PIC16LF1455-I/ML - 8-bit MCU, 14KB Flash, USB, 16-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1455-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.85 | $1.85 |
| 10 | $1.72 | $17.20 |
| 100 | $1.55 | $155.00 |
| 500 | $1.38 | $690.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.22 | $1,220.00 |
PIC16LF1455-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data bus and a RISC instruction set. The PIC16LF1455 sits within the hierarchy: PIC16F MCU -> 8-bit microcontroller -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor device. The "LF" suffix indicates the low-power eXtreme Low Power (XLP) variant designed for battery-powered applications with deep-sleep currents in the microamp range.
Key features include 14KB (8K x 14 words) Flash program memory, 1024 bytes SRAM, 256 bytes EEPROM, 12 I/O pins, and integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver with on-chip pull-up resistor. The device supports 1.8V to 3.6V operating voltage, has a 10-bit ADC with up to 9 channels, two 8-bit timers, and two 16-bit timers. The 16-QFN package with exposed pad provides excellent thermal performance and a compact 4x4 mm footprint ideal for space-constrained designs.
The PIC16LF1455 uses a 14-bit instruction word RISC architecture with 49 instructions, single-cycle execution except for program branches, and a hardware stack for subroutine handling. The integrated USB module eliminates the need for external transceivers, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. The nanoWatt XLP technology enables sleep currents below 1 uA, extending battery life in USB HID, sensor, and IoT applications.
Typical applications include USB HID peripherals (keyboards, mice, custom input devices), USB-to-UART bridge dongles, low-power sensor nodes with USB diagnostic port, capacitive touch interfaces with USB, and USB charging controllers. The combination of USB, low power, and small package makes it well-suited for accessories that require cable connectivity but minimal PCB area.
When designing with this device, note that the 16-QFN package requires careful PCB layout with proper thermal pad soldering for reliable operation. The internal 48 MHz oscillator eliminates the need for an external crystal in most USB applications, though a crystal may be required for high-precision timing. The ICSP pins are multiplexed with USB D-/D+ lines, requiring design care during programming.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, providing actionable guidance for hardware engineers evaluating the PIC16LF1455-I/ML for embedded USB designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1455-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 PIC16LF1455-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Instruction Set, Package, USB Module, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1455-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1459-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1454-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1455-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1455-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 1024 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 48 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 9 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 2 x 16-bit |
| USB Module | USB 2.0 Full-Speed with on-chip transceiver |
| Package | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) with exposed pad |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Instruction Set | 49 instructions, 14-bit word |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
PIC16LF1455-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/C1IN+/T1G — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, comparator input, Timer1 gate |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4/T1G — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, Timer1 gate |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN5/D+/PGC — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, USB D+, ICSP clock |
| Pin 4 | VDD — Positive power supply |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RA1/AN1/C1IN-/ICSPCLK — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, comparator input, ICSP clock |
| Pin 7 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+/PGED — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, comparator input, ICSP data |
| Pin 8 | RA2/AN2/D-/INT — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, USB D-, external interrupt |
| Pin 9 | RC5/CCP1 — Bidirectional I/O, Capture/Compare/PWM |
| Pin 10 | RC4/AN6 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 11 | RC3/AN7 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 12 | RC2/AN8 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 13 | RC1/AN9 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 14 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 15 | VUSB3V3 — USB internal 3.3V regulator output |
| Pin 16 | VBUS — USB VBUS sense input |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1455-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Peripherals, USB-to-UART Bridge Dongle, Low-Power Sensor Node with USB Diagnostic Port, USB Charging Controller Accessory, Capacitive Touch Interface with USB, Industrial Data Logger with USB Output.
USB HID Peripherals
The PIC16LF1455-I/ML is ideally suited for USB HID-class devices such as keyboards, mice, game controllers, and custom input peripherals. The integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed transceiver with on-chip pull-up resistor eliminates external USB components, reducing BOM cost and PCB area to fit within compact product enclosures. The 14 KB Flash accommodates standard HID report descriptors and device logic, while the 48 MHz internal oscillator provides sufficient bandwidth for USB polling without external crystals. Low-power XLP technology enables battery-operated HID devices with extended battery life through deep-sleep modes.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge Dongle
The PIC16LF1455-I/ML can implement a compact USB-to-UART bridge in a 16-QFN footprint, replacing larger CP2102 or FT232-style modules. The integrated USB transceiver and configurable baud-rate generator support CDC ACM class drivers that appear as virtual COM ports on host PCs. The 14 KB Flash holds USB stack and UART handling code, while the exposed pad QFN package dissipates heat from continuous USB traffic. This application benefits from the small 4x4 mm footprint, enabling dongle designs that fit inside USB connector housings.
Recommended
Low-Power Sensor Node with USB Diagnostic Port
The PIC16LF1455-I/ML serves as a battery-powered sensor node that periodically wakes to take measurements and connects via USB for diagnostics or firmware updates. NanoWatt XLP technology delivers sleep currents below 1 uA, extending battery life to months or years depending on duty cycle. The integrated ADC with up to 9 channels handles sensor inputs directly, while the USB port enables field firmware updates without programming headers. The 1.8 V to 3.6 V operating range supports direct Li-ion or 2xAA battery operation with minimal regulation.
Recommended
USB Charging Controller Accessory
The PIC16LF1455-I/ML implements USB device-mode charging controllers, BC1.2 detection logic, or proprietary fast-charge protocol handlers in consumer charging accessories. The USB module negotiates with upstream chargers, while the 12 I/O pins control power-path MOSFETs, status LEDs, and user buttons. The 16-QFN exposed pad package handles thermal dissipation from power-path switching, and the 14 KB Flash holds charging algorithm code with room for vendor-specific customization.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch Interface with USB
The PIC16LF1455-I/ML combines Microchip's mTouch capacitive sensing capability with USB connectivity, enabling touch-button or slider interfaces that report over USB HID. The 10-bit ADC and comparator peripherals support capacitive voltage divider sensing without external components. The integrated USB eliminates the need for separate touch controllers with UART bridges, reducing total system cost. The compact 16-QFN package fits behind glass or plastic panels in appliance and consumer product front panels.
Recommended
Industrial Data Logger with USB Output
The PIC16LF1455-I/ML provides a compact industrial data logger solution with USB output for retrieving recorded measurements from field equipment. The 256-byte EEPROM stores calibration constants, while the 1 KB RAM buffers sensor data between USB transfers. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range supports factory floor, HVAC, and outdoor monitoring deployments. The 16-QFN package withstands vibration when properly soldered with the exposed pad, and the integrated USB eliminates the need for separate programming or data ports.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1455-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1455-I/ML | PIC16LF1459-I/ML | PIC16LF1454-I/ML | PIC16LF1455-E/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) | 16-QFN (4x4) - same | 16-QFN (4x4) - same | 16-QFN (4x4) - same | 16-QFN (4x4) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Flash Program Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB |
| USB Module | USB 2.0 Full-Speed integrated | USB 2.0 Full-Speed integrated | USB 2.0 Full-Speed integrated | No USB module | USB 2.0 Full-Speed integrated |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 14 | 11 | 12 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| Low-Power XLP Technology | Yes (nanoWatt XLP) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-voltage PIC with integrated USB in 16-QFN (vs PIC16F1455-I/ML)
- Extended temperature option in same package (vs PIC16LF1455-E/ML)
- Smallest USB-capable PIC16 package (vs PIC18F14K50-I/SS)
Design Notes
The 16-QFN package requires soldering the exposed thermal pad (EP) to a PCB pad for proper thermal dissipation and electrical grounding. Use multiple thermal vias under the EP to conduct heat to inner copper layers. Without proper EP soldering, thermal resistance increases significantly and the device may not meet datasheet specifications under continuous USB traffic loads. Reference Microchip AN1258 (QFN Package Guidelines) for layout patterns.
ICSP programming pins on the PIC16LF1455 are multiplexed with USB D+/D- lines (PGED on RA0, PGC on RA1, with alternative pair on D+/D-). When designing USB circuits, ensure programming access is preserved by adding test points or programming header access. If USB D+/D- are connected directly to a USB connector without test points, in-system programming becomes impossible without disconnecting the USB cable.
Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the VDD pin, plus a 4.7 uF bulk capacitor for USB transient load handling. The internal 3.3V USB regulator (VUSB3V3 pin) requires a 220 nF decoupling capacitor. Inadequate decoupling causes USB communication errors and ADC noise. For battery-powered designs, place a 10 uF capacitor on VDD to handle inrush during USB attach events.
Route USB D+ and D- as a 90-ohm differential pair with matched length within 2 mm. Keep USB traces away from switching signals and clock sources to minimize EMI. The 16-QFN package's compact 4x4 mm footprint simplifies routing, but maintain continuous reference plane under USB traces for controlled impedance. Reference Microchip AN26.3 (USB Design Notes) for detailed routing guidance.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive applications, consult Microchip automotive-grade portfolio. Industrial temperature range -40C to +85C supports most non-automotive industrial deployments.
