PIC16F616T-I/ST - 8-Bit 20MHz 3.5KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F616T-I/ST ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.84 | $0.84 |
| 10 | $0.76 | $7.60 |
| 100 | $0.67 | $67.00 |
| 500 | $0.61 | $305.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.54 | $540.00 |
| 2,500 | $0.48 | $1,200.00 |
PIC16F616T-I/ST Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and a rich set of peripherals including timers, ADC, communication interfaces, and I/O ports. The PIC16F616 belongs to the enhanced mid-range PIC16F family which uses a 14-bit instruction word architecture, and within the broader product hierarchy it sits as: PIC16F616 -> PIC16 family -> 8-bit PIC microcontroller -> microcontroller -> embedded IC -> semiconductor. Its nanoWatt technology provides multiple power-saving modes critical for battery-powered designs.
Key differentiating features include a 10-bit ADC with up to 8 channels, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, an enhanced PWM module, an internal 8 MHz oscillator with software calibration, and an integrated comparator. The device also supports In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) and In-Circuit Debugging (ICD), reducing development tooling cost.
The PIC16F616 employs a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, providing deterministic instruction execution and high code density. The 14-bit instruction set and 35 instruction opcode enable efficient C and assembly programming, while the nanoWatt power management supports run, idle, and sleep modes with current consumption as low as a few hundred nanoamperes in sleep.
Typical applications include LED lighting control with dimming, battery chargers, small appliance controllers, fan speed controllers, power tools, remote controls, sensor interface modules, and any cost-sensitive embedded design requiring flash re-programmability and low power. The internal oscillator eliminates an external crystal in many designs, reducing BOM cost.
A key design consideration is selecting the appropriate oscillator configuration: the internal 8 MHz oscillator is sufficient for many UART and timing applications but the external crystal is preferred for high-precision timing or USB. Designers should also consider migration to the pin-compatible PIC16F610 family when fewer features are needed.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in compatible PIC16 family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the bare manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers evaluate the PIC16F616T-I/ST against modern mid-range MCU alternatives for both new designs and legacy board refreshes.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F616T-I/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 PIC16F616T-I/ST (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Internal Oscillator, Operating Temperature, Package, Timers, Core Architecture.
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-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F616-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F610T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.59 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F610-I/SL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F616T-I/ST Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 (Enhanced Mid-Range, 8-bit) |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 11 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 8 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| PWM Modules | 1 x Enhanced CCP/ECCP |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 14-pin TSSOP (ST) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz (calibrated, software-selectable) |
| Programming/Debug | ICSP / ICD via 2-wire interface |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per Microchip product page) |
PIC16F616T-I/ST Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/C1IN+/VREF+ — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / comparator input / ADC voltage reference |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4/C1OUT/T1G — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / comparator 1 output / Timer1 gate |
| Pin 3 | RA5/MCLR/VPP — Bidirectional I/O / Master Clear (reset) / ICSP programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 5 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 6 | RB4/AN10/SDI/SDA — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 7 | RB5/AN11/RX/DT — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / EUSART RX / data |
| Pin 8 | RB6/SCK/SCL — Bidirectional I/O / I2C clock / SPI clock |
| Pin 9 | RB7/TX/CK — Bidirectional I/O / EUSART TX / clock |
| Pin 10 | RC0/AN4/C2IN+ — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / comparator 2 input |
| Pin 11 | RC1/AN5/C2IN- — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / comparator 2 input |
| Pin 12 | RC2/AN6/P1D/CCP1 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / PWM output / CCP1 |
| Pin 13 | RC3/AN7/P1C/CCP1 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / PWM output / CCP1 |
| Pin 14 | RC4/C2OUT/P1B — Bidirectional I/O / comparator 2 output / PWM output |
Typical Applications
PIC16F616T-I/ST is suitable for 6 applications: LED Lighting and Dimming Controllers, Battery Chargers and Power Tools, Small Appliance and Fan Speed Control, Remote Controls and Consumer IR, Sensor Interface Modules, Automotive Interior and Aftermarket Accessories.
LED Lighting and Dimming Controllers
The PIC16F616T-I/ST is well suited for LED driver and dimming designs because it integrates an enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM (ECCP) peripheral that supports multiple PWM modes plus two analog comparators for closed-loop current sensing. Designers can use the 20 MHz CPU clock to drive high-resolution PWM at frequencies above the audible band (typically >25 kHz), eliminating audible noise in dimmable bulbs. The 10-bit ADC samples the LED current through the comparators, while the nanoWatt sleep mode drops system current below 100 nA when the lighting is off. Unlike general-purpose MCUs that need an external comparator and op-amp front-end, the PIC16F616 integrates both, reducing BOM cost in cost-sensitive bulb and fixture designs.
Recommended
Battery Chargers and Power Tools
For battery charging and power tool applications, the PIC16F616T-I/ST combines a wide 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range with 128 bytes of RAM and 256 bytes of EEPROM that can store battery chemistry profiles and cycle counters across 1 million erase/write cycles. The integrated 10-bit ADC monitors cell voltage and current, while the ECCP module drives the switching element of a buck or boost converter at high efficiency. Designers can implement CC/CV (constant-current / constant-voltage) charge algorithms in firmware without external controllers, and the industrial -40 C to +85 C range handles the temperature extremes of cordless tool environments. Compared with discrete charger ASICs, the PIC16F616 offers field-upgradeable firmware for new battery chemistries.
Recommended
Small Appliance and Fan Speed Control
Small appliances such as kitchen hoods, fans, and humidifiers benefit from the PIC16F616T-I/ST's combination of PWM generation, analog comparators, and an internal 8 MHz oscillator that eliminates the need for an external crystal. The 3.5 KB Flash accommodates state-machine based fan curve algorithms, while the 128 bytes of RAM store lookup tables for temperature-to-speed mapping. The two 8-bit timers and one 16-bit timer allow simultaneous tachometer input capture and PWM output without CPU overhead, enabling closed-loop speed regulation. This integration reduces total BOM cost versus using a dedicated motor-control ASIC and provides firmware flexibility to support multiple motor types on a single PCB.
Recommended
Remote Controls and Consumer IR
The PIC16F616T-I/ST is a strong fit for infrared remote control and consumer products because the nanoWatt sleep mode draws less than 100 nA at 2 V, extending battery life in coin-cell applications. The 8 MHz internal oscillator is accurate enough for 38 kHz IR carrier generation, eliminating an external crystal and reducing PCB area. The 10-bit ADC can read battery voltage for low-battery warning, and the 11 I/O pins drive multiple buttons and a status LED. Compared with dedicated IR encoder ICs, this MCU allows user-programmable protocols, OTA firmware updates through ICSP, and addition of features such as learning mode without external components.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Modules
For sensor hub and IoT edge-node designs, the PIC16F616T-I/ST offers a 10-bit ADC with up to 8 channels for reading multiple analog sensors (temperature, light, humidity, gas), while the I2C/SPI capable EUSART module communicates with digital sensors. The 256-byte EEPROM stores calibration coefficients for sensor linearization, and 3.5 KB Flash is sufficient for sensor fusion and threshold-based event detection without external intelligence. The integrated comparators allow low-power analog threshold detection that wakes the MCU only when an event occurs. Compared with larger Cortex-M0+ MCUs, the PIC16F616 reduces sleep current to under 1 uA in real designs, critical for battery-powered sensor nodes that must last years on a single cell.
Recommended
Automotive Interior and Aftermarket Accessories
Although the PIC16F616T-I/ST is industrial grade rather than AEC-Q100 qualified, it is widely deployed in non-safety automotive interior applications such as ambient lighting, seat controllers, and aftermarket accessories where the -40 C to +85 C industrial range meets cabin environmental specs. The PWM module drives LED ambient lighting, the ADC reads trim-position potentiometers, and the ECCP supports brushed DC motor control for vents and cup-holder actuators. The ICSP interface simplifies factory programming and field service. Compared with automotive-grade MCUs that command price premiums, the PIC16F616 offers comparable core performance at significantly lower cost for non-safety cabin electronics.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F616T-I/ST — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F616T-E/ST | PIC16F616-I/ST | PIC16F616-I/ML | PIC16F616-E/P | PIC16F610T-I/ML | PIC16F610-I/SL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 14-pin TSSOP (ST) | 14-pin TSSOP (ST) | 14-pin TSSOP (ST) | 16-pin QFN (ML) | 14-pin PDIP (P) | 16-pin QFN (ML) | 14-pin SOIC (SL) |
| Flash Program Memory | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | none | none |
| I/O Pins | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 |
| Temperature Grade | -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 +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
Key Differentiators
- Drop-in tape-and-reel variant with extended -40C to +125C range (vs PIC16F616T-E/ST)
- Compact 16-pin QFN package option without redesign of firmware (vs PIC16F616-I/ML)
- Cost-optimized 1.75 KB Flash variant in same core family (vs PIC16F610T-I/ML)
Design Notes
Estimated: at VDD = 5 V and 20 MHz clock, the PIC16F616T-I/ST draws approximately 7 to 9 mA active current and below 1 uA in sleep mode per Microchip datasheet DS40001262E. For battery designs targeting >5 year life on a CR2032 coin cell, ensure firmware spends >99% of time in sleep and uses the internal LF oscillator or WDT wake-up. Add a 100 nF decoupling capacitor directly at the VDD pin and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the supply entry point to suppress voltage drops during peak CPU activity.
Place the 100 nF VDD decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of pin 5 (VDD) and use a wide ground trace or ground pour on the top layer connecting pin 4 (VSS). The ICSP programming pins (PGC/PGD on RB6/RB7) must remain accessible in production for in-circuit firmware updates — do not place small-pitch components under these pins. For TSSOP-14, use a footprint with at least 0.2 mm solder mask expansion between pads to prevent tombstoning during reflow.
Critical: do not connect MCLR (pin 3) directly to VDD without a pull-up resistor — Microchip recommends a 10 kOhm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF capacitor to ground for proper reset behavior, especially in noisy environments. The internal 8 MHz oscillator is factory-calibrated to +/- 2% across voltage but can drift with temperature; for UART communication requiring better than +/- 2% accuracy, switch to an external crystal. Finally, ensure ICSP pins are not accidentally repurposed as high-current outputs, which can damage the programming tool during firmware updates.
Keep analog signals (ANx, C1IN, C2IN) routed away from PWM outputs and digital switching nodes to minimize ADC noise coupling. When using the internal voltage reference, place a 0.1 uF capacitor on the VREF+ pin if available. For the 14-pin TSSOP footprint, ensure copper pours under the exposed bottom side do not create thermal hot spots — although the TSSOP has no thermal pad, the die is small and dissipation in normal applications is well under 100 mW.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for AEC-Q100 automotive safety applications, evaluate PIC16F equivalent parts from the automotive-grade catalog. halogen_free status marked as yes per Microchip product environmental information.
