PIC16F527-E/ML - 8-bit MCU, 1.5KB Flash, ADC+OpAmps | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F527-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.98 | $0.98 |
| 10 | $0.92 | $9.20 |
| 100 | $0.84 | $84.00 |
| 500 | $0.76 | $380.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.69 | $690.00 |
PIC16F527-E/ML Overview
A PIC microcontroller (Programmable Interrupt Controller, more broadly Peripheral Interface Controller) is a Harvard-architecture 8-/16-/32-bit RISC MCU family originally developed by Microchip. 8-bit PIC devices sit at the low end of the embedded hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> RISC microcontroller -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. They are favored for low cost, deterministic interrupt latency, ultra-low power consumption, and ease of in-circuit serial programming (ICSP).
The PIC16F527's integrated analog is its key differentiator: an 8-bit ADC, two op-amps, and two comparators are on-chip, eliminating external analog components. Flash program memory supports in-system self-programming and rapid prototyping; 64 bytes of EEPROM provides non-volatile storage for calibration and user settings. The instruction set is the enhanced 14-bit PIC core, providing 35 single-cycle instructions at up to 2 MIPS throughput.
Typical applications include sensor signal conditioning (analog front-end + MCU in one part), battery-powered low-cost sensor nodes, smoke detectors and PIR motion sensors, small appliance controls, and consumer IR remote control transmitters. The integrated op-amps are commonly configured as transimpedance or gain stages prior to the on-chip ADC, simplifying the analog signal chain.
Design tip: route the exposed thermal pad (EP) to a continuous ground plane for thermal dissipation and low-impedance return. The internal 8 MHz oscillator provides +/-1% typical accuracy over voltage and temperature - use the LF or HF oscillator modes if finer accuracy is needed.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified QFN-20 drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated on the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F527-E/ML — 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/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Comparators, Core, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F527-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F527-E/MG
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F527-I/MG
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F526-I/MG
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.91 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F506-E/MG
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F527-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16F |
| Core | 8-bit PIC (enhanced 14-bit instruction set) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.5 KB |
| RAM | 68 bytes |
| EEPROM | 64 bytes |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 8 MHz internal oscillator |
| ADC | 8-bit, multi-channel |
| On-chip Op-Amps | 2 |
| Comparators | 2 |
| I/O Pins | Up to 17 |
| Package | 20-pin QFN (4x4 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F527-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — GPIO RA0 / ADC channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — GPIO RA1 / ADC channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — GPIO RA2 / ADC channel 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3 — GPIO RA3 / ADC channel 3 |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — GPIO RA4 |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — GPIO RA5 |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RB0/INT — GPIO RB0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 10 | RB1 — GPIO RB1 |
| Pin 11 | RB2 — GPIO RB2 |
| Pin 12 | RB3 — GPIO RB3 |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — GPIO RB4 |
| Pin 14 | RB5 — GPIO RB5 |
| Pin 15 | RB6 — GPIO RB6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 16 | RB7 — GPIO RB7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — GPIO RC0 |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — GPIO RC1 |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — GPIO RC2 |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — GPIO RC3 |
Typical Applications
PIC16F527-E/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Sensor Signal Conditioning with On-chip Analog, Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes, Smoke and Fire Detector Controllers, Consumer Remote Control Transmitters, Small Appliance Motor Control, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning.
Sensor Signal Conditioning with On-chip Analog
The PIC16F527-E/ML's two integrated op-amps and 8-bit ADC simplify analog sensor interfacing. The op-amps can be configured as transimpedance amplifiers for photodiode current-to-voltage conversion, or as non-inverting gain stages for thermocouple/thermistor bridges, feeding directly into the on-chip ADC. With 1.5 KB Flash and 64 bytes EEPROM, the device can store calibration constants and run linearization algorithms, eliminating external amplifier ICs and reducing BOM cost. Its 8 MHz internal oscillator and 2.0-5.5 V supply range support battery and 3.3 V/5 V regulated rails.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes
The PIC16F527-E/ML is well-suited for low-duty-cycle battery-powered sensor nodes such as PIR motion detectors, smoke detectors, and wireless sensor end-points. Its 2.0 V minimum supply enables single-cell battery operation; the integrated op-amps and ADC reduce external components, lowering quiescent current and BOM cost. The Flash-based program memory supports field firmware updates via ICSP. Extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) accommodates outdoor and industrial environments.
Recommended
Smoke and Fire Detector Controllers
The PIC16F527's analog peripherals (ADC, comparators, op-amps) and 8-bit core are widely used in smoke detector photoelectric chambers and ionization chamber interfaces. The comparators can directly monitor the photo-diode current threshold, while the op-amp amplifies the signal to the ADC. Low power consumption extends battery life in standalone smoke alarms. The extended temperature grade supports installation in attic or garage environments where temperatures can exceed 70C.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control Transmitters
The PIC16F527-E/ML serves as the controller in low-cost IR/RF remote controls. The internal 8 MHz oscillator provides adequate instruction throughput for encoding protocols such as NEC, RC5, or proprietary OOK formats. The Flash memory stores device pairing codes and EEPROM retains user settings through battery swaps. Surface-mount QFN-20 keeps PCB area minimal, enabling slim remote form factors. Low sleep current extends coin-cell battery life.
Recommended
Small Appliance Motor Control
In small appliances (blenders, fans, coffee machines), the PIC16F527-E/ML handles user I/O, sensor monitoring, and basic PWM motor speed control. Its 2 comparators can monitor current or voltage feedback, and the op-amps amplify sense signals before ADC sampling. Extended temperature grade supports under-hood or compressor-mounted electronics. The integrated EEPROM stores user presets and run-time data through power cycles.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16F527-E/ML integrates a 4-20 mA loop interface, sensor excitation, and local data processing in industrial settings. The op-amps convert 4-20 mA sense resistor voltages to ADC-readable levels, while comparators implement window-alarm thresholds. Extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) supports outdoor cabinets and process-control environments. EEPROM stores calibration coefficients for loop transmitter linearization, while Flash supports firmware updates across process equipment vintages.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F527-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F527-I/ML | PIC16F527-E/MG | PIC16F527-I/MG | PIC16F526-I/MG | PIC16F506-E/MG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | QFN-20 (4x4 mm) | QFN-20 (4x4 mm) - same | QFN-20 (4x4 mm) - same | QFN-20 (4x4 mm) - same | QFN-20 (4x4 mm) - same | QFN-20 (4x4 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) |
| Flash Memory | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB |
| 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 | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated dual op-amps and dual comparators eliminate external analog ICs (vs PIC16F505-E/P (lower-pin PIC16F variant without integrated op-amps))
- Extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) suitable for industrial and outdoor installations (vs PIC16F527-I/ML (Industrial grade, -40C to +85C))
- Same QFN-20 footprint across the PIC16F family enables PCB reuse (vs PIC16F527-I/ML, PIC16F527-E/MG, PIC16F526-I/MG)
Design Notes
The QFN-20 package has an exposed thermal pad on the underside (pin 21) that MUST be soldered to the PCB ground plane for thermal dissipation and low-impedance ground return. Per Microchip application note guidelines, use an array of thermal vias under the EP to conduct heat to inner copper layers. A no-clean solder paste with type 4 (20-38 micron) particles is recommended for the 0.4 mm pitch QFN pads.
Do not assume ICSP pins (RB6/RB7) are freely usable as GPIO - they are dedicated to In-Circuit Serial Programming and must remain accessible for firmware updates. Pull-up resistors on RB6/RB7 are recommended to prevent false programming entry. Configure the configuration bits to disable MCLR if MCLR function is not needed, freeing up RA5 as GPIO.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to VDD (pin 7) and a bulk capacitor (1-10 uF) at the supply rail entry point. For ADC accuracy, place a 100 nF capacitor at AVDD/AVSS if available, or use a ferrite bead to isolate the MCU VDD from the ADC reference. The internal 8 MHz oscillator provides +/-1% typical accuracy; switch to a crystal (XT mode) if the UART baud rate requires tighter accuracy.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in provided data; set to unknown. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this part is industrial grade, not automotive qualified.
