PIC16F1512-E/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz 3.5KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1512-E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.15 | $2.15 |
| 10 | $1.92 | $19.20 |
| 100 | $1.71 | $171.00 |
| 500 | $1.48 | $740.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.32 | $1,320.00 |
PIC16F1512-E/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program and data memory, peripheral interfaces (ADC, timers, communication ports, GPIO), and clock circuitry on one die. The PIC16F1512 belongs to the enhanced mid-range PIC16 family, positioned above baseline PIC10/12/16 parts and below the PIC18 and PIC24 architectures in Microchip's 8-bit and 16-bit taxonomy. Microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC16 family -> PIC16F15xx sub-family -> PIC16F1512.
Key features include 128 bytes of RAM, a 10-bit ADC with multiple input channels, 17 I/O pins, an internal oscillator, and Microchip's eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology for sleep currents in the microampere range. The 'E' suffix denotes the -40C to +125C extended operating temperature grade suitable for industrial environments, while 'SO' identifies the 28-pin SOIC wide-body package supplied in tube.
Architecturally, the PIC16F1512 uses a RISC Harvard core with a 14-bit instruction word and 200ns instruction execution at 20MHz. Enhanced mid-range features include a hardware stack with depth 16, interrupt controller with context saving, and peripheral modules mapped through a Special Function Register (SFR) map. The Flash memory supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) and self-programming under firmware control for bootloader or field-update use cases.
Typical applications include sensor signal conditioning with on-chip ADC, low-power battery-powered IoT nodes, industrial control panels, white goods and appliance user interfaces, and consumer electronics where deterministic 8-bit performance at low cost is preferred over 32-bit ARM Cortex-M devices. The XLP feature makes it suitable for products that must run for years on a single coin cell or two AA batteries.
When designing with this device, allocate PCB area for the ICSP header (PGD/PGC/VPP/VDD/VSS) for in-circuit programming and debugging, and verify the decoupling capacitor placement per datasheet recommendations. The internal oscillator is factory calibrated within +/-2% over voltage and temperature, eliminating an external crystal in most cost-sensitive designs. For real-time deterministic control, the PIC16F1512's fixed instruction cycle simplifies timing analysis compared with variable-cycle Cortex-M0 cores.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet, helping procurement and embedded firmware engineers compare, qualify, and source the PIC16F1512-E/SO efficiently.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1512-E/SO — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1513-E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1512-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1512-E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| CPU Speed | 20 MHz maximum (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes |
| ADC | 10-bit, multiple channels |
| I/O Pins | 17 (multiplexed with peripheral functions) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V / 3.3 V / 5 V nominal |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP (eXtreme Low Power) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (extended grade, 'E' suffix) |
| Package | 28-SOIC (0.295 inch / 7.50 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) via PGD/PGC |
| Tube Quantity | 27 per tube |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| Family | PIC16F15xx (PIC® XLP™ 16F) |
PIC16F1512-E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 (analog input / digital I/O) |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 (digital I/O, open-drain option) |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 8 | RE3 — Port E bit 3 (digital input only) |
| Pin 9 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 (digital I/O, oscillator) |
| Pin 10 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 (digital I/O, oscillator) |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 (analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 (TX/CK, EUSART) |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 (RX/DT, EUSART) |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive power supply |
| Pin 21 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGD — Port B bit 6 / ICSP data (PGD) |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGC — Port B bit 7 / ICSP clock (PGC) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1512-E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Industrial Control Panel MCU, White Goods and Appliance Control, Automotive Body Electronics, Consumer Remote Control and HID Device, Test and Measurement Front-End.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16F1512-E/SO's XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology and 128-byte RAM make it well-suited for wireless sensor endpoints that sleep most of the time. The on-chip 10-bit ADC reads analog sensors (temperature, humidity, light) while the CPU remains in sleep mode consuming microampere-level current, then wakes on interrupt to transmit. With a 20MHz CPU, the part can run Modbus-RTU or simple proprietary RF protocols over UART, and the 3.5KB Flash accommodates a small RTOS or scheduler. Compared with 32-bit Cortex-M0+ alternatives, the PIC16F1512 offers lower BOM cost and deterministic 200ns instruction execution. Use it with a sub-GHz transceiver such as the Microchip MRF89XA or LoRa SX1276 module for long-range, multi-year battery life.
Recommended
Industrial Control Panel MCU
The PIC16F1512-E/SO is a strong fit for industrial control panel keypads, indicator panels, and small HMI displays. Its 17 I/O pins drive multiplexed 7-segment LED displays or scan key matrices up to 4x4, while the 10-bit ADC reads potentiometers or analog feedback signals. The extended -40C to +125C temperature grade (E suffix) withstands factory-floor thermal stress, and the 28-SOIC package is compatible with wave-solder and reflow processes used in industrial PCB assembly. The PIC16F1512's hardware interrupt controller with context saving simplifies responsive button-debounce and rotary encoder handling, and the 3.5KB Flash holds state-machine firmware for protocol translation (Modbus RTU slave, for instance).
Recommended
White Goods and Appliance Control
In washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, and refrigerators, the PIC16F1512-E/SO drives user-interface logic, sensor acquisition, and actuator PWM outputs. The internal 16MHz high-precision oscillator eliminates the external crystal, reducing BOM cost and PCB area, while the enhanced mid-range PIC16 core executes deterministic control loops for motor drivers or heater regulation. The 10-bit ADC reads temperature (NTC), water level, and current-sense signals, and the Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules generate precise timing for triac-fired AC loads. Compared with PIC16F877A legacy designs, the PIC16F1512 offers modern peripherals, lower power, and a smaller 28-SOIC footprint that frees PCB area for safety isolation barriers.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
Within automotive body controllers (interior lighting, seat controllers, mirror adjusters, climate zone modules), the PIC16F1512-E/SO provides reliable 8-bit processing at extended -40C to +125C. Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, it is widely used in non-safety body domains. The 10-bit ADC multiplexes multiple analog inputs (ambient light sensors, position feedback), and the EUSART modules implement LIN-bus slave communication with the central body controller. The 28-SOIC package withstands automotive vibration profiles and is compatible with reflow soldering. For AEC-Q100 safety-critical applications, migrate to PIC16F15214 or PIC18F family automotive grades.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control and HID Device
The PIC16F1512-E/SO's XLP low-power modes and 3.5KB Flash suit infrared remote controls, presentation clickers, and human-interface devices where battery life dominates design constraints. The CCP modules generate 38kHz carrier waveforms for IR transmission, while timers capture button-press events with hardware debouncing. The 17 I/O pins scan up to 17 buttons in a matrix configuration, and the internal oscillator eliminates external timing components. Pair with a CR2032 coin cell for typical 2-3 year battery life under daily-use duty cycles.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Front-End
In bench-top multimeters, signal generators, and educational lab instruments, the PIC16F1512-E/SO provides 8-bit control and 10-bit measurement resolution. The ADC digitizes analog signals at up to 30 ksps depending on configuration, suitable for slow-changing measurements. The PIC16F1512's deterministic instruction timing ensures precise generation of test waveforms, while the EUSART provides USB-to-UART bridge functionality when paired with an external converter. Use as a low-cost replacement for legacy PIC16F876A designs with more modern peripherals and smaller footprint.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1512-E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1513-E/SO | PIC16F1512-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same |
| Program Flash | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) - 2x larger | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) - identical |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes | 256 bytes - 2x larger | 128 bytes - identical |
| CPU Speed | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) | 20 MHz - identical | 20 MHz - identical |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) |
| ADC | 10-bit | 10-bit - identical | 10-bit - identical |
| XLP Low-Power Technology | Yes | Yes - identical | Yes - identical |
| I/O Pins | 17 | 17 - identical | 17 - identical |
| Core Architecture | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Drop-in upgrade path with 2x memory at same price tier (vs PIC16F1513-E/SO)
- Extended temperature grade for industrial and harsh environments (vs PIC16F1512-I/SO)
- XLP technology with microampere sleep currents (vs PIC16F1509-I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 20) with a short, wide trace to the VSS pin (pin 19). For applications with switching noise on the supply rail, add a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the MCU. The PIC16F1512's XLP technology requires the internal voltage regulator configuration to match the datasheet; consult Section 4 (Device Configuration) of the family datasheet for LFINTOSC and HFINTOSC selection bits to avoid unexpected current draw.
Always tie the MCLR pin (pin 1) to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up resistor to ensure proper reset behavior; leaving MCLR floating causes intermittent resets. For ICSP programming, ensure the PGD (pin 27) and PGC (pin 28) lines are not loaded with heavy capacitance; a 100 ohm series resistor close to the MCU helps isolate programming signals from application circuitry. Avoid using RB6/RB7 as outputs during ICSP to prevent contention with the programmer.
Estimated: For a 28-SOIC layout, route ICSP signals (PGD/PGC) on inner layers if possible and avoid running them parallel to switching power traces for more than 25 mm to minimize crosstalk into the programming interface. Maintain a clearance of at least 0.5 mm around the MCLR/VPP trace to prevent accidental shorts during rework. Expose a 2.54 mm-pitch header footprint for ICSP to support prototype programming without rework.
Place the analog reference (if used) and the ADC input traces away from digital switching lines to preserve the 10-bit ADC accuracy. The PIC16F1512's analog channels share pins with digital I/O; configure them as analog inputs in firmware before enabling ADC to avoid digital-input buffer current injection. Use a ground pour under the MCU and stitch vias around the perimeter to reduce EMI susceptibility in industrial control panel layouts.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page and DigiKey listing. Lead-free (Pb-free) and halogen-free per package markings. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for AEC-Q100 safety-critical automotive applications, migrate to PIC16F15214 or PIC18F Q1 variants. Conflict-minerals statement per Microchip corporate policy.
