PIC16F1512-I/SS - 8-bit XLP MCU, 3.5KB Flash, 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1512-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.65 | $1.65 |
| 10 | $1.5 | $15.00 |
| 100 | $1.32 | $132.00 |
| 500 | $1.18 | $590.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.05 | $1,050.00 |
PIC16F1512-I/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (SRAM), and a configurable set of peripherals such as ADCs, timers, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and general-purpose I/O. PIC16 series microcontrollers sit within Microchip's 8-bit mid-range product family, which itself belongs to the broader microcontroller hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> mid-range MCU -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC. The enhanced mid-range PIC16F1512 core provides 49 instructions and 16 hardware multipliers, balancing code density with deterministic interrupt latency.
Key features include nanoWatt XLP sleep currents (typical 20 nA in sleep with WDT disabled), 17 channels of 10-bit ADC with internal voltage reference, multiple timer modules, an enhanced PWM, and on-board EEPROM emulation. The wide 2.0V-5.5V VDD range (industrial -40C to +85C) allows direct operation from single-cell lithium, 2x AA, USB, or regulated 3.3V/5V rails without level shifters or external regulators.
Architecturally, the device combines a 14-bit instruction word with a Harvard bus architecture (separate program and data paths) and dual oscillator support including a precision 16MHz internal HFINTOSC. The result is a deterministic, low-jitter execution engine well-suited to motor control loops, sensor sampling, and protocol timing.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, low-power wireless remote controls, battery-powered instrumentation, consumer white-goods control boards, and industrial sensor front-ends. Designers choose the PIC16F1512 when deterministic 8-bit execution, low sleep current, and a small-footprint 28-SSOP package are simultaneously required.
When designing with this part, plan the ADC reference (use internal FVR for stable conversion independent of VDD) and reserve the ICSP/ICD pins (RB6, RB7) for in-circuit programming. The 28-SSOP footprint is widely accepted on low-cost 2-layer FR4 boards.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in SSOP alternatives, and practical design notes beyond the manufacturer datasheet summary.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1512-I/SS — 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 PIC16F1512-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, ADC, Program Memory (Flash), Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1513-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1509-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.36 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1508-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1512-I/MV
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.99 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1512-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1512-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit |
| Instruction Set | 49 instructions, 14-bit word |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Data SRAM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 17 channels |
| Timers | Multiple 8/16-bit timer modules |
| Enhanced PWM | Yes |
| XLP Sleep Current (typical) | 20 nA (sleep, WDT off) |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz HFINTOSC selectable |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Yes / Compliant |
| Programming / Debug | ICSP via RB6/RB7; ICD support |
PIC16F1512-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP/RE3 — Reset input / programming high voltage / RE3 |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog AN0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog AN1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog AN2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 / analog AN3 |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — PORTA bit 4 / analog AN4 / T0CKI |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — PORTA bit 5 / analog AN5 / SS |
| Pin 8 | RA6 — PORTA bit 6 / analog AN6 / oscillator |
| Pin 9 | RA7 — PORTA bit 7 / analog AN7 / oscillator |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | RB0 — PORTB bit 0 / INT / AN12 |
| Pin 13 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 / AN10 |
| Pin 14 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 / AN8 |
| Pin 15 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 / AN9 / CCP |
| Pin 16 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 / AN11 |
| Pin 17 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 / AN13 |
| Pin 18 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 19 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 21 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 22 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 23 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 24 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 |
| Pin 25 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 / SCL |
| Pin 26 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 / SDA |
| Pin 27 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 28 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 / TX |
| Pin 29 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 / RX |
| Pin 30 | VSS — Ground (28-SSOP GND) |
| Pin 31 | VDD — Positive supply (28-SSOP VDD) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1512-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Low-Power Wireless Remote Controls, Consumer Appliance Control Boards, Industrial Sensor Front-Ends, LED Lighting Control Modules, Automotive Interior Accessory Modules (Non-Safety).
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16F1512-I/SS is well matched to battery-powered IoT sensor nodes thanks to its XLP nanoWatt sleep current of approximately 20 nA (WDT off) and 17-channel 10-bit ADC. Its 2.0V-5.5V VDD range allows direct operation from a single CR2032 coin cell (3.0V) or 2x AA alkaline without external regulators. With 3.5KB flash and 128B SRAM, the MCU can host a temperature/humidity sampling routine, sleep-cycle scheduler, and a simple UART-based protocol stack. Pin wake-up, WDT periodic wake, and internal 16MHz HFINTOSC eliminate external 32kHz crystals, cutting BOM cost and quiescent drain.
Recommended
Low-Power Wireless Remote Controls
The PIC16F1512-I/SS suits low-power wireless remote controls where deterministic 8-bit execution drives a sub-GHz or 2.4GHz transmitter. Its 20MHz instruction cycle (200ns) supports tight button-scan loops and Manchester/2/3 encoding, while XLP nanoWatt standby keeps quiescent drain below a microamp. The wide 2.0V-5.5V VDD range operates directly from 2x AAA cells. The 28-SSOP footprint drops onto compact 2-layer hand-held PCBs alongside a low-cost transmitter module, a tact-switch matrix, and a coin-cell battery holder.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16F1512-I/SS is a strong fit for consumer appliance control boards such as small kitchen devices, fans, and home appliances requiring sensor monitoring, PWM actuator control, and a few user-interface buttons. Its enhanced PWM module drives triac-friendly signals for low-voltage DC motor speed control, while the 10-bit ADC reads thermistor or potentiometer inputs. Industrial -40C to +85C operation tolerates the thermal environment inside enclosures. The 28-SSOP package assembles on wave-solder-friendly FR4 boards with standard 0.65mm pitch footprints.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Front-Ends
The PIC16F1512-I/SS serves as a cost-effective front-end MCU for industrial sensor modules that interface 4-20mA loops, switch contacts, or simple analog transducers. The 10-bit ADC with up to 17 channels multiplexes multiple sensor inputs while the enhanced mid-range core performs scaling, linearization, and HART-style framing. XLP nanoWatt sleep modes support loop-powered or battery-backed transmitters. Operating range -40C to +85C and 2.0V-5.5V VDD comply with industrial sensor cabinet environments.
Recommended
LED Lighting Control Modules
The PIC16F1512-I/SS drives small LED lighting control modules including RGB accent strips, dimmable fixtures, and indicator panels. The enhanced PWM module generates smooth 8-bit or 10-bit PWM at frequencies suitable for dimming LEDs without visible flicker. Its 20MHz instruction rate implements DMX-style receive or simple master/slave dimming protocols. The 2.0V-5.5V VDD range runs directly from a regulated 5V or 3.3V LED-driver supply rail. XLP sleep is useful for standby/night-light modes.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessory Modules (Non-Safety)
The PIC16F1512-I/SS can be deployed in non-safety automotive interior accessory modules such as ambient lighting controllers, USB charging port monitors, and door/trim switches where the 28-SSOP package drops onto space-constrained PCBs. While the industrial-grade -I/SS variant covers -40C to +85C, automotive body-module designers can evaluate the AEC-Q100-qualified equivalent for under-hood or harsher cabin areas. XLP sleep supports long dormant periods when the vehicle is parked.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1512-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1513-I/SS | PIC16F1509-I/SS | PIC16F1508-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SOIC (300mil) - same pin count |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 7 KB (+100%) | 7.5 KB (+114%) | 7 KB (+100%) |
| SRAM | 128 B | 128 B (same) | 384 B (+200%) | 256 B (+100%) |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (same) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (same) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (same) |
| ADC | 10-bit, 17 channels | 10-bit, 17 channels (same) | 10-bit, 17 channels (same) | 10-bit, 17 channels (same) |
| Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (same) | -40 C to +85 C (same) | -40 C to +85 C (same) |
| XLP Sleep Current | 20 nA typical | 20 nA typical (same) | 20 nA typical (same) | 20 nA typical (same) |
Key Differentiators
- XLP nanoWatt 20 nA typical sleep current (vs PIC16F1503-I/ST)
- Same 28-SSOP package with double the flash (vs PIC16F1513-I/SS)
- Same 28-SSOP package with much higher SRAM (vs PIC16F1509-I/SS)
Design Notes
Estimated: At 20MHz active and 3.3V VDD, typical IDD is a few mA per the manufacturer datasheet. Use the PIC16F1512's sleep modes aggressively in battery applications: enter sleep after ADC sampling and processing, and wake via WDT or IOC interrupts. A 1Hz wake + 1ms active duty cycle drops average current to roughly 1uA even before XLP features are fully exploited. Always place a 100nF decoupling capacitor within 5mm of VDD and a 10uF bulk capacitor near the supply pin.
Do not forget the MCLR pull-up: MCLR must be tied to VDD through a 10k resistor for normal operation, with a 100nF cap to ground only if MCLR rise-time control is needed. Leaving MCLR floating causes intermittent resets. ICSP pins RB6 (ICSPCLK) and RB7 (ICSPDAT) must be accessible in the layout for in-circuit programming; do not tie them directly to VDD or ground. Use a 4.7k pull-up on RB7 if used as I2C SDA in your application.
Route the 28-SSOP at 0.65mm pitch with 0.4mm-wide pads and 0.2mm clearance - this is conservative for low-cost 2-layer FR4 with 1oz copper. Keep the analog reference traces short and away from PWM/CCP outputs to minimize ADC noise coupling. Use a ground pour under the SSOP body for thermal dissipation, though at this power level thermals are not a primary concern. Reserve RB6/RB7 access at the board edge for the ICSP header.
For reliable 10-bit ADC readings, use the internal Fixed Voltage Reference (FVR) instead of VDD as the ADC positive reference. Buffer high-impedance analog sources with a unity-gain op-amp or use ample sample time (longer TACQ) when source impedance exceeds 10k. Avoid routing PWM signals directly across analog input traces on adjacent layers; use guard ground traces between them if board density forces close placement.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliant per Microchip product page. Standard industrial grade (-I suffix); AEC-Q100 qualification not claimed for this part number.
