PIC16LF1503-E/MG - 8-bit MCU, 3.5KB Flash, 16-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1503-E/MG ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.129 | $1.13 |
| 10 | $1.05 | $10.50 |
| 100 | $0.95 | $95.00 |
| 500 | $0.86 | $430.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.78 | $780.00 |
PIC16LF1503-E/MG Overview
A PIC microcontroller is a compact, low-power, programmable processor built around a Harvard-architecture RISC core optimized for embedded control. PIC16 microcontrollers sit in the entry-level of Microchip's portfolio, above the PIC10/PIC12 baseline family and below the PIC18/dsPIC mid-range families, targeting cost-sensitive applications that still demand peripherals, ADC, and flexible I/O. The 'LF' prefix designates the low-voltage, low-power F-flavor of the PIC16F1503, making the LF1503 the natural choice for battery-powered and energy-harvesting designs.
Key features of the PIC16LF1503-E/MG include 3.5 KB Flash, 128 B RAM, 12 I/O, a 10-bit ADC, CLC, CWG, NCO, and EUSART. Peripherals such as the CLC let designers implement custom logic in silicon without external gates, while the CWG produces complementary PWM outputs ideal for half-bridge and full-bridge power stages. The NCO provides a high-resolution digital frequency source that, when combined with the CWG, delivers fine-grained PWM edges for LED dimming, motor control, and tone generation.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF1503 uses a 14-bit instruction word with a 16-level hardware stack and 25 instruction set types, giving a deterministic one-instruction-per-cycle pipeline (except branches). Power-saving features include multiple low-power modes (doze, idle, sleep with wake-on-change), a Power-on Reset (POR), Power-up Timer (PWRT), Programmable Low-Power Brown-out Reset (LPBOR), and an extended Watchdog Timer (WDT) programmable from 1 ms to 256 s.
Typical applications include consumer electronics, IoT edge sensor nodes, LED lighting controllers, small appliance controls, sensor conditioning, and battery-powered handheld devices. The wide peripheral set and small 3x3 mm QFN footprint make it suitable where PCB area is at a premium and where firmware flexibility outweighs raw MIPS requirements.
When designing with this MCU, ensure the VDD rail stays within the 1.8-3.6 V LF window (use the PIC16F1503 for 2.3-5.5 V operation). Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close to pin 1 (VDD) as possible and tie the exposed pad to a clean ground pour for thermal and electrical integrity. The -E temperature grade supports -40C to +125C operation, suiting industrial and outdoor environments.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric comparison, and design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, including cross-brand alternatives vetted for package compatibility.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1503-E/MG — 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 PIC16LF1503-E/MG (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature, Package, Core Architecture, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1503-I/MG
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1503-E/MG
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1503-I/MG
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1503T-I/MG
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1554-I/MG
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1503-E/MG Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC16F |
| Core | PIC 8-bit |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 128 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Supply Voltage Range (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| Package | 16-VFQFN (3x3 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C |
| Self-Programmable | Yes (under software control) |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP via two pins |
| Brown-out Reset | Programmable Low-Power BOR (LPBOR) |
| Watchdog Timer | Extended WDT, 1 ms to 256 s |
| Peripherals | CLC, CWG, NCO, EUSART |
| Special Features | Power-on Reset, Power-up Timer, Low-Power modes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1503-E/MG Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5/CLKIN/OSC1 — Digital I/O / external clock input / crystal oscillator pin 1 |
| Pin 2 | RA4/CLKOUT/OSC2 — Digital I/O / clock output / crystal oscillator pin 2 |
| Pin 3 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — Digital I/O / Master Clear (reset) / programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | RC5 — Digital I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 5 | RC4 — Digital I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 6 | RC3/AN7/CWG1B — Digital I/O / ADC input / CWG output B |
| Pin 7 | RC2/AN6/CWG1A — Digital I/O / ADC input / CWG output A |
| Pin 8 | RC1/AN5 — Digital I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 9 | RC0/AN4 — Digital I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 10 | RA2/AN2/T0CKI — Digital I/O / ADC input / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 11 | RA1/AN1/ICSPCLK — Digital I/O / ADC input / ICD clock |
| Pin 12 | RA0/AN0/ICSPDAT — Digital I/O / ADC input / ICD data |
| Pin 13 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Pin 15 | RA7 — Digital I/O port A bit 7 |
| Pin 16 | RA6 — Digital I/O port A bit 6 |
| Pin EP | EP — Exposed thermal pad - solder to ground pour per datasheet |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1503-E/MG is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, LED Lighting Controllers and Drivers, Small Appliance and Consumer Control, Hobby Electronics and Educational Kits, Industrial Sensor Conditioning and Front Ends, Remote Control and Wireless Key-Fob Designs, Tone Generation and Audio Signaling.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF1503-E/MG's 1.8-3.6 V supply window and low-power sleep modes make it ideal for coin-cell and 2x AA battery sensor endpoints. Its 12 I/O and 10-bit ADC support multiple analog sensors with on-die signal conditioning via Configurable Logic Cells (CLC), eliminating external gates and reducing BOM cost. The NCO peripheral provides high-resolution frequency generation for sensor excitation, while the CWG drives small piezo or LED indicators directly. At full active load the LF core typically draws sub-mA currents, and sleep-with-watchdog modes drop into the microamp range, extending coin-cell life to multi-year horizons.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers and Drivers
The integrated Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) of the PIC16LF1503-E/MG produces complementary PWM outputs ideal for driving half-bridge or full-bridge LED stages. Combined with the CLC and NCO, designers can implement logarithmic dimming curves, color-mixing logic, and over-temperature foldback entirely in firmware without external ICs. The 20 MHz core computes Color Rendering Index lookups and ambient-light compensation loops in real time. The 16-QFN 3x3 mm footprint suits space-constrained MR16 bulbs and strip-light controllers, and the exposed pad provides a low thermal-resistance path for driving small MOSFETs directly.
Recommended
Small Appliance and Consumer Control
For appliances such as coffee makers, blenders, fans, and kitchen timers, the PIC16LF1503-E/MG provides ample Flash for user-interface logic, keypad scanning via 12 I/O, and motor or heater control via CWG PWM. The 10-bit ADC reads temperature, current-sense, and potentiometer inputs with sufficient resolution for closed-loop feedback. The 128 B RAM accommodates modest state machines while the EUSART drives a serial display or BLE bridge for premium SKUs. The -40C to +125C operating range handles oven-adjacent and outdoor appliance environments without thermal derating.
Recommended
Hobby Electronics and Educational Kits
The PIC16LF1503-E/MG is well-suited to hobbyist and educational designs thanks to its ICD/ICSP programming interface, generous Flash for compiled BASIC or XC8 code, and breadboard-friendly 16-QFN breakout boards. The CLC peripheral lets students experiment with combinational logic before reaching for a discrete gate, and the NCO gives a hands-on introduction to direct-digital synthesis. The PICkit-compatible debug interface keeps development-tool cost low, and the broad Microchip documentation library plus active community make it a common teaching platform.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Conditioning and Front Ends
In industrial 4-20 mA loop-powered sensor transmitters, the PIC16LF1503-E/MG's 1.8 V minimum VDD supports operation directly from loop current with a low-drop regulator. The CLC can perform zero-drift chopping and ratiometric measurement in silicon, while the 10-bit ADC digitizes bridge, RTD, or thermocouple signals. The CWG drives optocouplers for galvanic isolation, and the EUSART outputs Modbus or HART-modulated frames. The -E temperature grade ensures operation in outdoor enclosures and process-control cabinets where ambient temperatures swing widely.
Recommended
Remote Control and Wireless Key-Fob Designs
With 1.8 V minimum VDD and low-power sleep, the PIC16LF1503-E/MG fits coin-cell powered key fobs and IR/RF remote controls. The CLC implements custom debouncing and pattern generation, the NCO produces accurate carrier frequencies without crystals, and the CWG drives IR LEDs at high current for line-of-sight transmission. The 12 I/O handles key matrices, LED indicators, and a wake-up interrupt source. The exposed-pad 16-QFN package keeps the PCB footprint smaller than a single CR2032 coin cell, enabling ultra-thin fob designs.
Recommended
Tone Generation and Audio Signaling
Using the Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO) and Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), the PIC16LF1503-E/MG can synthesize stable audio-frequency tones, DTMF signals, and alarm patterns without external crystals or DACs. Designers can implement security sirens, doorbells, and metronomes where deterministic frequency generation matters. The 20 MHz core runs the CLC-based state machine while reserving cycles for ADC sampling of a battery voltage or microphone level. The 3x3 mm QFN package is ideal for embedding tone-generation capability inside enclosures where PCB real estate is scarce.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1503-E/MG — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1503-I/MG | PIC16F1503-E/MG | PIC16F1503-I/MG | PIC16LF1503T-I/MG | PIC16LF1554-I/MG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-QFN (3x3) with exposed pad (MG) | 16-QFN (3x3) with exposed pad (MG) - same | 16-QFN (3x3) with exposed pad (MG) - same | 16-QFN (3x3) with exposed pad (MG) - same | 16-QFN (3x3) with exposed pad (MG) - same | 16-QFN (3x3) with exposed pad (MG) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash |
| RAM | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 256 B |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) |
| Peripherals | CLC, CWG, NCO, EUSART, 10-bit ADC | CLC, CWG, NCO, EUSART, 10-bit ADC | CLC, CWG, NCO, EUSART, 10-bit ADC | CLC, CWG, NCO, EUSART, 10-bit ADC | CLC, CWG, NCO, EUSART, 10-bit ADC | CLC, CWG, NCO, 12-bit ADC |
| 1 pc Price (USD, as of 2026-09-23) | $1.13 | $1.10 | $1.18 | $1.05 | $1.10 | $1.40 |
Key Differentiators
- Lower minimum VDD extends battery life (vs PIC16F1503-E/MG)
- Industrial extended temperature grade (vs PIC16LF1503-I/MG)
- Smaller package footprint than competing PIC16F1503 cousins (vs PIC16LF1554-I/MG)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as physically possible to pin 14 (VDD) and pin 13 (VSS). For designs that switch high-current loads, add a bulk 1-10 uF tantalum or ceramic near the VDD pin. The PIC16LF1503 draws microamp-level current in low-power sleep; the supply should be regulated to keep noise below the brown-out threshold to avoid spurious resets.
The 16-QFN package uses an exposed thermal pad (pin EP) that MUST be soldered to a ground pour with multiple thermal vias for both thermal and electrical integrity. Estimating: at the maximum 20 MHz operation the LF1503 typically dissipates under 25 mW; the exposed pad reduces theta_JA to roughly 40 C/W, so the junction temperature rise above ambient remains under 1 C - well within the -40C to +125C operating envelope.
Route the ICSP clock and data lines (RA1/ICSPCLK, RA0/ICSPDAT) with short, parallel traces and avoid crossing noisy signal paths. Maintain at least 0.2 mm clearance between analog ADC inputs (AN0-AN7) and digital switching traces to preserve ADC accuracy. Keep the exposed pad free of solder mask on the PCB to ensure a reliable solder joint to the ground pour.
Do not exceed the maximum VDD of 3.6 V on the LF variant; use the PIC16F1503 (2.3-5.5 V) for 5 V designs. The MCLR pin (RA3) must be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up for normal operation - leaving it floating prevents startup. When using the internal oscillator, configure the OSCCON register per datasheet and validate timing with the EUSART peripheral before integration.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliance confirmed per Microchip product documentation. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in retrieved data - set to unknown. AEC-Q100 automotive qualification is not applicable to this part; contact Microchip for the automotive-grade equivalent.
