PIC16F506-E/ST - 8-Bit Flash MCU, 1.5KB, 12 I/O | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F506-E/ST ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.07 | $1.07 |
| 10 | $0.97 | $9.70 |
| 100 | $0.86 | $86.00 |
| 500 | $0.78 | $390.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.71 | $710.00 |
PIC16F506-E/ST Overview
An 8-bit Flash microcontroller is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, Harvard-architecture RISC CPU, on-chip non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (SRAM), and a mix of digital and analog peripherals. Within the broader taxonomy, it sits as: microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC. Microcontrollers are the lowest tier of programmable logic that an embedded engineer reaches for before stepping up to DSPs, microprocessors, or FPGAs.
Key differentiating features include 20 MHz maximum clock speed from an internal 4 MHz RC oscillator (selectable 32 kHz to 4 MHz) or external clock, instruction execution on a single 4-clock oscillator cycle (one instruction per microsecond at 4 MHz), 12 I/O pins with individual direction control, 4-channel 8-bit ADC, and a wide 2.0V to 5.5V supply range that supports both 2.5V, 3.3V, and 5V rails. The device also provides one 8-bit and one 16-bit timer, watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, and In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) for in-field firmware updates.
Architecturally, the PIC16F506 uses Microchip's baseline PIC16C5x-compatible RISC instruction set with only 33 single-word, single-cycle instructions, simplifying code generation while keeping deterministic interrupt latency. The Harvard memory map isolates program Flash from data RAM, allowing simultaneous fetch and access that maximizes throughput at low clock rates. Internal RC oscillator calibration and dual oscillator modes (HFINTOSC + LFINTOSC) let the same part serve line-powered and battery-powered nodes.
Typical applications include battery chargers, LED drivers, small appliance control panels, remote-control transmitters, smoke detectors, low-end sensor interface modules, and any cost-sensitive consumer or industrial node that needs 8-bit computing, an ADC, and tight power budgets. According to the manufacturer datasheet, the part is well-suited to designs migrating from the legacy PIC12C5xx/PIC16C5x families to a Flash-based platform without re-tooling the instruction set.
Design considerations include bypassing VDD with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the supply pin, leaving the MCLR pin tied to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up for normal operation (or driving low for reset), and never driving an I/O above VDD or below VSS to avoid latch-up. The PIC16F506 is also flagged by Microchip as having a 'Newer Device Available' notice - the PIC16F15324 is recommended for new designs that need additional peripherals, more memory, or Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs).
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, drop-in package-compatible alternatives drawn from Microchip's PIC16F5xx family, application examples, and PCB layout notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F506-E/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 PIC16F506-E/ST (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Timers, Internal Oscillator, Package, ADC, Core.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F505-E/ST
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F505-I/ST
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F506-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F506-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.68 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F506-E/MG
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F505T-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.68 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F505T-E/SL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.58 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F505-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F506-E/ST Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 1.5 KB (1K x 12) |
| Data RAM | 67 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 |
| ADC | 8-bit, 4 channels |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Internal Oscillator | 4 MHz RC (calibrated), 32 kHz LFINTOSC |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (extended, 'E' grade) |
| Package | 14-pin TSSOP (ST) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| Instruction Set | 33 instructions, single-cycle |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F506-E/ST Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 2 | GP5/OSC1/CLKIN — General-purpose I/O / oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 3 | GP4/OSC2 — General-purpose I/O / oscillator output |
| Pin 4 | GP3/MCLR/VPP — General-purpose input / Master Clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | GP0/AN0 — General-purpose I/O / analog channel 0 |
| Pin 7 | GP1/AN1 — General-purpose I/O / analog channel 1 |
| Pin 8 | GP2/AN2/T0CKI — General-purpose I/O / analog channel 2 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 9 | GP3 — General-purpose input only |
| Pin 10 | GP4/AN3 — General-purpose I/O / analog channel 3 |
| Pin 11 | GP5 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 12 | GP0 — General-purpose I/O (alternate port mapping) |
| Pin 13 | GP1 — General-purpose I/O (alternate port mapping) |
| Pin 14 | GP2 — General-purpose I/O (alternate port mapping) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F506-E/ST is suitable for 6 applications: LED Driver Modules, Smoke and CO Detectors, Remote Control Transmitters, Battery Chargers and Power Banks, Small Appliance Control Panels, Sensor Interface Modules.
LED Driver Modules
The PIC16F506-E/ST's 12 digital I/O pins and 20 MHz PWM-capable timer make it well-suited to multi-channel LED driver modules. Engineers typically drive the LED strings directly from GPIO at low currents or use external MOSFETs for higher-power strings; the 8-bit ADC monitors string current via a shunt resistor. With 1.5 KB of Flash the part handles breathing, fade, and chase patterns without external memory. The extended -40C to +125C grade survives sealed-fixture thermal load.
Recommended
Smoke and CO Detectors
Smoke and CO detector designs rely on the PIC16F506-E/ST's 8-bit ADC to read photoelectric or electrochemical sensor signals, its low-power Sleep mode to extend battery life, and its watchdog timer to recover from firmware faults. The 1.5 KB Flash accommodates alarm-pattern firmware, low-battery detection, and self-test routines. The wide 2.0V-5.5V supply range supports 3 V lithium and 4.5 V battery stacks. The extended temperature grade ensures reliable operation near ceilings and inside furnace rooms.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitters
Battery-powered IR/RF remote controls benefit from the PIC16F506-E/ST's low Sleep current and small TSSOP-14 footprint. The PIC16F506 wakes on a button press, drives an IR LED or 433 MHz SAW transmitter via one or two GPIO pins, then returns to Sleep. With 67 bytes of RAM and 1.5 KB Flash the part supports learned-key codes, pairing sequences, and low-battery LED indication. The internal 4 MHz RC oscillator eliminates the need for an external crystal, reducing BOM cost.
Recommended
Battery Chargers and Power Banks
Low-power lithium-ion and NiMH chargers use the PIC16F506-E/ST to monitor cell voltage through its 8-bit ADC, control charge MOSFETs via GPIO, and run timer-based charge termination. The 2.0V-5.5V supply range works directly from a single Li-ion cell. Brown-out detection protects against undervoltage lock-out. The 1.5 KB Flash stores charging profile tables for different cell chemistries. Extended temperature grade supports automotive and outdoor charger applications.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control Panels
Coffee makers, toaster ovens, and countertop blenders use the PIC16F506-E/ST to read front-panel buttons, drive 7-segment or LED indicators, and control triac-gated heater elements via the 16-bit timer in PWM mode. The 8-bit ADC reads temperature via an NTC thermistor. With 12 I/O pins the part supports up to 12 user inputs and 12 outputs in a single TSSOP-14 footprint. The wide VDD range tolerates rectified mains-derived rails.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Modules
Cost-sensitive industrial sensor nodes use the PIC16F506-E/ST as a low-power analog front-end. The 4-channel 8-bit ADC scans thermistors, photodiodes, or 4-20 mA loop signals. The 12 GPIO lines drive a 1-Wire or I2C sensor cluster, with the UART implemented in firmware. Sleep current of <1 uA enables years of battery life on periodic-duty sensor nodes. The extended temperature grade supports outdoor and factory-floor deployments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F506-E/ST — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F505-E/ST | PIC16F505-I/ST | PIC16F506-I/ST | PIC16F506-E/P | PIC16F506-E/MG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 14-pin TSSOP | 14-pin TSSOP - same | 14-pin TSSOP - same | 14-pin TSSOP - same | 14-pin PDIP - through-hole | QFN-16 - surface-mount |
| Program Memory | 1.5 KB Flash | 1.5 KB Flash | 1.5 KB Flash | 1.5 KB Flash | 1.5 KB Flash | 1.5 KB Flash |
| RAM | 67 bytes | 67 bytes | 67 bytes | 67 bytes | 67 bytes | 67 bytes |
| ADC | 8-bit, 4 channels | None | None | 8-bit, 4 channels | 8-bit, 4 channels | 8-bit, 4 channels |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 8-bit ADC in baseline PIC16F5xx family (vs PIC16F505-E/ST)
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade (vs PIC16F506-I/ST)
- Surface-mount TSSOP-14 package for compact designs (vs PIC16F506-E/P)
- 14-pin TSSOP versus QFN-16 footprint flexibility (vs PIC16F506-E/MG)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to VDD (pin 1) and VSS (pin 5), with trace length under 5 mm. For designs that experience high digital switching currents on adjacent GPIO, add a bulk 1 uF to 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the same node. The PIC16F506-E/ST has a wide 2.0V-5.5V supply range, but the brown-out reset (BOR) voltage must be configured in firmware to match the lowest acceptable VDD for your application.
Pin 4 is a multi-function pin shared between GP3 (digital input only), MCLR (Master Clear reset), and VPP (programming voltage). Do not drive this pin above VDD or below VSS to avoid latch-up. For normal operation, tie MCLR to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up resistor; in noisy industrial environments add a 100 nF capacitor from MCLR to VSS for additional reset filtering. For ICSP programming, do not load the MCLR line heavily or programming will fail.
Route the oscillator pins (OSC1/OSC2 on pins 2 and 3) as short, symmetrical traces and guard them with a ground plane to minimize EMI pickup. When using the internal 4 MHz RC oscillator, leave OSC1/OSC2 as GPIO (GP5/GP4) but route them away from high-frequency switching traces. For external crystal operation, follow the Microchip layout guidelines for load-capacitor placement directly at the OSC pins, not at the crystal leads.
The PIC16F506's 8-bit ADC shares its input pins with digital GPIO. To improve ADC accuracy, switch the pin to analog mode (ANSEL register) immediately before each conversion and back to digital afterward. Add a 100 ohm series resistor and 10 nF capacitor at the ADC input to form a low-pass filter that rejects digital switching noise. Avoid routing ADC traces parallel to high-current switching traces.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page. Lead-free (Pb-free) reflow profile per JEDEC J-STD-020. AEC-Q100 qualification is not explicitly stated for PIC16F506-E/ST; for AEC-Q100 qualified designs use PIC16F1xx automotive-grade parts.
