PIC16F527-I/GZ - 8-Bit MCU 1.5KB Flash 20-UQFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F527-I/GZ β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.95 | $0.95 |
| 10 | $0.85 | $8.50 |
| 100 | $0.72 | $72.00 |
| 500 | $0.62 | $310.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.55 | $550.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.48 | $1,440.00 |
PIC16F527-I/GZ Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller is a RISC-based single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, Harvard memory architecture, and integrated peripherals including timers, ADC, and communication interfaces. PIC microcontrollers belong to the broader family of microcontrollers (MCU), which are programmable semiconductor devices at the foundation of embedded systems design. The PIC16F527 sits in the mid-range PIC16F family and is specifically aimed at cost-sensitive analog-front-end applications where dedicated op-amps and comparators would otherwise be required as separate ICs.
Key features of the PIC16F527-I/GZ include the integrated dual op-amps and dual comparators that operate from the same supply domain as the core, allowing direct sensor-signal conditioning before digitization by the on-chip 8-bit ADC. The device exposes 14 general-purpose I/O pins plus dedicated analog and comparator pins. Brown-out reset, power-on reset, watchdog timer, and an internal oscillator are built in, simplifying BOM. According to the Microchip PIC16F527 datasheet (document 40001652D), the part is available in multiple package options, and the /GZ suffix specifically denotes the 20-pin UQFN with exposed thermal pad.
Typical applications include low-cost sensor signal conditioning, battery chargers, LED lighting control, smoke detectors, and small appliance control boards. The wide 2.0-5.5 V operating range and integrated analog chain make it well-suited to single-cell Li-ion or 2xAA-powered products where board area, BOM cost, and quiescent current are all constrained. Design engineers typically program the device using Microchip's MPLAB X IDE with the XC8 compiler and program/debug via ICSP. The unique information on this page combines distributor pricing tiers, drop-in package-compatible alternatives, and practical design notes beyond what is found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F527-I/GZ 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-I/GZ (same form factor and footprint) β differing in ADC, Core Architecture, Package, I/O Pins, Internal Oscillator.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F527-I/ML
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F527-E/GZ
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F527T-I/GZ
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F526-I/MG
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F506-I/MG
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F527-I/GZ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.5 KB (1024 x 12 words) |
| Data RAM | 64 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not specified in provided snippets |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz instruction rate (5 MIPS) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 14 GPIO |
| ADC | 8-bit on-chip |
| Analog Comparators | 2 on-chip |
| Operational Amplifiers | 2 on-chip |
| Timers | Multiple 8-bit timer/counters |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (on-chip) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Internal Oscillator | Yes |
| ICSP / Debug | ICSP programmable |
| Package | 20-pin UQFN with exposed pad (GZ) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16F527-I/GZ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+/C2IN+ β GPIO RA0 / ADC ch0 / comparator1 positive input / comparator2 positive input |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1/C1IN-/C2IN- β GPIO RA1 / ADC ch1 / comparator1 negative input / comparator2 negative input |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/C1OUT β GPIO RA2 / ADC ch2 / comparator1 output |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/C2OUT β GPIO RA3 / ADC ch3 / comparator2 output |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI β GPIO RA4 / ADC ch4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5 β GPIO RA5 / ADC ch5 |
| Pin 7 | VDD β Positive supply (2.0-5.5 V) |
| Pin 8 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN β External oscillator input / system clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT β External oscillator output / system clock output |
| Pin 11 | RC0/AN8/OPA1IN+ β GPIO RC0 / ADC ch8 / Op-amp1 positive input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/AN9/OPA1IN-/OPA1OUT β GPIO RC1 / ADC ch9 / Op-amp1 negative input & output |
| Pin 13 | RC2/AN10/OPA2IN+ β GPIO RC2 / ADC ch10 / Op-amp2 positive input |
| Pin 14 | RC3/AN11/OPA2IN-/OPA2OUT β GPIO RC3 / ADC ch11 / Op-amp2 negative input & output |
| Pin 15 | RB4 β GPIO RB4 |
| Pin 16 | RB5 β GPIO RB5 |
| Pin 17 | RB6/ICSPCLK β GPIO RB6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 18 | RB7/ICSPDAT β GPIO RB7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 19 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD β Positive supply |
| Pin 21 | EP (exposed pad) β Substrate - must be soldered to board ground plane |
Typical Applications
PIC16F527-I/GZ is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Signal Conditioning, Smoke Detector / CO Sensor Controller, LED Lighting Color and Brightness Control, Small Appliance Control Boards, Industrial Process Monitor (4-20 mA Loop Powered), Hobbyist and Maker Electronics (Educational MCU).
Battery-Powered Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16F527-I/GZ fits sensor-front-end designs that previously required a discrete op-amp, comparator, and ADC pair. Its 2.0-5.5 V operating range directly supports 2xAA or single-cell Li-ion batteries, while the on-chip dual op-amps drive thermistor, photodiode, or strain-gauge bridges before the on-chip 8-bit ADC samples them. Brown-out reset ensures defined startup at low battery. The integrated analog chain eliminates external op-amp/comparator ICs and reduces BOM by 2-3 components per channel.
Recommended
Smoke Detector / CO Sensor Controller
Smoke and CO detectors need low-cost, low-quiescent-current MCUs that can directly drive a piezoelectric buzzer and read an analog ionization chamber or electro-chemical sensor. The PIC16F527-I/GZ's two on-chip comparators detect chamber-signal threshold events, while the integrated op-amp amplifies the low-amplitude sensor signal. Low-power PIC core plus integrated analog makes this part a strong fit for safety-compliance designs where BOM and standby current are critical.
Recommended
LED Lighting Color and Brightness Control
RGB or white LED lighting controllers need accurate constant-current sinks and sometimes analog dimming via PWM or analog voltage. The PIC16F527-I/GZ's PWM timers and on-chip comparators can implement closed-loop current regulation by sensing a shunt resistor and adjusting PWM duty cycle. Wide VDD range supports 3.3 V and 5 V LED-driver designs. Integrated op-amps allow direct photodiode-based ambient-light feedback without external analog ICs.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control Boards
Coffee makers, blenders, fans, and humidifiers all use low-cost 8-bit MCUs for timing, sensor reading, and triac/relay control. The PIC16F527-I/GZ's 14 GPIO, dual comparators, and 8-bit ADC can replace a separate analog-front-end board, fitting 20-pin UQFN packages on tight control-PCB layouts. Industrial-grade -40C to +85C ensures reliability in appliance environments.
Recommended
Industrial Process Monitor (4-20 mA Loop Powered)
Loop-powered 4-20 mA sensor transmitters need ultra-low-quiescent MCUs because the entire supply current is stolen from the loop. The PIC16F527-I/GZ's PIC core and on-chip analog chain can be configured for sub-mA sleep, while op-amp and ADC read loop current or process variables. Wide supply tolerance handles the 12-30 V loop voltage via an external shunt regulator.
Recommended
Hobbyist and Maker Electronics (Educational MCU)
The PIC16F527-I/GZ's breadboard-friendly variants (28-SOIC PIC16F527-E/JP) and integrated analog make it a teaching-friendly MCU for learning analog-mixed signal design. The on-chip op-amps let students experiment with non-inverting amplifiers, integrators, and comparators before adding external ICs. MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler are free downloads.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F527-I/GZ β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F527-I/ML | PIC16F527-E/GZ | PIC16F527T-I/GZ | PIC16F526-I/MG | PIC16F506-I/MG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin UQFN (GZ) 4x4mm | 20-QFN (ML) - QFN family drop-in | 20-UQFN (GZ) - same | 20-UQFN (GZ) - same | 20-QFN (MG) - QFN family drop-in | 20-QFN (MG) - QFN family drop-in |
| Flash Memory | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.0 KB (-33%) | 1.5 KB |
| Data RAM | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 68 bytes (+6%) | 67 bytes |
| On-chip Op-Amps | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 (different feature set) | 0 (different feature set) |
| Comparators | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 (-50%) | 1 (-50%) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C (extended) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Max CPU Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated dual op-amps on-chip (vs PIC16F506-I/MG)
- Higher op-amp count than PIC16F526 family (vs PIC16F526-I/MG)
- Industrial -40C to +85C vs PIC16F505 hobbyist grade (vs PIC16F505-I/P)
Design Notes
The 20-pin UQFN (GZ) package has an exposed thermal pad (EP) on the underside that MUST be soldered to a board ground plane for proper thermal dissipation and substrate grounding. Use at least 4 thermal vias under the EP to a bottom-layer ground pour to keep junction temperature within safe limits. Estimate: at 20 MHz, 5 V, with all GPIO toggling, IDD is roughly 5-8 mA; thermal rise is negligible at these currents but the EP is still required for electrical grounding of the silicon substrate.
Do not configure the on-chip op-amps to drive external loads beyond the datasheet's source/sink capability (typically a few hundred uA); the op-amps are intended as high-impedance-input, low-drive-output stages feeding the on-chip ADC. If your design requires driving a low-impedance load, add an external buffer op-amp such as MCP6002. Estimated: op-amp output is rated for ~50 pF and ~5 kohm loads; heavy loads will cause distortion.
Brown-out reset (BOR) and power-on reset (POR) defaults are configured in the configuration word; verify BOR is enabled in your application. At slow VDD rise times (>50 ms), BOR may not trip correctly. Add an external reset supervisor such as MCP100 if your power rail has very slow ramp characteristics. Place 100 nF decoupling VDD-VSS as close to pins 7/19 and 20/8 as the layout allows, plus a 10 uF bulk cap near the IC.
Keep analog signal traces (AN0-AN11, op-amp inputs, comparator inputs) short and away from digital switching traces (OSC1, OSC2, GPIO switching). Use a guard ring tied to analog ground around sensitive analog input pins. Keep the AGND and DGND connection point under the IC EP; avoid creating a ground loop by routing AGND around the IC.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliance confirmed per Microchip product page. Halogen-free status not specified in provided snippets; marked unknown. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the standard /I (industrial) grade does not target automotive. For automotive, step up to AEC-Q100-qualified parts in PIC16F18xxx or dsPIC33 families.
