PIC16F505-E/P - 8-Bit MCU, 20MHz, 1.5KB Flash, 14-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F505-E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.1 | $1.10 |
| 10 | $0.99 | $9.90 |
| 100 | $0.86 | $86.00 |
| 500 | $0.74 | $370.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.65 | $650.00 |
PIC16F505-E/P Overview
An 8-bit flash microcontroller is a small, self-contained computer-on-a-chip that integrates a CPU, non-volatile Flash program memory, RAM, peripherals, and I/O on a single die. Within the broader silicon taxonomy, the PIC16F505 sits in the baseline 8-bit MCU tier, which is a sub-category of microcontroller -> embedded controller -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. Baseline PIC16 devices prioritize low cost, deterministic instruction timing, and ease of programming over raw performance, and they typically use 12-bit or 14-bit instruction widths versus the 16-bit instruction width of mid-range parts.
Key features include 12 bidirectional I/O pins, two 8-bit timers, one watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator, an analog comparator, a 4 MHz internal oscillator with ±1% accuracy after calibration, and a wide operating voltage range from 2.0 V to 5.5 V. The PIC16F505 also supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP), enabling firmware updates after PCB assembly. Flash endurance is rated at 100K erase/write cycles minimum, and RAM is retained down to 1.5 V for low-voltage backup scenarios.
The architecture uses a Harvard-style RISC core with single-cycle instruction execution for most opcodes and two-cycle branches, providing predictable timing for interrupt-driven and polled firmware. The 12-bit instruction width yields approximately 2:1 code compression versus typical 8-bit CISC architectures, which lets 1.5 KB of Flash hold surprisingly dense application code. Power consumption is held low by the SLEEP/idle mode and by the clock-gated peripheral design.
Typical applications include consumer appliance control, sensor interfacing, simple LED driving, low-end remote controls, battery chargers, and white-goods subsystems. The 14-pin PDIP package and 20 MHz clock make it a strong fit for breadboard prototyping, hobbyist projects, and legacy 8-bit designs that need flash-based in-system reprogrammability.
When designing, remember the E/P suffix denotes the -40°C to +125°C extended temperature range and PDIP package. Provide a 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor close to VDD, keep RESET pin behavior understood (it has no internal pull-up on this part), and confirm the ICSP connections if you plan to program the device in-circuit.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, baseline-core PIC16 drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that complement the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F505-E/P — 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 PIC16F505-E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Internal Oscillator, Operating Temperature, Timers, Instruction Set.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F505-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F506-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F505-E/SL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F15324-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.58 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F684-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F505-E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 baseline 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set | 33 instructions, 12-bit wide |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.5 KB (1K x 14) |
| RAM | 72 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not available |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Internal Oscillator | 4 MHz precision |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 bidirectional |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 WDT |
| Analog Comparator | 1 |
| ADC | None (comparator only) |
| Package | 14-pin PDIP (P) |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E suffix) |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP supported |
| Flash Endurance | 100K erase/write cycles minimum |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F505-E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 2 | T0CKI/GP5 — Timer0 clock input or general-purpose I/O |
| Pin 3 | GP4/AN2 — General-purpose I/O / analog comparator input |
| Pin 4 | GP3/MCLR/VPP — General-purpose I/O / Master Clear (reset) / programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | GP2/AN1 — General-purpose I/O / analog comparator input |
| Pin 6 | GP1/AN0 — General-purpose I/O / analog comparator negative input |
| Pin 7 | GP0/CIN+ — General-purpose I/O / comparator positive input |
| Pin 8 | NC — Not connected (no internal bond) |
| Pin 9 | GP7/OSC1 — General-purpose I/O / oscillator input |
| Pin 10 | GP6/OSC2 — General-purpose I/O / oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 12 | GP7/COUT — General-purpose I/O / comparator output |
| Pin 13 | NC — Not connected (no internal bond) |
| Pin 14 | NC — Not connected (no internal bond) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F505-E/P is suitable for 7 applications: Consumer Appliance Control, Battery Charger Controllers, Sensor Interface and Signal Conditioning, LED Lighting and Sign Controllers, Simple Remote Control and IR Transmitters, Automotive Cabin Accessories, Educational and Hobbyist Projects.
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16F505-E/P fits low-cost consumer appliance controllers because of its 20 MHz baseline core, 1.5 KB Flash, 12 I/O pins, and 2.0-5.5 V operating range that matches 3.3 V and 5 V white-goods rails. Its analog comparator handles zero-cross detection and over-current sensing without an external op-amp, while the two 8-bit timers drive triac phase control for dimmers and heating elements. The 4 MHz internal oscillator eliminates two external crystals, reducing BOM cost in products like coffee makers, blenders, and small kitchen appliances. The 14-pin PDIP package also suits hand-assembled or service-replaceable modules where through-hole parts simplify field repair. Combined with ICSP, production-line firmware updates remain feasible even on these baseline devices.
Recommended
Battery Charger Controllers
In simple NiCd, NiMH, or lead-acid charger designs, the PIC16F505-E/P's analog comparator enables -dV termination and temperature supervision, while its 8-bit timer measures charge-time intervals with predictable single-cycle instruction timing. Operating down to 2.0 V lets the same firmware image supervise a 2-cell battery pack without a separate supervisory rail. The 72 bytes of RAM and 1.5 KB Flash are sufficient for charge profile tables, LED status indication, and safety timing. Watchdog plus the extended -40°C to +125°C range protect against lockups in outdoor or unattended charger enclosures. The wide VDD range also tolerates the noisy rectified-DC rails typical in linear-charger topologies.
Recommended
Sensor Interface and Signal Conditioning
The PIC16F505-E/P excels at front-end sensor hubs that need digital I/O, timing, and a comparator for threshold detection but not full ADC conversion. Its 12 I/O pins can scan up to a 4x4 matrix keypad or drive multiple LEDs, while the on-chip comparator handles analog level detection. The 4 MHz precision internal oscillator delivers ±1% timing accuracy for pulse-width measurement on optical, capacitive, or Hall-effect sensors. SLEEP mode with comparator wake-up lets the device idle at microamp currents for battery-powered environmental sensors. The deterministic single-cycle instruction timing simplifies FIR-filter-style debounce routines in firmware.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Sign Controllers
Small LED drivers, decorative light chains, and channel-letter signs benefit from the PIC16F505-E/P's 12 high-current I/O pins, dual 8-bit timers for PWM dimming, and baseline PIC core's deterministic timing. Multiple channels of software PWM with consistent timing can drive RGB or white LED strings with smooth color mixing. ICSP allows field updates to lighting patterns, and the extended -40°C to +125°C temperature range supports outdoor or enclosed-fixture applications. The internal 4 MHz oscillator removes crystals for cost-sensitive RGB controllers where space and parts count matter. Watchdog timer plus brown-out detection improve reliability in unattended lighting installations.
Recommended
Simple Remote Control and IR Transmitters
For IR/RF remote controls, the PIC16F505-E/P offers enough Flash for protocol stacks like RC-5 or simple custom codes, plus two timers for carrier generation and button-debounce timing. Operating down to 2.0 V lets a single CR2032 coin cell power the transmitter directly, with SLEEP current in the microamp range extending battery life. The 12 I/O pins can scan a 3x4 or 4x4 keypad matrix, while the comparator supervises battery voltage for low-battery indication. The PDIP package suits low-volume or DIY remote builds where through-hole assembly is preferred. ICSP enables quick protocol updates during development.
Recommended
Automotive Cabin Accessories
The PIC16F505-E/P's -40°C to +125°C extended temperature range makes it suitable for non-safety automotive cabin applications such as ambient lighting controllers, USB charger indicators, and HVAC knob encoders. Its wide 2.0-5.5 V operating range tolerates 12 V automotive rails after regulation, while the analog comparator and timers read rotary encoders and pulse-width signals from HVAC actuators. The 12 I/O pins are sufficient to drive multiple LED rings and read a 2-channel quadrature encoder. Baseline-core deterministic timing suits event-driven firmware without RTOS overhead. Designers should still pair this part with TVS protection on every pin exposed to the automotive wiring harness.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Projects
The PIC16F505-E/P is a staple in microcontroller education because its 14-pin PDIP package drops into any breadboard or perfboard, and the baseline PIC16 instruction set has only 33 opcodes for fast learning. With 1.5 KB Flash it can host full lessons on timers, interrupts, ICSP, and comparator-based analog interfacing while staying well within the part's program space. The PICKIT programmer/debugger ecosystem means students can move from simulator to in-circuit debugging with the same hardware. Low unit cost (about $1.10 as of 2026-09-21) keeps classroom kits affordable, and the wide VDD range tolerates the imperfect power supplies of student-built projects.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F505-E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F505-I/P | PIC16F506-I/P | PIC16F505-E/SL | PIC16F15324-I/P | PIC16F684-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 14-pin PDIP | 14-pin PDIP - same | 14-pin PDIP - same | 14-pin SOIC-14 (SMD) | 14-pin PDIP - same | 14-pin PDIP - same |
| Core | Baseline 8-bit PIC (12-bit instructions) | Baseline 8-bit PIC (12-bit) | Baseline 8-bit PIC (12-bit) | Baseline 8-bit PIC (12-bit) | Enhanced mid-range 8-bit (14-bit) | Mid-range 8-bit (14-bit) |
| Program Flash | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB |
| RAM | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 64 bytes | 72 bytes | 512 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 32 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| ADC | None (1 comparator only) | None | 5-channel 8-bit | None | 8-channel 10-bit | 8-channel 10-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40 C to +125 C industrial temperature grade (vs PIC16F505-I/P)
- Through-hole PDIP package for easy prototyping and field service (vs PIC16F15324-I/P)
- Lowest-cost 8-bit flash MCU in the Microchip catalog (vs PIC16F684-I/P)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 1), and add a bulk 10 µF electrolytic or tantalum on the same rail if the supply impedance is high. The PIC16F505-E/P does not include an internal POR for slow-rising VDD ramps; for cold-start or capacitive-supply designs, use the external MCLR/VPP reset circuit shown in the datasheet to guarantee a clean reset.
Estimated: GP3/MCLR (pin 4) is a multi-function pin with no internal pull-up on the PIC16F505, so an external 10 kΩ pull-up to VDD is mandatory for normal operation; omitting it causes the device to enter reset state or fail to start. When using ICSP, isolate the MCLR pull-up from the programmer's VPP line with a small-signal diode or resistor network to avoid fighting the programmer.
Route ICSP signals (VPP/MCLR, ICSPCLK, ICSPDAT, VDD, VSS) to a single 5-pin header placed at the board edge, following Microchip's AC244049 ICSP layout recommendations. Keep crystal or resonator traces short (under 5 mm) and surround them with a ground guard ring if you bypass the internal oscillator for EMI-sensitive applications. The 14-pin PDIP footprint has generous creepage, but still separate analog comparator inputs from switching traces to avoid coupling noise.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for AEC-Q100 automotive designs, Microchip recommends migrating to PIC16F15324 or PIC16F18855 family.
