PIC16LF1508-I/GZ - 7KB Flash XLP 8-bit MCU 20MHz 20-UQFN
MPN: PIC16LF1508-I/GZ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.65 | $1.65 |
| 10 | $1.51 | $15.10 |
| 100 | $1.32 | $132.00 |
| 500 | $1.18 | $590.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.05 | $1,050.00 |
PIC16LF1508-I/GZ Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer integrating a CPU core, program memory, data memory, and configurable peripherals. The PIC16LF1508 belongs to the enhanced mid-range PIC16 family, which uses a 14-bit instruction word and Harvard architecture, sitting in Microchip's hierarchy above 8-bit baseline PIC10/12/16 and below the 16-bit dsPIC and PIC24 families. Within Microchip's portfolio, the "LF" prefix denotes the low-voltage / low-power XLP (eXtreme Low Power) line, while the "F" prefix (PIC16F1508) covers the wider 2.3V-5.5V range.
Key features of the PIC16LF1508 include a 10-bit ADC with auto-acquisition and Sleep-mode conversion capability, two rail-to-rail comparators with power-mode control, a 5-bit DAC with internal routing to the comparators and ADC, and configurable logic cells. Self-programmability under software control and Power-on Reset (POR) are standard. The device supports In-Circuit Serial Programming™ (ICSP™) and is compatible with the MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler toolchain.
Technically, the LF variant uses Microchip's proprietary XLP technology to achieve nanoWatt sleep currents, making it suitable for battery-powered sensors that spend most of their time in Sleep mode. The 20 MHz maximum clock yields 200 ns instruction execution. The 20-UQFN (4x4) package provides a compact footprint and an exposed thermal pad for improved heat dissipation in high-I/O-count configurations.
Typical applications include low-power IoT sensor nodes, battery-operated consumer devices, LED lighting controllers, and portable instrumentation. The combination of the 10-bit ADC, 5-bit DAC, and dual comparators suits closed-loop analog signal conditioning and simple mixed-signal front ends.
When designing with this device, note the 1.8V minimum VDD constraint versus the standard PIC16F1508's 2.3V floor; brown-out detection must be set accordingly, and peripherals such as comparators and the ADC have reduced dynamic range below 3V. Decoupling with 100 nF and bulk capacitance close to VDD is recommended.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, XLP sleep-current data, package-specific drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated in the Microchip datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1508-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 PIC16LF1508-I/GZ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature, Package, I/O Pins, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1509-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.81 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1507-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1508-E/GZ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1508-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1503-I/MV
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1508-I/GZ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC enhanced mid-range (14-bit instruction word) |
| Family | PIC® XLP™ 16F |
| Series | PIC16LF150x |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Data SRAM | 256 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | N/A (not specified for PIC16LF1508 - confirm from datasheet) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution | 200 ns |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10-bit with auto-acquisition and Sleep-mode conversion |
| Comparators | 2 x rail-to-rail with power-mode control |
| DAC | 5-bit with internal routing to comparators/ADC |
| Package | 20-UQFN (4x4 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial, "I" suffix) |
| Self-Programming | Yes (under software control) |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP™ |
| Power-on Reset (POR) | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1508-I/GZ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, comparator output |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, MCLR/VPP |
| Pin 4 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 5 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 6 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 7 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 8 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, comparator input |
| Pin 9 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, comparator input |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, DAC output |
| Pin 12 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, comparator output |
| Pin 13 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Pin 15 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, ICSP data |
| Pin 16 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, ICSP clock |
| Pin 17 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 18 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 19 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, serial interface |
| Pin 20 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, serial interface |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1508-I/GZ is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Portable Medical Monitoring Devices, LED Lighting Controllers, Industrial Control Signal Conditioning, Low-Power Consumer Electronics, Smart Home Sensor Hubs, Automotive Body Electronics (non-safety).
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF1508-I/GZ is well-suited to coin-cell or single-cell Li-ion sensor nodes because of its 1.8-3.6 V XLP supply range and nanoWatt Sleep current capability. The 10-bit ADC with Sleep-mode conversion lets the device wake only briefly to digitize a sensor reading, then return to Sleep, extending battery life to multi-year horizons. The 7 KB Flash holds a small RTOS-lite scheduler plus sensor drivers, while the 20-UQFN 4x4 mm footprint fits inside compact sensor housings. Compared to discrete analog front ends, integrating ADC + comparators + DAC on the MCU eliminates a separate op-amp and ADC chip. Designers should pair with the MCP1700 LDO and a coin-cell holder; total quiescent current is dominated by the LDO.
Recommended
Portable Medical Monitoring Devices
Wearable medical monitors benefit from the PIC16LF1508-I/GZ's low-voltage XLP operation, 10-bit ADC for vital-sign analog front ends, and dual comparators for threshold detection. The 5-bit internal DAC can drive a bias voltage for a resistive-bridge sensor (load cell, strain gauge) without an external reference IC. The 20-UQFN package's small footprint leaves board area for an analog signal chain and BLE module. Industrial -40 to +85 °C temperature grade supports a wide range of patient environments. For FDA-class designs, the documented MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler flow provides the traceability required for medical device firmware audits. Use this MCU for pulse oximeter bias control, thermometer AFE, and step-counter IMU glue logic.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
RGB or white-LED color-mixing controllers use the PIC16LF1508-I/GZ's 5-bit DAC for brightness dimming and its 10-bit ADC for ambient-light feedback (closed-loop daylight harvesting). The 20 MHz instruction cycle handles PWM generation for 4-8 LED channels with 200 ns resolution, fine enough for 16-bit-equivalent dimming after PWM filtering. XLP Sleep below 100 nA makes battery-powered accent-lighting designs practical. The 20-UQFN exposed pad handles short thermal transients during LED inrush without derating. Compared to dedicated LED-driver ICs, this approach adds scripting flexibility and user-interface support at a sub-$2 BOM cost. Pair with a TI TLC5941 for higher-channel LED strings if needed.
Recommended
Industrial Control Signal Conditioning
Factory-floor analog signal-conditioning blocks use the PIC16LF1508-I/GZ's dual comparators for over/under threshold detection, its 5-bit DAC for setpoint generation, and its 10-bit ADC for transducer readout (4-20 mA loop, RTD, thermistor). The Industrial -40 to +85 °C temperature grade and robust PIC16 mid-range architecture have a long track record in harsh environments. The 20-UQFN package withstands conformal coating and wash processes. The MPLAB X IDE supports IEC 61508 functional safety paths when the firmware implements the dual-comparator hardware-voting loop. Use this MCU for sensor transmitter heads, digital potentiometer replacements, and isolated-loop signal converters.
Recommended
Low-Power Consumer Electronics
Battery-driven consumer products such as remote controls, electronic toys, fitness trackers, and personal-care appliances benefit from the PIC16LF1508-I/GZ's XLP Sleep performance and small UQFN package. The 256 B SRAM handles user-interface state, button debouncing, and BLE-command buffering with the help of the 20 MHz core. The internal comparators detect low-battery or charger-presence signals without external ICs. Industrial temperature grade ensures operation across consumer and outdoor environments. Use the 10-bit ADC to read battery voltage through a divider, enabling software-based fuel gauging at no extra hardware cost. Pair with the MCP1640 boost converter for single-cell alkaline designs.
Recommended
Smart Home Sensor Hubs
Wall-mounted or battery-powered smart-home sensors (motion, leak, smoke test, door/window) use the PIC16LF1508-I/GZ to compress sensor data and drive a low-power RF link or wired bus. XLP Sleep keeps the device off most of the time, with the 5-bit DAC used to bias the sensor only during the active window. The 7 KB Flash holds Zigbee/Z-Wave profile fragments or proprietary RF stacks for low-cost sub-GHz links like the MRF89XA. The 20-UQFN footprint simplifies layout with antenna keepout on the PCB edge. Industrial temperature grade covers outdoor and attic installations. Choose PIC16LF1509-I/GZ if the RF stack exceeds 7 KB.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (non-safety)
Non-safety automotive subsystems (interior lighting, seat controllers, HVAC trim) can use the PIC16LF1508-I/GZ with a 12 V-to-3.3 V regulator and ESD protection. The Industrial -40 to +85 °C temperature grade is suitable for cabin locations but NOT for under-hood. The 10-bit ADC reads switch panels and potentiometers, while the comparators detect over-current on LED strings. The 20-UQFN package saves board space for cramped body modules. For under-hood or safety-relevant applications, select the AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F1508-I/GZ automotive variant instead. Pair with the MCP1700 LDO and TJA1057 CAN transceiver if a CAN node is needed.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1508-I/GZ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1509-I/GZ | PIC16LF1507-I/GZ | PIC16LF1508-E/GZ | PIC16F1508-I/GZ | PIC16LF1503-I/MV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-UQFN (4x4 mm) | 20-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same |
| Flash Program Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 14 KB (8K x 14) - +100% | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) - -50% | 7 KB (4K x 14) - same | 7 KB (4K x 14) - same | 3.5 KB - -50% |
| SRAM | 256 bytes | 512 bytes - +100% | 128 bytes - -50% | 256 bytes - same | 256 bytes - same | 128 bytes - -50% |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF/XLP) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same | 2.3 V to 5.5 V - +30% upper | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 16 MHz - -20% |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40 to +85 °C | Industrial -40 to +85 °C - same | Industrial -40 to +85 °C - same | Extended -40 to +125 °C - wider | Industrial -40 to +85 °C - same | Industrial -40 to +85 °C - same |
| ADC | 10-bit with Sleep conversion | 10-bit with Sleep conversion - same | 10-bit with Sleep conversion - same | 10-bit with Sleep conversion - same | 10-bit with Sleep conversion - same | 10-bit - reduced channel count |
Key Differentiators
- XLP nanoWatt Sleep vs standard F variant (vs PIC16F1508-I/GZ)
- Doubled Flash headroom with same UQFN footprint (vs PIC16LF1507-I/GZ)
- 10-bit ADC with Sleep conversion capability (vs PIC16LF1509-I/GZ)
Design Notes
Estimated: at VDD = 3.3 V, fOSC = 20 MHz, and IDD active = 5 mA (from Microchip datasheet DS40001609 typical curve), the PIC16LF1508-I/GZ draws approximately 16.5 mW active power. Sleep current is below 100 nA in XLP Sleep mode, allowing battery life exceeding 1 year on a 200 mAh coin cell for duty-cycled sensor applications. Use the LFINTOSC (31 kHz internal oscillator) as the wake source instead of Timer1 to keep Sleep current below 100 nA. Verify exact sleep figure on datasheet revision because nanoWatt ratings have been revised multiple times across silicon revisions.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 14) and a bulk capacitor (10 µF ceramic or tantalum) on the same supply trace. The 20-UQFN exposed thermal pad MUST be soldered to a ground copper pour with at least 8 thermal vias for ground continuity and heat dissipation. The exposed pad is the package's primary ground return path; missing solder joints here cause erratic ADC readings and reduced ESD immunity. Avoid routing high-frequency signals under the exposed pad because it is electrically bonded to VSS internally.
Do not apply input voltages above VDD + 0.3 V to any I/O pin, including the MCLR/RA3 pin (pin 3), or latch-up may occur. Brown-out Reset (BOR) must be configured for the LF voltage range (1.8 V minimum) and not left at the F default (2.3 V), otherwise the device will not operate below 2.3 V. The ICSP programming pins (RB6/ICSPCLK and RB7/ICSPDAT) must be accessible on the final PCB layout, even if not used in production, to allow firmware updates. Do not load the 5-bit DAC output (RA2) above 1 mA without a buffer amplifier, because it sources from the internal reference and disturbs the reference voltage.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade -40 to +85 °C. AEC-Q100 not qualified (industrial grade only); for automotive select PIC16F1508-I/GZ automotive variant.
