PIC16F610-I/ML - 8-bit 20MHz 1.75KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F610-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.5 | $1.50 |
| 10 | $1.35 | $13.50 |
| 100 | $1.18 | $118.00 |
| 500 | $1.02 | $510.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.92 | $920.00 |
PIC16F610-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path. In the broader system hierarchy, the PIC16F610 sits within microcontrollers, which are a sub-category of embedded processors, themselves a branch of digital ICs and ultimately integrated circuits. These devices are designed for deterministic, low-power control tasks such as sensor reading, motor driving and user-interface handling, typically running firmware directly from on-chip flash.
The part features nanoWatt power management, an internal 8 MHz oscillator, an 8-bit timer with 1:8 prescaler, a 16-bit timer/counter, a 10-bit ADC, comparators, and an enhanced PWM/capture-compare module. It supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) and in-circuit debugging via ICD, enabling rapid prototyping without external programmers. The wide 2.0V to 5.5V operating range and four oscillator modes deliver flexibility across battery-powered and line-powered applications.
Typical applications include battery charging controllers, LED drivers, small appliance controls, sensor conditioning, low-power remote controls, and white-goods timer/replacement boards. The small QFN-16 footprint, low-power nanoWatt modes and integrated analog peripherals make the PIC16F610 especially attractive where board space is constrained and deterministic interrupt response is required. The exposed pad aids thermal dissipation for continuously active loads.
When designing, ensure the exposed pad is soldered to a sufficient copper area for thermal and electrical performance, and place decoupling capacitors within 3 mm of the VDD pins. Use ICD-capable headers on prototypes to leverage in-circuit debugging and shorten firmware bring-up cycles.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing for PIC16F610-I/ML, lists same-family and cross-brand drop-in alternatives in the same 16-QFN package, and provides practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet's pinout and electrical tables.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F610-I/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-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Timers, Core Architecture, Internal Oscillator.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F610T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.59 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F610-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.61 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F616-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16HV610-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.24 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F610-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F610-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) Flash |
| Data RAM | 64 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 11 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz (typical) |
| Package | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) with exposed pad |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
PIC16F610-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP programming clock |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 3 | RA3/MCLR — Bidirectional I/O or Master Clear (reset, active low) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog channel / comparator output |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog channel / comparator input |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog channel / ICSP data |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O / CCP1 output |
| Pin 9 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O / C2OUT comparator output |
| Pin 10 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog channel / PWM output |
| Pin 11 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog channel |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog channel |
| Pin 13 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage 2.0V-5.5V |
| Pin 15 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPCLK programming clock |
| Pin 16 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPDAT programming data |
| Pin 17 | EP — Exposed thermal pad - must be soldered to VSS plane for thermal dissipation |
Typical Applications
PIC16F610-I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Battery Charging Controller, LED Lighting Driver and Dimmer, Small Appliance Control (Coffee, Fans, Blenders), Sensor Conditioning and Remote Sensing, Industrial Timer and Replacement Boards, Hobby and Educational Robotics, Automotive Auxiliary Body Electronics.
Battery Charging Controller
The PIC16F610-I/ML's 1.75 KB flash, 11 I/O and built-in 10-bit ADC (per Microchip datasheet DS41365D) provide ample headroom for CC/CV charge profile control of single-cell Li-ion and lead-acid packs. The 20 MHz CPU delivers deterministic 200 ns instruction cycles for tight loop control, while the 2.0V-5.5V VDD range allows direct sensing across a 2S-3S cell stack. nanoWatt sleep currents below 1 uA extend idle time on USB-powered chargers.
Recommended
LED Lighting Driver and Dimmer
The PIC16F610-I/ML is well suited to LED driver and dimmer control thanks to its enhanced PWM/CCP module, 16-bit timer and comparators. According to the Microchip PIC16F610 datasheet, the PWM can drive MOSFETs directly at audio-free frequencies, eliminating flicker in architectural and accent lighting. The 4x4 mm QFN footprint fits inside MR16 spots and under-cabinet strips, while nanoWatt idle mode cuts standby waste below 1 uA.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control (Coffee, Fans, Blenders)
The PIC16F610-I/ML is widely deployed in white-goods timer and motor-control boards where the 20 MHz mid-range core runs brushless-DC or universal-motor PWM at deterministic rates. Per the Microchip datasheet (DS41365D), 11 I/O are sufficient for switch matrix, triac drive and tach feedback, while the -40 C to +85 C industrial range survives kitchen and laundry thermal stress. The exposed pad of the 16-QFN aids continuous dissipation in heated enclosures.
Recommended
Sensor Conditioning and Remote Sensing
Battery-powered remote sensor nodes leverage the PIC16F610-I/ML's nanoWatt sleep modes to draw <1 uA idle current while periodically waking to digitize a sensor via the on-chip 10-bit ADC. The 2.0V-5.5V VDD range supports direct connection to 2xAA alkaline cells with no LDO. Per the Microchip datasheet (DS41365D), the internal 8 MHz oscillator eliminates an external crystal, reducing BOM cost and board area in compact IoT edge nodes.
Recommended
Industrial Timer and Replacement Boards
Replacement boards for legacy PLC timers and process-control sequencers often use the PIC16F610-I/ML for its 16-bit timer/counter, ICSP debug, and 20 MHz deterministic core. Per the Microchip datasheet, the 16-QFN package is drop-in compatible with PIC16F616-I/ML, enabling easy memory upgrades in the field. The exposed pad provides solid thermal dissipation for relay-coil driving applications at industrial 24V control voltages via an external regulator.
Recommended
Hobby and Educational Robotics
The PIC16F610-I/ML is a popular entry-level robotics MCU because the free MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler and PICkit programmer lower the barrier to embedded learning. The 11 I/O can drive 4 hobby servos plus a UART debug port, while the 20 MHz CPU executes PID loops at sub-millisecond rates. Per Microchip's application notes, the 16-QFN package fits inside Pololu and Arduino-shield-format boards for student and maker projects.
Recommended
Automotive Auxiliary Body Electronics
Although not AEC-Q100 qualified by default, the PIC16F610-I/ML is used in non-safety automotive body modules such as ambient lighting, mirror adjusters and accessory timers when paired with external transient protection. Per the Microchip datasheet, the -40 C to +85 C industrial grade survives cabin temperature swings, while the 2.0V-5.5V VDD handles 12V battery drops during cranking. The 16-QFN footprint allows dense PCB layouts in door and overhead modules.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F610-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F610T-I/ML | PIC16F610-E/ML | PIC16F616-I/ML | PIC16HV610-I/ML | PIC16F610-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 14-pin PDIP (NOT drop-in for /ML footprint) |
| 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 | 3.5 KB (+100%) | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB |
| Data RAM | 64 B | 64 B | 64 B | 128 B (+100%) | 64 B | 64 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V (regulator output) - 15V (HV input) | 2.0V to 5.5V |
| I/O Pins | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 (14-pin PDIP package) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Internal HV Shunt Regulator | No | No | No | No | Yes - integrated 5V shunt regulator for 9V-15V direct supply | No |
| Unit Price (qty-1, USD) | ~$1.50 | ~$1.50 | ~$1.65 | ~$1.70 | ~$1.80 | ~$1.55 |
Key Differentiators
- Largest flash and RAM in a 16-QFN drop-in mid-range PIC16 (vs PIC16F610T-I/ML)
- Industrial -40 C to +85 C operating range standard (vs PIC16F610-E/ML)
- Direct upgrade path to PIC16F616 with no PCB changes (vs PIC16F616-I/ML)
- No built-in HV shunt regulator (use external LDO for HV applications) (vs PIC16HV610-I/ML)
Design Notes
The 16-QFN exposed thermal pad must be soldered to a copper pour of at least 25 mm^2 on the top or bottom layer for rated thermal performance. Estimated: at 20 MHz CPU and 5V VDD drawing ~5 mA, internal dissipation is ~25 mW, well within the 4x4 mm package rating of ~400 mW. However, in relay-coil or PWM driving applications where the MCU sits near heat sources, plan the copper pour for at least 50 mm^2 to keep junction temperature rise below 30 C. Star-ground the EP to VSS to avoid injecting digital switching noise into analog sections.
Place the 0.1 uF VDD decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of pin 14, with the ground return via shortest path to pin 7 (VSS). For analog applications, add a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the IC. The ICSP programming pins (RB6/RB7 = ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT) must be accessible - either route to a 5-pin header (0.1" pitch) or to test pads. Do not place large capacitors on the MCLR line - it needs to ramp cleanly during reset.
Do not leave unused I/O pins floating - configure them as outputs driving low or as inputs with internal weak pull-ups enabled (per Microchip datasheet DS41365D). Floating inputs can draw 100+ uA per pin via CMOS input-stage leakage and cause erratic oscillator behavior. Also, when migrating from PIC16F610 to PIC16F616, recompile all firmware because the configuration bits and peripheral register addresses differ in the extended memory regions, even though the pinout is identical.
For battery-powered designs leveraging nanoWatt sleep modes, ensure the MCLR pin is tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor (not directly) so that the internal Sleep mode can be entered correctly. Per the Microchip PIC16F610 datasheet, idle current in Sleep is <1 uA typical, but only if all peripherals are disabled and I/O are tri-stated. Use the WDT timeout or external interrupt to wake the device - never rely on busy-wait loops in low-power designs.
Route the analog signal traces (RA0-RA3, RC1-RC3) away from the digital switching traces (RC4, RC5, RB6, RB7) and keep them short. The on-chip ADC and comparators are sensitive to digital crosstalk; per Microchip's analog design guidelines, maintain at least 3 mm of separation or use a ground guard trace. For PWM-intensive applications, route the high-current MOSFET gate drive traces with 0.5 mm minimum width and 0.2 mm clearance to limit ringing.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page; REACH compliance per EU regulatory declarations. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive safety applications choose PIC16F1938 AEC-Q100 variants or ATSAM automotive MCUs.
