PIC16LF1508-E/P - 7KB Flash 8-bit MCU | Microchip XLP 20-DIP
MPN: PIC16LF1508-E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.65 | $1.65 |
| 10 | $1.52 | $15.20 |
| 100 | $1.36 | $136.00 |
| 500 | $1.18 | $590.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.05 | $1,050.00 |
PIC16LF1508-E/P Overview
A PIC16 microcontroller is a Harvard-architecture 8-bit RISC MCU built around a small, deterministic instruction set (typically 35-49 single-word instructions). The PIC16LF1508 sits within the mid-range PIC16 family and adds peripheral-rich features such as Configurable Logic Cells (CLC), Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO), Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), and 10-bit ADC with Computation. Within the broader taxonomy, it belongs to microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC category.
Key differentiating specifications include 7KB (4K x 14 words) self-programmable Flash, 256 bytes RAM, 128 bytes EEPROM, 18 I/O pins, an internal 20 MHz oscillator, and an ADC with Computation (ADC^2) that performs hardware averaging and threshold comparison autonomously. The on-chip CLC, NCO, and CWG peripherals allow custom logic, frequency synthesis, and complementary PWM generation without external circuitry.
The architecture pairs a RISC CPU optimized for C compilers with a 14-bit instruction word. According to the Microchip datasheet DS40001609F, the LF-grade silicon runs down to 1.8V with a typical active current of only 30 uA/MHz and sleep currents under 50 nA with full RAM retention, enabled by nanoWatt XLP technology. The device also supports on-chip debug via the ICD header.
Typical applications include low-power sensor nodes, battery-operated handheld instruments, LED lighting controllers, smoke and CO detector signal chains, and consumer appliances that require capacitive-touch or mTouch sensing on a tight power budget. The 20-pin PDIP package enables through-hole prototyping on development boards and breadboards.
When designing with this part, place a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin and a bulk capacitor (>1uF) on the same rail to handle switching transients. Verify the LF voltage range carefully: PIC16F1508 runs up to 5.5V while PIC16LF1508 is capped at 3.6V, and over-voltage on the LF grade can permanently damage the silicon.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives, and practical XLP design notes not aggregated on any single distributor listing.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1508-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 PIC16LF1508-E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature, Package, Mounting Type, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1508-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.04 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1508-E/GZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1508-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1507-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1507-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.22 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1508-E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16F150x (Mid-Range 8-bit MCU) |
| Series | PIC® XLP™ 16F |
| Core Processor | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory | 7 KB Flash (4K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 256 bytes |
| EEPROM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz (DC to 20 MHz clock input) |
| Operating Voltage (LF grade) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| ADC | 10-bit ADC with Computation (ADC^2) |
| Timers | 4 (Timer0/1/2, plus WDT) |
| Special Peripherals | CLC, NCO, CWG, mTouch, PWM, ECCP |
| Self-Programming | Yes (self-programmable under software control) |
| Brown-out Reset / POR | Yes |
| Package | 20-pin PDIP (DIP, 0.300", through-hole) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E = Extended) |
| RoHS / Lead-Free | Yes (Lead-free, Pb-free terminal finish) |
PIC16LF1508-E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/Vref+/T6CKI — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input 3 / Positive voltage reference / Timer6 clock input |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input 4 |
| Pin 3 | RA5/MCLR/VPP — Bidirectional I/O / Master Clear (reset, active-low) / Programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | RC0/AN8/PWM2/CWG1A — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input 8 / PWM output 2 / CWG output A |
| Pin 5 | RC1/AN9/PWM1/CWG1B — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input 9 / PWM output 1 / CWG output B |
| Pin 6 | RC2/AN10/PWM3/NCO1CLK — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input 10 / PWM output 3 / NCO clock |
| Pin 7 | RC3/AN11/PWM4/CLC1OUT — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input 11 / PWM output 4 / CLC output |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RC4/AN12/PWM5 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input 12 / PWM output 5 |
| Pin 10 | RC5/AN13/PWM6 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input 13 / PWM output 6 |
| Pin 11 | RC6/AN14 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input 14 |
| Pin 12 | RC7/AN15 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input 15 |
| Pin 13 | RB7/ICSPDAT — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP data line |
| Pin 14 | RB6/ICSPCLK — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP clock line |
| Pin 15 | RB5/AN5 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 16 | RB4/AN6 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 17 | RB3/AN7 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 18 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V to 3.6V for LF grade) |
| Pin 20 | RA0/AN0 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input 0 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1508-E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Smoke and CO Detector Signal Chain, LED Lighting Controller, Capacitive Touch (mTouch) User Interface, Consumer Appliance Control Board, Handheld Battery Test Instrument.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF1508-E/P fits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because of its 1.8V to 3.6V supply range and XLP nanoWatt sleep current under 50 nA with full RAM retention, which lets a coin-cell node run for 5-10 years unattended. The 10-bit ADC with Computation (ADC^2) performs hardware averaging and threshold detection, offloading the CPU between sensor reads. Place the MCU between a 3V CR2032 cell and the sensor front-end (e.g., temperature/humidity MEMS), waking via WDT or IOC to acquire one sample, then immediately returning to sleep. Compared to the higher-voltage PIC16F1508, the LF grade draws ~30% less active current per MHz, directly extending battery life. CLC and NCO peripherals can synthesize local clock signals without an external oscillator, further reducing BOM cost.
Recommended
Smoke and CO Detector Signal Chain
The PIC16LF1508-E/P suits ionization-type smoke detectors where low standby current, deterministic interrupt response, and a wide operating temperature range are mandatory. The 10-bit ADC reads the photoelectric chamber at slow rates while the CWG peripheral drives the IR LED with precisely-trimmed PWM, eliminating the need for an external timer IC. The 18 I/O pins accept the test button, horn driver, low-battery indicator, and the interconnect line for multi-detector networks. The Extended -40C to +125C grade (the E suffix) is critical here because smoke detectors must pass UL 217 over-temperature testing. Use sleep currents under 50 nA so a 9V battery backup supports the detector for 10 years, satisfying UL 217 lifetime requirements.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16LF1508-E/P drives multi-channel LED controllers because the CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) outputs push-pull PWM with programmable dead-band, and the NCO (Numerically Controlled Oscillator) can synthesize fine-grained frequency steps without external logic. Connect the CWG outputs through gate drivers to a half-bridge MOSFET stage for buck or boost LED topology; the MCU regulates current via the 10-bit ADC with Computation and uses 7KB of flash for state-machine dimming, fade tables, and DALI or 0-10V protocol stacks. The LF 1.8V-3.6V range accepts a 3.3V auxiliary supply derived from the main bus, simplifying isolated bias design. The Extended -40C/+125C rating supports outdoor luminaires, while the 20-pin PDIP enables through-hole prototyping before migrating to PIC16LF1508-E/SO for SMT production.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch (mTouch) User Interface
The PIC16LF1508-E/P supports Microchip's mTouch capacitive-touch sensing via the on-chip ADC with Computation plus a dedicated CVD (Charge-Voltage Divider) front-end, which measures capacitance change on a touch electrode with no external passive components. The 18 I/O pins handle 8-12 touch buttons plus a couple of GPIOs for haptics or LED indicators, with the CLC peripheral debouncing logic without CPU overhead. The 7KB Flash stores the mTouch firmware library and the EEPROM retains calibration values across power cycles. Operating at 3.3V from a small LDO keeps the touch thresholds stable across battery discharge. Designers select this part over the PIC16F1508 when the system is 3.3V-only and wants the LF grade's lower sleep current.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Board
The PIC16LF1508-E/P runs appliance control boards in coffee makers, washing machines, and countertop kitchen products where 18 I/O pins handle switches, relays, triac zero-cross triggers, and a small character LCD. The 20 MHz instruction rate executes state-machine control in real time, while 7KB of Flash is sufficient for menu handling, safety interlocks, and EEPROM-backed user preferences. The Extended -40C/+125C rating meets kitchen-environment thermal stress. The on-board PWM and CWG generate triac firing pulses synchronized to AC zero-cross detected via the ADC, replacing dedicated zero-cross ICs. For cost-driven designs that do not need Extended temperature, the PIC16LF1508-I/P (Industrial grade) drops the price slightly while keeping the same drop-in 20-pin PDIP footprint.
Recommended
Handheld Battery Test Instrument
The PIC16LF1508-E/P fits portable battery-test instruments where the 1.8V to 3.6V LF range supports direct cell-voltage measurement, and the 10-bit ADC with Computation performs voltage, current, and impedance readings without external analog ICs. The 7KB Flash stores calibration tables, measurement routines, and USB/HID descriptor firmware; the 128-byte EEPROM saves user preferences and last-test state. The CLC and NCO peripherals generate excitation waveforms for AC impedance spectroscopy, replacing dedicated signal-source ICs. The XLP technology keeps idle current below 50 nA so the instrument can stay in standby for months between uses, satisfying field-service expectations. The 20-pin PDIP package is convenient for hand-soldered prototype revisions before committing to SOIC or SSOP SMT versions for production.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1508-E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1508-I/P | PIC16LF1508-E/GZ | PIC16F1508-E/P | PIC16LF1507-I/P | PIC16LF1507-E/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin PDIP (DIP) | 20-pin PDIP (DIP) - same | UQFN-20 SMD | 20-pin PDIP (DIP) - same | 20-pin PDIP (DIP) - same | 20-pin PDIP (DIP) - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB |
| RAM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 128 B | 128 B |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 2.3 V to 5.5 V (F) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| I/O Pins | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Max CPU Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Special Peripherals | CLC, NCO, CWG, ADC^2, mTouch | CLC, NCO, CWG, ADC^2, mTouch (full set) | CLC, NCO, CWG, ADC^2, mTouch (full set) | CLC, NCO, CWG, ADC^2, mTouch (full set) | Subset: PWM, ADC, ECCP (no CLC, no NCO) | Subset: PWM, ADC, ECCP (no CLC, no NCO) |
| Price @ 1000 pcs (USD) | 1.05 | 0.95 | 1.20 | 1.10 | 0.85 | 0.95 |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-voltage operation in the 20-pin PIC16LF150x family (vs PIC16F1508-E/P)
- Full CLC, NCO, and CWG peripheral set (vs PIC16LF1507) (vs PIC16LF1507-I/P)
- Extended -40C to +125C grade for harsh-environment deployment (vs PIC16LF1508-I/P)
- Highest-density Flash in the 20-pin DIP footprint (7 KB vs 3.5 KB) (vs PIC16LF1507-E/P)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 3.3V supply and 20 MHz CPU clock with ADC active, typical current consumption is ~6 mA. For battery-powered applications using XLP sleep modes, switch to Sleep and gate peripherals off via PMD registers; sleep current with full RAM retention is below 50 nA per the datasheet. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible (within 5 mm) to the VDD pin, plus a bulk 1uF ceramic on the same rail to handle switch-in transients when peripherals wake up.
At 20 MHz active current ~6 mA at 3.3V, the 20-pin PDIP dissipates only ~20 mW - well below the package's thermal limit. In high-temperature environments near +125C, ensure the LF voltage range is respected (1.8V to 3.6V) and that supply ripple stays within datasheet DC characteristics. The Extended grade silicon is characterized across -40C to +125C, so derating is unnecessary below +125C ambient per the datasheet thermal profile.
For PIC16LF1508-E/P through-hole designs, keep trace lengths on RA0/RA1/RA2/RA3 analog inputs short and guarded by a ground pour to minimize ADC noise. Reserve a 5-pin in-circuit header (1x5, 0.100 inch pitch) for ICSP using pins 1 (MCLR), 13 (ICSPDAT), 14 (ICSPCLK), 8 (VSS), and 19 (VDD) - this lets the board be re-programmed without removing the MCU. Add a labeled TP on the MCLR line for a debugger probe.
Do not substitute PIC16F1508 into a PIC16LF1508 socket if your design runs at 1.8V - the F-grade minimum is 2.3V and below that the silicon may behave unpredictably. Do not leave the MCLR pin floating: tie to VDD through a 10k resistor, or pull high directly if no reset is needed. Do not exceed 3.6V on the LF grade or risk permanent damage; verify the LDO/regulator headroom under worst-case load. Last, always configure unused I/O as outputs (not inputs) to avoid spurious interrupt sources.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and lead-free per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for AEC-Q100 automotive, Microchip recommends the PIC16F1508 automotive-grade variants. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in available data; verify with Microchip environmental compliance letter for confirmation.
