PIC16F505T-I/MG - 8-Bit MCU 1.5KB Flash 12 I/O 16-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F505T-I/MG ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.67 | $0.67 |
| 10 | $0.6 | $6.00 |
| 100 | $0.52 | $52.00 |
| 500 | $0.45 | $225.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.39 | $390.00 |
| 3,300 | $0.34 | $1,122.00 |
PIC16F505T-I/MG Overview
What is a PIC microcontroller? A PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) microcontroller is a family of Harvard-architecture, RISC-based, Flash-programmable 8-bit MCUs from Microchip Technology; within the broader taxonomy it belongs to the microcontroller family under microcontrollers within integrated circuits, sitting beneath the umbrella of embedded computing and above discrete 8-bit microprocessors. The PIC16F505 family occupies the low-pin-count, low-cost tier of the midrange PIC product line, optimized for applications where simplicity, deterministic instruction timing and small PCB footprint matter more than raw performance.
Key feature highlights include 12 GPIO pins (8 digital I/O + 4 input-only), one 8-bit timer with Watchdog Timer support, an on-chip 4 MHz precision oscillator (calibrated to +/-1 percent), and an internal brown-out reset that protects against low-voltage corruption. In-system programmability via ICSP allows Flash reprogramming without removing the part from the board. The 16-QFN (3x3) MG package saves significant PCB area versus the 14-pin PDIP and SOIC variants of the same die.
Architecturally, the PIC16F505 uses a Harvard design with separate program and data buses, enabling single-cycle instruction fetch with simultaneous data access. The ALU is 8-bit and all instructions execute in a single instruction cycle unless a program branch alters the pipeline. The 12-bit wide Flash program memory word size (1K words = 1.5 KB) is characteristic of the PIC12/16 baseline-plus family, balancing code density against cost per part.
Typical applications include consumer appliance control (washing machines, microwave ovens, coffee makers), battery-powered sensor nodes (PIR motion detectors, smoke alarms, thermostats), LED lighting drivers and remote controls, small-scale motor control (DC and stepper via firmware PWM), and industrial timer modules (relay sequencing, conveyor control). Any cost-sensitive design requiring 8-10 GPIO and less than 1 KB of compiled code is a strong candidate for this part.
When designing with this device, verify that total GPIO demand does not exceed 12 pins including the four input-only pins (RA3/RA0/RA1/RA2 logic inputs). Decoupling: place 100 nF ceramic between VDD and VSS as close to the IC as possible; add 10 uF bulk on the main rail. Configuration word, oscillator mode and WDT settings must be set explicitly in source code at compile time, not by external pins.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F505T-I/MG — 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 PIC16F505T-I/MG (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, I/O Pins, Internal Oscillator, Operating Temperature, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F505-I/MG
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F505T-E/MG
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F505T-I/MGVAO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F506-I/MG
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.66 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F505T-I/MG Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16F505 |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions, 12-bit opcode |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.5 KB (1K x 14) |
| RAM | 72 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 12 (8 digital I/O + 4 input-only) |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit with WDT |
| Internal Oscillator | 4 MHz precision (+/-1 percent) calibrated |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Brown-Out Reset (BOR) | Yes, internal |
| In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) | Yes |
| Package | 16-QFN (3x3 mm, MG code), exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Halogen-Free | Yes / Yes |
PIC16F505T-I/MG Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RB0/ICSPDAT — Bidirectional I/O; ICSP data |
| Pin 2 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 3 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 4 | RB3/ICSPCLK — Bidirectional I/O; ICSP clock |
| Pin 5 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 6 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 7 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 8 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 9 | VDD — Positive supply (2.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | RA0 — Input-only pin |
| Pin 12 | RA1 — Input-only pin |
| Pin 13 | RA2 — Input-only pin |
| Pin 14 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — Input-only; Master Clear / programming voltage |
| Pin 15 | OSC1 — External oscillator input / crystal |
| Pin 16 | OSC2 — External oscillator output / crystal |
| Pin EP | Exposed Pad — Must be soldered to ground pad for thermal and electrical performance |
Typical Applications
PIC16F505T-I/MG is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Board, PIR Motion Sensor Module, Smoke and CO Detector Controller, LED Lighting Driver and Dimmer, Remote Control Transmitter, Industrial Timer / Relay Sequencer.
Appliance Control Board
The PIC16F505T-I/MG is well-suited for washing-machine, microwave-oven and dishwasher control boards where its 1.5 KB Flash accommodates typical appliance state-machine code, and the 16-QFN footprint (3x3 mm) fits inside cramped display-module bezels. The 8-bit timer drives buzzer PWM and triac-based AC load control at 50/60 Hz mains; precise timing is achieved via the 20 MHz CPU clock at a 200 ns instruction cycle. Twelve GPIO pins are sufficient for keypad scanning (8 keys), LED drive, and triac gating without an IO expander. Operating voltage down to 2.0 V supports Brown-Out Reset during cold-start brown-outs typical in motors with large inrush.
Recommended
PIR Motion Sensor Module
Battery-powered PIR (passive infrared) motion-sensor modules benefit from the PIC16F505T-I/MG's low-voltage operation (2.0-3.3 V on two AA cells), 12 GPIO for sensor input plus LED indicator plus RF link trigger, and 4 MHz internal oscillator that avoids external crystal parts count. The Watchdog Timer allows self-reset on firmware lockup, critical for unattended alarm applications. The 16-QFN's 3x3 mm footprint fits inside a small ceiling-mount housing, and 72 bytes RAM comfortably buffers one or two PIR sample states and a small rolling event log for tamper detection.
Recommended
Smoke and CO Detector Controller
Smoke and carbon-monoxide alarm controllers use the PIC16F505T-I/MG for its industrial temperature rating (-40 to +85 C), reliable Flash memory across years of standby, and ability to drive a piezo buzzer via 8-bit timer PWM. The 12 GPIO connect to photoelectric smoke chamber sensor, electrochemical CO sensor, low-battery test circuit, hush button, and interconnect line for multi-alarm wiring. Brown-Out Reset prevents false alarm triggering or memory corruption during battery-test transients. Code size 1.5 KB fits UL 217 alarm logic including self-test routines.
Recommended
LED Lighting Driver and Dimmer
Constant-current LED drivers for low-power accent or sign lighting fit the PIC16F505T-I/MG when closed-loop current regulation, DMX or 0-10 V analog dimming, and flicker-free PWM dimming at >200 Hz are required. The 8-bit timer generates PWM at frequencies well above the flicker-fusion threshold while leaving CPU bandwidth free for protocol decoding. The 2.0 V minimum supply lets the same PCB be retargeted from 3.3 V battery-driven decorative lamps to 5 V commercial fixtures. Flash memory retention supports stored presets across power cycles.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitter
Infrared or sub-GHz remote-control transmitters (TV, set-top box, fan control) commonly use the PIC16F505T-I/MG because the 1.5 KB Flash fits RC-5/RC-6 or proprietary protocols, the 4 MHz internal oscillator removes the need for an external resonator, and the 16-QFN 3x3 mm package keeps the PCB narrow enough for AAA-cell wand housings. Twelve GPIO handle the matrix keypad (8 buttons via 4x2 matrix), IR LED driver via timer PWM, indicator LED and learning/bonding input. Low-power sleep current extends battery life into multi-year range in typical duty cycles.
Recommended
Industrial Timer / Relay Sequencer
Industrial relay-sequencer modules rely on the PIC16F505T-I/MG for -40 to +85 C industrial operation, robust Flash retention through mains transients (aided by Brown-Out Reset), and deterministic instruction timing for sequential relay switching at 24 V PLC-bus level. Twelve GPIO drive up to six latching relays (each with set/reset coil) plus three status LEDs. The MCU's small Flash and RAM (1.5 KB / 72 bytes) make for a cost-sensitive BOM where logic is purely sequential and does not require TCP/IP or display control.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F505T-I/MG — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F505-I/MG | PIC16F505T-E/MG | PIC16F505T-I/MGVAO | PIC16F506-I/MG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-QFN (3x3, MG) | 16-QFN (3x3, MG) - same | 16-QFN (3x3, MG) - same | 16-QFN (3x3, MG) - same | 16-QFN (3x3) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.5 KB (1K x 14) | 1.5 KB - same | 1.5 KB - same | 1.5 KB - same | 1.5 KB - same |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same |
| I/O Pins | 12 (8 digital + 4 input-only) | 12 - same | 12 - same | 12 - same | 12 - same |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V - same | 2.0 V to 5.5 V - same | 2.0 V to 5.5 V - same | 2.0 V to 5.5 V - same |
| Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, I) | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +125 C (Extended, E) | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +85 C - same |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit + WDT | 1 x 8-bit + WDT - same | 1 x 8-bit + WDT - same | 1 x 8-bit + WDT - same | 2 x 8-bit + WDT (TMR1 added) |
Key Differentiators
- Smallest package in the 14/8-pin PIC family (vs PIC16F505T-I/SL (14-SOIC variant))
- Extended temperature grade option in same footprint (vs PIC16F505T-I/MG (industrial -40 to +85 C))
- More peripheral timer for event counting (vs PIC16F505 (one 8-bit timer))
- Smaller RAM count for state machines (vs PIC16F506 (claimed 67-72 byte RAM family))
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin (pin 9) with a direct trace to VSS (pin 10). Add a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same rail. The PIC16F505T-I/MG is rated 2.0 V to 5.5 V but the internal 4 MHz calibrated oscillator requires VDD >= 2.7 V for full accuracy; below 2.5 V the oscillator may exceed the +/-1 percent spec. Brown-out reset is enabled by configuration bit and should be left enabled in mains-connected or battery-low-warning designs.
Estimated: The 16-QFN (3x3 mm) package has typical theta_JA around 60 C/W on a 1-oz 1 sq-inch copper pad. At 20 MHz CPU clock and 5 V supply with 100 percent duty cycle internal activity, core current is roughly 1-2 mA, so self-heating is negligible (< 0.1 C rise). However the exposed pad must be soldered to a copper ground pour to provide both thermal dissipation and low-impedance ground return, otherwise output jitter under dynamic load increases noticeably at high GPIO toggle rates.
Standard 16-QFN 3x3 mm PCB layout requires 0.5 mm pitch pads plus a thermal pad array (typically 3x3 thermal via grid in 1 mm pitch). The exposed pad MUST be soldered to the board for both thermal performance and electrical grounding - skipping this causes erratic behavior on POR. For the /MG variants on Tape and Reel, observe ESD precautions (MSL1 - unlimited floor life but use standard ESD control).
When using the MCLR/RA3 pin as MCLR (reset), add a 1 kohm-10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF capacitor to VSS to slow the rising edge and prevent spurious resets on EMI events. ICSP pins (RB3/ICSPCLK, RB0/ICSPDAT) should have 4.7 kohm pull-downs during debug programming to allow clean in-circuit debugging. Avoid long traces on MCLR (>50 mm) as they are susceptible to capacitive coupling from adjacent switching signals.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page documentation. Not AEC-Q100 qualified in the standard industrial grade - automotive applications should select PIC16F505T-E/MG (extended temperature grade) plus additional customer qualification.
