PIC16F526-I/ST - 8-Bit MCU, 1.5KB Flash, 20MHz, 14-TSSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F526-I/ST β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.32 | $1.32 |
| 10 | $1.18 | $11.80 |
| 100 | $0.95 | $95.00 |
| 500 | $0.83 | $415.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.72 | $720.00 |
PIC16F526-I/ST Overview
What is an 8-bit Flash microcontroller? An 8-bit Flash microcontroller is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path that executes one byte per instruction cycle. It is a member of the broader microcontrollers > embedded microcontrollers > integrated circuits product hierarchy. Flash memory stores the program code so the device can be reprogrammed in-circuit, eliminating the need for UV-erase EPROMs or mask-ROM tooling cycles. This makes 8-bit Flash MCUs the lowest-cost entry point for cost-sensitive embedded control, fitting between fixed-logic ICs and 16/32-bit microcontrollers in capability.
Key feature highlights of the PIC16F526 include the 14-bit instruction word (PIC16 instruction set architecture), 2-level hardware stack, 8-bit timer/counter, integrated analog comparator with programmable reference, and ultra-low-power sleep mode drawing microamp-level current. The device runs on 2.0V to 5.5V VDD and supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via two pins, enabling firmware updates after board assembly.
Technically, the PIC16F526 uses a RISC Harvard-architecture core that fetches 14-bit instructions in a single cycle when the pipeline is full, achieving 200 ns instruction execution at 20 MHz. This core is shared with the PIC16F505 and PIC16F506 parts, allowing code reuse across the family. The internal 8 MHz oscillator can be calibrated in software to within +/- 1% at 25C using factory-stored calibration constants, eliminating external crystals in most designs and shrinking BOM.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, remote control transmitters, LED lighting controllers, white-goods user-interface boards, and low-end consumer appliances. The combination of internal oscillator, 12 I/O, and 1.5 KB Flash is well suited to products that previously used discrete logic plus a few timer ICs.
Design consideration: at 5 V VDD and 20 MHz, the PIC16F526 draws approximately 4 mA active current. For ultra-low-power designs, drop to 32 kHz LF mode via the LFINTOSC and use sleep-mode wake-on-change (interrupt-on-change IOC) interrupts, which can yield average current below 20 uA including active processing.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical low-power design notes not found concisely in the manufacturer datasheet, giving procurement and embedded engineers a single decision-ready reference.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F526-I/ST β 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/ST (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Internal Oscillator, Operating Temperature, Package, Timers, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F506-I/ST
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F505-I/ST
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F526-I/ST Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC16 |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.5 KB (1K x 14) |
| RAM | 67 bytes |
| EEPROM | 64 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 (max, 11 available on TSSOP-14) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial grade) |
| Package | TSSOP-14 |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz RC (calibrated, +/- 1%) |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) |
| Peripherals | POR, WDT, analog comparator |
| Programming | In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) |
| Instruction Set | PIC16 (14-bit instructions) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F526-I/ST Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/ICSPDAT β Bidirectional I/O RA0; ICSP data line |
| Pin 2 | RA1/ICSPCLK β Bidirectional I/O RA1; ICSP clock line |
| Pin 3 | RA2/T0CKI β Bidirectional I/O RA2; Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR/VPP β Input-only RA3; Master Clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | RA4 β Bidirectional I/O RA4 |
| Pin 6 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | RA5/OSC1 β Bidirectional I/O RA5; crystal/resonator input |
| Pin 8 | RA6/OSC2 β Bidirectional I/O RA6; crystal/resonator output |
| Pin 9 | RC0 β Bidirectional I/O RC0 |
| Pin 10 | RC1 β Bidirectional I/O RC1 |
| Pin 11 | RC2 β Bidirectional I/O RC2 |
| Pin 12 | RC3 β Bidirectional I/O RC3 |
| Pin 13 | RC4 β Bidirectional I/O RC4 |
| Pin 14 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (2.0 V to 5.5 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F526-I/ST is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Wireless Sensor Node, IR / RF Remote Control Transmitter, White Goods User Interface Board, LED Lighting Controller, Toy and Hobby Electronics, Capacitive Touch / Proximity Interface.
Battery-Powered Wireless Sensor Node
The PIC16F526-I/ST fits low-power sensor nodes where its 2.0-5.5 V supply range lets it run directly from a single CR2032 or 2xAA cell, and the integrated 31 kHz LFINTOSC plus sleep-mode interrupt-on-change pins cut average current below 20 uA. The 1.5 KB Flash is sufficient for one-wire or sub-GHz TX-only drivers (e.g., TI CC1101 SPI or simple 433 MHz OOK/PWM), and the analog comparator handles wake-on-threshold for threshold sensors without a separate ADC. Place a 100 nF decoupling cap within 5 mm of VDD pin 14 and route RA0/RA1 (ICSP) to a 2-pin header so firmware updates can proceed in-circuit without disturbing the sensor front end.
Recommended
IR / RF Remote Control Transmitter
For consumer remote controls the PIC16F526-I/ST delivers enough MIPS at 20 MHz to generate NEC, RC5, and SIRC carrier pulses via TMR0 interrupt and a single I/O pin driving a transistor-MOSFET LED or SAW resonator front end. The internal calibrated 8 MHz oscillator keeps frequency accuracy to within +/- 2% across the -40C to +85C industrial range, satisfying carrier-stability requirements of common learning remotes. EEPROM holds pair codes and learned-device keys with 1 M write-cycle endurance. Lower BOM is enabled by eliminating an external crystal entirely - a 100 nF bypass and a few passives are the only external components required.
Recommended
White Goods User Interface Board
Washing machines, dishwashers, and air-conditioner control panels benefit from the PIC16F526-I/ST's combination of 12 GPIO, internal oscillator, and 5.5 V tolerance. Drive triac-output zero-cross detection or relay coils directly through clamping resistors, and read keypad matrix scanning directly through IOC interrupts. The PIC16 RISC pipeline plus industrial temperature grade ensures deterministic response on a noisy motor drive board. A 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR/VPP (pin 4) prevents spurious resets at motor start. The 64-byte EEPROM can store calibration and end-of-cycle state without external NVRAM.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
Constant-current LED drivers and decorative light strips benefit from the PIC16F526-I/ST's TMR0-driven PWM and tiny footprint. One I/O can dim a MOSFET gate via PWM at modest dimming frequencies (1-2 kHz) while the analog comparator monitors current-sense resistor thresholds for over-current protection. The internal 8 MHz oscillator is accurate enough for color-mixing applications, and the EEPROM stores trim values per fixture. Operating voltage up to 5.5 V matches buck-driver rail requirements without an extra regulator.
Recommended
Toy and Hobby Electronics
Cost-driven toy products favor the PIC16F526-I/ST for its sub-USD 1 pricing, integrated oscillator, and ability to drive multi-LED animation patterns, sound-effect playback at 4 MHz, and simple motor sequencing. The PIC16 instruction set is straightforward for hobby and educational platforms, including BASIC Stamp and PicAxe bridges. Industrial temperature range lets the same firmware work both indoor (consumer) and outdoor (rugged toys).
Recommended
Capacitive Touch / Proximity Interface
Implementing low-channel capacitive touch on the PIC16F526-I/ST is straightforward: use the analog comparator with a reference capacitor, charge/discharge the sensor pad through a resistor divider, and count cycles via TMR0. The internal oscillator and IOC pins enable proximity wake from sleep on touch, drawing under 5 uA standby current. With 12 I/O available (RA0-RA5, RC0-RC5 depending on package), this part supports up to 5-channel touch plus indicator LED control in the TSSOP-14 package.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F526-I/ST β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F506-I/ST | PIC16F505-I/ST | PIC16F526-I/SL | PIC16F526-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | TSSOP-14 | TSSOP-14 - same | TSSOP-14 - same | SOIC-14 - different footprint | PDIP-14 - through-hole |
| Flash Program Memory | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB |
| RAM | 67 bytes | 67 bytes | 67 bytes | 67 bytes | 67 bytes |
| EEPROM | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | None | 64 bytes | 64 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz calibrated | 8 MHz calibrated | None | 8 MHz calibrated | 8 MHz calibrated |
| ADC | None (analog comparator only) | 8-channel 8-bit ADC | None | None (analog comparator only) | None (analog comparator only) |
| 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 | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Drop-in upgrade path to 8-bit ADC without PCB change (vs PIC16F506-I/ST)
- Factory-calibrated internal oscillator eliminates external crystal (vs PIC16F505-I/ST)
- Wider SOIC and PDIP package variants on same die (vs PIC16F526-I/SL and PIC16F526-I/P)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 5 V VDD, 20 MHz CPU, the PIC16F526-I/ST draws approximately 2.7 mA active with peripherals off, dropping to roughly 1.1 mA at 4 MHz. For battery-powered designs, switch to LFINTOSC 31 kHz during sleep and use IOC interrupts for wake-up - the datasheet specifies typical current under 5 uA in sleep. A 100 nF ceramic bypass on VDD (pin 14) placed within 5 mm of the IC is mandatory; adding a 10 uF bulk cap on the rail helps when the MCU drives a radio or LED pulse load.
Route RA0 and RA1 to a 2-pin ICSP header with a 4.7 kohm pull-down on ICSPCLK to keep programming reliable. Place the crystal or resonator (if used) within 10 mm of RA5/OSC1 (pin 7) and RA6/OSC2 (pin 8), and provide a ground guard ring around them to avoid coupling noise into the timebase. The /MCLR/VPP pin (pin 4) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF cap to ground for ICSP isolation; omitting this is a common reason why in-field reprogramming fails.
Critical: configuration bits must be set explicitly at the start of every program - the PIC16F526 ships with internal oscillator and WDT off, but the brown-out reset and code-protect bits are NOT defaulted to safe values. Use the __CONFIG directive in MPLAB X and verify the .PWRTE (power-up timer) bit is enabled so the device holds reset until VDD stabilizes. Watch for inadvertent use of RA3 as an output - it is INPUT ONLY on the PIC16F family, including this part. Forcing it high will source damage into the device.
Compliance Information
Compliant with RoHS 2011/65/EU and REACH SVHC; lead-free matte-tin finish with NiPdAu lead-frame underlayer. Industrial temperature grade only - no AEC-Q100 automotive qualification for this part.
