PIC16F506-E/MG - 8-bit MCU, 1.5KB Flash, 12 I/O, QFN-16 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F506-E/MG ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.24 | $1.24 |
| 10 | $1.12 | $11.20 |
| 100 | $0.99 | $99.00 |
| 500 | $0.85 | $425.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.74 | $740.00 |
PIC16F506-E/MG Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, RAM, program memory, and peripheral set on one die. PIC microcontrollers (Programmable Intelligent Computers) belong to the RISC-based 8-bit MCU family -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. They sit at the bottom of the microcontroller hierarchy, optimized for low cost, deterministic interrupt response, and ultra-low power, making them ideal for high-volume consumer and appliance products.
Key features include 12 I/O pins (11 usable + 1 input-only), a 12-bit ADC, 8-bit timer with 8-bit prescaler, watchdog timer with on-chip oscillator, in-circuit serial programming (ICSP), and ultra-low-power sleep mode drawing typically microampere currents. The device supports operating temperatures from -40 C to +125 C (industrial) and is housed in a compact 16-VFQFN exposed-pad package measuring 3 mm x 3 mm, enabling dense PCB layouts.
The architecture uses a Harvard RISC design with a single accumulator (W register) and a 2-stage pipeline, executing most instructions in one cycle. The PIC16F506's low pin count and analog-rich peripheral set make it a common choice for sensor-interface front-ends, simple closed-loop controllers, and battery-powered timing/monitoring circuits where a 32-bit MCU would be over-spec.
Typical applications include LED drivers, battery chargers, fan controllers, smoke detectors, thermostat front-ends, and consumer appliance user-interface boards. Its internal oscillator and integrated ADC minimize external component count, supporting BOM optimization in high-volume products.
When designing with this device, select the internal oscillator to reduce BOM, but verify that timing-sensitive peripherals (UART, PWM) tolerate the oscillator tolerance. Use the exposed pad (EP) of the QFN package as the main thermal path; do not leave it floating on the PCB, as this degrades electrical and thermal performance.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in compatible alternatives, application notes, and design considerations not found in a single manufacturer datasheet - structured for engineer procurement and BOM decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F506-E/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 PIC16F506-E/MG (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature Range, Package, Program Memory Size, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F506-I/MG
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.66 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F506T-I/MG
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.48 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F505-E/MG
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F526-I/MG
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.91 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F615-I/MG
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F506-E/MG Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Program Memory Size | 1.5 KB (1K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 67 x 8 bytes |
| Number of I/O | 12 (11 usable + 1 input-only) |
| Package / Case | 16-VFQFN Exposed Pad |
| Speed (Max) | 20 MHz |
| Core | PIC16 RISC 8-bit |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) |
| Oscillator Type | Internal (4/8/16 MHz selectable) |
| ADC | 8-bit, multi-channel |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit with 8-bit prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (on-chip dedicated oscillator) |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tray |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16F506-E/MG Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GP5/OSC1/AN3/CIN+/T1CKI — Bidirectional I/O; oscillator input; analog input 3; comparator input+; timer1 clock |
| Pin 2 | GP4/OSC2/AN2/CIN-/T1G — Bidirectional I/O; oscillator output; analog input 2; comparator input-; timer1 gate |
| Pin 3 | GP3/MCLR/Vpp — Bidirectional I/O; master clear reset; programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | GP2/AN6/T0CKI/INT/COUT — Bidirectional I/O; analog input 6; timer0 clock; external interrupt; comparator output |
| Pin 5 | GP1/ICSPCLK/AN7/CIN0-/Vref — Bidirectional I/O; ICSP clock; analog input 7; comparator input-; voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | GP0/ICSPDAT/AN4/CIN0+ — Bidirectional I/O; ICSP data; analog input 4; comparator input+ |
| Pin 7 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 9 | GP5/AN5 — Bidirectional I/O; analog input 5 |
| Pin 10 | GP4/AN3 — Bidirectional I/O; analog input 3 |
| Pin 11 | GP3/AN2 — Bidirectional I/O; analog input 2 |
| Pin 12 | GP2/AN1 — Bidirectional I/O; analog input 1 |
| Pin 13 | GP1/AN0 — Bidirectional I/O; analog input 0 |
| Pin 14 | GP0 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 15 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16F506-E/MG is suitable for 6 applications: LED Lighting Drivers, Battery-Powered Sensor Monitors, Consumer Appliance User Interfaces, Fan and Pump Speed Controllers, Smoke and CO Detector Front-Ends, Thermostat and HVAC Front-Ends.
LED Lighting Drivers
The PIC16F506-E/MG fits LED driver boards because its 8-bit ADC and 8-bit timer with PWM support enable closed-loop current regulation for white or RGB LED strings. With 12 I/O pins, it can drive 3-4 LED channels via MOSFETs while monitoring temperature through an NTC and ambient light via a photodiode. The internal 16 MHz oscillator eliminates the external crystal, reducing BOM cost for high-volume residential and commercial luminaires. Supply range of 2.0 V to 5.5 V accommodates both 3.3 V regulated rails and 5 V USB-powered fixtures. Power dissipation in the QFN-16 EP package is well-managed at typical 5 mA active currents.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Monitors
Battery-powered designs benefit from the PIC16F506-E/MG's low-power architecture and integrated ADC. Operating at 2.0 V to 5.5 V, the device runs directly from two alkaline or three NiMH cells. Sleep currents are microampere-range, enabling multi-year battery life in remote sensors monitoring temperature, humidity, or contact closure. The internal oscillator at 4 MHz / 8 MHz / 16 MHz selectable via software lets the firmware trade off active power vs computational throughput without external components. The 16-VFQFN package (3 mm x 3 mm) suits space-constrained sensor pods.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance User Interfaces
User-interface boards for white goods, coffee machines, and small kitchen appliances routinely use the PIC16F506-E/MG to read 4-6 buttons, drive a small LED or 7-segment display, and run a simple state machine. The 12 I/O pins directly connect to a button matrix and LED array without an I/O expander. The internal oscillator and 8-bit ADC simplify BOM, while the 1.5 KB Flash comfortably stores menu-handling and timing logic. Extended operating temperature -40 C to +125 C supports under-cabinet and outdoor environments.
Recommended
Fan and Pump Speed Controllers
Closed-loop fan or pump speed control maps directly to the PIC16F506-E/MG's peripheral set. The 8-bit timer with 8-bit prescaler generates a PWM output to drive a MOSFET, while the 8-bit ADC reads back tachometer pulses or a current shunt. With 12 I/O, the MCU can also handle start-up relay, fault LED, and speed-select input. The internal oscillator accuracy is sufficient for tachometric feedback loops. The 16-VFQFN EP package handles modest dissipation typical of 5 V / 20 MHz operation.
Recommended
Smoke and CO Detector Front-Ends
Smoke and CO detectors require low-power analog monitoring with simple decision logic - a perfect fit for the PIC16F506-E/MG. The 8-bit ADC continuously samples the photoelectric or electrochemical sensor, while the watchdog timer ensures firmware liveness in safety-critical operation. The internal oscillator and small Flash budget minimize standby current, extending 10-year battery life claims. The 16-VFQFN package accommodates thin sensor housings.
Recommended
Thermostat and HVAC Front-Ends
Smart thermostat remote sensors and HVAC damper actuators commonly use the PIC16F506-E/MG as the analog front-end MCU. Its 8-bit ADC scans temperature (NTC), humidity, and setpoint potentiometers. The 12 I/O control relays or TRIAC drivers and LEDs. The internal oscillator and 1.5 KB Flash hold the proportional control loop and hysteresis logic. The industrial temp grade variant PIC16F506-I/MG supports plenum-mounted deployments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F506-E/MG — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F506-I/MG | PIC16F506T-I/MG | PIC16F505-E/MG | PIC16F526-I/MG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 16-VFQFN Exposed Pad | 16-VFQFN Exposed Pad - same | 16-VFQFN Exposed Pad - same | 16-VFQFN Exposed Pad - same | 16-VFQFN Exposed Pad - same |
| Program Memory | 1.5 KB Flash | 1.5 KB Flash | 1.5 KB Flash | 1.5 KB Flash (PIC16F505 family) | 1.5 KB Flash |
| RAM | 67 B | 67 B | 67 B | 72 B | 67 B |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Max Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Supply 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 | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Internal Oscillator | 4/8/16 MHz | 4/8/16 MHz | 4/8/16 MHz | 4/8/16 MHz | 4/8/16 MHz |
| ADC | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit (enhanced channels) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature grade for industrial/automotive under-hood use (vs PIC16F506-I/MG)
- Lowest-cost 8-bit PIC16 with same peripheral set (vs PIC16F15324)
- Internal selectable oscillator eliminates external crystal (vs PIC16F505-E/MG with external crystal)
Design Notes
The 16-VFQFN package exposes a thermal pad (EP) on the underside that serves as the primary heat-dissipation path. The exposed pad must be soldered to a copper plane on the PCB - leaving it unconnected dramatically reduces thermal performance and may violate the datasheet's theta_JA ratings. For typical 5 V / 20 MHz operation at 5 mA active current, dissipation is well under 30 mW, but designs mounted in enclosed fixtures should still tie the EP to a sufficient copper pour per IPC-2221.
Place the decoupling capacitor (100 nF X7R minimum, 1 uF recommended) within 3 mm of the Vdd pin with a direct trace to the EP ground pad. Avoid long power or ground traces on the top layer; use a continuous ground plane under the MCU. For ICSP programming, route the ICSPCLK and ICSPDAT lines with a 4.7 kohm pull-up to Vdd per Microchip programming specifications to ensure reliable field upgrades.
Do not connect unused I/O pins to ground or Vdd directly - configure them as outputs and leave them open, or set them as inputs with internal weak pull-ups enabled. The GP3 pin is input-only and cannot be configured as an output; if a design expects bidirectional behavior on this pin, review the pinout carefully. The MCLR/Vpp pin requires a 10 kohm pull-up to Vdd for normal operation; tie it directly to Vdd only if reset is not required.
Brown-out detection is highly recommended for battery-powered designs: enable the BOR module in the configuration word to force a clean reset when Vdd falls below threshold, preventing code execution from corrupted Flash. Estimated: at Vdd = 2.0 V and 4 MHz internal oscillator, active current is approximately 0.7 mA, dropping to microampere range in sleep - confirm via Microchip PIC16F506 datasheet DC characteristics table.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and lead-free per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive use, evaluate PIC16F1x family with AEC-Q100 grade.
