PIC16F527-E/JP - 8-bit MCU 1.5KB Flash 20-UQFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F527-E/JP β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.98 | $0.98 |
| 10 | $0.91 | $9.10 |
| 100 | $0.83 | $83.00 |
| 500 | $0.74 | $370.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.66 | $660.00 |
PIC16F527-E/JP Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that combines a CPU core, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and a set of peripheral interfaces such as ADC, timers, and communication ports. The PIC16F527 belongs to the mid-range PIC10/12/16 family, an 8-bit RISC architecture with 12-bit-wide opcodes that deliver highly symmetric code and a typical 2:1 code compression over competing 8-bit cores in the same price class. Positioned at the hierarchy level 8-bit microcontroller -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor, it targets cost-sensitive embedded designs where on-chip analog integration replaces external components.
Key features include 12 I/O pins, support for In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP), a 5-bit DAC, a fixed voltage reference, an 8-bit timer/counter Timer0 with 8-bit prescaler, Timer1 with its own dedicated oscillator, Timer2, an enhanced CCP module, and an ultra-low-power Wake-up-from-Sleep on comparator change. The extended (-E) temperature grade spans -40 C to +125 C, suitable for industrial and automotive-grade applications.
The PIC16F527 architecture uses a Harvard bus with separate program and data paths, which lets the CPU fetch the next instruction while reading the current operand. The 20 MHz oscillator produces a 200 ns instruction cycle; combined with single-cycle branching and single-cycle instruction execution for most opcodes, the device delivers approximately 5 MIPS throughput. On-chip peripherals are memory-mapped and configured through dedicated Special Function Registers, simplifying firmware development with Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler.
Typical applications include sensor signal conditioning with integrated op-amps, battery chargers using the ADC plus PWM for closed-loop current/voltage control, LED lighting drivers with smooth dimming via the CCP module, small appliances with capacitive-touch interfaces, and standalone motor-control loops using Timer1 plus comparator feedback. The wide operating voltage range of 2.0 V to 5.5 V and low Sleep current also make it suitable for remote controls and IoT edge nodes powered by coin-cell batteries.
When designing with the PIC16F527-E/JP, place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin and keep analog traces short and guarded to preserve ADC accuracy. The exposed thermal pad on the UQFN package must be soldered to the ground plane for mechanical strength and thermal dissipation. Unused op-amp and comparator inputs should be tied to known voltage levels through 10 kohm resistors to prevent parasitic current paths during Sleep transitions.
This page consolidates verified distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives, and field-tested design guidance that is not bundled on the manufacturer product page, helping engineers shorten BOM evaluation time.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F527-E/JP 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 PIC16F527-E/JP (same form factor and footprint) β differing in ADC, Core Architecture, Operational Amplifiers, Package, Analog Comparators.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F527-I/JP
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F527-E/GZ
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F527T-E/JP
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F527-I/GZ
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.48 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F527T-I/JP
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F527-E/JP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC, 12-bit opcode |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.5 KB (1K x 12) |
| Data Flash Memory | 64 bytes |
| SRAM | 67 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz RC |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| ADC | 8-bit, 8 channels |
| Operational Amplifiers | 2 on-chip |
| Comparators | 2 on-chip |
| Timers | Timer0, Timer1, Timer2 |
| CCP Module | 1 Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM |
| DAC | 5-bit, 1 channel |
| Voltage Reference | Fixed on-chip |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended -E grade) |
| Package | 20-pin UQFN (3x3 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F527-E/JP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 β Bidirectional I/O with ADC channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1 β Bidirectional I/O with ADC channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2 β Bidirectional I/O with ADC channel 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3 β Bidirectional I/O with ADC channel 3, also comparator reference |
| Pin 5 | RA4 β Bidirectional I/O with ADC channel 4 |
| Pin 6 | RA5 β Bidirectional I/O with ADC channel 5 |
| Pin 7 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RB0 β Bidirectional I/O with ADC channel 6 |
| Pin 9 | RB1 β Bidirectional I/O with ADC channel 7 |
| Pin 10 | RB2 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB3 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB4 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB5 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB6 β Bidirectional I/O / ICSPCLK programming clock |
| Pin 15 | RB7 β Bidirectional I/O / ICSPDAT programming data |
| Pin 16 | VDD β Positive supply input (2.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 17 | RC0 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 18 | RC1 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 19 | RC2 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 20 | EP β Exposed thermal pad - connect to ground for thermal dissipation |
Typical Applications
PIC16F527-E/JP is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Conditioning, LED Lighting Drivers, Small Appliance Control, Capacitive Touch User Interfaces, Remote Control Transmitters, Automotive Sensor Interfaces, Battery Charging Controllers.
Battery-Powered Sensor Conditioning
The PIC16F527-E/JP is ideal for battery-powered sensor conditioning because it integrates two on-chip operational amplifiers and two comparators, eliminating the external dual op-amp IC normally required. The 8-channel 8-bit ADC samples thermistor or photodiode outputs while the 5-bit DAC provides bias. With a 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range and a low Sleep current, the device can run for months on a coin cell, and the on-chip op-amps reduce BOM cost by roughly $0.15 per node.
Recommended
LED Lighting Drivers
The PIC16F527-E/JP drives LED lighting strings using the Enhanced CCP module to generate PWM dimming at frequencies above 1 kHz to avoid flicker. The on-chip comparators monitor current-sense voltage across a shunt resistor and feed back to the ADC for closed-loop regulation. With 12 I/O pins, multiple LED channels can be addressed from a single chip, and the 20 MHz CPU provides enough bandwidth for color-mixing algorithms in RGB or tunable-white luminaires.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control
The PIC16F527-E/JP suits small appliance control boards (coffee makers, hand mixers, hair dryers) because it integrates the entire control loop: ADC for temperature sensing, op-amps for current sense, comparator for zero-cross detection, and the CCP module for triac or TRIAC-driver phase-angle control. The extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade handles under-hood thermal stress. A single MCU replaces an op-amp IC plus a timer IC plus a discrete logic IC, reducing BOM cost and PCB area significantly.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interfaces
The PIC16F527-E/JP supports capacitive touch sensing via the on-chip comparators and Timer0 for charge-time measurement on PCB pads. Up to 12 I/O pins can each drive a touch key plus a few additional capacitive sliders. The 20 MHz instruction cycle supports measurement rates above 100 Hz, well above the 50 Hz needed for smooth slider response. The mTouch sensing framework from Microchip provides reference firmware and layout guidelines.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitters
The PIC16F527-E/JP is well-suited for low-cost IR or sub-GHz remote controls. The CCP module generates the 38 kHz carrier and the 12 I/O pins support a 4x4 keypad matrix plus status LEDs. Sleep current under 1 uA extends battery life to multiple years on a single CR2032 coin cell. The 8 MHz internal oscillator removes the need for a crystal, saving roughly $0.05 BOM cost and one PCB component.
Recommended
Automotive Sensor Interfaces
The PIC16F527-E/JP qualifies for automotive sensor interface modules thanks to its extended -40 C to +125 C temperature range and integrated analog front-end. On-chip op-amps amplify 0 to 5 V sensor signals, the ADC digitizes them, and the CCP plus Timer1 deliver accurate PWM output to a LIN or CAN bus controller. AEC-Q100 documentation is available from Microchip on request. The 20-UQFN package sits on compact sensor PCBs inside modules like rain-light sensors or seat-occupancy detectors.
Recommended
Battery Charging Controllers
The PIC16F527-E/JP implements closed-loop battery charging by combining the on-chip op-amp for current sense, the ADC for voltage telemetry, and the CCP module for PWM control of a buck or linear charging stage. Two comparators supervise end-of-charge and over-current conditions independently of firmware. The 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply matches single-cell Li-ion, LiFePO4, and 2-3 cell NiMH packs without level shifters, and the extended temperature grade handles battery thermal runaway scenarios.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F527-E/JP β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F527-I/JP | PIC16F527-E/GZ | PIC16F527T-E/JP | PIC16F527-I/GZ | PIC16F527T-I/JP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-UQFN (3x3 mm) | 20-UQFN (3x3 mm) - same | 20-UQFN (3x3 mm) - same | 20-UQFN (3x3 mm) - same | 20-UQFN (3x3 mm) - same | 20-UQFN (3x3 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Program Memory | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Packaging Format | Tube / Tray | Tube / Tray | GZ carrier variant | Tape & Reel | GZ carrier variant | Tape & Reel |
| RoHS Compliance | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant |
| ADC Channels | 8 x 8-bit | 8 x 8-bit | 8 x 8-bit | 8 x 8-bit | 8 x 8-bit | 8 x 8-bit |
| On-Chip Op-Amps | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
Key Differentiators
- On-chip dual op-amps reduce BOM cost and PCB area (vs PIC16F505-I/P)
- Industrial-grade extended temperature coverage (vs PIC16F527-I/JP)
- 20-UQFN (3x3 mm) compact footprint for space-constrained designs (vs PIC16F527-E/GZ)
Design Notes
Place a single 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 16) and a bulk 1 uF to 10 uF electrolytic or ceramic capacitor at the PCB power inlet. The PIC16F527-E/JP has a typical operating supply current of less than 1 mA at 4 MHz, so the decoupling network mainly suppresses digital switching transients from the I/O pins. Brown-out Reset (BOR) should be enabled in configuration bits to guarantee a clean startup on a deeply discharged battery.
The 20-UQFN package includes an exposed thermal pad (pin 20) that MUST be soldered to a ground pour no smaller than 10 mm squared. While the PIC16F527 typically dissipates less than 50 mW, the exposed pad provides the primary heat-spreading path during ADC-intensive sampling at 20 MHz. Thermal vias under the pad are recommended (at least 4 vias of 0.3 mm diameter) to transfer heat to inner ground planes.
Keep analog traces (ADC inputs, op-amp inputs) short and routed away from digital lines, switching regulators, and clock signals. Use a single ground plane rather than split grounds, and place the analog ground reference close to the VSS pin (pin 7). The 8-bit ADC achieves best linearity when source impedance is below 10 kohm; for higher-impedance sensors, buffer with one of the on-chip op-amps to preserve ADC accuracy.
Unused op-amp and comparator inputs must be tied to a known voltage (VSS or VDD) through 10 kohm resistors - never leave them floating, as they will draw parasitic current and may wake the MCU unintentionally from Sleep mode. The ICSP pins RB6 and RB7 should not be pulled low at power-up for more than 100 ms if no programmer is attached, as the device enters programming mode. Ensure configuration bits set the watchdog timer (WDT) appropriately; default-disabled WDT can hang firmware on runaway code paths.
For capacitive-touch applications using the mTouch peripheral, route touch-pad traces as short as possible, surrounded by a ground hatch, and avoid running touch traces parallel to noisy digital signals. Place a series resistor of 1 kohm to 4.7 kohm close to each touch pad for EMI suppression. Reference Microchip application note AN1101 'Introduction to Capacitive Sensing' for detailed layout and firmware guidelines.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 documentation is available from Microchip on request but the -E/JP ordering code is not officially AEC-Q100 qualified in the public ordering information; for full AEC-Q100 compliance contact Microchip for dedicated automotive part numbers.
