PIC16F616-I/ML - 8-Bit MCU, 20MHz, 3.5KB Flash, 16-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F616-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.34 | $2.34 |
| 10 | $2.1 | $21.00 |
| 100 | $1.85 | $185.00 |
| 500 | $1.62 | $810.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.41 | $1,410.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.18 | $3,540.00 |
PIC16F616-I/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and integrated peripherals such as ADC, timers, communication interfaces, and I/O. The PIC16F616 belongs to Microchip's PIC16 mid-range family - one tier above baseline PIC10/12 devices - offering enhanced peripherals, interrupts, and C-compiler-friendly architecture while keeping instruction execution simple (35 single-word instructions). In the hierarchy, PIC16F616 sits under: 8-bit PIC -> PIC16 mid-range -> enhanced mid-range core -> flash-based MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded IC.
Key differentiating features include nanoWatt XLP™ ultra-low-power technology with < 1 µA sleep current, an internal 8 MHz high-speed oscillator that eliminates external crystals in many designs, an on-chip voltage reference for ADC, and a robust peripheral set for sensor and motor control. The PIC16F616-I/ML also features Microchip's ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) interface for real-time development via MPLAB X IDE, and is supported by a free toolchain including the XC8 compiler.
Typical applications span consumer appliance control, LED lighting drivers, battery chargers, sensor signal conditioning, small motor control (fans, pumps), automotive body electronics, and IoT edge nodes where low quiescent current is critical. Industrial use cases include HVAC actuators, security keypads, and remote controls.
When designing, note the 16-QFN package's thermal pad must be soldered to the PCB ground pour for proper heat dissipation and electrical performance. The internal oscillator accuracy (±1% typical) is sufficient for UART at common baud rates but may require calibration for timing-sensitive protocols. The '-I' suffix denotes the industrial temperature grade (-40°C to +85°C).
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric drop-in alternatives from Microchip's enhanced mid-range family, and practical design notes not collated on any single distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F616-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 PIC16F616-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature, Timers, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F610-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1615-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F616-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F616-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| CPU Speed | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | None |
| I/O Pins | 11 |
| ADC | 11-channel, 10-bit |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| PWM Modules | Enhanced CCP, 10-bit PWM |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) |
| Package | 16-pin QFN (4x4 mm) with exposed pad |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz (software-selectable) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| In-Circuit Debug | Yes (ICSP/ICD via MPLAB X) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life) |
PIC16F616-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — Digital I/O / Master Clear (reset, active-low) / ICSP programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN3/C1OUT — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 3 / Comparator 1 output |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN4/T1CKI/C2OUT — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 4 / Timer1 clock input / Comparator 2 output |
| Pin 4 | RC0/AN8/C2IN+ — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 8 / Comparator 2 non-inverting input |
| Pin 5 | RC1/AN9/C2IN- — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 9 / Comparator 2 inverting input |
| Pin 6 | RC2/AN10/P1D/C1IN+ — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 10 / PWM output / Comparator 1 non-inverting input |
| Pin 7 | RC3/AN11/P1C/C1IN- — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 11 / PWM output / Comparator 1 inverting input |
| Pin 8 | RC4/AN6/P1B/C2OUT — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 6 / PWM output / Comparator 2 output |
| Pin 9 | RC5/AN5/P1A/C1OUT — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 5 / PWM output / Comparator 1 output |
| Pin 10 | RC6/AN7/INT — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 7 / External interrupt input |
| Pin 11 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+/ICSPDAT — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 0 / Comparator 1 non-inverting input / ICSP data |
| Pin 12 | RA1/AN1/C1IN-/VREF+/ICSPCLK — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 1 / Comparator 1 inverting input / ADC VREF+ / ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RA2/AN2/T0CKI/INT — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 2 / Timer0 clock input / External interrupt |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | VDD — Positive power supply (2.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 16 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN — Digital I/O / External oscillator input / Clock input |
| Pin 17 | EP — Exposed thermal pad - connect to ground plane |
Typical Applications
PIC16F616-I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Node, LED Lighting Driver and Dimmer, Small DC Motor / Fan Control, Consumer Appliance Control (Coffee Makers, Irons, Toasters), Automotive Body Electronics (Rear Lighting, Seat Controllers), IR Remote Control Transmitter / Receiver, HVAC Actuator and Damper Control.
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC16F616-I/ML suits ultra-low-power sensor nodes through its nanoWatt XLP technology, which achieves sleep currents below 1 µA with the internal 8 MHz oscillator disabled. With 11 ADC channels and 128 bytes of RAM, the part can periodically sample thermistor, photocell, or gas-sensor analog outputs and transmit via GPIO-bit-banged UART, achieving multi-year battery life on two AA cells operating at 3 V. The 2.0 V minimum supply extends usable runtime as cells deplete below 2.5 V, unlike 2.7 V-floor competitors. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of VDD (pin 16) and a 10 µF bulk cap on the battery rail for stable ADC conversions.
Recommended
LED Lighting Driver and Dimmer
The PIC16F616-I/ML drives LED strings with its Enhanced CCP module producing a 10-bit PWM at up to 20 kHz, sufficient to avoid flicker in human-vision ranges. With 11 I/O pins and 2 on-chip comparators, the MCU can implement closed-loop constant-current regulation by sensing a shunt resistor, comparing against an internal 0.6 V reference, and adjusting PWM duty cycle. The 2.0-5.5 V supply accommodates both 3.3 V logic-level and 5 V power-FET gate drive directly. For RGB color-mixing luminaires, three PWM channels can be remapped to RC2, RC3, RC4 to drive separate red, green, blue strings.
Recommended
Small DC Motor / Fan Control
Brushless DC and brushed DC motor control benefit from the PIC16F616-I/ML's combination of Enhanced CCP PWM, 16-bit timer for tachometer feedback, and 2 comparators for back-EMF or current-limit detection. The 20 MHz instruction cycle gives a 200 ns loop time, enabling field-oriented or trapezoidal commutation at up to 30,000 RPM with adequate margin. The on-chip 8 MHz internal oscillator eliminates an external crystal in cost-sensitive consumer fans and small pumps. Choose the 'E' (extended temperature) variant for under-hood or appliance applications approaching 100 °C ambient.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control (Coffee Makers, Irons, Toasters)
In white-goods user-interface and timer applications, the PIC16F616-I/ML provides sufficient Flash for state-machine firmware plus a 10-bit ADC to read NTC temperature sensors and rotary-encoder positions. The internal oscillator keeps BOM cost minimal - no external crystal or load caps required - while ±1% accuracy supports UART-based diagnostic ports used by service technicians. Industrial-grade temperature rating (-40 °C to +85 °C) suits indoor appliance environments, and the 16-QFN (4x4 mm) package drops directly onto compact main boards. Use the comparators for zero-crossing detection on AC-line-derived low-voltage supplies.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Rear Lighting, Seat Controllers)
The PIC16F616-I/ML in 16-QFN (4x4 mm) packages dashboard lighting dimmers, seat-position memory modules, and rear-LED combiners. With 11 ADC channels it can read multiple position potentiometers and thermistor inputs simultaneously. For AEC-Q100 Grade 1 applications requiring 125 °C ambient operation, the PIC16F616-E/ML extended-temperature variant or AEC-Q100-qualified sibling PIC16F616T-I/ML is the appropriate choice. The 2.0-5.5 V supply tolerates direct connection to a regulated 5 V automotive rail, surviving crank-voltage dips down to 4.5 V without reset when properly decoupled.
Recommended
IR Remote Control Transmitter / Receiver
The PIC16F616-I/ML is well-suited to low-cost infrared remote controls thanks to its nanoWatt XLP sleep mode consuming less than 1 µA - critical for coin-cell remotes that must last 2-3 years. The Enhanced CCP module produces accurate 38 kHz carrier waveforms for NEC, RC5, or Sony protocols, while the 10-bit ADC reads battery voltage on the same IC to support low-battery indication. With 3.5 KB Flash, a complete protocol stack plus manufacturer code fits comfortably. For receiver-side decoding, configure INT/edge-triggered interrupts on the IR photodiode input.
Recommended
HVAC Actuator and Damper Control
In HVAC zone dampers and motorized valve actuators, the PIC16F616-I/ML drives a small brushed DC gear motor via its PWM module, reads position feedback from a potentiometer through the 10-bit ADC, and implements stall-detection through current sensing with one of the on-chip comparators. Industrial temperature rating ensures reliable operation in plenum environments that can exceed 70 °C. The internal 8 MHz oscillator with ±1% accuracy is sufficient for UART commissioning ports used during HVAC system setup. With 11 I/O, multiple damper channels can share a single MCU in multi-zone installations.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F616-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F610-I/ML | PIC16F1615-I/ML | PIC16F616-E/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) - same |
| Flash Program Memory | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) | 14 KB (8K x 14) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 64 bytes | 1 KB | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 32 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC Channels x Resolution | 11 x 10-bit | 11 x 10-bit | 11 x 10-bit (with CIPs) | 11 x 10-bit |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| Qty-1 Unit Price (USD, 2026-09-21) | 2.34 | 1.95 | 2.85 | 2.78 |
| Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) | Limited (basic CCP only) | Limited | Full set: CWG, NCO, DSM, CRC | Limited (basic CCP only) |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost drop-in with reduced Flash for cost-sensitive designs (vs PIC16F610-I/ML)
- Drop-in upgrade path with 4x Flash and 32 MHz operation (vs PIC16F1615-I/ML)
- Extended temperature grade in identical package (vs PIC16F616-E/ML)
Design Notes
Estimated: The 16-QFN (4x4 mm) exposed pad (pin 17, EP) MUST be soldered to a PCB ground copper pour of at least 25 mm² (typical 5x5 mm land) for both thermal dissipation and stable electrical reference. Without the EP connection, junction temperature can rise 15-20 °C above ambient and the ADC reference may exhibit ground-bounce noise. If using a 4-layer PCB, stitch thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter, 1.0 mm pitch) under the EP to the inner ground plane. The part is rated for -40 °C to +85 °C industrial operation.
Place a 100 nF (0.1 µF) X7R decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 16) and a bulk 10 µF tantalum or ceramic cap on the same supply rail. For ADC applications, add a small ferrite bead (e.g. BLM18PG471SN1) between the digital supply and analog AVCC/VDD pin to suppress digital switching noise from coupling into ADC samples. The MCLR/VPP pin (pin 1) requires a 10 kΩ pull-up to VDD if not driven externally; for ICSP, route the PGD/PGC lines away from the PWM outputs to avoid programming glitches.
Do not confuse the PIC16F610-I/ML with the PIC16F616-I/ML when ordering - they share the same 16-QFN footprint but the F610 has only half the Flash (1.75 KB vs 3.5 KB). Firmware compiled for the F616 will fail to fit on the F610. Conversely, the PIC16F1615-I/ML is pin-compatible but requires recompilation due to its different SFR map and 32 MHz operation. The 'I' temperature suffix denotes industrial (-40 °C to +85 °C); the 'E' suffix denotes extended (-40 °C to +125 °C) but is not AEC-Q100 qualified.
When using the Enhanced CCP for PWM at high frequencies (> 10 kHz), route the PWM output (P1A/P1B/P1C/P1D on RC2-RC5) over an uninterrupted ground return path and avoid crossing any high-speed signal traces. For UART bit-banged implementations, the internal 8 MHz oscillator has ±1% accuracy across 2.0-5.5 V and 0-85 °C - this supports 9600 and 19200 baud reliably but may exhibit framing errors at 115200 baud in extreme temperature corners. For UART at higher baud rates, switch to a crystal or external clock source via OSC1 (pin 16).
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliant per Microchip product page. The standard 'I' industrial variant is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified - for AEC-Q100 requirements, choose the PIC16F616T-I/ML automotive-graded sibling in the same 16-QFN package.
