PIC16LF1503-I/P - 8-bit MCU, 3.5KB Flash, 14-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1503-I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.05 | $1.05 |
| 10 | $0.97 | $9.70 |
| 100 | $0.85 | $85.00 |
| 500 | $0.74 | $370.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.66 | $660.00 |
PIC16LF1503-I/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory, and peripherals into one package, optimized for embedded control tasks where deterministic behavior, low cost, and low power are critical. The PIC architecture uses a 14-bit instruction word and a modified Harvard bus, which is a subset of the broader microcontroller taxonomy (microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor -> integrated circuit).
Key features include a 10-bit ADC with up to 8 channels, 4 PWM outputs for motor or LED control, 2 analog comparators with selectable references, an Enhanced Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (EUSART), and Master I2C/SPI interfaces. The device supports 32 interrupt sources, an internal 16 MHz high-speed oscillator calibrated to ±1%, and a power-saving Sleep mode with < 50 nA typical current for battery-backed applications.
The PIC16LF1503 uses CMOS process technology and the PIC16 enhanced mid-range core that executes most instructions in one instruction cycle, giving roughly 200 ns instruction time at 20 MHz. Its internal oscillator eliminates the need for an external crystal on cost-sensitive designs, while the CLC and PWM/COG peripherals allow hardware-configurable glue logic without external parts.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, LED lighting controllers, small appliance control (coffee makers, fans), consumer remote controls, and low-cost IoT edge devices. The combination of wide voltage range, low sleep current, and integrated analog peripherals makes it well-suited for designs previously dominated by discrete logic or larger 32-bit controllers.
When designing with this MCU, ensure VDD decoupling is within 1 cm of the pin with at least a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor, and leave the ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT pins accessible for in-circuit serial programming. Migrating from the LF (1.8-3.6 V) to the non-LF F variant (PIC16F1503-I/P) requires re-checking analog peripheral specifications at the new voltage rail.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives, and PCB-level design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single reference for sourcing and second-sourcing decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1503-I/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 PIC16LF1503-I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Core Architecture, Mounting Type, Operating Temperature, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1503-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1503-I/SL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1503-E/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1503T-I/SL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1503-I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| Max CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (LF variant) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 8 channels |
| PWM Channels | 4 (10-bit) |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Communication | EUSART, I2C (MSSP), SPI (MSSP) |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz HFOSC, 31 kHz LFOSC |
| Package | 14-pin PDIP (0.300 inch, 7.62 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial -I suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1503-I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O pin; analog channel |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR — Input-only pin / Master Clear reset input |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 8 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 9 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O pin; ICSPDAT |
| Pin 11 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 12 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O pin; ICSPCLK |
| Pin 13 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1503-I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Wireless Sensor Node, LED Lighting Controller, Small Appliance Control (Coffee Maker, Fan, Mixer), Consumer Remote Control / IR Transmitter, IoT Edge Sensor with HMI, Automotive Aftermarket Accessory.
Battery-Powered Wireless Sensor Node
The PIC16LF1503-I/P runs from 1.8V to 3.6V on a single CR2032 coin cell or two AA cells, draws <50 nA in Sleep with WDT disabled, and wakes to take a sensor reading before transmitting via a companion radio. The 10-bit ADC samples thermistor or photo-sensor inputs at up to ~100 ksps, and the 4 PWM channels can drive a vibration motor or indicator LED. The internal 16 MHz HFOSC (±1% calibrated) eliminates the external crystal, saving BOM cost and PCB area. Deployed in cold-chain logger, environmental monitor, and remote control designs where 5-10 year battery life is required.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
Four 10-bit PWM channels drive RGB and white LED strings with smooth color mixing and brightness control. The PIC16LF1503-I/P's 20 MHz core executes lighting algorithms at ~5 MIPS, leaving headroom for DMX-512, DALI, or I2C LED-driver interfaces. The wide 1.8-3.6V VDD range supports both 3.3V logic-level LED drivers and battery-backed emergency lighting. Two on-chip comparators enable current-sensing feedback for constant-current regulation. Typical deployment: architectural LED strips, signage dimmers, and aquarium lighting where 8-bit PWM resolution is sufficient.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control (Coffee Maker, Fan, Mixer)
The PIC16LF1503-I/P is widely used in cost-sensitive home appliances where it replaces discrete logic for motor control, button scanning, and timing. Three timers handle PWM motor drive, capacitive-touch button scanning, and a real-time clock for delayed-start functions. The 128-byte RAM accommodates menu state and last-used setting storage in EEPROM, while the 4 PWM outputs manage brushed DC and small BLDC fan motors via gate drivers. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature range suits kitchen environments. Typical SKUs adopting this controller include drip coffee makers, stand fans, and food processors.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control / IR Transmitter
A simple IR remote uses the PIC16LF1503-I/P running from a 3V coin cell, with the EUSART driving a 38 kHz PWM-modulated IR LED. Sleep current below 1 uA enables multi-year standby on a CR2032, and the 12 I/O pins easily accommodate 4x4 keypad scanning plus status LEDs. The CLC peripheral can be wired to generate IR carrier waveforms in hardware, leaving the CPU in Sleep until a key is pressed. Common in TV/STB remotes, fan controllers, and AC line-of-sight universal remotes.
Recommended
IoT Edge Sensor with HMI
The PIC16LF1503-I/P drives a small character LCD or OLED over I2C/MSSP to display sensor readings, status, and user-set thresholds, while the EUSART links to a Wi-Fi or BLE module for cloud connectivity. Its low sleep current and fast wake-up (under 10 us from Sleep to active) make it well-suited to battery-powered IoT edge devices that sleep most of the time and periodically push data. The 10-bit ADC reads up to 8 analog sensor channels, which is adequate for HVAC, indoor-air-quality, or smart-home sensor pods. Combined with a humidity or CO2 sensor and an ESP-style module, it forms a complete Wi-Fi/BLE sensor node.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket Accessory
Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, the PIC16LF1503-I/P is widely used in non-safety automotive aftermarket accessories (interior LED strips, dash-cam controllers, aftermarket alarm sirens). The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range covers cabin environments, and the wide VDD tolerates load-dump transients when paired with a TVS diode and LDO. The PIC16F1503-I/P at the same footprint is preferred when 5V tolerance is needed. These applications are typically 12V systems with an upstream regulator dropping to 3.3V for the MCU. Always validate against the specific automotive OEM electrical spec before deployment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1503-I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1503-I/P | PIC16LF1503-I/SL | PIC16LF1503-E/P | PIC16LF1503T-I/SL | PIC12LF1501-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 14-pin PDIP | 14-pin PDIP (same) | 14-pin SOIC (different - SMD) | 14-pin PDIP (same) | 14-pin SOIC (different - SMD) | 8-pin PDIP (different - reduced) |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (same) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (same) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (same) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (same) |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB (same) | 3.5 KB (same) | 3.5 KB (same) | 3.5 KB (same) | 1.75 KB (-50%) |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes (same) | 128 bytes (same) | 128 bytes (same) | 128 bytes (same) | 64 bytes (-50%) |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 (same) | 12 (same) | 12 (same) | 12 (same) | 6 (-50%) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (same) | -40 C to +85 C (same) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended - wider) | -40 C to +85 C (same) | -40 C to +85 C (same) |
| Max Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest minimum VDD (1.8V) in the 14-pin PIC16F family (vs PIC16F1503-I/P)
- Through-hole PDIP package for breadboard and hand-soldered prototyping (vs PIC16LF1503-I/SL)
- Cost-optimized 3.5KB Flash for compact firmware (vs PIC12LF1501-I/P)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 1 cm of the VDD pin (pin 1) and a bulk capacitor (>= 1 uF) at the supply rail. For battery-powered designs, disable unused peripherals via the PMD register to lower Sleep current to < 50 nA typical. The LF variant draws roughly 30 uA/MIPS at 3.3V, so a Sleep duty-cycle of 99% yields years of life from a CR2032.
Keep traces to RA4 and RA5 short if those pins drive ICSP - long traces couple noise and confuse programming. The MCLR pin (pin 4) should be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor, with a 100 nF cap to ground only if longer wires are used (e.g. for in-system reset button). Avoid running high-speed signal traces adjacent to the crystal pins if an external XTAL is used; the internal oscillator is sufficient for most designs at 20 MHz.
The PIC16LF1503 is the LF variant (1.8-3.6V); attempting to run it at 5V damages the device - verify the F/LF suffix before PCB assembly. Pin 4 (RA3/MCLR) is input-only and cannot drive as an output, even though it is sometimes configured as an analog input. Brown-Out Reset must be enabled in CONFIG1 for reliable battery operation; without BOR, slow VDD rise can cause code execution at indeterminate VDD levels. The LVP bit must be cleared if not using low-voltage programming, to free up RB5/RA0.
Compliance Information
Industrial -40C to +85C grade. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; do not use for automotive safety-critical applications. RoHS and lead-free compliant per Microchip product page.
