PIC16F526-I/P - 8-Bit 20MHz 1.5KB Flash MCU | Microchip | 14-PDIP
MPN: PIC16F526-I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.38 | $1.38 |
| 10 | $1.24 | $12.40 |
| 100 | $1.1 | $110.00 |
| 500 | $0.98 | $490.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.85 | $850.00 |
PIC16F526-I/P Overview
A PIC microcontroller is a compact, self-contained computer-on-a-chip that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, non-volatile data EEPROM/Flash, and a configurable set of peripherals onto a single piece of silicon. The PIC16F526 belongs to Microchip's baseline 14-pin PIC16 sub-family — historically the lowest-cost entry point into the PIC ecosystem — and sits in the broader hierarchy of MCU -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC16 -> baseline core. Its small footprint, internal oscillator, and integrated ADC make it a drop-in workhorse for cost-engineered consumer and industrial products.
Key features of the PIC16F526-I/P include an industrial-grade -40C to +85C operating range, an in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) interface for in-production firmware updates, a 1.125 ms device reset timer, and an on-chip comparator with programmable reference. The internal 4/8 MHz precision oscillator eliminates the need for an external crystal in cost-sensitive designs, while the 8-bit ADC with 3 input channels supports basic sensor readout for temperature, light, or voltage monitoring.
Architecturally, the PIC16F526 uses a Harvard-style RISC core with 33 single-cycle instructions and a 12-bit instruction word that gives a code density of approximately 2:1 versus typical 8-bit CISC architectures. The 2-level hardware stack limits nested call depth, so deeply recursive or large state-machine code must be kept shallow. The 1.5 KB of Flash supports roughly 1000 lines of assembly or smaller C applications — well suited to fixed-function appliances where code density and deterministic timing outweigh raw compute.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer appliances, battery-powered handheld devices, simple LED drivers, IR remote controls, sensor interface nodes, and small home automation modules. Its 12 I/O pins and integrated ADC and comparator let a single chip replace a handful of discrete components in many simple control loops.
When designing with this MCU, allocate I/O pins early because only 12 are available, and two of those are typically shared with the ICSP programming interface (PGC/PGD), which means live programming must coexist with the application. Use the internal oscillator unless timing accuracy better than +/-1 percent is required, and add a decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of VDD.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives drawn from the same Microchip baseline 14-pin family, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F526-I/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 PIC16F526-I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Internal Oscillator, Package, Timers, ADC, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F506-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F505-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F54-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.68 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F506-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.68 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F505-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F526-I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 baseline 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory | 1.5 KB Flash (1K x 14) |
| RAM | 67 bytes |
| Data EEPROM / NVM Data | 64 bytes Flash data memory |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Internal Oscillator | Precision 4 MHz / 8 MHz selectable |
| ADC | 3-channel, 8-bit |
| On-board Comparators | 2 |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Instruction Set | 33 instructions, 12-bit wide |
| Stack Levels | 2 hardware levels |
| Device Reset Timer | 1.125 ms DRT |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 14-pin PDIP (0.300" / 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (THT) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F526-I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5/T1CKI/OSC1/CLKIN — Bidirectional I/O, Timer1 clock input, oscillator input |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN3/T1G/OSC2/CLKOUT — Bidirectional I/O, ADC input, Timer1 gate, oscillator output |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — Bidirectional I/O, master clear reset, programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O (PORTC bit 5) |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O (PORTC bit 4) |
| Pin 7 | RC3/AN7 — Bidirectional I/O, ADC input channel 7 |
| Pin 8 | RC2/AN6 — Bidirectional I/O, ADC input channel 6 |
| Pin 9 | RC1/AN5 — Bidirectional I/O, ADC input channel 5 |
| Pin 10 | RC0/AN4 — Bidirectional I/O, ADC input channel 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB7/ICSPDAT/AN6 — Bidirectional I/O, ICSP data, ADC input |
| Pin 12 | RB6/ICSPCLK — Bidirectional I/O, ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O (PORTB bit 5) |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16F526-I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Control, Battery-Powered Handheld Devices, IR Remote Control Transmitter, Simple Sensor Interface Module, LED Driver and Indicator Controller, Small Home Automation Node.
Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16F526-I/P suits small household appliances because it combines 1.5 KB Flash, a precision 4/8 MHz internal oscillator, and 12 I/O pins in a single 14-pin PDIP package. Its 8-bit ADC and two on-board comparators let the MCU read a thermistor or humidity sensor directly, replacing external analog front-end components. The baseline PIC16 core with 33 single-cycle instructions produces deterministic firmware timing that is ideal for relay, triac, and LED indicator control loops in toasters, fans, and small kitchen appliances.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Handheld Devices
Battery-powered handheld products benefit from the PIC16F526-I/P's 2.0 V to 5.5 V VDD range and low-power modes, which allow direct operation from a single Li-ion or two AA cells. The internal precision oscillator eliminates the crystal and its standby current, while the small 14-pin PDIP footprint keeps the BOM short. Typical deployments include wireless remote clickers, simple digital thermometers, and handheld test fixtures where the 1.5 KB Flash is sufficient for fixed-function firmware.
Recommended
IR Remote Control Transmitter
The PIC16F526-I/P is widely used in IR remote controls because its 20 MHz instruction rate generates accurate 38 kHz carrier frequencies and protocol-specific mark/space timing. The internal oscillator and 1.5 KB Flash are enough to store protocol libraries for NEC, RC5, or Sony-style formats. Two analog comparators can monitor the battery voltage, while 12 I/O pins drive the IR LED, status LED, and key matrix without external glue logic.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Interface Module
With a 3-channel 8-bit ADC and two comparators, the PIC16F526-I/P is well suited to sensor interface boards that read analog signals and report over a digital bus. The 67 bytes RAM is enough to buffer a few ADC samples before transmission, and the 12 I/O pins comfortably drive SPI or I2C peripherals alongside status LEDs. Industrial sensor boards for temperature, light, or voltage monitoring commonly use this chip because of its small footprint and integrated analog.
Recommended
LED Driver and Indicator Controller
The PIC16F526-I/P drives small LED arrays and indicator panels by combining 12 I/O pins, hardware PWM via timer peripherals, and a precision internal oscillator for flicker-free dimming. The 1.5 KB Flash stores mode tables, fade curves, and brightness presets without external memory. Designers can use the on-board comparators to monitor current through a sense resistor and shut down LEDs on overcurrent, all within the same baseline PIC16 instruction set.
Recommended
Small Home Automation Node
Small home automation endpoints, such as doorbell modules, simple thermostats, and lighting keypads, fit comfortably inside the PIC16F526-I/P's 1.5 KB Flash and 12 I/O pins. The internal oscillator avoids a crystal, the 8-bit ADC reads a thermistor or LDR directly, and the 2.0 V to 5.5 V VDD range allows operation from a 3.3 V regulated rail. Compared to discrete logic, the PIC16F526-I/P reduces part count while delivering firmware-upgradable behavior via ICSP.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F526-I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F506-I/P | PIC16F505-I/P | PIC16F54-I/P | PIC16F506-E/P | PIC16F505-E/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 PDIP (same) | 14-pin PDIP (same) | 14-pin PDIP (same) |
| Program Memory | 1.5 KB Flash | 1.5 KB Flash (same) | 1.5 KB Flash (same) | 768 B Flash (-49%) | 1.5 KB Flash (same) | 1.5 KB Flash (same) |
| RAM | 67 bytes | 67 bytes (same) | 67 bytes (same) | 25 bytes (-63%) | 67 bytes (same) | 67 bytes (same) |
| ADC | 3 channels, 8-bit | 3 channels, 8-bit (same) | No ADC (missing) | No ADC (missing) | 3 channels, 8-bit (same) | No ADC (missing) |
| Comparators | 2 | 2 (same) | 0 (missing) | 0 (missing) | 2 (same) | 0 (missing) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 8-bit ADC with 3 channels in the smallest baseline package (vs PIC16F505-I/P)
- Doubles the Flash memory over the older PIC16F54-I/P (vs PIC16F54-I/P)
- Pin-compatible upgrade path within the same Microchip 14-pin baseline family (vs PIC16F506-I/P)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 1) and a bulk 10 uF electrolytic or tantalum capacitor near the IC. The PIC16F526-I/P is sensitive to VDD transients because its internal analog peripherals (ADC, comparators) share the same supply rail. A ferrite bead between VDD and the digital-only analog sub-circuit is recommended for sensor applications.
Reserve RB6 (ICSPCLK) and RB7 (ICSPDAT) as the in-circuit serial programming pins and do not wire them permanently to low-impedance drivers that would prevent the programmer from driving the lines. A 4.7 kohm pull-up on MCLR (pin 4) is standard, and a programming header should expose VDD, VSS, MCLR, RB6, and RB7 to enable field firmware updates.
The PIC16F526-I/P has only a 2-level hardware stack, so deeply nested subroutine calls or recursive algorithms will fail without manual inlining. Do not exceed the 1.5 KB Flash budget by including printf-style floating-point libraries — keep firmware lean and prefer integer math. Estimated: a typical 'Hello World' blinky with ICSP takes about 100 words of Flash, leaving roughly 900 words for application logic.
Use Sleep mode aggressively for battery-powered designs because the baseline PIC16 core draws microamp-level current when idle. Wakeup can be triggered by comparator edges, ADC conversion, or external interrupts on RB0/INT. Estimated: with the internal oscillator running at 4 MHz, active current is around 1 mA at 3.3 V; Sleep drops this to less than 1 uA per the Microchip datasheet electrical characteristics.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page. No AEC-Q100 automotive grade; use automotive-grade PIC variants if required.
