PIC16F527-E/SS - 8-bit MCU, 1.5KB Flash, ADC+OpAmps | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F527-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.92 | $0.92 |
| 10 | $0.83 | $8.30 |
| 100 | $0.7 | $70.00 |
| 500 | $0.62 | $310.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.55 | $550.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.49 | $1,470.00 |
PIC16F527-E/SS Overview
A PIC microcontroller is a Harvard-architecture 8-bit RISC processor from Microchip's PIC16 baseline/mid-range family, designed for deterministic instruction execution and ultra-low power embedded control. Within the broader taxonomy, PIC MCUs sit under microcontrollers -> integrated circuits -> semiconductors. The PIC16F527 is specifically positioned as a mixed-signal MCU that fuses analog (ADC, op amps, comparators) with digital control logic, reducing bill-of-materials count and PCB area in sensor-conditioning and signal-generation designs.
Key features include an on-board 8-bit ADC, two operational amplifiers configurable for general-purpose analog signal conditioning, two analog comparators for threshold detection, an internal 8MHz oscillator, and Flash program memory supporting in-circuit serial programming (ICSP). The wide 2.0V-5.5V operating range (per PIC16F527 datasheet 40001652D) supports both 3.3V and 5V rails, while the SSOP-20 footprint allows compact board layouts and is compatible with hand-soldering and standard reflow profiles.
Technically, the PIC16F527 uses a RISC core with a single accumulator (W register) and a fixed instruction cycle of four oscillator clocks, delivering deterministic throughput at 8MHz internal clock. The integrated op amps and comparators are accessible through dedicated I/O pins, allowing the part to replace discrete analog front-end circuits in many cost-sensitive applications. The on-chip Flash memory provides field-upgradeable firmware, and the device supports in-circuit debugging via ICD.
Typical applications include battery chargers, LED lighting controllers, power-supply monitors, sensor signal conditioning, simple motor control, and consumer appliances. The wide operating voltage range and integrated analog make it especially attractive for IoT edge nodes, smoke-detector front-ends, and small appliances where BOM cost matters more than raw MIPS.
When designing with the PIC16F527, plan pin assignments so that the ADC, op-amp, and comparator analog inputs are not adjacent to high-frequency digital switching signals to minimize coupling. Ensure decoupling capacitors are placed close to VDD/VSS pins, and verify the maximum analog input range (typically VDD) for each analog channel per the datasheet.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design considerations not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, helping engineers quickly evaluate the PIC16F527-E/SS for mixed-signal embedded designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F527-E/SS — 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/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Comparators, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature Range, Operational Amplifiers, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F527-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F527T-E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F527-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.47 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F527-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F527T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F527-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F527-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Program Memory | 1.5 KB Flash |
| ADC | 8-bit, integrated |
| Operational Amplifiers | 2 (integrated) |
| Comparators | 2 (integrated) |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (2.5V/3.3V/5V nominal) |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Extended, -E suffix) |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| MSL Level | 1 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16F527-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+ — I/O port RA0 / ADC input AN0 / comparator C1 positive input |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1/C1IN- — I/O port RA1 / ADC input AN1 / comparator C1 negative input |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/C1OUT — I/O port RA2 / ADC input AN2 / comparator C1 output |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/C2IN+ — I/O port RA3 / ADC input AN3 / comparator C2 positive input |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4/OP1+ — I/O port RA4 / ADC input AN4 / op-amp 1 positive input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5/OP1- — I/O port RA5 / ADC input AN5 / op-amp 1 negative input |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 11 | RC0/OP2+ — I/O port RC0 / op-amp 2 positive input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/OP2- — I/O port RC1 / op-amp 2 negative input |
| Pin 13 | RC2/OP2OUT — I/O port RC2 / op-amp 2 output |
| Pin 14 | RC3/C2OUT — I/O port RC3 / comparator C2 output |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — I/O port RC4 |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — I/O port RC5 |
| Pin 17 | RB0/INT — I/O port RB0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 18 | RB1 — I/O port RB1 |
| Pin 19 | RB2 — I/O port RB2 |
| Pin 20 | RB3 — I/O port RB3 |
Typical Applications
PIC16F527-E/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Battery Charger Control, LED Lighting Controllers, Sensor Signal Conditioning, Power Supply Monitors, Consumer Appliance Control, Small Motor Control, Smoke Detector Front-End.
Battery Charger Control
The PIC16F527-E/SS fits battery charger designs because its integrated op amps and comparators perform charge-current sensing and termination-voltage detection without external analog ICs. The 8-bit ADC monitors cell voltage and temperature, while the comparators trigger end-of-charge at user-defined thresholds. With 1.5KB Flash and 8MHz internal oscillator, the MCU executes simple CC/CV charge profiles for single-cell Li-ion or NiMH packs. The wide 2.0V-5.5V operating range supports direct connection to the battery stack, and the SSOP-20 footprint keeps the design compact for portable charger form factors.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16F527-E/SS drives LED lighting controllers by combining PWM outputs with on-chip comparators for current sensing and thermal foldback. The integrated op amps amplify shunt-resistor voltage drops across LED strings, enabling accurate constant-current regulation without external amplifiers. The 8-bit ADC reads ambient light sensors for daylight-harvesting dimming, and the wide 2.5V-5.5V supply range accepts common 3.3V and 5V LED-driver rails. The SSOP-20 package is small enough for retrofit lamp bulbs and downlight fixtures.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16F527-E/SS is ideal for sensor signal conditioning front-ends because its two integrated op amps perform first-stage analog amplification of bridge sensors, thermistors, or photodiodes before the on-chip 8-bit ADC digitizes the result. Two comparators enable threshold-based alarms or window detection. The MCU then linearizes, calibrates, and transmits the reading via UART or PWM. With 1.5KB Flash, it handles simple calibration curves and digital filtering for cost-sensitive IoT sensor nodes in HVAC, environmental monitoring, and industrial-process applications.
Recommended
Power Supply Monitors
The PIC16F527-E/SS monitors power supply rails using its internal comparators to detect undervoltage, overvoltage, and brown-out conditions on multiple rails simultaneously. The on-chip ADC measures load current via shunt resistors, while the MCU computes power-good flags and drives status LEDs. The 2.0V-5.5V operating range allows the part to monitor its own supply as well as downstream rails. The SSOP-20 footprint and low unit cost make it attractive for distributed monitoring in servers, industrial PSUs, and battery-backed systems.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16F527-E/SS controls small consumer appliances such as coffee makers, toasters, fans, and humidifiers. Its integrated op amps condition sensor inputs (temperature, humidity, fluid level), and the comparators detect safety thresholds for auto-shutoff. The 8-bit ADC drives user-interface elements like LED indicators or 7-segment displays via multiplexing. With 1.5KB Flash, simple state machines for on/off, timer, and feedback control fit comfortably. The extended -40C to +125C temperature rating handles kitchen and laundry environments.
Recommended
Small Motor Control
The PIC16F527-E/SS drives small brushed DC motors, fans, and solenoids using PWM outputs for speed or position control, with the integrated op amps amplifying back-EMF or current-sense signals for closed-loop regulation. The two comparators detect stall conditions and trigger protection routines. The 8-bit ADC monitors supply voltage and motor current, while the MCU implements soft-start and torque-limiting algorithms. With SSOP-20 footprint and integrated analog, it replaces multiple discrete components in toys, small pumps, and valve actuators.
Recommended
Smoke Detector Front-End
The PIC16F527-E/SS serves as the analog front-end controller in smoke and gas detector designs. The integrated op amps amplify the photo-diode current from the smoke chamber, the comparators trigger threshold alarms, and the ADC digitizes the chamber signal for trend analysis. The 2.0V-5.5V operating range allows direct 3V battery operation, and the low-power design supports years of battery life in standby. The -E extended temperature rating is required for UL smoke-detector listings.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F527-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F527-I/SS | PIC16F527T-E/SS | PIC16F527-E/SO | PIC16F527-I/SO | PIC16F527T-I/SS | PIC16F527-E/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SSOP-20 | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SOIC-20 - wider body | SOIC-20 - wider body | SSOP-20 - same | PDIP-20 - through-hole |
| Flash Memory | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB |
| ADC | 8-bit integrated | 8-bit integrated | 8-bit integrated | 8-bit integrated | 8-bit integrated | 8-bit integrated | 8-bit integrated |
| Op Amps | 2 integrated | 2 integrated | 2 integrated | 2 integrated | 2 integrated | 2 integrated | 2 integrated |
| Comparators | 2 integrated | 2 integrated | 2 integrated | 2 integrated | 2 integrated | 2 integrated | 2 integrated |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| Operating 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 | 2.0V to 5.5V |
| Packaging Code | Tube | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tube (PDIP) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated dual op amps eliminate external analog ICs (vs PIC16F526-I/SL)
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature range (vs PIC16F527-I/SS)
- SSOP-20 compact footprint vs SOIC-20 (vs PIC16F527-E/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 7) and a bulk capacitor (1-10 uF) at the board's power entry. The PIC16F527 analog peripherals (ADC, op amps, comparators) draw switching transients on VDD that can corrupt ADC readings if not adequately decoupled. For ADC accuracy, add a small ferrite bead or 10 ohm resistor in series with VDD to isolate analog supply noise.
Route analog input traces (AN0-AN5, OP1+/-, OP2+/-, C1IN+/-, C2IN+/-) away from digital switching signals such as PWM outputs and clock traces. Use a ground pour under analog traces and keep trace lengths short to minimize parasitic capacitance. Per Microchip datasheet 40001652D, the analog inputs should be bypassed with small capacitors (10-100 pF) when driving long cables or high-impedance sources to limit RF coupling.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum voltage on any I/O pin (VDD + 0.3V). When using the internal op amps, ensure the output does not drive into saturation during transient conditions - add clamping or feedback resistors to limit output swing. For ICSP programming, dedicate the RB3/PGM and RB6/RB7 pins to programming mode and avoid loading them with circuits that prevent the programmer from driving them high. Always configure unused I/O pins as outputs low to minimize power consumption.
When using the ADC, acquire the input signal with adequate sampling time (TACQ) per datasheet recommendations, especially when driving the ADC from high-impedance sources (>10 kohm). Use the internal op amps as ADC input buffers when the source impedance is too high for direct ADC sampling. For comparator inputs, add RC filtering to prevent false triggering from noise spikes on the input signal.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (automotive grade is in PIC16F1xxx family). Lead-free reflow-compatible per MSL1 rating.
