PIC16F527T-I/SS - 8-bit PIC MCU, 1.5KB Flash, 20MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F527T-I/SS β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.18 | $1.18 |
| 10 | $1.06 | $10.60 |
| 100 | $0.95 | $95.00 |
| 500 | $0.87 | $435.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.8 | $800.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.74 | $2,220.00 |
PIC16F527T-I/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that combines a CPU core, program and data memory, peripheral set, and I/O on one die. Within the broader semiconductor hierarchy, MCUs belong to the embedded processor class; PIC16F527 specifically sits inside Microchip's baseline PIC16 family using a 12-bit instruction word and 200 ns instruction execution, which sits under the 8-bit RISC umbrella and ultimately under embedded computing. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Key features include 1.5KB (1K x 12) of self-programmable Flash, 68 bytes of RAM, an 8-bit A/D converter, two on-chip comparators, two operational amplifiers, an internal 8MHz RC oscillator (with 20MHz max instruction clock from external), and a wide 2.0-5.5V operating range. The /SS suffix denotes the SSOP-20 package, while the trailing T indicates tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume assembly.
Technically, the PIC16F527 uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, which lets it fetch instructions while simultaneously reading data. The integrated analog peripherals eliminate external op-amps and comparators, reducing PCB area and BOM cost for sensor-conditioning and closed-loop control designs.
Typical applications include sensor signal conditioning, battery-powered low-cost control, capacitive touch sensing, switch-mode power supply housekeeping, and consumer appliance control. The combination of on-chip analog + 8-bit core is uniquely suited to mixed-signal designs that must minimize external components.
When designing with the PIC16F527, remember the SSOP-20 footprint requires PCB layout that follows Microchip's recommended land pattern, and the internal oscillator accuracy (typically Β±1% after calibration) may be inadequate for asynchronous serial communications without external crystal.
This page consolidates pricing tiers, drop-in same-package replacements, side-by-side comparison data, and engineering guidance tailored for design engineers evaluating this MCU for new designs or as a pin-compatible second source.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F527T-I/SS 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 PIC16F527T-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) β differing in I/O Pins, Package, ADC, 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-E/SS
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F527-I/GZ
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.48 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F527T-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory | 1.5 KB Flash (1K x 12 words) |
| Data Memory (RAM) | 68 bytes |
| Instruction Word Width | 12 bits |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns (5 MHz instruction rate) at 20 MHz clock |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz RC (Β±1% typical after calibration) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 17 (approx., per 20-pin SSOP) |
| ADC | 8-bit, multi-channel |
| Comparators | 2 on-chip |
| Operational Amplifiers | 2 on-chip |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body width) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial, /I suffix) |
| Packaging Form | Tape and Reel (T suffix) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F527T-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+/OPA1IN+ β Digital I/O / ADC input / comparator input / op-amp input |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1/C1IN-/OPA1IN- β Digital I/O / ADC input / comparator input / op-amp input |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/C2IN+/OPA2IN+ β Digital I/O / ADC input / comparator input / op-amp input |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/C2IN-/OPA2IN- β Digital I/O / ADC input / comparator input / op-amp input |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4/C1OUT/OPA1OUT β Digital I/O / ADC input / comparator output / op-amp output |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5/C2OUT/OPA2OUT β Digital I/O / ADC input / comparator output / op-amp output |
| Pin 7 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RB0/ICSPDAT β Digital I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 9 | RB1/ICSPCLK β Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 10 | RB2 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB3/MCLR β Digital I/O / Master Clear (reset) |
| Pin 12 | RB4 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB5 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB6/AN6 β Digital I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 15 | RB7/AN7 β Digital I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 16 | VDD β Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 17 | RC0 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 18 | RC1 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 19 | RC2 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 20 | RC3 β Digital I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC16F527T-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Conditioning, Capacitive Touch Sensing, SMPS Housekeeping & Monitoring, Consumer Appliance Control, LED Lighting Driver Control, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety).
Battery-Powered Sensor Conditioning
The PIC16F527T-I/SS is uniquely suited to battery-powered sensor nodes because its two on-chip op-amps eliminate the external signal-conditioning circuitry that would otherwise drain quiescent current. Operating from 2.0V to 5.5V, it runs directly from a single Li-ion or 2xAA cell stack with no LDO required for low VIN rails. The integrated 8-bit ADC samples the conditioned sensor signal at the 20 MHz instruction rate, while the 8 MHz internal RC oscillator provides the timing reference without external crystals. Compared to a discrete op-amp + external ADC + 8-bit MCU approach, this single-chip solution cuts BOM by 3-4 components and total quiescent current by 30-50%. The SSOP-20 footprint suits compact wearable and IoT sensor PCBs.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch Sensing
The PIC16F527T-I/SS implements capacitive touch sensing by using its on-chip comparators and op-amps to detect small capacitance changes on sense electrodes without dedicated touch hardware. The 200 ns instruction execution supports fast charge/discharge cycle measurements across multiple touch pads, while the 17 I/O pins accommodate up to 8-12 touch channels plus LED feedback. The wide 2.0-5.5V operating range enables both 3.3V and 5V touch panel designs from a single MCU. Compared to discrete touch-IC + MCU solutions, this integrated approach reduces PCB area and BOM cost while leveraging Microchip's mTouch software library.
Recommended
SMPS Housekeeping & Monitoring
Switch-mode power supplies benefit from the PIC16F527T-I/SS as a low-cost housekeeping controller that monitors output voltage, current, and temperature via its 8-bit ADC and dual comparators. The two integrated op-amps can implement current-sense amplification and soft-start ramp generation, replacing external analog ICs. The 20 MHz instruction rate handles digital control loops at typical switching frequencies up to 100 kHz. The SSOP-20 package fits secondary-side housekeeping PCBs in AC-DC and DC-DC converters. Compared to using a dedicated analog controller, this approach adds digital communication and telemetry capability at minimal incremental cost.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16F527T-I/SS targets low-to-mid complexity consumer appliances - small kitchen appliances, personal care devices, and simple HVAC controls - where its integrated analog reduces external component count. The 1.5KB Flash holds typical appliance state machines, while the 8-bit ADC reads temperature sensors, potentiometers, or current shunts. The dual comparators implement over-current and over-temperature protection without external supervisor ICs. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) handles appliance thermal environments. Compared to higher-pin-count PIC16F1xxx parts, this MCU minimizes PCB area and per-unit cost in cost-sensitive consumer designs.
Recommended
LED Lighting Driver Control
LED driver applications use the PIC16F527T-I/SS as a digital controller for dimming, color mixing, and thermal management of LED arrays. The two on-chip op-amps can implement constant-current driver feedback loops, while the dual comparators enable PWM dimming and over-temperature shutdown. The 8-bit ADC samples light sensor and temperature inputs for closed-loop brightness control. Compared to dedicated LED driver ICs, this MCU-based approach enables dynamic lighting effects, remote control, and smart-home integration at minimal additional cost. The SSOP-20 package fits compact driver PCB form factors used in architectural and accent lighting.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
Non-safety automotive body electronics - interior lighting controllers, seat position sensors, mirror adjusters, and accessory modules - benefit from the PIC16F527T-I/SS industrial-grade temperature range and integrated analog. The on-chip op-amps condition position-sensor signals, while the ADC reads switch inputs and potentiometers. Although this part is not AEC-Q100 qualified, designers can use it for non-safety automotive subsystems where the industrial -40C to +85C range meets under-dash thermal requirements. Compared to automotive-qualified PIC16F1xxx parts, this MCU offers cost savings in non-safety body electronics applications.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F527T-I/SS β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F527-I/SS | PIC16F527-E/SS | PIC16F527-I/GZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SSOP-20 (5.30 mm) | SSOP-20 (5.30 mm) - same | SSOP-20 (5.30 mm) - same | SSOP-20 (5.30 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 1.5 KB Flash | 1.5 KB Flash | 1.5 KB Flash | 1.5 KB Flash |
| RAM | 68 bytes | 68 bytes | 68 bytes | 68 bytes |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| 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 |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Integrated Op-Amps | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Packaging Form | Tape and Reel (T) | Tube | Tube or Tape (variant) | Tube or Tape (GZ suffix) |
| Approx. Unit Price (1 pc) | $1.18 | ~$1.18 | ~$1.30 | ~$1.20 |
Key Differentiators
- Two integrated operational amplifiers on-chip (vs PIC16F526T-I/MG)
- Integrated analog (ADC + comparators + op-amps) in a single MCU (vs PIC10F200 baseline PIC)
- 12-bit instruction word baseline architecture with Flash (vs PIC16C505 OTP baseline)
Design Notes
The PIC16F527T-I/SS operates from 2.0-5.5V and draws typical active current in the low-mA range at 20 MHz. For battery-powered designs, leverage the SLEEP/IDLE modes to drop quiescent current to the datasheet-specified sleep value. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin, plus a bulk 1-10 uF capacitor if the supply rail is shared with switching loads. The internal 8 MHz RC oscillator eliminates the external crystal and its associated quiescent current.
For the SSOP-20 package, follow Microchip's recommended land pattern with thermal pad stitching if high GPIO toggle rates are used. Route the ICSPDAT and ICSPCLK lines (RB0/RB1) away from switching power traces to prevent programming/debugging interference. Place analog inputs (RA0-RA5) on inner PCB layers if possible to reduce coupled noise from digital I/O; add a ground guard ring around sensitive analog traces.
Do not assume the internal 8 MHz RC oscillator is accurate enough for UART baud rates without calibration - perform OSCTUNE calibration in firmware or use an external crystal. The 12-bit instruction word means each Flash word is 12 bits (not 14 or 16 like mid-range PIC), so ensure your C compiler / assembler is configured for baseline PIC16F devices. The MCLR pin (RB3) must be pulled high via a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation; leaving it floating causes intermittent resets.
At 20 MHz and 5.5V VDD, the PIC16F527T-I/SS dissipation is typically under 50 mW, well within SSOP-20 thermal limits without forced cooling. Estimated: SSOP-20 theta_JA is approximately 100 C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC test board, yielding a 5 C rise above ambient at full-clock operation. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature range is achievable without derating under standard conditions.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16F1xxx AEC-Q100 parts for automotive safety applications.
