PIC16LF1459-E/P - 8-Bit 48MHz USB MCU 14KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1459-E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.1 | $2.10 |
| 10 | $1.94 | $19.40 |
| 100 | $1.72 | $172.00 |
| 500 | $1.55 | $775.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.38 | $1,380.00 |
PIC16LF1459-E/P Overview
What is an 8-bit microcontroller? An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data-path CPU, non-volatile Flash program memory, on-chip RAM, and a fixed set of peripherals (timers, ADC, communication ports, USB). It belongs to the broader hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> semiconductor IC, and is the smallest computing unit commonly embedded in commercial products. PIC microcontrollers from Microchip use a Harvard-architecture RISC instruction set optimized for deterministic interrupt response and ultra-low power consumption.
Key features include eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology with typical sleep currents below 1 µA, a 10-bit ADC with up to 12 channels, multiple communication peripherals (I2C, SPI, EUSART, USB), and an internal 48 MHz precision oscillator that eliminates the need for an external crystal in USB applications. The device also integrates a configurable logic cell, two capture/compare/PWM modules, and a 32 kHz low-power secondary oscillator for RTC operation.
The PIC16LF1459 architecture combines a 14-bit instruction word with a hardware multiplier and a 16-level stack, achieving up to 48 MHz operation while preserving the deterministic interrupt latency that PIC MCUs are known for. The integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver with on-chip pull-up resistors and 3.3V regulator simplifies USB device designs by eliminating external interface components.
Typical applications include USB human-interface devices (HID keyboards, mice, game controllers), LED lighting controllers, sensor interfaces, consumer electronics with USB charging or data links, industrial control nodes, and battery-powered IoT endpoints that benefit from XLP sleep modes. The 20-pin PDIP package makes it ideal for prototyping, breadboarding, and through-hole assembly in low-volume production.
When designing with the PIC16LF1459-E/P, ensure the USB D+/D- traces are routed as a 90 Ω differential pair with matched length and that the VUSB pin has a 1 µF decoupling capacitor as required by the Microchip datasheet. For non-USB applications, leave the USB module disabled to minimize quiescent current.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single reference for sourcing, replacement, and implementation guidance.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1459-E/P — 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 PIC16LF1459-E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, ADC, I/O Pins, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1459-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1459-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1455-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.22 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1458-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.16 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F14K50-E/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1459-E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| CPU Family | PIC® XLP™ 16F |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 1024 bytes |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| USB Module | USB 2.0 Full-Speed with on-chip transceiver and 3.3V regulator |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 12 channels |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| CCP/ECCP Modules | 2 |
| Communication | I2C, SPI, EUSART, USB |
| Package | 20-pin PDIP (DIP-20, 0.300 in / 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +125 °C (Industrial / Extended) |
| Instruction Set | 14-bit, 49 instructions, 16-level hardware stack |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1459-E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / MCLR |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 8 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 9 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 11 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 12 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 15 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 16 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O / D+ (USB data) |
| Pin 17 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / D- (USB data) |
| Pin 18 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 19 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1459-E/P is suitable for 7 applications: USB HID Keyboard / Mouse Controller, LED Lighting and RGB Controller, USB Battery Charger / Power Bank, Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Consumer Electronics with USB Link, IoT Edge Node and Data Logger, Educational and Hobby Development Board.
USB HID Keyboard / Mouse Controller
The PIC16LF1459-E/P is purpose-built for USB Human Interface Device (HID) designs such as keyboards, mice, gamepads, and presentation remotes because it integrates a USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver with on-chip pull-up resistors and a 3.3 V regulator, eliminating most external USB components. The 48 MHz internal oscillator provides ±0.25 % USB clock accuracy without an external crystal. The 14 KB Flash comfortably fits HID descriptors, scan matrix logic, and bootloader code, while the 10-bit ADC handles potentiometer or battery-voltage monitoring. Place a 1 µF decoupling capacitor on VUSB and route D+/D- as a 90 Ω matched-length differential pair.
Recommended
LED Lighting and RGB Controller
The PIC16LF1459-E/P suits addressable LED strip controllers, DMX512 nodes, and architectural lighting drivers thanks to its two CCP/ECCP PWM modules and the high-resolution 10-bit PWM capability on multiple I/O pins. The 48 MHz CPU executes lighting protocols such as WS2812, APA102, or DMX with precise timing, while the 1.8-5.5 V VDD range allows direct bus powering from 5 V LED rails. The 18 I/O pins can drive multiple LED channels plus a tactile control interface. XLP sleep modes cut quiescent current to under 1 µA for battery-powered accent lighting.
Recommended
USB Battery Charger / Power Bank
The PIC16LF1459-E/P can monitor and control single-cell Li-Ion or Li-Po charging over USB thanks to its 10-bit ADC for cell voltage and current sensing, plus the integrated USB transceiver for BC1.2 handshaking. The XLP sleep current under 1 µA enables shipping mode where the power bank sits dormant for months and wakes on button press. The 1.8-5.5 V VDD range covers both the 3.7 V Li-Ion cell and the 5 V USB rail. The two CCP modules drive PWM-controlled buck or boost converter FETs.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
Industrial 4-20 mA sensor transmitters and Modbus RTU nodes benefit from the PIC16LF1459-E/P's wide 1.8-5.5 V supply range, -40 to +125 °C industrial temperature rating, and on-chip 10-bit ADC with up to 12 channels for thermocouple, RTD, or pressure-sensor signal conditioning. The EUSART plus SPI/I2C buses handle RS-485 transceiver chips and digital sensor front-ends. The 14 KB Flash accommodates Modbus stack, calibration tables, and PID control loops. The 20-pin PDIP package is convenient for screw-terminal prototype modules and field serviceability.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics with USB Link
The PIC16LF1459-E/P fits low-cost consumer products that need a USB data or charging interface such as fitness bands, e-readers, toy peripherals, and small appliances. Its tiny 20-pin PDIP footprint makes prototyping fast on breadboard, while the USB module handles CDC virtual COM port, HID, or vendor-class communication. The 1024 B SRAM is sufficient for command parsing and short data buffers, and the XLP modes extend battery life in portable devices. Production cost is reduced by eliminating the external USB interface IC.
Recommended
IoT Edge Node and Data Logger
IoT edge nodes, environmental monitors, and small data loggers leverage the PIC16LF1459-E/P's 1.8-5.5 V operation, ultra-low XLP sleep currents below 1 µA, and on-chip 10-bit ADC to wake periodically, sample sensors, and store readings in EEPROM or transmit them over USB. The 14 KB Flash supports simple LoRaWAN, Sigfox, or Modbus-over-USB protocol stacks. The internal 48 MHz oscillator and 32 kHz low-power oscillator allow wake-from-RTC operation without external crystals. The 20-pin PDIP is ideal for hand-assembled prototype enclosures.
Recommended
Educational and Hobby Development Board
The PIC16LF1459-E/P is a popular choice for university microcontroller courses, hobby projects, and DIY development boards because its 20-pin PDIP package drops directly into a breadboard or ZIF socket without soldering. The MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler, and PICkit 4 programmer give students a free toolchain, while the on-chip USB module provides instant connectivity for projects such as data loggers, control surfaces, and simple embedded games. The 14 KB Flash holds a complete teaching curriculum from blink-LED to USB-CDC terminal apps.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1459-E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1459-E/P | PIC16LF1459-I/P | PIC16LF1455-I/P | PIC16LF1458-E/SO | PIC18F14K50-E/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-pin PDIP (DIP-20) | 20-pin PDIP - same | 20-pin PDIP - same | 20-pin PDIP - same | 20-pin SOIC - surface-mount variant | 20-pin PDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| CPU Core | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit | PIC18 8-bit |
| Maximum Frequency | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| USB Module | USB 2.0 Full-Speed with on-chip transceiver | USB 2.0 Full-Speed with on-chip transceiver | USB 2.0 Full-Speed with on-chip transceiver | No USB | No USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed with on-chip transceiver |
| VDD Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 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 | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Unit Price (USD @ qty 1000) | 1.38 | 1.38 | 1.42 | 1.25 | 1.30 | 1.95 |
Key Differentiators
- Lower minimum VDD than F variant (vs PIC16F1459-E/P)
- On-chip USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver (vs PIC16LF1455-I/P)
- 20-pin PDIP package option (vs PIC16LF1459-E/ML (QFN-20))
Design Notes
USB D+ (pin 16 / RC0) and D- (pin 17 / RA1) traces must be routed as a 90 Ω differential pair with matched length (Δ < 150 mil). Place the 1 µF VUSB decoupling capacitor as close to pin 1 as possible, and keep the VBUS sensing trace short. The 20-pin PDIP package makes breadboard prototypes forgiving, but production boards should switch to the PIC16LF1459-E/SO (SOIC-20) or PIC16LF1459-E/ML (QFN-20) variants for compact USB-compliant layouts.
Estimated: at 48 MHz CPU and full USB traffic, the PIC16LF1459-E/P draws approximately 8-10 mA from VDD. The integrated 3.3 V USB regulator can supply up to 50 mA to external circuitry but adds 0.5-1 mA quiescent overhead even when USB is disabled. For battery-powered designs, enable XLP sleep modes and disable unused peripherals to achieve sleep currents below 1 µA. Always place a 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor adjacent to VDD (pin 1) and a 10 µF bulk capacitor on the 3.3 V output pin.
Do not confuse the -E/P extended temperature grade with the -I/P industrial grade - both share the same -40 to +125 °C datasheet range but -E is a Microchip 'E-temp' part marking, while -I is the standard industrial designation. Also note that the LF silicon revision requires VDD > 2.0 V for reliable Flash programming; below that threshold, ICSP programming may fail intermittently. For systems that brown-out below 2 V, choose the PIC16F1459-E/P (2.3 V minimum VDD) instead.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance confirmed per Microchip product page; lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip material declarations.
