PIC16F59T-I/PT - 8-Bit 20MHz 3KB Flash MCU, 32 I/O | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F59T-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.45 | $3.45 |
| 10 | $3.12 | $31.20 |
| 100 | $2.78 | $278.00 |
| 500 | $2.45 | $1,225.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.18 | $2,180.00 |
PIC16F59T-I/PT Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and peripherals on a single silicon die. Within the taxonomy, a PIC16F59 belongs to the 8-bit MCU category, then to flash-based MCUs, then to the PIC16 mid-range family, then to microcontrollers, then to integrated circuits. Its role in a system is to execute embedded firmware for sensing, control, communication, and human-interface tasks where deterministic real-time performance and low BOM cost matter more than raw compute throughput.
Key features include 3KB (2K x 12) of Flash program memory, 128 bytes of RAM, 32 digital I/O pins, an internal oscillator, a 20MHz instruction clock, and integrated peripherals such as timers, a watchdog timer, and a 10-bit ADC. Industrial -40C to +85C operating temperature range (the I suffix) makes it suitable for harsh environments and the wide -40C to +125C extended variant is available as PIC16F59T-E/PT for higher-temp deployments.
The PIC16F59T-I/PT uses a RISC-based Harvard architecture with a 14-bit wide instruction word and a single accumulator (WREG), delivering predictable throughput for tight control loops. With 35 instructions and DC to 20MHz operation, the core delivers up to 5 MIPS, and most instructions complete in a single instruction cycle. The Flash-based program memory supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) for field upgrades.
Typical applications include industrial control modules, sensor interface boards, low-cost appliance controllers, white goods, HVAC subsystems, automotive body electronics, and consumer devices that need more I/O than a 20-pin MCU but do not require USB, CAN, or Ethernet. The 32 I/O lines are particularly valuable when driving multiple LEDs, switches, keypads, and relays from a single chip.
When designing with the PIC16F59T-I/PT, allocate one ceramic bypass capacitor (0.1 uF) close to the VDD pin and a bulk capacitor (10 uF) on the supply rail. Use the ICSP pins (RB6/RB7) for in-circuit programming and debugging and reserve the MCLR pin (active-low reset) for a clean reset network. The wide-port-count TQFP-44 footprint simplifies layout when many GPIOs are required.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package and cross-brand alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, including thermal behavior, ICSP layout guidance, and a parametric comparison against PIC16F59 family variants and competitor MCUs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F59T-I/PT — 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 PIC16F59T-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature Range, Package, Program Memory Size, RAM Size, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F59-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F59-E/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F59T-E/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F59-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F59-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F59T-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Core Architecture | PIC16 (Enhanced Mid-Range 14-bit RISC) |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12) |
| RAM Size | 128 B |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| Number of I/O Pins | 32 |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, I grade) |
| Package Type | TQFP-44 (PT), 10x10 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Peripherals | Timers, Watchdog Timer, 10-bit ADC |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
PIC16F59T-I/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O, Port A bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O, Port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Active-low reset, ICSP programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O, Port A bit 0 |
| Pin 7 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O, Port A bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O, Port A bit 5 |
| Pin 9 | RE0 — Bidirectional I/O, Port E bit 0 |
| Pin 10 | RE1 — Bidirectional I/O, Port E bit 1 |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKIN — External oscillator input or crystal connection |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKOUT — External oscillator output or clock out |
| Pin 15 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O, Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 16 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O, Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 17 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O, Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 18 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O, Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 19 | RD0 — Bidirectional I/O, Port D bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | RD1 — Bidirectional I/O, Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RD2 — Bidirectional I/O, Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RD3 — Bidirectional I/O, Port D bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O, Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 24 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O, Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 25 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O, Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 26 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O, Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 27 | RD4 — Bidirectional I/O, Port D bit 4 |
| Pin 28 | RD5 — Bidirectional I/O, Port D bit 5 |
| Pin 29 | RD6 — Bidirectional I/O, Port D bit 6 |
| Pin 30 | RD7 — Bidirectional I/O, Port D bit 7 |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 33 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O / External interrupt input |
| Pin 34 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O, Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 35 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O, Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 36 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O, Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 37 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O, Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 38 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O, Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 39 | RB6/ICSPCLK — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 40 | RB7/ICSPDAT — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 41 | RE2 — Bidirectional I/O, Port E bit 2 |
| Pin 42 | RE3 — Bidirectional I/O, Port E bit 3 |
| Pin 43 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O, Port A bit 6 |
| Pin 44 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O, Port A bit 7 |
Typical Applications
PIC16F59T-I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Board, White Goods Appliance Controller, HVAC Thermostat Control Module, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Consumer LED Lighting Controller, Battery-Powered Remote Sensor Node.
Industrial Sensor Interface Board
The PIC16F59T-I/PT is well-suited for industrial sensor interface boards because its 32 digital I/O pins can directly multiplex multiple analog sensor inputs through external MUX ICs, drive status LEDs, and trigger relays. Operating from a single 5V rail with 4.5-5.5V tolerance, the MCU accepts the typical 24V industrial bus through a regulator while the 20 MHz clock delivers up to 5 MIPS for sampling loops. The 3 KB Flash holds calibration tables, lookup conversions, and Modbus RTU framing firmware comfortably.
Recommended
White Goods Appliance Controller
In washing machines, dishwashers, and ovens the PIC16F59T-I/PT drives up to 32 I/O lines for relays, triac gating, keypads, and LED/LCD displays. The 20 MHz clock supports multi-segment display multiplexing and rotary encoder decoding at adequate sample rates, while the 128-byte RAM is sufficient for state machines that track wash cycles and user settings. Its industrial -40C to +85C rating tolerates the heat inside an appliance cabinet, and the ICSP interface enables end-of-line firmware customization for regional variants.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat Control Module
HVAC thermostats benefit from PIC16F59T-I/PT's 32 I/O pins to drive a graphical or segmented LCD, scan a capacitive touch keypad, and read multiple temperature/humidity sensors. The MCU's low-power Sleep mode extends battery life in wireless thermostats, while the industrial temperature range ensures reliable operation in unconditioned spaces. The 14-bit PIC16 instruction set simplifies state-machine firmware for proportional-integral control loops and schedule logic.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
Within automotive body controllers for window lifts, mirror adjusters, and interior lighting, PIC16F59T-I/PT drives power-FET gates, reads switch inputs, and implements debounced PWM for dimming. The 20 MHz instruction rate handles LIN-bus bit-banging over a UART when no hardware LIN peripheral is available, and the 32 I/O count accommodates multiple actuators. For under-hood or near-engine deployments where ambient temperatures exceed 85C, the PIC16F59T-E/PT variant should be substituted.
Recommended
Consumer LED Lighting Controller
Architectural and decorative LED controllers that need to drive 16 to 32 PWM channels pair well with PIC16F59T-I/PT's 32 I/O count, where software PWM at 20 MHz can produce flicker-free dimming with sufficient bit depth. The 5V native supply matches constant-current LED driver inputs, and the 3 KB Flash comfortably stores show sequences, color presets, and DMX-512 address parsing. The compact TQFP-44 footprint also enables a small PCB suitable for inline LED strip controllers.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Sensor Node
Although PIC16F59T-I/PT operates from 4.5-5.5V, with a small boost regulator or 6V battery pack it powers wireless sensor nodes where its Sleep mode reduces quiescent current to a few microamps. The 20 MHz clock wakes the MCU quickly for periodic transmissions, and the 32 I/O pins accommodate multiple sensor interfaces. The wide industrial temperature range suits agricultural, environmental, and asset-tracking deployments in unconditioned outdoor enclosures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F59T-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F59-I/PT | PIC16F59-E/PT | PIC16F59T-E/PT | PIC16F59-I/P | PIC16F59-E/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | TQFP-44 (PT) | TQFP-44 (PT) - same | TQFP-44 (PT) - same | TQFP-44 (PT) - same | TQFP-44 (PT) - same | TQFP-44 (PT) - same |
| Program Memory | 3 KB Flash | 3 KB Flash | 3 KB Flash | 3 KB Flash | 3 KB Flash | 3 KB Flash |
| RAM | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B |
| I/O Pins | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) |
| Shipping Carrier | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tray | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tray |
Key Differentiators
- 32 GPIO pins on TQFP-44 footprint (vs PIC16F57-I/P)
- Industrial temperature grade from factory (vs PIC16F59T-E/PT)
- Tape-and-reel packaging for SMT assembly (vs PIC16F59-I/PT)
Design Notes
Estimated: Place a 0.1 uF ceramic bypass capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin (pins 11 and 32) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the supply rail. Use a wide ground pour under the TQFP-44 footprint to provide thermal relief; the estimated theta_JA is around 50 C/W for the 10x10 mm TQFP package. The exposed pad on this TQFP is the die flag and should be soldered to a thermal land on the PCB for best thermal performance.
Route the OSC1/OSC2 traces short and symmetric with a ground guard ring if using a crystal; this minimizes EMI pickup on the oscillator. For higher-speed 20 MHz operation, place a 1 M-ohm feedback resistor across OSC1/OSC2 when using a low-frequency crystal, as recommended in the Microchip PIC16F5x oscillator design note. ICSP clock/data lines on RB6/RB7 should be kept short and away from switching nodes to avoid programming glitches in noisy environments.
Do not leave the MCLR pin floating - always tie it through a 10 k-ohm pull-up to VDD with a 100 nF capacitor to ground for noise immunity. Config bits must be set correctly to enable the watchdog timer in noisy industrial environments; failure to do so is a common cause of field resets. The PIC16F59 does not have an internal oscillator in some mask revisions - verify the configuration bits select an appropriate clock source before locking the part.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page. PIC16F59T-I/PT is not AEC-Q100 qualified - it is industrial grade only. For automotive body electronics where AEC-Q100 is required, consult Microchip's automotive-grade PIC portfolio.
