PIC16LF1459T-I/SO - 14KB Flash USB MCU, 48MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1459T-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.58 | $25.80 |
| 100 | $2.28 | $228.00 |
| 500 | $2.05 | $1,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.85 | $1,850.00 |
PIC16LF1459T-I/SO Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller is a compact, Harvard-architecture CMOS flash MCU built around a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) core. It belongs to the broader taxonomy of microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor device. PIC16 microcontrollers sit at the entry-level of Microchip's PIC portfolio, pairing deterministic single-cycle instruction execution with a stable, well-supported toolchain (MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler, PICkit programmers). The LF prefix denotes the low-voltage (1.8V-3.6V) variant, which is preferred over the F variant for battery-powered designs seeking the lowest sleep current.
Key specifications of the PIC16LF1459T-I/SO include 14KB (8192 words) of Flash, 1024 bytes of SRAM, 256 bytes of EEPROM, a 48MHz internal oscillator, an integrated full-speed USB 2.0 device module, a 10-bit ADC with up to 12 channels, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, and Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (EUSART) with SPI and I2C peripherals. The 'T' suffix denotes Tape and Reel packaging; the SO suffix designates the SOIC-20 wide-body package; the -I suffix signifies the industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C).
Architecturally, the PIC16LF1459T-I/SO uses a RISC core that executes most instructions in a single cycle, with a 14-bit instruction word optimized for C code generation. The internal 48MHz oscillator can be tuned for USB applications where 48MHz +/- 0.25% accuracy is required, eliminating external crystals. XLP technology drives the deep-sleep current down to roughly 30 nA, ideal for IoT and sensor node designs where years of battery life are required.
Typical applications include USB HID peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and custom input devices; low-power IoT sensor nodes; consumer electronics needing USB connectivity; and battery-powered industrial sensors. The device's USB module supports CDC, HID, vendor-class, and composite device firmware, dramatically shortening the BOM for USB-capable products.
Designers should note that the LF part requires VDD between 1.8V and 3.6V and is NOT 5V-tolerant; the regular F variant (PIC16F1459) must be selected for 5V systems. For USB bus-powered designs, an internal 3.3V regulator provides the USB transceiver supply, but external 1 uF decoupling on VUSB is required per the datasheet typical application circuit.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1459T-I/SO — 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 PIC16LF1459T-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, Operating Voltage Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1459-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1459T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1459T-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Part Number | PIC16LF1459T-I/SO |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC (PIC16 enhanced mid-range) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 1024 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 48 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Digital I/O Pins | Up to 18 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 12 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit |
| USB Module | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device |
| Communication Peripherals | EUSART (UART/SPI), 2 x MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Package | 20-pin SOIC (SO) wide-body |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Programming Support | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
PIC16LF1459T-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/CPS3/VPP — GPIO RA3 / ADC ch3 / CPS ch3 / ICSP VPP |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4/T1G/CPS4/CLKOUT — GPIO RA4 / ADC ch4 / Timer1 gate / CPS ch4 / CLKOUT |
| Pin 3 | RA5/MCLR/VPP — RA5 / Master Clear Reset (active low) / ICSP VPP |
| Pin 4 | RA0/AN0/ULPWU/CPS0 — GPIO RA0 / ADC ch0 / Ultra-Low-Power Wake-up / CPS ch0 |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN1/CPS1 — GPIO RA1 / ADC ch1 / CPS ch1 |
| Pin 6 | RA2/AN2/CPS2 — GPIO RA2 / ADC ch2 / CPS ch2 |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 8 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN — GPIO RA7 / Oscillator crystal in / external clock in |
| Pin 9 | RA6/OSC2/CLKOUT — GPIO RA6 / Oscillator crystal out / CLKOUT |
| Pin 10 | RC4/D-/VMO — GPIO RC4 / USB D- / Vbus Monitor Output |
| Pin 11 | RC5/D+/VFP — GPIO RC5 / USB D+ / Vbus Fault Protection |
| Pin 12 | RC6 — GPIO RC6 |
| Pin 13 | RC7 — GPIO RC7 |
| Pin 14 | RB7/ICSPDAT — GPIO RB7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 15 | RB6/ICSPCLK — GPIO RB6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 16 | RB5/AN11 — GPIO RB5 / ADC ch11 |
| Pin 17 | RB4/AN10 — GPIO RB4 / ADC ch10 |
| Pin 18 | RB3/AN9/CPS7/CLKR — GPIO RB3 / ADC ch9 / CPS ch7 / CLKR |
| Pin 19 | RB2/AN8/CPS6 — GPIO RB2 / ADC ch8 / CPS ch6 |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V-3.6V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1459T-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: USB Human Interface Devices (HID), Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Consumer USB-Connected Devices, Industrial Sensor Readout Modules, Custom USB-to-UART / SPI Bridges, Medical Point-of-Care Diagnostic Dongles.
USB Human Interface Devices (HID)
The PIC16LF1459T-I/SO's integrated USB 2.0 full-speed device module and 14KB Flash make it ideal for USB HID peripherals such as keyboards, mice, presentation remote controls, custom input devices, and game controllers. According to datasheet 40001586D, the part supports HID, CDC, vendor class, and composite USB firmware profiles with no external transceiver or crystal required. The 48MHz internal oscillator provides USB-precision timing, eliminating components and shrinking the BOM for a USB gamepad to roughly $1.50 in silicon plus passives. Designers can fit full HID report descriptors in 4-6KB of Flash, leaving ample headroom for application firmware.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
With XLP technology reducing deep-sleep current to roughly 30 nA and operating voltage down to 1.8V, PIC16LF1459T-I/SO is well matched to single-cell Li-ion or 2x AA battery sensor nodes. The 10-bit ADC supports up to 12 channels for multi-sensor designs such as temperature, humidity, and battery voltage monitoring. The USB module is an unexpected bonus: in production, the same MCU can serve as the USB charging and configuration port, eliminating an external FTDI bridge and saving $0.80-1.20 per BOM. With the USB disabled in sleep mode, the node can sustain 10+ year battery life for periodic wake-and-transmit IoT telemetry designs.
Recommended
Consumer USB-Connected Devices
The PIC16LF1459T-I/SO suits USB-connected consumer products such as toys, fitness dongles, streaming sticks, and small audio accessories where cost is critical. At under $2.00 in volume, the part enables sub-$15 retail products with full USB functionality. The 1.8V-3.6V range lets designers use single-cell Li-ion batteries while leveraging the internal 3.3V LDO for the USB transceiver. The RISC core's deterministic single-cycle instructions simplify real-time USB HID response (typically <8ms latency target), which is critical for consumer interactivity. For a typical USB-CDC serial bridge plus motor-control application, the LF1459 fits in 8-10KB Flash including USB stack and protocol handlers.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Readout Modules
The PIC16LF1459T-I/SO serves industrial sensor readout modules requiring USB connectivity for diagnostics, calibration, or firmware updates, especially in 24V industrial bus systems where a 3.3V local rail is common. The device's industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) supports factory-floor environments, and the 10-bit ADC with 12 channels handles thermocouple conditioning, strain-gauge bridges, and 4-20 mA loop readouts when paired with instrumentation amplifiers. The USB port enables technician-laptop interface without a dedicated LCD or HMI, reducing operator training costs. The 14KB Flash allows for sensor linearization tables, calibration constants, and USB-CDC command sets within a single device.
Recommended
Custom USB-to-UART / SPI Bridges
Bridging a host USB port to a legacy UART or SPI peripheral is a common application where PIC16LF1459T-I/SO excels. The part's CDC firmware profile delivers a virtual COM port on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android without requiring driver installation, eliminating the need for an FT232 or CH340 external bridge. The MSSP modules provide dual SPI or I2C channels, and the EUSART offers hardware UART for legacy devices. Designers should add 1uF decoupling on VUSB (3.3V USB supply pin) and consider ESD arrays on D+/D- if the product handles hot-plug environments such as POS terminals or industrial control panels.
Recommended
Medical Point-of-Care Diagnostic Dongles
Compact medical dongles for USB-connected diagnostics such as blood-glucose meters, pulse oximeters, or rapid-test readers fit naturally within the PIC16LF1459T-I/SO capability envelope. The 14KB Flash comfortably holds USB-CDC plus diagnostic sequencing firmware, while the 18 GPIO pins handle buttons, LEDs, and sensor interfaces. The LF variant's low sleep current extends battery life in mobile clinic carts, and the industrial temperature range supports clinical environments. Note that medical device certification (FDA, IEC 60601) requires additional documentation regardless of the part used; the LF1459 has no built-in certifications and is suitable only as the core MCU inside a fully validated system.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1459T-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1459-I/SO | PIC16LF1459T-I/SS | PIC16F1459T-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SOIC-20 (SO) wide-body | SOIC-20 (SO) | SSOP-20 (SS) | SOIC-20 (SO) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 2.3V to 5.5V |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB |
| RAM | 1024 bytes | 1024 bytes | 1024 bytes | 1024 bytes |
| USB Module | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz | 48 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Reel Packaging | Yes (T in part number) | No (tube) - packaging variant only | Yes (T in part number) | Yes (T in part number) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated USB 2.0 full-speed device without external crystal (vs PIC16LF1455)
- Low-voltage operation down to 1.8V (XLP technology) (vs PIC16F1459T-I/SO)
- Industrial temperature range included standard (vs PIC16LF1459-E/SO (extended))
- Same SOIC-20 pinout across LF and F families (vs PIC16LF1459T-I/SS (SSOP-20))
Design Notes
The PIC16LF1459T-I/SO requires VDD between 1.8V and 3.6V (NOT 5V tolerant). Add a 100nF decoupling capacitor as close as physically possible to pin 20 (VDD), plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum-polymer capacitor on the same rail. The USB internal regulator requires a 1 uF decoupling cap on VUSB (USB-specific pin). Estimated total quiescent current at 3.3V with full-speed USB suspended is below 1 mA; in deep sleep the MCU draws ~30 nA typical (per datasheet 40001586D).
Use a 4-layer PCB with a continuous ground plane for USB designs. Route D+/D- (RC4/RC5) as a 90 ohm differential pair matched within 0.5 mm length, keep stubs below 2 mm, and place the ESD protection diode directly between the USB connector and the MCU D+/D- pins. Place the 1 uF VUSB capacitor within 5 mm of the VUSB pin. For SOIC-20 wide-body, prefer a 0.5mm annular ring around each pad and a 0.3mm solder mask expansion for hand-solderability. The 48MHz internal oscillator eliminates the USB-required crystal and its associated 20-30 pF caps, simplifying layout significantly.
Critical pitfalls: (1) Do not exceed 3.6V on any pin when using the LF variant - this damages the USB transceiver permanently. (2) The MCLR/RA5 pin needs a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation; tying it directly to VDD disables ICSP. (3) Leave at least one pin (typically RA3) as the ICSP VPP pin, even if unused as GPIO - removing ICSP access makes field firmware updates impossible. (4) Estimate USB enumeration failure risk: an inadequate VUSB bypass cap (>5mm trace) is the most common cause of intermittent USB enumeration issues; always measure VUSB ripple with an oscilloscope during validation.
USB signal integrity requires precise impedance control and clean routing. Maintain 90 ohm differential impedance on D+/D-, with matched trace lengths within 0.5 mm. Avoid routing D+/D- parallel to clock signals or switching power traces for more than 10 mm; keep at least 3 mm of clearance to high-noise signals. The USB 1.5 kohm pull-up on D+ (full-speed) is integrated in the LF1459 - do NOT add an external pull-up. Estimated USB differential eye diagram margin typically exceeds 25% at 12 Mbps with proper routing, which is well within the USB 2.0 specification.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. The LF1459 family is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications - select 'E' (extended) temperature grade and validate against AEC-Q100 documentation separately if automotive is required. Halogen-free and lead-free confirmed per Microchip environmental compliance documentation.
