PIC16F1516-I/SS - 8-bit 20MHz 14KB Flash MCU 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1516-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.1 | $2.10 |
| 10 | $1.89 | $18.90 |
| 100 | $1.62 | $162.00 |
| 500 | $1.41 | $705.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.23 | $1,230.00 |
PIC16F1516-I/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path that fetches, decodes, and executes one instruction per cycle from on-chip Flash memory. Within the broader taxonomy, an 8-bit MCU sits below 16-bit and 32-bit MCUs in compute density, but excels in deterministic real-time response, ultra-low quiescent current, and low BOM cost for applications such as sensor nodes, white goods, and battery-powered edge devices. The PIC16F1516 family is a mid-range offering within Microchip's PIC16 portfolio, positioned between baseline PIC10/12/16 and high-performance PIC18/dsPIC families.
Key features of the PIC16F1516 include 12 I/O ports capable of 25 mA source/sink per pin, MI2C and SPI serial interfaces, an enhanced watchdog timer (WDT), a programmable ultra-low-power brown-out reset (ULPBOR), in-circuit serial programming (ICSP), and in-circuit debug. A 200 ns instruction execution time supports deterministic control loops, while XLP technology enables sub-µA sleep currents for energy-harvesting designs. The 28-SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package) provides 0.65 mm pitch and a typical height of 1.75 mm, suiting compact industrial control boards.
Internally the PIC16F1516 uses an enhanced mid-range RISC core with 49 instructions, 16-level hardware stack, and an internal 16 MHz oscillator that can be trimmed against an external reference. The 10-bit ADC with selectable voltage reference provides 17 analog inputs, useful for multi-signal conditioning. Compared with the PIC16F1513 (which has only 8 KB Flash and 11 I/O), the PIC16F1516 adds memory headroom and an additional ADC channel count, while sharing the same register map and instruction set for firmware portability.
Typical applications include industrial sensor hubs, white-goods control boards, IoT end-node firmware platforms, automotive body electronics (non-AEC-Q100 grades), battery chargers, low-power remote controls, and consumer appliances. The wide 2.3 V-5.5 V input range simplifies direct connection to 3.3 V and 5 V rails common in mixed-signal designs. When designing with the PIC16F1516-I/SS, observe the supply decoupling guidelines from the datasheet (one 0.1 µF ceramic close to VDD with a bulk 10 µF), keep analog and digital grounds separated to a single-point tie, and configure the ICSP pins to avoid contention with application circuitry during in-circuit programming.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1516-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 PIC16F1516-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Timers, Internal Oscillator, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1516-I/SSVAO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1516T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.83 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1516T-E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1513-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1516-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1516-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 Enhanced Mid-Range 8-bit RISC |
| CPU Speed | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| Number of Instructions | 49 |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| SRAM | 512 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 17 channels with selectable voltage reference |
| Timers | Two 8-bit (TMR0/TMR2), One 16-bit (TMR1) |
| Serial Interfaces | MI2C, SPI |
| Supply Voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V (PIC16F version; PIC16LF version 1.8 V-3.6 V) |
| I/O Source/Sink Current | 25 mA per pin |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-SSOP (0.65 mm pitch) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| XLP (eXtreme Low Power) | Yes |
| Programming/Debug | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming), ICD |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz |
| Brown-Out Reset | Programmable Ultra-Low-Power BOR (ULPBOR) |
| Watchdog Timer | Enhanced WDT |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F1516-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 7 / ICD data |
| Pin 2 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 6 / ICD clock |
| Pin 3 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 5 |
| Pin 4 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 4 |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 3 / MCLR (reset, input only) |
| Pin 6 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2 / analog input |
| Pin 7 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 / analog input / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 8 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 / analog input / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | RA11 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 11 / analog input |
| Pin 11 | RA10 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 10 / analog input |
| Pin 12 | RA9 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 9 / analog input |
| Pin 13 | RA8 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 8 / analog input |
| Pin 14 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 7 |
| Pin 15 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 6 |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 18 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 22 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 23 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 24 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 25 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 5 / analog input |
| Pin 27 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 4 / analog input |
| Pin 28 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 3 / analog input |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1516-I/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Sensor Hub Controller, Battery-Powered IoT Edge Node, White Goods Control Board, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Consumer Remote Control, Low-Power Battery Charger Controller, HVAC Thermostat Controller.
Industrial Sensor Hub Controller
The PIC16F1516-I/SS fits industrial sensor hub applications with its 17-channel 10-bit ADC and MI2C/SPI interfaces, allowing direct connection to multiple analog sensors and digital peripherals. Its 14 KB Flash accommodates C-based firmware for sensor fusion, calibration, and Modbus output, while the 25 mA source/sink per pin can directly drive LED indicators and opto-isolated relays without buffering. The wide 2.3 V-5.5 V supply supports 24 V industrial bus systems with simple LDO pre-regulation, and XLP technology extends battery life in remote installations.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Edge Node
The PIC16F1516-I/SS suits battery-powered IoT edge nodes through XLP sub-µA sleep current and fast wake-up, enabling multi-year coin-cell operation. The 14 KB Flash holds a Zigbee/BLE controller firmware or LoRaWAN stack driver, while the 10-bit ADC reads battery voltage and external sensors on wake-up. The 2.3 V-5.5 V range works with 2x AA or single-cell Li-ion primary cells, and the 28-SSOP keeps the PCB footprint under 10 mm x 7.7 mm for compact sensor modules.
Recommended
White Goods Control Board
The PIC16F1516-I/SS is well suited for white-goods control boards in washing machines, dishwashers, and ovens, where it drives relays, reads water-level sensors, and times motor sequences. Its 12 I/O with 25 mA drive directly switches triac optocouplers and small relays. The 17 ADC channels monitor temperature, pressure, and humidity sensors, while the enhanced watchdog timer and ULPBOR prevent lockups in noisy mains environments. Industrial -40C to +85C rating covers appliance compartments near heating elements.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The PIC16F1516-I/SS can serve automotive body electronics applications such as interior lighting controllers, seat position memory, and HVAC blend door drivers when used with the SSOP VAO process variant. The MI2C bus interfaces with body control modules, while the 17 ADC channels read potentiometer positions for blend and vent control. Note this part is not AEC-Q100 qualified; the PIC16F1516-I/SSVAO variant follows automotive-process flow and is the recommended choice for non-safety automotive builds.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control
The PIC16F1516-I/SS is ideal for universal remote controls and RF remote handsets where battery life and small PCB are paramount. XLP technology delivers years of operation from 2x AAA cells, while the 20 MHz CPU handles button-matrix scanning, IR transmit encoding, and optional RF link protocol. The 14 KB Flash supports code for multiple device databases with NEC, RC5, and SIRC IR protocols. 28-SSOP keeps the device under 1.8 mm total height for slim remote housings.
Recommended
Low-Power Battery Charger Controller
The PIC16F1516-I/SS controls single-cell Li-ion or NiMH chargers through its 10-bit ADC measuring battery voltage and charge current via a sense resistor. Its 14 KB Flash supports CC-CV charge profiles with temperature-compensated end-of-charge detection, while PWM-driven timers regulate the charger MOSFET. The 25 mA I/O can drive indicator LEDs and a status buzzer. Wide 2.3 V-5.5 V operation allows direct connection to USB 5 V with a simple linear regulator front-end.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat Controller
The PIC16F1516-I/SS drives residential and light-commercial HVAC thermostats with its 17 ADC channels reading multiple NTC temperature sensors, humidity transducers, and setpoint potentiometers. The 14 KB Flash holds a 7-day programmable schedule with hysteresis logic, while MI2C drives an OLED display and capacitive touch controller. The 20 MHz core delivers sub-millisecond loop times for PID temperature control, and XLP sleep mode extends battery life in wireless thermostats between transmissions.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1516-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1516-I/SSVAO | PIC16F1516T-I/SS | PIC16F1516T-E/SS | PIC16F1513-I/SS | PIC16F1516-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP | 28-SOIC |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Program Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 8 KB | 14 KB |
| SRAM | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B |
| ADC Channels | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 11 | 17 |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| XLP Low Power | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Largest Flash and highest ADC channel count in the PIC16F151x family (vs PIC16F1513-I/SS)
- Compact SSOP-28 footprint for space-constrained SMT designs (vs PIC16F1516-I/SO)
- Industrial temperature grade with full -40C to +85C coverage (vs PIC16F1516T-E/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 23) with a short trace to the VSS pin (pin 22). Add a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same supply rail within 25 mm for transient suppression. The PIC16F1516-I/SS draws microamps in XLP sleep, so the supply filter must recharge quickly; use X7R or X5R ceramic dielectrics that retain capacitance under DC bias. Verify VDD rise time is under 50 ms to avoid ULPBOR lockup at cold start.
The 28-SSOP has a 0.65 mm lead pitch; per IPC-7351 use a land pad length of 1.0 mm and width of 0.4 mm with 0.2 mm solder mask expansion. Route analog signals (RA0-RA11 analog-capable pins) away from digital switching lines and clock traces to minimize coupling into the 10-bit ADC. Provide a continuous ground pour on the bottom layer stitched with vias around the SSOP perimeter. Leave at least 2 mm clearance under the SSOP body for rework access.
Do not configure RA3/MCLR as a general-purpose output; MCLR is input-only on PIC16F1516. When using ICSP, ensure the ICSPDAT (RA0/ICSPCLK RA1) lines are not heavily loaded by external circuitry; add a 4.7 kohm pull-up on MCLR to VDD through a diode to DDD for safe in-circuit programming. Always set the configuration bits for the internal 16 MHz oscillator before first power-up to avoid the default HFINTOSC running untrimmed.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Standard -I/SS variant is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive-process screening use PIC16F1516-I/SSVAO. All alternatives share the same SSOP-28 footprint and Microchip environmental compliance.
