PIC16F1516-I/ML - 8-Bit 20MHz MCU 14KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1516-I/ML β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.55 | $25.50 |
| 100 | $2.13 | $213.00 |
| 500 | $1.78 | $890.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.49 | $1,490.00 |
PIC16F1516-I/ML Overview
What is a PIC microcontroller? A PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) is an 8-bit RISC microcontroller from Microchip built on a Harvard architecture that separates program and data memory for single-cycle instruction fetch. PIC MCUs sit within the broader microcontroller (MCU) category of embedded computing devices and serve as the central processor in countless sensor nodes, motor drivers, and consumer appliances. The PIC16F family uses an enhanced mid-range core with 49 instructions, 16 stack levels, and integrated peripherals including ADC, PWM, and communication interfaces, balancing code density, deterministic timing, and ultra-low-power operation.
Key features of the PIC16F1516 include 17 channels of 10-bit ADC with voltage reference, two Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules, MI2C/SPI/EUSART with auto-baud communication, and 25mA source/sink I/O for direct LED drive. The device provides two 8-bit timers (TMR0/TMR2), one 16-bit timer (TMR1), an extended Watchdog Timer (WDT), programmable Ultra-Low-Power Brown-Out Reset (ULPBOR), and In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) plus In-Circuit Debug capability. Internal 16MHz oscillator accuracy removes the need for an external crystal in most designs.
The 28-QFN (6x6) package offers a small PCB footprint suited to space-constrained designs, while the exposed thermal pad enhances thermal dissipation. The PIC16F1516 shares its peripheral set with the PIC16F1517/1518/1519, scaling Flash/RAM as the pin count grows from 28 to 40/44 pins. A low-voltage 'LF' variant (PIC16LF1516) operates from 1.8V to 3.6V for coin-cell and energy-harvesting systems.
Typical applications include low-power sensor nodes, IoT edge devices, LED lighting control, battery chargers, small motor control (fans, pumps), and consumer white goods where XLP nanoWatt technology extends battery life. The rich ADC channel count also makes it suitable for multi-signal data acquisition front ends.
When designing with the PIC16F1516-I/ML, ensure the exposed pad is soldered to a sufficiently large copper pour for thermal relief and mechanical robustness, and that the supply decoupling capacitor is placed within a few millimeters of the VDD pin. For low-power targets, configure unused peripherals as disabled and use the ULPBOR to maintain defined reset behavior at sub-threshold voltages.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, XLP-enabled drop-in alternatives within the PIC16F151x family, and PCB layout notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1516-I/ML β 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 PIC16F1516-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Timers, ADC, Communication, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1516-E/ML
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.21 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16LF1516-I/ML
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1513-I/SS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F1509-I/ML
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F1709-I/ML
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1526-I/ML
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1516-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 Enhanced Mid-Range 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set Size | 49 instructions |
| Stack Levels | 16 |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns |
| Flash Program Memory | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| SRAM Data Memory | 512 bytes |
| EEPROM Data Memory | 256 bytes |
| Operating Voltage Range (F variant) | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Voltage Range (LF variant) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10-bit, 17 channels with Voltage Reference |
| PWM / CCP Modules | 2 x CCP (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Communication Interfaces | MI2C, SPI, EUSART with auto-baud |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit (TMR0/TMR2), 1 x 16-bit (TMR1) |
| I/O Drive Strength | 25 mA source/sink |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz |
| Watchdog Timer | Extended WDT |
| Brown-Out Reset | Programmable Ultra-Low-Power BOR (ULPBOR) |
| Programming / Debug | ICSP and In-Circuit Debug |
| I/O Pins | 27 |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (ML, 6x6 mm) with exposed pad |
| Operating Temperature (I suffix) | -40 C to +85 C |
| Technology | XLP (eXtreme Low Power) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC16F1516-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ β GPIO RA3 / ADC channel 3 / positive voltage reference |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4 β GPIO RA4 / ADC channel 4 |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN5 β GPIO RA5 / ADC channel 5 |
| Pin 4 | RA6/OSC2/CLKOUT β GPIO RA6 / oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 5 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN β GPIO RA7 / oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 6 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | RA0/AN0 β GPIO RA0 / ADC channel 0 |
| Pin 8 | RA1/AN1 β GPIO RA1 / ADC channel 1 |
| Pin 9 | RA2/AN2/VREF- β GPIO RA2 / ADC channel 2 / negative voltage reference |
| Pin 10 | RC0 β GPIO RC0 |
| Pin 11 | RC1 β GPIO RC1 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/AN6 β GPIO RC2 / ADC channel 6 |
| Pin 13 | RC3/AN7 β GPIO RC3 / ADC channel 7 |
| Pin 14 | RC4 β GPIO RC4 |
| Pin 15 | RC5 β GPIO RC5 |
| Pin 16 | RC6/AN8 β GPIO RC6 / ADC channel 8 |
| Pin 17 | RC7/AN9 β GPIO RC7 / ADC channel 9 |
| Pin 18 | RB0/AN12 β GPIO RB0 / ADC channel 12 / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 19 | RB1/AN10 β GPIO RB1 / ADC channel 10 |
| Pin 20 | RB2/AN8 β GPIO RB2 / ADC channel 8 |
| Pin 21 | RB3/AN9 β GPIO RB3 / ADC channel 9 |
| Pin 22 | RB4/AN11 β GPIO RB4 / ADC channel 11 |
| Pin 23 | RB5/AN13 β GPIO RB5 / ADC channel 13 |
| Pin 24 | RB6/ICSPCLK β GPIO RB6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 25 | RB7/ICSPDAT β GPIO RB7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 26 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (2.3V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 27 | RE3/MCLR β Input RE3 / Master Clear (reset) |
| Pin 28 | VSS (EP) β Exposed pad - thermal/ground pad; solder to PCB ground pour |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1516-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, LED Lighting and Backlight Control, Small Motor Control (Fans, Pumps, Valves), Consumer White Goods and Appliances, Multi-Sensor Data Acquisition Front End, Portable Medical and Wellness Devices.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16F1516-I/ML is well matched to battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its XLP nanoWatt technology delivers sub-uA sleep current and the 17-channel 10-bit ADC supports multi-sensor reading (temperature, humidity, light, battery voltage) from a single MCU. The 14KB Flash accommodates wireless protocol stacks such as LoRaWAN or Sub-GHz OOK modulation via the EUSART, while MI2C/SPI connect to digital sensors and accelerometers. With 25 mA I/O drive, the device can directly switch relays or LED indicators without external drivers, shrinking BOM and PCB area. The 2.3V to 5.5V supply range supports both 3.3V coin-cell and 5V USB-powered deployments.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Backlight Control
The PIC16F1516-I/ML drives LED lighting and backlight control via its two CCP (Capture/Compare/PWM) modules and 25 mA source/sink I/O, eliminating the need for external MOSFET drivers in many single-string designs. Its 10-bit ADC can sample ambient light sensors and potentiometers for dimming curves, while the EUSART supports DMX-512 or proprietary lighting protocols. XLP sleep mode enables standby power below 1 uA for mains-attached 'always-on' luminaires. Programmable ULPBOR keeps reset behavior defined across warm-up transients, preventing flicker at low line voltages.
Recommended
Small Motor Control (Fans, Pumps, Valves)
For small DC motor control in fans, pumps, and solenoid valves, the PIC16F1516-I/ML delivers deterministic PWM via two CCP modules and reads back-EMF or current sensing through its 17-channel 10-bit ADC. The 20MHz core enables 200ns instruction execution, fast enough for closed-loop PID at kHz rates. The PIC16F1516-I/ML's 2.3V to 5.5V supply operates directly from a rectified 5V or 3.3V rail, and the extended -40C to +85C industrial range covers under-hood and appliance environments. ICSP allows in-line firmware tuning for motor tuning curves.
Recommended
Consumer White Goods and Appliances
In consumer white goods such as washing machines, dishwashers, and coffee makers, the PIC16F1516-I/ML handles user interface (keypad scanning, LED/LCD drive), sensor acquisition (water level, temperature, motor RPM), and actuator control (PWM valves, relays) in a single chip. The 28-QFN package fits compact mainboards, and 25 mA I/O drive directly actuates relays and triac interfaces. The wide 2.3V to 5.5V supply simplifies power supply design across global mains conditions. ICSP and ICD enable end-of-line programming and in-field firmware updates.
Recommended
Multi-Sensor Data Acquisition Front End
The PIC16F1516-I/ML serves as a multi-sensor data acquisition front end with its 17-channel 10-bit ADC and voltage reference, scanning thermistors, strain gauges, and pressure sensors at 20 MHz core rates. The 14KB Flash stores calibration tables and linearization routines, while MI2C/SPI connect to digital sensors. 25 mA I/O drive enables direct excitation of bridge circuits. The ICSP and ICD interfaces allow in-system tuning of acquisition parameters without removing the MCU from the board.
Recommended
Portable Medical and Wellness Devices
The PIC16F1516-I/ML fits portable medical and wellness devices such as glucose meters, pulse oximeters, and digital thermometers thanks to its XLP sub-uA sleep current and the 14KB Flash supporting multi-language UI and calibration firmware. The 17-channel 10-bit ADC with voltage reference delivers accurate readings from NTC probes, while MI2C/SPI connect to oximetry AFE ICs and LCD displays. 25 mA I/O drive directly powers buzzers and status LEDs. Operating from 2.3V to 5.5V, the device runs from a single Li-coin or 2xAA cell with no additional regulator needed.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1516-I/ML β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1516-E/ML | PIC16LF1516-I/ML | PIC16F1513-I/SS | PIC16F1509-I/ML | PIC16F1709-I/ML | PIC16F1526-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (ML, 6x6 mm) | 28-QFN (ML, 6x6) - same | 28-QFN (ML, 6x6) - same | 28-SSOP - different body | 28-QFN (ML, 6x6) - same | 28-QFN (ML, 6x6) - same | 28-QFN (ML, 6x6) - same |
| Flash | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB |
| SRAM | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 1024 B | 1024 B |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| ADC Channels | 17 x 10-bit | 17 x 10-bit | 17 x 10-bit | 17 x 10-bit | 12 x 10-bit | 12 x 10-bit | 12 x 10-bit |
| CCP / PWM Modules | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Operating Voltage | 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 | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Max CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 32 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -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 | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Highest ADC channel count in the PIC16F151x 28-pin family (vs PIC16F1509-I/ML)
- Larger Flash density than PIC16F150x family (vs PIC16F1509-I/ML)
- Newer XLP family with CIP (Core Independent Peripherals) (vs PIC16F1709-I/ML)
Design Notes
The 28-QFN (ML, 6x6 mm) package dissipates heat primarily through the central exposed pad (pin 28). The exposed pad MUST be soldered to a PCB ground pour of at least 1 square inch to meet the datasheet thermal resistance. Without proper soldering, junction temperature can rise 20-30 C above ambient at full 20MHz operation, shortening device life and risking latch-up under heavy I/O load.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 26), with a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same rail. For XLP sleep designs, disable unused peripherals via the PMD (Peripheral Module Disable) registers to minimize sleep current. The ULPBOR should be enabled to define reset behavior during slow supply ramp-up from batteries, preventing code execution at sub-threshold voltages.
For mixed-signal designs using the 17-channel ADC, isolate the analog AVdd/AVss reference routing from noisy digital traces, especially PWM-driven outputs and the EUSART lines. Add a small RC filter (10 ohm + 100 nF) on each ADC channel when sampling high-impedance sensors to suppress charge-kickback noise. Keep analog traces short and away from the switching regulator coil and any relay or triac drive traces.
Do not drive the MCLR pin (pin 27) low during normal operation unless performing a deliberate reset - some PIC programmers leave MCLR floating, which can cause spurious resets. Tie MCLR to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor with a 100 nF capacitor to VSS for noise immunity. Also verify the configuration bits for oscillator selection and watchdog timer enable before locking the code - incorrect config bits can render the device un-programmable without high-voltage ICSP.
Route the ICSP clock (RB6) and ICSP data (RB7) signals (pins 24-25) to a 6-pin header with no series resistors or buffers between the MCU and the programmer. ICSP requires direct access to VDD, VSS, MCLR, RB6, and RB7. Place the ICSP header at the board edge for ease of access during production programming and field firmware updates.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 not applicable to industrial -I grade; consider -E grade for extended temp.
