PIC16F1516-I/SP - 8-Bit MCU, 14KB Flash, 20MHz, 28-SPDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1516-I/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.34 | $2.34 |
| 10 | $2.11 | $21.10 |
| 100 | $1.84 | $184.00 |
| 500 | $1.62 | $810.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.41 | $1,410.00 |
PIC16F1516-I/SP Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer integrating a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and peripheral blocks (ADC, timers, communication interfaces) on one die. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16F1516 sits at: PIC16 family -> enhanced mid-range core -> 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded IC. Its RISC Harvard architecture separates program and data buses, enabling single-cycle instruction fetch and predictable 200 ns execution at 20 MHz, which simplifies deterministic real-time control loops.
Key differentiating features include 14 KB self-read/write Flash with ICD support, 49 base instructions plus optimized branches, 16-level hardware stack, two 8-bit timers, one 16-bit timer, an enhanced 10-bit ADC with up to 17 input channels, and a Master Synchronous Serial Port (MSSP) configurable as SPI or I2C. The device supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via two pins, allowing firmware updates on populated boards without desoldering, and integrates brown-out reset (BOR) and power-on reset (POR) for robust field operation.
Typical applications are general-purpose embedded control where low cost and predictable 8-bit performance dominate: consumer white goods, sensor conditioning front-ends, simple user-interface controllers, LED driving with PWM, small motor drivers, and educational/hobbyist platforms. The wide 1.8-5.5 V range also supports battery-powered IoT nodes where the XLP sleep current extends coin-cell life.
Designers should select the I-suffix (industrial -40 to +85 C) for most deployments and verify ICD pin assignments for the chosen debugger (MPLAB PICkit, Snap, ICD 3). For PCB designs, allocate decoupling capacitors within 5 mm of VDD and AVSS pins and route the ICSPDAT/ICSPCLK pair as a matched-length pair to avoid programming failures.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1516-I/SP — 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/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Timers, Package, ADC, Program Memory (Flash), Communication.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1516-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1516-E/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1516-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.49 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1516-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1518-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.86 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1513-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1516-I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 Enhanced Mid-Range (Harvard RISC) |
| CPU Bit Width | 8-bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8192 x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 512 bytes |
| Supply Voltage Range (F version) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 27 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 17 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| Communication Interfaces | 1 x MSSP (SPI/I2C), 1 x EUSART |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz |
| Operating Temperature (I suffix) | -40 C to +85 C |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (SP) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| ICSP Programming | Yes (2-wire ICSP) |
| Stack Levels | 16 |
| XLP Technology | Yes (eXtreme Low Power) |
PIC16F1516-I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/ICSPDAT — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP data line |
| Pin 2 | RA1/ICSPCLK — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP clock line |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR — Bidirectional I/O / Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8-5.5 V) |
| Pin 11 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 17 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change / ICSP clock |
| Pin 18 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change / ICSP data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 22 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 23 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 24 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 25 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 26 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 27 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 28 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1516-I/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer White Goods Control, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, LED Lighting and PWM Drivers, Industrial Sensor Conditioning, Educational and Hobbyist Platforms, Automotive Accessory Modules.
Consumer White Goods Control
The PIC16F1516-I/SP's 14 KB Flash and 20 MIPS throughput fit mid-complexity appliance control boards (rice cookers, washing machines, microwave user interfaces) where deterministic real-time response matters. Its 1.8-5.5 V supply lets it interface directly to 3.3 V sensor front-ends and 5 V relay drivers without level shifters, reducing BOM cost. The 27 I/O pins handle keypad scanning, seven-segment or LCD driving, and triac control; the 10-bit ADC reads temperature and water level. Compared to a 32-bit Cortex-M0+, the PIC16F1516 cuts unit cost by 40-60% while still meeting response budgets under 10 ms.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology makes the PIC16F1516-I/SP ideal for coin-cell or 2x AA sensor nodes that sleep most of the time. Sleep currents in the nanoampere range combined with a fast wake-up from the 16 MHz internal oscillator let the MCU spend >99% of its life in sleep, waking only to read a sensor and transmit. The wide 1.8-5.5 V supply matches 3 V lithium and 3.6 V Li-SOCl2 chemistries directly. Compared to ARM Cortex-M0+ alternatives, the PIC16F1516 typically achieves 2-3x longer battery life in sub-1 GHz sensor applications thanks to lower sleep current and faster wake transitions.
Recommended
LED Lighting and PWM Drivers
The PIC16F1516-I/SP's enhanced mid-range core delivers independent PWM channels suitable for RGB LED color mixing, dimming controls, and buck/boost LED driver feedback loops. With 20 MIPS throughput, the firmware can handle DMX512 or DALI receive parsing while simultaneously driving multiple PWM outputs at >1 kHz without CPU saturation. The 10-bit ADC monitors LED current via a sense resistor for closed-loop constant-current regulation. Compared to dedicated LED driver ICs, the PIC16F1516 adds protocol flexibility (DMX, DALI, 0-10 V) at modest cost.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Conditioning
The PIC16F1516-I/SP is well matched to industrial 4-20 mA loop transmitters, RTD conditioning, and bridge sensor readouts. Its 10-bit ADC with 17 input channels scans multiple analog signals in sequence; integrated EUSART outputs the digitized measurement over RS-485. The 1.8-5.5 V supply tolerates 24 V loop power after a simple linear regulator drop. Compared to discrete op-amp + ADC designs, integrating the MCU cuts board area by 50% and provides digital calibration via firmware - critical for factory-trimmed sensor accuracy.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Platforms
The PIC16F1516-I/SP is a popular teaching platform because it combines a manageable pin count (28-SPDIP fits a breadboard), 14 KB Flash for non-trivial student projects, and the free MPLAB X IDE + XC8 toolchain. Programming is straightforward via ICSP using a PICkit 3, PICkit 4, or MPLAB Snap debugger. The through-hole SPDIP package tolerates repeated insertion in solderless breadboards, unlike fine-pitch QFN variants. Compared to Arduino Uno (ATmega328P), the PIC16F1516 has a steeper learning curve but offers finer control of clocking, peripherals, and power modes for embedded systems courses.
Recommended
Automotive Accessory Modules
Non-safety automotive accessories - interior lighting, seat controllers, mirror adjusters, accessory chargers - are typical applications for the PIC16F1516-E/SP (extended -40 to +125 C) variant. The MCU handles CAN-LIN gateway functions via EUSART, PWM-driven motor control, and ADC-based current monitoring. While the standard PIC16F1516-I/SP (industrial temp) is suitable for cabin environments, the E-suffix is required for under-hood or sun-exposed locations. Compared to AEC-Q100 qualified parts, the PIC16F1516 is a cost-optimized choice for non-safety accessories.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1516-I/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1516-I/SO | PIC16F1516-E/SP | PIC16F1516-I/ML | PIC16F1518-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (SP) | 28-pin SOIC (SO) | 28-pin SPDIP (SP) | 28-pin QFN (ML) | 28-pin SPDIP (SP) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 28 KB |
| Data SRAM | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 1024 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| 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 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 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 | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC Channels | 17 x 10-bit | 17 x 10-bit | 17 x 10-bit | 17 x 10-bit | 17 x 10-bit |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) | Surface Mount | Through-Hole (DIP) | Surface Mount | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| Unit Price (qty 100) | ~$1.84 | ~$1.84 | ~$2.10 | ~$1.90 | ~$2.25 |
Key Differentiators
- Larger memory than PIC16F1513-I/SS while sharing same peripheral set (vs PIC16F1513-I/SS)
- Lower cost and lower memory than PIC16F1518-I/SP when headroom is sufficient (vs PIC16F1518-I/SP)
- Industrial temp variant vs extended temp (vs PIC16F1516-E/SP)
Design Notes
Estimated: Power-supply decoupling for PIC16F1516-I/SP should include a 100 nF ceramic capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin (pins 10 and 20) and a single 10 uF bulk capacitor at the board entry. The MCU has two VDD pins that must both be connected; floating either pin causes erratic operation under ADC sampling. For ADC accuracy, add a 100 nF + 10 uF decoupling pair on AVSS/VDD if used as analog reference. Avoid routing digital signals directly under the VDD traces to minimize switching-noise injection.
The 28-SPDIP package has a 2.54 mm pin pitch and through-hole leads, suitable for hand-soldered prototypes and breadboard use. For production, transition to PIC16F1516-I/SO (SOIC) or PIC16F1516-I/ML (QFN) variants to reduce board area by 60-70%. Reserve a 6-pin header footprint for ICSP connections (RA0/ICSPDAT, RA1/ICSPCLK, MCLR, VDD, VSS) to enable in-circuit programming and debugging without removing the MCU from the board. Source: Microchip datasheet DS40001452F, programming specifications section.
Common pitfalls with PIC16F1516-I/SP: (1) Configuration bits must be set explicitly (no default on blank parts) - include __config directives in your XC8 source or set via MPLAB X. (2) MCLR pin (pin 4) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD; floating MCLR causes intermittent resets. (3) ADC inputs share pins with digital I/O - configure the relevant TRIS and ANSEL bits before sampling. (4) The 16 MHz internal oscillator has a +/- 2% accuracy over temperature; use the HFINTOSC for UART only if baud error tolerance is acceptable, otherwise select an external crystal.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Lead-free (Pb-free) matte-tin finish. The PIC16F1516-I/SP is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified; for AEC-Q100 automotive applications, consider PIC16F153-series automotive-grade MCUs instead. Conflict-minerals declaration per Microchip policy.
