PIC16F616-H/ML - 8-bit 20MHz 3.5KB Flash MCU 16-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F616-H/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.16 | $2.16 |
| 10 | $1.95 | $19.50 |
| 100 | $1.72 | $172.00 |
| 500 | $1.55 | $775.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.38 | $1,380.00 |
PIC16F616-H/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, memory, and peripherals. The PIC16F616 belongs to the 8-bit RISC PIC family, which sits within the broader microcontroller hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC. The PIC architecture uses a Harvard design with separate program and data buses and a small, fixed-length instruction set, giving it deterministic timing and very low power consumption relative to 32-bit alternatives.
Key features include 11 I/O pins, an 8-level hardware stack, 35 single-word instructions, an internal oscillator up to 8 MHz (with 20 MHz external support), and on-chip peripherals such as a 10-bit ADC, comparators, PWM modules, and a watchdog timer. The device also supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP), enabling field firmware updates.
Architecturally, the PIC16F616 uses a RISC core with 14-bit instruction words and a modified Harvard memory layout. The high-temperature ("-H") variant extends the operating range up to +150 C, distinguishing it from the standard -40C to +125C industrial grade and making it suitable for under-hood automotive electronics.
Typical applications include automotive body and chassis modules, HVAC fan controllers, intelligent battery management, sensor signal conditioning, low-cost motor control, and lighting ballast control. The exposed-pad 16-QFN (4x4) package provides a low thermal-resistance path that complements the high-temperature grade.
When designing with this device, allocate adequate PCB copper under the exposed pad to maintain junction temperature within the derating curve, and use the ICSP pins (ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT) for both in-circuit programming and in-application debugging via MPLAB X IDE.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design guidance that goes beyond the manufacturer datasheet's pin and electrical tables, helping engineers accelerate selection and qualification.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F616-H/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 PIC16F616-H/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Instruction Set, Operating Temperature, Package, CPU Speed.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F616-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F616-E/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.16 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16HV616-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F610-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F610T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.59 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F630-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F616-H/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) Flash |
| Data RAM | 128 x 8 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 0 bytes (not present on this family) |
| I/O Pins | 11 |
| ADC | 8-channel, 10-bit |
| Comparators | 2 |
| PWM Modules | Yes (CCP/ECCP) |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz (calibrated) |
| Hardware Stack | 8 levels |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Package | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) with exposed pad |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +150C (high-temperature H grade) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| ICSP Programming | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F616-H/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+/ICSPDAT — Bidirectional I/O; analog input 0; comparator 1 positive input; ICSP data |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1/C1IN-/ICSPCLK — Bidirectional I/O; analog input 1; comparator 1 negative input; ICSP clock |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/C1OUT — Bidirectional I/O; analog input 2; comparator 1 output |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — Bidirectional I/O; master clear reset (active low); programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN3/T0CKI/C2OUT — Bidirectional I/O; analog input 3; Timer0 clock input; comparator 2 output |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN4/C2IN+/C1IN-/HVin — Bidirectional I/O; analog input 4; comparator inputs; high-voltage input (HV variant) |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RB4/AN10/CCP1 — Bidirectional I/O; analog input 10; CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 10 | RB5/AN11 — Bidirectional I/O; analog input 11 |
| Pin 11 | RB6/AN12/CCP1 — Bidirectional I/O; analog input 12; alternate CCP1 |
| Pin 12 | RB7/AN13 — Bidirectional I/O; analog input 13 |
| Pin 13 | RC0/AN8 — Bidirectional I/O; analog input 8 |
| Pin 14 | RC1/AN9 — Bidirectional I/O; analog input 9 |
| Pin 15 | RC2/AN6/P1D — Bidirectional I/O; analog input 6; enhanced PWM output D |
| Pin 16 | RC3/AN7/P1C — Bidirectional I/O; analog input 7; enhanced PWM output C |
| Pin EP | EP — Exposed thermal pad; solder to PCB ground pour for heat dissipation |
Typical Applications
PIC16F616-H/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Automotive Under-Hood Modules, HVAC Fan and Blower Controllers, Battery-Management Monitoring, Sensor Signal Conditioning, Low-Cost Motor Control (Brushed DC), LED Lighting Ballasts and Drivers, Lighting Ballast Control for Fluorescent / HID.
Automotive Under-Hood Modules
The PIC16F616-H/ML is well suited to automotive under-hood controllers thanks to its -40C to +150C high-temperature grade and 16-QFN (4x4 mm) exposed-pad package with low junction-to-ambient thermal resistance. Its 20 MHz CPU and 3.5 KB Flash handle sensor sampling, diagnostics, and PWM actuator drive at up to 20 MHz instruction rate. The integrated 8-channel 10-bit ADC interfaces directly with thermistor, pressure, and position sensors without external signal conditioning, and the 2 on-chip comparators enable window-watchdog or threshold-based shutdown logic. The wide 2.0V-5.5V supply tolerates cranking transients on 12V automotive rails with proper external regulation.
Recommended
HVAC Fan and Blower Controllers
For HVAC fan motor control, the PIC16F616-H/ML's ECCP (Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM) module generates the switching waveform for brushless DC or brushed fan motors, while the 10-bit ADC reads back tachometer or current-sense feedback to close the loop. The 128 bytes of RAM is sufficient for a PI or PID control loop with small lookup tables, and the 3.5 KB Flash holds the entire control state machine, fault handlers, and UART-based diagnostics. The exposed-pad QFN package's 31 C/W thermal resistance supports the high-temperature environment inside an HVAC plenum.
Recommended
Battery-Management Monitoring
The PIC16F616-H/ML is a good fit for secondary battery-pack monitoring slaves that report cell voltage and temperature to a master BMS controller. Its internal 8 MHz oscillator eliminates external crystal cost, and the 8-channel ADC scans multiple cell voltages sequentially. Low sleep current extends idle monitoring time between host polls, and the small 16-QFN footprint fits inside cell holders. Use the on-chip comparators for over/under-voltage thresholds to trigger an interrupt without waking the CPU for every conversion.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning
In sensor-interface front-ends, the PIC16F616-H/ML handles linearization, calibration, and digital output formatting for thermistors, RTDs, and bridge sensors. The 10-bit ADC provides adequate resolution for temperature and pressure nodes, while the 2 comparators can drive interrupt-only wakeups when a threshold is crossed. The 35-instruction PIC16 instruction set is straightforward to port, and MPLAB X IDE generates compact ROM images that easily fit in the 3.5 KB Flash budget.
Recommended
Low-Cost Motor Control (Brushed DC)
Brushed DC motor drivers benefit from the PIC16F616-H/ML's ECCP PWM module for variable-speed/duty-cycle control, and the on-chip ADC for back-EMF or current sensing. The 8-level hardware stack allows nested ISRs for commutation timing without software stack overhead, and the 35-instruction RISC core executes deterministic control loops in 200 ns per instruction. The 16-QFN footprint simplifies layout for compact BLDC driver modules used in small appliances.
Recommended
LED Lighting Ballasts and Drivers
The PIC16F616-H/ML can drive LED arrays by generating PWM dimming waveforms through its ECCP module while measuring temperature via the ADC for thermal foldback protection. The -40C to +150C temperature range handles sealed luminaire environments, and the small 16-QFN package fits inside MR16 or downlight form factors. The internal oscillator avoids crystal cost in cost-sensitive lighting SKUs. The 3.5 KB Flash holds tunable white and dimming profiles with simple UART or DALI-like command parsing.
Recommended
Lighting Ballast Control for Fluorescent / HID
Legacy fluorescent and HID ballast control remains a strong fit because the PIC16F616-H/ML can run the resonant half-bridge or full-bridge drive at fixed or variable frequency, manage preheat/ignition/warm-up state machines, and fold back on detected lamp faults. The on-chip comparators provide zero-voltage switching (ZVS) detection for resonant tank feedback, and the high-temperature H grade suits the heat inside enclosed luminaires. The 3.5 KB Flash holds the full state-machine plus fault logging.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F616-H/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F616-I/ML | PIC16F616-E/ML | PIC16HV616-I/ML | PIC16F610-I/ML | PIC16F630-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-QFN (4x4) exposed pad | 16-QFN (4x4) exposed pad | 16-QFN (4x4) exposed pad | 16-QFN (4x4) exposed pad | 16-QFN (4x4) exposed pad | 16-QFN (4x4) exposed pad |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 1.75 KB Flash | 1.75 KB Flash |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +150C (H grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 15V (HV shunt regulator) | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V |
| I/O Pins | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 |
| ADC | 8-ch, 10-bit | 8-ch, 10-bit | 8-ch, 10-bit | 8-ch, 10-bit | 8-ch, 10-bit | None (digital-only) |
| PWM (CCP/ECCP) | ECCP | ECCP | ECCP | ECCP | ECCP | None |
| Comparators | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +150C high-temperature grade for under-hood automotive use (vs PIC16F616-I/ML)
- Higher memory (3.5 KB Flash, 128B RAM) than PIC16F610/630 family (vs PIC16F610-I/ML)
- Built-in 10-bit ADC, ECCP PWM, and 2 comparators on a small 16-QFN footprint (vs PIC16F630-I/ML)
- Standard 2.0V-5.5V regulated supply, easier 5V system integration (vs PIC16HV616-I/ML)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 20 MHz CPU, 5.5V VDD, and full I/O drive, the PIC16F616-H/ML draws approximately 6-8 mA active. With a 16-QFN theta_JA of approximately 31 C/W on a 1-oz 4-layer JEDEC EIA/JESD51 board, the junction-to-ambient temperature rise is approximately 0.2-0.25 C/mW. Under continuous operation at +125C ambient, ensure the exposed pad is soldered to at least 100 mm^2 of copper pour on top and bottom layers with thermal vias to keep Tj below +150C.
Place the 0.1 uF VDD decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin and the bulk 1-10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor close to the IC. Keep the ICSP lines (RB6/ICSPCLK and RB7/ICSPDAT, or RA0/RA1 on this 16-QFN variant) away from switching PWM outputs to avoid programming glitches. The exposed pad (EP) must be soldered to the PCB for mechanical reliability and thermal dissipation - do not leave it floating.
Do not use the internal oscillator above +5.5V VDD or above +125C ambient without factory calibration verification - the HFINTOSC accuracy degrades at voltage/temperature extremes. Always hold MCLR low during power ramp if brown-out reset (BOR) is disabled, and never tie MCLR directly to VDD without a pull-up if you want clean in-circuit serial programming. Note that PIC16F616 has 0 bytes of EEPROM - use Flash self-write routines or external EEPROM if non-volatile data storage is needed.
Route the analog inputs (ANx) on a separate layer or guard-traced from the PWM outputs and digital switching lines. Place a small RC low-pass filter (100 ohm + 1 nF) on analog inputs if the source impedance exceeds 5 kohm to avoid ADC sampling distortion. Use a single-point ground (star ground) topology for the analog VSS and digital VSS if the design separates them; this reduces ADC noise by several LSBs.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 qualification applies to the -H high-temperature automotive grade. Standard lead-free matte-tin finish. RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Conflict-minerals CMRT declarations available on Microchip corporate responsibility portal.
