PIC16F527-I/P - 8-Bit 20MHz Flash MCU w/ ADC & Dual Op-Amps
MPN: PIC16F527-I/P β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.74 | $1.74 |
| 10 | $1.56 | $15.60 |
| 100 | $1.21 | $121.00 |
| 500 | $1.02 | $510.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.86 | $860.00 |
PIC16F527-I/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, program memory, data memory, and integrated peripherals. Within the embedded hierarchy, MCUs sit between fixed-function logic ICs and full microprocessors (MPUs): PIC16 MCUs are Microchip's baseline 14-bit instruction word family, optimized for cost-sensitive analog-rich applications, and the PIC16F527 specifically targets sensor conditioning and closed-loop control with on-chip analog front-end building blocks.
Key features include 17 general-purpose I/O pins, an 8 MHz internal oscillator with PLL option, nanoWatt power management, an integrated 8-bit ADC with 8 input channels, two rail-to-rail op-amps, two comparators with hysteresis, and an 8 x 8 hardware multiplier. The wide 2.0V to 5.5V operating voltage supports both 3.3V and 5V systems.
Typical applications include sensor signal conditioning, battery chargers, LED lighting control, small motor control, power supply monitoring, and low-cost consumer appliance controllers. The integrated op-amps and comparators eliminate the need for external analog ICs in transducer interface designs.
When designing with this device, ensure decoupling capacitors (100 nF + 10 uF) are placed within 5 mm of VDD/AVDD pins. The internal oscillator accuracy is typically +/- 2% over voltage and temperature, so time-critical protocols may require an external crystal.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F527-I/P 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/P (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, ADC, I/O Pins, Core Architecture, Internal Oscillator.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F527-I/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F527-I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F527T-I/SS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.74 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F526-I/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.85 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F505-I/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F527-E/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F527-I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 (enhanced 14-bit RISC) |
| Data Bus Width | 8-bit |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.5 KB (1K x 14) |
| RAM | 68 bytes |
| EEPROM | 64 bytes |
| Max CPU Speed | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 17 |
| ADC | 8-bit, 8 channels |
| Operational Amplifiers | 2 (on-chip) |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz (with PLL to 32 MHz) |
| Timers | 3 (8-bit Timer0/Timer2 + 16-bit Timer1) |
| Package | 20-pin PDIP (P) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Operating Temperature (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F527-I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5/T1CKI/OSC1/CLKIN β GPIO RA5 / Timer1 clock input / oscillator input |
| Pin 2 | RA4/T1G/OSC2/CLKOUT β GPIO RA4 / Timer1 gate / oscillator output |
| Pin 3 | RA3/MCLR/VPP β GPIO RA3 / Master Clear (reset) / programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | RC5 β GPIO RC5 |
| Pin 5 | RC4 β GPIO RC4 |
| Pin 6 | RC3 β GPIO RC3 |
| Pin 7 | RC2 β GPIO RC2 |
| Pin 8 | RC1 β GPIO RC1 |
| Pin 9 | RC0 β GPIO RC0 |
| Pin 10 | RB7 β GPIO RB7 |
| Pin 11 | RB6 β GPIO RB6 |
| Pin 12 | RB5 β GPIO RB5 |
| Pin 13 | RB4 β GPIO RB4 |
| Pin 14 | RB3 β GPIO RB3 |
| Pin 15 | RB2 β GPIO RB2 |
| Pin 16 | RB1 β GPIO RB1 |
| Pin 17 | RB0 β GPIO RB0 / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 18 | VDD β Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 19 | VSS β Ground |
| Pin 20 | RA0 β GPIO RA0 |
Typical Applications
PIC16F527-I/P is suitable for 7 applications: Sensor Signal Conditioning, Battery Chargers, LED Lighting Control, Small Motor Control (Brushed DC), Power Supply Monitoring, Consumer Appliance Controllers, Industrial Sensor Interfaces.
Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16F527-I/P is ideal for sensor signal conditioning because it integrates two on-chip rail-to-rail operational amplifiers and two comparators alongside the 8-bit ADC in a single 20-pin PDIP package. Engineers can connect a bridge sensor or thermistor directly to the input pins and use the integrated op-amps for first-stage amplification without external analog ICs. The 20 MHz CPU executes the linearization and temperature compensation algorithm in real time, while the 1.5 KB Flash holds the calibration lookup table. Compared to a discrete op-amp + MCU solution, this integration reduces BOM count by 2-3 components and shrinks PCB area by approximately 30%.
Recommended
Battery Chargers
The PIC16F527-I/P fits battery charger designs where its 2.0V-5.5V operating range, integrated ADC, and dual comparators monitor cell voltage and current without external analog components. The 8-bit ADC samples Vbat and Icharge at sufficient rates for CC-CV charge profiles, while the comparators trigger over-voltage and over-current protection interrupts to the CPU. The 1.5 KB Flash supports CC-CV state machines and battery chemistry profiles (Li-Ion, NiMH, lead-acid). The PDIP-20 package suits through-hole charger modules for hobbyist and industrial markets where hand-assembly and field replacement are common.
Recommended
LED Lighting Control
The PIC16F527-I/P drives LED lighting systems using its PWM-capable Timer0/Timer2 peripherals and integrated analog for current sensing. The op-amps condition the current-sense resistor signal while the ADC reads thermistor input for thermal foldback protection. At 20 MHz the MCU generates smooth multi-channel PWM dimming without flicker, and the 8 MHz internal oscillator saves a crystal in cost-sensitive fixtures. The wide 2.0V-5.5V VDD accepts direct power from 3.3V or 5V supplies used in architectural and decorative LED installations. The 64-byte EEPROM stores brightness presets and color mixing curves across power cycles.
Recommended
Small Motor Control (Brushed DC)
The PIC16F527-I/P controls small brushed DC motors via PWM on Timer2 with closed-loop current feedback using the integrated op-amps and ADC. The 20 MHz CPU handles back-EMF sensing and PID control loops at update rates suitable for fans, pumps, and small appliances. The two comparators detect stall conditions and over-current events for hardware-level protection independent of firmware execution. The PDIP-20 package is breadboard-friendly for prototyping motor-control firmware before committing to surface-mount designs. With 1.5 KB Flash the MCU fits complete speed-control and soft-start algorithms.
Recommended
Power Supply Monitoring
The PIC16F527-I/P monitors multi-rail power supplies using its 8-channel ADC to measure Vout, Iout, and temperature while the integrated comparators trigger fault flags for over-voltage and under-voltage conditions. The 200 ns instruction cycle allows fast response to transient events, and the nanoWatt sleep modes reduce quiescent current to under 1 uA for always-on supervisor functions. The 64-byte EEPROM logs fault history and trim settings. The PDIP-20 package suits 1U server PSUs and ATX peripheral monitoring boards where through-hole assembly remains preferred for serviceability.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Controllers
The PIC16F527-I/P serves as a low-cost controller in small consumer appliances such as coffee makers, irons, and kitchen timers where integrated analog reduces the BOM. The two op-amps interface directly to NTC temperature sensors and current-sense resistors, the comparators detect zero-crossing of AC mains for triac timing, and the 8-bit ADC reads user potentiometer inputs. The 1.5 KB Flash holds appliance state machines with EEPROM-backed user preferences. The wide 2.0V-5.5V VDD range tolerates unregulated wall-adapter supplies. The PDIP-20 package suits hand-assembled appliance boards and simplifies field service replacement.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interfaces
The PIC16F527-I/P operates in industrial 4-20 mA loop-powered sensor transmitters where its 2.0V-5.5V range starts up at low loop currents and its integrated op-amps condition the sensor signal before ADC sampling. The two comparators detect loop-current faults and cable-break conditions for diagnostics. The industrial -40C to +85C operating range covers outdoor and cabinet-mounted installations. With 1.5 KB Flash the MCU fits linearization, scaling, and HART-like protocol encoding. The 20-pin PDIP package simplifies through-hole industrial module assembly and supports conformal coating processes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F527-I/P β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F527-I/SS | PIC16F527-I/SO | PIC16F527-E/P | PIC16F526-I/P | PIC16F505-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | PDIP-20 | SSOP-20 | SOIC-20 | PDIP-20 | PDIP-20 | PDIP-20 |
| Flash Memory | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB |
| RAM | 68 bytes | 68 bytes | 68 bytes | 68 bytes | 67 bytes | 72 bytes |
| On-chip Op-Amps | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Comparators | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| ADC Resolution | 8-bit, 8 channels | 8-bit, 8 channels | 8-bit, 8 channels | 8-bit, 8 channels | 8-bit, 8 channels | 8-bit, 8 channels |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated dual op-amps and dual comparators eliminate 2-3 external analog ICs (vs PIC16F505-I/P)
- SSOP-20 surface-mount variant available with identical silicon (vs PIC16F527-I/SS)
- Extended temperature variant available for harsh environments (vs PIC16F527-E/P)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 18) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the VSS pin (pin 19). If using the AVDD separate analog supply, decouple it with an additional 100 nF + 10 uF pair. The integrated op-amps draw additional supply current (typically 0.5 mA per amplifier at 5V), so size the bulk capacitor to handle the combined digital + analog inrush during ADC sampling. In battery applications, the nanoWatt sleep mode drops quiescent current below 1 uA when the MCU is idle.
Keep analog input traces short and routed away from digital switching signals (PWM outputs, oscillator pins). Use a ground plane split under the analog section if noise is observed; otherwise a single uninterrupted ground plane works for 8-bit ADC resolution. Place the ICSP header (ICSPCLK on RB6, ICSPDAT on RB7) at the board edge with 0.1 inch pin spacing for PICkit compatibility. The MCLR pin (RA3/MCLR/VPP, pin 3) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation; add a 100 nF capacitor in series if using ICSP to allow the debugger to drive reset.
The internal oscillator is factory-calibrated to +/- 2% at 5V/25C but can drift +/- 5% across the full -40C to +85C industrial range and +/- 10% at 2.0V VDD. Do not use the internal oscillator for UART baud-rate generation or any timing-critical protocol without verifying margin across temperature and voltage corners. For time-sensitive applications, add an external crystal on OSC1/OSC2 (pins 1-2). Configuration word bits must be set correctly: enable the internal oscillator, disable the watchdog timer if not used, and select the BOR voltage threshold appropriate for your VDD rail.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Lead-free and halogen-free per the device material declaration. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; choose PIC16F527-E/P for extended temperature or contact Microchip for automotive-grade variants.
