PIC16LF1508-I/ML - 8-bit XLP MCU, 7KB Flash, 20MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1508-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.6 | $1.60 |
| 10 | $1.42 | $14.20 |
| 100 | $1.18 | $118.00 |
| 500 | $0.98 | $490.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.86 | $860.00 |
PIC16LF1508-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer-on-a-chip that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, RAM, and peripherals into a single package. The PIC16 core family uses a Harvard RISC architecture with a 14-bit instruction word optimized for deterministic execution. PIC16LF variants are the low-voltage members of the family, supporting 1.8V to 3.6V operation, while PIC16F variants extend to 5.5V. Within the broader taxonomy: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC. The 'XLP' (eXtreme Low Power) designation indicates sub-uA sleep currents suitable for battery-powered applications.
Key features include a 10-bit ADC with multiple channels, two comparators, four 8-bit timers (plus a WDT), on-chip PWM and CWG peripherals, an angular timer, and a Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO) for fine-frequency synthesis. The device supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP), has power-on reset, brown-out reset, and an extended watchdog timer. Operating current is typically tens of uA/MHz active and below 1 uA in sleep, enabling multi-year coin-cell battery life.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF1508 uses a 14-bit modified Harvard pipeline with 8-bit data path. The 7KB Flash is partitioned for self-programmability under software control, and the device includes code protection and a configuration word for fuse-based setup. Compared with 32-bit Cortex-M0 parts at similar cost, the PIC16LF1508 excels at deterministic interrupt latency, ultra-low sleep current, and toolchain simplicity (MPLAB X + XC8).
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, low-power wireless transmitters, LED lighting controllers, battery-powered home automation, and portable consumer devices. The 20-QFN package enables compact PCB layouts where board area is constrained, and the 1.8V minimum VDD suits direct Li-ion or coin-cell power. The QFN exposed pad must be soldered to a copper pour for thermal dissipation and electrical ground.
When designing, route the exposed pad (EP) to a solid ground plane with multiple thermal vias, place a 0.1uF VDD decoupling cap within 5mm of every VDD pin, and ensure the ICSP/PGD/PGC lines are accessible for in-circuit programming. Note that the 20-QFN (4x4) is the lowest-pin-count variant of the family; the pin-compatible 20-pin SPDIP, SSOP and SOIC options exist for breadboard or hand-solder prototypes.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1508-I/ML — 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/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Timers, Program Memory (Flash), ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1508-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.54 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1509-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1507-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1508-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1454-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1508-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 (8-bit RISC, 14-bit instruction word) |
| Family | PIC® XLP™ 16F |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 256 bytes |
| Operating Frequency | 20 MHz max |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (PIC16LF variant) |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| Package | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) with exposed pad |
| ADC | 10-bit, multiple channels |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Timers | 4 x 8-bit plus WDT |
| Other Peripherals | PWM, CWG, NCO, Angular Timer |
| Programming | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming), self-programmable |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC16LF1508-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — General purpose I/O / analog input / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — General purpose I/O / analog input / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — General purpose I/O / analog input / MCLR (reset) |
| Pin 4 | RC5 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RC4 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RC3 — General purpose I/O / analog input / SCL |
| Pin 7 | RC2 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 8 | RC1 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 9 | RC0 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 10 | RA2 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 11 | RA1 — General purpose I/O / analog input / ICSPCLK alt |
| Pin 12 | RA0 — General purpose I/O / analog input / ICSPDAT alt |
| Pin 13 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC1/RA7 — Crystal oscillator input or general purpose I/O |
| Pin 16 | OSC2/RA6 — Crystal oscillator output or general purpose I/O |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 18 | RC6 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 19 | RB7 — General purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 20 | RB6 — General purpose I/O / analog input / PGC |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1508-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, LED Lighting Controller, Low-Power Wireless Transmitter, Portable Consumer Electronics, Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Home Automation Controller.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF1508-I/ML is well suited for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its XLP architecture delivers sub-uA sleep current at 1.8 V VDD, allowing multi-year coin-cell operation. With 7 KB Flash, the firmware can implement a sensor reading loop, BLE/Zigbee host command handling via UART/SPI, and periodic wake-up via the watchdog timer driven by the 31 kHz LFINTOSC. The 20-QFN (4x4) package fits inside sensor housings where board area is critical, and the 18 GPIO easily handle SPI/I2C sensor interfaces plus LED status indicators. Compared with a 32-bit Cortex-M0 at similar price, the PIC16LF1508 consumes roughly 5x less sleep current and starts up in microseconds for time-critical wake-and-transmit cycles.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16LF1508-I/ML is a strong fit for LED lighting controllers because of its on-chip PWM peripheral, Configurable Logic Cell, and 10-bit ADC for color/temperature feedback. With 7 KB Flash the firmware can store multi-segment lighting profiles, smooth PWM ramps, and color-mixing tables for RGBW or tunable-white fixtures. The 18 GPIO can drive multiple PWM channels directly and the 1.8-3.6 V VDD range matches Li-ion or 2xAAA powered decorative lamps. The 20-QFN (4x4) keeps the BOM small for cost-sensitive consumer lighting, while the XLP sleep mode lets a touch-wake luminaire idle below 1 uA between user interactions, extending battery life dramatically.
Recommended
Low-Power Wireless Transmitter
For low-power wireless transmitters such as sub-GHz remote controls, key fobs, and simple sensor beacons, the PIC16LF1508-I/ML provides a deterministic 8-bit core, sub-uA sleep current, and enough Flash (7 KB) for stack MAC plus application code. The on-chip NCO peripheral generates precise sub-GHz frequencies for OOK/FSK modulation, while the 10-bit ADC monitors battery voltage for low-battery warnings. The 1.8-3.6 V VDD range suits CR2032 coin cells directly without boost converters, and the 20-QFN (4x4) fits inside the tightest key-fob enclosures. Compared with discrete 8051-based designs, this PIC integrates timers, ADC, and PWM in one chip, reducing BOM and improving reliability.
Recommended
Portable Consumer Electronics
The PIC16LF1508-I/ML suits portable consumer electronics like electronic toys, fitness wearables, and small appliances because of its small 20-QFN footprint, low-voltage operation, and rich on-chip peripherals. With 7 KB Flash and 256 B SRAM, it can drive small OLED displays, manage capacitive touch buttons via the 10-bit ADC, and orchestrate motor control via PWM. The XLP sleep modes (Doze, IDLE, Sleep) keep average current below 20 uA for week-long standby on a single CR2032 coin cell. The PIC16 instruction set simplifies firmware development with free MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler, reducing time-to-market for hobbyist and consumer-grade products.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
The PIC16LF1508-I/ML is appropriate for industrial sensor interface modules - signal isolators, 4-20 mA loop translators, and Modbus slave endpoints - because it provides the 10-bit ADC for analog front-ends, UART/SPI/I2C for protocol bridging, and the XLP low-power architecture for loop-powered designs. With 7 KB Flash the firmware can implement Modbus RTU framing plus calibration coefficients, while the 18 GPIO drive status LEDs and optocoupler inputs. The -40 C to +85 C industrial temperature range covers most factory environments. Compared with larger 32-bit MCUs, the PIC16LF1508 costs less and consumes less power for the same protocol-translation workload.
Recommended
Home Automation Controller
The PIC16LF1508-I/ML fits compact home automation controllers - smart blinds, occupancy switches, and HVAC damper drivers - because of its small footprint, low power, and integrated peripherals. With 7 KB Flash, the firmware can implement local logic, schedule timers, and a simple Modbus or proprietary RF protocol. The on-chip NCO peripheral generates accurate timing pulses for triac-fired AC loads, while the 10-bit ADC reads thermistor inputs for temperature-based HVAC control. The 1.8-3.6 V VDD lets a CR123A or 2xAA battery-powered node run for years, and the 20-QFN (4x4) package drops directly onto compact PCBAs designed for in-wall boxes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1508-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1508-I/ML | PIC16LF1509-I/ML | PIC16LF1507-I/ML | PIC16LF1508-E/ML | PIC16LF1454-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-QFN (4x4) | 20-QFN (4x4) - same | 20-QFN (4x4) - same | 20-QFN (4x4) - same | 20-QFN (4x4) - same | 20-QFN (4x4) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB | 3.5 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB |
| SRAM | 256 B | 256 B | 1 KB | 128 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-voltage 8-bit MCU in the family (vs PIC16F1508-I/ML)
- Best cost-density ratio in 20-pin QFN XLP family (vs PIC16LF1509-I/ML)
- Most peripheral-rich 20-QFN option at 1.8 V (vs PIC16LF1507-I/ML)
Design Notes
The 20-QFN (4x4) package has an exposed thermal pad (EP) on the underside that MUST be soldered to a ground-plane copper pour with multiple thermal vias for both electrical grounding and thermal dissipation. Estimate: with theta_JA near 60 C/W for QFN-20 and modest 10 mA active current at 3.3 V, the junction self-heats roughly 2 C above ambient - well within the 85 C industrial limit, but the EP pad is still required for EMI performance and Latch-up immunity.
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of every VDD pin (pin 14 on the 20-QFN) plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the regulator output. For battery applications, add a 1 uF capacitor on MCLR/RA3 to ensure clean power-on reset. The PIC16LF1508-I/ML requires VDD rise time below 50 ms for reliable POR; a slow-rising supply (e.g., from a high-impedance source) may cause incorrect boot behavior. Estimated: typical active current is 130 uA/MHz at 3.3 V per the datasheet, so 20 MHz operation draws roughly 2.6 mA active.
Do NOT assume the LF suffix only means lower voltage - it also restricts maximum clock frequency above 3.6 V. Always check that VDD stays within 1.8-3.6 V before enabling the 20 MHz HFINTOSC. Also, pin RA3/MCLR must NOT be left floating; tie it to VDD through a 10 kOhm pull-up if not used as MCLR. Programming pins ICSPDAT/ICSPCLK (RA4/RA5) must be accessible for in-circuit serial programming during prototype phase, or the device will need factory programming.
Route the I2C SCL/SDA lines (RC3/RC4 on the 20-QFN) as short as possible with 4.7 kOhm pull-ups to VDD; long traces cause signal-integrity issues above 400 kHz I2C. Keep the crystal traces (OSC1/RA7 and OSC2/RA6) symmetrical and surrounded by a ground guard ring to minimize EMI. For ADC accuracy, place the analog inputs (RA0-RA5, RC0-RC7, RB6-RB7) away from switching signals like PWM outputs to avoid coupling noise into the 10-bit ADC conversion.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose automotive-grade PIC MCUs for vehicle applications. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in datasheet excerpt.
