PIC16LF1459-I/GZ - 8-bit USB MCU 14KB Flash 48MHz UQFN-20
MPN: PIC16LF1459-I/GZ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.25 | $3.25 |
| 10 | $2.93 | $29.30 |
| 100 | $2.6 | $260.00 |
| 500 | $2.34 | $1,170.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.08 | $2,080.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.85 | $5,550.00 |
PIC16LF1459-I/GZ Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (flash/RAM), and peripherals such as timers, ADC, communication interfaces, and I/O on one die. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16LF1459 sits at the hierarchy: microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> enhanced mid-range PIC16 -> PIC16LF145x USB family -> USB-capable low-power MCU. It is part of the semiconductor product class and serves as the active computing element in an embedded system.
Key features include 14 KB flash program memory, 1024 bytes SRAM, 256 bytes EEPROM, 18 general-purpose I/O pins, a 10-bit ADC with up to 12 channels, two 8-bit and two 16-bit timers, enhanced PWM modules, and a full-speed USB 2.0 device module with internal pull-up. The XLP technology offers nanoWatt sleep currents and active current in the microamp range, enabling coin-cell and battery-backed designs.
The device uses an enhanced mid-range PIC16 core with a Harvard RISC architecture, executing most instructions in a single 200 ns cycle (at 20 MHz) or 83 ns at 48 MHz. The integrated 48 MHz high-speed internal oscillator (HFINTOSC) eliminates the need for an external crystal in many USB designs, while the integrated 3.3V regulator provides internal core power from a single supply rail.
Typical applications include USB HID peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and custom input devices, USB-to-UART bridges, low-power sensor nodes, consumer electronics requiring USB connectivity, and battery-powered embedded products where PCB area is constrained. The UQFN-20 (4x4 mm) package with exposed pad makes it ideal for space-constrained wearables and handheld designs.
When designing with this part, place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor close to VDD, provide a solid ground plane, and solder the exposed pad to a thermal copper pour for best electrical and thermal performance. The USB D+/D- lines should be routed as a 90-ohm differential pair with controlled impedance, and consider ferrite beads for EMI-sensitive applications.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet, providing engineers and procurement teams with a single, citable reference for the PIC16LF1459-I/GZ.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1459-I/GZ — 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-I/GZ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Core Architecture, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1459-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1459-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1459T-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1459-E/GZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1454-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1459-I/GZ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Core Architecture | PIC16 enhanced mid-range (Harvard RISC) |
| Family | PIC16LF145x (XLP, USB) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 1024 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 48 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 83 ns @ 48 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 12 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 2 x 16-bit |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device, internal pull-up |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 20-pin UQFN (4x4 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1459-I/GZ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/ICSPDAT — Digital I/O / ICSP data; analog input channel |
| Pin 2 | RA1/ICSPCLK — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR — Digital I/O / Master Clear (reset, active-low) |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RA6 — Digital I/O / clock output |
| Pin 9 | RA7 — Digital I/O / clock input |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 12 | RB6/ICSPDAT — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 13 | RB7/ICSPCLK — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive power supply (2.3 V - 5.5 V) |
| Pin 15 | RB0 — Digital I/O / analog input / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 16 | RB1 — Digital I/O / analog input / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 17 | RB2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 18 | RB3 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 19 | D- — USB data minus |
| Pin 20 | D+ — USB data plus |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1459-I/GZ is suitable for 7 applications: USB HID Keyboard / Mouse, USB to UART Bridge / CDC Device, Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Custom USB Input / Output Device, Consumer USB Dongle, Industrial Configuration / Calibration Tool, USB LED Controller / Lighting Toy.
USB HID Keyboard / Mouse
The PIC16LF1459-I/GZ is a natural fit for USB Human Interface Device (HID) peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and custom input devices. The integrated USB 2.0 full-speed device controller with internal pull-up eliminates external USB components, and the 14 KB flash comfortably holds HID report descriptors, scan matrices, and macro logic. With 48 MHz CPU performance, scanning a 20-key matrix at 1 kHz takes less than 1% of CPU time. The XLP nanoWatt sleep mode drops quiescent current below 1 uA, extending battery life in wireless keyboards. Power the device from VBUS with a 3.3 V LDO; route D+/D- as a 90-ohm differential pair with controlled impedance.
Recommended
USB to UART Bridge / CDC Device
The PIC16LF1459-I/GZ implements a USB Communications Device Class (CDC) bridge that emulates a virtual COM port over USB, converting USB to UART for legacy serial devices, debug consoles, and field-service tools. The 48 MHz CPU bit-bangs a UART at up to 1 Mbaud while sustaining USB full-speed traffic, and the 1 KB RAM buffers incoming/outgoing CDC frames without flow-control loss. The internal 48 MHz HFINTOSC removes the external crystal, reducing BOM cost by roughly $0.30. Use the on-chip 10-bit ADC to monitor supply voltage or temperature and report via USB control transfers in the same firmware.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC16LF1459-I/GZ's nanoWatt XLP technology makes it a strong fit for coin-cell or 2x AA battery-powered sensor nodes that occasionally wake to log data via USB. Sleep currents below 100 nA (with RTC running) extend coin-cell life to multiple years, and the wide 2.3 V-5.5 V supply range supports direct operation from a single Li-ion or 2x alkaline cells. The 10-bit ADC reads up to 12 sensor channels; the 16-bit timers wake the MCU on schedule without an external RTC. Connect a micro-USB jack for periodic data offload and battery charging in industrial IoT deployments.
Recommended
Custom USB Input / Output Device
The PIC16LF1459-I/GZ supports custom USB vendor-class devices for proprietary host software: industrial controllers, gaming peripherals, HID + vendor composite devices, and PC configuration tools. The 14 KB flash accommodates vendor-specific descriptors and complex state machines, while 18 GPIO pins drive LEDs, switches, and small displays. The integrated 3.3 V regulator simplifies bus-powered designs that source 100 mA from VBUS. The UQFN-20 (4x4 mm) package fits inside stylus-style products and behind USB Type-A connector shrouds, where every millimeter of PCB width matters.
Recommended
Consumer USB Dongle
The PIC16LF1459-I/GZ is well suited to compact consumer USB dongles such as IR/RF transmitters, license dongles, USB configuration tools, and educational STEM devices. The UQFN-20 (4x4 mm) package fits on a PCB as small as 10x15 mm alongside a USB Type-A plug. The internal 48 MHz oscillator removes the external crystal that would otherwise dominate the BOM, and the 14 KB flash supports complex application logic in a single IC. Operate at 5 V from VBUS directly; no level shifters needed for USB signaling.
Recommended
Industrial Configuration / Calibration Tool
The PIC16LF1459-I/GZ serves as the brain of a field technician's USB configuration or calibration tool for industrial equipment. USB vendor-class firmware lets the device emulate proprietary command protocols to set, read, and store calibration parameters on target hardware. The 256-byte EEPROM retains technician settings across power cycles, and the 10-bit ADC calibrates external analog signals. The industrial -40 C to +85 C operating range supports outdoor and factory floor use. The exposed-pad UQFN-20 provides adequate thermal dissipation for continuous USB traffic up to the 100 mA bus-powered limit.
Recommended
USB LED Controller / Lighting Toy
The PIC16LF1459-I/GZ drives multi-channel PWM LED controllers and decorative USB-powered lighting products. The four 16-bit timers generate high-resolution PWM outputs, the 14 KB flash stores complex animation patterns, and the USB interface lets a host PC push dynamic lighting data in real time. The 1 KB RAM buffers incoming USB frames so animations never stall mid-update. The XLP sleep mode enables battery-powered decorative lights that occasionally charge via USB. Operate at 5 V from VBUS; each PWM output drives a MOSFET or constant-current driver for high-brightness LEDs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1459-I/GZ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1459-I/GZ | PIC16LF1459-I/ML | PIC16LF1459T-I/GZ | PIC16LF1459-E/GZ | PIC16F1454-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | UQFN-20 (4x4) | UQFN-20 (4x4) - same | UQFN-20 (4x4) - same | UQFN-20 (4x4) - same | UQFN-20 (4x4) - same | UQFN-20 (4x4) - same |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB (-50%) |
| Data RAM | 1024 bytes | 1024 bytes | 1024 bytes | 1024 bytes | 1024 bytes | 512 bytes (-50%) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.3 V - 5.5 V | 3.0 V - 5.5 V | 2.3 V - 5.5 V | 2.3 V - 5.5 V | 2.3 V - 5.5 V | 3.0 V - 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C |
| USB Module | USB 2.0 FS Device | USB 2.0 FS Device | USB 2.0 FS Device | USB 2.0 FS Device | USB 2.0 FS Device | USB 2.0 FS Device |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest voltage range in the LF145x family (vs PIC16F1459-I/GZ)
- Full 14 KB flash vs 7 KB on smaller family members (vs PIC16F1454-I/ML)
- Industrial-grade vs extended temperature availability (vs PIC16LF1459-E/GZ)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14) with a short trace to the VSS pin (pin 7). Add a 10 uF bulk capacitor on VBUS when bus-powered. The exposed thermal pad (EP) must be soldered to a ground copper pour of at least 10 mm x 10 mm to meet electrical and thermal performance. Per Microchip datasheet DS40001639, the EP is internally connected to VSS and serves as the chip's primary thermal and ground path.
Route the USB D+ (pin 20) and D- (pin 19) traces as a 90-ohm differential pair with controlled impedance. Keep the differential traces matched within 2 mm length, and avoid vias or sharp bends in the USB pair. The internal pull-up on D+ is enabled by firmware; no external pull-up resistor is needed for full-speed USB. Add a common-mode choke or ferrite bead near the USB connector for EMI-sensitive applications to meet FCC/CE Class B.
Do not connect MCLR/RA3 (pin 4) directly to VDD - use a 10 kohm pull-up with a 100 nF cap to VSS for proper reset behavior. If unused, leave RA3 as an input without pull-up to avoid parasitic current draw. Do not exceed 5.5 V on VDD, even transiently, as the USB transceiver's internal 3.3 V LDO can be damaged. When using ICSP programming on RA0/RA1, ensure no external circuitry drives these pins during programming.
Estimated: at full USB traffic and 48 MHz CPU, the PIC16LF1459-I/GZ dissipates roughly 30 mW from a 5 V supply (typical IDD active ~6 mA). The UQFN-20 package has theta_JA around 40 C/W on a standard JEDEC 4-layer board, so junction temperature rises about 1.2 C above ambient - well within the -40C to +85C industrial rating. No heatsink is required for normal USB operation.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade (I suffix, -40C to +85C); the E suffix variant (PIC16LF1459-E/GZ) extends to -40C to +125C. No AEC-Q100 automotive qualification - the LF145x family is targeted at industrial and consumer USB markets.
