PIC16F610-E/ML - 8-bit MCU 1.75KB Flash 16VQFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F610-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.92 | $0.92 |
| 10 | $0.85 | $8.50 |
| 100 | $0.78 | $78.00 |
| 500 | $0.69 | $345.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.61 | $610.00 |
PIC16F610-E/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), working memory (RAM), and a rich set of peripherals such as timers, ADCs, communication interfaces (UART/SPI/I2C), and GPIO. PIC microcontrollers use a RISC Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, executed from Flash memory via an instruction pipeline. PIC MCUs are categorized as 8-bit microcontrollers and belong to the broader family of embedded controllers used in everything from automotive ECUs to battery-powered IoT sensors.
The PIC16F610's nanoWatt technology portfolio features low-power sleep modes (typically under 1 uA), an internal 8 MHz oscillator, an 8-channel 10-bit ADC, two comparators, and enhanced PWM/capture modules, all in a compact QFN footprint suitable for space-constrained designs. Its 11 general-purpose I/O pins support digital and analog functions, and the device offers in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) for in-system firmware updates.
Architecturally, the PIC16F610 uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range 14-bit instruction set, providing C-friendly addressing modes, hardware stack, and interrupt controller. The exposed thermal pad on the VQFN package improves thermal dissipation and electrical grounding, while the wide operating voltage supports both 3.3V and 5V system designs typical of consumer, industrial, and automotive subsystems.
Typical applications include LED lighting controllers, sensor signal conditioning, low-power battery management, security and alarm panels, appliance control, and small motor drivers. Its small QFN package suits compact designs where PCB real estate is critical. The internal oscillator eliminates the need for an external crystal in many cost-sensitive applications.
When designing with the PIC16F610-E/ML, ensure proper decoupling with at least 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed close to VDD, and consider the exposed pad for ground and thermal relief. The 'E' suffix indicates the extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C), which makes this part suitable for automotive and industrial environments. Engineers typically use MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler for firmware development.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found on a single manufacturer datasheet - enabling faster sourcing and PCB-level replacement decisions for engineers.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F610-E/ML — 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 PIC16F610-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, ADC, Core Architecture, Internal Oscillator.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F610-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F610T-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F616-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F616-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.16 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16HV610-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.24 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F610-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Flash Microcontroller |
| Core Architecture | PIC16 (Enhanced Mid-Range 14-bit instruction set) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) |
| RAM | 64 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 11 |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (Extended 'E' grade) |
| Internal Oscillator | Yes (8 MHz typical, factory calibrated) |
| ADC | 8-channel 10-bit |
| Comparators | 2 |
| PWM Modules | Enhanced CCP (1 module) |
| Timers | Timer0, Timer1 (16-bit capable) |
| Package | 16-pin VQFN with Exposed Pad (ML) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tube |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) | Yes |
| nanoWatt Power Management | Yes (low-power sleep modes) |
PIC16F610-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+/ICSPDAT — Bidirectional I/O; analog input AN0; comparator input; ICSP data |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1/C1IN-/VREF — Bidirectional I/O; analog input AN1; comparator reference |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/T0CKI/INT/C1OUT — Bidirectional I/O; analog input; Timer0 clock; external interrupt; comparator output |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/C1IN+/MCLR/VPP — Input only; analog input; comparator input; Master Clear reset (active low); ICSP voltage |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4/T1G/OSC2/CLKOUT — Bidirectional I/O; analog input; Timer1 gate; oscillator output; clock output |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5/T1CKI/OSC1/CLKIN — Bidirectional I/O; analog input; Timer1 clock; oscillator input; clock input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RC0/AN6/C2IN+ — Bidirectional I/O; analog input; comparator 2 input |
| Pin 9 | RC1/AN7/C2IN- — Bidirectional I/O; analog input; comparator 2 input |
| Pin 10 | RC2/P1A/CCP1 — Bidirectional I/O; PWM output; Enhanced CCP module |
| Pin 11 | RC3/AN8/C12IN0-/PGM — Bidirectional I/O; analog input; comparator input; LVP programming |
| Pin 12 | RC4/C2OUT/INT — Bidirectional I/O; comparator 2 output; external interrupt |
| Pin 13 | RC5/CCP1/AN9 — Bidirectional I/O; Enhanced CCP input/output; analog input |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 15 | RC6/AN10 — Bidirectional I/O; analog input |
| Pin 16 | RC7/AN11 — Bidirectional I/O; analog input |
| Pin EP | Exposed Pad — Connect to VSS for thermal and electrical performance |
Typical Applications
PIC16F610-E/ML is suitable for 8 applications: LED Lighting Controller, Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Small Appliance Control, Automotive Interior Lighting / Body Electronics, Security and Alarm Panel I/O Expander, Low-Speed PWM Motor / Fan Controller, Consumer Remote Control Transmitter, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning.
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16F610-E/ML suits LED driver and lighting control applications because its 20 MHz instruction rate supports smooth PWM dimming while the enhanced CCP module generates accurate PWM waveforms for constant-current LED drivers. The internal 8 MHz oscillator eliminates an external crystal in cost-sensitive lighting modules, and the 2.0V-5.5V VDD range works with both Li-ion battery packs and 5V mains-derived supplies. With sub-microamp sleep currents in nanoWatt mode, battery-powered LED fixtures can run for years on a single cell. The 11 GPIO pins comfortably drive 3-4 LED channels plus button/sensor inputs. Pair with companion MOSFET drivers such as MCP1416 for high-side switching. The 16-pin QFN footprint is small enough for MR16 bulb form factors and architectural lighting strips.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC16F610-E/ML is well suited for wireless or wired sensor nodes because its 8-channel 10-bit ADC reads multiple analog sensors (temperature, light, gas) while its nanoWatt sleep modes draw sub-microamp currents between measurements, extending battery life to years. The internal comparator can wake the MCU from sleep on threshold-crossing events, enabling edge-triggered sensing without continuous CPU activity. The 16-pin QFN package is small enough for coin-cell sensor beacons and wearable form factors. With extended -40C to +125C temperature range, the device operates reliably in outdoor IoT deployments. The 11 GPIO pins handle I2C/SPI sensor interfaces and a status LED. Use with a low-power radio module such as the MRF89XA or a simple RF transmitter companion.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control
The PIC16F610-E/ML fits small appliance controls (coffee makers, blenders, fans, hair dryers) because its enhanced CCP/PWM module drives TRIAC phase-control or DC motor speed commands while its 11 GPIO pins handle keypad input, mode selection, and indicator LEDs. The 8-channel ADC reads temperature sensors, current sensing resistors, and potentiometers for closed-loop control. The 2.0V-5.5V operating voltage supports both rectified-mains-derived 5V rails and battery backup. Extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) handles the heat inside toaster ovens and similar enclosures. The compact 16-pin QFN (4x4 mm) is ideal for crowded control boards where traditional SOIC packages would be too large. Pair with ULN2003 for relay/solenoid drive and MCP1700 for voltage regulation.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Lighting / Body Electronics
The PIC16F610-E/ML's extended -40C to +125C temperature grade suits automotive interior lighting modules (door courtesy lamps, ambient lighting, puddle lamps) where cabin temperatures can swing from -40C winters to +85C+ summer sun loading. Its PWM capability drives LED strings with smooth dimming transitions, while the 11 GPIO pins connect to switch inputs and LIN/CAN-ready transceivers. The 16-pin QFN withstands automotive vibration better than larger SOIC parts when properly board-mounted. Note: PIC16F610-E/ML is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified; for AEC-Q100 certified automotive designs, Microchip recommends the PIC16F18446 or dsPIC33 families. This F610-E/ML is widely used in non-safety automotive subsystems where customer-managed PPAP is acceptable.
Recommended
Security and Alarm Panel I/O Expander
The PIC16F610-E/ML functions as a low-cost I/O expander for security panels, reading multiple zones (PIR motion sensors, door/window contacts) through its 11 GPIO and 8-channel ADC inputs. The on-chip comparators detect threshold-crossings on analog sensors (smoke detectors, gas sensors) without CPU intervention, reducing panel response time. The 2.0V-5.5V operating range supports battery backup from a single Li-ion cell during power outages. Extended temperature grade allows installation in unconditioned spaces like garages and attics. The 16-pin QFN is small enough to fit alongside the main panel controller, and its ICSP interface allows field firmware updates. Pair with an external EEPROM for event logging and a piezo buzzer driver for local alarm signaling.
Recommended
Low-Speed PWM Motor / Fan Controller
The PIC16F610-E/ML provides economical closed-loop control for low-voltage DC fans, small brushless DC pumps, and stepper-driven valves where its enhanced CCP/PWM generates accurate variable-duty drive signals. The 8-channel ADC reads tachometer feedback or current-sense resistors for closed-loop speed regulation, while the on-chip comparators trigger overcurrent protection without software latency. Operating from 2.0V-5.5V allows direct connection to single-cell Li-ion packs or 5V motor rails. The nanoWatt sleep mode drops current to sub-microamp when the motor is idle, conserving energy in battery-powered pumps. The 16-pin QFN footprint suits compact fan control PCBs. Pair with an H-bridge driver such as the TC78H653 or discrete MOSFET pairs for bidirectional motor control.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control Transmitter
The PIC16F610-E/ML is well-matched to consumer IR/RF remote controls because its small 16-pin QFN footprint fits inside slim handheld enclosures and its nanoWatt sleep current extends coin-cell battery life to multiple years. The enhanced CCP/PWM module generates precise carrier frequencies for IR transmission (36-40 kHz typical), while 11 GPIO pins support a 4x3 keypad matrix plus status LED. The internal 8 MHz oscillator eliminates an external crystal, reducing BOM cost. The 2.0V-5.5V operating range works directly from 3V coin cells. Extended temperature grade ensures reliable operation across indoor climates. Program via ICSP for fast development; pair with an IRLED or low-power RF transmitter and a tactile keypad matrix for the user interface.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16F610-E/ML is suitable for industrial sensor signal conditioning (bridge amplifiers, RTD linearization, 4-20 mA loop interfaces) because its 10-bit ADC provides adequate resolution for many process-control signals while its on-chip comparators enable window-detect alarms. The extended -40C to +125C temperature range handles factory floor environments and outdoor installations. The internal oscillator reduces BOM and improves long-term reliability over external crystals in vibration-prone machinery. The 16-pin QFN is small enough for DIN-rail transmitter heads and field-mount instrument enclosures. The 11 GPIO interface to SPI/I2C DACs (MCP4921) or digital potentiometers for calibration. Pair with an MCP6N11 instrumentation amplifier for low-level signal acquisition and an isolated RS-485 transceiver for fieldbus communication.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F610-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F610-I/ML | PIC16F610T-E/ML | PIC16F616-I/ML | PIC16F616-E/ML | PIC16HV610-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-pin VQFN (ML) | 16-pin VQFN (ML) - same | 16-pin VQFN (ML) - same | 16-pin VQFN (ML) - same | 16-pin VQFN (ML) - same | 16-pin VQFN (ML) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB |
| RAM | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes |
| EEPROM | None | None | None | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | None |
| CCP/PWM Modules | 1 Enhanced CCP | 1 Enhanced CCP | 1 Enhanced CCP | 2 Enhanced CCP | 2 Enhanced CCP | 1 Enhanced CCP |
| 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 15V (HV variant) |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) |
| ADC | 8-channel 10-bit | 8-channel 10-bit | 8-channel 10-bit | 8-channel 10-bit | 8-channel 10-bit | 8-channel 10-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Compact 4x4 mm QFN footprint with full peripheral set (vs PIC16F610-I/P (DIP-14))
- Internal 8 MHz oscillator calibrated at factory (vs PIC16F610 with external crystal)
- nanoWatt power management with sub-microamp sleep (vs PIC16F610 without nanoWatt sleep modes)
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade standard (vs PIC16F610-I/ML (industrial -40C to +85C))
Design Notes
Decouple VDD (pin 14) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the supply pin, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor on the main supply rail. Per Microchip's recommended decoupling practice, the exposed pad (EP) MUST be soldered to a ground plane for both thermal dissipation (theta_JA reduced by approximately 30%) and electrical reference. Do not leave EP floating - this degrades ADC accuracy by introducing ground bounce on sensitive analog inputs. The internal voltage regulator provides 2.0V-5.5V operation; for battery applications dropping below 3.5V, FOSC must be reduced proportionally to maintain instruction timing.
The 16-pin QFN (ML) package has 0.65 mm pitch and 0.4 mm lead width - PCB land pattern should follow IPC-7351 nominal-density guidelines with 0.30 mm pads and 0.45 mm solder mask openings. Use NSMD (non-solder mask defined) pads for better solder joint reliability. Keep analog traces (AN0-AN11) short and away from PWM/CCP switching signals; route the analog ground separately back to the EP via a single via star point. The exposed pad should have at least 9 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter) on a 1.2 mm grid to conduct heat into inner ground planes.
Common pitfalls with PIC16F610-E/ML designs: (1) Forgetting the MCLR pull-up resistor - pin 3 (RA3/MCLR) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation; if left floating the device will not start. (2) Using LVP (low-voltage programming) mode unintentionally - pin 10 (RC3/PGM) being held low at reset enters LVP mode blocking normal execution; either disable LVP in CONFIG word or add a 10 kohm pull-up. (3) Exceeding ADC input range - AN0-AN11 must not exceed VDD + 0.3V or go below VSS - 0.3V, even when ADC channels are disabled. (4) Setting the internal oscillator calibration for HS mode instead of INTOSC - this can prevent the part from booting.
Estimated: At maximum clock frequency of 20 MHz and 5.5V VDD, the PIC16F610-E/ML consumes approximately 8 mA active current (per Microchip PIC16F610 datasheet DC characteristics). With VQFN-16 thermal resistance theta_JA of approximately 39 C/W (4-layer JEDEC test board), maximum junction temperature rise above ambient is 39 x 0.008 = 0.31 C, which is negligible. However, in continuous-operation industrial applications at +85C ambient, verify that junction temperature remains below +125C (extended grade limit) by adding adequate PCB copper area around the exposed pad.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page. PIC16F610-E/ML is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified - for AEC-Q100 automotive applications, use the dsPIC33 or PIC16F18446 families. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in available datasheet.
