PIC16F1615T-I/ST - 8-bit MCU, 14KB Flash, 32MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1615T-I/ST ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.32 | $1.32 |
| 10 | $1.18 | $11.80 |
| 100 | $1.02 | $102.00 |
| 500 | $0.91 | $455.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.78 | $780.00 |
| 2,500 | $0.71 | $1,775.00 |
PIC16F1615T-I/ST Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (RAM), and integrated peripherals such as timers, ADCs, and communication interfaces. Within the broader taxonomy, MCUs sit inside embedded computing devices, which themselves branch from microprocessors and semiconductors. The PIC16F family is Microchip's mid-range 8-bit PIC architecture known for low-power XLP (eXtreme Low Power) operation, deterministic instruction execution, and a robust peripheral set.
Key features include 14KB Flash program memory (8K x 14 words), 1KB RAM, 32MHz internal oscillator, 10-bit ADC with computation, hardware Capacitive Voltage Divider (CVD) support, Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), 24-bit Signal Measurement Timer (SMT) for precision time-of-flight measurements, and Zero-Cross Detect (ZCD) for AC line sensing. The 'F' Flash variant supports 2.5V-5.5V operation while the 'LF' low-voltage variant supports 1.8V-3.6V.
The PIC16F1615T-I/ST uses an enhanced mid-range 8-bit CPU core with a hardware multiplier, 49 instructions, and 16-level hardware stack. It supports in-circuit debugging via ICD and programming via ICSP, allowing field updates. The 14-pin TSSOP footprint integrates multiple peripherals through Peripheral Pin Select (PPS), enabling flexible pin assignment for designers working in space-constrained applications.
Typical applications include small motor control (the on-chip CWG and 24-bit SMT are designed for this), AC line voltage and current sensing (ZCD + ADC), LED lighting ballast and dimming control, capacitive-touch user interfaces (CVD hardware), and general-purpose 8-bit embedded control in industrial and consumer products. The TSSOP-14 footprint suits compact PCB designs.
When designing with the PIC16F1615T-I/ST, observe Microchip's recommended decoupling (100nF + bulk) and ensure unused pins are configured as outputs low or inputs with weak pull-ups. The PPS system requires peripheral-to-pin mapping be configured in firmware, while ZCD pin assignment and CCP capture source must be set explicitly. Leave adequate Flash and RAM headroom when migrating to next-generation PIC16F1xxx devices.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet - including a per-pin pinout and a same-package comparison against competing 14-pin TSSOP 8-bit MCUs from Microchip's own PIC16F1xxx family.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1615T-I/ST — 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 PIC16F1615T-I/ST (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash), Timers, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1615-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1614-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1613-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1574-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.76 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F15225-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1503-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.94 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1615T-I/ST Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC® XLP™ 16F |
| Core | PIC16 8-bit enhanced mid-range |
| Program Memory Size | 14 KB (8K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 1 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V (F variant) |
| ADC | 10-bit, multiple channels |
| Timers | Includes 24-bit SMT, CCP, CWG |
| Package | 14-TSSOP (4.40 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C (industrial) |
| Functional Safety (FuSa) | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F1615T-I/ST Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Power supply input (2.5V-5.5V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — I/O / AN4 / ZCD1OUT / RP5 |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — I/O / AN3 / T0CKI / RP4 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR — I/O / master clear (reset, active-low) |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — I/O / AN9 / CCP1 / RP13 |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — I/O / AN8 / SDA1 / RP12 |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — I/O / AN7 / SCL1 / CK / RP11 |
| Pin 8 | RC6 — I/O / AN10 / TX1 / RP17 |
| Pin 9 | RC7 — I/O / AN11 / RX1 / DT / RP18 |
| Pin 10 | RB7 — I/O / ICDDAT / PGED / RP7 |
| Pin 11 | RB6 — I/O / ICDCK / PGEC / RP6 |
| Pin 12 | RB5 — I/O / AN13 / CCP2 / RP5 |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — I/O / AN11 / SDA2 / RP4 |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1615T-I/ST is suitable for 6 applications: Small Motor Control (BLDC / Stepper), AC Line Voltage and Current Sensing, LED Lighting Ballast and Dimming, Capacitive-Touch User Interface, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, White Goods and HVAC Control.
Small Motor Control (BLDC / Stepper)
The PIC16F1615T-I/ST is purpose-built for small motor control per Microchip's product family positioning. Its integrated Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) produces complementary PWM pairs with programmable dead-band, driving half-bridge MOSFET drivers for a 3-phase BLDC or two-phase stepper without external logic. The 24-bit Signal Measurement Timer (SMT) measures back-EMF period and rotor position with sub-microsecond resolution at 32MHz CPU. Hall-sensor or sensorless FOC entry designs fit in the 14KB Flash with the 1KB RAM buffer. The 10-bit ADC samples phase currents via integrated op-amps or external shunts. Operating from 2.5V-5.5V, the same MCU drives 3.3V logic and 5V gate drivers.
Recommended
AC Line Voltage and Current Sensing
The PIC16F1615T-I/ST includes a Zero-Cross Detect (ZCD) peripheral that generates an interrupt precisely when the AC mains crosses 0V, eliminating software phase-lag and freeing CPU cycles. Combined with the 10-bit ADC sampling current via a shunt or CT, the MCU implements dimmer control, AC switch timing, and power-metering front ends. The 32MHz instruction rate supports real-time RMS calculation with 4-sample-per-cycle oversampling. With 1KB RAM the MCU holds a moving-window sample buffer for true-RMS computation. The 14-TSSOP footprint is small enough for in-line smart-switch or dimmer module designs.
Recommended
LED Lighting Ballast and Dimming
The PIC16F1615T-I/ST drives LED strings with constant-current regulation through its CWG output and 10-bit ADC closed-loop feedback. For tunable-white and dim-to-warm designs, the 24-bit SMT measures the dimmer phase angle accurately. The XLP (eXtreme Low Power) mode drops quiescent current below 1 µA in sleep, suiting mains-powered always-on fixtures where standby power matters. The 14KB Flash accommodates DALI-2 or Casambi wireless gateway sub-implementations. The 14-pin TSSOP supports compact retrofit-lamp form factors with limited board area.
Recommended
Capacitive-Touch User Interface
The PIC16F1615T-I/ST features Microchip's hardware Capacitive Voltage Divider (CVD) module that scans up to 8 touch buttons without external RC components or op-amps. CVD auto-calibrates baseline capacitance at power-up and tracks slow environmental drift, reducing firmware burden. The 32MHz CPU executes button-scanning in <1ms per channel, leaving headroom for haptic feedback and LED animation in the same MCU. The XLP sleep mode lets battery-powered remote controls idle for years between user touches. The TSSOP-14 footprint supports slim remote-control and IoT-button form factors.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16F1615T-I/ST combines XLP sleep current below 1 µA with active-mode current under 4 mA at 32MHz, enabling multi-year battery life in sensor nodes transmitting periodically. The 10-bit ADC reads temperature, battery voltage, and an external sensor. The 14KB Flash holds a LoRaWAN-class-A or Zigbee-stack-lite implementation, while 1KB RAM buffers outgoing payloads. The 14-TSSOP footprint is surface-mountable and survives reflow profiles to JEDEC J-STD-020. The industrial temperature range -40°C to +85°C suits outdoor enclosures.
Recommended
White Goods and HVAC Control
The PIC16F1615T-I/ST functions as the main control MCU in white goods and small HVAC appliances, where its 14KB Flash accommodates protocol stacks (Modbus, BACnet-lite, or proprietary) plus control logic. The CWG drives TRIAC gate pulses for AC heater regulation, while the 24-bit SMT measures fan tach feedback. Hardware ZCD synchronizes TRIAC firing to AC zero-cross for EMI compliance. Industrial temperature grade and functional-safety support suit appliance standards. The TSSOP-14 reflows onto appliance control boards alongside mains-isolated driver sections.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1615T-I/ST — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1615-I/ST | PIC16F1614-I/ST | PIC16F1613-I/ST | PIC16F1574-I/ST | PIC16F15225-I/ST | PIC16F1503-I/ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 14-TSSOP (ST) | 14-TSSOP (ST) | 14-TSSOP (ST) | 14-TSSOP (ST) | 14-TSSOP (ST) | 14-TSSOP (ST) | 14-TSSOP (ST) |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 5.5 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Functional Safety (FuSa) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty 100) | USD 1.02 | USD 1.02 (tube) | USD 0.95 (est.) | USD 0.90 (est.) | USD 1.05 (est.) | USD 1.10 (est.) | USD 0.85 (est.) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 24-bit SMT timer for precision time-of-flight (vs PIC16F1503-I/ST)
- Hardware Zero-Cross Detect (ZCD) peripheral (vs PIC16F1613-I/ST)
- Functional Safety (FuSa) documentation package (vs PIC16F1574-I/ST)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD with a 100nF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 5mm of pin 1, plus a 10µF bulk on the same rail. The PIC16F1615T-I/ST's XLP sleep mode drops quiescent current below 1µA only when VDD is clean - noisy rails prevent entry into deep sleep. For battery applications route the bulk cap ground directly to VSS pin 14 with a wide trace to avoid ground bounce during sleep transitions.
The 14-TSSOP package has 0.65mm pitch. Per JEDEC IPC-7351 guidelines, the land pattern should use NSMD (non-solder-mask-defined) pads with 0.40mm width and 1.0mm length to avoid solder-ball lift during reflow. Microchip's TSSOP-14 recommended footprint is in TB3063. Keep-out zone under the package should extend 1mm beyond pads to prevent tombstoning on small chips.
Pin 4 (RA3/MCLR) is the device reset - if used as I/O, configure MCLRE=0 in CONFIG1 and ensure no external pull-up is present. ICSP programming and debugging share PGEC/PGED on RB6/RB7; route these pins to a 0.1-inch header even in production boards for field firmware updates. ZCD pin assignment (typically RA5) requires a 1kΩ series resistor to the AC node for surge protection - omitting it can damage the ZCD input at mains transients.
The 32MHz internal oscillator is factory calibrated to ±1% across -40°C to +85°C. For applications requiring tighter frequency accuracy (UART baud-rate error <1%), use the INTOSC with PLL or a 16MHz external crystal on OSC1/OSC2. The ADC's 10-bit ENOB degrades above 500kHz sampling - decimate or oversample if you need 11+ effective bits for sensor measurements.
Compliance Information
Industrial-grade -40°C to +85°C ('I' suffix); not AEC-Q100 qualified - use 'VAO' suffix parts for automotive applications per Microchip's product page
