PIC16F15256-I/SP - 8-bit MCU, 32MHz, 28KB Flash, 28-SPDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F15256-I/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.85 | $1.85 |
| 10 | $1.66 | $16.60 |
| 100 | $1.48 | $148.00 |
| 500 | $1.32 | $660.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.18 | $1,180.00 |
PIC16F15256-I/SP Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM), peripherals, and I/O on one silicon die. The PIC16F15256 sits within the broader PIC microcontrollers -> 8-bit microcontrollers -> microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> integrated circuits hierarchy, and it implements the Microchip enhanced mid-range core with a modified Harvard architecture and 14-bit instruction word.
Key features include 10-bit ADC, 2 PWM modules, 2 CCP (Capture/Compare/PWM) modules, Hardware Limit Timer (HLT), Watchdog Timer (WDT), Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for I/O remapping, EUSART, SPI/I2C, and Microchip's eXtreme Low-Power (XLP) technology for battery-friendly operation. The 28KB Flash and 2KB RAM on-chip memory allows complex firmware and reasonable buffer sizes for embedded sensor hubs.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, industrial automation controllers, low-power edge devices, consumer appliances, building automation, HVAC controls, and battery-powered instrumentation. The combination of XLP technology with PPS, ADC, and standard communication peripherals suits applications where power budget and peripheral flexibility matter more than raw processing throughput.
When designing with this part, use the MPLAB X IDE with the XC8 compiler and verify the PIC16F15256 header file for the latest SFR map and clock configuration. Peripheral Pin Select must be carefully mapped during initialization, and the XLP sleep modes (Doze, Idle, Sleep) should be benchmarked for the specific workload to maximize the sum of savings over the device lifetime.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F15256-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 PIC16F15256-I/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory (Flash), ADC, Mounting Type, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F15256-E/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.91 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F15255-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F15254-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F15244-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$0.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1516-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F15256-I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 8-bit enhanced mid-range |
| CPU Architecture | 8-bit, modified Harvard |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB |
| Data RAM | 2 KB |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| PWM Modules | 2 |
| CCP Modules | 2 |
| Communication | EUSART, SPI, I2C |
| Hardware Limit Timer (HLT) | Yes |
| Watchdog Timer (WDT) | Yes |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP (eXtreme Low-Power) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (SP) |
| Pin Count | 28 |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
PIC16F15256-I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, ICSPDAT |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, MCLR |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, ICSPCLK |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O, oscillator input |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O, oscillator output |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference (second) |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive power supply |
| Pin 20 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O, ICSPDAT |
| Pin 21 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O, ICSPCLK |
| Pin 22 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 23 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 25 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 26 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 27 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Ground reference (third) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F15256-I/SP is suitable for 6 applications: IoT Sensor Nodes, Industrial Automation Controllers, Battery-Powered Instrumentation, Building Automation and HVAC, Consumer Appliance Control, Automotive Aftermarket Accessories.
IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16F15256-I/SP suits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes thanks to its XLP (eXtreme Low-Power) technology and 28KB Flash for protocol stacks. With 32MHz CPU and 2KB RAM, the device handles sensor sampling via 10-bit ADC and transmits data over EUSART or SPI/I2C. Sleep current is minimized by gating the CPU clock while leaving peripherals active. The 28-SPDIP package eases hand-soldered prototype builds for early-stage IoT product development.
Recommended
Industrial Automation Controllers
In industrial automation, the PIC16F15256-I/SP provides deterministic 8-bit control with 32 MIPS throughput, 10-bit ADC for sensor feedback, and 2x PWM for motor or valve actuation. Hardware Limit Timer (HLT) and CCP modules allow precision timing without CPU overhead, while Watchdog Timer (WDT) and industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating ensure robust factory-floor operation. PPS simplifies PCB routing by remapping peripherals to spare I/O pins.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Instrumentation
Battery-powered instruments such as handheld multimeters, data loggers, and portable test gear benefit from the PIC16F15256-I/SP's XLP low-power architecture and 2KB RAM for sample buffering. The 10-bit ADC captures measurements while EUSART or I2C interfaces connect to display modules or external memory. Sleep current below 1 microamp extends battery life to months or years for intermittently sampled applications.
Recommended
Building Automation and HVAC
Building automation systems including HVAC controllers, smart thermostats, and lighting controls use the PIC16F15256-I/SP for its combination of analog sensing (10-bit ADC), PWM outputs (2x PWM for fan or damper control), and serial communications (EUSART for BACnet/MS/TP or Modbus). The 28KB Flash accommodates multi-zone scheduling logic, while 2KB RAM handles setpoint and telemetry buffering.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
Consumer appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and small kitchen devices rely on the PIC16F15256-I/SP for cost-effective user-interface control. The 28-SPDIP through-hole package simplifies wave-soldering and rework on appliance mainboards. With 2 PWM channels, multiple CCP timers, and 28KB Flash, the device drives user displays, motor control, and button input scanning while remaining under cost-sensitive BOM targets.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket Accessories
Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, the PIC16F15256-I/SP can serve automotive aftermarket accessories (interior lighting, gauge clusters, add-on controllers) operating within industrial temperature range. The 28KB Flash and PPS peripheral remapping enable flexible PCB layouts, while the 10-bit ADC monitors voltage, current, and analog sensor inputs. The SPDIP package is well-suited to low-volume accessory production and field-replaceable modules.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F15256-I/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F15256-E/SP | PIC16F15255-I/SP | PIC16F15254-I/SP | PIC16F1516-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same |
| Flash Program Memory | 28 KB | 28 KB | 16 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB |
| Data RAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 1 KB | 512 B | 1 KB |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| 10-bit ADC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PWM Modules | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| XLP Low-Power Technology | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (older family) |
Key Differentiators
- Higher Flash and RAM at the same 32MHz frequency vs PIC16F15255 (vs PIC16F15255-I/SP)
- Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) flexibility vs older PIC16F1516 family (vs PIC16F1516-I/SP)
- XLP low-power technology vs PIC16F15254 (vs PIC16F15254-I/SP)
Design Notes
Estimated: VDD current consumption for the PIC16F15256 at 32MHz is typically 4-6 mA active and drops below 1 uA in Sleep mode, per Microchip datasheet 40002305B. Use the IDLE and DOZE modes to reduce average current between sensor samples. Decouple VDD (pin 19) with a 100nF ceramic capacitor as close to the pin as possible, plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor for transient loads during radio transmission bursts.
Route the ICSP clock/data pins (RB6/RB7 or RA0/RA1) to a dedicated programming header with no series resistors above 100 ohms. Per Microchip debug guidance, place the 28-SPDIP package with sufficient clearance for the through-hole pads and ensure MCLR (RA3) is pulled up to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor with a capacitor to ground for proper reset timing.
Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) on the PIC16F15256 must be unlocked and configured during initialization; failure to do so leaves peripheral outputs disconnected and inputs floating. Configure ADC channels to ANSEL bits before reading, and avoid leaving unused I/O as inputs without pull-ups to prevent excess current draw. Verify the LAT register, not PORT, when driving outputs.
Estimated: At -40C to +85C industrial operation with 32MHz clock, the SPDIP package dissipates under 100 mW typical, well within thermal limits. However, in enclosed industrial cabinets exceeding 60C ambient, derate CPU frequency to 16 MHz or apply XLP Sleep duty cycling. Always reference the Microchip thermal section of the datasheet for the exact theta_JA value of the SPDIP-28 package.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not explicitly provided in Verified Web Data. Microchip 8-bit PIC microcontrollers are typically RoHS compliant and lead-free by default per Microchip's product stewardship program. AEC-Q100 qualification is not available for the PIC16F15256 family - this is not an automotive-grade part.