PIC16LF1454-E/ML - 8-bit USB MCU, 14KB Flash, 16-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1454-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.26 | $1.26 |
| 10 | $1.19 | $11.90 |
| 100 | $1.08 | $108.00 |
| 500 | $0.96 | $480.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.85 | $850.00 |
PIC16LF1454-E/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory, and configurable peripherals. The 8-bit class - exemplified by the PIC16 architecture - remains the workhorse of cost-sensitive embedded designs because of its deterministic instruction cycle, low sleep current, and decades of stable toolchain support. Microcontrollers sit at the bottom of the embedded hierarchy: MCU -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC, and form the core of nearly every IoT, consumer, and industrial node.
Key specifications include 14KB (8K x 14 words) of self-programmable Flash, 256 bytes of EEPROM data memory, 512 bytes of RAM, 12 I/O pins, and integrated full-speed USB 2.0 transceiver with on-chip pull-up resistors. The device operates from 2.0V to 3.6V, draws nanoWatt sleep currents below 1 uA in XLP modes, and includes a 10-bit ADC with up to 9 channels, two PWM modules, and configurable serial peripherals (I2C/SPI/EUSART). The 48MHz internal oscillator eliminates an external crystal in most designs, reducing BOM cost.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF1454 uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit core with a hardware multiplier and vectored interrupts. The integrated USB transceiver follows the USB 2.0 full-speed (12 Mbps) specification, eliminating the need for an external USB PHY. Combined with on-board pull-up switching, the MCU can present itself as a USB device with only a few decoupling capacitors and a USB connector.
Typical applications include low-cost USB HID peripherals, USB-to-UART bridges, LED lighting controllers, capacitive touch user interfaces, battery-powered sensor nodes, and consumer electronics such as PC accessories. The XLP nanoWatt technology makes it particularly attractive for always-on USB-powered or coin-cell designs where suspend current must stay under 2.5 mA to remain USB-compliant.
When designing with this device, ensure the exposed thermal pad is soldered to a sufficiently large copper pour for heat dissipation; operation near 48MHz at full peripheral load can push dissipation above 50 mW. The 16-QFN package also requires careful PCB escape routing because inner-row pins are not accessible without a via-in-pad or dog-bone fan-out.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives in the 16-QFN footprint, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1454-E/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 PIC16LF1454-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, USB Module, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1454-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1454-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1454T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1455-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1459-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.7 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1454-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC 16F |
| Core | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory | 14 KB Flash (8K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 512 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 48 MHz (internal oscillator) |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 9 channels |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps) device transceiver, internal pull-ups |
| Timers/PWM | 3 timers / 2 PWM modules |
| Communication | I2C, SPI, EUSART (configurable) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E = industrial) |
| Package | 16-VQFN (4x4 mm) with Exposed Pad (ML) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Low-Power Feature | nanoWatt XLP (sleep < 1 uA) |
| Tube Quantity | Per datasheet tube qty |
PIC16LF1454-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog input (AN4) / PWM |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Digital I/O / analog input (AN3) / PWM |
| Pin 3 | RA3/MCLR — Digital I/O / Master Clear (reset, active low) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog input (AN2) |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Digital I/O / analog input (AN1) |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Digital I/O / analog input (AN0) |
| Pin 7 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RC0 — Digital I/O / analog input (AN6) |
| Pin 9 | RC1 — Digital I/O / analog input (AN7) |
| Pin 10 | RC2 — Digital I/O / analog input (AN8) |
| Pin 11 | Vdd — Positive supply (2.0-3.6 V) |
| Pin 12 | D+ — USB data plus (integrated transceiver) |
| Pin 13 | D- — USB data minus (integrated transceiver) |
| Pin 14 | RC6 — Digital I/O / USB sense / CTS |
| Pin 15 | RC7 — Digital I/O / USB sense / RTS |
| Pin 16 | VUSB — USB 3.3V internal regulator bypass; tie to Vdd via 10 uF cap |
| Pin EP | EP — Exposed thermal pad; connect to GND for heat dissipation |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1454-E/ML is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Peripheral Device, USB-to-UART Bridge, Battery-Powered Sensor Node, LED Lighting Controller, Capacitive Touch Interface, Consumer PC Accessory.
USB HID Peripheral Device
The PIC16LF1454-E/ML is ideal for USB HID peripherals such as keyboards, mice, game controllers, and custom HID input devices. Its integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver with on-chip pull-ups eliminates an external PHY, while the 14KB Flash easily holds HID report descriptors and application code. The 48MHz internal oscillator meets USB 12 Mbps timing requirements without an external crystal. With XLP sleep current below 1 uA, the device meets USB suspend current (<=2.5 mA) and supports bus-powered designs. Pair with a USB-C connector and protection diodes for a complete USB-C HID device.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge
Use the PIC16LF1454-E/ML as a low-cost USB-to-UART (CDC-ACM) bridge for legacy serial equipment. The integrated USB device controller plus EUSART peripheral deliver 12 Mbps USB to 115.2 kbps UART conversion without external crystals. The 14KB Flash is sufficient for a CDC class driver and UART loop-back buffer, while 512 bytes RAM handles bidirectional stream packets. The 2.0-3.6 V Vdd range suits 3.3 V MCU targets. Typical application: debug consoles for 3.3 V microcontrollers that lack native USB.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC16LF1454-E/ML suits coin-cell powered sensor nodes due to its nanoWatt XLP technology, which delivers <1 uA sleep current while retaining RAM and configuration. The 10-bit ADC with internal 1.024V reference monitors battery voltage, temperature, or sensor outputs without an external ADC. The 2.0-3.6 V Vdd range aligns with lithium coin-cell (3.0V) and AA-battery (3.0V) supplies. Pair with a low-power sensor via I2C; the device wakes on RTCC interrupt, samples the sensor, transmits, and returns to sleep.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
Use the PIC16LF1454-E/ML as an LED controller with PWM dimming and USB configuration. The device exposes two PWM modules supporting up to 10-bit resolution, ideal for direct-drive of white, RGB, or RGBA LEDs in decorative and architectural lighting. USB connectivity allows firmware updates, color profiles, and DMX-512 emulation via a CDC command set. With 12 I/O pins and PPS, the MCU can drive a small LED matrix or multiple LED strings simultaneously while logging temperatures via the 10-bit ADC.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch Interface
The PIC16LF1454-E/ML supports capacitive touch sensing via Microchip's mTouch framework using the integrated ADC and CTMU (Charge Time Measurement Unit) peripheral. With 12 I/O pins and a 10-bit ADC, the device can implement up to 12 touch buttons, sliders, or proximity sensors without external touch ICs. The 48MHz core supports real-time touch scanning and filtering, while USB enables configuration and event streaming. This is a cost-effective solution for human-machine interfaces.
Recommended
Consumer PC Accessory
The PIC16LF1454-E/ML fits low-cost PC accessories such as USB dongles, programmable buttons, macro keypads, and Stream Deck-like controllers. Its integrated USB and on-chip pull-ups mean a small 4x4 QFN footprint, leaving more board area for buttons, OLED displays, or RGB LED arrays. The 14KB Flash comfortably fits HID + vendor report descriptors and firmware, while 512 bytes RAM is sufficient for keyboard HID buffering. Pair with an I2C OLED for status feedback and a custom HID application.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1454-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1454-I/ML | PIC16F1454-E/ML | PIC16F1454T-I/ML | PIC16F1455-I/ML | PIC16F1459-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-VQFN (4x4) | 16-VQFN (4x4) - same | 16-VQFN (4x4) - same | 16-VQFN (4x4) - same | 16-VQFN (4x4) - same | 20-QFN - different |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Program Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 2.0 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| USB Transceiver | Integrated FS USB | Integrated FS USB | Integrated FS USB | Integrated FS USB | Integrated FS USB | Integrated FS USB |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 17 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-voltage variant in F1454 family for XLP battery designs (vs PIC16F1454-I/ML)
- Industrial temperature grade (-40 to +125 C) vs commercial (-40 to +85 C) (vs PIC16F1454-I/ML)
- Same-die pin compatibility with F1454 family for inventory flexibility (vs PIC16F1454T-I/ML)
Design Notes
The 16-QFN package uses an exposed thermal pad (EP) that MUST be soldered to a sufficient ground pour for thermal dissipation. At 48 MHz full peripheral load, typical dissipation is 30-50 mW; without the EP pad, junction temperature can exceed 85 C. Use 0.5 mm thermal via array (0.3 mm hole, 0.5 mm pitch) under the EP tied to internal ground plane. Standard dog-bone fan-out routing is acceptable for inner-row pins.
Add 100 nF + 10 uF ceramic decoupling close to Vdd pin (pin 11). The internal USB regulator output (VUSB, pin 16) requires a 10 uF decoupling capacitor tied to ground. Failure to decouple VUSB properly results in USB signal integrity failures and enumeration problems. According to Microchip datasheet DS40005227D, the VUSB regulator must not be loaded with external circuitry except the recommended decoupling.
Configuration word mistakes are common when migrating between PIC16F1454 and PIC16LF1454. The LF variant is tested only at 2.0-3.6 V, while the F variant operates 1.8-5.5 V. Using an LF part at 5.0 V damages the device. Also, the on-chip pull-up resistors for USB D+/D- are software-controlled via the UPUEN bit and must be enabled before USB enumeration; this is a frequent source of 'USB not recognized' failures on first-time prototypes.
USB D+/D- traces must be routed as a 90-ohm differential pair with matched lengths (delta < 150 mil). Keep the pair away from switching nodes such as PWM outputs or clock crystals. Place the USB connector within 25 mm of the MCU to comply with USB 2.0 full-speed signal integrity. ESD protection (e.g., USBLC6-2SC6) is recommended at the connector, especially for user-accessible interfaces.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - select PIC16F1454-E/ML automotive variants for AEC-Q100 Grade 2/3 applications.
