X IDE using the XC8 compiler. The XLP technology achieves sub-µA sleep currents with retention, making the device suitable for always-on sensor nodes.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered consumer products, LED lighting controls with CWG, motor-control PWM loops, and small consumer appliances requiring mixed-signal integration in a compact footprint. Designers select this part when core-independent peripherals offload the CPU and reduce firmware complexity.
Designers should pay attention to the exposed pad (EP) requirement of the 20-QFN package: the EP must be soldered to the ground plane for thermal performance and mechanical reliability. Decoupling capacitors of 100nF and 10µF should be placed as close as possible to the VDD pin, and unused I/O pins should be configured as outputs low to minimize current draw.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing tiers, drop-in QFN-20 alternatives, and practical layout notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers and buyers quickly evaluate the PIC16F1508T-I/ML against comparable PIC16 family members.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1508T-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 PIC16F1508T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Timers, ADC, Package, Communication.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1508-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.54 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1508-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1508-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1509-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1508T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC16 enhanced mid-range |
| Family | PIC® XLP™ 16F (PIC16F150x series) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data Memory (RAM) | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 12 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit |
| Timers | Multiple 8/16-bit timers |
| Communication | EUSART, MSSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CLC, CWG, NCO, PWM |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP (eXtreme Low Power) |
| Package | 20-pin QFN (4x4 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, I grade) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16F1508T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog input / DAC output |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Digital I/O / analog input / MCLR |
| Pin 4 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 5 | RC4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 6 | RC3 — Digital I/O / SCL (MSSP) |
| Pin 7 | RC2 — Digital I/O / SDA (MSSP) |
| Pin 8 | RC1 — Digital I/O / CCP2 |
| Pin 9 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 12 | RA1 — Digital I/O / analog input / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 13 | RA0 — Digital I/O / analog input / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 14 | RC7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 15 | RC6 — Digital I/O / TX (EUSART) |
| Pin 16 | RB7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 17 | RB6 — Digital I/O / ICD PGC |
| Pin 18 | RB5 — Digital I/O / ICD PGD |
| Pin 19 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply (2.3-5.5 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1508T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, LED Lighting Control with CWG, Small Appliance Motor Control, Consumer Electronics User Interface, Industrial Sensor Transmitter, Hobbyist and Education Development.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16F1508T-I/ML fits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because of its XLP technology achieving sub-µA sleep currents, 2.3V to 5.5V operating range, and integrated 10-bit ADC for direct sensor interfacing. The 7 KB Flash holds sensor-fusion and small protocol stacks (e.g., Modbus or proprietary RF bootloaders) while the 18 I/O pins support multiple sensors. In a typical design the MCU wakes on a timer interrupt, reads sensors via ADC, transmits via EUSART-connected radio, and returns to sleep - achieving multi-year coin-cell life. Compared with discrete 8-bit solutions, the on-chip core-independent peripherals (CLC, NCO) offload timing-critical tasks, reducing average CPU active time.
Recommended
LED Lighting Control with CWG
The PIC16F1508T-I/ML is well-suited to LED lighting controllers because the integrated Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) produces complementary PWM outputs with dead-band control, ideal for half-bridge LED drivers. The 20 MHz core executes color-mixing algorithms and supports DMX or 0-10 V dimming protocols via EUSART or ADC. The 5-bit DAC plus PWM modules enable smooth brightness transitions while the 7 KB Flash accommodates lookup-table-based gamma correction. In a typical circuit, the CWG outputs drive the gate driver of a buck/boost LED stage; the MCU's deterministic interrupt latency ensures flicker-free dimming.
Recommended
Small Appliance Motor Control
For small appliance motor-control designs (fans, pumps, BLDC drivers), the PIC16F1508T-I/ML delivers the 10-bit ADC for back-EMF sensing and PWM with complementary outputs for FET gate driving. The 256-byte RAM and 7 KB Flash fit field-oriented control loops with reduced-order observers. The 2.3-5.5 V range supports direct 3.3 V or 5 V supply from the appliance's housekeeping rail. Compared to using a dedicated motor-control IC, this approach allows user-interface integration on the same MCU, reducing BOM count.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics User Interface
The PIC16F1508T-I/ML is appropriate for consumer user-interface modules with capacitive touch, button matrices, and indicator LEDs because its 18 I/O pins support up to 9x9 matrix scans or up to 18 direct inputs. The 5-bit DAC drives audio or haptic feedback, while the EUSART links to a host processor. The XLP sleep currents below 1 µA extend battery life in remote controls or wireless key fobs. The compact 4x4 mm QFN allows placement beneath a keypad or behind a small OLED display.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter
In industrial 4-20 mA loop-powered or RS-485 sensor transmitters, the PIC16F1508T-I/ML offers the 10-bit ADC for bridge sensor or thermocouple readings, EUSART for RS-485 Modbus, and 2.3-5.5 V supply compatibility. The 7 KB Flash holds linearization and calibration tables. Industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature grade supports factory-floor environments. The on-chip CLC and NCO provide hardware-based sensor excitation without CPU load, enabling faster sampling rates.
Recommended
Hobbyist and Education Development
The PIC16F1508T-I/ML on the Curiosity Development Board (DM164137) provides a low-cost entry into 8-bit PIC programming with MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler. Its 7 KB Flash and rich peripheral set teach timers, ADC, PWM, I2C/SPI, and interrupts in a single chip. The 20-QFN package on the Curiosity board demonstrates reflow-soldered SMD prototyping. Compared to ATmega or STM8 boards in this class, the PIC16F1508 offers XLP for energy-aware projects and a free integrated toolchain.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1508T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1508-I/ML | PIC16F1508-E/ML | PIC16LF1508-I/ML | PIC16F1509-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-QFN (4x4) | 20-QFN (4x4) - same | 20-QFN (4x4) - same | 20-QFN (4x4) - same | 20-QFN (4x4) - same |
| Program Memory | 7 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash | 14 KB Flash |
| 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 |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| RAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 512 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Packaging Form | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tube |
Key Differentiators
- Larger Flash within same QFN-20 footprint vs PIC16F1507 (vs PIC16F1507-I/SO)
- Industrial temperature range standard, with extended -E variant available (vs PIC16F1508-I/ML)
- 5V-tolerant operation versus PIC16LF1508 (vs PIC16LF1508-I/ML)
- On-chip Core Independent Peripherals (CLC, CWG, NCO) (vs PIC16F1503-I/ST)
Design Notes
The 20-QFN (4x4) package relies on the exposed pad (EP) for thermal dissipation. The EP must be soldered directly to a copper ground plane of at least 1 square inch (645 mm^2) of continuous copper to keep junction temperature within the -40 C to +85 C industrial range at full 20 MHz operation. Without proper EP soldering, theta_JA rises significantly and may trigger thermal stress in continuous high-load conditions.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 20) and a bulk 10 uF capacitor within 5 mm of the supply pin. Use a star-ground topology with the QFN exposed pad forming the central ground via multiple thermal vias (recommended 4-9 vias in a 3x3 array). Keep analog signal traces away from PWM and switching signals to reduce ADC coupling.
Do not leave unused I/O pins floating - configure them as outputs driving low to prevent parasitic current draw. The MCLR pin (RA3) must be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up if not used as a reset source, otherwise the MCU may intermittently reset. When migrating firmware from PIC16F1503/1507, verify ADC channel count and pin mapping because the PIC16F1508 has up to 12 ADC channels on different I/O pins.
When using the MSSP module for I2C at 400 kHz or higher, add 2.2 kohm pull-up resistors on SDA (RC2) and SCL (RC3) for reliable rise times. For SPI at the full 20 MHz Fosc/4 peripheral clock, keep trace lengths under 50 mm and add a 33 ohm series resistor at the driving pin to dampen ringing. PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) remapping should be finalized in code before PCB fab because pin assignments affect the schematic.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose -Q1 or automotive-grade PIC for vehicle applications.