PIC16F616-E/ST - 8-bit Flash MCU, 3.5KB, 14-TSSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F616-E/ST ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.62 | $1.62 |
| 10 | $1.54 | $15.40 |
| 100 | $1.36 | $136.00 |
| 500 | $1.21 | $605.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.07 | $1,070.00 |
PIC16F616-E/ST Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory, RAM, peripherals, and I/O on one die; the "mid-range" PIC16 family balances cost, low power consumption, and a rich peripheral set for general-purpose embedded control. The PIC16F616 sits within the PIC16F6xx hierarchy (PIC16F610/616/16HV610/16HV616), tailored for applications that need small footprint, on-chip ADC, PWM, and ultra-low-power operation through nanoWatt Technology. Its place in the broader taxonomy is: microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> flash MCU -> mid-range PIC -> 14-pin flash-based MCU.
Key differentiating features include nanoWatt Technology for low-power sleep modes, a precision internal 8 MHz oscillator (calibrated to within 1% over voltage and temperature), enhanced capture/compare/PWM (ECCP) module, and a wide operating voltage range of 2.0V to 5.5V. The 10-bit ADC with 8 channels supports both analog signal sampling and capacitive touch sensing via the mTouch SDK, and the on-chip hardware comparator enables zero-crossing detection for power-conversion feedback loops.
The PIC16F616 uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing simultaneous fetch and access, and a 14-bit instruction word optimized for C and assembly efficiency. The 35 single-word instruction set simplifies code generation while keeping execution deterministic, ideal for hard real-time control loops. The internal oscillator eliminates the need for an external crystal in cost-sensitive designs, reducing BOM and board area.
Typical applications include LED driving and lighting controls, battery chargers, smart sensor nodes, consumer appliance user interfaces, capacitive-touch buttons, and small motor control via PWM. The device is also widely used in education, low-end IoT end nodes, and toys where low cost and reliable flash-based in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) are priorities.
When designing with the PIC16F616, pay attention to MCLR/ICSP pin handling during programming - the PIC16F616 requires high-voltage programming (HVP) which NSDSP and similar programmers route through a high-voltage extension; low-voltage ICSP alone is not supported. Stable decoupling and a 100 nF capacitor across VDD/VSS are essential for ADC accuracy.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives across the PIC16F family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F616-E/ST — 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 PIC16F616-E/ST (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Timers, Operating Temperature, Package, Mounting Type, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F616T-E/ST
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F616-I/ST
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F616-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F610-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.83 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F610T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.59 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F616-E/ST Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 enhanced mid-range, 8-bit |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions, 14-bit instruction width |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E suffix - extended) |
| I/O Pins | 12 (in TSSOP-14 package; 14-pin total with VDD/VSS) |
| ADC | 10-bit, 8 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit |
| PWM Modules | Enhanced CCP (ECCP) + CCP |
| Comparators | 2 (hardware) |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz factory calibrated (1% accuracy) |
| Package | TSSOP-14 (4.4 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Programming | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming), high-voltage required |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (Pb-free) |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16F616-E/ST Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5/OSC1/CLKIN — General I/O / Timer0 clock input / crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 3 | RA4/OSC2/CLKOUT — General I/O / crystal oscillator output / peripheral clock out |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — General input / Master Clear reset (active-low) / High-voltage programming input |
| Pin 5 | RA2/AN2/C1OUT — General I/O / Analog input channel 2 / Comparator 1 output |
| Pin 6 | RA1/AN1/C1IN- — General I/O / Analog input channel 1 / Comparator 1 inverting input |
| Pin 7 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+ — General I/O / Analog input channel 0 / Comparator 1 non-inverting input |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RB7/ICSPDAT — General I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 10 | RB6/ICSPCLK — General I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — General I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB4 — General I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB3 — General I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB2 — General I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC16F616-E/ST is suitable for 7 applications: LED Lighting Controllers, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Consumer Appliance User Interfaces, Small Motor Control (PWM H-Bridge Driver), Capacitive Touch Buttons (mTouch), Smart Sensor Signal Conditioning, Educational Microcontroller Platform.
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16F616-E/ST fits LED lighting controllers because its Enhanced CCP module delivers precise 10-bit PWM resolution at 20 MHz for flicker-free dimming down to 0.1 percent duty cycle, while the 10-bit ADC samples ambient light via a photodiode. The 2.0-5.5 V range works directly from a single Li-ion or USB rail. The TSSOP-14 footprint fits into a 6 x 8 mm driver PCB for GU10 downlights and MR16 spots, and the internal 8 MHz oscillator eliminates the external crystal, cutting BOM to 5 parts.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16F616-E/ST is ideal for IoT sensor nodes thanks to nanoWatt Technology sleep modes drawing 50 nA with watchdog disabled, extending CR2032 coin-cell life to 3-5 years when duty-cycled at 0.1 percent. The 8-channel 10-bit ADC multiplexes temperature, humidity, and motion sensors, and the internal 8 MHz oscillator calibrated to +/- 1 percent removes the external crystal. The TSSOP-14 4.4 mm body enables a sub-1 square inch PCB with BLE or sub-GHz companion.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance User Interfaces
For washing-machine, microwave, and air-conditioner front-panel interfaces the PIC16F616-E/ST drives multiplexed 7-segment or character LCDs through its 12 I/O pins, runs a state-machine for capacitive touch buttons, and tolerates 5 V directly from the appliance PSU rail. The hardware comparators supervise supply voltage brownouts, while flash-based ICSP supports end-of-line calibration updates without mechanical access to the MCU.
Recommended
Small Motor Control (PWM H-Bridge Driver)
The PIC16F616-E/ST drives small brushed DC motors and small BLDC fans via its ECCP module at 20 kHz PWM frequency, eliminating audible noise, while the high-current-sink I/O pins 7 and 9-14 deliver up to 25 mA per pin for direct lower-FET gate driving. The enhanced timer provides accurate tachometer input capture, and the 2 k x 14 flash holds a closed-loop PID controller for a thermally protected fan curve. The TSSOP-14 package fits next to the motor housing with minimal clearance.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch Buttons (mTouch)
The PIC16F616-E/ST supports capacitive touch sensing through the mTouch SDK, with up to 8 touch electrodes using the ADC charge-transfer method. The -40 C to +125 C extended temperature grade suits outdoor and under-hood applications. The internal comparator provides hardware debounce, and nanoWatt sleep modes lower standby consumption below 2 uA, enabling touch interfaces on battery-powered remote controls and home-automation keypads.
Recommended
Smart Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16F616-E/ST conditions sensor signals from thermistors, RTDs, and strain gauges by combining its 10-bit ADC, two on-chip operational amplifiers (configurable from the comparators), and PWM-driven excitation. Calibration coefficients store in the 256-byte EEPROM, and the wide supply range allows battery or USB-powered operation. The TSSOP-14 form factor and 35 single-word instructions let designers keep sensing firmware under 1 KB of the 3.5 KB flash, leaving headroom for diagnostics.
Recommended
Educational Microcontroller Platform
The PIC16F616-E/ST is widely used in university and hobbyist curriculums because the 35-instruction set teaches register-level programming in a single semester, and the nanoWatt Technology clearly demonstrates power optimization techniques. The TSSOP-14 surface-mount package prepares students for industry-standard assembly, while ICSP programming via PICkit 3/4 reinforces in-circuit firmware-update practices. The PIC16F616-E/P through-hole variant enables breadboard prototyping.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F616-E/ST — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F616T-E/ST | PIC16F616-I/ST | PIC16F610-E/P | PIC16F610T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | TSSOP-14 | TSSOP-14 (same) | TSSOP-14 (same) | PDIP-14 | QFN-16 (ML) |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) -50% | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) -50% |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 64 bytes -50% | 64 bytes -50% |
| Max Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 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 | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) |
| ADC Channels | 8 x 10-bit | 8 x 10-bit | 8 x 10-bit | 4 x 10-bit -50% | 4 x 10-bit -50% |
| 16-bit Timer | Yes (Timer1) | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Approx. Unit Price (1k) | $1.07 (Q1 2026 ref.) | $1.07 | $1.55 - higher | $1.00 | $1.05 |
Key Differentiators
- Doubled flash and RAM over PIC16F610 (vs PIC16F610-E/P)
- Extended -40 C to +125 C industrial temperature (vs PIC16F616-I/ST)
- Includes 16-bit Timer1 for capture/compare (vs PIC16F610-E/P)
- Tape-and-reel for SMT production (vs PIC16F616-E/ST (cut tube))
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 1) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the regulator output. The PIC16F616's ADC conversion accuracy degrades by ~2 LSB on noisy supply rails. Add a ferrite bead in series with VDD if the rail also feeds a switching converter; the device's 2.0 V minimum avoids level shifting for low-Voltage designs but does not tolerate input voltage spikes above 5.5 V.
The PIC16F616 requires high-voltage programming (HVP) on MCLR/VPP (pin 4). Standard low-voltage ICSP programmers like PICkit 3 cannot generate Vpp and will fail to program the part. Use PICkit 3 in HVP mode, a PICkit 4, MPLAB Snap, or a Microchip ICD 4 with HVP firmware. Confirm programming mode setting in MPLAB X IDE config bits (LVP must be DISABLED for HVP).
Keep the TSSOP-14 traces under 25 mm to avoid ringing on the 20 MHz oscillator pin. Place the optional external crystal within 5 mm of pins 2 and 3, with a guard ground ring on the outside layer to prevent oscillator coupling into the analog inputs (RA0-RA2). Analog input traces should not run parallel to high-current motor traces; add a ground keep-out.
When using the on-chip comparators (C1IN+/C1IN-/C1OUT), add a 10 pF capacitor on C1OUT to limit switching noise and a 10 nF capacitor between the comparator input pin and a quiet analog ground to filter high-frequency noise. The datasheet specifies a 400 ns comparator response time, which can generate fast edges that radiate EMI - position the comparator input pin away from VDD and the external clock.
Estimated: at maximum CPU activity (20 MHz, all peripherals active), the PIC16F616-E/ST dissipates ~15 mW from a 5 V supply, producing a junction-to-ambient rise below 5 C in the 170 C/W TSSOP-14 thermal pad. No heatsink is required for any commercial or industrial application. Designers do not need to compute thermal budgets for this part except in extreme environments near +125 C ambient.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliant per Microchip product page; not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16F616T-I/SL or similar automotive part for AEC-Q100 needs.
