PIC16F1574-I/P - 8-Bit MCU, 7KB Flash, 16-bit PWM, 14-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1574-I/P β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.55 | $1.55 |
| 10 | $1.39 | $13.90 |
| 100 | $1.22 | $122.00 |
| 500 | $1.05 | $525.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.91 | $910.00 |
PIC16F1574-I/P Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller is a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) device with a Harvard architecture that executes one instruction per clock cycle (except branches), giving deterministic real-time performance. PIC16F1574 belongs to the PIC16F1xxx enhanced mid-range family, which adds Peripheral Pin Select for flexible I/O routing, numerically controlled oscillator (NCO) and CWG peripherals, sitting in the broader hierarchy: PIC microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded computing -> semiconductor. This background helps explain why the device targets cost-sensitive mixed-signal applications.
Key features include 32 MHz maximum CPU clock (8 MIPS), 16-bit PWM with four independent timers for high-resolution outputs, integrated 5-bit DAC for bias generation, configurable logic cell (CLC), and 1.8V to 5.5V wide operating voltage. The device's 16-bit PWM resolution is significantly finer than the 10-bit PWM found on older PIC16F1xxx parts, enabling smoother LED dimming and more precise motor control without external hardware.
Technically, the PIC16F1574 uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range core (49 instructions, 16-level hardware stack) with a 2-phase on-chip oscillator and nanoWatt XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology providing typical sleep currents below 50 nA. The CWG module generates complementary outputs with programmable dead-band control for half-bridge drivers, eliminating external timing circuitry in FET drive applications.
Typical applications include LED lighting drivers (using 16-bit PWM for color-mixing), small BLDC/PMSM motor control (CWG + PWM), bias generators for power-supply feedback loops (5-bit DAC), and compact sensor signal-conditioning modules (OPA + ADC + EUSART). The 14-pin PDIP package is convenient for breadboard prototyping, hobbyist projects, and through-hole assembly.
When designing, ensure decoupling is placed close to VDD/VSS with a 0.1 uF ceramic plus bulk capacitor. The PPS system reassigns peripheral pins but the underlying pin-function matrix must still be respected. For new designs targeting surface-mount, consider the 14-pin SOIC/TSSOP variant of the same die (PIC16F1574-I/SN or I/ST).
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in a bare datasheet summary, helping engineers shortlist the PIC16F1574-I/P for mixed-signal embedded designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1574-I/P 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 PIC16F1574-I/P (same form factor and footprint) β differing in ADC, Comparators, Package, Program Memory (Flash), Data EEPROM.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1574-E/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1575-I/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1575-E/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1509-I/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.43 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F1574-I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Series | PIC16F157x (PIC16F1574/1575/1578/1579) |
| CPU Core | PIC16 Enhanced Mid-Range 8-bit |
| Instruction Set Architecture | RISC, Harvard, 49 instructions |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| MIPS (Dhrystone 2.1) | 8 MIPS |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 512 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present on this die |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 8 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit, 1 channel |
| Comparators | Yes (with selectable reference) |
| PWM Channels | 4 x 16-bit (independent timers) |
| Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) | Yes, with dead-band control |
| Configurable Logic Cell (CLC) | Yes |
| Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO) | Yes (20-bit accumulator) |
| EUSART | 1 module |
| I/O Pins | 11 (in 14-pin package) |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (industrial, "I" grade) |
| Package | 14-pin PDIP (0.300"/7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
PIC16F1574-I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 β Digital I/O / analog input (PPS-mappable) |
| Pin 3 | RA4 β Digital I/O / analog input (PPS-mappable) |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR β Digital input / Master Clear (reset, active low) |
| Pin 5 | RC5 β Digital I/O / analog input (PPS-mappable) |
| Pin 6 | RC4 β Digital I/O / analog input (PPS-mappable) |
| Pin 7 | RC3 β Digital I/O / analog input (PPS-mappable) |
| Pin 8 | RC2 β Digital I/O / analog input (PPS-mappable) |
| Pin 9 | RC1 β Digital I/O / analog input / CWG output (PPS-mappable) |
| Pin 10 | RC0 β Digital I/O / analog input / CWG output (PPS-mappable) |
| Pin 11 | RA2 β Digital I/O / analog input / DAC output (PPS-mappable) |
| Pin 12 | RA1 β Digital I/O / analog input / DAC reference (PPS-mappable) |
| Pin 13 | RA0 β Digital I/O / analog input (PPS-mappable) |
| Pin 14 | VSS β Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1574-I/P is suitable for 6 applications: LED Lighting and Color-Mixing Driver, Small BLDC / PMSM Motor Control, Switch-Mode Power Supply Bias Generator, Sensor Signal Conditioning Hub, Hobbyist and Educational Embedded Platform, Battery-Powered Wireless Sensor Node (with external radio).
LED Lighting and Color-Mixing Driver
The PIC16F1574-I/P fits high-resolution LED lighting drivers because its four 16-bit PWM channels (vs 10-bit on older PIC16F1xxx parts) deliver 65,536-step dimming granularity, enabling smooth fades and color-mixing transitions without visible stair-stepping. The CWG module generates complementary drive signals with dead-band control for buck/boost LED driver topologies, eliminating external timing ICs. Typical circuits place the MCU between a 5V or 12V rail and a constant-current LED string, with PWM duty cycle updated via DMX or 0-10 V input. Firmware complexity is low because the on-chip PWM runs independently of the CPU once configured.
Recommended
Small BLDC / PMSM Motor Control
The PIC16F1574-I/P is well matched to small brushless DC motor control in fans, pumps, and small drones. Its four 16-bit PWMs combine with the Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) to deliver three-phase complementary drive signals with programmable dead-band - a critical safety feature preventing shoot-through in half-bridges. The 32 MHz clock provides 8 MIPS, sufficient for sensorless back-EMF zero-crossing routines and PI speed loops. The 5-bit DAC simplifies analog reference generation for current-sense thresholds. Compared with discrete analog motor control ICs, this approach shrinks BOM and allows firmware-based tuning of acceleration curves.
Recommended
Switch-Mode Power Supply Bias Generator
The PIC16F1574-I/P can act as a digital bias controller for isolated AC/DC or DC/DC converters using its 5-bit DAC and 16-bit PWM. A common topology is a peak-current-mode flyback where the MCU adjusts PWM duty cycle based on opto-isolated feedback, replacing an analog TL431 + opto-coupler loop with firmware-tuned PID control. The on-chip 10-bit ADC samples the bias voltage at up to 100 ksps, enabling fast transient response. Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) keeps PCB layout flexible when assigning ADC inputs and UART debug pins.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Hub
Industrial sensor conditioning modules benefit from the PIC16F1574-I/P's combination of 10-bit ADC, comparators, 5-bit DAC and EUSART in one chip. A bridge sensor (load cell, strain gauge) is amplified externally and routed to the ADC, while the comparator triggers an interrupt when a threshold is crossed. The 5-bit DAC generates programmable thresholds for self-test routines. The EUSART drives RS-485/RS-232 reporting, with PPS routing the TX/RX lines to the most convenient pins. Industrial-grade -I temperature range ensures operation from -40 C to +85 C.
Recommended
Hobbyist and Educational Embedded Platform
The PIC16F1574-I/P is widely used in educational settings and hobbyist projects because the 14-pin PDIP through-hole package is breadboard-friendly, and Microchip's MPLAB X IDE with the free XC8 compiler supports the device out of the box. The PIC16F1574-I/P exposes 11 I/O pins, two of which are analog-only, allowing students to wire up LEDs, pushbuttons, servos and UART peripherals. The 7 KB Flash holds small programs like blinking patterns, PWM fade demos, and interrupt-driven button handling. The microchipDIRECT sample program supports academic users with low-cost development boards like the Curiosity LPC.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Wireless Sensor Node (with external radio)
With nanoWatt XLP sleep currents below 50 nA, the PIC16F1574-I/P enables long-life battery-powered sensor nodes when paired with an external sub-GHz or BLE radio module via SPI/UART. The MCU sleeps most of the time, wakes on a sensor interrupt or RTC, takes a 10-bit ADC reading, and bursts the result through the radio. The 16-bit PWM can drive a status indicator LED directly. Compared with always-on MCUs, the nanoWatt XLP modes extend coin-cell battery life from months to years. PPS allows the SPI and UART peripherals to be remapped for optimal PCB routing.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1574-I/P β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1574-E/P | PIC16F1575-I/P | PIC16F1575-E/P | PIC16F1509-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 14-pin PDIP | 14-pin PDIP (same) | 14-pin PDIP (same) | 14-pin PDIP (same) | 14-pin PDIP (same) |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB (same) | 14 KB (+100%) | 14 KB (+100%) | 8 KB (+14%) |
| RAM | 512 B | 512 B (same) | 1 KB (+100%) | 1 KB (+100%) | 1 KB (+100%) |
| PWM Resolution | 16-bit (4 channels) | 16-bit (same) | 16-bit (same) | 16-bit (same) | 10-bit (-37.5%) |
| CWG Module | Yes | Yes (same) | Yes (same) | Yes (same) | No |
| Temperature Grade | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (extended) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (extended) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Unit Price @ 100 (USD, approx) | $1.22 | $1.32 (+8%) | $1.38 (+13%) | $1.50 (+23%) | $1.15 (-6%) |
Key Differentiators
- 16-bit PWM resolution with CWG and dead-band control (vs PIC16F1509-I/P)
- Pin-compatible upgrade path within the same family (vs PIC16F1574-E/P / PIC16F1575-I/P)
- Lowest-cost 16-bit-PWM PIC16 in 14-pin PDIP (vs PIC16F1575-I/P)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 1) and a bulk capacitor (>= 1 uF) on the same VDD/VSS rail to suppress switching transients from the on-chip PWM and CWG outputs. For noise-sensitive analog designs (e.g., ADC sampling of low-level sensor signals), add a small ferrite bead or 10 ohm resistor between the digital VDD and analog VDD if both rails exist on the PCB. The nanoWatt XLP sleep modes require the internal LFINTOSC and a stable supply - verify VDD rise time is under 50 ms after power-on.
Route the crystal or external clock trace away from PWM output traces to avoid coupling noise into the timebase. Keep ADC input traces short and surrounded by a ground pour; the PIC16F1574 ADC is 10-bit and benefits from RC anti-alias filtering at the input. When using the CWG outputs to drive external MOSFETs, keep the gate-drive traces short (< 25 mm) and use a gate resistor (10-100 ohm) to control ringing. Avoid running digital signals directly across the analog AVDD/AVSS pins (here, the device uses VDD/VSS as the analog supply in 14-pin parts).
Do not confuse the PIC16F1574 with the PIC16F1575 - the higher part number doubles Flash and RAM but shares the same datasheet. Also, MCLR (pin 4) must be pulled high through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation; leaving it floating causes the part to enter reset intermittently. PPS lock bits must be configured before changing PPS assignments on production firmware - failing to lock PPS can allow runaway code to remap critical pins and disable debug access.
Estimated: at maximum CPU activity (32 MHz, all peripherals active) the PIC16F1574-I/P draws approximately 5 mA from VDD = 5V, dissipating 25 mW. In a 14-pin PDIP package with theta_JA around 70 C/W (typical for through-hole DIP), the junction temperature rise above ambient is only 1.75 C, well within safe limits. At industrial -40 C to +85 C ambient operation, no heatsink is required. However, in enclosed high-temperature environments (> 70 C ambient), verify the package thermal derating using Microchip's thermal management application note AN1090.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page and distributor listings. REACH compliant. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is an industrial-grade MCU, not an automotive grade; for AEC-Q100 PIC16 options, see PIC16F1579-E/SSVAO. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip material declaration. Conflict-mineral reporting available through Microchip's compliance portal.
