PIC16F15256-E/SP - 28KB Flash, 32MHz 8-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F15256-E/SP β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.55 | $1.55 |
| 10 | $1.39 | $13.90 |
| 100 | $1.18 | $118.00 |
| 500 | $1.02 | $510.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.91 | $910.00 |
PIC16F15256-E/SP Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a microprocessor core with an 8-bit data path, integrated program and data memory, and on-chip peripherals designed for embedded control. The PIC16F152 family is positioned by Microchip as a cost-sensitive 8-bit platform that combines a simplified feature set with high-utility peripherals; within the broader taxonomy it sits under PIC microcontrollers -> 8-bit MCUs -> microcontrollers -> microprocessors and logic. The same product line spans 8/14/16/20/28/40/44-pin package options, sharing the same peripherals for scalability.
Key features of the PIC16F15256-E/SP include a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible signal routing, two PWM modules, two Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules, a hardware limit timer (HLT), a windowed watchdog timer (WDT), an Enhanced Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (EUSART), and SPI/I2C digital interfaces. The XLP technology enables sub-uA sleep currents for energy-harvesting or coin-cell designs.
Architecturally, the PIC16F15256-E/SP uses a RISC-based PIC core with a single-cycle instruction execution unit, hardware multiplier, and a priority interrupt controller. The PPS block decouples digital peripheral I/O from fixed pin assignments, simplifying board layout when peripherals must be remapped. Internal Intelligent Analog features reduce external component count, while CIPs such as the CWG, NCO, and HLT operate without CPU intervention, lowering average current and latency.
Typical applications include cost-sensitive sensor nodes, real-time control of small motors or fans, low-power IoT edge devices, household appliance user interfaces, and battery-powered instrumentation. The combination of 28 KB Flash and 2 KB SRAM accommodates state machines with calibration tables and small protocol stacks.
When designing with this part, allocate the PPS mapping early in the schematic stage, budget 28 KB Flash carefully for bootloader + application splits, and use the XLP sleep modes aggressively for battery life. The -E suffix designates the extended (-40C to +125C) temperature range.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and design considerations not duplicated in the manufacturer datasheet - synthesized specifically for engineers selecting an 8-bit MCU for cost-driven embedded designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F15256-E/SP 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 PIC16F15256-E/SP (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, ADC, Mounting Type, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F15255-I/SP
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F1516-I/SP
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F15256-E/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 2 KB |
| Max CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (SP) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| PWM Modules | 2 |
| CCP Modules | 2 |
| Hardware Limit Timer (HLT) | Yes |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (windowed WDT) |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Communication | EUSART, SPI, I2C |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP (eXtreme Low-Power) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (E suffix) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F15256-E/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 β Bidirectional I/O with ADC and PPS capability |
| Pin 2 | RA1 β Bidirectional I/O with ADC and PPS capability |
| Pin 3 | RA2 β Bidirectional I/O with ADC and PPS capability |
| Pin 4 | RA3 β Bidirectional I/O with ADC and PPS capability |
| Pin 5 | RA4 β Bidirectional I/O with ADC and PPS capability |
| Pin 6 | RA5 β Bidirectional I/O with ADC and PPS capability |
| Pin 7 | RA6 β Bidirectional I/O with PPS capability |
| Pin 8 | RA7 β Bidirectional I/O with PPS capability |
| Pin 9 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | RB0 β Bidirectional I/O with PPS and interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 11 | RB1 β Bidirectional I/O with PPS and interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 12 | RB2 β Bidirectional I/O with PPS and interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 13 | RB3 β Bidirectional I/O with PPS and interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 14 | RB4 β Bidirectional I/O with PPS and interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 15 | RB5 β Bidirectional I/O with PPS and interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 16 | RB6 β Bidirectional I/O with PPS and ICSCLK |
| Pin 17 | RB7 β Bidirectional I/O with PPS and ICSDAT |
| Pin 18 | VSS β Ground reference (secondary) |
| Pin 19 | VDD β Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 20 | RA0 β Bidirectional I/O with ADC and PPS capability (alternate port) |
| Pin 21 | RA1 β Bidirectional I/O with ADC and PPS capability (alternate port) |
| Pin 22 | RC0 β Bidirectional I/O with PPS capability |
| Pin 23 | RC1 β Bidirectional I/O with PPS capability |
| Pin 24 | RC2 β Bidirectional I/O with PPS capability |
| Pin 25 | RC3 β Bidirectional I/O with PPS capability |
| Pin 26 | RC4 β Bidirectional I/O with PPS capability |
| Pin 27 | RC5 β Bidirectional I/O with PPS capability |
| Pin 28 | RC6 β Bidirectional I/O with PPS capability |
Typical Applications
PIC16F15256-E/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, HVAC Fan Motor Control, Home Appliance User Interface, Industrial Sensor Transmitter, LED Lighting Controller, Automotive Body Electronics Subsystem.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16F15256-E/SP fits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because of its 28 KB Flash for small protocol stacks, XLP nanoWatt sleep currents in the sub-uA range, and the 10-bit ADC for direct sensor signal conditioning. With 2 KB SRAM the part can buffer EUSART or I2C sensor traffic without external memory, while PPS allows the EUSART and ADC to be remapped to convenient PCB pins. CIPs such as the HLT and CWG operate while the CPU sleeps, achieving multi-year coin-cell life on typical 200 mAh CR2032 cells.
Recommended
HVAC Fan Motor Control
The PIC16F15256-E/SP is well suited to small HVAC fan and blower motor control because its two PWM and two CCP modules drive complementary or independent channels with dead-band control, while the HLT module enforces fault-based shutdown without CPU latency. The 10-bit ADC samples motor current or back-EMF for closed-loop speed regulation. PPS simplifies PCB routing when the power stage is on a separate daughter board, allowing digital signal reassignment without re-spinning the layout.
Recommended
Home Appliance User Interface
The PIC16F15256-E/SP powers washing machine, dishwasher, and microwave user-interface panels because of its 28 KB Flash for menu logic, 2 KB SRAM for icon buffers, and EUSART plus SPI/I2C for display and keypad interfacing. The CVD-capable 10-bit ADC reads capacitive touch keys without external components. Industrial -40C to +125C temperature grade (E suffix) supports kitchen and laundry compartments with elevated ambient temperature.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter
The PIC16F15256-E/SP serves 4-20 mA loop-powered and industrial sensor transmitters thanks to XLP low-power modes that fit the 3.5 mA loop budget with margin, plus a 10-bit ADC for bridge sensor or 4-20 mA current readback. The EUSART supports HART or RS-485 modbus communication, and PPS allows the SPI/I2C port to multiplex to an external DAC. Industrial -40C to +125C temperature grade handles factory-floor thermal stress.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16F15256-E/SP drives commercial and architectural LED fixtures because its two PWM modules generate phase-correct LED dimming waveforms with hardware dead-band, while the CWG and CCP produce synchronized complementary outputs for full-bridge drivers. PPS allows PWM signals to be routed directly to FET gate-driver pins. EUSART or I2C links the MCU to DMX, 0-10 V, or DALI controllers, while XLP sleep modes keep standby power below 0.5 W for energy-star compliance.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics Subsystem
The PIC16F15256-E/SP handles non-safety body-electronics subsystems such as seat controllers, mirror modules, ambient lighting, and HVAC blend doors. The -40C to +125C temperature grade tolerates under-dash environments, and the 32 MHz core with 8 MIPS throughput runs LIN slave stacks via the EUSART. The two PWM and two CCP modules drive small brushed motors and LEDs without external timers, and the 10-bit ADC reads potentiometers or thermistors for position feedback.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F15256-E/SP β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F15255-I/SP | PIC16F1516-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SPDIP (SP) | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same |
| Flash Memory | 28 KB | 16 KB | 14 KB |
| SRAM | 2 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz / 8 MIPS | 32 MHz / 8 MIPS | 20 MHz / 5 MIPS |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes | Yes | No |
| XLP Low-Power | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ADC | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Highest Flash density in PIC16F152xx 28-pin SPDIP family (vs PIC16F15255-I/SP)
- Modern CIP and PPS feature set versus older PIC16F1516 family (vs PIC16F1516-I/SP)
- 32 MHz operation versus older 20 MHz ceiling (vs PIC16F1516-I/SP)
Design Notes
The PIC16F15256-E/SP operates from 1.8V to 5.5V on VDD. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 19) and a bulk 1-10 uF on the main supply rail. For battery applications, leverage the XLP sleep modes (Doze, Idle, Sleep) and configure unused peripherals to OFF via the PMD registers. The BOR and POR modules provide robust reset behavior under brownout conditions.
Estimated: At 32 MHz CPU and 5V VDD, active current is approximately 4-5 mA; sleep current is sub-uA. Average power budget for a duty-cycled sensor node = (5 mA x 1%) + (1 uA x 99%) = ~50 uA, fitting a coin-cell budget. Use the Peripheral Module Disable (PMD) registers to gate unused peripherals and reduce active current by 20-40%.
The PPS feature allows digital peripherals to be remapped to most I/O pins. Pin assignments must be made in firmware via the PPS unlock sequence. Place ICSCLK/ICSDAT (RB6/RB7) in a debug-friendly location on the PCB even if not used in production, to allow field re-programming. Keep analog traces short and isolated from PWM switching signals to minimize ADC cross-talk.
Do not skip the configuration word settings (CONFIG1/CONFIG2) - leaving them at default may result in WDT disabled, BOR at lowest threshold, or unprotectable code. Always lock unused code space if security is required. When migrating code from PIC16F151x to PIC16F152xx, note that PPS unlock sequence is required before remapping pins; omitting this sequence silently fails peripheral routing.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. -E suffix is industrial temperature grade (-40C to +125C), not automotive AEC-Q100. For automotive, look at Q-graded variants.
